How I spent my summer vacation

Philly to West Hempstead: Pre-Bar Mitzvah charity bike ride

By Michael Orbach

Issue of August 14, 2009 / 24 Av 5769

Noam Katz found a novel way to celebrate his Bar Mitzvah: riding his bike to raise money for charity.

This past Sunday, he and his father, Marc Katz, drove down to Philadelphia and began pedaling their way back home to West Hempstead. They hoped to finish the 140-mile ride by Wednesday night and in the process raise a thousand dollars for their rabbi’s discretionary fund at the Young Israel of West Hempstead. The fund, administered by Rabbi Yehuda Kelemer, helps community members in need.

“I wanted to do something for tzedaka,” Noam told the Jewish Star after Monday’s

punishing 41-mile ride in 100-degree heat. Noam’s grandfather, Gary Katz, and younger brother, Ami, are riding behind them in a support vehicle, a Toyota Sienna.

The adventure began at the Philadelphia Museum of Art (home of the popular Rocky Steps). The pair made their way to Washington Crossing, before hitting Highland Park, N.J. From Highland Park, they planned to ride to Fort Lee, in the shadow of the George Washington Bridge, and from Fort Lee back to West Hempstead.

“My son and I are not bike riders,” Marc said with a laugh. “I think G-d is testing me.”

Noam is preparing to lain Parshat Ki Tavo on Sept. 5, kicking off a more traditional Bar Mitzvah celebration over the Labor Day weekend. He plans to donate a portion of his Bar Mitzvah gifts to the rabbi’s fund as well. Wednesday night he’s looking forward to practicing his parsha and sleeping in his own bed.

Readers interested in sponsoring Noam's "Ride for the rabbi," even after the fact, can send checks made out to the YIWH Rabbi's Fund, to 622 Howard Ave, West Hempstead, NY 15522.