June 30, 2011 | 1:02 pm

Breaking News: Casspi Traded to Cavs

Posted by Jeremy Fine

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Omri Casspi has been shipped to Cleveland with a pick for J.J. Hickson. Casspi had wanted out of Sacramento for a while since his playing time had decreased. He should fit in nicely by running the floor with #1 pick Kyrie Irving. I think this is a good match, although it might mean the end of Anthony Parker’s tenure in Cleveland as he is a free agent with a similar skill set as Casspi.

We will keep an eye on Parker and Jordan Farmar, who signed last year with the Nets only to now be behind Deron Williams.

For more read www.TheGreatRabbino.com

June 29, 2011 | 6:30 pm

Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin Hillel, and a Whole Lot of Optimism

Posted by Jeremy Fine

Recently, I was a guest at a wonderful event at The Green Acres Country Club in Highland Park Illinois. The event that was hosted by University of Wisconsin Madison Hillel featured the newest Chicago Bear Gabe Carimi. The event drew a crowd full of Wisconsin Hillel supporters young and old who wanted a chance to meet and welcome Gabe to Chicago.

During the event I heard from Wisconsin Alumni and the Executive Director who spoke about their new Hochberg Center, which will allow for the Jewish students on campus to have the ultimate Jewish experience. Rachel Lansing, graduate of 2009, spoke about her experience at Hillel and how she has stayed passionate about the organization. It was clear the Wisconsin Hillel was in good shape and having a former player like Gabe Carimi was an added bonus.

Gabe spoke to the audience about his life and football career. After his family moved from Lake Forest to Madison, the Carimis became active in the synagogue. Gabe joked about being taller than the rabbi and the synagogue’s educator. Gabe’s family moved to the north side of Madison, which was very culturally diverse. Gabe and his sister Hannah made a point of it to break down Jewish stereotypes and be a good example for the Jewish community. He regularly attended synagogue and helped out with his Hebrew school. Eventually, Gabe spoke of his playing days. He mentioned red-shirting and learning from now NFLer Joe Thomas.

During the event Gabe was presented with a welcome letter from Mayor Rahm Emanuel. Gabe stayed and schmoozed with the audience. He graciously signed plenty of autographs and took pictures.

I got a chance to speak with both Gabe and his mother Alayne. Alayne was very sweet and welcoming. Turns out she has another athletic child. Hannah rowed crew for Wisconsin. Alayne mentioned that Gabe grew up a Packers fan, but Gabe noted that now Packer fans can root for the Bears 14 games a year. She was very excited for her son to be a part of such a great organization and mentioned the Bears have been great to her family.

Finally, I got to have some one on one time with Gabe. Gabe and I spoke about what he was doing during the lockout. He told me he is currently working out by himself in Madison. He is putting in some time in the weight room, trying to stay in shape and excited for the real NFL experience to begin. He has been relaxing by playing golf. What about his choice in number, #72? His college number was taken and the other numbers were not special, so he thought it would be nice to honor William Perry. Gabe has already spoken with Olin Kruetz and was excited to work with him and protect Jay Cutler. Finally, I asked Gabe what I ask all Chicago athletes, what was his favorite Chicago pizza? He went with Lou Malnatis.

Gabe was a class act and great to the fans and the Hillel. It was a tremendous event. I spoke to Hillel’s Executive Director Greg Steinberger and Development Director Suzanne Rubinstein. Both raved about Gabe’s commitment to the Jewish community. Gabe was at the dedication of the new building, answered interview questions during the Rose Bowl, and was genuinely humbled by the event in his honor. As Suzanne said, “he is just a mensch who gives back to the community.”

This event not only made me proud of Gabe and his connection to the community, but it showed me a great Hillel taking advantage of a great relationship. Ultimately, it got me excited for some football. Bear Down!

And Let Us Say…Amen.
-Jeremy Fine
For more check out www.THEGREATRABBINO.com

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June 28, 2011 | 9:13 am

Dodgers in Trouble

Posted by Jeremy Fine

Monday the Los Angeles Dodgers and owner Frank McCourt filed for bankruptcy. So far no word on a replacement for McCourt who has owned the Dodgers for a while. One rumor had Dallas Mavericks’ owner and newly crowned NBA Champion Mark Cuban being interested. McCourt would still like to own the team, but it is not likely he will get a $150 million loan.

