Derech HaTeva
Derech Hateva (
History
Derech Hateva was founded in 2002 by Yael Ukeles, a New York native and outdoor educator.[1] The program was created connect Jews with Israel and to stress the connection that exists between Judaism and nature. The organization began as an outgrowth of Ukeles' earlier program Teva Adventure and was incubated by SPNI (Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel) for its first years.
Derech Hateva is modeled after environmental programs in the United States like National Outdoor Leadership School and Outward Bound. The idea is to create educational opportunities by placing participants out in nature without modern conveniences, creating self and group reliance.
The first two summers were only open to religious Jewish teenagers. In 2007, it opened to young people from multi-denominational backgrounds in multiple sessions.[2]
Programs
The main program is the Israel Trail Teen Adventure (ITTA), a month-long hiking program covering some 215 kilometers in northern and southern Israel. The program is divided into gender-segregated groups with each group operating independently.[3]
Elements of the program include hiking and biking in areas mentioned in the
Other programs include smaller trips and educational programming covering topics such as
See also
- Israel National Trail
- Tourism in Israel
- Jewish education
- Scouting in Israel
References
- ^ "Ukeles bio". Archived from the original on 2009-02-20. Retrieved 2009-08-13.
- ^ a b Program Lets Teens Find 'Way of Nature'. Michelle Mostovy-Eisenberg, May 15, 2008, Jewish Exponent
- ^ [permanent dead link] On the right track. Paula Margulies, The Jerusalem Post
- ^ Derech Hateva website