by COLlive reporter
Rabbi Dovid Katz, Director of West Hampstead Chabad in London, England, embarked with a group of community members on a challenging climb near Everest base camp to commemorate Moshe’s ascent of Mount Sinai.
With a full minyan and Sefer Torah, Rabbi Katz hoped that the physical journey will also facilitate a spiritual ascent to great heights. Joining the group was Rabbi Chezky Lifshitz, Director of Chabad in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Speaking to the Jewish Chronicle, Rabbi Katz reflected on the Jewish tradition of climbing mountains, citing examples such as Abraham ascending Mount Moriah, Moshe ascending Mount Nebo and Mount Sinai, and Eliyahu Hanavi climbing Mount Carmel.
According to Rabbi Katz, mountains symbolize the spiritual journey one must undertake.
Rabbi Katz emphasized the connection Jews have with mountains as they represent a connection to Hashem.
Rabbi Yossi Baitz, a close friend and neighbor, praised Rabbi Katz’s climb and highlighted the significance of the mountaineering minyan, where participants engage in prayer and study along the journey.
Rabbi Katz’s Everest hike followed previous climbs around the world, including trips to Tanzania, where they organized the first-ever minyan at Kilimanjaro Airport, attracting attention from locals due to their religious attire and rituals.
There were also expeditions to Peru, Morocco, and South Africa, which served as opportunities to bringing people together for worthy causes.
The photos showing members of the group davening on the mountain were widely shared on social media.
