Per Eco-Jewish Education & Mentoring:
|
Connecting to the earth (natural world) with our
body, mind, and soul is essential to our individual well-being and life on this planet. Yaffa, with her deep connection to Judaism, superb teaching skills, and expansive knowledge of nature, helps people of all ages to experience Jewish learning outdoors in a meaningful way. In over 30 years of guiding people into the wilderness, to deepen their understanding of themselves, their world, and Judaism, I say with confidence that Yepeth Perla is one of the best in the field. —Rabbi Howard Cohen, Burning Bush Adventures |
“Yaffa uniquely blends her passion, knowledge, talents, and deep connection with nature and Judaism to create a transformative experience. She skillfully and sensitively leads people of all ages and levels in strengthening their kinship with the land, their Jewish roots, and their souls.” |
|
|
"I have worked with Jessica Rubin (Yaffa) in camps and at school for several years. Jessica is the BEST teacher you could possibly choose! She is understanding and patient when we don’t understand something. She always answers our questions and encourages us to discover more.
Jessica has taught me how to make fire with a bow-drill and hand-drill. She taught me how to identify different herbs, plants, and trees and their uses, including wild edibles. I also learned how to track animals and make things like cordage, baskets and quinzhees. My favorite thing she has taught me to build is a debris shelter. I LOVE Jessica." -Sylvia Sage H -Mentee since 2008 |
"Jessica/Yaffa has mentored my older daughter for 7 years, teaching her wildcraft skills from fire-building to making cordage to identifying wild edibles. In the process, my daughter has gained inner strength and outer confidence as well as an enduring love of the outdoors. Yaffa brings deep respect for nature, conscientious attention to safety, comprehensive knowledge of herbs and other plants, and the wisdom to bring spiritual depth to a child's experience of nature. I could not ask for a better role model for my daughters." -- Grace Holland, Maine (August 2014)
"....the girls truly had an amazing and transformative time with you and were very inspired and empowered by the trip.... I truly thank you for giving this gift to our girls." ----Emily Jones, Montpelier Vt (from a parent letter after our mini-paddling expedition on Lake Champlain August 2015)
Testimonials from teens who participated in the JCVT (co-facilitated by Roots & Trails) Teen Retreat:
“I loved spending time with “all y’all” because it was so nice to be with other Jewish teens who I can be in touch with. I loved staying up late and laughing and I loved the conversations that were either facilitated or not….My favorite part was the conversations that we had a teen group and how open I felt I could be with everyone. I learned that I ‘m getting better at speaking up and advocating for myself. I learned that everyone has so many similarities with each other. I also learned that there’s hope for the earth and for peace.” Navah Fried
‘I learned how to connect more Jewishly.”
“I liked learning new things and meeting new Jewish teens…I learned that other teens also struggle with how to honor Shabbas and friends on Fridays and Saturdays…I liked the balance. I enjoyed having time to relax…..with my friends as well as having time to learn new things in the workshops..... love to be part of a teen group ….enjoy connecting my Jewish faith with swimming or being outdoors as well as imbedding lots of Jewish music in… I enjoyed listening to the angel song before bed this weekend.” Lila Stratton
“Having a lot of choice…made the weekend more fun and safe feeling…I learned a lot about the Torah and Shabbas...connecting with other teens…is always fun to do.”
“I liked having choice in what to do and free time….I liked the songs….I learned how great it is to have even semi-observant people around for Shabbas.”
“I loved spending time with “all y’all” because it was so nice to be with other Jewish teens who I can be in touch with. I loved staying up late and laughing and I loved the conversations that were either facilitated or not….My favorite part was the conversations that we had a teen group and how open I felt I could be with everyone. I learned that I ‘m getting better at speaking up and advocating for myself. I learned that everyone has so many similarities with each other. I also learned that there’s hope for the earth and for peace.” Navah Fried
‘I learned how to connect more Jewishly.”
“I liked learning new things and meeting new Jewish teens…I learned that other teens also struggle with how to honor Shabbas and friends on Fridays and Saturdays…I liked the balance. I enjoyed having time to relax…..with my friends as well as having time to learn new things in the workshops..... love to be part of a teen group ….enjoy connecting my Jewish faith with swimming or being outdoors as well as imbedding lots of Jewish music in… I enjoyed listening to the angel song before bed this weekend.” Lila Stratton
“Having a lot of choice…made the weekend more fun and safe feeling…I learned a lot about the Torah and Shabbas...connecting with other teens…is always fun to do.”
“I liked having choice in what to do and free time….I liked the songs….I learned how great it is to have even semi-observant people around for Shabbas.”
©2024; 5784, Roots and Trails L3C
