After just completing another half marathon with the amazing Team Yachad (Daniel’s 2nd and Chani’s 4th), we decided to put into words what the experience was like.
Being part of a team that has so much heart and so much excitement, you can’t help but feel part of something unique and special. Team members ranged in age from 13-68 and came from all across the U.S, Canada and Israel.
Now we won’t lie and say there aren’t some real aches and pains in reaching the finish line (there are!!) Completing a half or full marathon requires an incredible amount of physical and mental energy in the process. It takes months of training and fundraising to prepare for the big day- every runner raised a minimum of $3,000. We are proud that Team Herrmann, which had four family members, raised $12,000!!). Runners and team supporters enjoyed a beautiful Shabbos in sunny Miami and formed lasting friendships with one another.
We were all unified by our shared journey of completing a half or full marathon in support of Yachad. The most beautiful thing is that although each runner has their own personal goals (whether its completing the race in a certain time or just being able finish) we are all bonded in supporting an organization that supports thousands of people with special needs on an ongoing basis and spreads the message of Inclusion.
While we were running and at times feeling like our legs could not run anymore, we thought about the families and Yachad participants who benefit from the organization’s work and the challenges THEY face on a daily basis. This was enough to keep us running- running for something that is so much bigger than ourselves. Running and showing the world that Everyone Belongs and all people, regardless of their challenges, should be accepted in the community and included in ways that are meaningful. At mile 12 there was a Team Yachad water station for all runners and Yachad participants, including Tamar Schlanger from Teaneck, handed out water and Gatorade to all who passed- it was inspiring and a wonderful example of inclusion!
Did 188 Team Yachad runners cross the finish line b’yachad? Absolutely! And we would do it all over again!! For more information about Team Yachad you can contact [email protected] or call 2126138229. To learn more about Team Yachad please visitwww.teamyachad.com.
Dr. Daniel Herrmann serves as the school psychologist at Hillel Yeshiva in Deal, NJ.
Chani Herrmann serves as the director of NJ Yachad.
By: Chani & Daniel Herrmann
