Rebbetzin takes to the road in cycle race

TALI FEINBERG

Wineberg is joining the 35 000 cyclists taking part in the annual cycle challenge to raise money for a new mikveh in Cape Town. And she is believed to be the very first rebbetzin to ride this race.

Every year on the second Sunday of March, Cape Town’s roads are overtaken by cyclists doing the Cape Town Cycle Tour around the peninsula – the largest timed cycle event in the world.

People line the streets to cheer them on, and some people feel slightly left out and commit to joining in the fun the following year.

Wineberg is making her commitment a reality in the 109km race around the Cape on 10 March. “Since we moved to Cape Town, I always felt slightly envious of the cyclists,” she says. “It’s always something I wanted to do. I am doing it this year to raise funds for the mikveh in Cape Town, and to make people aware of this important mitzvah.”

She explains that forty years ago, Rabbi Mendel and Rebbetzin Avigail Popack built the first and only mikveh in Cape Town. “The time has come for a major renovation, as well as awareness and education about the tremendous mitzvah of mikveh. I feel that this is an important opportunity. Hopefully it will help to raise much-needed funds to renovate our mikveh into a world-class edifice that Cape Town can be proud of.”

 Ronit Netter, Gita Osrin andLindy Sachs have joined her in this fundraising initiative, and together they have been training an average of three times a week for one to three hours. They go everywhere from the promenade to the mountains. “Initially it was gruelling, but as time went by it got much easier. We wake up early in the morning, and are often back home before our kids have even realised that we are gone!”

The camaraderie and encouragement has been incredible, says Rebbetzin Wineberg. “It certainly has been an eye-opener for people that a rebbetzin is ready to ride the race, and it has been causing a bit of a positive stir.”

As a religious woman, she had to buy her kit and make some adjustments. “I have bought arm guards that are for protection against the sun, and to cover my arms. I have had to sew a skirt down the sides of the padded cycling pants. It is very comfortable, and doesn’t hinder me in any way. I have a headpiece that is breathable and easy to wear. I will find out if there are any kosher refreshments on the day, but otherwise I will bring my own snacks and drink water.”

She is also seeing a dietician to advise her on nutrition during training and on the day as she feels this is a vital component to success.

Wineberg points out that the fact that she is doing the cycle tour shows that frum and observant people can do anything others can do. “There may be restrictions, but we can work with them,” she says, pointing out that a number of other local rebbetzins do similar activities, from running to mountain climbing to yoga.

It was tough to find the time to train. Making it a priority required sacrificing family and community time. But as the mother of seven, she is doing this as a gift to herself and the community.

Wineberg has not seen many frum women taking part in the sport, so she hopes this initiative will encourage them. “It is wonderful to be out on the mountains, feeling the exhilarating endorphins, taking time out, and forming connections.” She knows that exercise is a luxury, but if one can find a way to do it, she recommends it highly.

On the day of the race, she hopes it is “not too hot, not too windy, and that I finish it!”

• To support Rebbetzin Sara Wineberg in raising R100 000 towards the renovation of the Cape Town mikveh, visit www.backabuddy.co.za/charity/profile/uos