Tuesday, May 27, 2008
I'm Here -- Miles Herman
I am sitting here in the Eilat airport in the morning. Up since 6 am, I had a chance to walk along the beach early this morning with the golden rim of the sun peeking over the Jordanian mountains and spotlighting the deep blue water. With my feet sinking in the wet sand, I had some quiet time to ponder what I have just completed.Today is the day after...We had a wonderful closing ceremony evening bringing us all together for one last time. It was a dinner of jokes...songs...skits, announcements, laughter and yes some tears...Dinner was a feast. We sat at a table with old and new friends. We were busy reliving the highlights and low points of the trek. What ever the challenges were that we had faced, they were now memories, stored away in our minds and our hearts.For me, the highlight of the evening was watching the slide show that our amazing photography team had assembled. Part cheerleaders and part photographers, these kids were never far away from a camera. What they captured was an amazing chronology of the event-from warm-up, the grueling rides, breaks, down periods to bonding time. At the end oif the night, people lingered. Not wanting the night to end, some of us continued to hang out at the hotel while "the crew and some riders" continued to dance, first at the hotel and later moving to the beach.Sleep came later after drinks.I cannot say enough about the people of the AI team. Some were newer faces to me while others were "old friends". I leave here having created some amazing bonds and friendships within the AI family as well as with others in the Arvana and Hazon family.In closing, I make this entry a few pounds lighter, knowing a lot more about myself.
Finally Here: Stuart Kurtz
We are finally here. The last 45 miles proved to be very taxing at first because of tired legs and later because of a sore left shoulder. But as we made our descent down to the red sea with the site of eliat in the distance, all of the pain dissipated. Congratulations to all of the members of team adath israel for completing this spectacular ride and special thanks to my wonderful family for all of their support. I can't wait to see you.
Monday, May 26, 2008
PIctures from Ketura
Here are some pictures from Ketura. They are of the experimental orchards. 500 different species of trees many of them with incredible possibility for medicinal use. The botanist is also the only person to have germanated a 2000 year old seed into a tree that has been extinct for centuries. No pictures of that...it's not allowed.
Day 6: Ketura to Eilat -- 45 Miles -- 286 Total
I can't believe that I am here. You should see the view from my hotel room. The Red Sea is so blue. The Jordan mountains, Edom, are red and magnificent. I made it. I did it! I'm overwhelmed with the sense of physical and emotional challenge that was the Hazon Arava Israel Bike Ride. 300 miles from Jerusalem to Eilat.
Today was the most difficult day for me. I woke this morning with a splitting headache, unable to breathe due to the dust and pain in every joint. The early part of the ride was, therefore, grueling. At many times I wanted to stop, get off my bike and bus it to the top of Har Hezkiyahu, the summit before the descent into Eilat. Miles and Alma, though, kept me pedalling. "Slow and steady," alma said over and over again...and though I was tired and not feeling well, slow and steady I rode.
When finally reaching the top of the mountain I grabbed a quick bite to eat and laid down for a nap. I slept for only 20-25 minutes (or so they tell me. We'll also have to see another time how many pictures of me out cold were taken.) but it was a heavenly nap. When I awoke I went for a look around and I could see the Red Sea in the distance. I felt better and stronger. And that was good because we had two more hills to climb, one of them very steep, before our descent into Eilat.
The descent was beautiful. I particularly noticed the change of the geography. There was one point on the way down where you could literally see the border between the hills of the Negev and the hills of Eilat. I stopped for a picture. It was fascinating. The downhill was fun and exhilirating.
When we reached the bottom. We had popscicles, high fives and hugs all around. I was stunned. I couldn't believe I had actually done this. I had worked so hard. And it was very hard, but with the help of old friends and new friends I did it.
We then mounted our bikes again and rode to the hotel and a dip in the Sea. It was cold and refreshing. Then we boxed up our bikes and in an hour we'll head off to our closing dinner.
Though I have written a lot for this blog. In truth I find myself speechless. I have so many emotions and thoughts circling in my head. It will take me some time to sort them out. Suffice to say, this whole experience, from training and losing weight, to strengthening the bonds of friendship with those with whom I've travelled to Israel, to meeting new friends, to learning about Hazon and the Arava Institute, to riding my bike from Jerusalem to Eilat, has been an extraordinarily transforming experience for me.
I can't wait to see what comes next!
Today was the most difficult day for me. I woke this morning with a splitting headache, unable to breathe due to the dust and pain in every joint. The early part of the ride was, therefore, grueling. At many times I wanted to stop, get off my bike and bus it to the top of Har Hezkiyahu, the summit before the descent into Eilat. Miles and Alma, though, kept me pedalling. "Slow and steady," alma said over and over again...and though I was tired and not feeling well, slow and steady I rode.
When finally reaching the top of the mountain I grabbed a quick bite to eat and laid down for a nap. I slept for only 20-25 minutes (or so they tell me. We'll also have to see another time how many pictures of me out cold were taken.) but it was a heavenly nap. When I awoke I went for a look around and I could see the Red Sea in the distance. I felt better and stronger. And that was good because we had two more hills to climb, one of them very steep, before our descent into Eilat.
The descent was beautiful. I particularly noticed the change of the geography. There was one point on the way down where you could literally see the border between the hills of the Negev and the hills of Eilat. I stopped for a picture. It was fascinating. The downhill was fun and exhilirating.
When we reached the bottom. We had popscicles, high fives and hugs all around. I was stunned. I couldn't believe I had actually done this. I had worked so hard. And it was very hard, but with the help of old friends and new friends I did it.
We then mounted our bikes again and rode to the hotel and a dip in the Sea. It was cold and refreshing. Then we boxed up our bikes and in an hour we'll head off to our closing dinner.
