Group Spends Shabbos on Kilimanjaro, World’s Highest Freestanding Mountain

By Rabbi Dovid Hazdan

Mount Kilimanjaro has an allure. It is the Roof of Africa and the world’s highest freestanding mountain. Its summit at 5895 m (or 19,341 feet) is a personal challenge to achieve a formidable goal.

Team friendship Kilimanjaro has given this quest, an underlying purpose and a goal that will make a meaningful difference. This year, over $132,000 was raised by the team of hikers to assist children who have special needs. https://www.teamfriendship.org/kilimanjaro

The 14 hikers have just returned from an unforgettable, life-changing week on the mountain. The grueling days of extreme challenge were at the same time, a catalyst for personal inspiration, motivation and growth.

The motley crew of diverse ages, studied Chitas and Rambam together and carried a small Sefer Torah. Each day, life messages were derived, discussed and explored.

On the mountain it is altitude, not the distance that is the real challenge. The distance between one week and the next is the same. The real quest is to ensure that there has been elevation and growth to uplift ourselves and others, and to aspire to higher heights in serving Hashem.

The mountain became a metaphor for all the tests of life – the seemingly impossible challenges that have to be confronted. With adequate preparation, focus and mental tenacity, we can emerge stronger and overcome adversity to achieve the goal.

Shabbos followed three days of hiking. A Eiruv was set up around the camp. Not withstanding the freezing cold and harsh camping conditions, the whole Shabbos was filled with the warmth of niggunim, a Siyum of a Tractate of the Talmud and the reciting of a Chassidic discourse. The farbrengen continued the entire day. The hikers shared stories of Divine Providence, Ahavas Yisroel, Shlichus and connection to the Rebbe and his teachings.

The team was no longer made up of disparate parts who contributed to the group. They had become one heartbeat with exponentially greater power to succeed. It really brought the mission of Friendship Circle to Life.

The final day began at midnight. The hikers began trudging up the snow-covered mountain by flashlight. As they reached the summit, the horizon turned red with an African sunrise on the highest point of the continent. Exhilaration supplanted exhaustion. There was an outpouring of emotion and gratitude to Hashem.

The hikers learned that the summit is not the endgame. It is followed by a hugely demanding descent that sapped any remaining strength of their weary bodies.

The ultimate moments of success require additional strength and purpose to bring the high moments down, so that they impact on the daily routine.

The experience of reaching the summit has enriched the lives of all the members of the team with newfound energy and strength.

To join a future hike please visit TeamFriendship.org/kilimanjaro or email [email protected]