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 Passover
Sunday, April 7, 2024
Temple Beth Abraham (Oakland, CA)
Come sing, dance and prepare for Passover with Jen Altman from Jewish Baby Network and Melita Silberstein from Wilderness Torah. Jen and Melita are also members of the Bay area kids band, Octopretzel. We will be joined by Rebecca Feigelson form PJ Library and Temple Beth Abraham with Passover related crafts and activities.
Registration is Free
Learn More & Register HereFamily 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, schedule, and registration fees on our family camp webpage.
Roots & Rhythms: A 6-part musical learning series for youth ages 2-7 & their parents
6 Wednesdays, May 1 – June 5, 2024 | 4:00-6:00 pm PST
May 1, May 8, May 15, May 22, May 29, June 5
Park in Berkeley Hills (Exact location provided upon registration).
Join us for an engaging and interactive musical learning series for both children between the ages of 2–7 and their parents/caregivers. For the first half of the class, there will be a music and learning session facilitated by Melita Silberstein.
After a short break, parents will separate from their child for a 45 minute parent session, facilitated by Dan Schindelman Schoen and Rabbi Zelig, covering different topics related to earth-based Judaism and parenting. During that time, kids will have a snack while Melita guides a crafting or other fun activity for the remaining time.
Registration is Now Open
Registration Fees:
- $360 for first parent + child
- $100 for each additional parent or child
- Babies 18 mos. and under are free
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.