About the Ride

The 2008 Spice Route ride is a 5-day adventure that will start in the new Progressive Mishkenot Ruth Center in the Jaffa-area of Tel Aviv on the Mediterranean Sea and head south through the Negev Desert along parts of the ancient Nabatean Spice Route ending in the beautiful resort city of Eilat. Riders will be our guests on Thursday night as we hold a festive closing dinner, and relax. Those wishing to extend their stay in Eilat and spend a few extra nights with family and friends can do so. For more info go to the “Eilat Extra” tab on the menu bar. In Jaffa and on kibbutz in the southern Arava, riders will have an opportunity to meet with Reform congregations and their members and visit Progressive institutions that are helping bring liberal Judaism to Israelis from all walks of life

. “The people, the terrain, the cause, and the organization… everything comes together to make for a wonderful experience.” (Howie Goldsmith)

A Two-Way Pledge

Your pledge as a participant in this adventure is to raise at least US $2,000 through donations and sponsorships. Our pledge is to support activities that convey Judaism in a meaningful and pluralistic way. Whether enabling mothers and daughters to experience a moving Bat Mitzvah ceremony or offering Torah study sessions at different venues across Israel, the money you raise will result in hundreds of projects operating at dozens of locations and make a real difference to the lives of families all over the country.

Wherever You Are – You Can Help!

As the riders move from the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea, friends and supporters can play a vital part, even if they are unable to come to Israel.

 

Here are two ways that you can help:

Adopt-A-Rider:

Adopt-A-Rider: This project allows supporters to virtually participate in the ride by adopting a rider who will keep them up-to-date on his/her progress during the ride. Groups or individuals will be “matched” with a suitable biker. This could be an exciting Tikkun Olam project for a religious school class, a sisterhood project or a congregational activity. The cost of adopting one rider is $2,350.

Local Rides for Israel:

Another option is to organize a one-day ride for those who cannot come to Israel but want to support Reform programs and congregations in Israel. Youth groups, families and other supporters can sign up and raise per-mile donations from friends and their communities. A “happening” with Israeli snacks and music at the end of the ride can help get everyone involved.

“Without all of their support and encouragement, I would never have been able to do this.” (Daniel Schwartz)