2020 Vision Rides

Thank you to all our participants and supporters!

This event has ended.

We created the 2020 Vision Rides during Covid — a time when many of us felt helpless, hopeless, and isolated — as a way for people to take action in reaching a collective goal. Together, apart.

Stay tuned for future ride initiatives!


No fundraising or distance minimum!
Every dollar and every mile counts.

Register solo or as a Team. Sponsor your miles. Invite others to join us.

Be part of a movement for change
…and prioritize health, build community, and have fun, too!

support us!

Ride with Hazon! Learn More

Join us on:

Strava Strava

Peloton Peloton

Discord Discord

Zwift Zwift


Do you have questions? We have answers!
See below for additional info and how-to’s for the 2020 Vision Rides.

Background

We want you to get active outdoors  in a way that’s meaningful to you to:
Lessen our use of cars. Reconnect with the natural world. Prioritize our health.

Why? It doesn’t take 20/20 vision to see…
…that we need systemic change for us all to live healthily, sustainably, and equitably on earth.

So what’s our plan?
Grow the Hazon Seal of Sustainability.
Catalyze the Jewish Youth Climate Movement (JYCM).
Activate through Jewish, Outdoor, Food, Farming & Environmental Education (JOFEE) experiences.
Support institutions and individuals so together we can all drive change in our communities, and nationwide.

Help make our vision a reality!
Bike, dance, jog, skate, or swim to help create the world we believe in.
We need to amplify our voices to create change. Encourage others to join the movement.

Participate

~How do I participate?
Participating is simple! There is no fundraising or distance minimum. Every dollar and every mile counts:

1. Register individually or as a team (view detailed registration instructions).
2. Customize your fundraising page to share with your network.
3. Start tracking your miles (see how right below).


~How do I contribute miles?
This is optional, but fun! Bike, swim, walk, dance, skate – anything not in a car (better for bodies & planet!).
Submit the miles you log by joining our Strava club* or using our Google form.

*Strava is free – usable via app or webpage! Connect it to your fitness tracker to automatically submit miles (you can manually upload miles too!).


~What is a Team?
A Team constitutes at least 2 people. Join a team, pool your fundraising, have more impact, and more fun! Engage your synagogue, book club, colleagues, family, and friends (view sample text for team invites).

Download our event logo to create Team swag! Use #Hazon2020Vision to share photos & updates online.

Download Event Logos:

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Community

~How can I connect with other participants?
See events below! Join our Facebook group & Strava club; use / follow #Hazon2020Vision across all social media platforms for photos & updates.


~Can I share my story?
YES! Send us stories, photos, videos (songs, poems!) about how Hazon, physical activity, the outdoors, and sustainability has impacted you, and your goals for the 2020 Vision Rides.

View submissions in the Stories tab as part of our #ShareYourStory campaign.


~Where can I find events?
See opportunities below to move, learn, and connect. Have an event idea? Contact us!


Fundraising

~How can people donate?
Direct your supporters to your fundraising page, to easily make an online donation. View all participants on our main campaign page (where you can also click “support us” to donate to the general campaign).


~I’ve never fundraised before! Help?!
It’s not as scary as you think! Here’s sample text to use. Ask friends, family, coworkers, neighbors, your synagogue, book club, via phone, email, WhatsApp, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn – so many people/ways to ask!


~Who does The 2020 Vision Rides support?
The 2020 Vision Rides supports Hazon‘s work to help institutions and individuals commit to wider change.

In addition to supporting Hazon, participants that form a Team of 2+ members (who raise a minimum of $1K) can also direct a portion of their funds raised to their affiliated institution for sustainability efforts.

Teams can direct a portion of their funds raised to one of the following:

Prizes

For a sustainable culture of fewer possessions, here’s a small quantity of high quality, ethically sourced prizes. For each item earned, we warmly encourage donating two that you don’t need.

Donate services or goods as prizes & we’ll happily display your logo on our site!

  • Grow and Behold Gift Certificates
  • Hazon Masterclass (compost, pickling, & more!)
  • Seed-Starter Kit or Produce from Adamah Farm

  • Private Hazon-Hosted Book Club
  • Virtual Date with our Goats
  • Celebrate with Nigel Savage

Please Note: There may be a delay in mailing physical prizes.

Contact Us

We want to help you!

Feel free to contact us at ride@hazon.org, or see below for additional options.


Open Office Hours
Join our open office hour every Tuesday at 4pm ET for information or questions.

 


book your call


One-on-one Calls

Book a one-on-one call to discuss goal-setting, event ideas, questions, or feedback.

