In Genesis 13:17 God commands Abraham, "Walk about the land [of Canaan], through its length and its breadth, for I give it to you." This biblical narrative implies that Abraham could not encounter the Promised Land abstractly. Rather, he had to walk the land--climb its slopes, cross its streams, feel its heat, encounter its flora and fauna, and protect himself from its dangers to forge a covenant with it. The Bible suggests that a people can merit the inheritance of a land only through the intimate, living experience of it. This is true not only for those who live in Israel, but for all people living on earth.

You need not be a naturalist to benefit from this book. The only requirement is a willingness to venture outdoors with open eyes. Bring this book as a companion on the trail; its activities, texts, stories, and blessings will help you discover and experience the beauty of God's creation and the wisdom of the Jewish tradition in interacting with it. The activities can be done singly or can be combined and may be adapted for groups of all ages and physical abilities.

We hope that using this book will leave you and your companion hikers with a deepened sense of caring for special places you visit and for the environment as a whole. Spending time in natural settings leads to a better understanding of our role in the natural world. When this happens, we will truly be able to fulfill the mitzvah of tikkun olam--repairing the world.

If the pages of this book become dog-eared, smudged with mud, torn, and graced with pen markings, that will be the surest sign that you are putting it to the best use. Now go get dirty!