Are the mountains your true spiritual home? Do you feel most “connected” when you are outside? Don’t you wish Judaism could be like that?
Imagine celebrating Rosh Hashanah in the mountains, hiking, and meeting new people with joyful services led by the “Adventure Rabbi.”
Adventure Judaism holds our services at a picturesque venue, 45 minutes from Boulder or 30 minutes from Golden.
Leave your fancy clothes at home and join us. These are not your parents’ High Holiday services!
Some people have made their best friends on our retreats, met their spouses, become engaged, or decided to move to Colorado. This could happen to you. (However, there are no guarantees.)
Please leave your dogs at home. We love dogs, too, but with 150 people, we end up with 50 dogs!
Warning: There is no cell service or Wi-Fi, so be prepared to disconnect!
Security is provided by HCCI Professional Protective Services.
Rosh Hashanah in the Rockies 2026 Details
What:
Rosh Hashanah Retreat 30-45 min from Boulder, CO. Services and hiking, campfire, kids’ activities, lakeside tashlich, new friends, and more.
When:
Sept 11-12, 2026 Friday afternoon until Saturday afternoon (Come for all or part, the price is the same)
[Detailed Schedule]
Where:
Location is disclosed with registration. It is 30-45 minutes from Boulder and Golden, CO.
Security:
Security for this event is provided by HCCI Professional Protective Services and is paid for by a generous grant from JewishColorado, funded by generous donors like yourself.
Price:
Includes camping, dinner, breakfast, and all program fees.
$80 for members
$205 for guests
Kids under 3 are Free
August 28, 2026, and later: Late Registration Fee: +$30 per person
Note: If you register on or after Sept 1, we cannot guarantee dinner. The caterer orders the food on Sept 1. You may go through the buffet line after everyone else has been served. (We have to say that, but there has always been plenty in the past.)
We urge you to purchase private trip insurance in case you need to cancel. Due to the high expenses of running this trip, we cannot refund your payments for any reason, even if you are sick or injured. The best we can do is convert your payment into a donation if you let us know a week before the event that you are not joining us. If we cancel the event, you will receive a full refund.
Youth:
During the day, we have age-specific break-out activities for kids under 12, B’nai Mitzvah students, teens, and adults. Kids are encouraged to attend the evening service. If they plan to be in our B’nai Mitzvah program when they are older, attending the service will help them become familiar with the prayers. The music and the slide show engage most children. You may bring a silent toy or book to keep them entertained.
Night Sky Photography:
Five participants will join photographer Mike Berkow for a workshop shooting the Milky Way. Register in advance by emailing info@adventurerabbi.org
What you need to bring:
* Flashlight, preferably something with a red filter
* Warm, comfortable clothes and other items to be comfortable outdoors
* A camera with manual settings
* The widest-angle lens you own
* A tripod
* If you own one, a small level (this is nice if you want your horizon level)
* lots of patience; capturing the Milky Way takes time to get right
Meals:
We begin the retreat by gathering as a community to enjoy a catered Rosh Hashanah dinner, lovingly prepared by Chef Steve Grindley, using traditional recipes. You will find your Rosh Hashanah favorites, such as brisket and matzah ball soup, as well as a variety of dishes so that paleos, vegetarians, vegans, gluten-free, and those with other eating styles can enjoy the meal. In the morning, the camp prepares a lavish feast. Meals are NOT kosher; we mix milk and meat. Shellfish and pork are not served.
Two Lodge Room Options:
We have introduced a new option for family groups, large rooms with cots and a shared bathroom.
We still have double-bed lodge rooms available.
Both are at an extra cost paid directly to the camp. All lodge rooms sell out quickly.
These cabins are not winterized! Please bring extra warm blankets or your sleeping bag.
Also, the new Bath House is open with all gender-neutral bathrooms.
When you register, you will receive a link to request lodge rooms.
Camping:
Tent camping is included. Small campsites are spread around the camp grounds, providing delightful niches for campers. You’ll be able to park close to your campsite. Camp is at 9,000 feet, so it will likely get colder at night, so throw in an extra blanket in addition to your sleeping bag!
Weather:
Based on the averages recorded at this time of year, we expect temperatures between 36 and 70 degrees. Please bring appropriate gear for being outside in the sun, rain, or snow! When you register, we will send you a link to the weather station near camp.
