At Hillside Memorial Park and Mortuary, our mission is rooted in the Jewish value of
Tikkun Olam, the responsibility to help heal and repair the world. That means showing up for our community in moments of sorrow and in seasons of growth. One of the most powerful expressions of this commitment is our partnership with Shemesh Farms, a program of Shalom Institute that empowers diversely abled adults through farming, environmental education, and meaningful employment. In Shemesh, we see a living embodiment of some of the values that shape Hillside: dignity, inclusion, sustainability, and compassion.
From the Ground Up: Growing for Every Gardener
Shemesh Farms began in 2013 as a response to a critical need: what happens to young adults with disabilities after they age out of public education systems? As Nicky Pitman, Director of Shemesh Farms, explains, the original idea was inspired by a trip to Israel, where Shalom Institute CEO Rabbi Bill Kaplan visited kibbutzim run by adults with diverse abilities. "Bill came back and said, 'We can do that at camp.' And so we did," Pitman recalls. The team began with a handful of Farm Fellows, a modest garden, and a shared belief in possibility. Today, Shemesh is a thriving social enterprise where over 120 Farm Fellows contribute to every aspect of farming and production, from harvesting and drying herbs to packaging and fulfillment.
Karen Friedman, Associate Director of Shemesh Farms, notes that, "there's a job for every ability," whether it's composting, sorting herbs, or just sitting peacefully in the garden reading. "Everybody gets to be who they are as they are," says Pitman.
Sustainability as Sacred Practice
At Shemesh Farms, environmental stewardship isn’t just a practice; it’s a way of living Jewish values. From composting and organic gardening to using water-saving hydroponic towers, sustainability is woven into every element of the farm’s operations. "Our garden is completely running because of our compost," says Pitman. "Something that seems like waste is nature’s gold."
This commitment to caring for the land is deeply rooted in Jewish tradition. Shemesh integrates
Pe’ah, a traditional Jewish farming practice, into their garden design. One example of this practice is
Tzedakah, or righteous giving, by leaving a corner of the field for those in need. "We’ve dedicated a corner of our garden to the Malibu United Methodist Church’s feeding ministry," Friedman shares. "We grow tomatoes, carrots, squash, onions, garlic — all for their community kitchen."
Shemesh also champions accessibility through sustainability. Hillside Memorial Park is proud to have sponsored two hydroponic towers, which have enabled more Farm Fellows to participate regardless of mobility. As Pitman notes, "they’re more accessible than raised beds, and when we need to move, we can rebuild in a day. They’re very Jewish that way."
A Shared Mission: Showing Up for Each Other
For Hillside, supporting Shemesh is about shared purpose as much as it is about charitable giving. As Friedman reflects, "there is no greater Jewish value than showing up for people." At Shemesh, this takes the form of opening and closing circles, weekly meditations, and honoring Disability Pride Month with intentional programming.
These aligned values extend to the work Hillside does every day in caring for families during life’s most difficult transitions. "Your main responsibility," Friedman says of Hillside, "is one of the most important things in the world: to help our community through one of the most difficult times in life, but to do it in such a way that the community comes together and cares for each other."
Both Hillside and Shemesh Farms understand that
Tikkun Olam begins with presence, intention, and kindness for all people.
Continuing the Work of Repair
The partnership between Hillside Memorial Park and Shemesh Farms is one of mutual inspiration. By providing their farming programs, Shemesh helps create a future that reflects the very best of Jewish values: community and responsible stewardship rooted in the belief that everyone has something meaningful to contribute.
If you are looking for a way to support Shemesh Farms more directly, join
The Hive, the donor community that helps fund the farm’s growth and programming. Hive members are invited to exclusive events and farm experiences that bring the mission to life. It’s a powerful way to deepen your connection and take part in the sacred work of nurturing dignity, sustainability, and belonging.
To learn more about how we live our values every day, visit
https://www.hillsidememorial.org/community
