I have the privilege to run in the Jerusalem marathon together with very special Rabbanim each year. They invest much time and effort training for this event through the RabbisCanRun program. Why would Rabbanim choose to complicate their already very busy lives by committing to running in a race, and usually just days before Purim nonetheless? The truth is this month is a perfect time for a marathon and running is just the right exercise to prepare for the Yom Tov of Purim.
On Purim we celebrate the salvation of our people from Haman's evil ploy to destroy every Jewish man, woman and child. However our redemption did not come through the delivery of a great and open miracle. Instead, our nation was saved through a series of seemingly coincidental events that all occured at the right time and the right place. But why did Hashem not save us with an incredible stupendous miracle for the whole world to see? Why is Hashem's name not even mentioned in the Megillah? The answer is that Purim is about searching out and finding G-d in the midst of a dark world where His presence is hidden. This ability to seek out Hashem in the midst of darkness is also know as Emunah. As Dovid Hamelech writes, L'hagid Baboker Chasdecha, Vemunascha Balelos. The goal of a Jew is to seek Hashem when He is not easily seen or as my Rebbe always says, to dance in the dark. It's not a coincidence that on Purim, Klal Yisroel renewed their commitment to G-d and with Kumu V'keblu, transcended, to some degree, the level they had reached at Har Sinai.
For some the idea of running is synonymous with root canal. They can't imagine putting on their worn out dusty sneakers buried in their closet and going for a run. The truth is though, that running provides many benefits for the both the body and the soul. Most people are already aware of the health benefits of running such as reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease or even diabetes and building a strong heart. However most people don't realize that running can provide spiritual benefits as well. In fact running provides a context where we can put our body through a challenging ordeal and find the inner strength to overcome the difficulty and the challenge by believing in our own abilities and turning to Hashem for his Divine Support. Like Purim, running can help us develop a greater level of Emunah and remind us of our dependency on Hashem. So going out for a run may not just strengthen your heart but may also help in the process of building a Lev Tov as well.
If running provides a medium to build Emunah a marathon is darkness times 26.2. The ultimate test of endurance and determination, the Marathon creates a context for the miraculous to occur. Marathon runners must invest tremendous effort and much preparation while overcoming many obstacles in their strenuous journey. Although a sea of spectators will never split during a race, marathon runners must rely on many small and hidden miracles throughout the long training process. When they finally do cross the finish-line, they have a greater awareness of Hashem and increased appreciation for His Hashgacha, after having run many miles through the absolute darkness while feeling His presence in each and every step.
How important is this ability to see Hashem in the darkness? How important is it to notice G-d's small miracles through the normalcy of nature? The Ramban at the end of Parashas Bo tells us the answer. He explains that from the great amazing miracles, such as the splitting of the red sea, a person admits to the existence of hidden miracles, which are the foundation of the entire Torah. He goes onto say, a person has no connection to the Torah of Moshe until he believes that the "coincidences" in his life are all really miracles. According to the Ramban the great miracles are just a means to an end. If we are exposed to complete violations of the laws of nature we will be able to get to the goal which is recognizing the hidden miracles as well. Our job is to realize that everything in this world is a miracle and we learn this the best from the hidden miracles that occur in the "darkness."
Purim is the time when we can reach the ultimate level of Emunah where despite the darkness we still see the "Hand" of Hashem. Similarly, running and marathons can help us develop this Midda of Emunah, the ability to dance in the dark. So if you want to build your Emunah consider signing up for a race or simply going for a jog. Whatever you decide though, think about how running helps you see Hashem in the darkness and then sing with us, Meshinichnas Adar Marbim B'Marathons!!
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