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Looking for an alternative to the traditional Bar and Bat Mitzvah program?

Interested in a non-traditional, outdoor, adventure based program that will infuse your child's Bar or Bat Mitzvah experience with meaning?

Our ten month program is idea for students who:
* Love outdoor activities
*Thrive in experiential education settings
*Enjoy small group learning sessions
*Appreciate lots of time learning directly with a rabbi
*Have no Jewish background or have years of Jewish background or anywhere in between!

How does it work?
The class meets with Rabbi Korngold and Jeff Finkelstein once a month from August to May, with special classes being led by Rabbi Evon Yakar. Often while Rabbi Yakar works with the students, Rabbi Korngold leads a parallel hikes for the adults.

Some classes are outside while other workshops will be held at Adventure Rabbi Headquarters in South Boulder. The students also meet once a month via Skype with Rabbi Evon, just to check in on their progress and to be sure they are getting the most out of the program.

Meanwhile, Bar and Bat Mitzvah students study individually once a week with a Hebrew tutor of your choosing to learn the Bar and Bat Mitzvah prayers and Torah portion.

Hebrew studies and writing of the D'var Shana (speech) are supervised by Rabbi Evon Yakar during the monthly Skype meetings usually lasting 15 minutes, although when the speech writing process begins, meetings are 30-60 minutes.

The students are responsible for two homework assignments each month. One is a journal entry, reflecting on and reviewing the class meeting that month. The second is a Shabbat Log. The students celebrate Shabbat in a creative way once a month and write about their experience. These two assignments are emailed to Rabbi Korngold and Rabbi Yakar monthly.

Rabbi Jamie Korngold (left), and Rabbi Evon Yakar (right)

Philosophy:
Maybe you have heard the joke about the Bar Mitzvah boy who announces during his Bar Mitzvah speech, "Today I am a man, tomorrow I go back to 8th grade."

We've often wondered what leading a Shabbat morning service has to do with becoming a man. Admittedly, centuries ago when Bar Mitzvah was created, leading a service was a task that a boy took on at age 13. But today, is that really the best we can do to prepare a boy to be a man and a girl to be a woman?

Our program uses Judaism and nature to teach Bar and Bat Mitzvah students the skills they need to be content, compassionate, confident, and responsible teenagers.

Admittedly, we push general Judaic learning less than other programs. But we believe if our Bar and Bat Mitzvah students come away loving Judaism and understanding why Judaism is relevant to their lives, they will be inspired to keep learning Jewishly for many years.

We address topics kids should learn in life, and teach them through a Jewish lens. Our Bar or Bat Mitzvah students do not just learn the Kiddush, the Kaddish and how to read Torah. He or she will also learn how to change a tire, change a diaper, make a matzah ball and bake challah. (And understand what each of these tasks have to do with being Jewish.)

We talk about the daunting choices that our Bar and Bat Mitzvah students will face in the turbulent teenage years ahead. Many of these choices may seem innocuous to the Bar and Bat Mitzvah kids, but in actuality their decisions can drastically effect their lives.

We will talk to our Bar and Bat Mitzvah students about making good choices and giving those choices a voice. We will use Jewish wisdom to teach about body image, Facebook, and friendship. We will explore responsibility toward self, family and community. (Think of it like mench training.)

2012-2013 Adventure Bar & Bat Mitzvah Class Schedule:
(tentative schedule as of 1/2012 subject to change, details are below. When parents are included, it s indicated below.)

August 23, 2012 (Thursday) 5-7:30 p.m.
Hike for students and their parents
Rabbi Evon leads the students
Rabbi Jamie leads the parents

August 26, 2012 (Sunday) Full Day
Students Climb 10,013' Deer Mountain

September 7, 2012 (Friday) 6 - 8 p.m.
Students and Families, Shabbat Service and Picnic dinner at the Flagstaff Amphitheater

September 15-17, 2012 Rosh Hashanah in Winter Park
(Not a required class)
September 25, 2012 Kol Nidre (Not a required class)
September 26, 2012 Yom Kippur Retreat (Not a required class)

We also offer services specially designed for children, teens and pre-teens.

