Many bar and bat mitzvah children choose to integrate our Ride into their experience in becoming a Jewish adult. For more information regarding b’nai mitzvah, contact David Rendsburg.

The Israel Ride is a serious physical challenge requiring significant advance preparation and maturity. Children between the ages of 12-15 can join the Ride only accompanied by a parent. Parents will be required to accompany their child on a bike while on the route. For safety reasons, children must cycle escorted by an adult at all times during the Ride. Due the safety considerations, children 12-15 will be welcome to the Ride on a case by case basis. Please contact Hazon at info@israelride.org.

Read Gabe Field’s Blog, Israel Bar Mitzvah Rider, 2011

Reasons to Choose a Bike Ride

• Your bar or bat mitzvah is a spiritual experience – the ride brings a physical dimension to your journey.
• Prepare, train and work towards accomplishing another layer of challenge to your rite of passage.
• Connect your love of nature and your commitment to Israel to your bnai mitzvah.
• Of all the possible projects, this one makes your big day fun and enjoyable!
• Your whole family is involved in the training and participation.
• Your whole synagogue and community can support your bike journey.
• For nature lovers, this is the perfect connection to helping perfect the world, Israel and the environment.
• You can use financial gifts toward your fundraising.

Read more about Biking and B’nai Mitzvah in Nancy Lipsey’s article in the Union for Reform Judaism’s newsletter.

What the Israel Ride Offers the B’nai Mitzvah

• A great experience to challenge, grow and learn Jewishly.
• B’nai mitzvah teens are recognized for their special commitment.
• Participation in religious services.
• Personalized web pages and computer support to collect fundraising.
• Network of D’var Torah research tools related to the environment.
• Connections to alumni bnai mitzvah and teen riders.

Read about Jake Gering’s experience on the 2007 Israel Ride

What the Israel Ride Offers Family and Community

• An active, Jewish, educational, and inspiring family vacation.
• A fun, outdoors and challenging experience to work both mind and body for all involved.
• A supportive environment for riders of all levels.
• Room for non-riding family members join as guests over Shabbat and at other hotels.
• Suggestions for self-touring outside of the Ride, or for non-riding family members.
• A pluralistic Jewish community for all walks of Jewish life.
• Families and teens exposed to a contemporary and exciting setting with their peers and other families of like mind.