If you've ever wanted to get credit for attending synagogue while riding your bike, then  Rabbi  Jamie S. Korngold's "Adventure Rabbi: Synagogue Without Walls" is the congregation for you.

The Adventure Rabbi Program is based out of Boulder, Colorado and guides numerous adventure trips a year, including four holiday retreats, and weekly Shabbat services in a variety of places (hiking, road rides, mountain rides, skiing).  The Adventure Rabbi also serves as the spiritual leader at outdoor Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Bris', weddings, baby namings and other occasions.  Rabbi Korngold founded the Adventure Rabbi program in November 2001 with the intention of bringing Jews back into communal religious life through innovative religious programs, which combine the outdoors and Jewish practice.  See www.adventurerabbi.org for more  information. 

Rabbi Korngold received her ordination from Hebrew Union College- Jewish Institute of Religion, the academic, spiritual and professional development center for Reform Judaism. Rabbi Korngold is a member of the Central Conference of American Rabbis (the international rabbinic association of Reform Judaism) Chaver (The Boulder Colorado Rabbinical Council) and the Rocky Mountain Rabbinical Association.

Recently, Rabbi Korngold wrote a book entitled God In The Wilderness.  It was published in April of 2008 and she is currently planning a book tour.  Oy Velo has ordered a copy of God in the Wilderness and will issue a book report shortly.  In the meantime, please feel free to evaluate the book on your own, www.godinthewilderness.com 

Oy Velo recently spoke with the Adventure Rabbi regarding her congregation and new book:

Oy Velo:  Thanks for speaking to Oy Velo Rabbi.

Rabbi Korngold: My pleasure.

OV: So how did The Adventure Rabbi start?

RK: All the information you need is in my book.

OV: Okay, busted, I have not read your book, but it's next on my list as soon as I finish "Around the World on Two Wheels" about Annie "Londonderry" Kopchovsky (by Peter Zheutlin).  In the meantime, can you give us a few hints on how The Adventure Rabbi got started?

RK: Only for Oy Velo.  In 2001, I conducted a baby naming ceremony at the base of the Grand Canyon.  There were a lot of college students there and I realized this would be a great way to reach some of the 70% of Jewish people in the U.S. that don’t belong to a congregation.

OV: So you don't have membership fees?

RK: No.  We have about 300 to 400 people that are actively involved with The Adventure Rabbi and another 3000 to 4000 people that are peripherally involved and attend one or two events a year. 

OV: That's great.  Were you a "regular" Rabbi before becoming an "adventure" Rabbi? 

RK: Yes, I resigned shortly after the baby naming ceremony and started up The Adventure Rabbi.  My tallis doubles as a cape.

OV: Oy Velo will gladly sell your action heros.

RK: Excellent. 

OV: So how did you get into cycling?

RK: I was bored when I was 16, so I rode my bike across the United States.

OV: So cliché.

RK: Very funny. 

OV: So how many bikes do you have?

RK: Too many.  Plus I have the little stroller attachments for my kids.  My car doesn't fit in the garage anymore.

OV: Oy Velo recommends keeping bikes, especially Israeli Segal bikes, in an indoor, moisture free, temperature controlled environment.  

RK:  Sounds like you don't have kids.

OV: Good guess.  How old are your kids?

RK: One is 4 years old and one is 5 months old.

OV: Mazel Tov!

RK: Thank you. 

OV: Okay, it's time for the 6 questions with Oy Velo.  Oy Velo's expecting great results out of The Adventure Rabbi.

RK: I'll try my best.

 

1) Corned beef or Pastrami on a Reuben?

 RK: Corned Beef.

OV: Nope.  Gotta go with variety and ask them to mix the meats.

RK: That sounds like a good idea.

OV: Thanks,  but sucking up won't help you, you're 0 for 6 Rabbi.

 

2) Any chance that the Jews can turn one day of oil into eight again? Considering the gas crisis, this seems like a very marketable miracle.

RK: No.  Unfortunately, we're done with miracles.  See Chapter 2 of my book for more information.

OV:  Bummer, but you're correct. I can't wait to check out chapter 2, as well as the entire book.

 

3) Which is the best sport? Cycling, skiing, or hiking?

RK: Skiing.

OV: NO!  This is a cycling website based out of Florida, skiing is in third place.  Want to guess which sport is in first place?

RK: Cycling.

OV: At least you're a fast learner.

 

4) Jon Stewart or Sarah Silverman?

RK: Jon Stewart.  I actually credit him in the acknowledgement page of my book.

OV: If your book is inspired by Jon Stewart it is a must read.  Also, you are correct, though Oy Velo loves Sarah Silverman as well.

 

5) Is honey Kosher?

RK: Yes.  Though it should be organic to avoid pesticides.

OV: You are correct.  Honey is Kosher because the bee (which is not Kosher, so try not to swallow one on your bike if you're observant) produces the honey rather than excreting it.

 

6) Barbara Streisand or Bette Midler?

RK: Barbara Streisand hands down!

OV:  I cried during Beaches, but I still have to agree with you. 

 

Mazel Tov!  It would seem your Rabbinical education has paid off, you got four out of six Stars of David