Nevatim
About Nevatim
Nevatim (“sprouts”) is our newest branch of Youth Programs at Wilderness Torah, integrating Jewish rituals, tradition, and spirituality with a nature-based approach to early childhood education and parenting.
Our goal is to build community through shabbat programs, music and movement classes for young children, nature connection experiences, and parent education and enrichment.
Wilderness Torah programs are held outdoors. We plan to have events in Alameda County, Contra Costa County, Sonoma County, and San Francisco.
Upcoming Events
Sunday Fun Day: Get Ready for Shavuot
Sunday, June 2, 2024 | 3:30–5:00 pm
Chochmat HaLev (Berkeley, CA)
Join Wilderness Torah, Chochmat HaLev, PJ Library, Urban Adamah and members of Octopretzel, for an afternoon of music, snacks and crafting in a beautiful indoor/outdoor location. We will sing songs about the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, as well as songs about nature and connection. Enjoy this great opportunity to meet other local families with little ones!
Registration is $18/family
Register Here
Family Camp 2024
Thursday, August 8 – Sunday, August 11, 2024
Group Campground in the Sierra Foothills, 2 hours drive from the Bay Area
Come together with fellow nature-loving Jewish families for Wilderness Torah’s first ever family camp! Enjoy 3 nights camping next to the American River, catered organic meals, and a memorable weekend filled with relaxation, play, and Shabbat celebration.
Registration is Now Open
Check out program details on our family camp webpage.
Nevatim Program Leader
Melita Silberstein
Family & Nevatim Program Manager
Melita is a long-time educator and song-leader in the Bay Area Jewish community and beyond. She holds a degree in eco-psychology from the Naropa Institute and is also certified as an early childhood educator. She is the founding member of the popular Bay Area band for kids, Octopretzel and has also collaborated with fellow Jewish song-leader Isaac Zones; their joint albums were distributed internationally by PJ Library. Melita has received training in Music Together, Orff Shulwerk music education, Waldorf, and children’s yoga. Shas has recorded a lot of music for humans of all ages. You can find her music on Spotify, Apple Music and all other streaming platforms under Melita, Melita & Isaac, Octopretzel and Kid Kaleidoscope. To learn more you can visit her website.
Collaborations with Partner Organizations
Along with Tot Shabbats, holiday events, and music classes, we will partner with many other Jewish organizations across the Bay Area to build community with creative collaborative events and programs for families.
Our partners include:
Questions?
Our Approach to Diversity and Inclusion
Our Nevatim program welcomes youth and families from the diverse and beautiful spectrum of identity: Jews of color, LGBTQIA+ youth & families, Sephardi and Mizrahi Jews, and folks of a wide spectrum of Jewish observance and background. Throughout our programs, we honor both our common threads and our unique lived experiences.
This program is supported by the Rodan Family Foundation
