About the book
Rabbi Jamie Korngold has always loved the outdoors, the place where humankind first met with God. Whether it’s mountaineering, running ultramarathons, or just sitting by a stream, she finds her spirituality and Judaism thrive most in the wilderness. In her work as the Adventure Rabbi, leading groups toward spiritual fulfillment in the outdoors, Korngold has uncovered the rich traditions and lessons God taught our ancestors in the wild. In God in the Wilderness Korngold uses rabbinic wisdom and witty insights to guide readers through the Bible, showing people of all faiths that, despite the hectic pace of life today, it is vital for us to reclaim these lessons, awaken our inner spirituality, and find meaning, tranquillity, and purpose in our lives.
About the author
JAMIE KORNGOLD is a Reform Jewish rabbi. She started the Adventure Rabbi program in 2001 and has become nationally known for her pioneering work integrating spirituality and the outdoors. She was ordained at Hebrew Union College. She lives in Boulder, Colorado, with her husband and two daughters.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction: Genesis of the Adventure Rabbi – Genesis 1:1
Chapter 1: Cultivate the Patience to See Burning Bushes – Exodus 3:3-4
Chapter 2: Take the First Step, the Sea May Part – Exodus 14:8-9
Chapter 3: Rediscover Awe – Exodus 19:18
Chapter 4: Remember Sabbath Rest: Fourth on God’s Top Ten List – Exodus 20:8-9
Chapter 5: Stop Trying So Hard! Even God Isn’t Perfect – Deut. 34:4
Chapter 6: Hear the Still Small Voice Within – I Kings 19:11-12
Chapter 7: Restore Your Soul Beside Still Waters – Psalms 23:1-2
Afterward: Guardians of the Earth: To Till and to Tend – Psalms 104:24
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly:
Starred Review. Rabbi Korngold revels in nature, and she seeks to share that joy as founder of the Adventure Rabbi program to help people reconnect to Judaism via the great outdoors. She has also discovered a way—call it a language, a spirit, an essence—with which to express the simplicity of a back-to-basics spirituality. Balancing an in-depth knowledge of scripture with a wry sense of humor and a compassion for nature, Korngold reminds us of the nooks and crannies of the natural world and says that we must seek them out, soak them in and care for them. The variety of personal stories, tales of travel with various Adventure Rabbi groups and contemporary alternative biblical outcomes—what if Moses had been too busy texting to notice the burning bush?—make for a book that is easily digestible but at the same time worth savoring. Purposely sized to fit easily into a backpack or pocket, the call to return to the wild—or at least your local city park—is ever present. While certainly aimed at adventuresome readers, the book’s message, filled with depictions of fire, water, earth and sky, simultaneously encourages individual exploration and communal responsibility. (Apr. 8)
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More Praise for God in the Wilderness:
“This book speaks to people of all faiths who have a hunger for reconnecting with the God of their own understandings and traditions.”
—Trudy Harris, R.N., author of Glimpses of Heaven
“A small book with powerful messages … Interpreting biblical passages and centuries of commentary, Rabbi Korngold shows how each of us can find the spiritual meaning we seek by slowing down, going outdoors, and exulting in the grandeur of nature.”
—Myra H. Strober, professor of education, Stanford University
“Weaving ancient teachings with personal and profound experiences in the wilderness, Rabbi Korngold provides a wonderful trail map for each of our journeys. She leads us to an appreciation of the joy that awaits us if we commit to walking in the natural world that is God’s gift.”
—Rabbi Peter J. Rubinstein, Central Synagogue, New York City
Discussion materials
We are pleased to release the free book discussion guide for God in the Wilderness, for you to use with book discussion groups or clubs. We also have posted a lesson plan for Chapter 1 (The chapter is available as a free download):
Download Free Discussion Guide for God in the Wilderness:
Download Book Discussion Guide – PDF version (383 kb)
Download Free Lesson Plan For Chapter 1: Cultivate the Patience to See Burning Bushes – Exodus 3:3-4
Download Download Chapter 1 Lesson Plan – PDF version (266 kb)