September 30, 2012 (Sunday) 9 - 12 noon
Hike in Boulder for students and parents
Rabbi Evon leads the students
Rabbi Jamie leads the parents

October 28, 2012 (Sunday) 9 - 12 noon
Theology and Life Skills
with Rabbi Jamie and Rabbi Evon

November 28 , 2012 (Wednesday) 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Moonlit Hike

December 11 , 2012 (Tuesday) 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Chanukah Celebration for students and families

January 24, 2013 (Thursday) 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Service Planning Session for students and parents

February 13, 2013 (Wednesday) 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Shabbat Skills: Make a Matzah Ball, Bake a Challah

March 3, 2013 (Sunday) full day
Spirtual Adventure on Snowshoes

April 16, 2013 (Tuesday) 4 – 6pm
Community Service Project

May 5, 2013 (Sunday) 9 - 12 noon
Hike in Boulder

Details for Classes:

August 23, 2012 (Thursday) 5-7:30 p.m.
What: Hike for students and their parents
Topic: An introduction to the program
Where: Chautauqua Park, Boulder, CO
Pack: A Picnic Dinner

DETAILS:
Parents and students meet on the southwest corner of the Great Lawn at Chautauqua, under the tree by the picnic table. (Just east of side of the Chautauqua Park Ranger’s cottage.) We start and end classes promptly, so please be on time. As you know, parking at Chautauqua is difficult. Give yourself 15 minutes to find parking.
Come prepared to hike 1.4 miles, half up hill, half downhill.

Parents who are not in good enough shape to hike should not take this on as a personal challenge. Please discuss options with Rabbi Korngold.

Packing List
- backpack big enough to hold the following plus the three ring binder you will receive
- hearty snack to hold you over!
- water
- good hiking boots/shoes
- sunhat
- sunglasses
- sunscreen
- small notebook and pen to write a few notes
- if you ever use an inhaler for breathing issues, please bring it

Hopefully these will stay unused in your pack but check the weather. Besides, they are important to have in an emergency:
- warm hat and gloves
- fleece sweatshirt
- rain pants
- rain jacket
- small flashlight

August 26, 2012 (Sunday) Full Day
What: Climb 10,013' Deer Mountain
Topic: Being Part of a Group: Challenges, Rewards and Responsibilities.

Introduction to Outdoor Judaism (topic continues throughout course)

Introduction to Journal - working toward our Bar or Bat Mitzvah speeches (topic continues throughout course)
Becoming a Bar or Bat Mitzvah - What Does It Mean?
Where: Rocky Mountain National Park, CO

DETAILS:
Parents will be helping carpool to Rocky Mountain National Park. Pick up spots will be our office 5353 Manhattan Circle and Lucky’s Market North Boulder
• 7:45 Pick-up #1 meet at 5353 Manhattan Circle Suite #103 Boulder Co 80303
• 8:00 Cars leaves from Manhattan Circle (If you miss us, please meet us at Lucky's!)
• 8:00 Pick-up #2 meet at Lucky’s Market 3960 Broadway St Boulder, CO 80304-1104
• 8:10 Cars leaves from Lucky Market (If you miss us, please meet us in RMNP!)
We would love if 2 parents, who are strong hikers, could join us for this hike.. Please let Rabbi Jamie know if you can.

Return: We will return between 4 and 5 pm. We will call you at the number on the contact forms about 30 minutes outside of Boulder when we get back into cell range. Drop off will be at Lucky's in North Boulder and at our office in south Boulder.

Packing List
- backpack
- camelback or other bladder you can put in your backpack so you don't have to stop hiking to drink, filled with 2 liters of water
- lunch
- hiking snacks (you might also want to pack a separate snack and juice box for the ride home)
- good hiking boots/shoes
- sunhat & sunglasses
- sunscreen
- if you ever use an inhaler for breathing issues, please bring it
- (optional) camera
- (optional) flower/tree/bird guides

Hopefully these will stay unused in your pack but they are important to have in an emergency:
- warm hat and gloves
- fleece sweatshirt
- rainpants
- rainjacket
- small flashlight

Wear this:
-hiking shoes
-non-cotton socks (I prefer to wear a liner sock beneath my hiking socks. The combination prevents blisters because the socks rub against each other rather than your skin. The friction is what causes a blister.)
-shorts
-t-shirt (I prefer non-cotton one with SPF sun protection as I burn easily)

Please leave behind:
-all electronics other than camera
- you can have a cellphone, but you cannot use it except to call home when we are heading home.

