News Highlights “Jewish by Nature”
“There is more to outdoor education than playing in the woods. Through connecting kids with nature in the ya’ar (woodlands) that grows in the synagogue’s backyard, we are giving them the gift of a hands-on and nature-based Jewish education experience like no other.” — Cantor Jenn Boyle `20, Education Director at Congregation Beth Am Israel
Cantor Boyle was featured in the August 8, 2024 Philadelphia Jewish Exponent story entitled “Congregation Beth Am Israel Combines Nature and Learning.” Together with Rabbi Aya Baron, she created a Jewish curriculum called Jewish By Nature centered around themes of blessings, prayers, Torah, values and holidays— in the woods!
The program includes Nitzanim (sprouts) for kids up to five years of age, Shorashim (roots) for grades K-7 and BAI Teens for grades 8-12.
“The woods are our classroom,” Boyle said. “Time outside is critical for the development of children and, after a long day of school, the last thing many kids want or need is to spend more time inside. Our kids learn by connecting with the natural world around them,” says Boyle who eared ordination and an MJEd from Hebrew College in 2020.