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Eden Rainah Gribov

A Journey into Organic Farming: My Visit to Ben’s Farm

Benjamin Rosenberg from Ben's Farm

Have you ever wondered what it takes to grow the food that ends up on your plate? I recently had the chance to find out firsthand when I visited Ben’s Farm, a small yet remarkable organic farm in Moshav Tirosh near Beit Shemesh. This experience opened my eyes to the hard work, dedication, and faith required to cultivate the fruits and vegetables we often take for granted.

Organic farming is a commitment to producing food in harmony with nature. Unlike conventional farming, which relies heavily on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, organic farming prioritizes natural methods to grow food. This approach not only safeguards our health by avoiding harmful chemicals but also contributes to the well-being of our environment. In Israel, organic agriculture makes up about 1.5% of all agricultural produce, yet represents 13% of all agricultural exports. So despite its relatively small scale, organic farming is making a significant impact and meeting growing global demand for natural food.

Ben Rosenberg made aliyah from New York in his mid-twenties and never looked back. Having grown up on a farm, he brought with him a deep-rooted passion for farming. “Every Jew should visit Israel once in their lifetime,” Ben shared, reflecting his connection to the land. His farm, located in the tranquil Moshav Tirosh, is dedicated to growing organic, healthy, and nutritious vegetables, with a special focus on specialty greens like purslane and dandelion leaves.

Ben, during our interview at his green house that grows cucumbers.

Ben’s commitment to organic farming is evident in every aspect of his work. He believes that “the more you learn about where your food comes from, it becomes pretty obvious that the obvious choice is to eat organic food because conventional farming relies on chemicals, which are certainly not healthy.” His farm operates without the use of synthetic chemicals or fertilizers, ensuring that the produce is not only fresh but also safe to consume. 

Ben’s Farm stands out not only for its commitment to organic farming but also for its deep connection to Jewish tradition. Ben is the only organic farmer in the world who observes shmita, allowing his land to rest every seven years as commanded in the Torah. By letting the soil rejuvenate every seven years, Ben not only honors a biblical commandment but also ensures the long-term health and fertility of his land.

And what really stood out to me is that Ben delivers his food directly to individual homes in Israel on the same day he harvests the vegetables. You can order his organic products at bensfarm.co.il.

This summer, I had the unique opportunity to visit Ben’s Farm with my dad, and it was an experience I’ll never forget. From the moment we arrived, it was clear that this wasn’t just any farm—it was a place where hard work meets passion, and where every plant is nurtured with care.

We stayed in the farm’s warehouse and got hands-on experience with the daily tasks that keep the farm running. Ben taught us how to water, weed, and pick plants. One of the highlights was stumbling upon some sweet strawberries that were surprisingly still in season, even if they were supposed to be out of season a month ago! Tasting freshly picked fruits and vegetables straight from the ground was a treat, and I was amazed at how much flavor was packed into each bite.

The stunning sunset at the farm after a long day working in the field during my first evening on Ben’s Farm.

One of the most surprising things for me was how quiet the farm was. Coming from the center of Jerusalem and previously Washington, DC, the quietness of the farm was a stark contrast, even though the work was physically demanding—especially under the scorching sun. But weeding the plants, for example, was an unexpectedly satisfying task. Seeing the roots up close, something I had only ever seen on the internet, was fascinating.

Me planting zucchini seeds for the first time.

The farm also has a group of adorable kittens that help keep the mice away. They were always purring!

The cute cat who didn’t want to go near me but my dad managed to snap a picture… I guess he likes photoshoots.

Riding on the tractor was another exciting part of the visit. Sitting on the sides instead of in a seat made every bump feel like a roller coaster ride—an adventure I didn’t expect to have on a farm.

One of the most eye-opening moments was tasting sweet corn directly from the field. I had no idea you could eat corn raw, and it was incredibly tasty! This experience made me appreciate the hard work that goes into growing the food we eat. Before visiting Ben’s Farm, I never fully understood the effort behind every vegetable in the grocery store. Now, I can’t help but think of the tremendous work that goes into each one.

My dad and Ben working together on the farm.

Ben’s approach to farming is deeply rooted in faith. “A farmer needs a lot of faith,” he says. “You put a seed in the ground, and in a few months, you get a head of lettuce, a head of broccoli, cauliflower, or cabbage… You need a lot of faith for that.” 

My visit to Ben’s Farm was more than just a fun summer activity; it was a lesson in patience, hard work, and the importance of sustainable farming. Ben’s dedication to organic farming not only provides healthy food but also sets an example for how we can live happily with the land. As I walked through the aisles of the grocery store after my visit, I couldn’t help but think about the journey each vegetable had taken to get there, and I felt a newfound respect for the farmers who make it all possible.

About the Author
Eden was born in the US and made aliyah at the age of 8. She is now a middle schooler in Jerusalem. Eden is passionate about writing, veganism, and loves indulging in her favorite dishes such as sushi, pizza, and ice cream!
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