Jack Deitz first enrolled in Shoresh Outdoor School in 2022. As one of the youngest ever Shoresh Outdoor School students, Jack thrived as he frolicked in the snow-covered Williamson Ravine with his new friends and educators. His parents, Samantha Green and Peter Deitz, could quickly see that Jack became more at ease in the outdoors through the program.

When Samantha and Peter first enrolled Jack, they were seeking a values-aligned way to empower him to build a connection to nature from a young age. What Jack’s family hadn’t anticipated was the extent to which Shoresh would also serve as a meaningful anchor to their Jewish identity and community. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Outside of Shoresh, we’re not really involved in any other kind of Jewish community. Shoresh has become our Jewish home,” Peter shared. “Sending our kids outside to connect with their Jewish identity and to meet other kids who share that identity is what we want for them.”

Through Shoresh Outdoor School, Jack became one of our Shomrei Adamah, embracing the Jewish value of stewarding the earth. He developed a deep connection to Williamson Ravine over time and learned about the threat of development to our wild spaces. Jack’s growing connection to Judaism through nature has had a ripple effect in the family. His younger sister, Florence, has followed in his footsteps as a new Shoresh Outdoor Schooler, and their littlest sibling, Rosalie, can’t wait to join when she’s old enough.

For the Jack and his family, Shoresh has become a place where nature and Judaism intersect, enriching their lives in unexpected ways. Through Shoresh’s programs and events, Samantha, Peter, and their kids have found a nourishing community and a deeper connection to their values.

Help Shoresh continue enabling Jewish nature connection for young people like Jack. Donate today.