This trek will be led by Sophia Katz. Sophia is a very experienced Lech-Lecha guide, an awesome human being, and a great trail companion. You can learn more about her here.

This is an intermediate to advanced backpacking trek.

We will cover approximately 10.5 miles and 2500 feet of elevation gain over three days of hiking.

Participants should be comfortable hiking with a full backpack for multiple consecutive days.

See the trail map here (final itinerary subject to change depending on weather and trail conditions).

This trek takes place in the Camel Hump State Park, in Vermont's Green Mountains, one of the most iconic wilderness areas in the northeastern United States.

Our route climbs to the summit of Camel's Peak, providing us with spectacular views of the area.

• 5.5 hours from New York City

• 3 hours from Boston

(Subject to change depending on weather and trail conditions)

Thursday, September 3

In order to get a proper start on Friday, cover the miles we need to cover, and have time to set up for Shabbat, we need to be at the trail at 9am on Friday morning. If you prefer, you can arrive and camp near the trailhead for Thursday night. We will have staff there.

Day 1 – Friday, September 4

Start time: 9am

Distance: 3 miles

Elevation: +500 feet

We will be hiking in for about three miles before reaching Hump Brook campsite. We will set up an eruv and prepare for a beautiful Shabbat in the mountains.

Day 2 – Saturday, September 5

We will spend Shabbat resting in the forest, sharing meals together, and enjoying the quiet of the mountains.

Day 3 – Sunday, September 6

Distance: 5 miles

Elevation Loss: +2000 ft

This is going to be a beautiful but challenging day, as we summit Camel's Hump and settle in for the night at Bamford Ridge Shelter.

Day 4 – Monday, September 7

Distance: 2.5 miles

Elevation: negligible

Today, we wake up, finish the couple miles to the trailhead, close our trip, and perhaps take a nice swim in the nearby river.

Lech-Lecha provides:

• All kosher food

• Tents

• Cooking equipment and stoves

• All communal gear

Participants must bring:

• Backpack

• Sleeping bag

• Sleeping pad

• Hiking boots or trail shoes

• Weather-appropriate hiking clothing

Gear can be rented from us if needed.

Rosh Hashannah: From The Field to the Heart

This trek takes place during a unique moment in the Jewish calendar: the transition from Elul into Tishrei, from preparation into renewal.

Elul is traditionally understood as the time when the Melech baSadeh—the King is in the field. It is a season of seeking, reflection, and honest encounter. As we walk through forests and mountains, we'll explore what it means to step out of our daily routines and into the "field": a space where we can listen more deeply, grapple with who we are, and reconnect with what matters most.

As we move toward Tishrei and the High Holidays, we'll ask: What have we learned about ourselves? What patterns, relationships, or ways of being are we ready to release? What qualities do we hope to cultivate in the year ahead?

Through hiking, wilderness, Jewish learning, and shared community, we'll use our time in the mountains as an opportunity not only to reflect on the year that has passed, but also to intentionally shape the one that is beginning.

We welcome people of all levels of Jewish observance. Our trips are structured to ensure that participants who observe Shabbat and kashrut can do so comfortably.

Participants will arrive before Shabbat on Friday afternoon and spend the day resting together in the mountains before beginning the hike on Sunday.

All food provided by Lech-Lecha is kosher, and the schedule allows participants to comfortably observe Shabbat.

To learn more about this trek, please contact:

Noam Levenson – Noam@lechlechajourneys.org

Director of Programming

Or our trek leaders: Sophia Katz (katz.sophia@gmail.com)