Spiritual hog-riding at the Chabad Jewish Center
By Jason Cohen
June 6, 2008
Imagine going to temple to daven, learn for a little bit, have some lunch, and ride off in your motorcycle.
Riding a motorcycle normally isn't associated with praying and getting in touch with God, but now in Marlboro at the Chabad Jewish Center of Western Monmouth County, Rabbi Levi Wolosow has helped create a group of Jewish men who do just that.
In May, Wolosow arranged for a group of Jewish men to ride their motorcycles once a month.
"We pray for 45 minutes -- do shacharit, learn, and then ride," Wolosow said.
Wolosow said the participants are a group of Jewish guys who are into services and Jewish law.
"These are men that not only love their bikes and being on the open road, but love their families as well," Wolosow said.
Joel Storm is one of the most experienced riders leads the group. He has been riding for 28 years and owns three bikes. He is the captain of the group, which means he is always in front when riding.
Storm's love for motorcycles began when he was a kid and asked his parents if he could get a bike, and they gave him the "over my dead body" response. Ironically, his son asked the same question at the age of 19, and, unlike his parents, Storm embraced the thought of his son riding a motorcycle.
Storm said the group is just a regular motorcycle group with a Jewish spin on it.
"Like other motorcycle groups we are hoping to have a good time, but also daven, learn, and then talk about safety and have and ride," Storm said.
Storm said riding a motorcycle can be very relaxing.
"It puts you in touch with nature that you don't get with a car -- the sights, sounds -- and melds man with machine," Storm said.
Storm said that he thinks the group will continue to grow.
"Though our group is a minority in comparison to other Jewish motorcycle groups, I hope to have more people join by spreading the word about the group and I think people will keep coming back as long as there is enthusiasm," Storm said.
On the first ride, Storm said, the seven riders had a great time with a three-Chabad tour and we hope to continue riding to different locales once a month.
"I hope that more people come so we can have more fun, have charity runs," Storm said. "Also, we plan on going to drives into
The group plans on having many different trips, specifically to charitable organizations. According Wolosow, they plan on visiting
"The whole experience is very unique, with the services, the learning, and then riding motorcycles," Wolosow said, adding that if the first trip is any indication, the group has a bright future.
"It was gorgeous; we went on a 100-mile bike ride along a scenic route where everything was just beautiful," Wosolow said. "Along the way we stopped by the Chabad houses in Marlboro and Monroe where the kids from the Hebrew school came out and really liked how we were there on motorcycles."
One of the other experienced riders within the group of bikers is Curtis Stoner. He is also one of the organizers of the group. Stoner has been riding for more than 40 years and has driven cross-country twice. Prior to last month's riding with Jews from the Monmouth area, Stoner always rode by himself.
After seeing a group like King David Motorcycle Club, Stoner thought it would be great to have a motorcycle group of Jewish men.
Stoner said that his family is very supportive of his riding.
"My wife is very supportive of my riding of my bike and of the group as well," Stoner said. "Also, my children love my motorcycle and my 14-year-old twins are going to join me on our next ride."
Wolosow was a little apprehensive at first about the motorcycle group. However, after the first ride, it was clear the idea was a good one. Wolosow didn't join the bike riders on that first ride, but its success was obvious.
"He drove behind us in his car and then when he realized how much fun it was he asked me if he could hop on my bike," said Stoner. "I think now he has a taste for it."
Stoner said they aren't just reaching out to Jews from the Chabad Jewish Center to ride with them, but reaching out to any Jewish person that would like to ride with them.
"It was exhilarating riding around with fellow Jews," Stoner said. "It was absolutely spiritual, kvelling, wonderful, and I'm thinking about when we are going to do it next."
Stoner said it's not just a bunch of middle age men riding their motorcycles together.
"As guys we get to know each other, infuse other Jews who ride, but more importantly there aren't many clubs for Jews who ride especially in the
He added, "I hope that the group will grow in numbers, spread Judaism, include prayer to people that aren't normally exposed to it, and ultimately allow them to have fun and be safe while riding the motorcycle with fellow Jews."
Stoner said the group has been very well received by the community and the Jewish Center.
"I'd like to thank Levi for being so trusting that it wouldn't be a negative thing," Stoner said.