A special Shabbat was celebrated at the summit of Africa’s highest mountain in support of British Jewish charity GIFT’s vital community work.
Above the clouds and under the stars, worshippers enjoyed a catered Shabbat meal followed by an inspiring Havdalah, ending a arduous physical expedition on a spiritually uplifting note.
The seven-day journey to the summit, which was similar to that of the Celebrity Kilimanjaro Comic Relief team, began on the scenic Lemosho Route through the pristine forests of northern Tanzania, traversed the lush rainforests and alpine deserts of the Shira Plateau, and culminated in the frigid temperatures near the summit.
Known as GIFT’s Kili ’24 Heroes, the team of 19 not only tested their physical limits in some of Africa’s most breathtaking landscapes, but also raised more than £100,000 to support GIFT’s vital community work.
Climbers on the GIFT Kilimanjaro Expedition (Photo: Lisa Berg)
Lisa Berg, 55, took the trip at the urging of her niece, who completed the same trip with GIFT last year.
She said the trip was “amazing” and that her memories, especially of the Sabbath service spent atop the mountain, will be “etched in my memory forever.”
Lisa said: “We felt very safe throughout the trip, we had an expedition doctor with us at all times and the planning and support was fantastic throughout the whole journey.”
Lisa Berg (left) and fellow climbers raising funds for GIFT on Mount Kilimanjaro (Photo: Lisa Berg)
Although the journey was not without challenges – much of it was spent in the cold above the clouds and with medication to stave off altitude sickness – Lisa said she would highly recommend it to anyone considering the adventure.
“It’s great to push yourself to get out of your comfort zone and really enjoy each day through a digital detox,” she said.
One of the ultimate challenges the 19-member team had to face was climbing by torchlight up the steep mountain slope to the summit of Mount Uhuru, 5,895 metres above sea level. At dawn the climbers were greeted by the rising sun and magnificent views of the plains below.
GIFT climbers reach the heights of Kilimanjaro (Photo: GIFT)
Lisa said the trip would not have been possible without the “leadership, dedication and energy” of expedition leader Rabbi Sander Milne, whom she praised as “an incredible spiritual leader and the driving force behind the expedition.”
Rabbi Milne, managing director of GIFT and a passionate advocate for social change through activism and education, said the journey “is not just about reaching the summit, but about pushing ourselves beyond our own limits to support GIFT, an organization that is close to each of us on this journey.”
“Every step we took was a step toward a better future for the people we inspire and support.”
Climbers from GIFT’s Kilimanjaro Expedition arrive at Stella Point (Photo: GIFT)
Photos of the hostages still being held by Hamas were also carried to the top of the mountain by the group, and an Israeli flag was also planted on the peak.
In total, over £120,000 has been raised and more is expected to come.
GIFT, which stands for “Give It Forward Today,” said it was “incredibly proud” of the Kiri24 team, saying their “determination and tenacity in taking on one of the world’s toughest challenges has had a huge impact in raising both awareness and funds for GIFT’s important work in the community.”
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