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The Great Rabbino

July 21, 2011 | 8:21 pm RSS

Blue Jews

Posted by Jeremy Fine

I just returned from Toronto. Luckily, my wife has realized that when I travel my goal is to see a new baseball stadium. So to Rogers Stadium we went. I actually enjoyed the stadium. The roof was open. Had a basketball arena type feel with the inside, food, and concrete. But, overall I enjoyed the park. There is a Kosher Hot Dog stand in section 133. It serves great fries. Jessie did not eat the Hot Dog because there was also a kosher dog stand at Niagra Falls. (Note: there are also veggie dogs at both).

The game itself was bizarre. No Jews in the game. Blue Jays/Mariners. Wow, how 1 year out of fantasy baseball (I have my reasons) has made me feel so out of it. I literally knew no one on the field. The whole game I kept telling Jessie, that’s Jose Batista and that’s Ichiro. Literally the only two players on the field that mattered. It made me realize how much I love my White Sox and Kenny Williams. Seriously, rebuilding completely must stink. At least people know Rios, AJ, and Konerko. During the game it dawned on my that I am still dealing with the tragedies of how close the Bulls (and Bears for that matter) were and I have not given my all to my beloved White Sox. Part of that is Adam Dunn’s fault and part is mine. So from here on out, I am ALL IN.

And Let Us Say…Amen.
-Jeremy Fine
For more checkout www.TheGreatRabbino.com

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July 17, 2011 | 7:28 am

Interview: Washington State’s Alex Hoffman-Ellis

Posted by Jeremy Fine

From time to time we miss a player. Last year we missed this guy, Alex Hoffman-Ellis. Good size, competitive edge. TGR likes this linebacker. He has gone up against some of college football’s best and here is what he has to say (also shout out to his dad Jeffrey for connecting us).

 

1) How did you get into football?

I guess the abbreviated versiono of how I got into football is that a lot of my friends from my freshman basketball team at Santa Monica High were playing, and I wanted to play that year but my parents wouldn’t let me.  When they finally said it was okay to play my sophmore year, I became academically ineligible, and that lasted thru my junior year.  When I transferred to Hamilton High, I changed my outlook on how I approached academics and became eligible to play for senior year.  Been playing since then.

 

2) How is Washington State shaping up for next season? What your expectations for the team?

This coming season, we expect from ourselves nothing less than a bowl game. A bowl game victory really.  We’ve got some solid leadership and some really good developments on the field as well as in the weightroom and conditioning-wise.  Guys are starting to develop more of a chemistry, as we’ve been getting together more frequently to sort of build up that camaraderie amongst ourselves.  I expect this to carry over on the field in terms of us trusting each and every person on this team to get their individual jobs done so that we can accomplish our goals and get W’s as a team.

 

3) What will your role be?

I expect myself to lead this team if nothing else.  I have as much experience as just about anyone on this team, and I feel like I’m a very dependable person for guys to look to in tough situations for guidance.  All in all,  I’m on that field to be both a vocal and physical presence, so I know what I’ve gotta do, now it’s just up to me to do it.

 

4) What is the highlight of your career?

I would have to say the highlight of my career was getting my first interception ever against SMU in 2009.  I took it back 54 yards for a score, and it was also my first touchdown ever so it was a very surreal moment standing in that endzone with the ball in my hands and Martin Stadium going nuts.

 

5) Who is the best player you played against and what was going through your head when you saw him play?

I’d have to say the best player I played against was my redshirt year in ‘08 when we played against USC and their linebacking corps of Mauluga, Maiava, Cushing and Matthews.  I just remember watching those 4 play the LB position that game (and that entire season, really) how it was meant to be played, straight downhill with an attitude and a purpose. 

 

6) What is your Jewish life like? Did you grow up with a strong Jewish identity?

I never really felt that much of a connection to Judaism growing up.  Having a Bar Mitzvah and playing in the Maccabi Games were the most Jewish things I ever did, but I never have been very spiritual.  I attended Sunday school and Hebrew school up until 8th grade, but to me it was more of a place I was being forced to go to.  Being Jewish was more of something I identified with once I got up to Washington.  Everybody up here is so religious and everything is prayer this, Jesus that.  The team actually says a prayer in Jesus name before and after games, so I feel almost pushed towards my Jewish identity more than as a voluntary thing.  Although I am proud of my heritage, I don’t have as big of a connection to it as I might like.

 

7) Did you get a chance to play against Taylor Mays? What was that like?

Yes I played against him.  I don’t really remember much of him as an opponent, just that there was a lot of hype around his physical attributes and him falling to the 2nd round in his draft class.  Other than that, I don’t remember much.

 

8) What are you goals when you graduate?

When I graduate, I want to keep training and hopefully (knock on wood) keep playing ball.  Outside of sports, I’m thinking of writing.  I write some poetry and short fiction every now and then, though I haven’t made a move to get any of my work published.  I guess I’m kind of going with the “I’ll just cross that bridge when I get to it” attitude.

 

9) If you could play for one pro team and/or coach who would it be?

That’s a tough question, so I’m just going to go with my favorite team, the Green Bay Packers.  Coach McCarthy seems like a very levelheaded, smart coach, Coach Capers has that defense really coming together, and seeing Coach Greene coach up the linebackers just gets me fired up.

