“Being able to just kind of explore
my heritage through that means a lot
to me as well,” LaBan said. “It really
feels like I can connect with my cul-
ture a little bit more.”
Honey is only one part of the
quintessential new year snack, how-
ever. With apple season in its prime,
plucking the fruit from the tree has
become an accessible way for peo-
ple to see their food’s origins.

At Linvilla Orchards in Media, there
are about 25 acres of apple trees,
with each acre yielding 200-800
bushels of apples, about 125 apples
per bushel, according to farm man-
ager Norm Schultz.

Each apple tree, about 10-15 feet
tall, is a dwarf tree with a weak root
system, which makes the trees eas-
ier to pick for the amateur orchard
visitor. Each sapling will begin fruit-
ing about 2-3 years after it’s planted,
which means the orchard is prepar-
ing for harvests years in advance.

Even beyond the orchard, work to
construct the perfect apple can take
place in the lab. Scientists developed
the Honeycrisp apple, known for its
juiciness, sweetness and crunch, 20
years ago. In the 1980s and ’90s,
developing apple varieties was
focused on color and shelf life, not
fl avor and texture. The Honeycrisp,
the most popular apple variety, defi es
those old standards for a good apple.

“The Honeycrisp is quite unique
because its cells hold more liquid
than any other varieties,” Schultz said.

“That’s why the Honeycrisp is so juicy.”
Linvilla also off ers Crimson Crisp
and Evercrisp apples, which will only
be on the trees available to harvest
for the next month. The transience of
the apple-picking experience, which
coincides around the time of Rosh
Hashanah, is part of what makes the
activity appealing.

“It’s great to connect where your
food comes from ... And it just really
connects you to the land,” Schultz
said. JE
srogelberg@midatlanticmedia.com Arthur LaBan and Don Shump tend to the
Holy Honey hives at Congregation Rodeph
Shalom in the apiary’s early days.

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN
GREATER PHILADELPHIA SECTION
wishes you a Happy and Healthy New Year.

* NCJW, founded in 1893, is the nation’s premiere public policy
Jewish women’s organization.

* NCJW confronts today's most urgent social and economic
challenges facing women, children and families. Powered by the
Jewish imperative to ensure dignity for all, we impact policy, advocate
for justice, and support the community. Your voice has never been
more essential and our voices together make a meaningful difference
in the world.

For further information: (215) 302-3586
ncjwphiladelphia.org www.NCJW.org
28 SEPTEMBER 15, 2022 | JEWISHEXPONENT.COM
Photo by Craig LaBan
Rosh Hashanah