It gets very cold at 9,000′, and the lodge rooms are not winterized. That means, even if you are staying in a cabin, you must bring warm blankets or a sleeping bag to supplement the camp’s blankets.
Packing Tips:
This list is not all-inclusive but is intended to help you consider what to pack.
- Flashlight
- Water bottle
- To-go mug for breakfast (Camp has styrofoam cups. Bad for the planet!)
- Teens: you may kayak, so consider water shoes, a bathing suit, a towel, or just clothes that can get wet
- If you are camping, bring everything you need—a tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, pillow, and warm clothing.
- Rain jacket
- Snacks
- Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Sneakers or hiking shoes
- Some people use bug spray
- Camera
- Hat and gloves
- PLEASE leave your dogs at home.
Check the weather! It can be very hot during the day and freezing at night. We tend to dress nicely for the evening but not formally. You will not see a suit or heels, but a collared shirt or dress is always welcome, or simply be clean and neat. And warm. Did I mention that?
Detailed Schedule
4:00 – 5:00 pm
Arrive and Check-in (Big Hall )
5:00 – 6:15 pm
Chef Steve’s Holiday Dinner (Big Hall, indoor and outdoor dining, weather permitting) Dessert is served after the service.
7:00 – 8:30 pm
- Evening Service with Rabbi Jamie Korngold and Rabbi Alan Shavit-Lonstein (Big Hall)
9:00 – 11:00 pm
- Social in the Big Hall, great late-night conversation and dessert bar (bake a dessert to share if you wish)
- Milky Way photography workshop available for 5 pre-registered people
7:15 am- 8:15 am
Breakfast and check out of lodge rooms (Big Hall)
8:30 am- 10 am
Morning Service begins with a full group, contemplative, easy hike, including Tashlich, led by Rabbi Korngold. Meet outside the Big Hall.
10 am- 11:30 am
Activities for youth and teens, led by Rebecca Shavit-Lonstein (ages 5-11), Rabbi Shavit-Lonstein (ages 12-13), Camp Staff (ages 14-18)
10 am – 11:30 noon
Adult Discussions with Rabbi Jamie Korngold (Amphitheater)
11:30- 12:00 noon
Everyone joins together as we form a circle and unscroll the Torah for the Reading of the Torah and the Hearing of the Shofar.
12 noon
Farewell!
Rosh Hashanah in the Rockies Details
High Holiday Rosh Hashanah Service:
Rabbi Korngold’s High Holiday services are warm, engaging, and inclusive. They are not long, boring, droning, or preachy.
Comments from past participants include: “Wow, I never even had to resort to counting the ceiling tiles!” and “I liked how the prayerbook was projected on a screen so everyone looked up rather than down at a book.” and “I loved the nature images in the service. ”
Full Group Contemplative Hike:
We hike together as a community through the woods, stopping often to slow ourselves down and be inspired by the majesty surrounding us. Rabbi Korngold offers teachings and leads discussions along the way, including one spot overlooking the Continental Divide. It’s not too crunchy, just the right amount.
Meals:
Once again, Steve Grindley of Chef Steve Colorado will prepare our catered dinner. The meal is healthy and festive and includes homemade matzah ball soup.
The caterer sets prices, which are paid directly to him. They are based on the cost of food and of preparing an elegant meal in a remote location.
Although pork and shellfish will not be served, meals are not kosher. We mix milk and meat, but shellfish and pork are not served. Available choices on the buffet line will accommodate vegetarian, lactose-intolerant, gluten-free (preference but not allergy), nut-free (but not allergy), high-protein, and kosher styles.
We CANNOT accommodate Celiac Disease, severe nut allergy, or strict kosher.
Dinner Menu:
Bubbie Tetzie’s Matzah Ball Soup (chicken and vegetarian options)
Grandma Sadelle’s Fall Green Salad (vegetarian, gluten-free, lactose-free)
Bubbie Poofy’s Slow-Braised, Hand-Cut Beef Brisket
(gluten-free, dairy-free)
Sarah T. Donner’s Noodle Kugel (vegetarian, dairy)
Auntie K.T.’s Seasonal Soft-Baked Apples (vegetarian, gluten-free0
Nanna Fay’s Roasted Carrots & Potatoes (vegetarian, gluten-free, lactose-free)
Chef Steve’s Challah Rolls (vegetarian)
Lemonade/ Water
Breakfast:
The camp prepares breakfast. It generally includes eggs, pancakes or waffles, yogurt, oatmeal, fruit, coffee, and juice. Although we do not control the ingredients, most eating styles can find something to their liking, except allergies affected by cross-contamination.
