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The Sabbatical Year at Ramat Hanadiv

During the Hebrew year, 5775 (2014 – 2015), Ramat Hanadiv marked the Jewish Sabbatical (Shmittah) year for the first time, through its operations. According to Jewish values, most horticultural and agricultural work ceases once in seven years:

“Six years you shall sow your fields, and six years you shall prune your vineyards; and you shall collect its produce. And in the seventh year, the land will have a Sabbath – a Sabbath for G-d: you shall not sow your field and you shall not prune your vineyards (Leviticus 25: 3-4). According to our sages’ interpretation, this commandment is intended to give the land time out and allow it to renew itself, so that for the next six years it will strengthen and give fruit once again.

Ramat Hanadiv observes the sabbatical year with respect to agriculture, and with respect to environmental and social concerns, based on four leading principles:

גנן שמיטה
  1. A year of cessation and introspection: this is an opportunity to take time out for a moment, to stop and to rest. Stopping the daily rat race allows introspection and renewed examination. Looking at what is around us now and thinking what and how we would like things to be in the future. Examining whether we take what we have for granted. Do we recognise that it is changing and even disappearing? Examining our regular habits and deciding which of them we would like to change from now on.
  2. A year of appreciation and protection of what exists: We believe that appreciation of natural resources and of cultural and landscape values – a restored spring, a planted forest, a restored garden, a paved courtyard, excavated and exposed remains of a castle – will lead to more scrupulous sustainability and conservation, for us and for the communities around us. Conservation is always proactive and dynamic, combining appreciation and a view to the future.
  3. A year of sharing with others: sharing creates abundance and promotes mutual responsibility and the notion of giving without expecting something in return. Sharing the knowledge that has accumulated over the years, following ongoing study and research; sharing products – compost and woodchips, garden and park products; sharing our work by involving the community in different projects that promote sustainability in the surrounding region; sharing the experience with our visitors.
  4. A year of renewal: Stopping provides time for renewal, both personal and organisational, private and community. It allows us to identify where we would like to improve and promote, grow and nurture, expand our knowledge and efforts, and what is required for this. It also allows us to refresh our routine and that which is routine, provides space for creativity, and provides an opportunity for innovation.

Once in seven years you are invited to a different kind of visit to Ramat Hanadiv.

Of further interest...

Accessibility

Physically Disabled in the Gardens

Many trails traverse the Memorial Gardens. We recommend this route, but you
can choose to walk another route.

For further information >>

Sustainability

Horticultural Therapy at Ramat Hanadiv

Many studies have demonstrated the link between a green environment, nature or flowering gardens and feelings of calmness and serenity, enjoyment and vitality

For further information >>

Dining Here

Dining-Kiosk

Refresh yourself at the Kiosk with a drink or snack. The kiosk is open daily.

For further information >>