"Using a natural pool off of a waterfall as a mikvah after one of the most difficult hikes of my life with people I grew so close to in such a short time was a transcendental experience. " - Aviel D., 2023 White Mountains Trekker
2023 Trek Highlights
We had an incredible season this past summer. So many great memories, great people, great locations, and great connections! The summer has come to an end, but we are only just beginning!
We had an incredible season this past summer. So many great memories, great people, great locations, and great connections! The summer has come to an end, but we are only just beginning!
2023 Tales from the Trail:
"Lech-Lecha is the future of Jewish people. Connecting to our Jewish roots, the earth, ourselves, and those around us. Lech-Lecha brings ancient wisdom and traditions to life." - Menucha C., 2023 Appalachian Trail Trekker
"[Lech-Lech Treks] foster a connection between people and nature, through a Jewish lens. I think the Jewish part is often missing unless you go to Jewish Camp (and even sometimes in those cases the Jewish aspect is watered down). On Lech-Lech trips both aspects (Jewish and nature) are important." - Eve M., 2023 Midwest Traverse
"It’s a truly integrative process in both the internal and interpersonal group sphere unlike any other I’ve experienced. I appreciated the depth of safety and support created by the soulfulness, sensitivity, top-notch facilitation, care and authenticity shining through the trek leader’s direction and intentionality at every step of the journey. YES! 🙌 [Lech-Lecha] IS THE FUTURE. I can’t see a better way forward for the Jewish people as a whole than organically breaking down the walls between within and without that (literally) separate Jews from nature, from emergent and eternal wisdom encapsulated as much in life as in Torah, from each other, and from humanity and the planet as a whole."
- Aura G., 2023 White Mountains Trekker, & 2023 Catskills Challenge Trekker
"Lech-Lecha is the future of Jewish people. Connecting to our Jewish roots, the earth, ourselves, and those around us. Lech-Lecha brings ancient wisdom and traditions to life." - Menucha C., 2023 Appalachian Trail Trekker
"[Lech-Lech Treks] foster a connection between people and nature, through a Jewish lens. I think the Jewish part is often missing unless you go to Jewish Camp (and even sometimes in those cases the Jewish aspect is watered down). On Lech-Lech trips both aspects (Jewish and nature) are important." - Eve M., 2023 Midwest Traverse
"It’s a truly integrative process in both the internal and interpersonal group sphere unlike any other I’ve experienced. I appreciated the depth of safety and support created by the soulfulness, sensitivity, top-notch facilitation, care and authenticity shining through the trek leader’s direction and intentionality at every step of the journey. YES! 🙌 [Lech-Lecha] IS THE FUTURE. I can’t see a better way forward for the Jewish people as a whole than organically breaking down the walls between within and without that (literally) separate Jews from nature, from emergent and eternal wisdom encapsulated as much in life as in Torah, from each other, and from humanity and the planet as a whole."
- Aura G., 2023 White Mountains Trekker, & 2023 Catskills Challenge Trekker
A Sample of the Summer Treks We Facilitate
Appalachian Trail Adventure, PA
Central PA, 1 hour from Philly, 3 hours from NYC
Trek Level: Intermediate The Pennsylvania Appalachian Trail is one of the hidden gems of the Northeast. Cross trickling streams and raging rivers, experience the sweet silence of remote backcountry wilderness, and top gorgeous mountain peaks. No previous backpacking experience required. White Mountains, NH
NH, 2 hrs from Boston, 5 hrs from NYC
Trek Level: Advanced We invite you to adventure with us along Mt. Carrigan Loop, one of our most popular in 2021 and 2022, into the vast and vibrant White Mountains, over majestic peaks and breathtaking views, meandering through magical waterfalls and camping on Alpine Lake for Shabbat. Challenge yourself and encounter your power. |
Midwest Traverse, WI
1 hr from Madison, WI, 3 hrs from Chicago
Trek Level: Intermediate Governor Dodge State Park: Lost Canyon Trail and Meadow Valley Trail Loop A steady hike through a beautiful forest, along a babbling brook. Take in views of a waterfall & caves. Shabbat secluded in the backcountry wilderness situated adjacent to Twin Valley Lake is the highlight of this trek! Great company, great workout. Unplug and Recharge. Catskills Challenge, NY
NY, 4 hrs from Boston, 2.5 hrs from NYC
Trek Level: Intermediate During the Catskills Challenge, we will pass some of the most beautiful spots in Balsam Lake Mountain Wild Forest. We will start by hiking by the picturesque Alder Lake and continuing along the Mill Brook Ridge Trail. The summit of Balsam Lake Mountain has a fire tower that can be climbed offering incredible views. Spend shabbat surrounded by Hashem's beautiful creation. |
FAQs
Observance: What does Pluralism Look Like in Practice?
