B’hootz
B’hootz
Bringing Judaism’s Earth-Based Rhythms & Teachings to Life Through the Seasons
4th—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.
Applications for B'hootz Etzim (Grades 4–5) are Now Open
APPLY NOWB’hootz Parent 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 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 parent
Experience and learn about Jewish tradition in the forest!
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, 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
2024-25 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: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Meeting Dates:
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.
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2 Make-up Days:
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Application Information
2024-25 Tuition for B’hootz
| Regular Price | $1700 |
| Refer-a-Friend | $1600 (Please indicate on your registration who you refer. When they register you will receive a $100 refund) |
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.
Financial Aid for B’hootz
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.
