Hundreds of Families Volunteer in Agriculture During Jewish Holidays

Instead of traditional holiday activities, hundreds of families chose to spend the High Holidays volunteering in vineyards and fields across Israel. Participants, including families from abroad, assisted farmers with grape harvests, pruning, fruit sorting, and other agricultural tasks as the season wound down and winter approached. The initiative was organized by the "Connections in Agriculture" association.

Among the volunteers were families from the United States. Matthew Sheimes, from Los Angeles, described the experience as an opportunity for his family to "work the land of Israel, help local farmers, and create family memories based on purpose, connection, and love of the homeland." The Sheldon family, who immigrated from New Jersey and now reside in Harish, also participated. Shira Sheldon stated, "This is so good for us. This is how we want to raise our children."

Ten-year-old Eitan, who volunteered with his family near Beit Shemesh, gained a new appreciation for the effort farmers invest. Brit Rosenberg, CEO of "Connections in Agriculture," noted that the high participation rate reflects a desire to connect with agricultural work and support farmers during a busy period. He added, "The citizens stand by our farmers, shoulder to shoulder, concluding the harvest season with honor, hard work, and love for the land."