September 7, 2012 (Friday) 6 - 8 p.m.
Students and Families, Shabbat Service and Picnic dinner at the Flagstaff Amphitheater
What: Shabbat Service at the Flagstaff Amphitheater in which the class is introduced to the larger Adventure Rabbi community.
Where: Flagstaff Mountain - Sunrise Amphitheater
Pack: A Picnic Dinner

DETAILS:
Students will be introduced to the larger Adventure Rabbi community and blessed by the entire community. Please bring a picnic dinner.
Visit here for directions and details. Entrance for students is covered already (they are AR members). Others, adults $10, kids $5.

Our Synagogue’s High Holiday Information
September 15-17, 2012 Rosh Hashanah in Winter Park
This is not a required class, but it would be wonderful to see you all there. This is a great chance to connect with the larger Adventure Rabbi community and one of the rare opportunities get to know other families in program. The B”M student attends for free (lodging not included.) Details www.adventurerabbi.org

We also offer services specially designed for children, teens and pre-teens.

Yom Kippur
September 25, 2012 Kol Nidre, Millennium House, Boulder CO 7 pm
September 26, 2012 Yom Kippur Retreat, Boulder CO
Again, these are not required classes but attending will truly enhance your entire family’s Jewish experience. The day time retreat is appropriate for parents. Kol Nidre and the Yom Kippur afternoon hike are appropriate for the students.

September 30, 2012 (Sunday) 9 - 12 noon for students and parents
What: Hike in Boulder with team building elements
Rabbi Evon Yakar leads the students. Parent hike led by Rabbi Jamie Korngold
Topic: Celebrating Shabbat - What is Shabbat about and what does it have to do with me? (topic continues throughout course). Let the wilderness awaken your Judaism, awakening ourselves to the world around us. Paired with activities designed to help us work together as a group.
Where: NCAR Trailhead, Boulder, CO. We will meet in the second row of cars in the parking lot.
Pack: See hiking list for Deer Mountain Hike

October 28, 2012 (Sunday) 9 - 12 noon
What: Indoor and Outdoor Workshop with Rabbi Evon Yakar, Rabbi Jamie Korngold and Jeff Finkelstein
Topic:Theology and Life Skill Workshop
This week we discuss God concepts and then learn to change a tire, change a diaper, jumpstart a car and create holy relationships.
1)Holiness. Finding God in relationships. What does it mean to be holy? Blogging, Lying, Gossip, Friendship, Kiddish, Kaddish, Holy time, Havdallah.
2) Can God help you fix a flat tire? Can prayer? Taking Responsibility for yourself in life.
Where: Adventure Rabbi Headquarters, 5353 Manhattan Circle, Suite 103, Boulder, CO 80303.

November 28 , 2012 (Wednesday) 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
What: Moonlit Hike
Topic: Dress warmly and put Yaktrax on your hiking boots! Discussion about Judaism and the moon.
Where: Ranger's Cottage, Chautauqua Park, Boulder, CO

December 11 , 2012 (Tuesday) 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
What: Chanukah Celebration with Dinner and Discussion for students, siblings and parents
Topic: Chanukah: What is the holiday truly about?
Where: TBD (someone's home with a big living room)
Bring: Dish to share, chanukiah, something to donate to the community food pantry

January 24, 2013 (Thursday) 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
What: Service Planning Session for students and parents
Topic: We will walk through the entire Bar or Bat Mitzvah Service to explain the flow of the service, how to assign parts, set up the room and prepare for the ceremony.
Where: Adventure Rabbi Headquarters, 5353 Manhattan Circle, Suite 103, Boulder, CO 80303.
Bring: Student's Binder
Note: Please feed your kids dinner before the class

February 13, 2013 (Wednesday) 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
What: Indoor Workshop
Topic: Iron Chef Shabbat Make a Matzah Ball, Bake a Challah
Where: TBD (someone's home with a big kitchen)

March 3, 2013 (Sunday) full day
What: Spiritual adventure on Snowshoes (snowshoe rental not included)
Topic: What does Judaism teach about our responsibility toward the Earth? Discussion about the art of "less."
Where: Location TBD, somewhere off the Peak to Peak Highway.

