Adventure Rabbi
Donate Online - Tax-Deductible

Friday, October 24, 2014

I don’t remember who asked the question. It was so long about, maybe 10 years ago?


I don’t remember who asked the question. It was so long about, maybe 10 years ago? I do remember the question.

I do remember that it was a golden day in early autumn.  The leaves were shimmering and shaking and the sun softly warmed our backs as we sat on the rocks overlooking Boulder.

Some congregants and I are were on a Shabbat Hike, as is the minhag in our adventurous congregation. My sermon that day was about Shabbat. I’ll admit, my sermons are often about Shabbat, the concept of a day off, which I believe to be among the greatest gifts the Jews gave the world.

I tend to go on and on about “creating palaces in time” and taking time to be with family, community and friends and so on.  Honestly, I love Shabbat and think everyone else will too if they just make time to try it. 

So there we were on the rocks, under the sun, listening to the leaves. As I said, I don’t remember who asked the question although I do remember the question.

“I like my work. Really, there is little I would rather do. My work is my favorite thing to do.  So, why shouldn’t I work on Shabbat?”

I don’t remembered what I answered.  I probably said something about the importance of creating havdil, separation, something about making one day different than they rest. Or maybe I went with, “We all need down time to re-inspire and re-invigorate ourselves.”

I don’t know what I said but I do know that none of my answers satisfied me. They probably didn’t satisfy the asker either.  I’ve been thinking about her question for years.

Last Shabbat, when I felt exhausted by being a mom and a rabbi and a wife and a friend and an author, and all the other things I am, I escaped into my office to do some work on my computer.  FYI, I don’t work on Shabbat. I don’t use my computer or phone. But I was so worn out at that moment that being on my computer seemed relaxing, like just the Shabbat escape I needed.  I felt at that moment like the asker,  ““I like my work. Really, there is little I would rather do. My work is my favorite thing to do.  So, why shouldn’t I work on Shabbat?”


Right before I turned on my computer, I remembered that question, from years ago and I think I finally understand the answer.

Here is the thing. Shabbat is a day designed to remind us of what is important in our lives. The idea of Shabbat is not just to check in with ourselves and make sure our life is properly expressing our priorities but to make sure we have the correct priorities!

If work is the most important thing in my life, then I am missing out on some other amazing parts of life.  If work is what I love more than anything else, I am missing out on the opportunity of experiencing loving other people, places, animals, etc.

Years ago my friends Jennifer O’Conner told me that life is like a bicycle. “Draw a two-wheeled bicycle,” She said. “The front is your work, the back is your personal life. Both tires have to be blown up all the way for the bike to cruise.”

I did not turn on my computer. I walked back into the mayhem of Shabbat in my  living room.

Shabbat may not always be peaceful or pretty, quiet or calm.  Sometimes Shabbat is not even relaxing. But it is a day that reminds us that to live  a full and meaningful lives, we need to create loves in our lives other than work. 


As I turn off my computer for Shabbat, I wish you a Shabbat Shalom.

Thursday, October 2, 2014

Should I bring my kids to Kol Nidre?

Many people have been asking me if they should bring their kids to Kol Nidre. Yes. No. Maybe. Let me explain.

My daughter Sadie has been coming to Kol Nidre since she was 5. She has always been enchanted by the decorum of the evening. I've seen many kids like her who sit rapt, listening intently. Even if they don't quite understand what is being said, they draw meaning from the experience.

I believe it is powerful for our children to learn that Judaism is not just something suitable for children but meaningful to adults as well.

On the other hand, my daughter, Ori, (age 6 almost 7) will not be at Kol Nidre. For her, the service feels long and boring and she becomes distracting to those around her.
Should your child come to Kol Nidre?

If they can sit quietly, either listening or playing a NON-ELECTRONIC GAME such as coloring or reading, bring them.

But if they cannot, let them stay home with a babysitter or neighbor and give yourself the gift of meaningful Judaism for yourself. If we want Judaism to be long lasting for our children, we must make it meaningful for ourselves too.

A reminder of all our offerings are below:
Warmly,

Jamie
Rabbi Jamie Korngold
Adventure Rabbi

Rabbi Jamie Korngold, Adventure Rabbi
Jamie@AdventureRabbi.org
303.443.2642


Join us in Israel for a family hiking and camping trip, Thanksgiving 2015

************************************************************************************************
Yom Kippur: Who Should Come to What? Who Needs to Register?
************************************************************************************************

Kol Nidre: Friday Millennium House 7 pm (doors open at 6:30 pm)
What: Kol Nidre is our most solemn service of the year. It is usually about 2 hours long. It is mostly indoors, but we do go outdoors briefly so bring a flashlight.
Who: It is geared for those who are able to sit quietly for the length of a service. There is no children's program. Adventure Bar and Bat Mitzvah Students meet at 6:30.
Register: 
Members are free and register here >>
Non-Members register here >>

Special Cases: 
Teen Program participants are free, but please tell us you are coming. You may register as a member here.

Adventure Bar and Bat Mitzvah Students: We are assuming you will be there. You do not need to register. Your family members do need to register.
************************************************************************************************
Adult Retreat: Sat, Oct 4, 2014 CUCC, 2650 Table Mesa Dr. 9:30-2:30
************************************************************************************************


What: A mixture of yoga, strolling and contemplative Yom Kippur work.

Who: Our Adult retreat is geared for adults. Post-B"Mitzvah age teens are welcome to come with their parents.
Register: 
Members are free and can register here >>
Non-Members register here >>

Special Cases: 
Teen Program participants are free, but please tell us you are coming. You may register as a member.

