Tuv Ha’Aretz shares the good of the earth

Tuv Ha’Aretz (“Good of the Earth” in Hebrew) Portland is a new CSA in town – and it’s Jewish! What does this mean, exactly?

One of its founders, Ilana Cloud, thinks of Tuv Ha’Aretz Portland as part of the larger “Jewish food movement” which has been championed by Hazon (a national Jewish organization) for the past decade or so. “The Jewish food movement,” she explains, “weaves a powerful combination of cultural celebration, spiritual engagement, and issues-based engagement to unite Jews of all kinds around what food is in our lives and what are tradition has to say about it.”

There are a few Tuv Ha’Aretz chapters in different forms across the country. Tuv Ha’Aretz Portland is independently owned, and what makes them specifically Jewish is:

• Products that reflect Jewish cultural foods, including kosher products, challah, pickles/ferments, kosher wine and beer, and special boxes for Shabbat, Rosh Hashanah and Sukkot! The Sukkot Box features veggies for making Sephardic Tzimmes, a popular Sukkot holiday dish!

• An explicit focus on the link between Judaism and food through discussing principles and practices like blessings, Jewish farming laws and customs, sharing with the poor, holidays, links to the agricultural cycle and connection to Jewish foods and traditions.

• Programming that brings Jews together to understand and celebrate their heritage and the bounty of the NW, building cross-institutional community in the process. Food festivals, farm work days, community potluck dinners, beer brewing or fermentation workshops, cooking classes, gardening classes and more!

• Offering donation boxes, called “Tzedakah Boxes.” Giving/tzedakah is a huge value in Judaism, and they partner with Urban Gleaners to offer both half and full shares that will be donated to a food-insecure family in Portland.

Many of Tuv Ha’Aretz Portland’s suppliers are Jewish-owned businesses. For example, Shabbat boxes will consist of a kosher Challah from the Challahman, a bottle of kosher Northwest wine, shabbat candles, and a fresh spice bundle for havdallah. Local flowers for your table are also available separately.

Ready to sign up? Half season shares are still available and signups are open June 1-25, with first delivery arriving July 1. The season runs through October, with weekly pickup locations conveniently located in each quadrant.

Available shares include full or half vegetables shares, with add-ons like fruit boxes, non-GMO organic eggs, challah, flower bouquets, pickles and sauerkraut, wine and beer. Pay upfront or with a payment plan, and arrange to donate your share if you’ll be traveling this summer!

For more information and to sign up, visit tuvhaaretzportland.com.