God in the Wilderness: Rediscovering the Spirituality of the Great Outdoors with the Adventure Rabbi

by Jamie S. Korngold

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.

Genres: Judaism, Religion, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Jewish, Nature, Judaica

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Philip Barbier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I come to this book from a mainline North American Christian perspective.

Christianity, both through its history in Judaism and through the ministry of Jesus, has a strong connection to the outdoors and to wilderness spaces. Yet our modern secular culture… and church culture… emphasize indoor spaces. In the United States we now live 95%+ of our lives indoors and we seem to spend closer to 99% of our worship lives indoors, with a caveat for some denomination’s Outdoor Ministry programs (church camps & retreats) for our children and youth.

What if we could reclaim that connection to the outdoors? Help congregation members see taking a walk through the woods… through a park… even around their block… as a form of prayer and worship that is intimately connected to our Christian heritage (and not just some “new age” or “anti-church building” fad)?

Rabbi Korngold’s book can help open the door to seeing nature, going outside, as an integral part of our spiritual lives. I would highly recommend it for anyone who is interested in how nature can impact spirituality, both for their own spirituality and for consideration of how it might impact the wider church.

[Michael Butler · Rating 4 out of 5]

"No one can sneer at the stars, mock the dawn, ridicule the outburst of spring, or scoff at the totality of being. Away from the immense, cloistered in our own concepts, we may scorn and revile everything. But standing between heaven and earth, we are silenced."

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd wish to give this book seven stars. Incredible, simple, and conversational--what a balm to read! The author, charmingly interprets famous moments in the Bible that urge Jews and Christians alike to seek out the Divine in the outdoors and to consider the protection of the Earth a spiritual imperative. As a pagan, reading this gives me hope that a healthy dialogue can develop and that Christianity and Judaism can both join the ranks of the Earth-centered religious traditions.

If my childhood pastors had taken these laid-back, gentle, loving viewpoints, I wouldn't have been pressed to seek an alternative in paganism and witchcraft. As it is, I'm pleased to find that there is a lot more common ground than I'd ever thought.

I think everyone I know, regardless of their religious beliefs, would find this a pleasant, inspiring read.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be most enlightening, comforting
and really a remarkable story. I have a list of 6 people I think would
want to read this book. One because she lived in Colorado and misses it
desperately. Two who are lapsed Jews. My yoga teacher because it aligns
with her ideas of spirit, and my sister in law and brother because of all
the notes it will hit for them. And lastly, my husband, who loves the outdoors
immensely and will relate to the book. Love it is written by a female Rabbi
It was interesting for me to learn about the Bible with out Jesus mentioned.
It may be heretical to conservatives in some places.

[Pamela]

It doesn't matter what your faith is, or even if you are a nonbeliever, Korngold reminds us that the outdoors is one factor that unites everyone, yet we tend to discount our relationship with the earth as being necessary for our humanity, both individual and collectively. To see this through the eyes of a Jewish woman, a rabbi, makes it all the more fascinating. This would make a great book for any study group, religious or secular.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

A strong, short thoughtful book giving the perspective of the Adventure Rabbi.

Finding the “awe,” imperfect heroes and prophets, keeping the Sabbath are a few topics.

Good for discussion with a book club.

[Scott Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple and Relevant

This was a quick, simple read yet, deep in thought and contemplation. I love to read books about connecting God and the outdoors especially before a hike. This offers me time to reflect on my faith and put my hike in perspective.

[Carly Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Never before has a book so accurately described my experience of spirituality as this one. Highly recommend for any spiritual environmentalists out there, regardless of religious persuasion or lack there of.

[Robert Weintraub · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the way these simple truths were communicated.

[Melvin Marsh · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wrote a review on this on Librarything but it was eaten at some point.

If I recall it was a decent book. But it didn't stick with me.

[Jeffrey S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read while camping with the family!

[Liddy Barlow · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a change, I thought I'd read our book club pick on the first of the month, not at the very last minute before facilitating the meeting! This one was a very quick read, and should lead to some provocative discussions. In particular, I'm interested in talking about Korngold's suggestion that one can be a person of faith without being a member of a congregation -- I don't think that idea really works in a Christian context. I was sometimes annoyed by the author's self-aggrandizement (how can you improve your spiritual life? by coming on one of my retreats or inviting me to speak, of course!), but she also makes a lot of excellent points. And this passage, in the voice of a dying doctor, actually brought me to tears: "Tell them not to do it. Tell them it isn't worth it. Tell them to make sure they have time for their families and not to be seduced by the prestige, fulfillments, and joy of work. In the end, it is not enough. Tell them to go home."

[Jacqueline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very pleasant and quick read, filled with spiritual wisdom. I bookmarked several pages to re-read later. I love her thesis that we have ignored or forgotten how so many Biblical events took place outside in the majesty of nature. Korngold makes a very convincing case for why we need to seek the spiritual in the great outdoors. I especially connect with her discussion of water and how it nourishes us. This was given to me as a gift and I would highly recommend it as a gift to others.

[Ari · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. I really wanted to like this one but something just fell short for me. I'm not so conservative I can't appreciate what Rabbi Korngold is trying to get at, but I just found a number of her ideas too far off from my understandings of Sabbath, of awe, of prayer, to be useful to me. Rabbi Korngold is a good writer for the masses, but the book lacked the depth I was expecting.

[Jon-Erik · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's quite a bit of fluff in this book, but I like the message: you can find a spiritual connection to nature through encounters in the wild, and, most importantly, those connections are meaningful in ways that connect to traditional religions--in this case, Judaism.

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in just a few hours and loved every word of it. I don't think you need to be Jewish to have this book hit home for you. Her sense of humor is a plus and her no-nonsense view of G-d and religion is refreshing and doable.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

God in the Wilderness is written by a rabbi who lives in Colorado, runs marathons, and hangs out by lakes or climbs mountains to feel closer to God. This book made me wish our book club was still together.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good advice and insight for our hurried, rushed lives. I've always felt closest to God and most at peace when immersed in nature; a large part of the reason that the title and content of the book jumped out at me.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this book draws from the Jewish tradition, I think any theist could relate to its lessons. Rabbi Korngold's writing style tried too hard to be casual and funny, potentially annoying for some readers, but I was able to look past that and appreciate her thoughts on finding renewal in nature.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating how aligned this book is with my daily devotional readings. The premise is that spirituality is better found outdoors. This book supports why my daily walks n the woods are so satisfying and fulfilling for me.

[Mike Atkinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was curious and wanted to see the connection to wilderness and spirituality. The author has some good points but I would disagree with some of her theology. I recommend the book to those who want more out of being outdoors.

[Stacey Palevsky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really thought-provoking. A quick read (when I actually carved out time to read it) though since my preference is for fiction, it took me a while to get through.

[Josh · Rating 3 out of 5]

A really nice intersection of spirituality and environmentalism.

[Dave Sherman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love how Rabbi Jamie Korngold connects Judaism and nature in this book.

[Allen Goetz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book for those seeking or who enjoy integrating their spirituality and love of nature.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and the scripture references within. It reminded me how important it is to keep the Sabbath holy and.ways to accomplish that.