The Jewish Gardening Cookbook: Growing Plants & Cooking for Holidays & Festivals

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Michael Brown set out to write “The Jewish Gardening Cookbook” because he missed Israel after living there with his family for nearly ten years. He missed the history, the countryside, the herbs and the “bond between the land and myself as a Jew.” So he set out to recreate that connection despite the fact that he was now living in America.

As an avid gardener, for Brown, the journey was both a spiritual and botanical one. Part recipe book, part gardening guide, part cultural history, the text guides the reader into a deeper understanding of how intricately Jews are tied to the land. He acknowledges the rhythm of Jewish life, punctuated by a cycle of holidays that take us from sowing to reaping. Brown explains in detail why certain fruits and vegetables are associated with every season and holiday.

Believing that one’s holiday observance can be enriched with the bounty of a garden, Brown has a section of the book dedicated to each Jewish holiday, including Tu Bi-Sh’vat, Passover, Yom Ha-Atzma’ut, Rosh Hashanah and Hanukkah. But he does not stop there. He adds commentary on other significant celebrations in the lives of Jews such as keeping Shabbat, or planting a tree to honor the birth of a child. Brown also dedicates several pages to pe’ah  (the practice of setting aside a portion of the harvest for the poor). 

As one might expect, there is an entire chapter on growing and using foods that have been harvested since ancient times – figs, grapes, wheat, barley, dates, pomegranate and olives – with flavorful vegetarian recipes that require these garden-fresh ingredients. Interspersed throughout the book are biblical references that describe the beauty of God’s provision as well as botanical illustrations by Laura C. Martin that remind the reader of the joy of living a natural life.

Lastly, Brown includes a glossary, some suggested additional reading and an extensive resource guide for seeds, plants and other supplies. With all this information, this book will assist even the most novice gardener.

Whether it’s indoor herb plants grown on the windowsill of a city apartment or a lush garden on a rural farm, Brown encourages the reader to consider raising his or her own food.  Even if you’ve never had a garden before, the experience can enrich your Jewish life.  “The Jewish Gardening Cookbook” will nourish both your body and your spirit.

“You don’t just grow plants in a Jewish garden,” Brown’s introduction concludes, “you incorporate them into your life. Some will help transport you to different times and places; others will provide your senses with aromas, tastes and beauty. All will help you experience a more personal attachment to God and to Judaism.”  

KARA MARZIALI is the Director of Communications at the Jewish Alliance.