April 16, 2013 (Tuesday) 4 – 6pm
What: Community Service, clean-up of Central Park downtown Boulder
Topic: As bar and bat mitzvah it is incumbent upon us to take on more responsibility for the larger community. Today, we contribute by helping clean up one of the best used parks in Boulder.
Where: Meet Mustard's Last Stand (Parking Lot), Broadway & Arapahoe, Boulder
Optional: Parents and siblings join us for dinner at Mustard's Last Stand at 6:00 pm.

May 5, 2013 (Sunday) 9 - 12 noon
What: Hike in Boulder
Topic: Bringing it all together. What have we learned? Who have we become? Where to from here?
Where: Boulder, CO

Requirements:
This is the Adventure Rabbi Program, not the Slacker Rabbi Program. Bar and Bat Mitzvah students must be in reasonable physical shape to participate in this group. You do not have to be an incredible athlete, but you shouldn't be a coach potato who hates hiking.

Bar and Bat mitzvah students must meet these requirements to be accepted to this program:

Gear:
Bar and Bat Mitzvah students will need certain basic outdoor gear for this class including: good hiking boots (Really! They need hiking boots!), large day pack, rain gear, warm layers, water bladder such as Platypus or Camelback to go inside backpack, Yaktrax, snowshoes (may be rented) and poles, hiking poles (optional).

Program details:

1. Hebrew:
What Hebrew prayers will the Bar or Bat Mitzvah student learn?
Our emphasis is on prayers we think every Jew should know for general Jewish living. Among other prayers such as Barchu, Shema and V'ahavtah, you will learn the full Friday night Kiddush, Kaddish (seldom taught to Bar and Bat Mitzvah kids but probably the most widely needed Jewish prayer). Students should be prepared for a serious year of Hebrew study and able to commit time to this aspect of the program. Most students meet with their tutor once a week for 10 months. We recommend that students who have no Hebrew background start with a tutor as soon as possible, ideally two years before their ceremony. This will make their work load more manageable and less intense. View videos of the prayers here>>

How about Torah?
Most of our students chant or read 6 verses of Torah. But students with severe learning limitations have read as little as three and very skilled readers have read as many as 21 verses. We ask for equal effort, not equal product, so some read more and others less. You will be reading from our backpacking Torah.

What are the Hebrew requirements to get into the program?
Many of our students have no Hebrew background while others have been attending Jewish Day School for years. Either way, because the Hebrew portion is taught individually, we can make it work and we will create a program that is appropriately challenging.

How will the Bar or Bat Mitzvah student learn their Hebrew?
Each student works with a private Hebrew tutor. Fees for this are not including in the basic program fee. Most students meet with their tutor once a week for 10 months. Occasionally students require 2 times a week, and others only occasional meetings. In the Boulder area, fees are generally $30-$45 an hour. Outside of Boulder they are typically $50 - $75 an hour.

How do we find a tutor?
We have access to a network of local tutors. Hillels, JCCs, and synagogues are also great sources for tutors. If you would prefer not to leave the comfort of your keyboard, there are many online programs. to get a jumpstart, we encourage the use of Alef Bet Quest by Behrman House

2. Projects
Journal: Bar and Bat Mitzvah students will track their learning in journals and email the journals to the rabbi. At the end of the course, these journals will become the seeds that blossom into the speeches the students give at their Bar and Bat Mitzvah ceremonies, explaining the connections between their learning, Judaism and nature.

Shabbat: My not so secret agenda is to introduce the Bar and Bat Mitzvah students and their families to Shabbat as meaningful part of life. Our lives are so frenetic! One of the greatest gifts Judaism has given us is the mandate to take a day off every week. I hope that when the kids are in college and are overwhelmed with life, they will look back at this year and think, "Oh Shabbat. Maybe that can help." To that end, my goal is to introduce them to a Shabbat practice that fits into their lifestyle and can enhance their lives.