 


Want to #ShareYourStory?
Email us at ride@hazon.org with some text + photos, or a video (or a song or poem!).

Shir L Shir Levenson

-Hazon Rider

“I got involved with Hazon because they do good work, and helping the environment is a topic that I am interested in and care about. I learned about Hazon from my dad – when I was thinking about a Bat Mitzvah project, my dad suggested this might be a good pick, and it was!”

 

Read More: Shir's Story

Who are you?
My name is Shir and I’m 12 years old. I’m going into 7th grade at Schechter School of Long Island. My hobbies are bike riding (of course 😀), baking, and hanging out with my friends.

How did you get involved with Hazon?
I got involved with Hazon because they do good work, and helping the environment is a topic that I am interested in and care about. I learned about Hazon from my dad who did the Hazon Israel bike ride and other programs they run. When I was thinking about a Bat Mitzvah project, my dad suggested this might be a good pick, and it was!

What makes you so passionate about Hazon’s work?
I’m passionate about Hazon’s work because I want to make a difference in the world, and slow down global warming.

What excites you about Vision Rides?!
I am excited about the Vision Rides because I think it’s a great way for people, including myself, to get involved with Hazon and raise money even when we can’t be together for group programs.

What’s your favorite mile-logging activity?
I really enjoy bike riding and it’s a great way to exercise and a fun socially distanced activity with my friends.

What led you to go green?
I go green because when I’m an adult I want the world to be safe and clean so my children and grandchildren can enjoy it. I know that if I do things to help the environment, then I can teach my friends and family about it too so they can help and make a difference.

What are some of your sustainability commitments?
My sustainability commitments are to recycle, turn out the lights in my room and house to save electricity, take shorter showers the save water, and bike rather than drive whenever I can.

Daniella H Daniella Hirschfeld

-Hazon Board Member

“I am excited to participate in The 2020 Vision Rides for two primary reasons. First, it’s a wonderful opportunity to get my 5 year old daughter involved in Tikkun Olam. Second, I genuinely believe that Hazon’s commitment to sustainability can be a game changer for the Jewish world.”

 

Read More: Daniella's Story

“Sustainability has always been deep inside of me – one of my earliest memories is turning the water off while my parents brushed their teeth. I simply could not bear hearing and seeing them waste the water. Over the years this passion for conservation has taken on many forms – solo backing in the mountains, designing a sustainability rating system for cities, and getting multiple degrees in environmental management. Most importantly, my journey has taught me that visceral experiences of nature are critical for the soul.

In 2012 I connected with Hazon through my work in the sustainability field and my passion for biking. That year my partner, my father and I participated in the NYC ride. It was a magical weekend! In 2013 and 2014 I participated in and then chaired the Bay Area ride. Each ride was unique and wonderful! The friendships and connections ultimately are the best gifts I got from Hazon.

Today, I live in rural Utah and work as a professor of environmental planning. My teaching and research is all about the impacts of climate change and ways that proactive planning and design can build a better future world. My mission is to get my young kids to play in the natural world and thus develop their own love for sustainability efforts.

I am excited to participate in The 2020 Vision Rides for two primary reasons. First, it’s a wonderful opportunity to get my 5 year old daughter involved in Tikkun Olam. Second, I genuinely believe that Hazon’s commitment to sustainability can be a game changer for the Jewish world.”

Rabbi NateRabbi Nate DeGroot

-Hazon Detroit Associate Director, Spiritual & Program Director

“Hazon has allowed me the opportunity to dive deeply into the earth-based roots of Jewish tradition. Getting to focus so consistently and concertedly on exploring our tradition through the lens of nature and climate has been incredibly fruitful for me intellectually, religiously, pedagogically, and spiritually.”

Read More: R' Nate's Story

How did you start at Hazon?
After being ordained as a rabbi at Hebrew College in Massachusetts and then serving as the Jewish Emergent Network Rabbinic Fellow at IKAR in Los Angeles, it was time for my wife and I to figure out our next life chapter. She is from Flint, MI and her family is still all living in Michigan, which made a move to Detroit appealing. Additionally, I had been deeply intrigued by the urban agriculture, food justice, and cultural activism that seemed to be emanating from Detroit. After some conversations with the then-Hazon Detroit Director, Sue Sallinger, and watching a remarkably inspiring Ted Talk by local food justice activist, Devita Davison, it became clear that joining the team at Hazon Detroit was the right next step for me. Rooted in food justice work and urban agriculture, in meaningful partnership with Detroit-based movement leadership, and also focusing on Jewish suburban earth-based education and sustainability initiatives, the role of Associate Director, Spiritual & Program Director seemed like a perfect fit. Add to that the fact that the climate catastrophe is the single most significant issue facing humanity in the years and decades to come, and that Jewish tradition has a rich and expansive wellspring of wisdom related to nature and the climate, working at Hazon became my next step!

