Sunday Relay for Life Seeks Teams

Relay for Life Ruach Atlanta, the only Relay for Life event held on a Sunday, returns Oct. 11 and is seeking more participants.

The fourth annual event, which is moving to North Springs Charter High School, 7447 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs, is held on a Sunday so Shabbat-observant Jews can participate.

Teams representing Temple Beth Tikvah, Temple Kol Emeth, Congregation Ner Tamid and Jewish Family & Career Services have signed up, along with teams from across metro Atlanta, to help reach the $35,000 fundraising goal. As of Monday, Oct. 5, $18,000 had been raised.

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Relay for Life is an American Cancer Society fundraiser that traditionally lasts up to 24 hours to represent the 24-hour-a-day struggle against cancer and takes place on Friday night and Saturday, conflicting with Shabbat.

Former Temple Beth Tikvah President Sheryl Blechner came up with the idea of a Sunday Relay to avoid that conflict.

“People that participate in this event help raise awareness for American Cancer Society’s research efforts to find a cure for all cancers,” said Blechner, a co-chair of the event. “By participating, they are also sending a message to the American Cancer Society that there is a need for a Sunday Relay for Life for those who observe Shabbat on Friday and Saturday.”

She said participation is off this year, so Ruach Atlanta hopes more people sign up. The walk coincides with the 45th annual Atlanta Pride Festival, for which SOJOURN has lined up 44 Jewish organizations as co-sponsors.

“We are not sure why participation is down,” Blechner said. “Participation in many nonprofit events has been down this year. We are having a hard time getting people to register prior to the event; however, we know of many people who plan to attend but have not yet registered.”

The event runs from 1 to 8 p.m. Oct. 11 and incorporates traditional elements of Relay for Life.

To register or join a team for Ruach Atlanta, go to www.RelayForLife.org/ruachga. A $10 donation is suggested as a sign-up fee. Cancer survivors are always free.