Gan Nefesh’s outdoor educational experience meets the needs of different types of learners. The program is designed for students to develop a life-long, personal connection to Judaism and the seasonal year. Inspired by Forest Schools’ belief in children’s needs for holistic growth, learners are encouraged to become their best selves while stepping into their Judaism.
Children will learn Hebrew, prayers, mindfulness, and Jewish ethics through song, movement, play, art, and text study. Being outdoors will help learners feel the Jewish calendar and its deep relationship to earth’s cycles. We will lean into the depth of our traditional Jewish rituals so that our learners can draw meaning and build a life-long love of their culture and religion.
Gan Nefesh is an inclusive community. We welcome people who identify as Jews of color, LGBT+ community, agnostic, traditional, atheists, multi-religious families, people exploring Judaism, and anyone who wants to explore nature, Judaism and its traditions, and help heal the world.
Our Staff
Margee Burch (she/her)
Religious School Director
director@gannefesh.org
Marge Burch is a teacher and Jewish community professional with over a decade of experience. She develops all curriculum and manages the school. Margee is a Sacramento-native. She grew up queer in a Jewish space that was not welcoming, and has since dedicated her life to creating fun, inclusive spaces for Jews of all types. After creating a welcoming, song-based community in Sacramento – Kol Rinah – she is now the director of this engaging learning community for our next generation. Margee deeply believes in creating accessible, tradition-based experiences and adventures for people of all ages.
Kate Burch (she/her)
Director of Operations
operations@gannefesh.org
Kate Burch comes to Gan Nefesh with many years of HR and Operations experience in non-profits. She is passionate about Judaism, all things behind-the-scenes, and developing welcoming community in Sacramento. She is co-founded of Kol Rinah, and is great at building new community’s structures.
Job Opportunities
We are currently seeking the following positions:
Gan Nefesh 