Living the Seasons: Jewish Families in Nature

Developed for families with children ages 5–13 of all Jewish backgrounds and experiences, this new series allows families to connect to each other, the Denver Jewish community, and to nature, through Jewish tradition and values. Educators will facilitate families experiencing nature through a Jewish lens as we move through a cycle of the seasons. All familieswill receive a copy of Spirit in Nature: Teaching Judaism and Ecology on the Trail, by Matt Biers-Ariel, Deborah Newbrun, and Michal Fox Smart which, will be used as a guide to this series.

4 Part Series

Part 1 September 23rd – Fall Harvest: A growing understanding of ecology can lead to actions of loving-kindness toward the earth and the living plants and animals we share with it. Visit a local farm and celebrate the sunshine that allows our food to grow.”

Part 2 January 26th – Winter: Tu B’Shvat Havdalah – Being Jewish is an experience of the senses. Warm your fingers fromthe light of a braided candle, smell the spices, taste the fruit of our earth, and see the stars in the sky. Celebrate Tu B’Shevat (the birthday of the trees) and Havdalah (the separation of Shabbat and the rest of the week) with our Living the Seasons community.

Part 3 May 5th – Spring: Garden Experience – Grow the spices of life. Plant with your family as you further appreciate the earth’s awakening and celebrate the beginning of spring at a local garden.

Part 4 August 9th-August 11th – Summer: Family Camp – Culminate your family’s experience at the JCC Ranch Camp and enjoy a weekend in Colorado’s Black Forest Mountains. We will welcome Deborah Newbrun, author of Spirit in Nature: Teaching Judaism and Ecology on the Trail, as our guide and scholar in residence.

Full Calendar Next 30 Days