Though I have written a lot for this blog. In truth I find myself speechless. I have so many emotions and thoughts circling in my head. It will take me some time to sort them out. Suffice to say, this whole experience, from training and losing weight, to strengthening the bonds of friendship with those with whom I've travelled to Israel, to meeting new friends, to learning about Hazon and the Arava Institute, to riding my bike from Jerusalem to Eilat, has been an extraordinarily transforming experience for me.
I can't wait to see what comes next!
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Day 5 -- Mitzpe Ramon to Kibbutz Ketura
Today was a great day. We travelled 62 miles through the Negev. It was hot; sometimes 108%. Sunscreen, food, water and powerade were essential. I felt pretty good for the ride too. Thank God for Shabbat! The scenery was beautiful and challenging, not only because of the heat, but also because the hills. We had two difficult uphills -- one was very steep, but I made it and strongly at that. When I got to the top I felt like I could do anything! The downhills weren't easy either. One had to be very much in control so as to not fall. Traffic wasn't easy either. Then there were the straight aways too...mile after mile in the desert heat.
For all of you who smugly said: "300 miles from Jerusalem to Eilat. Shouldn't be too hard it's all down hill!" I have some words for you when I get home!
Kibbutz Ketura warmly greeted us. I'm now all showered and ready to hit the pool and walk around learning more about the incredible work they do here at the Arava Institute and other agricultural innovations.
Time to go! More tomorrow when we finish! I can't believe I'm really doing this and am looking forward to arriving in Eilat and jumping into the Red Sea!
For all of you who smugly said: "300 miles from Jerusalem to Eilat. Shouldn't be too hard it's all down hill!" I have some words for you when I get home!
Kibbutz Ketura warmly greeted us. I'm now all showered and ready to hit the pool and walk around learning more about the incredible work they do here at the Arava Institute and other agricultural innovations.
Time to go! More tomorrow when we finish! I can't believe I'm really doing this and am looking forward to arriving in Eilat and jumping into the Red Sea!
Shabbat Continued: The Arava Institute
I wanted to write a separate post about what for me was probably the highlight of Shabbat and maybe even the entire trip. Shabbat afternoon about 30 students and alumni of the Arava Institute gathered for a panel discussion about who they are, why they came, what they are doing now, what they hope to do in the future and how they believe and hope that this experience will affect the region, not only environmentally, but culturally and politically.
First a confession, I have for many years considered myself a hopeful optimist when it came to Israel and the Palestinians and Arabs of the region. Oslo really excited me and gave me a sense that maybe this conflict can be resolved. Unfortunately, the second Intifada destroyed that hope and turned me to the right, a hard right. How could one trust a culture in which death is celebrated and suicide bombers praised? If only the Palestinians would realize that accepting Israel, which for me meant at the very least that they would stop sending rockets into our citites (like Sderot) and cease sending their children to their deaths only to terrorize us. Furthermore, in my thinking, Israel has shown itself every time a serious partner has shown itself to negotiate and trade land for peace. The problem, it seemed to me was with them.
Today I find myself questioning a lot of these presumptions. That does not mean that I have suddenly turned left. No, but meeting and speaking with these remarkable young people from Israel, Jordan and Palestine (yes that was me who just wrote that, though intending the West Bank and Gaza) has challenged me. The Arabs of the Arava Institute are heros. They are risking a lot to be here. They often get blacklisted and can't find work. They have family and extended family that do not understand and are fearful. And they risk losing their friends, but they come nonetheless to learn, to share and most importantly to listen. Through listening to the other, they also learn to acknowledge the other. They have become friends with each other. They have danced at their weddings. Met each other's parents. They have cried together and they have aregued and screamed at each other. But because at the end of the day they live together at the Arava, they have to learn to adjust and cope. I find them to be very inspiring.
Maybe, just maybe, this is the way? I don't know. But I'm thinking about it. I'm asking new questions. I'm allowing myself to be challenged. And it feels right. That's an incredible feeling.
First a confession, I have for many years considered myself a hopeful optimist when it came to Israel and the Palestinians and Arabs of the region. Oslo really excited me and gave me a sense that maybe this conflict can be resolved. Unfortunately, the second Intifada destroyed that hope and turned me to the right, a hard right. How could one trust a culture in which death is celebrated and suicide bombers praised? If only the Palestinians would realize that accepting Israel, which for me meant at the very least that they would stop sending rockets into our citites (like Sderot) and cease sending their children to their deaths only to terrorize us. Furthermore, in my thinking, Israel has shown itself every time a serious partner has shown itself to negotiate and trade land for peace. The problem, it seemed to me was with them.
Today I find myself questioning a lot of these presumptions. That does not mean that I have suddenly turned left. No, but meeting and speaking with these remarkable young people from Israel, Jordan and Palestine (yes that was me who just wrote that, though intending the West Bank and Gaza) has challenged me. The Arabs of the Arava Institute are heros. They are risking a lot to be here. They often get blacklisted and can't find work. They have family and extended family that do not understand and are fearful. And they risk losing their friends, but they come nonetheless to learn, to share and most importantly to listen. Through listening to the other, they also learn to acknowledge the other. They have become friends with each other. They have danced at their weddings. Met each other's parents. They have cried together and they have aregued and screamed at each other. But because at the end of the day they live together at the Arava, they have to learn to adjust and cope. I find them to be very inspiring.
Maybe, just maybe, this is the way? I don't know. But I'm thinking about it. I'm asking new questions. I'm allowing myself to be challenged. And it feels right. That's an incredible feeling.
