September 2024 Elul on the Lake Basecamp Retreat

Binah Bodkin, our amazing trek leader shares a Rosh Chodesh Elul Blessing for the Lech-Lecha Community, and invites YOU to join her for "Elul on the Lake" Basecamp Retreat.

Join with other Jewish 20's & 30's of Lech-Lecha לך-לך for our Elul on the Lake Basecamp Retreat 2024!

Connect with a community of young Jews to strengthen our hearts and souls as we prepare ourselves for the High Holidays. Nestled in Blairstown, New Jersey at the AMC's Mohican Outdoor Center, just 2 hours from New York City.

2 hours from NYC + Philly
No hiking experience needed.
Cost:$195

​Bring a friend, connect with old friends, and be strengthened on your Jewish Journey.
https://www.explorelechlecha.org/elul...

Lech-Lecha לך-לך facilitates empowering outdoor adventures and communal journeys for Jews in their 20s & 30s that catalyze personal development and spiritual growth, connection with the wonder of Hashem’s creation, meaningful interpersonal relationships, and joyful community deeply rooted in Torah and a holistic approach to Jewish life and practice.

It’s not only a great way to get out of the city and refresh your soul, it is a great way to meet other young, outdoorsy Jews, and connect in an organic way to the Jewish community. Our treks are an experience within themselves, but that is just where the journey begins. We are well networked and hope to help you find Jewish connections when you return home as well.
Many of our trekkers return to the trail year after year, and join us for retreats in the Fall and winter. Every encounter is something new.

All our treks and retreats are co-created with the trek participants. We believe that each Jewish soul has something to learn, and something to contribute. And when we bring all of our gifts together, something beautiful can arise.
​Scholarships are Available.
Lech-Lecha treks are all-inclusive (gear, menu, food, and planning) except a few items we rent (backpacks, sleeping pads, and sleeping bags), and transportation to and from the trailhead (although we DO coordinate ridesharing). You bring your your sense of adventure and an open mind, and we meet you there with our experienced and trained trek leaders, a Jewish flavor to all that we do, and together we will co-create connections, a sense of belonging, and life long memories.
FAQs
Observance: What does Pluralism Look Like in Practice?
We believe that every Jewish person can have and would benefit from having a deep connection to our tradition and our people. We believe that every Jewish person can live and would benefit from living an empowered and engaged Jewish journey of curiosity, discovery, learning, and practice. We seek to foster this connection and enliven this journey with love and openness.
Lech-Lecha also values creating a space that invites and respects traditional observance of Torah and Mitzvot. In addition to seeking to meet the needs of traditionally observant participants, we believe that there is a power and wonder to experiencing traditional Jewish observance especially as it comes to life in the wilderness, uniquely facilitating communal and spiritual connection.
Therefore, no matter who the participants are, all communal contexts of Lech-Lecha experiences formally observe Shabbat and Kashrut, offer time for traditional prayer, and cater programming to fall within halachic bounds, and individuals are invited - but never forced - to lean into the communal aspects of our trek.
The journey is the destination. In other words, we don't pressure for any particular outcome or enforce any personal practice – the Lech-Lecha experience aims to inspire, empower, & deepen each participant's own unique – and joyful! – Jewish journey. This is a big part of what Journey-Powered Judaism means. We hope to meet you on the trail!

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.

Walk with us! Learn more at www.explorelechlecha.org