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.
auto insurance 0883
good job, consolidate debt, %-[[[,
nevemind but…, credit card debt consolidation, qdgg,
nevemind but…, credit card debt help, =[,
howdy admin, credit card debt relief, cgdxh,
some interesting here, credit card debt, nkmryx,
explanation. appealing. healthful. consuming whole. food or will put any ingredient into a food in order to. health instead of.
nevemind but…, debt consolidation companies, 67690,
this site is really great.. nice layout
This really is the ideal weblog for anyone who desires to understand about this topic. You know so much its virtually tough to argue with you (not which i truly would want..
.HaHa). You undoubtedly put a brand new spin on a subject thats been composed about for years. Good stuff, just wonderful!
Poker Tips From Pro M Vegas
I just needed to say that I found your blog via Goolge and I am glad I did. Keep up the good work and I will make sure to bookmark you for when I have more free time away from the books. Thanks again!
Forwarded this to some friends, appreciate your advice
Great information… i’m looking forward to your next post
Right Playing Online Casino makes Fun but you don’t have to Play too much and not with Big Sums.
I am in love with Alicia Keys, she is wonderful!
I really believe that Ms Aguilera has been abused by both those around her and also journalists, paparazzi etc. They have to leave her in peace.
Go Jessica Alba! I am definitely on team Alba, whatever happens!
I am really thankful to the author of this post for making this lovely and informative article live here for us. We really appreciate ur effort. Keep up the good work. . . .
Hey – nice blog, just looking around some blogs, seems a pretty nice platform you are using. I’m currently using WordPress
The theme is very attractive. Congratulations to the author of the weblog
Aeros Smokeless Cigarettes are new area vapor cigarettes. No batteries, no mist, use anywhere with maximum satisfaction. Half the price of electronic.
Peach on for Electronic Cigarette PCC Starter Kits. Approximate Smokeless Cigarettes to bring to light the wealthiest prices.
Thanks guys. Appreciate the suggestions.
My first comment. Found your blog a couple of times inadvertently. Yours is one of those blogs I could start reading and not know when to stop.
Some Online Casinos give great Bonusses did they Payout the Bonus Without an Deposit?
Hello! eeddgad interesting eeddgad site!
Very nice site! cheap viagra
Very nice site! [url=http://oixapey.com/aqarr/2.html]cheap cialis[/url]
Very nice site! cheap cialis http://oixapey.com/aqarr/4.html
Very nice site!
What’s up? Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz! Congratulations on your ceremony going off with no problems.
well done, buy viagra, 573,
totally disagree, buy cheap viagra, bpojfd,
i hope no, generic viagra, 0092,
really sorry, buy cialis, ozddu,
I’m not sure I get why so many folks are making such a fuss over Bob’s Comments. I happen to prefer Bob, but both are just fantastic personalities and we should be happy we got to see both of them star.
there was an error, valium online, jahej,
i am sorry, xanax online, 8D,
great site, buy tramadol, 97441,
hope it helps, buy phentermine, 46674,
well done, order phentermine, %-PPP,
i am sorry, hydrocodone online, =],
comment2, cialis soft tabs, ychak,
9eKvlQ hello, my friend), briana banks, 06656,
deutschland kaufen cialis ohne rezept cialis ohne rezept forum cialis generika rezeptfrei
Sweet, that’s exactly what I was searching for! You just spared me alot of work
how long has it been since julia roberts starred in a movie? it’s about time she came out with a new one.
Aw, this was a really quality post. In theory I’d like to write like this too – taking time and real effort to make a good article… but what can I say… I procrastinate alot and never seem to get something done.
Have you ever considered adding more videos to your blog posts to keep the readers more entertained? I mean I just read through the entire article of yours and it was quite good but since I’m more of a visual learner,I found that to be more helpful well let me know how it turns out! I love what you guys are always up too. Such clever work and reporting! Keep up the great works guys I’ve added you guys to my blogroll. This is a great article thanks for sharing this informative information.. I will visit your blog regularly for some latest post.