Overall, there is no real hard information. Its a bad situation, which stemmed from McCourt’s horrible divorce from wife Jamie. The team itself has not been doing so well. Ticket sales are drastically down from 25,000 to 17,000. It needs new ownership. It is possible the league will step in and help one of its most storied franchises.

We will keep an eye on this story.
And Let Us Say…Amen.
-Jeremy Fine
For More Read TheGreatRabbino.com

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June 28, 2011 | 8:49 am

Finally(?) We Can Get Excited About Tennis

Posted by Jeremy Fine

A recent wikipedia page sent in by TGR fan Nat Sager, claims that ATPer Mardy Fish got married in a Jewish wedding ceremony. Now this does not mean Fish is 100% Jewish. He married a Deal or No Deal model Stacey Gardner, who could also be Jewish. Only one Jewish site or magazine, Tablet Magazine, claims that Fish is in fact Jewish (Click HERE to read). Tablet is a solid source so for now we are claiming him as Jew.

So why does anyone care?

Well, Fish has advanced to the quarterfinals in Wimbledon and will face Rafael Nadal. Also, by playing well at Wimbledon he passes good friend Andy Roddick as the #1 ranked American and moves into 9th ranked overall.

Tennis fans have craved a solid Jewish singles men’s player and now they got one. With Shahar Peer and Fish, every tournament gives the Jews a solid chance at a trophy.

Big news for the Jews.
And Let Us Say…Amen.
-Jeremy Fine
For More Jews in Sports Check Out www.TheGreatRabbino.com

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June 27, 2011 | 10:57 pm

His Best Friend is Jewish

Posted by Jeremy Fine

Colt Cabana got a huge shout out on Monday Night Raw tonight in the contraversial and creazy trending CM Punk speech. Check it out below. Sometimes wrestling is real.

More on www.TheGreatRabbino.com

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June 26, 2011 | 8:47 pm

No Jews But Israel Represented

Posted by Jeremy Fine

There were no Jews drafted in this year’s NBA drafted. In fact, none were really even considered. But Israel was presented. With the 39th pick the Golden State Warriors selected Jeremy Tyler who played for Maccabi Haifa two years ago. While Tyler was a diaster on and off the court, who did make major headlines by skipping his senior year of high school and college. This past season he played in Japan. Tyler is a project but has great size and could eventually turn into a solid big man.

With the 54th pick, the Cleveland Cavaliers drafted Milan Macvan who played last season for EuroLeague Super Team MAccabi Tel Aviv. He did not have big time numbers but he should make the Cavs and even contribute.

Not a bad draft but hopefully more Jews and Israelis will come into the league soon.
And Let Us Say…Amen.
-Jeremy Fine

For more check out www.TheGreatRabbino.com

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June 21, 2011 | 1:42 pm

Congrats to Kelly Kelly

Posted by Jeremy Fine

Congrats to Kelly Kelly on her victory over Brie Bella to capture her first WWE Divas Championship. To read more click HERE. Yes her father is Jewish. She was also named to Maxim’s 100 Hottest List. Nice streak she has going on here.
For more check out www.TheGreatRabbino.com

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June 19, 2011 | 4:04 pm

Jewish Baseball Draft

Posted by Jeremy Fine

JewishBaseballNews.org has a great article up on the recent MLB draft and the Jews drafted. Click HERE to read more.
 
One of those draftees was Zach Bornstein, brother of Josh the creator of Jewsinbaseball.blogspot.com. Click HERE to read more about Zach.
 
Also, it is VERY worthy to note that Benny Sosnick was a 49th round pick is from Jewish Community High School of the Bay. JCHSB is an all Jewish school. To read more about him click HERE.
 
Great news all around.
And Let Us Say…Amen.
- Jeremy Fine
For more check out www.TheGreatRabbino.com

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