The Pearlstone Center

The Pearlstone Center, a retreat center, organic farm, outdoor education center, sustainability catalyst, and Jewish engagement campus, is basically the Swiss Army knife of the Jewish Outdoor, Food, Farming & Environmental Education movement dedicated to the sustainability of the traditions and practices of Jewish life and of the earth. In response to the stress and urgency of modern-day life, Pearlstone’s campus provides 180 acres to slow down, reconnect with the land, and return to the natural rhythms of life. 

Its mission isn’t just about connecting people to the land; it’s also about connecting people to Judaism. Pearlstone believes that being in nature ignites Jewish passion and increases understanding of the relationship between adam and adamah—people and earth. The center infuses ancient Jewish wisdom into programming to engage with Jews, faith-based organizations, individuals, families, and secular organizations. The hope is that participants incorporate hands-on teachings in farming, culinary arts, wilderness adventure, sustainability, and environmental advocacy to connect to their Jewish roots and live those Jewish values at home. Pearlstone’s year-round outdoor adventures have inspired more than 20,000 participants a year to become agents of change in the way they garden and compost, eat, choose transportation, and balance screen time. The campus is the perfect setting for celebration, education, and exploration, especially for those who don’t mind a little mud. A broad range of programming includes Hebrew School on the Farm, family camp, festivals, holiday celebrations, and teaching with Baltimore City schools. Currently, Pearlstone is expanding farm lands, communal housing, and programming spaces. The expansion will create room for sleepover and day camps, kick o  the Tiyul rite-of-passage program for 10- to 14-year-olds, add an amphitheater for a Sukkot music festival, and launch U-Pick memberships on the farm. As if the Pearlstone Center isn’t busy enough, it’s also spearheading the creation of a solar farm that will provide energy to all Baltimore Jewish community facilities, including JCCs, synagogues, and religious schools. The Pearlstone Center has proven yet again that it’s an organization with staying power.