Amman.Philadelphia --Stuart Kurtz
We left Mitze Ramon and went down a very very steep downhill with Rabbi Steve on my side. After the descent, my legs felt strong after a day of rest so I joined the lead group and rode with Ehab from Amman Jordon. He is a student at the Arava Institute who studied american literature at Philadelphia University in Amman. I learned also that Amman used to be called Philadelphia. Ehab was a former playmaker for the Jordanian national basketball team and a teacher. His current project involves taking 16 year old children from Jordan to Israel and from Israel to Jordon to study coral reefs. We talked about how poorly the US is viewed in Jordon. People can not understand why we elected Bush again and I told him I agreed with him. His relatives in the states are also experiences prejudice which has not helped our countries image abroad. He was having trouble with the ride and I stayed with him until the lunch stop and upon arrival he told me that he couldn't have made it without me. Peanut butter and jelly awaited us for lunch and I quickly ate two sandwiches. He was without bike shorts so I gave him an extra pair to complete the ride. We road together for the majority of the afternoon. For the day we totaled 65 miles and finally arrived at the campus of the Arava Institute. The temperature upon arrival was 108 and was hovering around a 100 for most of the day..
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Friday: Masabe Sade to Mitzpe Ramon to Shabbat
For me, this day was the most difficult thus far. The milage wasn't so bad, about 50 miles; it was that this was the third day; it was the visit to Sderot; and it was the heat...at times over 100%. Add to that the pain I was feeling every time I sat on my saddle and the climb to Mitzpe Ramon. And that hill! Many times on this day I thought to myself...oy vey iz mir...why did I want to do this again?
Then there was the following:
Sderot was incredible. As we rode in there were children lining the road to greet us. One of the riders, also named Steve, went to the fence to talk to them. They wanted to know who we were, where we were from and what we were doing. He told them that we were riding from Jerusalem to Eilat and that many of us were from the United States. One student, in 3rd or 4th grade wondered if we had rode our bikes to Jerusalem from the United States? After he explained that we had shipped our bikes here the child asked: "Don't you know about the rockets?" Steve replied: "We came to see you and to deliver bikes for you to play with." The child turned to him and simply said: "Todah." Suddenly the pain I felt in my saddle disapated. When our group from Adath Israel decided to donate 6 bikes that morning, I was feeling pretty good. In fact I was feeling great...we had performed multiple mitzvot that morning: we strengthened those in need of strengthening and we gave some children the opportunity for fun and hope. Mitzvah gorreret Mitzvah -- One mitzvah leads to another. All this in less than 1/2 hour.
As the ride continued, I was reminded of my body at frequent intervals. It was hard, but thank God for the other riders; people from around the world who have gathered together to ride for the environment, Israel and peace. In the few days of shared experience, the 75 of us have become fast friends. Never have I been on a Jewish program of this nature and not have one person complain!? Hahephekh...the opposite...I have rarely met a more ecletic and caring group of people who constantly go out of their way to help and support each other accomplish what for many of us is the biggest physical challenge we have ever attempted.
There were times on Friday (the last 7 miles or so) when I thought I'd have to get off the bike and bus it into Mitzpe Ramon. I was quickly running out of steam when Rachel from Boston rode up beside me (also exhausted) and then suddenly the city came into view from the distance. We literally encouraged each other every pedal of the way to finish. At times we were travelling a whopping 6.5 miles an hour, but we kept going. And we made it. I don't think I would have made it alone.
The sense of community was especially felt over Shabbat. As Miles posted, it was hamesh, it was lively, and it was filled with ruah (spirit). Jews from the world over (and a couple of Muslims and Christians too) gathered together to welcome Shabbat with song and prayer and a delicious meal. It was very meaningful. I was priviledged to lead Kabbalat Shabbat, Shaharit, Minhah and a text study.
Shabbat afternoon was spent taking a walk to the Makhtesh. What is a makhtesh you ask? Excellent question. There are three in the world and they all are found in Israel. Imagine a sombrero in which the center part of the hat suddenly imploded. That’s a mahktesh. It’s a geological wonder in which layer upon layer of the earths fauna and fossil record have been maintained. Makhtesh Ramon is the largest of the three. Mitzpe Ramon is located on its highest crustal wall. On Shabbat afternoon I took some of the members of our group to the Makhtesh for a look-see. It was beautiful, majestic and magnificent. While overlooking it we were awed by the nature of the world and our miniscule place in it. We also reflected a bit on this experience and how it has challenged us in so many different ways. From the Makhtesh we continued toward the visitor’s center where I led our group to a cave overlooking the Makhtesh form a different angle. I have been to this cave on numerous occasions, but have never entered for fear of heights. There is one step at the very beginning that has always spooked me a bit. Not this time, however, after all I did ride my bike from Jerusalem to Mitzpe Ramon…what’s a little step. So with a great leap of faith I entered the cave with the others who were daring and we enjoyed a beautiful overlook of the Makhtesh. Jeff Seligsohn rightfully asked for a moment of silence to really soak in the experience. It was very tense.
Then when we concluded we recited the berakhah for seeing wondrous things in nature: Barukh ata Hashem, Elokeynu Melekh HaOlam, Oseh Maaseh Bereisheet – We acknowledge you o Lord, Master of the Universe who creates such wondrous things.
Amen.
It was a beautiful Shabbat. One sorely needed!
Then there was the following:
Sderot was incredible. As we rode in there were children lining the road to greet us. One of the riders, also named Steve, went to the fence to talk to them. They wanted to know who we were, where we were from and what we were doing. He told them that we were riding from Jerusalem to Eilat and that many of us were from the United States. One student, in 3rd or 4th grade wondered if we had rode our bikes to Jerusalem from the United States? After he explained that we had shipped our bikes here the child asked: "Don't you know about the rockets?" Steve replied: "We came to see you and to deliver bikes for you to play with." The child turned to him and simply said: "Todah." Suddenly the pain I felt in my saddle disapated. When our group from Adath Israel decided to donate 6 bikes that morning, I was feeling pretty good. In fact I was feeling great...we had performed multiple mitzvot that morning: we strengthened those in need of strengthening and we gave some children the opportunity for fun and hope. Mitzvah gorreret Mitzvah -- One mitzvah leads to another. All this in less than 1/2 hour.
As the ride continued, I was reminded of my body at frequent intervals. It was hard, but thank God for the other riders; people from around the world who have gathered together to ride for the environment, Israel and peace. In the few days of shared experience, the 75 of us have become fast friends. Never have I been on a Jewish program of this nature and not have one person complain!? Hahephekh...the opposite...I have rarely met a more ecletic and caring group of people who constantly go out of their way to help and support each other accomplish what for many of us is the biggest physical challenge we have ever attempted.
There were times on Friday (the last 7 miles or so) when I thought I'd have to get off the bike and bus it into Mitzpe Ramon. I was quickly running out of steam when Rachel from Boston rode up beside me (also exhausted) and then suddenly the city came into view from the distance. We literally encouraged each other every pedal of the way to finish. At times we were travelling a whopping 6.5 miles an hour, but we kept going. And we made it. I don't think I would have made it alone.
The sense of community was especially felt over Shabbat. As Miles posted, it was hamesh, it was lively, and it was filled with ruah (spirit). Jews from the world over (and a couple of Muslims and Christians too) gathered together to welcome Shabbat with song and prayer and a delicious meal. It was very meaningful. I was priviledged to lead Kabbalat Shabbat, Shaharit, Minhah and a text study.
Shabbat afternoon was spent taking a walk to the Makhtesh. What is a makhtesh you ask? Excellent question. There are three in the world and they all are found in Israel. Imagine a sombrero in which the center part of the hat suddenly imploded. That’s a mahktesh. It’s a geological wonder in which layer upon layer of the earths fauna and fossil record have been maintained. Makhtesh Ramon is the largest of the three. Mitzpe Ramon is located on its highest crustal wall. On Shabbat afternoon I took some of the members of our group to the Makhtesh for a look-see. It was beautiful, majestic and magnificent. While overlooking it we were awed by the nature of the world and our miniscule place in it. We also reflected a bit on this experience and how it has challenged us in so many different ways. From the Makhtesh we continued toward the visitor’s center where I led our group to a cave overlooking the Makhtesh form a different angle. I have been to this cave on numerous occasions, but have never entered for fear of heights. There is one step at the very beginning that has always spooked me a bit. Not this time, however, after all I did ride my bike from Jerusalem to Mitzpe Ramon…what’s a little step. So with a great leap of faith I entered the cave with the others who were daring and we enjoyed a beautiful overlook of the Makhtesh. Jeff Seligsohn rightfully asked for a moment of silence to really soak in the experience. It was very tense.
Then when we concluded we recited the berakhah for seeing wondrous things in nature: Barukh ata Hashem, Elokeynu Melekh HaOlam, Oseh Maaseh Bereisheet – We acknowledge you o Lord, Master of the Universe who creates such wondrous things.
Amen.
It was a beautiful Shabbat. One sorely needed!
Im...If...
Shabbat...a day of rest...took on new meaning for me as well as the others of our ride...this day of rest could not have come at a better time. After three days in the saddle and 180 miles (give or take later) it was welcomed relief.
Shabbat on Friday night began with a beautiful service. The tradition of welcoming we follow at Adaht Israel was very appreciated and noticed as we welcomed the Kehillah of bike riders to the service. There, at the service, multi generations of bike riders from all types of Judaism, sat and prayed together. Following this service, we returned to the hotel for a wonderful dinner of fellowship. People sat with other people they had met on the ride. This community continued after the dinner as we sat around into the evening discussing the ride, home life, etc.
Shabbat morning service was perhaps the most meaningful part of the trip, when Paula, a 20 year old became a Bat Mitzvah. This was a surprise to most, including her dad. It makes one stop and really gain an appreciation of what this ride has meant when a young woman who has come to Israel for the first time in her life, also becomes a Bat Mitzvah. Tear were flowing from my eyes as I was so proud of her and the moment. Following her Aliyah, we tossed candy and sang.
Shabbat continued with a study group and lunch. Following these, we heard from the students of the Arvana. They brought their experiences to life in a way that had meaning for all. Jew and Arab and Palestinian living and working together for peace.
Shabbat concluded with Havdallah at a look out area over the Makhtesh. So what is this place? Think of this area as an imploded mountain. We sang, danced (the rumor is true...i did "breakdance"), and said goodbye to Shabbat and back to the bike.
I titled this piece as Im or "If" which was the opening word in this week's Parshah. Prior to Havdallah we shared what this ride has meant. As someone with bad knees, asthmatic, etc...i would have never thought about a ride like this one. But we make decisions and commitments in life. I am here and glad to be. It has taught me something about myself. I hope that I never wonder "if" again, but always grab life and live it to the fullest.
B'shalom,
Miles
Shabbat on Friday night began with a beautiful service. The tradition of welcoming we follow at Adaht Israel was very appreciated and noticed as we welcomed the Kehillah of bike riders to the service. There, at the service, multi generations of bike riders from all types of Judaism, sat and prayed together. Following this service, we returned to the hotel for a wonderful dinner of fellowship. People sat with other people they had met on the ride. This community continued after the dinner as we sat around into the evening discussing the ride, home life, etc.
Shabbat morning service was perhaps the most meaningful part of the trip, when Paula, a 20 year old became a Bat Mitzvah. This was a surprise to most, including her dad. It makes one stop and really gain an appreciation of what this ride has meant when a young woman who has come to Israel for the first time in her life, also becomes a Bat Mitzvah. Tear were flowing from my eyes as I was so proud of her and the moment. Following her Aliyah, we tossed candy and sang.
