What is a Minyan Grove?
A recent discussion of minyans, as a form of community, solidarity, and consolation within Jewish religious and cultural life, found us asking what makes a minyan? This inquiry branched out quite literally, when it was proposed by spiritual advisor Rabbi Jericho Vincent that within the mystic tradition of Judaism, trees can count towards a minyan. With that simple observation, a seed was planted.
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Minyan Groves are a configuration of nine (or more) trees that can be activated as a person joins, in order to create a minyan for prayer (or quiet reflection). Our current interest is to create intentionally sited minyan groves for formal ritual, open-ended personal prayer, and an offering of perpetual, future-reaching service for human solace and connection.
OUR VISION: To see minyan groves planted in every Jewish cemetery, Holocaust memorial, and museum
The Sacred Stewardship of the Tree
In Jewish tradition, the tree is a profound symbol of life, growth, and divine presence. The Torah speaks of the 'Tree of Knowledge' and the 'Tree of Life,' while the Talmud teaches that a tree is a 'living temple' that provides shade and sustenance. We believe that planting a tree is an act of spiritual service, connecting us to the earth and to the divine commandment of tikkun olam—repairing the world through environmental stewardship.
Community Impact
Our recent initiatives and tree planting projects, rooted in the spiritual significance of trees in Jewish tradition.
