Personal
On this page you will find articles that focus on those chance or passing moments in our personal lives that appear to be outwardly small but are significant nonetheless for their influence upon our mood, our feelings of connection with others, and our spiritual lives.
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On Running A Marathon
Before a marathon, in the hours immediately preceding the start, I need to concentrate,
focusing all my energy and my awareness. During the first 2/3 of the race, I need to let
my mind wander. During the final, very tough miles, concentration once again becomes
overwhelmingly important. I recite brakhot as I focus my mind, body and soul.
Ritual:
You wake up before dawn in order to get to the start line on time, and to have time for
the many pre-race rituals.
Baruch atah asher natan la’sechvi vina l’havchin bein yom u’vein layla.
You abound in blessings, giving creatures the ability to distinguish between day and
night.
You dress for the marathon, putting together the precise combination of t-shirt, singlet,
turtleneck, shorts or tights. Socks you have worn enough times to trust them not to give
you blisters, adjusted just so around the toes. Running shoes – not new, but not
broken down, laced just right. You pin on the most important thing you will wear that day,
your race number.
Baruch atah, malbeesh arumim.
You abound in blessings, dressing the naked.
You complete your preparations, warming up your body and providing it with
"fuel".
Baruch atah, ha’meicheen mitz’adei gaver.
You abound in blessings, preparing a person’s steps.
Most runners "hit the wall" somewhere between 16 and 20 miles into the race. You
reach a point where you just don’t feel as if you can take another step. You regain
concentration, refocus your mind and summon strength for the final miles.
Baruch atah, ha-notein la’ya’ef ko-ach.
You abound in blessings, giving strength to the exhausted.
Teaching:
Bless God, Celebrate God’s praises, who has given us life and has not let our feet
slip. (Psalms 66 )
Ha-notein la-ya’ef koach.
You give strength to the exhausted.
(CLAL Faculty)
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