Record Number of Bike4Chai Riders Unite to Support Chai Lifeline - Team Baltimore

By: BJLife Newsroom BaltimoreJewishLife.com/Jeff Cohn

More than 675 cyclists with one goal in mind geared up for the largest Bike4Chai experience to date. The renowned, premier cycling event benefitting Chai Lifeline set out from Kalahari Resort in the Poconos to “The World’s Greatest Finish Line” at Camp Simcha in Glen Spey, NY. Riders celebrated their 165-mile journey with campers, staff, family and friends at Camp Simcha.

“Chai Lifeline’s support for more than 6,000 families throughout the year doesn’t take a break, and neither do all those who work incredibly hard to fundraise and train for Bike4Chai,” said Rabbi Simcha Scholar, CEO of Chai Lifeline. “Summers at Camp Simcha are the highlight of the year for our kids and its only possible due to the support of our community and the dedication of our Bike4Chai riders.”

The record number of riders included all ages and skill levels, business executives, rabbis, a NASA rocket scientist, professional athletes, cancer survivors, and those who ride in honor or memory of a loved one. Joining the peloton were 2011 Tour de France winner Cadel Evans, and former professional cyclists George Hincapie and Christian Vande Velde.

“Bike4Chai represents the very best of us,” said Rabbi Sruli Fried, Executive Director of Bike4Chai. “In a world often divided, it is truly inspiring and heartening to see hundreds of people of all backgrounds united in one cause: to support the children and families served by Chai Lifeline.”

Bike4Chai supports Chai Lifeline’s year-round programs and services, including professional case management and counseling, meal delivery to hospitals and homes, transportation to medical appointments, emergency fi- nancial assistance, crisis intervention and trauma response, insurance advocacy, i-Shine afterschool programming for children living with illness or loss in their families, Camp Simcha summer programming, and more.

Baltimore riders include (listed alphabetically): Eliezer Abramson, Yosef Abramson, Menachem Abramson, Gary Bauman, Tzvi Feigenbaum, Yosef Feigenbaum, Yaakov Gluck, Eli Greengart, Tzvi

Greengart, Nechemya Jakobovits, Yechiel Levin, Mordechai Leybovich, Aaron Loeb, Kalman Akiva Kovacs, Moshe Mayer, Aryeh Nirenberg, Yosef Kugel, Yehoshua Ribakow, Ephey Rosenbloom, Jeremy Schnittman, Moshe Smith, Larry Strauss, and Benjamin Weiskind.

Mercaz Daf Yomi’s Siyum on Meseches Gittin with a Moroccan Twist

By: BJLife Newsroom BaltimoreJewishLife.com/Jeff Cohn

Mercaz Daf Yomi, the Mercaz Torah U’Tefillah Daf Yomi program, which features over 15 daily Shiurim and hundreds of daily participants, held their siyum on Meseches Gittin on Monday evening. The siyum program featured Divrei Hisorerus from the Rav, Harav Yissochor Dov Eichenstein, followed by a keynote speech from a Daf Yomi regular, Dr. Moshe Stutman.

The siyum was made by R’ Asher Sondhelm, one of the Magidei Shiur. The theme of the siyum was “Morocco,” a prelude to the announcement made at the siyum about the upcoming

Kehillah’s trip in November to Morocco to celebrate the siyum on Seder Nashim! Delicious Moroccan food was served, catered by Knish Shop, and Baltimorean performer Eli Atias entertained with Sephardic niggunim.

This year the demands for help are even greater and we simply cannot do it without your support. WE NEED YOUR HELP!

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10th Anniversary Men’s Biker Cholim Event: A Triumph of Unity, Generosity, and Fun - Bikur Cholim of Baltimore

Anticipation hung in the air like a tangible force as 180+ enthusiastic cyclists embarked on a journey along Maryland’s breathtaking scenic routes, taking on the challenges of 50, 25, and 10-mile rides. The 10th Annual Biker Cholim Men’s Biker Cholim Bikeathon raised an astounding $255,000+, with donations still streaming in.

Marking a decade of unwavering success, the Bikur Cholim of Baltimore/LifeBridge Health Men’s Biker Cholim event surpassed all expectations. The event witnessed a surge in participants, more exhilarating challenges, and a remarkable increase in funds raised. Steering this event were the leadership and dedication of Mordechai Gottlieb, along with his committee comprised of Yaakov Berkowitz, Tzvi Feigenbaum, Akiva Goldberg, Rochelle Goldberg, Shuey Goldstein, Zalmi Lavi, Liz Rothstein, and Noam Shiman.

A resplendent moment arrived a mile and a half before the finish line, as cyclists gathered at the inviting Chestnut Ridge Volunteer Fire station. Here, an extravagant Yaffa-catered sandwich bar awaited, enveloping the area with camaraderie and jubilant laughter. The atmosphere exuded a triumphant sense of achievement as the cyclists, united as one, pedaled to the finish line at Ateres Elka, flanked by a flashing firetruck, adding a touch of style and amusement. Awaiting them were families and friends, brandishing homemade signs and showering them with resounding applause.

The highlight of this fun-packed day was reached with a concert featuring the incomparable Yoni Z at the Fine Arts Murphy Center. Yoni rocked the sold-out house of 1, 200 with kidsyoung and old-dancing in their seats and in front of the stage.

Beyond the fundraising achievement, it was the spirit of unity, or “achdus,” that resonated profoundly. Members from diverse corners of the community joined forces, cycling and laughing together for an altruistic cause. The raised funds for Bikur Cholim of Baltimore will serve as a lifeline for the health needs of the cholim and their families within the community.

Visit BaltimoreBikurCholim.org to explore volunteer opportunities and be part of our “Mission of Kindness.” As another chapter concludes in the legacy of Biker Cholim, heartfelt gratitude extends to our corporate sponsors, dedicated cyclists, and tireless volunteers, all of whom continue to raise the standards. Stay tuned and gear up for Biker Cholim 2024, as the journey of compassion and unity continues.