elay Ride: get green and get going2012 is the Big Green Jewish Year of the Bicycle, a whole year of campaigns, action and education focusing on sustainable transport. In celebration of this, Gefiltefest is organising the event of the year, the Rabbi Relay.
What? The Rabbi Relay is a collaborative cycle down the length of the UK, lead by 19 (and counting) Rabbis from the British Jewish community. Starting at Land’s End and finishing at John O’ Groats, the ride raises the bar of communal action for healthy, clean, green living.
Why? As well as promoting cycling as a green and healthy mode of transport, we hope to raise £100,000 for food and environmental charities in the UK and overseas. (Also, ‘Relay’ starts with the same letter as ‘Rabbi’, so we thought: why not?).
How are you raising the funds? Gefiltefest will be seeking sponsorship and all participants will be fundraising. You can sponsor your Rabbi (if they are taking part), or suggest to your Rabbi that they take part. Failing that, you can sponsor another Rabbi – there are 19 to choose from. Participating Rabbis to be confirmed soon: watch this space.
When? The ride is currently set to take place from Sunday 17th June until the 9th July 2012, shortly after Gefiltefest 2012 festival, which will take place on Sunday 20th May. This is also one mon
th before the Olympics, where the cycling events have a high profile.
Who? Gefiltefest (the London Jewish Food Festival) is the brains behind this operation, sorting logistics, technical issues and, of course, providing delicious kosher food along the way. Big Green Jewish is also offering support.
More than 15 Rabbis have already signed up including Rabbi Harvey Belovski, Rabbi Shoshana Boyd-Gelfand, Rabbi Anna Gerrard, Rabbi Jeremy Gordon, Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner and Rabbi Natan Levy.
But I’m not a Rabbi…Don’t worry, you can still take part. Drop us an email if you want to be in the relay or contribute in any way, or even if you just want more information: all are welcome, regardless of smicha (or lack thereof).
More details on participants, routes and how to sponsor your favourite Rabbi to follow.
Check out the route: