Spirit in Nature: Teaching Judaism and Ecology on the Trail - Softcover

Biers-Ariel, Matt; Newbrun, Deborah; Smart, Michal Fox

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0874416868 ISBN 13: 9780874416862

Publisher: Behrman House, 2000

Synopsis

This pioneering guide book awakens hikers of all ages to the miracles of God's creations along the trail. Each discovery revealed through the book's 27 engaging activities becomes an adventure of the senses and the spirit as hikers recite blessings over natural phenomena, "build a tree" with their bodies, and recreate the rainbow of colors that adorn fields and trees and stones. A special index highlights the connection between key Jewish values and the wonder of nature.

About this title

From the Publisher

Experience the beauty and wonder of nature through--Jewish eyes. Spirit in Nature awakens hikers of all ages to the miracle of God's creations. Building on Jewish sources, this essential guide fosters respect for the living things that inhabit the woods and wilderness; its activities reveal the wisdom of Jewish tradition in safeguarding and preserving the environment. Spirit in Nature will guide camp directors, counselors, teachers, religious leaders, parents, and youth group leaders in nourishing the spiritual lives of hikers exploring the natural world.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Observation: Moses Style In order to properly attend to the needs of a flock, a shepherd must be acutely aware of the surrounding environment: the weather, possibilities for shelter, sources of food and water, and the presence of predators. If you have ever watched a campfire, for example, you know it takes quite a while until you notice the wood burning up. Moses, a shepherd, was so keenly observant that he spotted a bush that was burning without being consumed. Moses had to watch for a long time to make his observation. Perhaps that is one of the reasons God chose Moses: In him, God had a patient and observant leader. Ages: 7 and up Hikers' Goals: To observe the colors in nature with heightened awareness Materials: Paper paint samples from a paint or hardware store, cut into one- inch color squares Procedure: This activity is a great walking game. Tell the story of the burning bush, focusing on Moses' ability to observe. Give a paint square to each hiker. Ask the hikers to match the color exactly to something they find along the way. Encourage them to be as observant as Moses. Debriefing: Examine together the items the hikers found to match their paint squares. Questions to Ask Hikers: Did the Moses story influence the way you searched? Did your patience help you to observe more? Which colors were hardest to match? Why?

Edition details

• Publisher: Behrman House
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 0874416868
• ISBN 13: 9780874416862
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 80