Riding 4 Reform

Although I would not normally do this, and my blog is for commentary on my adventures here in Israel, this opportunity is part of my growth while I am here in Israel. Below you will find a letter explaining my project with a group called Riding 4 Reform and within it, my request for support. Please consider helping me raise the money to participate in this 5 day cycling trip in order to raise money and awareness for the Jewish Progressive Movement in Israel.

Thank you for your support, in advance.

Dear family and friends,

What do you do when you flip over your handlebars on your bike, on the middle of a dirt path, with no one but your riding partners within miles? You brush the dust off, have a good laugh/cry, and then get right back on the bike and finish off the ride. Well, at least that was what I did on December 19.

Throughout my time cycling, I have learned the hard way the importance of bike safety; of wearing a helmet, having a buddy, telling people where you are going, keeping water on me. Having been hit by a car and now flown over my handlebars for a second time, I sometimes surprise myself that i keep getting on a bike. Regardless, I love it! Although that has helped me navigate the roads of Israel and the United States, I have only considered it my information. However, on March 10, I will set off for a five day journey across the North of Israel with about 11 of my classmates, doing something called Ride for Reform (R4R). In short, this five day bike ride is a way to raise awareness and money for the Reform movement in Israel. Seeing how the Orthodox movement is the dominant group here in Israel, the Reform movement (called the Progressive movement in Hebrew) is slowly gaining attention and acknowledgement. This year, the proceeds raised by the riders will go to the IMPJ (Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism), in order to help Progressive congregations throughout Israel, the immigrant community (due to the Reform movement's commitment to social action and social justice), and scholarships to Camp Havaya (IMPJ's summer camp). This is a unique opportunity for me to help my community here in Israel and truly give back (Check outwww.riding4reform.com for more details). 

Now, you're probably asking yourself, what's the catch? And, you'd be right to do so, because here is where you come in. I am super excited about this ride, and cannot wait to spend five days, going about 50 km/~31miles each day on a bike! However, the price of participation is $2,000, plus $100 because I need to rent a bike for the week. The ability to participate in this adventure is one in a lifetime, especially while I am here in Israel, in my first year in school, and I would love your support! Being able to give back to a place that has shown me an immense amount of love and taught me so much about myself and Judaism is incredible, but I need your assistance.

The next question you should likely be asking is, how? Again, way to be on the ball with these questions! Well, if you go to the R4R website Click here!, it will give you full instructions, including what to do with checks and credit cards.

Honestly, I really appreciate your support and remember that any contribution counts (even love!). I will be sure to keep you informed with both my classmates and my progress on our weekly rides. One place to check is my blog.

In conclusion, I am excited for this ride, and hope that you can support me along the journey. Please be in touch, just to check in.

Thanks and much love,

Elana