Cyclists ‘Bike 4 Friendship’ from Miami to Key West

Over three dozen bikers trekked from Miami to Key West, Florida, last week to raise funds and awareness for The Friendship Circle.

Rabbi Dovid Gold, who served as the event planner, described the experience in a letter to CrownHeights.info:

As a married father with children I have never experienced Friendship Circles events. I have never been involved in a Friendship Circle Marathon or Bike Race. The usual bake sale with the proceeds going towards Friendship Circle has always been “just “another event, fundraiser for this great organization, but never personal.

Well this past week, I was involved in the bike ride from Miami-Key West; to my dear friends, “no,” not as a cyclist, as an event planner with my wife. Starting with the Morning Prayers-Shachris in the Hebrew Academy of Miami, and the Kosher breakfast, the cyclists were off.  Some inspirational speakers like Rabbi Shmuelly Boteach, Rabbi Dechter, and the Israeli Ambassador to Miami, encouraging each person personal gain of the trip. Let’s not forget the leadership team of Friendship Circle who gave all the logistic, and map information for the ride for clear directions on the trip to the Keys.

Flying Tzitzis, helmets padded with a yamulka, cyclists adjusting clothing for this long trip. Having a religious Jew as the “bicycle mechanic” encouraging and advising the cyclist on gears and gaining speed, was like Mount Sinai. Where do you find, religious, and non-religious people riding together in harmony for one cause, “Friendship Circle.”

By “Friendship Circle,” providing kosher food in the Keys at road stops or park benches, supplying nutrition to the riders, giving them the strength to get through the 90 mile daily commitment. Praying Evening Services-Mincha at the side of the road, or Praying Morning Prayers-Shachris feet away from the ocean, was a kosher paradise.

Heartfelt speakers in Islamorada, words of inspiration from parents of special needs children, brought tears into all participants. Nineteen year old Glenfiddich whisky single malt, was sipped, this bottle was older than some of the Friendship Circle children.  Plaques were given to the “top three teams” of the highest fundraisers, benefiting Friendship Circle children. Each child is treated and respected like a million dollars.

The final banquet in the Double Tree, Hotel of Key West, was set outdoors under the skylight. The inspiring video of a parent of a special need child, who admit they aren’t Orthodox, however where delighted with their local Friendship Circle branch, stood up and spoke about the challenges of life.  Finally, the musical Yehuda Green, closed this two day event with songs and dancing, embracing the guests, family members, and cyclists.

And now what’s my resolution from these 48 hours?

Get involved, period. This organization is the bridge that will bring closer all Jews, irrelevant of affiliation. Talk about them, in your schools, work, soccer teams, and help them grow into your “Jewish pride,” in your neighborhood. They do give hope to children, parents, and grandparents of a special needs child. Let them know, the Jewish community does care about every single one of the children of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.