 

Not Packers fans at TGR, but big Hoffman-Ellis fans.

And Let Us Say…Amen.

- Jeremy Fine


www.TheGreatRabbino.com

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July 14, 2011 | 5:05 pm

Add Farmar into the Mix

Posted by Jeremy Fine

Right after we released the story on Will Bynum, we got word that Jordan Farmar has gone on record saying he would be willing to play overseas and possibly in Israel. It is not for certain that he would end up with Maccabi Tel Aviv (Israel’s top team). There are only a certain amount of non-native players allowed on the team. Plus a Jewish NBA player would be amazing PR for any Israeli team, so there would most likely be a bidding war over Farmar’s services. Regardless, we would love to see Farmar in Israel. To read more click HERE.

And Let Us Say…Amen.
-Jeremy Fine
www.TheGreatRabbino.com

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July 13, 2011 | 7:54 am

Will “The Israel Thrill” Bynum

Posted by Jeremy Fine

As the NBA owners and players seem to grow further and further apart some players are talking of taking their talents to Europe. Most notably Deron Williams who already has a contract to play in Turkey. It seems logical because they get to see the world, play at a high level, and make money doing what they love to do. So who will head to Israel?

Well, it would be likely that Omri Casspi could head home for a little. And I am sure Jews everywhere would want Amare Stoudamire to show more of his “Jewish” roots.

But one player has already come out and said he would likely go to Israel. Former Maccabi Tel Aviv player and Chicago standout Will Bynum of the Detriot Pistons. Bynum is very close with Maccabi guard Jeremy Pargo from their Chicago days. Bynum played for Maccabi for two years back in 2006-2008. He reached the Euroleague’s final in 2008 averaging 10.6 points and 3 assists per game.

We would welcome Bynum back who has really become a solid ball player in the NBA.

And Let Us Say…Amen.
- Jeremy Fine
www.TheGreatRabbino.com

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July 9, 2011 | 9:38 pm

One In One Out

Posted by Jeremy Fine

The All Star Game is still happening just without starting right fielder Ryan Braun. Braun suffering from a calf injury. Braun will be replaced by Andrew McCutchen. To Reed more Click HERE.

On the bright side Kevin Youkilis was named to the All Star game when Alex Rodriguez was scratched.  Youkilis is excited to be named to his 3rd All Star game. To read more Click HERE.

TheGreatRabbino.com

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July 8, 2011 | 11:25 pm

The Older Carimi. Gabe’s Sister Hannah.

Posted by Jeremy Fine

TGR has been obsessed with Gabe Carimi and the fact that he was the Bears number 1 draft choice was just icing on the cake. But after meeting Gabe’s mother I learned a little bit about the rest of the family and Gabe’s sister Hannah who was quite the athlete herself.

Hannah grew up playing with Gabe but they weren’t so competitive. Her competitive nature grew as she found herself into the martial arts and really got involved in kickfighting. She became a second degree black belt. Eventually, she passed all the females around her and began kicking around the men.

Then Hannah got to college and in her first week she was approached by University of Wisconsin-Madison crew coach. Hannah made the team and rowed for 4 season. UW competed in the Big Ten and finished 2nd when Hannah was a junior.

Hannah graduated a year before Gabe, but stayed in Madison for graduate school where she is working athletic training. Ironically enough Hannah is not working out Gabe. Gabe spends his time with former pro players. But recently Gabe stepped into one of Hannah’s sessions and she pushed him to the limit.

Hannah, and her mother Alayne, grew up as Bears fans so this was a blessing for the two of them. Hannah plans on going to the games. In the future she wants to attend Orthopedic school.

Hannah said that one of the most unique experiences was representing UW athletics with her brother. They spent lots of time together and shared similar schedules in college. They wore the pride of Red and White together, something most siblings can’t say.

Sometimes that sports gene runs in the family and in the Carimi’s case it ran a deep Red and White.

And Let Us Say…Amen.
-Jeremy Fine
www.TheGreatRabbino.com

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July 8, 2011 | 12:40 pm

The Great Rabbino Ice Cream Flavor

Posted by Jeremy Fine

In celebration of today we are launching The Great Rabbino Ice Cream flavored. The flavor was made and created by 365Scoops.com an amazing site by Naomi Sugar (insert sugar/ice cream joke here).

The ice cream looks amazing. We are super excited. Go to 365Scoops.com or Click HERE to see how it all came about.

Thank you Naomi and 365Scoops you are definitely the best blogger in your family!!

And Let Us Say…Amen.

www.TheGreatRabbino.com

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July 8, 2011 | 11:28 am

Late But Here is Your 2010 TGR Athlete of the Year

Posted by Jeremy Fine

Your Nominees Are: Jon Scheyer, Gabe Carimi, Ryan Braun, Omri Casspi, Antonio Garay, Mike Cammalleri, Yuri Forman, and Cristie Kerr.

All had great years.

But your 2010 Athlete of the Year is: Jon Scheyer.

Scheyer played in 40 games his Senior season. He average 18.2 ppg, 4.9 apg, and 3.6 rpg. And ultimately led the Blue Devils to a National Championship.

Scheyer is on his way to Maccabi Tel Aviv to resurrect his career.

Good luck to Scheyer. We will be watching.

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