Need the Dinner Ingredients?
Bubbie’s Handcrafted Matzah Ball Soup
Chicken, Celery, Carrots, Onion, Salt, Pepper, Garlic, Olive Oil, Oregano, Thyme, Matzo meal (unbleached, unbromated Passover wheat flour and water), salt, monocalcium phosphate, sodium bicarbonate, onion, black pepper, garlic, celery seed and Chicken Base [chicken, salt, monosodium glutamate, sugar, modified corn starch, onion powder, natural flavoring, rendered chicken fat, turmeric, disodium inosinate and disodium guanylate. ]
Vegetarian Version Contains: Celery, Carrots, Onion, Salt, Pepper, Garlic, Olive Oil, Oregano, Thyme, Matzo meal (unbleached, unbromated Passover wheat flour and water), salt, monocalcium phosphate, sodium bicarbonate, onion, black pepper, garlic, celery seed Vegetarian Soup Base [puréed vegetables (carrots, onions, celery), salt, sugar, corn maltodextrin, vegetable oils (corn, canola, sunflower), water, potato starch, xanthan gum, tapioca dextrin, carrot juice concentrate, autolyzed yeast extract, flavors.]
Grandma Sadelle’s Fall Green Salad
Gluten-Free. Contains: Mixed Greens, Strawberries, Blueberries, Red Onions, Mandarin Oranges, and Raspberry Vinaigrette.
Bubbie Poofy’s Slow-Braised, Hand-Cut Beef Brisket
Gluten-Free. Contains: Red Wine, Garlic, Onion, Celery, Carrots, Olive Oil, Kosher Salt, Pepper, Beef Base [Hydrolyzed soy protein, salt, sugar, monosodium glutamate, caramel color, beef, natural flavoring, onion powder, xanthan gum.
Sarah T. Donner’s Noodle Kugel
Dairy. Contains Egg noodles, Eggs, Sugar, Butter, Cream Cheese, Vanilla, Sour Cream, Cornflakes [Corn, sugar, salt, barley malt extract, vitamins ]
Nanna Fay’s Roasted Carrots & Potatoes
Gluten-Free and Vegan: Contains Carrots, Potatoes, Olive Oil, Rosemary, Garlic, Salt, Pepper, Thyme.
Auntie K.T.’s Seasonal Soft-Baked Apples
Gluten-Free and Vegetarian: Cinnamon, Sugar, Butter, Apples.
Chef Steve’s Challah Rolls
Vegetarian: Flour, Water, Sugar, Yeast, Eggs, and Salt
Refunds:
We urge you to purchase private trip insurance in case you need to cancel. Due to the high expenses of running this trip, we cannot refund your payments for any reason, even if you are sick or injured. The best we can do is convert your payment into a donation if you let us know a week before the event that you are not joining us. If we cancel the event, you will receive a full refund.
Who Comes on Adventure Rabbi Trips?
Our participants are:
- Outdoor-oriented
- Progressive and open-minded about their Judaism (the service and components are from the Reform traditions, and we will be driving, carrying, and lighting fires on the Sabbath and holiday).
- Looking for “authentic” and meaningful Jewish experiences
- Representative of a range of Jewish knowledge and practice
- From all across the United States, from L.A. to Florida, to N.Y.C. (and of course from Denver and Boulder, Colorado)
- Newcomers who do not know anyone when they arrive
- Regulars who have been coming to A.R. events for years
- Families with children.
- Adults with their adult parents
- Singles and Couples
Staff
Rabbi Jamie Korngold
Besides being the Adventure Rabbi, Rabbi Korngold is known for her relevant and thought-provoking sermons. Her teachings are accessible to all levels of Jewish knowledge and are rich with stories that resonate with our daily lives. Rabbi Korngold is based in Boulder, Colorado.
She is the author of eleven books, including God in the Wilderness, The God Upgrade, and the beloved Sadie and Ori children’s series.