Each month for ten months the student will pick some type of Shabbat observance to try out. Up to five times can be traditional activities like lighting candles, baking challah or going to synagogue. But the other five must be non-traditional activities like going skiing with your family but not complaining, eating ice cream for breakfast, or making dinner for you family. The student will write up what he or she did and how it worked out and post this on our Facebook discussion board so other students in the class can share in the learning.

3.The Ceremony:

Who officiates at the ceremony?
Rabbi Korngold or Rabbi Evon Yakar will officiate at your ceremony. if you wish to have your ceremony in Israel, Rabbi Michael Schwartz will officiate. More on having a bar or bat mitzvah ceremony in Israel>>

How will we plan it?
A month or two before the ceremony your family will have two meetings with Rabbi Korngold or Rabbi Yakar to plan and rehearse the ceremony.

Do we get to personalize the ceremony?
Yes! We can include as many of your guests as you would like. You can even write your own prayerbooks, although most families opt to use our copies of Gates of Prayer.

Where are the ceremonies?
You can pick your own venue, although we appreciate low key venues that take the emphasis away from conscious consumption rather than fancy hotels

Small ceremonies often take place as part of a morning hike, while larger ceremonies are generally held in locations where everyone can sit in chairs in order to minimize the impact of large groups on the wilderness.

A favorite outdoor location is the Jaycee or Wood Shelter on Flagstaff Mountain above Boulder. This is also great if you want to start with a short, easy hike.

A fabulous indoor venue is the Community House in Chautauqua Park in Boulder, Colorado. This is great if you want to do a short hike before the service and you can have a lovely party afterwards, using one of their approved caterers.

Another favorite indoor location, which can hold larger groups than the Community House and can still accomodate a party afterwards, is the CUCC church on Table Mesa. We frequently use this venue for our Friday night Shabbat services. Less good for hikes, but its possible!

When you are planning your ceremony, please review this check-list>>

Does it have to be outside? As the Adventure Rabbi Program, we love hiking or skiing Bar or Bat Mitzvahs but we realize not every family can do that.
View Outdoor Bar Mitzvah One Minute Video >>

Or, view photos from a recent Skiing Bat Mitzvah at Copper Mountain >>

Can the Torah go outside? Because we use a paper Torah rather than a kosher parchment Torah (which might be damaged by the elements) our ceremonies can take place in any location, as accessible or adventurous as your family chooses.

What about having the Bar or Bat Mitzvah ceremony outside of Colorado or up in the Mountains?
We are happy to send one of our rabbis to officiate at ceremonies outside of Boulder. Obviously it costs a bit more, because it takes more of the Rabbi's time. Call for price quotes 303.416.6200 ext 1. Destination Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvahs>>

Other Commonly Asked Questions:
We have family members who can't hike, but we know a Bar or Bat Mitzvah that includes hiking with the Adventure Rabbi is an amazing and unique experience. Is there any way we can incorporate a little hiking?
We suggest adding a hiking Friday night service led by Rabbi Jamie Korngold and her guitar. That way even if your Saturday service can't be on the trail because not everyone is physically capable of hiking, at least a subset of the group can enjoy that amazing experience on Friday night. We have found that the cohesive feeling created in the smaller group rapidly spreads to the entire group.

Can we also add a short hiking piece on Saturday?
If you have the service on the summit of Flagstaff Mountain (Boulder, CO) we can add a little hiking at beginning of the service that is very accessible. Those who can't walk or be pushed in wheelchair, can drive to the site and they will not miss too much.

How will the rest of our family get to know Rabbi Korngold?
We strongly encourage your family to participate in Adventure Rabbi events throughout the year so that you can all build a relationship with Rabbi Korngold and our larger community. You will meet an amazing group of people, eager to find a meaningful way to experience their Judaism.

In order to facilitate this we will give your Bar or Bat Mitzvah student a free membership to the Adventure Rabbi Program, a $750 value.

We also recommend reading Rabbi Korngold's books to get a sense of who she is and how she works.

After reading through this information, if you feel an Adventure Rabbi Bar and Bat mitzvah will be a good fit for your family, please either:

• Ready to sign up? Click here>>
• Call Rabbi Jamie Korngold at 303.417.6200 ext 1
• Click here to have us contact you now.

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Bar or Bat Mitzvah?