My name is Jeremy Weber. I am a graduate of Yeshivat Frisch and a rising freshman at the College of Charleston pursuing a degree in marine biology with a prospective minor in agriculture and business. I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in the Inchwormship, GrowTorah’s summer internship program, for the past two years.
After I completed my first summer at Inchwormship, I felt good about the work I did and that my mission may be complete. But as the year went on, I started to reflect back on my transformative experience at GrowTorah. You see, initially, my involvement was just a job to me, but it quickly evolved into something far more meaningful.
Immersed in this extraordinary organization, I discovered a supportive community that valued every individual’s voice. This emphasis on inclusivity deepened my connection to GrowTorah’s mission. Our days involved tending to school gardens, volunteering on local organic farms, learning Torah with GrowTorah advisors and board members, and so much more. Each of us also focused on one-two impact projects, where we worked with GrowTorah staff members and fellow Inchworms on various curricular initiatives.
Through this all, I developed a profound appreciation for both gardening and Jewish education through my work. I learned the complex relationship between humans and our environment, as human interference can change an entire ecosystem. Witnessing the tangible results of my first summer inspired me to return for another year. The growth and impact I experienced were immeasurable and I wanted to continue contributing to GrowTorah’s effort to promote environmental sustainability and introduce Torah gardening to yeshiva day school students.
My second summer at GrowTorah gave me a clearer understanding of the organization, as I actively participated in shaping its direction. I am truly grateful for the sense of belonging and camaraderie I found at GrowTorah. This remarkable community has become like a second family to me.
What was once solely GrowTorah’s vision has become a shared aspiration among all Inchworms. Together, we strive to cultivate a rich learning environment where we grow not only as individuals but also as a community. The mission of GrowTorah resonates deeply within each of us. By donating the harvest to local charities and educating young Jewish students about the environment, we fulfill our commitment to giving back to the community.
GrowTorah offers a diverse range of programs and I had the privilege to learn about them during my time here. One such program is Anafim, which empowers schools beyond the New York City region to establish their own GrowTorah garden programs through comprehensive training and year-round support. Additionally, their camp at the end of the summer provides children with an unforgettable experience on a local farm, where they can immerse themselves in nature and witness the awe-inspiring beauty of Hashem’s creation. (Week one is sold out but there are still spots available in week two.)
I want to express my sincere gratitude to Yosef Gillers and Sara Just-Michael for creating such an inspiring and meaningful organization. Your leadership has made a positive impact on the yeshiva day school system. You have shown me firsthand that one individual can truly make a world of difference. Spence Weitzen is more than just a garden educator as he is the head of the Inchwormship, and he has also consistently inspired the Inchworms to be our best selves. His deep understanding of GrowTorah’s mission makes him an exceptional leader. He fosters a sense of family within our organization, where our shared love for the earth and Torah drives us to create a better future.
This was once just a job and now it’s a passion for me, and I am thankful for every single person within the GrowTorah family. This might be the end of the Inchwormship for me but this isn’t the end of my involvement in the environment nor GrowTorah. I am proud to say that GrowTorah will continue to inspire so many people with their mission and programs, just as it has done so for me.