What’s your favorite Hazon memory?
My favorite Hazon memory came when I was sitting in a neighborhood-based meeting at a local urban farming partner, representing Hazon. Community members had come together to discuss self-determination and development in the North End of Detroit on a cold and snowy winter day. As snow fell around us, a local rockstar chef had prepared a hearty and delicious hot lunch to keep the attendees warm. As we enjoyed our food, an elder neighbor began sharing about her experience as a 20-something in Alabama, serving as Dr. Martin Luther King’s direct secretary. She talked about strategy in the Civil Rights Movement and how her decades of experience could apply to the work of community-based development in the surrounding blocks. While that lasted only a couple of hours, I could have sat there listening and learning for weeks.

Can you share Hazon’s impact on you?
Hazon has had a tremendous impact on me, allowing me the opportunity to dive deeply into the earth-based roots of Jewish tradition. I always knew they were there and was aware of the foundational nature-based elements of Jewish life and Biblical text from my rabbinical school learning, but getting to focus so consistently and concertedly on exploring our tradition through the lens of nature and climate has been incredibly fruitful for me intellectually, religiously, pedagogically, and spiritually. Add to that the immensely humbling opportunity to engage in a deep and meaningful way with Detroit’s historic Black community and contemporary food justice, urban agriculture, and cultural activism scene, and I have been able to learn robustly from incredible wisdom at the intersection of prophetic community and ancient tradition.

What excites you about the 2020 Vision Rides?!
Detroit is known as the Motor City, given its history as the home of the automobile. But we know that while at one time owning an automobile was the paradigm of the middle class dream, a car for every person has come at a tremendous cost to society and the earth itself. When White Flight hit Detroit throughout the 60s and especially after the Rebellion of 1967, major disinvestment tore through Detroit. Factories shut down and relocated and the Black community was abandoned on many levels. The positive legacy of the automobile in Detroit is strong. But the negative legacy lives on in the abandoned factories, the disinvested communities, and the earth itself. To embrace alternative forms of transportation – such as bicycles, walking, and public transportation in a city that spans 140 square miles – is an act of defiance, an act for equity, and an act for the environment.

What’s your favorite mile-logging activity?
Throughout the Pandemic, it has been nourishing to be outside walking. Whether it’s with my wife, my dog, or both, getting into the neighborhood and taking long strolls has been wonderful.

What led you to go green?
In his recent book We Are the Weather, Jonathan Safran Foer asks: “Is there anything more narcissistic than believing the choices you make affect everyone? Only one thing: believing the choices you make affect no one.” Are the issues of climate massive? Absolutely. Do we need deep societal and structural change to make a real difference on climate? Absolutely? Do our individual micro-changes feel tiny in comparison to the scope and scale of the problem of climate? Absolutely? Should we still act in our tiny individual ways? Absolutely. I don’t believe that making small personal sustainability choices will ultimately fend off the worst of climate change, without the other pieces also present. But I do believe that the more of us that make small changes, the more the movement grows. I believe in the concept of fractals, in the way that Detroit activist adrienne marie brown writes about them: “the whole is a mirror of the parts. fractal – the health of the cell is the health of the species and the planet.” And I also believe that the greater momentum we can build as individuals, organizations, neighborhoods, and communities, the more we’ll be ready – on a massive scale – to embrace and fight for the kind of large-scale structural changes that are needed, as they are put on the proverbial table. The more of us that make our small-scale changes at home, the closer we are to adopting a holistic set of policies that would comprise a Green New Deal and adhere to values of a Just Transition. I go green because it’s better than any alternative. I go green because I believe in fractals. I go green because it bolsters and amplifies the work I try to be part of with Hazon to seed a large-scale revolution of values around issues of climate, equity, and the sacred.

What are your sustainability commitments?
I have committed to composting all of my food scraps, growing my own food, donating portions of my harvest, and reducing my industrial dairy intake.

Nina SNina Sabghir

-Hazon Rider

“For the past 12 years I’ve combined my love of bicycling with fundraising and helping others. Much of that came to a halt this summer, so I’m participating virtually. I’ve missed the Hazon Ride, and the beautiful Berkshires. I love knowing that I’ve joined others in contributing to the work done by Hazon.”

