Growing Into Self - Shvat Retreat - Israel

Yes! Lech-Lecha values equity and we do our best to engage every potential trekker regardless of financial ability. If you need a financial subsidy, please click here to fill out a scholarship application form.

All Lech-Lecha 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 trip, as we prepare by cooking dinner and bringing intention into our Shabbat together. We believe every Jewish person can cultivate a deep, meaningful connection to tradition and community. Lech-Lecha fosters this journey with love and openness while also respecting traditional Jewish observance. Our communal spaces fully observe Shabbat and Kashrut, offer time for prayer, and ensure programming aligns with halachic guidelines. Participants are always invited—but never pressured—to engage in these practices. At Lech-Lecha, the journey itself is the goal. We don’t push any particular outcome, but rather aim to inspire, empower, and deepen each participant’s unique Jewish path. That’s what Journey-Powered Judaism means. See you on the trail!

Information about what equipment to bring, including a detailed packing list, will be emailed to you following registration. For our backpacking treks: generally communal gear (tents, tarps, cooking equipment, water purification etc.) is all provided. Personal gear including pack, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad, is required and is your responsibility. Missing something? No worries! We offer gear rentals. Just let us know your needs in the registration form and your equipment will wait for you at the trailhead. For our retreats: communal gear (cooking equipment,) is provided. Personal items including appropriate footwear, is on you. Our retreats vary by location, sometimes pillows, blankets and the like are included, and sometimes you will need to bring them. This information is list under "About the Journey>Location" above.

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. 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 accommodate allergies and dietary restrictions.

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.

Your payment is fully refundable within 7 days of registration, as long as you've registered at least 2 weeks prior to your trek. If you cancel more than 2 weeks before the event, you’ll receive a refund on your deposit. If you cancel within 2 weeks of the trek your payment is no longer refundable barring extenuating circumstances.