The Orchard Story
Twenty-five organizations from around North America are proud to bring you the Orchard—a joint initiative that celebrates, networks, and advances the professional learning of educators in Jewish early childhood centers.
As a metaphor, the Orchard calls to mind an ecosystem in which many distinct trees produce fruit, whilst sharing resources and contributing to the greater good. A single tree, organization, or educator, is an incredible gift, but together, we can support one another. As forest scientist Suzanne Simard explains, trees grow as part of cooperative systems, they converse, they support one another in unique ways, and they transfer nutrients to one another.
We think of the Orchard as a place to grow; a place of renewal; a place of connection. Here, teachers and school leaders can participate in webinars, join focused learning communities, and access resources to support inspired teaching and learning.
From a Jewish perspective, the Orchard (Pardes) is a place of magical potential, a site referenced in sacred texts, and a symbol, as well, of the many layers of meaning in our encounters.
