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Bringing Torah and Love for Israel to the Brooklyn Half Marathon
May
by Jonathan Brody
My love of Israel guides me every day, especially when I am competing in an athletic event. Last Sunday was no different; it was one of the factors I considered when running the half-marathon. I knew I wanted to bring Torah and the love of Israel to the Brooklyn Experience half-marathon.
The day began at 4 am. I planned to catch the 6:28 train but took the 5:45, arriving at Jamaica Station by 6:13.
This foreshadowed Torah references in the race. In Brooklyn, I packed two items for my Jewish journey: a sign that read, “My First Half Marathon = My ‘Lech Lecha’ Moment,” and an Israeli flag. I wore my MJE (Manhattan Jewish Experience) hat and Israel cycling team shirt to mark the occasion.
While waiting, I met some religious Jews, including two Chabad men—one from Australia and one from London—currently running their first half-marathon. We took a picture with a sign. I also met two girls in long skirts who were running their first half-marathon, and gave them the sign to send to their families. As the race neared, I felt more excited about my Jewish half-marathon journey. First races are unpredictable: you don’t know how it will feel, where strength will come from, or what mile 11 will do to you. This was my first race with over 500 people—27,000 runners in total—whose energy was contagious. Crossing the start line, we were greeted by thousands cheering us on.
At 5 miles, I appreciated the sights, especially running through Brooklyn. I filmed parts of the race, including milestones, and reached the 10K mark, which I’ve done before. My family was waiting at the halfway point, which was wonderful. I continued to Mile 8, then surpassed my previous longest run of 9 miles—all without stopping. I hit 10 miles while wearing my Team Israel shirt, receiving cheers and shouts of “Am Yisrael Chai”. Running along Eastern Parkway in Crown Heights, I saw the Friendship Circle table and cheering people. I held up my Lech Lecha sign, and everyone recognized it, showing that Torah and Mitzvahs can be part of the Brooklyn Half Marathon.
After leaving them, I looked out at a crowd filled with cheering runners and kindness. A standout moment was a man and his wife handing out tissues—true acts of kindness—while he wore a University of Michigan shirt, “GO BLUE.”
Families cheered, hugged, and kissed along the course; I saw my own family as Beth ran with me for about 15-25 feet to give me a hug.
Near mile 11, I pulled out an Israeli flag, waved it, and sang Am Yisrael Chai.
At mile 11.5, the Nice Jewish Runners’ group shared my photo on Instagram, and I draped the flag over my shoulders like a tallit, proudly wearing it as I neared the finish line. As I approached 12 and 13 miles, I saw the signs for the final stretch, unfurled the flag, and filmed myself crossing the finish. My half-marathon was over.
In Jewish life, this means doing difficult things because they’re right, showing up when it’s easier not to, and acting with heart despite fear or fatigue. It’s about stretching beyond limits because it matters. That’s why I ran, wore my Team Israel shirt, and carried the flag.
I didn’t just run a race; I joined a 3,000-year-old tradition of Jews seeking Hashem in effort. I am blessed to live in a time with a Jewish state, and I can wear my shirt and wave the flag proudly, supported by family and community. Hashem gave me the strength to finish what once seemed impossible. I completed the half-marathon in 2:35, faster than my goal of 2:40.
Running through Brooklyn, I represented myself and the Jewish community. If I run another half or participate in any other events, I will always do so as a proud supporter of Israel and Judaism.
Written by Jonathan Brody
Executive VP Finance, New York Metro Region
Midway Jewish Center