When we first welcomed our two hives of honeybees in the spring, our mantra was that this was a learning experience first, and if we got some honey, it would be purely a bonus. Months of hard work from our Bee Team and the honeybees themselves have yielded three frames of honey (about 15 lbs.). Metaphors between Judaism and honeybees are endless but very poignant in this case. Enjoying the honey of our labors is truly a celebration. After these High Holy Days, we will celebrate our first harvest to start the new year off with true Temple Emanu-El sweetness.
Learning more and more about beekeeping has raised our awareness of our impact on our local environment. Pesticides, herbicides, and the presence or lack thereof of native plants all affect our tiny furry friends, who are essential to our food! I am reminded of a passage in the story of Adam and Eve where God charges Adam with stewardship over all the natural world. Our ability to harness nature means that we also have a sacred duty to protect it.
If you are interested in being involved with our honey harvest and/or joining the Bee Team—no experience is necessary. We believe that once you have a chance to open up the hive, you’ll be amazed at what you find—thousands upon thousands of members of a community, all working together with a common purpose.
Please email me to learn more.
P.S. and be on the lookout for our honey harvest announcement!
Shabbat shalom,
Rabbi Max