 

Read More: Nina's Story

“For the past 12 years I’ve combined my love of bicycling with fundraising and helping others. I’ve biked the 5 Boro Bike Tour a few times, but usually marshal, helping thousands negotiate the streets of NYC. I marshal many other rides as well. I took a course to teach people of all ages how to ride a bicycle, so they can get in on the fun. And I do a lot of rides that involve raising anywhere from the registration fee to thousands of dollars for different causes. When I’m not bicycling I have given kayak support for swimmers, and medical care for runners and triathletes.

This Summer much of that came to a shuddering halt. Unfortunately the needs haven’t disappeared. So I’ve participated in some virtual events. Here I am with my daughter and friend. We all participate in a fund raiser for children with cancer and other serious medical conditions. Along with two others, we did what will be my last ride of the Summer, since I’m having surgery (which I hope will be the last for an issue which is the result of getting doored 6 years ago!).

I’ve missed the Hazon Ride, and the beautiful Berkshires. I love knowing that I’ve joined others in contributing to the work done by Hazon.”

Hannah HHannah Henza

-Hazon Director of National Programs

“The ripple effect Hazon has had on others in my life: My sister composts, my in-laws cut out meat, my husband bikes instead of drives, and my nephew is being raised in a way that frames climate action as central to preserving human life. ALL OF THIS without any overt proselytizing from me! When I think about where I came from and where I am now, being involved with Hazon has been a turning point, in the best possible way!”

Read More: Hannah's Story

“No matter what, nature has always been there for me – as a coach, a friend, a comforter, and a teacher – so by the time I was 20 I knew I had to find a way to give back to the ecosystems that have given so much to me. When I started at Hazon 4 years ago, I was hoping for a career move that aligned with my values as an environmentalist, an outdoor enthusiast, and a Jew. I had no idea being involved in Hazon programs would change my perspective on the world so profoundly.

From being involved with Hazon I have come to understand the delicate balance we all walk – with one another, our communities, and the natural world. I have started to understand how some of my lessons from the wilderness can and should be applied to my work as a community organizer and how they are directly related to Jewish tradition and modern practice. From the JOFEE Network Gatherings I have learned the true definition of “community”; from the NY Ride I have learned how to embrace new challenges and make new friends as an adult; from attending lectures and speaking series I learned deep Jewish wisdom and how these lessons directly connect me to Jewish people 2000 years ago.

But in addition to all of this, perhaps the thing I am most proud of is the ripple effect being involved with Hazon has had on others in my life. My parents and sister are composting, my in-laws are no longer eating meat, my husband is biking instead of driving, and my nephew is being raised in a way that frames climate action as central to preserving human life. ALL OF THIS without any overt proselytizing from me! When I think about where I came from and where I am now, there is no doubt in my mind, being involved with Hazon has been a turning point, in the best possible way!”

Eli WEliezer Weinbach

-Hazon National Programs Coordinator

“The Vision Rides is a really cool idea because the barrier to entry is non-existent. I’m running anyway, and now I can be a part of something big. And if you are someone who needs a bit of an extra push to get out of your apartment, this is that push. I’ve actually been logging a lot of rollerblading miles!”

 

Read More: Eli's Story

How did you start at Hazon?
I started at Hazon in the summer of 2017. I was looking to transition into Jewish non-profits, and I had a friend who worked at Makom Hadash who told me about Hazon. They were doing work I believed in, and I was excited to start working for Isabella Freedman as a retreat coordinator.

What’s your favorite Hazon memory?
So many! But I think my favorite Hazon memories are all centered on incredible nature experiences with friends at Isabella Freedman – mikveh in Lake Miriam, night hikes to the overlook, Sukkahbuild, forest wanderings.

Can you share Hazon’s impact on you?
The major impact that Hazon has had on my life is creating an appreciation for pluralistic Judaism. Isabella Freedman was an incredible and unique space where Jews of all walks of life would come together and learn with/from each other. It has taught me how much we each have to gain from openness and celebration of diversity in practice.

What excites you about the 2020 Vision Rides?!
The Vision Rides is a really cool idea because the barrier to entry is non-existent. I’m running anyway, and now I can be a part of something big. And if you are someone who needs a bit of an extra push to get out of your apartment, this is that push.

What’s your favorite mile-logging activity?
I’ve actually been logging a lot of rollerblading miles. Protected bike lanes in NYC really help with that, though some of the pavement is treacherous for us in-line skaters. The steep hill in Prospect Park is a doozie as well.

What led you to go green?
Over the first year that I worked at Isabella Freedman, I heard so many incredible arguments for the deep connection between Torah values and protection of the environment. That led me to be more conscientious about the sustainability practices in my life.