Shabbat continued with a study group and lunch. Following these, we heard from the students of the Arvana. They brought their experiences to life in a way that had meaning for all. Jew and Arab and Palestinian living and working together for peace.
Shabbat concluded with Havdallah at a look out area over the Makhtesh. So what is this place? Think of this area as an imploded mountain. We sang, danced (the rumor is true...i did "breakdance"), and said goodbye to Shabbat and back to the bike.
I titled this piece as Im or "If" which was the opening word in this week's Parshah. Prior to Havdallah we shared what this ride has meant. As someone with bad knees, asthmatic, etc...i would have never thought about a ride like this one. But we make decisions and commitments in life. I am here and glad to be. It has taught me something about myself. I hope that I never wonder "if" again, but always grab life and live it to the fullest.
B'shalom,
Miles
Shabbat
I definitely broke my personal record for service attendance in a 24 hour period having gone to a Friday night service, a Saturday morning service (where a suprise bat mitzvah was held), a Torah study session and then Havdallah. The Shabbat event that will stay with me most was the session I attended with the students from the Arava Institute. Students from America, Israel, Jordon and East Jerusalem all attend the Institute. The students all study various aspects of environmental sciences while living together on the same campus. Each of them were articulate and passionate about their personal stories and the struggles that they experience being with one another especially after a terror incident. It was wonderful to watch them interact and to hear about their open dialogue. Hopefully, this will serve as a model for future peace and that the students will be able to share their positive and fulfilling experiences living with one another when they return to their respective homelands.
Mountain Biking
On friday after 14 miles on the road, we got the opportunity to go off road in Ein Akev. It was a totally different experience than the Wissahickon as we were confronted with sand and rocks from a river bed. An ibec was perched on the ridge as we went up and down various hills toward an ice cold spring which was our reward at the end of this journey. After a swim, we hopped back on our mountain bikes for lunch and in order to beat the lunch crowd three of us rode up the switch back to beat the bus up the hill. I regreted that decision later in the afternoon as my legs started to fatigue. We rode with Gil a former officer in the Israeli army who oversaw security at Ben Gurion's burial at Ein Akev and showed us where he placed the sharpshooters on the cliffs for the ceremony. Gil is now a chemistry professor at Hebrew University. Gil then lead us up the hills to Mitze Ramon. For the day, we totalled 10 miles of moutain biking and about 33 miles on the road. I was definitely tired and sore upon our arrival.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Ashkelon to Mahsabe Sade -- 72 Miles
Today was a very long day...72 Miles! I'm feeling exhilirated and exhausted and though my body wants to sleep I'm going to share a few words.
The day began with a visit to Sderot, a city on the northern Gaza border that has been the victim of numerous rocket attacks. This was not my first visit to Sderot, but like all previous visits it was filled with a little bit of anxiety, but for me, the visit was an obligation. How could I ride so close to this town and not visit them letting them know that we support them at their time of trouble -- Kol Yisrael Aravim Zeh b'Zeh -- All Israel is responsible one for another. Our visit was clearly very important to them. As we entered the city there were school children who ran to greet us with smiles and cheers and thanking us for coming. We met the Assitant Mayor who also shared with us how important our visit was to him and the citizens of Sderot; how it strengthens them letting them know that they are not alone. While there we presented the city with many bicylces. Our group got together and donated 6. It was a very moving ceremony. I was sincerely touched by our group's generosity and commitment to help these children who are suffering so much daily.
From Sderot we set out further south into the Negev...it was amazing to notice how the topography changed from farmland to desert. Igt was hot...over 100% at times, beautiful. There was one spot where we passed an ostrich farm. Sue Carson and Jeff Seligsohn stopped to take pictures. Sue was telling us that she started to play with the ostriches and they mimicked her. When she stood tall; they stood tall. When she crouched low; they did too. When she moved to the right; so did they. And to the left too. She danced with them and got it all on video. We'll try to post it to the blog. It sounded so cool!
On this ride I rode with a lot of differnt people and felt like I made a bunch of great new friends. This has been an incredible experience so far. Very challenging -- physically and mentally. But it is so fun. More even...this exeperience has been transformative.
More to come tomorrow. Thank goodness for Shabbat!
The day began with a visit to Sderot, a city on the northern Gaza border that has been the victim of numerous rocket attacks. This was not my first visit to Sderot, but like all previous visits it was filled with a little bit of anxiety, but for me, the visit was an obligation. How could I ride so close to this town and not visit them letting them know that we support them at their time of trouble -- Kol Yisrael Aravim Zeh b'Zeh -- All Israel is responsible one for another. Our visit was clearly very important to them. As we entered the city there were school children who ran to greet us with smiles and cheers and thanking us for coming. We met the Assitant Mayor who also shared with us how important our visit was to him and the citizens of Sderot; how it strengthens them letting them know that they are not alone. While there we presented the city with many bicylces. Our group got together and donated 6. It was a very moving ceremony. I was sincerely touched by our group's generosity and commitment to help these children who are suffering so much daily.
From Sderot we set out further south into the Negev...it was amazing to notice how the topography changed from farmland to desert. Igt was hot...over 100% at times, beautiful. There was one spot where we passed an ostrich farm. Sue Carson and Jeff Seligsohn stopped to take pictures. Sue was telling us that she started to play with the ostriches and they mimicked her. When she stood tall; they stood tall. When she crouched low; they did too. When she moved to the right; so did they. And to the left too. She danced with them and got it all on video. We'll try to post it to the blog. It sounded so cool!
On this ride I rode with a lot of differnt people and felt like I made a bunch of great new friends. This has been an incredible experience so far. Very challenging -- physically and mentally. But it is so fun. More even...this exeperience has been transformative.
More to come tomorrow. Thank goodness for Shabbat!
