Chabad Brings Mivtzoim to 30,000 Cyclists at Iowa’s RAGBRAI
As more than 30,000 cyclists passed through Dyersville, Iowa, during the annual RAGBRAI ride, Chabad of Northeast Iowa joined forces with bochurim from Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim Postville to bring the Rebbe’s Mivtzoim to the participants. Dozens of Yidden put on Tefillin—including several for the first time since their Bar Mitzvah—while Shabbos candle kits and information on the Seven Noahide Laws were distributed throughout the day • Read More, Photos
Tens of thousands of cyclists gathered in Dyersville, Iowa, as part of RAGBRAI—the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa—which draws over 30,000 participants annually for a seven-day ride across the state.
To mark the occasion, Chabad of Northeast Iowa, led by Rabbi Aron Schimmel, teamed up with the bochurim of Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim Postville to run a dedicated Mivtzoim operation along the ride’s route. The bochurim traveled from Postville to set up a welcome station in Dyersville for the passing cyclists. The station provided participants with cold water, Chassidic music, and an opportunity to fulfill Mitzvos on the go.
Throughout the day, the campaign saw significant activity. Dozens of Jewish men and teens put on Tefillin, including several who celebrated their Bar Mitzvah by wrapping Tefillin for the first time. At the same time, tens of Shabbos candle kits were distributed to Jewish women and girls, alongside educational pamphlets regarding the Rebbe’s teachings and Moshiach.
The outreach also extended to non-Jewish participants, as bochurim handed out informational cards and discussed the Seven Noahide Laws.
In another notable moment, a man put on Tefillin at the age of 73 after the bochurim convinced him—marking the first time he had put them on since his Bar Mitzvah.
“It’s certainly an unusual sight to see Chassidim in black hats and jackets out in the middle of Iowa’s cornfields,” said Rabbi Aron Schimmel. “But the warmth from the riders was incredible. People were deeply moved to see us out there caring for them, physically and spiritually.”
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