The notion of a Jewish Farmer still raises eyebrows across much of the tribe. (Let’s face it, “My son the farmer” does not currently have the same nachas potential as “My son the doctor”).  But the idea of Jewish farming in America, which is currently being embraced by organizations like The Jewish Farm School and Adamah, has deep roots.

The Federation of Jewish Farmers, founded in 1909, brought together 13 existing associations of Jewish farmers under one umbrella.  According to the American Jewish Archives:

In its first year, the organization held an agricultural fair during the week-long fall harvest holiday of Sukkot. In later years, the annual conventions offered farmers an opportunity to exhibit their products, and they continued to take place during Sukkot. The federation also gave Jewish farmers more purchasing power, starting a bureau to give liberal credit to farmers who needed more help, and offering good prices on seeds and farming implements to those who needed them.

American Jews celebrating the agricultural connections to Sukkot back in the days of the Model T?  That’s something to celebrate, even after the holiday.

(hat tip to Eric Schulmiller)