San Diego Moms: Local Mom Organizes Sukkot Harvest Festival in ‘Dream’ Job

Sharone Oren could be considered one of the lucky ones – relieving her favorite childhood pastimes in her career. Oren is the education manager at Coastal Roots Farm where she is helping to organize the Sukkot Harvest Festival happening this Sunday.

Oren said she grew up loving being outdoors and gardening with her dad every weekend.

“One of my favorite places to go to as a child was the farm, where the cow manure felt like the most natural smell in the world,” said Oren, who is now a mother to three. “As I grew older, I started my own garden in my backyard. The first time I harvested a ripe tomato, I felt that the co-creation between humans and earth was where I needed to be.”

Today, she has found her “dream” job where she teaches environmental education and regenerative farming combined with Jewish values at Coastal Roots Farm. The Farm practices organic farming, shares its harvest with those who lack access, delivers unique farm-based educational programs and fosters inclusive spaces for people of all backgrounds.

This Sunday, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., the Farm is hosting the Sukkot Harvest Festival in honor of the ancient Jewish harvest festival that reflects on themes of hospitality and the welcoming of strangers. The community is invited to meet under the sukkah (temporary shelter) for a day filled with live music and activities for all ages. Festivities include farm tours, a Kid Zone, learning workshops, as well as food and drink vendor options for purchase.

“I hope the festival provides the attendees a place and space to be joyous, laugh, and learn with their loved ones,” Oren said. “To understand where their food comes from and why it matters now. Whether they celebrate Sukkot or have never heard of the holiday, to get a sense of what it means to invite guests to ones’ space, to share their abundance, and to celebrate an ancient holiday that has profound meaning in our modern lives.”

Beyond the festival, Oren invites the public to visit the farm to learn more about its offerings.

“I hope attendees walk away from the farm with a sense of belonging and community — to know that they have a place where they can return to time again to learn about themselves and how their actions have a ripple effect in the world.”

For more information about Coastal Roots Farm and the upcoming festival, go to coastalrootsfarm.org/event/sukkot-harvest-festival-2024/.

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San Diego Moms is published on Saturdays. Have a story idea? Email hoaq@timesofsandiego.com and follow her on Instagram at @hoawritessd.