Urban Adamah

Overview

Urban Adamah is a nonprofit organization based in Berkeley, California, registered as a 501(c)(3) entity with the IRS. Founded in 2010 by Adam Berman, it is the first urban Jewish community farm in the United States.

Mission and Values

Urban Adamah integrates Jewish tradition, sustainable agriculture, mindfulness, and social action to foster loving, just, and sustainable communities. The organization's core values are rooted in Jewish principles, including Chesed (kindness), Tzedek (justice), and Ahava (love), which guide its efforts in growing food and building community connections.

Programs and Activities

Urban Adamah offers a variety of educational programs. It operates a 2.2-acre farm that serves as a hub for hands-on learning experiences focused on sustainable agriculture. The farm produces a diverse range of organic crops, including vegetables and fruits from over 30 varieties of trees, and donates approximately 90% of its yield to local food banks and organizations. This amounts to about 15,000 pounds of food, equating to around 30,000 meals annually.

Urban Adamah also runs a residential fellowship program for young adults aged 21 to 31. The fellowship combines organic farming, mindfulness practices, social justice training, and progressive Jewish living. In addition, Urban Adamah provides educational programs for school-aged children, incorporating Jewish teachings with sustainable agriculture.

The organization hosts various community events, such as meditation retreats, Shabbat gatherings, summer camps for children, and Talmud study sessions. It collaborates with numerous local organizations to combat food insecurity and support anti-poverty initiatives.

Impact and Community Engagement

Urban Adamah's programs attract over 10,000 visitors annually. The organization has donated more than 300,000 pounds of produce and eggs to date. Its fellows participate in community service at various food access and urban garden organizations, contributing to broader social justice efforts in the East Bay area.

History

Urban Adamah was initially established on a 1.25-acre site in Berkeley. In 2016, it moved to a larger 2.2-acre property in West Berkeley, expanding its facilities to include greenhouses, animal pens, and community buildings. This relocation has allowed the organization to increase its agricultural output and deepen its engagement with the local community.