Sermon delivered by guest preacher Rabbi Robin Damsky on May 29, 2016. Rabbi Robin is the founder and director of In the Gardens, a nonprofit combining mindfulness practice with edible, organic garden design, changing the paradigm of the way we relate to ourselves and others as we change the paradigm of the way we grow food. In the Gardens empowers those in food deserts and food insecure neighborhoods as well as businesses, congregations and individuals to have greater ownership of healthy, fresh produce.

Rabbi Robin served as rabbi at West Suburban Temple Har Zion in River Forest, Illinois, from 2010 to 2015. Prior to that, from 2006 to 2010, she was the rabbi and educational director at Congregation Or Tzion in Scottsdale, Arizona. She now lives on her edible, organic permaculture in Melrose Park, Illinois. Rabbi Robin describes herself as an innovative, caring and inclusive spiritual leader and Jewish educator, committed to family and tikkun olam with a passion for well-being, sustainability and local food sourcing initiatives. Committed to vibrant and authentic spiritual expression and practice building interfaith bridges, she is grateful to fill our pulpit. Rabbi Robin can be contacted at [email protected].

The theme for May is how to take a path of blessing. To read about our theme-based ministry, please visit http://www.unitytemple.org/faith-development/soul-connections on our website.