Dear Friends and Family,
This April, I turned seventy-one years old. On September 11th, I will fly off to Madrid, Spain. From there I will make my way by train and bus to St. Jean Pied-de Port in France where I will begin a five-hundred mile journey, hiking across Northern Spain on the Camino de Santiago. The Camino is an ancient pilgrimage route leading to the Santiago de Compostele, the Cathedral where it is believed lies the remains of the apostle St. James. Each year, close to 200,000 pilgrims from every country, race and religion, complete this route, most starting closer than St. Jean.
I will be carrying all of my belongings in a backpack, sleeping in dormitory style hostels, and living off of Spain’s lamb, goat cheese, and wine. The first day I will hike the equivalent of 19.8 miles from St. Jean over the Pyrenees into Spain. Averaging 15 miles per day, I’ll spend 33 days hiking with a rest day in Pamplona, Burgos, and Leon. Injury and misfortune aside, I should reach Santiago on or about October 20th. Hiking the Camino is both an external journey and an internal journey. This is the description from the new documentary film, Six Ways to Santiago:
“500 miles on foot. Bunk-beds. Blisters. Stunning landscapes. World-class snorers. Hot searing sun, freezing cold rain. Kindness from strangers. Debilitating injury. No toilet paper when you really need it. Profound grief and deep doubt. Hunger. Laughing with new friends. Total exhaustion. You are guaranteed to experience all of this when walking the ancient pilgrim path, the Camino de Santiago.
In the Middle Ages, pilgrims sought forgiveness of their sins and admission to heaven. The Camino remains, for many, a quest of faith. Others begin with no spiritual impetus in mind, but nevertheless are drawn to examine their personal beliefs and life purpose. And others are in it simply for the intense physical challenge. Whatever their motivation, no one can predict just how their path will unfold, who they will meet, what personal demons or angels they will face, or what transformations they will undergo by the trail’s end.”
The reason I am writing to you today is to ask for your help. I have been a member of Congregation Sha’are Shalom for almost two years. Sha’are Shalom is a small Reform Jewish Synagogue located in Waldorf, Maryland. Since I have joined, the temple has grown from 35 to 50 member families. As you can imagine, a synagogue this size has many needs that cannot be met by the members’ dues alone.
If you are able to help I am asking that you pledge an amount for every mile that I am able to walk on the Camino. Even a penny a mile will help. You can inform me of your pledge amount by email or U.S. mail. Do not send any money until I complete my journey. Once I notify you of the miles completed, you can send your check made out to Congregation Sha’are Shalom to 18 Henry Ford Circle, Waldorf, MD 20602. Please note on the check “El Camino”. I have created a blog at https://georgeselcamino.wordpress.com where you can track my progress as I post updates from Spain. I should also mention that I have just been elected to the office of President of the temple and will serve for two years beginning September 1st.
By sending you this letter, whether you contribute or not, know that you will be included in my prayers as I make my way along El Camino de Santiago. Feel free to pass this letter on to others you feel might be interested.
Thank you for your kind consideration,
George Gazarek, [email protected]