” Master of the Universe, grant me the ability to be alone … among the trees and grasses and every growing thing, and there may I be worthy to meditate in seclusion and inter into conversation with the One . . . to speak there all that is in my heart.”
- Rabbi Nachman of Breslov
Jewish Vision Quest
The Jewish Vision Quest is a ten-day small-group wilderness journey focused on a three-day solo experience that will help you connect to Creation and clarify your life path and purpose.
Solo journeys into the desert to receive wisdom and direction are at the core of Judaism – our fore-fathers and fore-mothers from Moses to Miriam received much of their inspiration while alone in the desert, directly connected to the Source. There, in solitude, we can heal our ancestral lineage and recover our ancient wildness. Wilderness Torah re-awakens this ancient tradition by offering the Jewish Vision Quest – held in the high White Mountain desert wilderness of California – a ten-day wilderness journey focused on a three-day solo and fast aimed at facilitating a deep connection to Creation and the discovery of clarity around one’s life path and purpose. All who are called to deepen their personal journey are invited to join us in the desert, August 13-22, 2010.
Wilderness Torah has teamed up with Rites of Passage, which has led vision quests for over 30 years, to develop this special program for the Jewish community. During this journey, we create sacred space through chanting, prayer and learning focused on preparing for the solo experience. Informed by Jewish tales and perspectives on bringing vision, you will enter the desert alone as our ancestors did to encounter the Source and yourself.
This special program is co-led by Rites of Passage Executive Director Mike Bodkin, a vision quest guide for over 25 years, and Zelig Golden, a vision quest guide and Maggid. To learn more about what to expect on the vision quest, read more here.
Wilderness Walks
The Wilderness Walk is a daylong outdoor journey offering you solo time in nature as well as guided group integration to help you deepen your connection to nature and yourself.
It is offered in the tradition of the vision quest, calling on the power of intention, listening, and being witnessed by an intimate group. Framed by Jewish tales and wisdom on connecting to Creation and bringing vision, as well as chanting and prayer, this ceremony focuses on solo time to walk through the mirror of nature, where signs and symbols of your inward journey are reflected.
This program is guided by Zelig Golden. Wilderness Walks are scheduled for April 11 and June 6, 2010 in the Bay Area.
B’nai Mitzvah Rite of Passage
The B’nai Mitzvah preparation time marks a critical period in youth development when they take their first steps toward adulthood. While the B’nai Mitzvah provides an effective way to introduce youth to the Jewish tradition, the universal need for initiation into young adulthood is largely unmet. Wilderness Torah’s B’nai Mitzvah Rite of Passage program helps Jewish youth meet this need by helping youth forge relationships with self, community, earth and Spirit. Through nature awareness activities and skill-building, non-parental mentorship, peer group council, and initiatory challenges that help them mark changes in their lives, the youth come together to form a new tribe that gathers in nature in order to explore deeper questions of identity, faith, and meaning as they take their first steps toward adulthood. The B’nai Mitzvah Rite of Passage Program uses Jewish themes, stories and wisdom to frame this initiatory process.
Wilderness Torah is currently developing a 2-year program, and has begun with a pilot project with Chochmat Ha Lev that began in 2009 and culminates in 2011. If you wish to learn more, please contact us at info@wildernesstorah.org.
