| Kehilat Yesod is more than a leadership program — it’s a journey of growth, connection, and adventure for post-B’nei Mitzvah Jewish youth.
Through deep engagement with Jewish teachings and rituals, hands-on wilderness skills, and a meaningful relationship with the Earth, participants gain confidence, resilience, and a deeper sense of self, all within a supportive and vibrant Jewish community. |
SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER!
|
Sign up when you’re ready – registration closes on July 31st! If you have questions about the program, please email Paul Kitz, the Program Coordinator, at paul@shoresh.ca.
- Familiarity with Jewish tradition, stories, and teachings;
- Environmental values, ecological knowledge, and naturalist skills; and
- Maturity, responsibility, and activism.
OVERVIEW:
Monthly Meetings
| We will gather together for community sharing circles, storytelling, wild-crafting, and more one Sunday evening a month in a community space, public park, or at Shoresh HQ at Dufferin and St. Clair. |
Immersive Experiences
|
Fall Farm Shabbaton (September 2025) Winter Camping Overnight (February 2026) Spring Canoe Trip Shabbaton (May 2026) |
PARTICIPANTS:
Kehilat Yesod is a community of Jewish youth in Grades 8-12 who are engaging in a hands-on, meaningful leadership program that brings Jewish values, rituals and teachings to life through deep connection with the natural world. Most participants decide to return year after year, growing their skills, deepening the community, and mentoring novice teens. All levels of Jewish learning and practice are welcome.
This program has limited space and involves an application and interview process. You are welcome to apply if you are in Grade 9, 10 or 11. Grade 8 students can apply if they have already completed Shoresh’s Yesod B’nei Mitzvah program. If you are in Grade 8 and have not been through Yesod, please apply for the Yesod B’nei Mitzvah Journey.
We are looking for those who express an interest in all three of the following and have significant experience in items 1 or 2:
- Personal growth, community service, or leadership;
- Immersion and experiences in nature; and
- Jewish practices, teachings, or community.
PRICING:
The base cost of the Kehilat Yesod Leadership Program is $1,300 (with sliding scale options from $1000-$1,600 /participant), which includes monthly meetings and the opening Shabbaton. Two opt-in immersive experiences (winter camping and canoe trips) can be added on for a base cost of $500 each ($350-$650 sliding scale). Generous subsidies are available within the registration portal below.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
How did Kehilat Yesod start?
The program was originally designed for graduates of the Yesod B’nei Mitzvah Journey. Now, we are excited to expand a growing community of like-minded teens, regardless of whether or not they had an opportunity to participate in our B’nei Mitzvah program!
Yesod, meaning “foundation” in Hebrew, was the starting point for many Kehilat Yesod participants. There, participants were guided as a group through a coming-of-age process, asking themselves: “who am I as a responsible person in this world?” Kehilat Yesod (“foundation community” in Hebrew) expands on this first step, asking: “how do I want to relate to others?” and “what does it mean to form responsible communities?”
Who are the staff mentors?
Learn more about our team of staff here.
How can I learn more?
Get in touch with our Program Coordinator, Paul Kitz, at paul@shoresh.ca.
Information and Accessibility
For more information or to discuss any accessibility needs you have in order to be able to participate in Kehilat Yesod, please contact Paul Kitz, Program Coordinator, at paul@shoresh.ca or call 416-805-8382.