************************************************************************************************
Children's Retreat: Sat, Oct 4, 2014
CUCC, 2650 Table Mesa Dr. 9:30-2:30
************************************************************************************************

What: Yom Kippur Activities geared for children with Elaine Barenblat. A drop-off program
Who: Grades k-6th
Register: 
Members are free and can register here >>
Non-Members register here >>

NOTE: ARK tuition does not include this event. ARK tuition does not make your child a member. Membership is optional.
Special Cases: 
Adventure Bar and Bat Mitzvah Students: if you are in 6th grade, you may come to this retreat but it is optional for you. Register as a member.

************************************************************************************************
Middle-School and Teen Program: Sat, Oct 4, 2014
CUCC, 2650 Table Mesa Dr. 3:30 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.
************************************************************************************************

What: An age-appropriate Yom Kippur program
Who: Middle school and teenagers. Mandatory attendance for students in the Adventure Bar and Bat Mitzvah class.
Register: 
Members are free and can register here >>
Non-Members register here >>

Special Cases: 
Teen Program participants are free, but please tell us you are coming. You may register as an member here >>

Adventure Bar and Bat Mitzvah Students: We are assuming you will be there. You do not need to register.
************************************************************************************************
Pre-School - 1st Grade Children's Program with Rabbi Korngold
CUCC, 2650 Table Mesa Dr. Sat, Oct 4, 2014 3:30 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.
************************************************************************************************


What: An age-appropriate Yom Kippur Program

Who: Pre-schoolers - 1st graders and their adults (not a drop–off program)
Register: 
Members are free and can register here >>
Non-Members register here >>

NOTE: ARK tuition does not include this event. ARK tuition does not make your child a member. Membership is optional.

************************************************************************************************
Closing Service and Stroll All Ages Sat, Oct 4, 2014 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
CUCC, 2650 Table Mesa Dr.
************************************************************************************************

What: A stroll and service to close Yom Kippur
Who: Anyone who wants to walk
No registration is required...
******************************************************


Did you know that you aren't supposed to wear leather in Yom Kippur? For those of us who dress up, it creates areal dilemma: what to wear on your feet on the holiest of days?  Jeff and I each have a white pair of crocs.  One of our congregants, Josh Zapin, has searched and found some really great ideas. Learn about some interesting Yom Kippur Shoe styles at yomkippurshoes.com.




Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Yom Kippur: Who Should Come to What? Who Needs to Register?

We are happy to offer many Yom Kippur options to meet the diverse needs of our community.
We also know options make us confusing, so please allow me to clarify:
************************************************************************************************
Yom Kippur: Who Should Come to What? Who Needs to Register?
************************************************************************************************

Kol Nidre: Friday Millennium House 7 pm (doors open at 6:30 pm)
What: Kol Nidre is our most solemn service of the year. It is usually about 2 hours long. It is mostly indoors, but we do go outdoors briefly so bring a flashlight.
Who: It is geared for those who are able to sit quietly for the length of a service. There is no children's program. Adventure Bar and Bat Mitzvah Students meet at 6:30.
Register: 
Members are free and register here >>
Non-Members register here >>

Special Cases: 
Teen Program participants are free, but please tell us you are coming. You may register as a member here.

Adventure Bar and Bat Mitzvah Students: We are assuming you will be there. You do not need to register. Your family members do need to register.
************************************************************************************************
Adult Retreat: Sat, Oct 4, 2014 CUCC, 2650 Table Mesa Dr. 9:30-2:30
************************************************************************************************


What: A mixture of yoga, strolling and contemplative Yom Kippur work.

Who: Our Adult retreat is geared for adults. Post-B"Mitzvah age teens are welcome to come with their parents.
Register: 
Members are free and can register here >>
Non-Members register here >>

Special Cases: 
Teen Program participants are free, but please tell us you are coming. You may register as a member.

************************************************************************************************
Children's Retreat: Sat, Oct 4, 2014
CUCC, 2650 Table Mesa Dr. 9:30-2:30
************************************************************************************************

What: Yom Kippur Activities geared for children with Elaine Barenblat. A drop-off program
Who: Grades k-6th
Register: 
Members are free and can register here >>
Non-Members register here >>

NOTE: ARK tuition does not include this event. ARK tuition does not make your child a member. Membership is optional.
Special Cases: 
Adventure Bar and Bat Mitzvah Students: if you are in 6th grade, you may come to this retreat but it is optional for you. Register as a member.

************************************************************************************************
Middle-School and Teen Program: Sat, Oct 4, 2014
CUCC, 2650 Table Mesa Dr. 3:30 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.
************************************************************************************************

What: An age-appropriate Yom Kippur program
Who: Middle school and teenagers. Mandatory attendance for students in the Adventure Bar and Bat Mitzvah class.
Register: 
Members are free and can register here >>
Non-Members register here >>

Special Cases: 
Teen Program participants are free, but please tell us you are coming. You may register as an member here >>

Adventure Bar and Bat Mitzvah Students: We are assuming you will be there. You do not need to register.
************************************************************************************************
Pre-School - 1st Grade Children's Program with Rabbi Korngold
CUCC, 2650 Table Mesa Dr. Sat, Oct 4, 2014 3:30 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.
************************************************************************************************


What: An age-appropriate Yom Kippur Program

Who: Pre-schoolers - 1st graders and their adults (not a drop–off program)
Register: 
Members are free and can register here >>
Non-Members register here >>

NOTE: ARK tuition does not include this event. ARK tuition does not make your child a member. Membership is optional.

************************************************************************************************
Closing Service and Stroll All Ages Sat, Oct 4, 2014 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
CUCC, 2650 Table Mesa Dr.
************************************************************************************************

What: A stroll and service to close Yom Kippur
Who: Anyone who wants to walk
No registration is required...
******************************************************
Whatever options you choose, we hope to see you this weekend.
Warmly,

Jamie
Rabbi Jamie Korngold
Adventure Rabbi