1. Where will Mahaz Fellows be working?

Mahaz programming occurs within a constellation of farms and woodlands, but the primary program work and activities will be at Farfields Farm and Hegyion Orchard Farm. Both sites are a 25 minute drive from one another. As the program proceeds through the spring and early summer, fellows may find they are scheduled to work more closely on one or the other site.

2. Where will Mahaz fellows live?

There are a few houses on the property designated for the fellows, and participants will receive further details about their particular home closer to the program start date. All housing will be between a 10 - 30 minute commute to where the fellows will be working. There will be one house for men, and another for women, and we are open to alternative requests for individuals or couples who have different housing needs. We offer laundry facilities and a fully equipped kosher kitchen. Fellows will be responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of their private and shared common spaces. 

3. What does our daily/weekly schedule look like?

Our weekly schedule runs Monday to Thursday from 7am - 5pm and Fridays from 7am - 3pm, with an average of two programmed evenings a week. You can find detailed information about our programming in the “program content” under the fellowship section on the website. 

Fellows should also be prepared for varying schedules (start time/break time/end time) based on the variance of weather, specialty projects, etc. While the bulk of field work will be scheduled between the hours of 7am - 5pm, certain field tasks must be performed earlier than 7am or later than 5pm. Fellows should be comfortable with early mornings, as farm-work is far more difficult during the middle hours of the day when the summer sun is high.

In addition, fellows should expect to tend to community / home chores, including rotating responsibilities for cooking and cleaning, as arranged between house-mates.

4. I have part-time work or I’m in online school so can I do this program part time?

To participate in this fellowship, we require full participation. Part-time participation is not an option. Unscheduled evenings or weekends are a time for any overlapping school or work responsibilities, and we expect the fellows to manage their time appropriately so it does not conflict with the fellowship programming. 

Additionally, all fellows are expected to begin and end on our scheduled program dates. Applicants should be prepared to commit to the full 4 months, as we do not offer the option to come for some of the program.

5. What is your attendance policy?  

Fellows are expected to show up every day, on-time, and prepared for the day’s work and all programming. With such a small cohort, everyone’s presence and timing deeply affects the group and we expect individuals to respect the time of your fellow staff and peers. Individuals who display repetitive lateness may be asked to leave the program. 

Understandably, cases of unforeseen events or emergencies can occur, so we ask to please notify the program director of any needed absences as far ahead in advance as possible.

6. Will fellows have time off?

Aside from scheduled group Shabbats, weekends are off from Friday evening through Monday morning. During off weekends, fellows are welcome to remain onsite and self-organize or take their own personal independent time.

7. Can I  focus my time within one or two farm departments?

Our schedule is structured so that fellows both gain exposure to the variety of field work, while at the same time being placed in the departments where there is a farm need. While we do our best to assign fellows where their interests lie, we do not guarantee field specializations. Through the rotation between our many departments, you might even learn about a new interest you didn’t know you had!

8. What is the difference between a farm and homestead, and what are we? 

The term homestead is most often used to refer to self-sufficient dwelling on the land, which includes a commitment to food production and preservation for community use. Homestead life and values are alive and well in Central Virginia, and our farm culture is heavily informed by them. But our scale is a bit larger and our farmers are mostly staff (rather than residents), so we like to think of ourselves as a farmstead / community farm. As on a homestead, we incorporate a diverse range of land projects and celebrate the heritage skills of home-making. The Mahaz program is designed to introduce fellows to steady farm-work as well as to a variety of homesteading skills, which they may apply in home-life both during and beyond the program.  

9. Is there an intentional/residential community connected to Mahaz?

Aside from the Mahaz fellows, there will be other individuals living nearby, both singles and families, some of whom are farm staff and some who are not. The majority of farm staff do not live on the farm sites. The local residents form a loose community, sharing in personal connections and enjoying common spaces - but there is no co-housing project or intentional community. On occasion, the residential community gathers to celebrate a holiday or shabbat with shared meals and (Orthodox) prayer services. Fellows will have a chance to meet, work, and share time with residents through the duration of the program, but fellows will also be able to evolve organically as a community of their own.

10. How will transportation work between the sites?

The program will provide vehicles for shared use by the fellows. All fellows who have a driving license and feel comfortable driving, will be asked to share in the carpooling responsibility. If a fellow is arriving to the program with their own vehicle and is open to using it to add further flexibility for work carpools, we will offer mileage compensation. Applicants should note this in their application if relevant. 

11. How fit/healthy do I need to be to participate in the program?

Work on the farm involves demanding physical tasks. Applicants should be able to lift 40-pound bags, work in various weather conditions (including rain or summer heat), start early, and handle repetitive, routine tasks. The program also requires emotional and social engagement, which can be challenging for some. It is essential that fellows prioritize their mental health throughout the program and communicate any needs or concerns as they arise.

As an inclusive program, we invite individudals who have special needs or limitations to apply, as we are open to exploring possibilities for accommodations. 

12. How are food prep and meals organized during the fellowship?

Mahaz fellows will have access to a shared kitchen for their food preparation. The farm will provide the kitchen with a weekly selection of seasonal farm harvests (vegetables, eggs, herbs) as well as stock the shared kitchen with baseline ingredients (sugar/salt, oil, spices, etc).

Mahaz fellows will be responsible to purchase their additional groceries, either together or on their own; private storage space will be available in the shared kitchen.

Mahaz fellows are welcome to coordinate shared / rotating meal responsibilities or self-manage independent food prep.

13. What is Jewish observance and Shabbat like during the fellowship?

We invite folks from all Jewish backgrounds and practices to apply. Whether this is your first ever Jewish program, or you are joining us with a halachically observant practice, our goal is to meet these needs with sensitivity and inclusivity. We expect fellows to be comfortable living and working within a diverse Jewish community and environment. 

Kashrut: All shared kitchens are strictly kosher and will remain so through the program. Kosher guidelines for kitchen use will be explained as a part of the program orientation.

Shabbat: There will be monthly scheduled group Shabbats as well as personal/free Shabbats. The majority of Shabbats during the program will be personal/free time. During these Shabbats, fellows will have time to organize as they choose, on or off the farm. On scheduled group Shabbats, fellows will share in prayer, mealtime, and learning together, as well as Shabbat prep. Fellows will be asked to co-create and co-lead our Shabbat activities.

Holidays: Certain holidays will overlap with the program, including Shavuot. Shavuot will be celebrated on the farm, with residents and guests, and fellows will be invited to participate. Other core summer holidays will include Lag B’Omer, Tisha B’Av, Tu B’Av, etc.

14. What are some farm amenities that fellows can enjoy?

Our farm sites include open fields, woodlands, ponds, and a sauna, all of which can be enjoyed during free time. We also have indoor common areas (lounge/library) for study and personal time. We host yoga classes and fellows will be invited to participate if they so choose.

We are very close to Shenandoah National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Appalachian Trail. There is a local Amtrak station in Charlottesville, and an airport in Charlottesville and Staunton.

15. Is there Wi-fi?

There is limited wifi on the program sites - and internet speeds will be slower or less reliable (weather related, etc) than what fellows would be used to in cities.