B'hootz at Wilderness Torah

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Educational Models

B’hootz is a program that integrates Jewish spirituality, tradition, and wisdom with nature-based exploration and mentorship (Design Principle 4). It focuses on guiding children through the Hebrew calendar's nature-based rhythms in small groups led by passionate mentors. Through empowering, hands-on activities like fire making, wild food processing, and basketry, children connect with Jewish concepts and deepen their relationship with nature (Design Principle 6). B’hootz welcomes youth and families from diverse backgrounds, fostering a connection between Judaism and the natural world, while honoring both commonalities and unique aspects of their lives (Design Principles 2, 3).

Organization Name:

Wilderness Torah

Program Name:

B’hootz

Location:

Berkeley, California

Program Website:

www.wildernesstorah.org

Grades of Participants:

Kindergarten-5th Grade

Number of Participants:

Target Audience:

B’hootz serves all nature-loving Jewish and Jew-ish families. Queer, non-affiliated, Jews of Color, of dual and multiple heritage families are all welcome.

Schedule:

The program takes place 2 Sundays per month, 10am-3pm, and culminates with an overnight camping trip.

The Program Space:

B’hootz meets in the Redwoods. Participants explore nature, rain or shine, observe critters, redirect rain water, carve and make art from harvested materials and take in the inspiring healing gifts of the place.

Staff

Each B’hootz group is led by one incredible part-time educator, as well as two teen mentors who are graduates from Wilderness Torah’s teen programs. Together, the Wilderness Torah staff assist in the leadership and development of B’hootz and its programming.

Goals

Experience the magic of creation in nature

Learn Jewish tradition with imaginative and adventurous play

Develop comfort and ease in the outdoors

Connect mind-heart-body with Jewish identity

Cultivate hands-on wilderness skills

Practice and build resilience

Guiding Values:

B’hootz aims to meet the needs of the whole child, not just their brain. Our curriculum is balanced to nurture a child’s body, emotions, mind, and spirit. We believe this is how humans learn best.

Origin Story

This program emerged to give an alternative for families for whom the traditional Hebrew school model was not working. B’hootz empowered students to step out of the classroom, bring Judaism to life and find its relevancy, and establish a meaningful connection with Judaism and others in the community.

Creating Jewish Community

A main tenant of B’hootz is the celebration of the Hebrew calendar and Jewish holidays. A community is formed by bringing in families to learn and experience the Redwoods together; they engage in Jewish teachings in an accessible, fun, and team-building environment. Together, staff, mentors, and participants not only learn about Judaism, but work together to cultivate hands-on skills to reinforce the Jewish teachings.

Creating Content-Rich and Accessible Learning

B’hootz employs several different tactics to create content-rich learning. Through the Hebrew calendar, learning songs and prayers, getting familiar with Jewish stories and characters, practicing Jewish ritual, and crafting Jewish artifacts, participants have several modalities to connect to Judaism.

Creative Values-Based Learning

B’hootz creates values-based learning through storytelling, activities that highlight specific values, and via the connection to nature and people.

Creating Life-Relevant Learning

B'hootz creates life-relevant learning by integrating skill-building and confidence-building activities within a Jewish context. Through hands-on, children connect deeply with the Judaism and each other as they simultaneously build their independence and confidence as individuals . This nature-based program not only fosters practical skills but also strengthens Jewish identity and spirituality, culminating in an enriching overnight camping trip.