[Newsletter] June 20 – World Food Prize Goes to Israeli Innovator

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World Food Prize Goes to Israeli Innovator

Daniel Hillel, American-born Israeli scientist, 81, wins the World Food Prize

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Daniel Hillel, Courtesy of World Food Prize
By Anna Hanau, Associate Director of Programs, Hazon

I first read Daniel Hillel’s Out of the Earth in college; it was a primer on the transition from semi-nomadic to agricultural societies, the connections between seasons, weather patterns, and local deities. It inspired my senior thesis on the “Theological implications of rain-based agriculture.” Needless to say, I was thrilled to hear that Hillel, now 81, won this year’sWorld Food Prize for his work on irrigation.

You can read the full article about Hillel by Renee Ghert-Zand’s on The Jew and the Carrot. One paragraph caught my attention in particular:

[Hillel’s] nomination for the World Food Prize included seconding letters from Arab scientists and experts living and working in Egypt, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates. He is a remarkable example of what one person can achieve by taking a leap and crossing cultural borders for the sake of the greater good.

Just like the folks at the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies (our partners for the Arava Institute Hazon Israel Ride who work across political boundaries to address environmental issues that concern the region – forging cooperation and partnership between Jewish-Israelis, Arab-Israelis, Palestinians, Jordanians, and Egyptians), Hillel’s work transcended political borders. It’s another example of how a focus on a particular environmental or food issues – such as the Farm Bill, or low-drip irrigation – or even simply supporting local farmers through community-supported agriculture – can bring people together across difference, and start conversations that have much broader effects. Yasher Koach!

Read “World Food Prize Goes to Israeli Innovator”

Bike through Israel and learn about environmental issues!
Israel Ride: October 30-November 6, 2012

Food Conference Planning Is Underway!

[Image]What skills do you bring to the Food Conference? We invite you to volunteer to help create another amazing Food Conference weekend. Sessions will be offered in the following tracks:

  • Do It Yourself (DIY) Food
  • Food Justice
  • Jewish Tradition & Food: History & Culture
  • Food Makers & Shakers
  • Jewish Agriculture
  • Health & Mindfulness

Read the full descriptions.

Fill out our Session Proposal Form with your ideas for workshops, hands-on learning, panels, or lectures. Applications are due by July 15th. We’ll let you know by August 1st if your session is accepted.

The Food Conference will take place over Shabbat Hanukkah, December 6th-9th at Isabella Freedman. Space is extremely limited, and we will sell out. Register today! Prices increase on August 1st.

Learn More | Register Today

Cross-USA Ride Week 2
From Spokane to Helena

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A bike “compost” heap at Free Cycles where riders volunteered
This week, the ride began in Spokane WA and ends in Helena at Carroll College where they’ll be joined by Rabbi Ed Staffman visiting from Bozeman. See the itinerary.

Next week, riders travel to Miles City, MT. Three new riders will join and cycle 100 miles with them to Bozeman. See the itinerary.

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Howard enters Idaho
Highlights, live from the road:

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Day 12 of 68
13 Riders and 3 Staff currently on the road.
$78,063 Raised to Date

Support a Rider | Make a General Donation

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Join the Ride for a Segment

It’s not too late to sign up for parts of the ride!

5 weeks: Twin Cities to Washington DC – 2 weeks: Twin Cities to Chicago – 2 weeks: Chicago to Pittsburgh – 3 weeks: Chicago to Washington DC – 1 week: Pittsburgh to Washington DC

Register for a Segment

Photos from the Beach!

And more opportunities to ride with Hazon

[Image]We lucked out with beautiful weather last Sunday when we biked to Coney Islandfrom points around New York and New Jersey! Check out photos from the day.

Bike to the Beach was just a taste of the Hazon community and whether or not you you came with us to the beach, we hope you’ll join for more! We invite you to theHazon New York Ride on Labor Day Weekend (August 31st – September 3rd). The Hazon New York Ride combines a two-day Shabbat retreat and a two-day ride through the stunning scenery of the southern Berkshires, Westchester county, and into New York.

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Hazon New York Ride registration fees rise on July 1st.
Register Today!

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Keep Riding With Hazon this Summer!

We invite you to join us for other free summer rides in July and August:

  • July 22nd – UWS to Piermont (40 miles): We will cross the George Washington Bridge and bike round trip along Bike Route 9, stopping in Piermont for food. We will return to New York City by bike. This route also has a few tough hills and we will average 11-13 mph.
  • August 12th – UWS to Katonah (40 miles) or Brewster (60 miles): These rides will take advantage of the beautiful railtrails in Westchester County (we’ll ride all the way up, then take the Metronorth train back home). Katonah group starts at 242nd street to bypass riding in New York city and maximize your time on the trail!

Learn More and RSVP for Free Summer Rides

Photos and a Thank You Note from our White House Visit

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18,000 seeds, each representing a signature on the petition. Photo via AJWS
Representatives from the Jewish Farm Bill Working Group, of which Hazon is a member, ascended the capitol last Thursday to present over 18,000 signatures received on the Jewish Petition for a Just Farm Bill. With them, they carried nine giant jars containing about 18,000 seeds to represent each of the signatories.

American Jewish World Service (AJWS) has posted photos from the event! Take a look.

Ruth Messinger, Executive Director of AJWS and Hazon Board member, received a thank you note from the White House. The note thanks Jewish Americans for voicing their support for “feeding their neighbors, whether around the block or around the world” and to those “working to fight hunger around the globe.”

Read More About the Visit

Local Events and Features
from our Partners and Friends

Berkshire Farm Vacations at Isabella Freedman

[Image]Isabella Freedman
Jewish Retreat Center
Falls Village, CT

June 18th – 22nd
July 23rd – 27th
August 20th – 24th

Bring the whole family and your friends for a farm-tastic week! Milk goats, make wood-fired pizza, harvest veggies, and visit Berkshire attractions. Family-Friendly, Affordable, Kosher, and Eco-Conscious. A delight for all ages and backgrounds. Special group rates available.

Learn More

3rd Annual Tour De Shuls CT

To benefit special needs campers

[Image]Sunday, June 24th, 8 AM – 1 PM Emanuel Synagogue, 160 Mohegan Dr.
West Hartford, CT

Join more than 20 area synagogues and schools for the 3rd Annual CT Tour de Shuls. Bike/run/walk 5k or 10k or enjoy rides of 20, 35, or 50 miles.

Learn More and Register