Jakes Marathon for Kol Hanearim

Dear Friend's and Family,

      While going through the draft process for the IDF I have been full time volunteering at a children’s home in Israel called Neve Michael. The home is part of the Emunah network of homes and is for children from all over Israel. Some of the kids have parents that are unable to properly care for them, others are orphans with no where to go. The Every Chag about 20 of these kids remain in the home as they have no where else to go. The home is part of Kol Hanearim, a inspiring program started by Englewood’s own Michael Reidler to bring 250 American volunteers to run a summer program for the kids at Nvei Michael and 7 other homes like it. This summer I was fortunate enough to take part in the program and to see the life and the energy that a fun summer brings these kids. More importantly, I was able to see the importance of the connections that the kids form with the volunteers who continue to text, call and visit throughout the year.

       Right now Kol Hanearim is working on fundraising to support added programs throughout the year such as one, which will teach the kids marketable skills such as how to repair phones, and become professional level makeup artists. These programs aim to certify these kids such that upon completion the kids will be fully qualified for full-time jobs.

       In order to get in shape for basic training as well as to give a final show of support for the kids, I have decided to run a marathon to raise money for Kol Hanearim. The marathon is called the Biblical Marathon and it is set for October 18th. It follows the path run by a Benjaminite from Shiloh to Rosh Haayin to tell of a loss to the Plishtim. A distance that just so happens to be approximately 26 miles despite predating the first Greek Marathon by over 800 years! Please help me as I take a trip through Israeli history, prepare to serve in the IDF and help the kids in Israel who need it most.

Gmar Chatimah Tovah,

Jake Bareket