B’hootz
Grades 2–5
Bringing Judaism’s Earth-Based Rhythms & Teachings to Life Through the Seasons
2nd—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 will meet in local parks on 12 Sundays throughout the school year, which includes an opening camping trip. Etzim will also 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.
Watch this video featuring B’hootz, created by the Jewish Education Project.
Applications for the 2025-26 Year Are Now Open
APPLY HEREB’hootz Parent Testimonials
“My daughter never drags her feet to head out to B’hootz, rain or shine. She absolutely loves everything about it; the learning, the playing, the creative projects, the team building, the nature connection and the Jewish connection. We are grateful to have such a wholesome educational element in her life.”
“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?”
“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.”
Experience and learn about Jewish tradition in the forest!
Shorashim: Roots (grades 2–3)
Nourish the roots of Jewish nature connection.
Shorashim is back! Celebrate the wonders of creation and engage Jewish tradition through hands-on learning.
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)
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. Deepen relationships 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. We open the year with an overnight community camping trip for everyone to meet each other and build community!
Schedule & Location
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:
Shorashim: 10:00 am – 2:00pm
Etzim: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
note: If you have a child in both programs and will need childcare, please contact us.
Meeting Dates:
B’hootz meets on 12 Sundays throughout the academic year (October–May). At the beginning of the year, in the fall, we have our families camping trip. Etzim have an additional camping trip in the spring, for the youth only. In case of a need to cancel due to weather, we have two make-up dates.
|
2 Make-up Days:
|
|---|
Application Information
Applications for the 2025-26 Year Are Now Open
APPLY HERE2025-26 Tuition for B’hootz
| Regular Price Shoreshim | $1800 (includes one overnight camping trip) |
| Regular Price Etzim | $2000 (includes two overnight camping trips) |
We price B’hootz based on the true cost it takes to provide this program.
Cancellations
For questions about cancellations, please read the Youth Programs Refund policy.
Financial Aid
We strive to make our program accessible to all families. 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. 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.
We also offer installment plans for families unable to pay their tuition upon registration.
Other questions?
Visit our FAQ page here.
Hands-on DIY Workshops
New this year! Please join one of our hands-on DIY workshops for youth and families. This is a great way to meet other nature-loving families while doing a fun activity with your kids outdoors. Sign up for one or for all.
Join One of Our Free Family Workshops
Oak Gall Ink and Feather Pens (Ages 8-12)
Thursday, March 20, 2025 | 4:00–5:00 pm
Learn to make a feather quill and ink from nature’s surroundings.
REGISTER HERE
Wild Foraging Adventure (Ages 6-12)
Thursday, April 24, 2025 | 4:00–5:00 pm
Discover the many wild snacks and treats of the Bay Area’s natural ecosystem!
REGISTER HERE
DIY Backyard Fire-making (Ages 8-12)
Tuesday, May 13, 2025 | 4:00–5:30 pm
Learn to build and safely tend a campfire with our seasoned B’naiture mentors.