Sderot
Instead of waking up with a good morning I love you, we were greeted with an announcement that the bike route was changed due to a security risk as there was an incident at the Gaza crossing. I can't imagine what it would be like to live in constant fear of rocket attacks. One town that has been the recipient of multiple rocket attacks from Gaza is the town of Sderot. The decision to go into town was not an easy one. In fact, I wrestled with it most of the night. On the one hand, we wanted to pay tribute to their courage and on the other hand I was sacred. But the greetings of smiling children as we rode into town made it all worthwhile. We met the Assistant Mayor and the ride along with our team donated bikes to the town. Hopefully, the bikes will bring relief to the daily suffering the inhabitants endure. 72 miles through the desert and with temperatures reaching 100 degrees, we arrived safely and with many body aches at the kibbutz. At first, I thought that I was seeing a mirage of massage students when we pulled in. When I discoverd that they were real, my body had a big smile.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Jerusalem to Ashkelon
The day began at 4:45 a.m. as my phone rang with my scheduled wake-up call. It's a rare thing when I get up before the sun. At 5:15 I was ready with my talit and tefillin and joined a group of riders for morning Minyan. There is something special about being in Jerusalem as the sun comes up over the city...as it reflects upon the stones of the city, beautiful...the City of Gold. The beauty of that moment combined with the anticipation and excitement of the coming day was inspiring.
After a hearty breakfast we gathered for stretching and the send off ceremony. Tefilat HaDerekh (Travellers Prayer) was recited in English, Arabic and Hebrew; Miles Herman sounded the shofar and then we started the ride out of the city. The route took us past the government center, Supreme Court, Keneset, Har Herzl, Yad Vashem and Hadassah Hospital in Ein Kerem. The ride was downhill at good speeds. It was a blast. Then we rested for a bit and started one of the hardest climbs I have ever done. It wasn't so long, but it was steep. I had to stop two times on the way to catch my breath, but I pedaled every mile. It was very rewarding to get to the top for lunch and to know that I had done it! It was also amazing to see the landscape, one I have travelled many times before by bus, from a totally different perspective. There were so many trees! I kept remembering the writings of Mark Twain and Theodore Herzl, who 100 years ago complained about how barren the land was -- no trees! But today, millions of trees. Thank you JNF. Did you know that Israel is the only country that began this century with more trees than the last. That's an amazing accomplishment.
After lunch we began the descent into the coastal plains. The landscape changed dramatically. It was flat, with some rolling hills, farm country and land for grazing. We saw sheep, goats and horses and all sorts of crops. The sunflower seeds were especially beautiful. Stuart remarked how the scene of sunflowers against the hills reminded him of Tuscany.
From there on it was just pedalling...a total of 60 miles to Ashkelon. When we arrived it was exihilarating! The Mediteranean was beautiful. Barry ran to the water and swam laps! His own mini triathalon! (I hate him! He's soooooo skinny too!) Me, well...Sue Carson and I started to dance with the alumni of the Arava Institute who met us with drums and tamborines! It was so exciting to know that we had accomplished something so challenging and wonderful. What a great feeling! Especially since I'm not feeling much else!
Needless to say...it's time for bed. Lilah tov...more to come.
After a hearty breakfast we gathered for stretching and the send off ceremony. Tefilat HaDerekh (Travellers Prayer) was recited in English, Arabic and Hebrew; Miles Herman sounded the shofar and then we started the ride out of the city. The route took us past the government center, Supreme Court, Keneset, Har Herzl, Yad Vashem and Hadassah Hospital in Ein Kerem. The ride was downhill at good speeds. It was a blast. Then we rested for a bit and started one of the hardest climbs I have ever done. It wasn't so long, but it was steep. I had to stop two times on the way to catch my breath, but I pedaled every mile. It was very rewarding to get to the top for lunch and to know that I had done it! It was also amazing to see the landscape, one I have travelled many times before by bus, from a totally different perspective. There were so many trees! I kept remembering the writings of Mark Twain and Theodore Herzl, who 100 years ago complained about how barren the land was -- no trees! But today, millions of trees. Thank you JNF. Did you know that Israel is the only country that began this century with more trees than the last. That's an amazing accomplishment.
After lunch we began the descent into the coastal plains. The landscape changed dramatically. It was flat, with some rolling hills, farm country and land for grazing. We saw sheep, goats and horses and all sorts of crops. The sunflower seeds were especially beautiful. Stuart remarked how the scene of sunflowers against the hills reminded him of Tuscany.
From there on it was just pedalling...a total of 60 miles to Ashkelon. When we arrived it was exihilarating! The Mediteranean was beautiful. Barry ran to the water and swam laps! His own mini triathalon! (I hate him! He's soooooo skinny too!) Me, well...Sue Carson and I started to dance with the alumni of the Arava Institute who met us with drums and tamborines! It was so exciting to know that we had accomplished something so challenging and wonderful. What a great feeling! Especially since I'm not feeling much else!
Needless to say...it's time for bed. Lilah tov...more to come.
Day 1 - Israel Ride
What a glorious first day. After a delicious breakfast and lots of stretching, we were on our way. The ride was challenging, especially a frightening 15-minute downhill out of Jerusalem, (many of us have sore hands), only to have a 7-mile uphill. Thank goodness the rest of the day was flat or rolling hills. When we finally arrived in Ashkelon, we swam in the pool, some of us with our biking clothes on. With barely a half hour to relax, we met for a yummy dinner. I do believe we are all eating so much. Hopefully, our riding will counteract all we're eating.
For me personally, this day was very special as I celebrated my birthday on the first day of the ride. My riding buddies were wonderful, got me cake with sparklers, and sang happy birthday to me many times today.
Exhausted, I look foward to day 2.
