Rabbi Korngold’s Last “Friday on Flagstaff” Service Will Be August 22

Let’s Talk Rabbinic Transition

After more than twenty-four years of leading our community, it’s time for me to begin my next adventure. Please join me for one more Friday on Flagstaff – my final Shabbat service as your Adventure Rabbi, on August 22. Let’s share one more beautiful evening at the Sunrise Amphitheater. I have many sweet memories of that place, and I hope you do too.

What’s Next for Our Summer Services?

Beginning in the summer of 2026, our Friday on Flagstaff Shabbat services will be led by Rabbi Alan Shavit-Lonstein, accompanied by a song-leader. (We’re still looking for that song-leader — any suggestions?) Rabbi Alan is a thoughtful and witty leader who will continue our tradition of joyful, welcoming summer services.

As for me, I may still make guest appearances at Shabbat services, but my formal commitment through 2030 will be to:

• Lead Passover in Moab
• Lead Rosh Hashanah in the Rockies
• Lead Yom Kippur.

I hope you’ll join me for all of those! Behind the scenes, I’ll continue to mentor our senior staff, oversee our finances, and serve on the Board of Directors.

My Next Chapter: Skiing, Bicycling, and Writing

So, what will I be doing? I plan to rent out my house, buy an AWD camper van, and head into the mountains of Idaho, Montana, and British Columbia. You’ll find me parked at the base of ski areas, clearing snow off my rooftop solar panels, and bantering with other campers about our epic powder days.

During the warmer months, I’ll be in Europe on my bike, much like I was the last two summers in Norway. I’ve never been to Great Britain or Portugal. I’ve never seen Paris or the Pyrenees. My daughter, Sadie, is far more traveled than I am — I have some catching up to do.

I also hope to write more, although I’m not yet sure what form that will take. If you’d like to read my personal (not rabbinic) writing, feel free to friend me on Facebook.

The Future? Who Knows!

I figure this adventure-filled lifestyle will last a few years — and then who knows? Maybe I’ll find a beautiful house at the base of a ski area, or maybe I’ll (finally?) get sick of skiing. Or maybe I’ll meet the man of my dreams, fall in love, and move to some town I’ve never heard of. Life is full of surprises, and I’m excited to see what unfolds.

Grateful for This Community

I founded the Adventure Rabbi program in 2001, and it has evolved into a vibrant, sustainable community. As I hand off leadership to my dear friends and talented colleagues, Rabbi Alan Shavit-Lonstein and Rebecca Shavit-Lonstein, I do so with immense pride and optimism. I searched for years to find the right people to carry on this work — and I’m deeply grateful that the Shavit-Lonsteins found me.

Not Quite Goodbye

I’ve often imagined my retirement party — a bash at Camp Granite Lake with Tom West DJing, and all of us dancing the night away. But since I’m not fully retiring, that party will have to wait. Instead, I hope you’ll join me for Shabbat on August 22, as well as for the High Holidays and Passover.

Leading this community has been a pleasure, an honor, and an adventure. Thank you for walking this journey with me. I hope you’ll continue to support the new chapter of our community — and that I’ll see you soon!

Warmly,
Rabbi Jamie Korngold