The Teva Learning Center

The Teva Learning Center exists to renew the ecological wisdom inherent in Judaism and to provide a unique Jewish lens through which to view some of the crucial environmental issues in our world today.

Isabella Freedman has been Teva’s fall home since its founding in 1994. Since then, over 16,000 students from Jewish day schools, synagogues and Hebrew schools throughout New England, New York and New Jersey have participated in its dynamic experiential programs, which combine ecology, Jewish environmental ethics, community building and environmental activism.

Teva is a program of Surprise Lake Camp. To learn more about the Teva Learning Center or to book a program for your next school, synagogue, youth group, scholar in-residence program or family retreat, please contact Teva at (212) 807-6376 or visit www.tevacenter.org Teva educators are often available to teach during retreat weekends at Isabella Freedman. If you are interested in hiring a Teva educator to teach during your retreat at Isabella Freedman, please call (800) 398-2630.

Teva Learning Center Professional Development Seminar

June 1 - 4, 2009 at Surprise Lake Camp

If you’re interested in Jewish education, environmental sustainability, camping, gardening or just plain having fun, take advantage of this innovative professional development opportunity. Leading Torah scholars, scientists, educators and activists will teach you the skills you need to bring excitement and vibrancy to a myriad of formal and informal Jewish educational settings. No previous environmental knowledge is necessary. This program takes place at Surprise Lake Camp in Cold Spring, NY. To register, please contact the Teva Learning Center directly at (212) 807-6376 or by email at .

Yitziah: Teen Backpacking and Canoeing Trip

August 10 - 16, 2009

Inspired by yitziat mitzraim—the Exodus from Egypt—yitziah means “going out” and is an invitation to an adventure that is both physical and spiritual. Spend a week hiking the Appalachian trail and paddling the scenic Housatonic River, carrying by backpack everything you need for the round-trip journey. Learn wilderness and survival skills, prepare your own meals, live in tents and share responsibility for all aspects of outdoor communal living.

Learn more and register here: http://isabellafreedman.org/yitziah