May 2004
IN THIS ISSUE:

1.

 Shabbat Hike - Adults
2.

Shabbat Hike - Children

3. Hut Trip: July 23-25

Photo: Shabbat Hike, Deer Mountain May 1, 2004

Dear Friend,

It's hiking time! We have two hikes this weekend, one for adults and one for families with children.

Then, start thinking about summer adventures. Our July Hut trip will be an outstanding opportunity to:

- Make some new friends
- Explore a beautiful part of Colorado
- Learn a few cool things about Judaism

Register early and don't miss out.

L' Shalom,

Jamie
Rabbi Jamie Korngold
Adventure Rabbi

P. S.: A complete list of Adventure Rabbi events is on our homepage. Click here >>
 
1. Shabbat Hike for Adults : May 8, 3 -6 pm

What:

 We will hike on the Mesa Trail at a moderate pace, during one of the most beautiful times of the day. We find inspirational natural synagogues to enjoy a 20 –30 minute Shabbat or Havdallah service, filled with liturgy that has carefully been chosen to help us appreciate our natural surroundings.
PLEASE ARRIVE ON TIME, SO WE CAN LEAVE ON TIME!
When: April 10 3-6 p.m.
Where:

NCAR (directions)
Who: Adults. Kids b'nai mitzvah age and up welcome if accompanied by a parent.
And Then... Afterwards, join us for a bite to eat and a chance to chat.
Bring: Sturdy boots, warm clothing, water, sunscreen, raingear and a snack.
About Dogs: If you can leave your dog at home, we suggest it. However, if you cannot come without your dog, please be confident that your dog will be friendly with other dogs, well-behaved around the group, and able to sit quietly by your side during the service. Please do bring a leash and a "waste removal" bag.
Fee: Zip, Zero, Free. (Donations Welcome. Click here to donate online)
 

Come Hike with us!
RSVP invited by not required

Email: info@adventurerabbi.com
or call 303.443.2642
Directions for Adult Hike:
  From Central Boulder:
Take Broadway to Table Mesa

Turn West (towards mountains, right if you are coming from downtown Boulder, left if driving from from SOBO or Golden)

NCAR is at the very end of the road

We will be parked in the first or second row of cars
From Denver:
US-36 West to Boulder.
Take the CO-157 N/Foothills Pkwy exit toward CU stadium BUT on the exit ramp, stay right and take the S. Boulder Rd. ramp toward Table Mesa Dr.
Turn left onto S. Boulder Rd (becomes Table Mesa)
Follow through major intersection at Broadway, NCAR is at the very end of the road.

We will be parked in the first or second row of cars
 
Please have Adventure Rabbi contact me now >>
 
2. Shabbat Hike for Families with Children: May 8, 10 -noon
 

What:

 Help your children experience the joy of Shabbat with an easy hike on the Mesa Trail and a youth oriented service in the midst of God's creation.
When: April 10, 2004 10- 12 noon. Please arrive on time, so we can leave on time!
Where:

Chautauqua Ranger's Cottage Steps (directions)
Who:

Children must be either old enough to participate in a 2-hour program with approx 1.5 hours of hiking or young enough to be comfortably carried. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Bring: Water, sunscreen, raingear, sturdy shoes, warm clothing, and snacks.
About Dogs: Please, no dogs.
Fee: Zip, Zero, Free.
(Donations Welcome. Click here to donate online)
 
 
Directions for Family Hike:
  From Central Boulder:
Take Broadway to Baseline

Turn West - toward Mnts. and follow to Chautauqua Park, on left.

Park in parking lot or on nearby streets (parking is tight, arrive early)

Meet at the Ranger Cottage, located at the top of the first parking lot on the right, when you come into the driveway. PARKING IS TOUGH! ARRIVE EARLY!
From Denver:
US-36 West to Boulder.
Take the CO-157 N/Foothills Pkwy exit toward CU stadium BUT on the exit ramp, stay right and take the S. Boulder Rd. ramp toward Table Mesa Dr.
Turn left onto S. Boulder Rd (becomes Table Mesa)
Right on Broadway

Turn left onto Baseline and follow Boulder directions (above)
 
Please have Adventure Rabbi contact me now >>
 
3. Adventure Rabbi Presents:
Wilderness Ways for the Jewish Soul:
A 3 day hut/ dayhiking adventure
Polar Star Inn Eagle, Colorado
July 23-25, 2004
 
Most of us sense something of the Divine while outdoors.
Why are these feelings so strong?
Can we integrate the experience of wilderness into Jewish practice?
 
Polar Star Inn -our home for 3 days

Join us for a 3-day adventure exploring the magnificent valleys and ridges surrounding Polar Star Inn, all with a Jewish twist.

Imagine meandering up the tree-covered ridges and eating lunch at treeline, where the views open to reveal one of the most spectacular panoramic views of the range.

Imagine yourself surrounded by lodgepole pine and douglas fir, as you listen to stories about how our people have, for millennia, had profound spiritual experiences in the outdoors.

