B’hootz

Applications for B’hootz Etzim (Grades 4–5) will re-open this spring.

About B’hootz

Bringing Judaism’s Earth-Based Rhythms & Teachings to Life Through the Seasons
Kindergarten — 5th Grade

B’hootz integrates caring mentorship and nature-based exploration with Jewish spirituality, tradition, and wisdom.

Small groups are led by passionate mentors who create experiences that guide children through the nature-based rhythm of the Hebrew calendar.

B’hootz Etzim will meet in local parks on 12 Sundays throughout the school year, and will culminate with an overnight camping trip. Refer to the Schedule & Locations section for details.

Learn more about our educational approach to B’hootz.

Our Approach to Diversity and Inclusivity:

Our B’hootz program welcomes youth and families from a diverse and beautiful spectrum of identities. Through exploring the connection between Judaism and the natural world, we honor both the common threads and unique facets of our lives.

4th and 5th graders doing outdoor challenges

Applications for Etzim (Grades 4–5) are now closed. Check back in spring.

Parent & Youth Testimonials

You guys are rocking it. My daughter is in such a great mood every time I pick her up. Thank you for all of the effort.”

–B’hootz 2021 parent

“The B’hootz experience has been a magical part of our family’s connection to Judaism and nature. It has taught our kids to feel confident in the forest and they come home excited to share about their adventures, full of joy, and more knowledgeable about being Jewish and the woods we are blessed to live in proximity to.
– B’hootz parent

“When I picked up my daughter after B’hootz and asked her, ‘How was Wilderness Torah?’ she responded with, ‘It was the best ever! Can I go again next week?’
B’hootz 2020 parent

Experience and learn about Jewish tradition in the forest!

Shoreshim: Roots (grades K–3)

On hold for the 2023-24 school year.

Nourish the roots of Jewish nature connection.

Shoreshim celebrate the wonders of creation and engage Jewish tradition through hands-on learning.

Join to grow comfort and ease in the outdoors and experience the vitality of Jewish wisdom through Torah storytelling, imaginative play, nature connection activities, and adventure.

Etzim: Trees (grades 4–5)

Open for the 2023-24 school year. 

Grow the branches and leaves of Jewish nature connection.

Etzim bring Jewish concepts to life by connecting to their minds, hearts, bodies and Jewish identities through adventure and challenge.

Cultivate hands-on skills like fire making, wild food processing, basketry, and whittling, and deepen relationship to the forest by developing tracking and nature connection skills.

Parent Program

Join our parent program and connect to your child’s B’hootz journey!

We invite parents to join at several points throughout the season, both for learning and celebrations

2023-24 Schedule & Location

4th and 5th graders build a fire
We are now enrolling for only one B’hootz pod, Etzim (Grades 4-5) in the East Bay.

Location: East Bay B’hootz meets in the redwood forest of the Oakland hills.  Here you’ll find abundant meadows, creeks, woodsy nooks, climbing trees, and mysteries for exploring. We love operating B’hootz in our backyard nature wonderlands. Exact location will be shared upon registration.

Meeting time: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

B’hootz Etzim meets on 12 Sundays and one overnight camping trip throughout the academic year (October – May).  In case of a need to cancel due to weather, we have two make-up dates.

B’hootz Etzim Meeting Dates:

  • October 22, 2023 (with parents/ caregivers)
  • October 29, 2023
  • November 5, 2023
  • December 3, 2023
  • December 17, 2023
  • January 7, 2024 
  • January 28, 2024 (with parents/ caregivers) 
  • February 11, 2024 
  • March 3, 2024
  • March 24, 2024 
  • April 21, 2024
  • May 5, 2024
  • May 17-18, Friday-Saturday, Camping trip, 2024 parents join for closing

2 Make-up Days:

  • February 25, 2023
  • March 17, 2024

Info Sessions

Learn more about B’hootz

Join us for an hour to meet the Youth Programs staff and get a taste of what B’hootz is all about.

We’ll share about our pedagogy, curriculum, program logistics, and what makes B’hootz so magical!  We’ll also have plenty of time for questions.

Have more questions about youth programs? Email our team at youth@wildernesstorah.org.

Application Information

2023-24 Tuition for B’hootz

Price Deadline
Early Bird $1500 First three to apply and register
Regular Price $1600 Applications received on a rolling basis until full.

We price B’hootz based on the true cost it takes to provide this program.

Financial Aid

We recognize that the program fee may pose challenges for some families, and we will work with you to find a solution. More detailed information about financial aid is below.

Cancellations

For questions about cancellations, please read the Youth Programs Refund policy.

Other questions? 

Vist our FAQ page here.

Jewish 4th and 5th graders create an arc with a talit

Financial Aid for B’hootz

Are you seeking financial support?

If you are unable to pay the full tuition, you will be prompted on your child’s B’hootz application to apply for financial aid.

We also offer installment plans for families unable to pay their tuition upon registration.

Scholarships are based on need and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.  Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, you will be notified at the same time we invite you to register to an available pod.

To increase your chances of receiving assistance, fill out the B’hootz application as soon as you can.

Follow the links below for more details on what to expect in B’hootz!