JLife would like to offer a profuse apology with regards to some incorrect information printed in our current edition of JLife Leeds. A news piece erroneously stated that the Leeds Jewish Community Run was organised by United Hebrew Congregation and that funds raised would go to benefit the synagogue. This is not the case and the information should have been as below:
To mark the completion of the Leeds Eruv, 3 September sees a new event hitting the community’s calendar – the Leeds Jewish Community Run. Under the auspices of Leeds Jewish Representative Council, the run will trace (approximately) the course of the Leeds Eruv, some 15 km, and can be done either as a run around the whole route, or in 5 km relay chunks; and in fact, it doesn’t have to be run, it can be walked.
The organisers, Leeds Kollel’s Rabbi Yitzchok Katz and UHC’s Paul Berwin, emphasise that this isn’t a race, so no-one should feel intimidated – it’s good both for experienced runners, and for those who just want to take part in a great communal event.
The eruv serves the direct needs of those who are observant and will then be able to take small children and their equipment out of the home on shabbat. However, it also serves the wider community, by helping attract and retain in Leeds not only the less observant, but also the observant; enhancing the breadth of the community, and liberating those (mainly women) who are constrained unnecessarily to what they can do on specific days. The eruv has been funded entirely by private donation, and not by diverting funds from other causes.
As well as runners/walkers, there will be roles for volunteers in marshalling, manning water stations and other essential tasks. Paul’s running club Harrogate Harriers have provided valuable advice and equipment to make sure this will be a properly, efficiently event for all to enjoy, raising awareness of the new Eruv.
For more information and to enter or volunteer to help, please visit: