Ramblin’ with the Rav hikes feature a morning of enjoying the Berkshires - exercise, a beautiful view, good company, a bit of Torah, and fantastic conversation on the trail. This is a wonderful opportunity to build relationships and community while enjoying the outdoors. Rabbi Weiner, spiritual leader of Knesset Israel, leads the hikes, which typically take place on weekday and Sunday mornings in the warmer months of the year.

The Hopkins Memorial Forest is a reserve with hiking trails spread out over an extensive 2,600 acres. We will walk a relatively smooth trail through a dense, subtly beautiful forest - sunny glens, cascading streams. Leashed dogs are welcome. This is a moderate hike - 4.1 miles, 613’, 2+ hours. More details will be provided upon registration.

Prospective participants must register in advance for each hike at www.knessetisrael.org/rsvp. Registrants will receive information about where and when to meet, the route, what to wear, what to bring, etc…, and be added to an email list for communication before the hike. Poor weather may lead to a postponement to the rain date, usually communicated the day before, and low RSVP numbers may cause a cancellation a day or two in advance. Occasionally there may be itinerary changes because of trail conditions.

Each route is unique, with its own difficulty, distance, total elevation gain and approximate duration. Driving time is not included in the time estimate. Participants must be responsible and realistic regarding their pace, fitness and stamina.

All hikes are potentially family-friendly; most welcome leashed dogs as well. In the summer, some excursions include an opportunity for wading or swimming, at participants’ risk. Members and non-members of Knesset Israel are welcome, and there is no charge for the program.