I just returned from a 5 day bike trip through the Negev Desert to support the Reform Movement in Israel. I had no idea what to expect on this trip, and I sit here now feeling so grateful that I had the opportunity to go on this ride (and that my body and bum lasted 5 days on a bicycle.)
50 of us set out from Tel Aviv in 115 degree mid-day heat on Sunday. There was great excitement as I met fellow HUC students who are studying in the states, rabbis and cantors who left their congregations this week to support the ride, and Israeli teenagers who are participating in a year of service before going to the army. Before leaving, we sang Hatikvah together, and I think for the first time this year I was truly moved, looking around at everyone in their jerseys, thinking about the cause that I was advocating for, and anticipating the 5 days of riding I was about to embark on.
There is really nothing like riding through Israel on a bike. On buses I usually sleep so I always miss the scenery, and it would just take a bit too long to walk from Tel Aviv to Eilat. There was a great sensation of riding through the country, feeling like I was doing something Jewish, yet it was SO different from anything I had ever done in Israel, or in my life for that matter. I noticed the scenery around me, felt the dust of the desert all over my body, REALLY felt each rock and bump in the road, and loved having truck drivers and people waiting for their buses wave happily to our group as we rode by.
As our HUC group rode into Eilat, our extremely supportive fellow students cheered and waved signs. I took a moment to look around, give Jenny a huge hug and kiss, and feel a real sense of accomplishment and new connection to Israel. The scenery was breathtaking, the people were adventurous and interesting, and I feel absolutely great. Thanks to everyone who supported me on this ride and I definitely plan to go next year if there's anyone else interested!
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