The Do Good Podcast

Helping Hands on the farm - Shabbat Otef Farming in Israel

Sword of Iron Israel Volunteering

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Helping Hands on the Farm — Shabbat Otef Farming in Israel

Since the outbreak of war, communities across Israel have rallied to support each other in new and meaningful ways. One of these grassroots responses is ShabbatOtefFarming.com, an initiative that connects volunteers with local farmers in need of extra help. Elisheva Picker created the website which functions as a hub where volunteers from all backgrounds and ages sign up to work alongside farmers on agricultural tasks such as weeding, harvesting and general farm support. 

What makes this initiative especially unique is its weekly rhythm around Shabbat. Volunteers often organize their efforts on Saturdays, bringing people together to lend a hand on farms in the Otef region and beyond, with transportation provided thanks to partnerships with organisations like Leket Israel. 

Over time, the group has grown to include hundreds of members dedicated to building community resilience and sustaining Israel’s agricultural life even in challenging times. For many participants, it’s not just agricultural work,  it’s coming together, learning from one another, and supporting farmers whose labour feeds both land and spirit.  Enjoy this wonderful episode with Elisheva sharing her story and how we can help the farmers in the Otef on a shabbat. 

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