Rabbi Mendy runs a Half Marathon in the Arctic Circle in support of Pesach Seder
- Chabad Islington
- 22 hours ago
- 1 min read
On Wednesday, March 11th 2026, Rabbi Mendy ran a Half Marathon in the Arctic Circle, where endless pine forests, vast open skies, and the haunting stillness of the Arctic amplify every step of the challenge.
The Passover Seder in Islington for 200 people requires lots of planning, logistics and funds. Whilst 50% of the costs are covered by ticket sales, we need to fundraise for the rest.
Like everything else in our community, we always look for ways to add a touch of original creativity. In the cool, unpredictable northern air, Rabbi Mendy confronted not only the distance but the raw scale of the landscape itself—an endurance test set against one of the most remote and powerful environments in Northern Finland. The run took him across the snowy landscape of Lapland, including climbs along Katkankaturi and across the frozen Immeljärvi lake.
'We want to make sure local and travelling Jews can celebrate Pesach seder and that no one should be turned away. Everyone is welcome, everyone is family. Especially a large communal seder taking place in Islington, which is home to a growing and active Jewish community, is particularly meaningful.'
'For myself, doing whatever it takes to ensure yiddishkeit is available, personable and welcoming is what I do day in day out – although admittedly during an Arctic run is a little more than the usual!'
To run a Marathon in support of Chabad Islington, please click here: https://www.jewishislington.co.uk/fundraising-events