All adventures are Kosher and Shomer Shabbat, honoring individual practice and fully supporting observance of mitzvot. Friday afternoon has always been the peak of every Lech-Lecha adventure, as we prepare by cooking dinner, gathering water, building the Eiruv and bringing intention into our Shabbat together.
cost
Lech-Lecha values equity and we do our best to engage every potential trekker no matter their financial ability. If you are in need of a financial subsidy, please list the scholarship amount that you would like to receive on your registration form.
A $72 down payment is requested upon registration in order to secure your spot.
A $72 down payment is requested upon registration in order to secure your spot.
Food: What's it like?
Our trekkers rate our food at an astounding 9.5/10. Our secret? They cook it! With the support of our Trek Leaders, trekkers are proud of and excited to partake in their creations.
A Sample Menu:
Breakfast: Oats, cereal, eggs (occasionally), powdered milk, nuts (if participants are without allergies) or dried fruit.
Lunches: Wraps, tuna, cheese, veggies, PB & J, and Nutella.
Dinners: Rice & sweet potato lentil dahl, mac & cheese, shepherds pie with instant mashed potatoes & veggie sausage, backcountry pizza, or quinoa tofu with zucchini. A special smoked meat treat is served on Shabbat as well.
All food is fully kosher based on CRC standards.
We are happy to make accommodations necessary for other allergies and eating habits.
A Sample Menu:
Breakfast: Oats, cereal, eggs (occasionally), powdered milk, nuts (if participants are without allergies) or dried fruit.
Lunches: Wraps, tuna, cheese, veggies, PB & J, and Nutella.
Dinners: Rice & sweet potato lentil dahl, mac & cheese, shepherds pie with instant mashed potatoes & veggie sausage, backcountry pizza, or quinoa tofu with zucchini. A special smoked meat treat is served on Shabbat as well.
All food is fully kosher based on CRC standards.
We are happy to make accommodations necessary for other allergies and eating habits.
Safety
Every Lech-Lecha trek is guided by an experienced and trained wilderness guide. All staff are First Aid and CPR trained. Some are Wilderness First Responders, as well.
Every trek is accompanied by a Satellite communication device to be used in case of emergency when the group is out of cellular service. It is important to note that there is inherent risk in wilderness adventure in which participants are at times hours from the closest road resulting in slow response time from emergency crews and difficulty of evacuation. That being said, we are grateful that no Lech-Lecha participant has faced serious injury that has required evacuation or the use of our SAT device and we do our best to ensure that this remains true for the future.
Every trek is accompanied by a Satellite communication device to be used in case of emergency when the group is out of cellular service. It is important to note that there is inherent risk in wilderness adventure in which participants are at times hours from the closest road resulting in slow response time from emergency crews and difficulty of evacuation. That being said, we are grateful that no Lech-Lecha participant has faced serious injury that has required evacuation or the use of our SAT device and we do our best to ensure that this remains true for the future.
Gear and Rental
Communal gear - tents, tarps, cooking equipment, water purification, and the like is all provided. Personal gear including pack, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad, is on you.
Missing some of your personal gear? We've got your back. You can rent backpacks, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads in the registration form.
Please save some room in your gear for some of the communal gear.
Missing some of your personal gear? We've got your back. You can rent backpacks, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads in the registration form.
Please save some room in your gear for some of the communal gear.
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