We strive to live out our values in everything we do. Roots Circles are a great way to see that in action. In Roots, we dig into key Scriptures with a consistent group of people over the course of 5 to 10 sessions. This allows for the depth and breadth that comes from consistency and community. We use midrash to explore the language, history, and hints within the text, all while bringing our own questions and vulnerabilities into the safety of the gathered circle. Roots also includes curriculum for further study and exploration. 40 Orchards currently offers 6 Roots Circles: Torah, Daughters of the Torah, Sons of the Torah, Prophets, Psalms, and Gospels.

Torah Roots

In these circles, we select a different passage to study each time from one of the first five books of the Bible, the Torah. In Hebrew, Torah תּוֹרָה means law or teaching, and comes from the root, yareh יָרָה, which means to aim at a target or set a foundation. At 40 Orchards, we believe these first five books set an important trajectory for all that follows, and contain within them universal stories of the human experience with the Divine. Each Torah Roots group that meets is unique, with a different combination of passages chosen based on the needs and questions of that group. That means you could sign up for this Roots over and over to wrestle together and search for more. (5 sessions)

Daughters of the Torah Roots

In these circles, we talk about questions like, “Is Eve to blame for the death and destruction of humanity?” or “Who was Hagar and why was she important in the narrative?” In many people's religious history, stories of women have been under-represented. Daughters of the Torah Roots help us reclaim the value women have had since the beginning, elevate the ways women were essential in carrying the narrative forward, and open our eyes to stories we may or may not have been exposed to before. Though the content is focused on stories of women, our hope is that the group gathered to study includes and benefits people of all genders. Our mission at 40 Orchards is about expanding one another's experiences of what is sacred, whole, and good. We believe hearing from these female voices who led in the midst of a patriarchal culture helps people of all genders blow up a few old boxes. (10 sessions)

Sons of the Torah Roots

In these circles, we look at characters identified as male in the Scripture, but in a way that honors the story of people of all genders, and even works to combat toxic masculinity. Each circle examines someone commonly thought of as a patriarch of faith, but looks at them in light of their interaction with an “other” or “others.” We wrestle through questions like, “Who is Melchizedek and what might his interaction with Abram show us about justice and peacemaking?” or “What can the reunion between Jacob and Esau show us about reconciliation and forgiveness?” Each Sons of the Torah circle looks at a different character from the Torah, but chooses that character based on the needs and questions of the gathered group. (10 sessions)

Prophet Roots

In these circles, we wrestle through selections from both written prophets, such as Jeremiah, and oral prophets, such as Elijah. In their narratives, we see things like leaders engaging in religious practices but ignoring justice, people confused about what following God means for daily action, an environment of fear leading to moral compromises, and struggle to find hope in the midst of loss and change. How might the voices of these prophets ring through the ages and to give us guidance for today? (10 sessions)

Psalms Roots

In these circles, we spend time in the book of the Bible that contains some of the most quoted verses of Scripture. Lines from the poetry of Psalms make their way into songs and onto paintings. What if we take the time to look deeper than those quotations? How might we see more in the Psalm by connecting them to the story that has come before? Psalms Roots feels different from studying narratives. In each circle, we open up the struggles, feelings, and life circumstances of the group to find our way to the Psalm that most connects to what we are experiencing. We flow with the ancient prayers and open ourselves to mysticism, emotion, and art. (10 sessions)

Gospel Roots

In these circles, we focus on the book of Matthew, and explore how Jesus is positioned as one who fulfills and expands the Torah, guiding others to see with new eyes. Those of us in the 21st century are not the first to wonder how to expand how we understand an ancient text. The question, “How do we pull spiritual teachings forward in a complex and changing world?” has been present for a long time, including in 1st century Jerusalem. How can connecting Jesus’ words and works to the Hebrew Scriptures help expand how we see Jesus and those around him? How can Jesus’ example still guide us today as we wonder how we are called to live? In this roots, we see how the Gospels connect us to the story God has always been telling. (10 sessions)

Check out our REGISTER page to see which Roots we are offering next and join us.