About the Ride

Ride4Reform 2010 is a 5-day bike ride that will begin at the most northern point of Israel, the Good Fence on the Israel-Lebanon border. During the 5-day ride we will pass through various regions and see different views of the Golan Heights, Galilee, Jezreel Valley and Ramat Menashe on the way to the Mediterranean Sea. During the ride we will visit the Hula Valley national park, an impressive site that serves as an important stopping point for thousands of migrating birds; we will ride beside streams and view and swim in natural pools. We will visit important archeological and historical sites (Korazim a settlement from the days of the Talmud and Mishna, Meggido the Biblical Armageddon, Mount Arbel and the holy cities, Tiberias for Jews and Nazareth for Christians). The ride will end in Zichron Ya’akov (there are those who call it the Israeli Provence), the third settlement of the first aliyah, and today the home of the “Sulam Ya’akov” Congregation our final destination.

“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 all over Israel. 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, making a real difference in the lives of families all over the country.

Wherever You Are – You Can Help!

As the riders explore the Golan Heights and the Galilee sights, 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:

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 wish to support Reform programs and congregations in Israel but are unable to make the trip to Israel. Youth groups, families, and other supporters can sign up and raise per-mile donations from friends and their communities. An Israeli festival with 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)