Yesod, Hebrew for “foundation,” is a year-long, nature-based B’nei Mitzvah experience for youth in Grades 7 and 8 seeking a meaningful rite of passage that weaves Jewish wisdom and ritual, nature connection, and wilderness skills with community and identity building.
Want to learn more about Yesod? Sign up for our upcoming Virtual Info Night on Wednesday, April 2nd, or email Paul Kitz, the Program Coordinator, at paul@shoresh.ca.
Register for Yesod 2025-2026 before April 12 for an Early Bird Discount!
Running from September to June, Yesod offers an environmentally conscious, non-denominational Jewish rite-of-passage that leads to long-term nature connection and engagement in Jewish community, by building:
- Familiarity with Jewish tradition, stories, and teachings;
- Environmental values, ecological knowledge, and naturalist skills;
- Maturity, responsibility, and activism.
OVERVIEW:
Yamim (Days) B’Nature
| One Sunday a month – Outdoor gatherings in Ontario’s natural spaces, where participants build their wilderness skills and awareness while engaging in experiential learning about Jewish cycles, wisdom, and history. |
Evenings B’Yachad (Together)
| One Wednesday a month – involves community sharing circles, storytelling, and wild crafting to create unique Jewish ritual objects using natural materials. |
Shabbaton Canoe Trip and Graduation
| An annual canoe trip focused on unearthing the awe of Creation through the practice of Shabbat, as well as a gathering of the wider community, including Yesod families, to celebrate this milestone. |
PRICING:
The cost of the Yesod B’nei Mitzvah Journey is sliding scale, from $2700-$3300 /participant (break-even cost is $3000/participant). Generous subsidies are available. To apply for a subsidy, please email paul@shoresh.ca. Options for subsidy exist within the registration portal.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Who is this for?
Yesod is for Jewish youth in Grades 7 and 8 (bar / bat / b. mitzvah age) who are seeking a hands-on, meaningful rite-of-passage experience that brings Jewish values, rituals and teachings to life through deep connection with the natural world. Yesod might be the right fit for:
- someone wondering how Judaism applies to their life or where they fit within Jewish tradition;
- someone looking for an alternative to the traditional b’nei mitzvah experience;
- and/or someone looking to ground and guide their b’nei mitzvah preparations and celebrations in Jewish wisdom, the outdoors and intentional community.
All levels of Jewish learning and practice are welcome.
How can I learn more?
If you’re not sure yet if this is the right program for you, read about one of our days with a former cohort here.
Information and Accessibility
For more information, or to discuss any accessibility needs you have in order to be able to participate in Yesod, please contact Paul Kitz, Yesod Program Coordinator, at paul@shoresh.ca or call 416-805-8382.