What are your sustainability commitments?
I’ve committed to reducing my dairy consumption. I’m a big fan of cheese and it’s been hard to opt out of that (work in progress!), but I’ve transitioned to oat milk, and I can highly recommend that!

JackJack Friedlander

-Hazon Rider

“I’m excited because biking is one of my favorite activities and I look forward to getting more people involved who normally wouldn’t get out and ride, or hike, or walk! By participating in Vision Rides we are using alternative transportation and helping the environment all while also prioritizing exercise and health. I think a lot of people like the idea of reaching goals and it will inspire them to continue to get out there and move.”

Read More: Jack's Story

How did you get involved with Hazon?
I wanted to do something for my Bar Mitzvah project that reflected my concern for our environment but also represent my Jewish faith. When researching organizations, Hazon came up as the only Jewish faith based organization involved with sustainability.

What makes you so passionate about Hazon’s work?
I wanted to really strengthen my ties to the Jewish community and am very concerned about things like global warming and pollution. Hazon is working to create a healthy world for not just the Jewish community, but for all.

What excites you about Vision Rides?!
I’m excited because biking is one of my favorite activities and I look forward to getting more people involved who normally wouldn’t get out and ride, or hike, or walk! By participating in Vision Rides we are using alternative transportation and helping the environment all while also helping with exercise and health. I also think a lot of people like the idea of reaching goals and it will inspire them to continue to get out there and ride.

What’s your favorite mile-logging activity?
Biking – I have fun with my family and friends on Strava.

What led you to go green?
My Mom has inspired me to go green. She has been a long time environmental activist and has always raised us to believe that we have to take care of our environment and community. We have solar panels on our home, we recycle (a lot) and we use reusable water bottles and containers as much as we can. I know that it’s my generation that will inherit the planet and I know that it is up to us to continue to take care of it.

What are some of your sustainability commitments?
I try and bike as much as I can and we go for walks instead of taking the car to places that are close to us. I always have a reusable water bottle with me wherever I go, and I try to make sure that we recycle as much as we can. I also support local farms by visiting them and buying locally grown produce.

Becky OBecky O’Brien

-Hazon Director of Food & Climate

“Working at Hazon I’ve met some of the best humans! I am inspired and grounded in hope on a daily basis. The Vision Rides are like much of Hazon’s other work, which is a manifestation of the teaching by Rabbi Tarfon: It is not for me to complete the work, but neither am I free to desist. I do my part, you do your part, those other folks do their part, and together we are changing the world!”

Read More: Becky's Story

“My environmental consciousness was awakened by reading Walden Pond in college (cliche, yes, but also true). Thoreau connected the dots between my love for the outdoors and the Earth, a Jewish upbringing heavily influenced by tikkun olam, and a general desire to do more good than harm. Since then I’ve consistently been involved in environmental work personally and/or professionally, including working with Hazon since 2010.

Working at Hazon has positioned me to meet some of the best humans! From local lay leaders, to chefs, rabbis, farmers, and activists, I am inspired and grounded in hope on a daily basis. I get to support and be supported by passionate, creative, engaged, and capable people, all working together on the most pressing environmental issues. The Vision Rides are like much of Hazon’s other work, which is a manifestation of the teaching by Rabbi Tarfon: It is not for me to complete the work, but neither am I free to desist. I do my part, you do your part, those other folks do their part, and together we are changing the world!

Perhaps my biggest environmental pet peeve (which is also one of the biggest contributors to climate change) is food waste. I’m also passionate about how our other food choices, especially animal products, are connected to climate change and other environmental and justice issues. As Hazon’s Director of Food & Climate I get to work with the Jewish community every day to educate and change behavior. I’m grateful to the Vision Ride participants who are helping Hazon continue to make this high impact work possible. Thank you!

Hiking in the magnificent Colorado mountains is, by far, my favorite way to put on some miles!”

Rabbi Hanniel Levenson

-Hazon Rider

Richard Slutzky

-Hazon Board Chair

Susan Slesinger and Marvin Fields

-Hazon Riders

Shuli Karkowsky

-Hazon Executive VP

Team JYCM

-Jewish Youth Climate Movement (Learn More!)

The Sadehs

-Shamu: Team Adamah. Yonah: Team JYCM.

Morgan Dorsch and Josh Magid

-Morgan: Hazon Associate Director of Development. Josh: Hazon Rider.

Rebecca Eisen

-Hazon HR Manager

Rabbi Robert Pilavin

-Torah & Treadmill

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Note: Mileage Count is manually updated several times a week and may not currently display accurate totals. 

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