This wilderness adventure will be lead by Adventure Rabbi guides Rabbi Mike Comins and Alison Wallis.

  1. Trip Description
  2. Jewish Practice
  3. Difficulty
  4. Gear
  5. Guides
  6. Cost
  7. Dates
  8. Travel Logistics
  9. Accommodations
  10. Food
  11. Registration
  12. Cancellation Policy
  13. Safety

Trip Description:
We meet at the trailhead on Friday afternoon for our hike into Polar Star Inn. (Note: we are currently selecting routes. Details will be posted soon.) After settling in, we will hike to a beautiful spot and welcome Shabbat with song. We'll return to our hut to watch the sunset as we enjoy dinner and a Shabbat celebration.

Saturday and Sunday will be filled with dayhikes and Jewish learning. Details will follow, but hikes will be about 6-8 miles, at a moderate pace. Please note, the major physical challenge of this trip will be elevation. Polar Star Hut is at 11,040 feet.

Rabbi Jamie Korngold climbs La Plata with Jewish Hiking Group from Boulder
Just like Sinai?

Jewish Practice:
Rabbi Mike Comins teaches the Jewish theory of connecting to God in wilderness. Participants will learn how to "soak up" God's presence through sight, sound and touch. Rabbi Comins shows how Judaism's greatest spiritual leaders, ancient and contemporary, were shaped by intimate contact with the natural world.

Through hiking, study, discussion and spiritual exercise (traditional and contemporary), we'll see how wilderness is an optimal place to engage one's heart and enliven Jewish practice.

We will enjoy Shabbat and Havdallah Adventure Rabbi style: hiking in the magnificent alpine wilderness, eating delicious trail treats, and taking plenty of time for songs and stories.

3. Difficulty:
For athletes who are used to hiking - moderate.

For others - strenuous.

Although this weekend will not include a peak climb, it will be at elevation. The hut itself is at 11,040'. If you are accustomed to hiking a lot, this will not be challenging. If hiking is new to you, this is a unique opportunity, worth training for. Although the hike to the hut will not be more than a few miles, we will be carrying our food and gear.

4. Gear:
We provide all group gear and food. You provide sturdy, well-broken-in boots, backpack, daypack, clothing, toiletries and sleeping bag. Clothing list provided with registration.

5. Guides:
Rabbi Mike Comins
Mike is well known in the Jewish outdoor world for his innovative work combining wilderness and spirituality. He brings to his teaching both classical learning (ordination:Hebrew Union College- Jerusalem) and cutting edge training (licensed Israeli desert guide.) His approach is easy-going, but he is clearly tapping into a deep source. Ask Mike about his numerous solo wilderness retreats, including 4 and 6 week silent retreats!

Mike is the founder of TorahTrek and leads hiking trips, llama-packs, kayaking trips and "Soul-O," a Vision Quest type program. We are thrilled that he will be sharing his unique approach with Adventure Rabbi participants this summer.

Alison Wallis
Alison is well-known in the Jewish-outdoor community for her work with Colorado Mosaic Outdoor Mountain Club (MOMC). She has led countless trips of all types- hiking, canoeing, skiing, backpacking and more.

In March Alison joined the Adventure Rabbi team as a wilderness guide on our 4-day Grand Canyon trip. By popular demand, she is back!

Alison has vast experience as an outdoor leader and we are proud that she is a member of the Adventure Rabbi team.

6. Cost:
The early registration price for the trip is $300, which includes meals beginning with dinner Friday night through lunch on Sunday, 2 nights lodging at Polar Star Inn, group equipment, hiking safety instruction, and Adventure Rabbi programming.

7. Dates:
We will meet in Edwards on July 23, ready to hike. We will return the evening of July 25.

8.Travel:
Although the trip begins at the trailhead, we will help you arrange carpools from Denver or Boulder.

9. Accommodations:
Polar Star Inn is a privately owned backcountry lodge, booked by 10th Mountain. Polar Star Inn is a tall-standing structure with a big deck that looks west over the Colorado Plateau: a sunset watcher's paradise. There are 17 shared sleeping spaces (we cannot guarantee private rooms) and running water that makes kitchen work a snap. The Inn was built in 1987.


10. Food:
We will enjoy delicious, simple, backcountry fare, which we will prepare together. We try to buy natural, organic foods when possible. Most special food requirements can be accommodated.

11. Registration:
Since we can only accommodate 15 people on this trip, we expect that it will fill quickly. Please register early so you will not be disappointed. (Please register here). A 50% non-refundable deposit of $150 with your registration will hold your spot. The remainder is due June 1, 2004.

To receive the registration packet, please fill out the form here >>

12. Cancellation Policy:
No refunds will be extended after June 1, 2004. We strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance.

13. Safety:
Adventure Rabbi staff are outdoor professionals and will take every precaution to ensure your safety. However, there are unavoidable risks in a wilderness trip and participants are required to sign a waiver acknowledging that they understand and accept the risks involved. Participants are expected to be in sufficient physical condition, exercise sound judgment and avoid unnecessary risks.
 
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