My seven-and-three-quarter-mile walk (12.5 km) around Jerusalem on Shabbos was a good workout (given the current lockdown in Israel, I considered it within the realm of physical exercise, which is permitted). Being Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah, I peeked into some places or listened/watched for a few moments from outside (many celebrations were solely outside and I saw lots of people adhering to distance and mask rules, but in some communities less of that, or in certain communities hardly any masks).

This walk is not significant, though, when compared to a walk I did one Simchat Torah a number of years ago. That was a Friday, while I was living in New York. The walk was from Kew Gardens Hills, Queens, to Brooklyn. And back. In the same day. An ordeal it really was—25 miles total (one mile was in Brooklyn between two shuls).

The distance was too much and I erred with footwear. I had rubber-soled dress shoes, but I learned that this is not enough (a salesperson at a car dealership on Kings Highway told me so). The heel has to be close to the same level as the sole, in other words not elevated (but walking is different from running, so ask a footwear expert for best advice). These heels were elevated a bit (a bit too much). I trudged along and was aching in my upper thigh area the return trip. I had my Cliff Bar, water, extra pair of socks, but the journey was six hours—compared to a normal three-and-a-half or four hours for a one-way of 12 miles. It was not fun.

I made it just in time for the start of Shabbos, and my dinner invite. I related my day adventure. The hosts were amazed. I was tired, but able to enjoy the meal and company.

The pain or strain lasted a few days. I got myself to Macy’s to get better shoes—two pairs that would be smarter for walking.

I don’t run, don’t ride a bike (yes, know how to), don’t have horseback riding penned in to my calendar, never jumped from a plane, don’t swim (would like to), so walking—when I make the time—is my primary physical activity. It’s more than that—I like the exploration, taking different routes when I can. A camera, if it’s a weekday. Walking is a great way to see things, maybe even meet people, when we don’t have to worry about virus transmissions.

I had walked other times to Brooklyn, from my Queens ‘hood. Three times I did it prior, but only one way, the 12 miles, and with a subway or taxi back. Camera en route, of course.

That Simchat Torah in Brooklyn, at the second minyan I got to (Yavneh Minyan of Flatbush, for those in the know), I met a guy who did about eight miles a day, on foot, to work in Manhattan every day, or maybe it was a number of times a week (and maybe back too). That burst my bubble a drop, but I still was proud of the trek I did and had done in the past (alternating the route in parts of the journey, taking different avenues and streets, even through some tougher neighborhoods). I had contemplated a few times walking from Queens to Manhattan, on a Yom Tov day when I could carry water and snack (this was why I chose a Yom Tov of Simchat Torah and not a Shabbos to head to Brooklyn, aside from the fact that more people are out on a weekday at the early hours when I left home). But I never did it, just looked at the map a lot, tempted. Under 12 miles to a place like the Upper West Side. I would not do the return on foot.

I have led photo walks in New York and Israel (we learn photography as we walk around different parts of a city). These are three miles max. My longer walks have all been solo. That will change when I find a permanent “walking partner” for life. She is someone who likes the outdoors, and walking is one of the requirements, though the specific distance is flexible and up for discussion (as are flea markets—love ‘em).

Near me in southern Jerusalem there is a playground with exercise equipment (I discovered it during a recent walk!). At 10 minutes away, I think I would like to give it a try, a regimen of sorts. The outdoor fitness equipment we see in many parks is a newish trend. Each piece has a small sign stuck to it, with some guidelines and suggestions for use.

I said earlier that I don’t ride horses. I don’t think I’ll take that up as an activity. Jumping from a plane (i.e., skydiving) is touted as a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. I don’t think that qualifies as a regular fitness regimen. I would like to still try the sport of hang gliding (even if it won’t be “regular exercise”). Question is will I get to it? Then there’s frisbee and badminton, which I’ve enjoyed. Can’t walk when you’re playing these games. You’ll lose quick. As I add new activities (or revive old ones), the pastime of walking (really a passion) will still stand on its own and remain a singular one that can be partaken of on the Jewish Sabbath and holidays.

Judah S. Harris is a photographer, filmmaker, speaker and writer. He offers highly narrative coverage of weddings and bar/bat mitzvah events (including Zoom coverage), both in Israel and the U.S., and produces documentaries for families wanting to preserve their multi-generational history. Visit www.judahsharris.com/folio.

By Judah S. Harris