For me personally, this day was very special as I celebrated my birthday on the first day of the ride. My riding buddies were wonderful, got me cake with sparklers, and sang happy birthday to me many times today.
Exhausted, I look foward to day 2.
on the road
We were treated to a festive dinner the night before the ride. The food and company were great. At our table were support team members from East Jerusalem and Jordon together with a Jordanian lead rider. The fact that this ride and the Arava Institute brought all of these cultures together at the dinner table and to support the ride and the environment is unbelievable. At 645 am, we were off descending the hills of Jerusalem and then making the long climb up the hills. We joined the lead riding group and 68 miles and 5 riding hours later we arrived in Ashkelon. It got up to 100 degrees through most of the ride. As we approached the beach of Ashkelon, the heat abated as the ocean neared. The hotel swimming pool provided a needy relief from the long ride and heat. it was a great first day.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
From Jeff Seligsohn
So far so great. Even though we haven't actually begun to ride our bikes the trip has been
memorable in many ways. While we were walking thru Har Herzl my son Ben text messaged me to ask what I was doing. After I told him he asked if I would please place a stone on a soldiers grave. Ben is 12. His request brought a tear to my eye and he made me smile too.
Time to go to sleep. We ride at 6 am.
Another Great Day in Jerusalem
We started out the day putting together our bikes. It was a terribly frightful thought with someone with no mechanical expertise. Luckily, there were bike mechanics to help and the only damage to my bike was a rear flat which the mechanic quickly fixed. After a quick test ride, we were off to wander the streets to do some shopping and to eat. We had to make sure that we did our carbo load before departure so our appetites knew no limits. After downing another falafel, we went to the har hertzel cemetary. The ramah director gave us a tour. We visited the grave of michael levin a bucks county native who made aliyah to israel and became a paratrooper. He died two years ago in an ambush in lebanon. Sitting on top of his grave was a phillies helmut bringing everything close to home. We heard stories about other heroic soldiers and israeli leaders like golda meir and theodore hertzel. The passion that all of these people including our tour director showed for israel was truly moving and had us all excited to hop on our bikes. But we have to wait until tomorrow morning.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Jerusalem of Gold, Sole and Soul
We arrived in Israel Monday morning at 8am after a long 10 hour flight. The time of day was not good to begin with when traveling great distances, but add to that a plane full of 300 college students on their way to Israel as Birthright participants and you have a recipe for little sleep. I think I got a wopping two hours! My sleep aside, however, there was something extraordinarily gratifying getting to know these young people as they prepare for their first trip to Israel. They are thoughtful, funny, smart and engaging. I hope that they learn to love Israel as much as I, and that it inspires them to greater Jewish living, for if they do, then our future is certainly secure.
Birthright, by the way, reminded me that my friend Sarah Allen would probably be in the airport to meet them as she works for Hillel in Israel. And what do you know...she was! It was really nice to see her, even if it was for only 10 minutes!
After leaving our bikes with Hazon we made our way to Jerusalem on the new road. It was beautiful and fast. Upon arriving in Jerusalem, and since our rooms would not be ready until 3, we quickly changed clothes, brushed our teeth and then went for a walk.
And we walked. And we walked. One could say we spent the day with our soles in Jerusalem.
Our hotel is near the Central Bus Station (presumably so we can have easier access to leave the city). We started by going to Mahane Yehudah (the open market) and visiting Marzipan Bakery where we bought the best Rugelach in the world! You turn the corner and the aroma of freshly baked chocolate overtakes you! Oh what a feeling. Dessert was followed by a delicious felafel lunch at one of the Shuk's many stands.
Then we made our way to Ben Yehudah Street for a little shopping where we met Yoel, my friend whom Jody and met years ago when our community was hosting merchants for Israel Fairs since few were travelling to Israel at that time. The guys bought t-shirts for Philly sport teams in Hebrew.
After a little window shopping on Ben Yehudah Street we started making our way to the Old City. When we arrived at Jaffa Gate we stopped for a few moments to get our bearings, made a quick visit to Hell (ask the guys when we get back) and then went via the Armenian Quarter to the Jewish Quarter for our rooftop tour. On the rooftops of Jerusalem one gets a sense of both the beauty and complexity of this remarkable city. From the rooftops we went down to the Kotel for a prayer (many of us prayed that we would make it!) and then to the Southern Wall Excavation and Davidson Center.
At Robinson's Arch we had a true Jerusalem moment. There were busloads of soldiers and children out today learning about Jerusalem and its central place in Jewish history and heart. At the southwestern most part of the Kotel one can see a glimspe of what the Roman destruction of the Temple must have been like. Huge 2 ton stones pushed over piled up on the original Herodian road and th eroad indented from the force of the fall. Yet next to these 2000 year old ruins were Jewish children and their teachers. What an amazing juxtaposition! Vespasian wanted to keep the Kotel as a remindedr of the power of Rome, but where is Rome today? It doesn't exist, but the Jewish people do. Not only do we exist, but we are flourishing in our independant homeland. Yes, there are challenges to be overcome, but when one takes the long view...we're still here! So I instructed the guys to take out their cameras and to grab a picture of the children with the ruins in the background. Next Tisha B'Av, the day in which we remember the fall of Jerusalem, I want them to look upon these pictures and remember the soul of Jerusalem.
Birthright, by the way, reminded me that my friend Sarah Allen would probably be in the airport to meet them as she works for Hillel in Israel. And what do you know...she was! It was really nice to see her, even if it was for only 10 minutes!
After leaving our bikes with Hazon we made our way to Jerusalem on the new road. It was beautiful and fast. Upon arriving in Jerusalem, and since our rooms would not be ready until 3, we quickly changed clothes, brushed our teeth and then went for a walk.
And we walked. And we walked. One could say we spent the day with our soles in Jerusalem.
