In Search of Kol Kehila

BY KELLY NEWMAN

KOSHER. ORGANIC. LOCAL. TO ME, THAT’S AS GOOD AS IT GETS. IT IS THE GOLD SEAL OF QUALITY, NOURISHING SOUL, BODY, AND MIND.

Our relationship with food is both complex and simple. We simply need it to survive. But it also touches upon our lives in so many different ways, both subtly and otherwise at times.

Food is interwoven into our human experience on so many levels. We are what we eat... and we are as we eat as well. Our well-being is intricately linked to food, poor diet being a major cause/factor in many ailments.

It is concerning to see how quickly our society has become removed from knowing food and where it comes from. Few from our most recent generations have memories and experiences of time spent growing food or wildcrafting. My experiences with both, and observations from living on a small-scale farm, show me that these connections are very important, on very deep levels, for people to have.

Over 90% of Maritime food is imported. We are very disconnected. There are some things that are simply not available in our region (yet!) and must be brought in if to be had at all.

But much can be sourced closer to home. And there is more than food to be gained by establishing food security through a food buyer’s group. The network of people, communities, skills, and resources that come together bring ideas and opportunities that benefit all.

Food quality and security will not be a priority to everyone, but it matters none the less. A warning relevant for today can be found in Kissinger’s famous observation “If you control the food, you control the people...” We cannot eat money. The closer we are to our sustenance, knowing the farms and gardens (farmers/gardeners) that feed us, the more we are empowered.

Within this week’s parashah (Parashat Shmini), some kosher laws are discussed. Rabbis may differ on what makes this observance signifi ant (to HaShem and to us), and how best to observe it, but all agree it is significant. I quite agree, which leaves me searching for kol kehila. S

Ms. Newman resides in Southwestern NB, enjoying the rural ways and pace of life. She can be reached at: knewman5737@outlook.com