by Shmarya Richler
The upcoming New York City Marathon will take place on Sunday, November 2. Last year for the second time there was a Chabad presence in the crowds lining the streets of NY. Hundreds of people put on Tefillin BH, and I know of 3 Bar Mitzvahs! Hopefully we can do even more this year!
About two million people come out throughout the day to watch and cheer the runners. Having run it four times, I know that there are many Jews among the spectators. It’s a great opportunity for Mivtzah Tefillin and Neshek.
Given the situation in Eretz Yisroel it is imperative that we come out in force. The marathon route is 26.2 miles long! Not counting the bridges, where spectators are not allowed, there are about 22 miles of people lining the streets all day. Considering both sides of the streets that’s about 44 miles of people!
The whole way is packed with spectators but there are many spots along the route where there are much larger numbers of spectators. For example:
∙ The area around 4’th and Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn (near the Apple store). Take the 3 train and get off at Atlantic Avenue.
∙ The area around First and 59’th in Manhattan.
∙ First Ave from 59’th to the Willis Ave Bridge.
∙ Fifth Avenue from the Madison Avenue Dridge until 86’th Street
∙ The finish line area on Columbus Ave (9’th) from West 69’th to West 76’th streets in Manhattan
∙ Central Park East from 86’th to 59’th (and 59’th street along the park).
There are thousands of people at these locations the whole day! I’ve set up a web site with information about the route, the crowds, the times etc. Check the maps and information on the site. Click here.
The race begins on Staten Island at the foot of the Verrazano bridge. It starts in stages between 8:00AM and 11:30AM. The crowds start lining the streets in Brooklyn at about 9:00AM and a bit later in the other Boroughs.
The route takes us through all five boroughs and goes through many neighborhoods on our way to the finish in Central Park. Many streets are closed so make sure to check the street closure list on the web site. The best way to get to the Manhattan sections of the race may be by train.
Please send me your name and mothers name so I can bring them to the Ohel after the race. Also, please send pictures and if possible, the number of people you put on Tefillin with and gave Neshek to.
Let’s do our part to help our seven million family members in Eretz Yisroel and give the Rebbe a Nachas Ruach.
The web site address is http://Nycm-mivtzoim.org
Contact me at [email protected] if you have any questions.
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This is the kind of news that we should only have to share!!!