Editorial about Wilderness Torah on jWeekly.com
Planting our Jewish roots outdoors is a great idea
Thursday June 4th, 2009 – Editorial
We think Wilderness Torah is on to something.
Our story this week on page 4 shines a light on Wilderness Torah, a fledgling, volunteer-led Jewish organization that is striving to make a connection between Judaism and nature — linking the two through holidays, rituals, food and outdoor encounters.
To celebrate Shavuot last week, for example, the East Bay–based group organized an all-night outdoor study session, called a Tikkun Leyl Shavuot, at a campsite in Mount Tamalpais State Park. Many of the 75 attendees had not set foot in a synagogue in years, but were thrilled to find an organization and an event that married their Jewish soul with their passion for the environment.
This mix of innovation and tradition has already caught the attention of UpStart Bay Area, a nonprofit organization that incubates Jewish ideas and helps them stand on their own two feet.
But while Wilderness Torah is getting training and support as part of UpStart’s first run in the Bay Area, like any new entity, it will need money to grow.
Imagine what a startup like Wilderness Torah could do with proper financial support: communal holiday celebrations on farms, in deserts, under redwoods; farm and garden education through a Jewish lens for children and families; a fellowship for young adults that simultaneously teaches about Judaism and sustainable agriculture.
All make the Jewish tent bigger, broader, more alive.
Clearly, organizations like Wilderness Torah could potentially transform the Jewish community. Unaffiliated individuals and families could reconnect to Judaism by getting outdoors. Where better to reinvigorate Jewish life? Nature welcomes everyone.
These are times of scarce resources. All nonprofits have felt effects of the recession. It makes sense that some established Jewish institutions might worry about precious dollars targeted for new, untested programs.
But an entity like Wilderness Torah should not be seen as competition with synagogues. Rather it is a partner, an access point, a gateway to a deeper Jewish life. Everybody wins.
Many synagogues across the Bay are already onto this trend, organizing outdoor Shabbat and Havdallah services throughout the summer. What’s unique and commendable about Wilderness Torah — and why it might appeal to a wide range of Jews — is that its focus is equal parts nature and Judaism.
Experiencing nature and Judaism in the open promotes an understanding of the world around us, and an appreciation for the spirit within. Both are crucial in these challenging times.
Judaism began under the skies. We applaud Wilderness Torah for taking a step back outside.
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