JCFS on the Run: Rachel's Story

How does Rachel Zimmerman, Coordinator of Project Shield, do it all? She runs full and half marathons, is the mother of five children between ages 10 months to 10 years, and married to Zvi, a Spiritual Counselor for the Hebrew Theological College.  Rachel began working for Project Shield over four years ago. Project Shield is committed to building awareness, education and support for the recognition, prevention and treatment of child sexual abuse in the Jewish community.

Rachel received JUF's Samuel A. Goldsmith Award in 2010 for her outstanding work in the community (See the awards presentation here.)

Rachel began running around the same time she began working for Project Shield. “I couldn’t do Project Shield without running” says Rachel. “I need time to process the intensity of the job and put it in a different place so that I can also be a parent.” Running is more than just an opportunity to process her workday for Rachel, she enjoys the sense of accomplishment that she feels after crossing the finish line, and she enjoys competing against herself. When not spending time at work, with her kids, or running, Rachel enjoys going to Zumba classes, blogging, and baking.

What inspired you to run/walk the Bank of America Chicago Marathon with Team JCFS?

I have always wanted to run this internationally known race, because I knew it would have so much meaning to me to run a marathon in my hometown. Then when I found out I would get to run it with Team JCFS- it made it just that much more meaningful. I get to put together two things I feel passionate about, running and my work.

What program are you running/walking for?

 Project Shield and JCARES

How does JCFS Redefine What’s Possible? or Describe one moment when you knew that your work with JCFS made a difference in someone’s life?

Several times I have heard from survivors of sexual abuse that it means so much to them that JCFS has a program like Project Shield that is dedicated to their cause. It validates them and makes them feel that the Jewish community is not hiding from the fact that sexual abuse can happen in all sector of the community. Project Shield is a message to the community as a whole that together we can take responsibility for the communal role in child sexual abuse and create a community that facilitates healing.

What will you be thinking about at mile 20?

The mantra of “I can and I will” and also envisioning the final turn that you make near the end when you can see the finish line. When I don’t think I’m going to make it I’m going to close my eyes and see that finish line, think about how many months, and possibly even years I’ve been dreaming about the moment of crossing the line at the Chicago Marathon.

What food will you hunt down after the race to replenish those 2600 calories?

Bagel and Cream cheese and then later- a hamburger and fries! (in a sukkah, because this year’s marathon is on Sukkos)

What do you love about running/walking?

I love the way it clears my head, gives me energy, and when I’m done gives me the feeling that I can accomplish anything I put my mind too.

Visit Rachel's Team JCFS Fundraising Page and help her meet her goal of raising $1,800 for Project Shield and JCARES