TorahTrek FAQ

TorahTrek SoCal Programs FAQ

What is TorahTrek?
TorahTrek is an educational program that explores Jewish spiritual practice in the natural world. For more information, click here.

What happens on a TorahTrek Hiking Retreat?
Hiking is combined with activities that explore the connection between inner and outer geography, between Jewish tradition and the natural world. Issues and topics in spiritual practice, such as God, prayer and ethics, are engaged by TorahTrek guide Rabbi Mike Comins. Typical activities include meditative hiking, the study of Jewish sources and modern Jewish thought, song, traditional and personal prayer, and hitbodedut (alone time for spiritual purpose). For a preview of the TorahTrek approach to Jewish spirituality in wilderness, see Rabbi Comins article, "Wilderness Spirituality" and his book, A Wild Faith.

What is a First-Timer Hiking Retreat and should I start with one?
"First-Timer" hikes introduce the basics of the TorahTrek approach to Jewish spirituality in wilderness. The core components of every TorahTrek program, mindful walking and hitbodedut (alone time for spiritual purpose), are explained in depth. In order to avoid repitition, it is assumed that participants of regular hiking retreats know these practices. Therefore it is recommended that people begin with a first-timer retreat. However, experienced spiritual practioners or particularly adventurous participants can skip this step and still enjoy a regular hiking retreat.

What is a Wild Shabbat Minyan?
As Jews have done over the centuries, a Shabbat minyan is a quorum of ten or more people who gather to celebrate Shabbat together by praying the special Shabbat liturgy and reading the Torah. In the great sanctuary that is wilderness, with the increased awareness of God's presence that so many of us experience in the natural world, we combine contemplative chant and prayer, Torah study and festive Shabbat eating, singing and fellowship. Expect little or no hiking; a substantial amount of time for hitbodedut (alone time for spiritual purpose) and lively Torah study from Rabbi Comins' unique, wilderness perspective.

Are the hikes difficult?
As TorahTrek is an educational program based on study and spiritual exercise, the hikes tend to be mild in comparison to adventure trips. The level of difficulty differs with each hike and participants should pay close attention to the hike description. Participants who attend hikes that are beyond their ability negatively impact the group.

SoCal Programs Schedule

TorahTrek FAQ

What is TorahTrek?
TorahTrek was founded by Mike Comins - rabbi, desert guide, spiritual seeker. TorahTrek offers a variety of programs woven from a common thread: the intersection of God, spirit, people and wilderness.

Rabbi Mike Comins: "I am one of those fortunate people who discovered (better late than never) what he was born to do. After rabbinical school I returned to my first spiritual home, the wilderness. My life's work is to learn about, experience and share Jewish spiritual practice in the natural world. In particular, I am interested in how intimacy with the "more-than-human" world leads one to spiritual awareness, health and renewal. TorahTrek is the vehicle that allows me to pursue my own spiritual search and share this path with others."

Who owns TorahTrek and how long has it been operating?
TorahTrek is an educational program led by Rabbi Mike Comins. TorahTrek ran its first program in February, 2001. Rabbi Comins operated Ruach HaMidbar Spiritual Desert Programs in Israel from 1997 through 1999. He has over two decades of experience leading trips in Israel and Egypt for various organizations, as a counselor and as a guide.

Do I have to be religious to participate in a TorahTrek program?
Unless specifically noted, there are no religious prerequisites for TorahTrek adventures and programs, other than an open mind and heart. While those with strong Judaic backgrounds and/or spiritual training will benefit from their experience and knowledge, TorahTrek adventures are designed so that those with little or no religious or spiritual background can participate fully. This is accomplished by planning group activities at different skill levels, teaching forms of spiritual expression that are new to everyone, and always allowing time for individual practice. Those who bring their own spiritual disciplines have the opportunity to deepen their practice, while newcomers and beginners receive instruction appropriate to their skill level.

Do I have to be an experienced outdoors person?
This depends on the particular TorahTrek adventure you are considering. In general, TorahTrek encourages the ecstasy of insight and connection gained by walking slowly as opposed to adrenaline thrills or endurance tests. Most TorahTrek adventures are suitable for backcountry beginners, as the degree of difficulty is low and outdoor skills are taught. People with wilderness experience, however, are better able to concentrate on the spiritual goals of a TorahTrek adventure, as they do not need to learn basic wilderness skills.

Is safety a priority?
Absolutely! We prepare for medical emergencies. Rabbi Comins is a Wilderness First Responder, having completed a 10-day course, the most advanced training available for wilderness leaders. Participants are instructed as to the likely dangers of any area, and how to avoid them. Nevertheless, no wilderness program is risk free. And that, of course, is part of what makes time in the wilderness so strong and so real. Please contact us with any particular concerns.

What kind of physical shape do I need to be in?
This depends on the adventure. Please read the information describing your TorahTrek program carefully, and contact us with any specific questions. Generally, TorahTrek programs are within the capabilities of most people in moderate to good physical shape. Many programs can be attended by people who are physically challenged.

Do I have to be Jewish, or know a lot about Judaism, to participate in TorahTrek adventures and programs?
Anyone who would like to experience a Jewish spiritual adventure is welcome on TorahTrek retreats. Familiarity with Hebrew and Jewish liturgy is helpful, but not necessary.

Do I need medical insurance?
As in any travel program, your everyday medical care, such as a visit to a doctor or an emergency room, or long term care for injuries or illness sustained while traveling, is not covered by TorahTrek. Check to see if your policy covers you in the location where your TorahTrek program takes place. If it does not, you must purchase a travel supplement. We will not accept participants without medical insurance.

Should I purchase travel insurance?
Anyone who has had to cancel a trip at the last minute due to an unforeseen illness or event which occurred to them, to family or to friends, knows that travel insurance can save you thousands of dollars. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance. Search "travel insurance" on your internet search engine to find tens of insurance companies who issue travel policies.

Why should I join a TorahTrek program?
Rabbi Mike Comins: "TorahTrek adventures are fun and enriching at the same time. All of our programs give participants the opportunity to learn and grow. And I can say with confidence that some of our programs will affect the participant dramatically. I have yet to meet a person who has completed a solo wilderness retreat and said it was anything less than a profound, life-enhancing, if not life-changing, experience. For me, the best part about running spiritual, wilderness programs is meeting the people who are attracted to them. I love this job!"