The rabbi who ran a half marathon in the Arctic

Around nine years ago, after one Shavuot cheesecake too many, I decided to start taking fitness more seriously. When I turned 40, I told myself: “It’s now or never to run a marathon,” and I managed to complete my first marathon, though I was hardly running for the last few miles. I wanted to do it again, but properly. With time, I got comfortable running a marathon without needing to join an organised event. I really enjoy jogging on my own to clear my head, or if I’ve studied a complicated section of Talmud, it’s a good time to unpack the points. Then a short while ago, I went a little meshuggah and ran the length of the Thames from the M25 [near Runnymede] to the M25 [in Dartford] – 64 miles, but I stopped to daven Mincha. I guess I needed a new challenge, and the Arctic Circle felt like a good step!

The terrain in Levi, in the Lapland region of northern Finland (Photo: courtesy)[Missing Credit]

2. Describe the experience of running in freezing conditions in the Arctic Circle.

The run was truly such an incredible experience. Every turn brought a new breathtaking view. During the climb up the Kätkätunturi [a 500 metre hill near Levi, northern Finland], each twist and turn was so magical, even though it was challenging and, at times, I needed to slow down due to the incline! Reaching the peak, taking a moment to pause and do a 360 degree spin and just see endless white, with evergreen trees as far as the eye can see, being all alone in the remoteness and vastness of nature was just so incredible and rewarding. The latter part of the run went over the frozen Immeljärvi Lake, with cross-country skiers and snowmobiles whizzing past me.

The distance, time and pace of Rabbi Mendy's half-marathon[Missing Credit]

3. What has been the reaction within your community?

The Islington Jewish community is just so lovely. I really could not ask for anything better. That is in terms of both the sponsorship for this run, and the many people who are part of our supporters club, which has a monthly donate-any-figure-that-works membership. I am so grateful for everyone’s support; I can’t thank them enough. I’ll let you into a big Chabad secret – every Chabad house in the world is self-funded, so we have to keep active to maintain and grow the only Jewish institution in Islington.

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4. Why was it so important to raise this money for the community Seder?

The first Chabad Islington community Seder had 15 guests in our Canonbury flat in 2012. Now, the Seder is one of our flagship events, with close to 200 people joining this year. And that’s people from all walks of life. For some, it is their first-ever time joining a Seder; for another, it is a foreign student with no family locally, who is unable to fly home. Creating a place for people to feel included and welcome in a relatable and authentic Jewish festive celebration is our – excuse the pun – bread and butter. During the Seder, we ask people to read one of the four Ma Nishtanah questions in a different language, and last year, we had more than 15 languages being read. To pull off such a Seder, in the heart of Islington, and, at the same time, keeping the event affordable, is rather challenging, so I’d like to again thank all the supporters for sponsoring the run.