SAR Academy families enjoyed a perfect autumn Sunday in the school’s magical Gan Ilan, a rooftop garden developed in memory of Ilan Tokayer z”l.

Farmer Yosef Gillers and his team and members of our Art faculty shared with us many hands-on and creative outdoor experiences, from learning how to make hummus and salad from the fresh Gan Ilan garden ingredients to painting our own planting pots and a beekeeping workshop.

Guests of all ages enjoyed botanical art painting, bubbles, storytime, an ice cream truck and a beautiful day of relaxed family time in our special place where our students are nurtured as they nurture beautiful things to grow.

Yosef Gillers of GrowTorah develops educational Torah garden programs with the goal of cultivating a more passionate, compassionate, and sustainable future driven by Torah values. Gan Ilan has become a wonderful gift to SAR students and a beautiful, tranquil, educational space for their bountiful interests. 90% of the produce is donated to food pantries in the Bronx and Bergen County.

Spending some time together on Sunday, to pause, reflect, and learn more about, and appreciate, nature and our environment, was a great way to launch our theme of the year, Shemita.