Editorial about Wilderness Torah on jWeekly.com
Planting our Jewish roots outdoors is a great idea
Thursday June 4th, 2009 – Editorial
We think Wilderness Torah is on to something.
Our story this week on page 4 shines a light on Wilderness Torah, a fledgling, volunteer-led Jewish organization that is striving to make a connection between Judaism and nature — linking the two through holidays, rituals, food and outdoor encounters.
To celebrate Shavuot last week, for example, the East Bay–based group organized an all-night outdoor study session, called a Tikkun Leyl Shavuot, at a campsite in Mount Tamalpais State Park. Many of the 75 attendees had not set foot in a synagogue in years, but were thrilled to find an organization and an event that married their Jewish soul with their passion for the environment.
This mix of innovation and tradition has already caught the attention of UpStart Bay Area, a nonprofit organization that incubates Jewish ideas and helps them stand on their own two feet.
But while Wilderness Torah is getting training and support as part of UpStart’s first run in the Bay Area, like any new entity, it will need money to grow.
Imagine what a startup like Wilderness Torah could do with proper financial support: communal holiday celebrations on farms, in deserts, under redwoods; farm and garden education through a Jewish lens for children and families; a fellowship for young adults that simultaneously teaches about Judaism and sustainable agriculture.
All make the Jewish tent bigger, broader, more alive.
Clearly, organizations like Wilderness Torah could potentially transform the Jewish community. Unaffiliated individuals and families could reconnect to Judaism by getting outdoors. Where better to reinvigorate Jewish life? Nature welcomes everyone.
These are times of scarce resources. All nonprofits have felt effects of the recession. It makes sense that some established Jewish institutions might worry about precious dollars targeted for new, untested programs.
But an entity like Wilderness Torah should not be seen as competition with synagogues. Rather it is a partner, an access point, a gateway to a deeper Jewish life. Everybody wins.
Many synagogues across the Bay are already onto this trend, organizing outdoor Shabbat and Havdallah services throughout the summer. What’s unique and commendable about Wilderness Torah — and why it might appeal to a wide range of Jews — is that its focus is equal parts nature and Judaism.
Experiencing nature and Judaism in the open promotes an understanding of the world around us, and an appreciation for the spirit within. Both are crucial in these challenging times.
Judaism began under the skies. We applaud Wilderness Torah for taking a step back outside.
Hi Webmaster. My partner and i truly enjoy this post along with the web site all in all! The article is actually extremely plainly composed as well as very easily understandable. Your WP theme is impressive as well! Would definitely be fantastic to learn exactly where My partner and i are able obtain it. Be sure to hold up the great work. We all require much more such site owners like you on the web and much fewer spammers. Wonderful man!
hello wow beautiful website ill return soon thanks
Excellent read, I just passed this onto a colleague who was doing a little research on that. And he actually bought me lunch because I found it for him smile So let me rephrase that: Thanks for lunch!
It’s no wonder that with this expertise, her “L.A.M.B.” line has become one of the most critically respected and financially successful celebrity brands in history, with sales of more than $90 million a year.
Spotted a link to this post over on Stumbleupon. Thanks for posting it. I’m sure I’ll be back one day.
What theme site did you download your design from? I have looked all over and cant find anything even close to it
crazy. well it probably it won’t be as nasty as the last one. good luck to everyone
this was a very entertaining read. i enjoyed it very much!
Great post!
A Quite nice article . Whenever i check your blog i see a different perspective . In addtition , as a fresh developer, i should mention that the structure of your site is amazing . Could you post some information regarding the theme ? .
Cheers .
this was a very entertaining read. i enjoyed it very much!
i thought this was a really great post to read. i’ll check back for new posts by you!
Try a little bit of paint polish, or a cleaner wax if you have some. Have you tried something like WD40? Goo Gone? Bug and Tar Remover? Shouldn’t be hard to do. Don’t use anything too aggressive but try a couple things, it should come right off.
Hi Site owner. I truly like that writing and your site all in all! That posting is extremely plainly created as well as easily understandable. Your current WP design is impressive as well! Would definitely be awesome to know exactly where I are able download it. Be sure to hold up the excellent job. We need a lot more this sort of webmasters like you on the web and also much less spammers. Excellent friend!
Thanks for posting this.
Wow this definitely takes me back, are you on twitter?
Informative post, this is. It is always nice to come across a post that is useful.
Inspiring – thank you for sharing your story.
Hey admin, thank you very much for providing this blog post. I found it superior. Cheers, Taj!
ROFLCOPTER
Hello – I must say, I’m impressed with your site. I had no trouble navigating through all the tabs and information was very easy to access. I found what I wanted in no time at all. Pretty awesome. Would appreciate it if you add forums or something, it would be a perfect way for your clients to interact. Great job!
I had difficulty looking at this in Firefox but it works fine in IE. Anway, the content is good. I am very happy to have come across this.
We just can not leave your cool site before letting you know that we really enjoyed the useful text you offer to your visiteurs… Will be back often to check up on new things you post!
MdMgTa
Спасибо, очень понравилась статья, думаю подписаться на рассылку. Еще раз очень спасибо.
в какой аптеке в казахстане индийская виагра
Excellent post I must say.. Simple but yet interesting and engaging.. Keep up the awesome work!
hypnosis
Eulabini cialis, puzzled, Granilul
Amuanene soma drug, shack, Chinontur
Agardias buy xanax online, key, Afras
Lucyrica buy cialis online, vines, Agrabis
Utana buy valium, meek, Miratias
Arcaia buy cialis online, qbnffu, Anopya
Amuanene buy levitra, boo, Miratias
Ibion VALIUM, ash, Engatium
Спасибо, очень понравилась статья, думаю подписаться на рассылку. Еще раз очень спасибо.
online купить в украине сиалис софт
Hello Site owner. My partner and i really like the posting as well as your current webpage all in all! The post is extremely plainly composed as well as without difficulty understandable. The Blog theme is impressive as well! Would be fantastic to learn exactly where I can download that. Please hold up the great work. We all require even more this sort of website owners such as you online and much less spammers. Fantastic man!
Been reading this blog for a SHORT time now,always a good read.I alwaqys enjoy your writings.Please keep them coming.