The very first Talmudology post was published on November 14, 2014. That’s almost exactly a decade ago. It has been an absolute joy to undertake this project, and I want to thank each of you for being loyal readers.
Talmudology was never about making money. It was about thinking about Jewish texts together with you. But now, I am asking for something other than your time to read a post. I want your money.
Well, to be precise, I don’t want your money. Shalva does. Shalva, whose headquarters are in Jerusalem, provides an all-encompassing range of services for thousands of people with disabilities from infancy to adulthood, together with their families. Its comprehensive life-cycle programming provide leading-edge therapies, inclusive educational frameworks, social and recreational activities, employment training, and independent living, as well as respite and family support. The list goes on and on, and it does all this regardless of religion, ethnic background, or financial capability. Since the beginning of this terrible war, it has taken on additional responsibilities in providing respite care. Because that’s what they do.
As a fundraiser, Shalva has organized a kosher, shomer shabbat climb of Kilimanjaro. It was supposed to leave last January, but was postponed after the war broke out. Talmudology will take part, and there will be a special surprise at the peak.
KILIMANJARO FAQs
When is the trip?
It leaves on Sunday, January 19, 2025, and returns on Thursday January 30th. The full timetable is here.
How many people will be climbing for Shalva?
Currently there are about twenty-two registered climbers.
I like the idea of supporting Shalva, but I don’t want to spend my charity so that someone can mess around on a mountain for ten days.
I agree. That’s why every penny of your sponsorship will go to Shalva. I have already covered the airfare, permits, food, and the support team. So whatever amount you sponsor, none of it will be used to cover the costs of the trip itself. So go ahead, sponsor!
What is the success rate of reaching the summit?
Overall, the success rate is 60-80% across all tour operators. But it varies by route. The quicker the route, the lower the success rate. I will be climbing the slower eight-day Lemosho route, and it includes a Shabbat at rest. It has a success rate of 90-95%. (The route. Not Shabbat).
Um, asking for a friend: How many people die trying to climb Kilimanjaro?
Because the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities do not release these statistics, it is not possible to know just how many fatalities occur. Each year there are about 30,000-50,000 climbers, and about 10 fatalities, or about 0.02%. So, nothing to worry about.
What’s the surprise at the peak?
Summit day is Tuesday January 28th, and on that day, daf yomi will be learning Sanhedrin 42. Talmudology plans to give the World’s Highest Daf Yomi Shiur that day, at an incredible 19,341 feet (5,904 m). We will spend Shabbat at 12,795 feet (3,900m) so it won’t be the world’s highest Shabbat; that seems to have been celebrated at 15,540 feet (4,730m) on Mount Everest. But it will, to the best of our knowledge, be the highest daf yomi shiur ever given. And with your help, we can set that record.