Our hotel is near the Central Bus Station (presumably so we can have easier access to leave the city). We started by going to Mahane Yehudah (the open market) and visiting Marzipan Bakery where we bought the best Rugelach in the world! You turn the corner and the aroma of freshly baked chocolate overtakes you! Oh what a feeling. Dessert was followed by a delicious felafel lunch at one of the Shuk's many stands.
Then we made our way to Ben Yehudah Street for a little shopping where we met Yoel, my friend whom Jody and met years ago when our community was hosting merchants for Israel Fairs since few were travelling to Israel at that time. The guys bought t-shirts for Philly sport teams in Hebrew.
After a little window shopping on Ben Yehudah Street we started making our way to the Old City. When we arrived at Jaffa Gate we stopped for a few moments to get our bearings, made a quick visit to Hell (ask the guys when we get back) and then went via the Armenian Quarter to the Jewish Quarter for our rooftop tour. On the rooftops of Jerusalem one gets a sense of both the beauty and complexity of this remarkable city. From the rooftops we went down to the Kotel for a prayer (many of us prayed that we would make it!) and then to the Southern Wall Excavation and Davidson Center.
At Robinson's Arch we had a true Jerusalem moment. There were busloads of soldiers and children out today learning about Jerusalem and its central place in Jewish history and heart. At the southwestern most part of the Kotel one can see a glimspe of what the Roman destruction of the Temple must have been like. Huge 2 ton stones pushed over piled up on the original Herodian road and th eroad indented from the force of the fall. Yet next to these 2000 year old ruins were Jewish children and their teachers. What an amazing juxtaposition! Vespasian wanted to keep the Kotel as a remindedr of the power of Rome, but where is Rome today? It doesn't exist, but the Jewish people do. Not only do we exist, but we are flourishing in our independant homeland. Yes, there are challenges to be overcome, but when one takes the long view...we're still here! So I instructed the guys to take out their cameras and to grab a picture of the children with the ruins in the background. Next Tisha B'Av, the day in which we remember the fall of Jerusalem, I want them to look upon these pictures and remember the soul of Jerusalem.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Man Plans; God Laughs: The Adventure Begins...
After having left Stuart’s house on time we were suddenly thrown into problem solving mode as our bus lost power on the New Jersey Turnpike. Fortunately it happened right in front of the Woodrow Wilson rest stop, exit 7A, mile marker 58.7. Thank God for Blackberrys, cell phones and pushy business guys and lawyers who were able to get not one, but three different car companies on their way to save us. While we were waiting, we visited Starbucks, of course, gotta have that coffee! An hour later we’re on our way again to JFK and El Al security; God willing without further delay. Hopefully this will be the toughest piece of adversity we will encounter.
aliyah
our team was honored with an aliyah at shabbat services. itwas very nice reading a prayer in front of the congregation, wearing the tallis i bought on our family trip to israel and learning from the rabbi about how our bike journey to raise money to protect the environment fits perfectly with this weeks torah reading.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Friday, May 16, 2008
Friday Minyan
Sue Berkowitz and Rabbi Wernick sponsored a friday morning minyan in honor of the adath israel team. We were treated with a beautifully run service and a fabulous breakfast. Also as an added bonus and a total suprise, we received a donation to Arava Institiute/Hazon from the morning minyan group and a departing gift. What a wonderful way to start our journey. thanks stuart
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
1 Week to Go!
Dear Friends,
It's hard to believe that in one week's time I will be beginning the incredible journey of cycling from Jerusalem to Eilat! As I am in the final preparations for departing I am filled with excitement and trepidation! I find tremendous comfort, though, from the incredible outpouring of support that I have received from family and friends. Let me thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your good wishes. Thank you for your encouragement, for riding with me, for lending me all sorts of gizmos and equipment to help me train, and for your contributions to Hazon and Arava. This has truly been a transformative experience for me. Please know that you have played a role in that.
Allow me to thank also the members of our team who will be sharing this experience with me. Miles Herman, Jeff Seligsohn, Barry Kahn, Suzy Berkowitz, Sue Carson and most especially Stuart Kurtz. Last May when Stuart invited me for a bike ride, little did I know that a year later I would be riding 125-150 miles a week, losing weight and having the time of my life preparing for touring Israel from the saddle of a bike! Thank you Stuart.
We hope to keep you posted on our experience through this blog. Enjoy it! Eeach evening (if we're conscious) we'll share a few of our thoughts fo the day's travel, learning and experience.
Thank you again for all your good wishes. I'm thrilled to be doing this and very grateful to you for your support.
B'Shalom,
Rabbi Steve Wernick
It's hard to believe that in one week's time I will be beginning the incredible journey of cycling from Jerusalem to Eilat! As I am in the final preparations for departing I am filled with excitement and trepidation! I find tremendous comfort, though, from the incredible outpouring of support that I have received from family and friends. Let me thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your good wishes. Thank you for your encouragement, for riding with me, for lending me all sorts of gizmos and equipment to help me train, and for your contributions to Hazon and Arava. This has truly been a transformative experience for me. Please know that you have played a role in that.
Allow me to thank also the members of our team who will be sharing this experience with me. Miles Herman, Jeff Seligsohn, Barry Kahn, Suzy Berkowitz, Sue Carson and most especially Stuart Kurtz. Last May when Stuart invited me for a bike ride, little did I know that a year later I would be riding 125-150 miles a week, losing weight and having the time of my life preparing for touring Israel from the saddle of a bike! Thank you Stuart.
We hope to keep you posted on our experience through this blog. Enjoy it! Eeach evening (if we're conscious) we'll share a few of our thoughts fo the day's travel, learning and experience.
Thank you again for all your good wishes. I'm thrilled to be doing this and very grateful to you for your support.
B'Shalom,
Rabbi Steve Wernick
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