What we’re about
Welcome to all nature lovers who want to practice Jewish observance in partnership with Mother Nature and the Earth. We will observe shabbat and other holidays in nature, invoking our tradition and our tradition's wisdom about nature. Nature will be a participant in and support our spiritual growth, and as a result we will also deepen our connection to the Earth.
While this is primarily a Jewish group, ALL are welcome. I will borrow from the variety of practices that I have learned, not just purely Jewish ones. We are all from one Spirit, so the connection to Spirit is essentially universal, but we just might use that funny-sounding Hebrew language sometimes to get there. This group may also be good for folks who don't feel connected to the standard synagogue Judaism and feel some spiritual pull in nature, as many do. Those who are members of a synagogue are more than welcome as well to get your nature fix with a Jewish, spiritual flavor.
What do these observances look like? An example would be shabbat observance in the mountains. We gather and open with some nature-attunement, proceed with some blessings, chants, contemplation, and then engage in some wanders or other nature-connection activity. These activities tend to be more contemplative. No rock climbing or ropes courses involved :-). We come back to finish the service, and then like any Jewish activity...we eat. We have a kiddush and discuss and learn or engage in more nature activities.
While these observances are not hikes, if people are interested, we can plan some separate hikes on other days.
If you are interested in seeing where I'm coming from in this and some background on my earth-based spiritual direction, please see my web site: https://www.jonspiritualdirection.com.
