Rabbi On The Sidelines

Guy Sasson and Adam Berdichevsky, Israeli Tennis Paralympians have just returned from the Paris 2024 Paralympics. Guy earned a bronze medal in singles and Adam was Israel’s flag bearer after competing in Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, and Paris 2024. Adam is also a 10/7 survivor from Kibbutz Nir Yitzchak. Rabbi Sherman is in conversation with these heroes and their journeys of sports and faith.

Daniel Posner, founder and chairman of Athletes For Israel, speaks with Rabbi Sherman on the origins of how and why he founded Athletes For Israel, which combats antisemitism and racism by bringing professional and college athletes to Israel. AFI has brought Arizona, Auburn, Kansas State and other teams to Israel, along with a crew from ESPN. Enjoy this inspiring story!

Ben Kaplan, author of Pipeline To The Pros, speaks to Rabbi Sherman about his book, detailing how Division III athletes make it to the NBA's coaching and general manager positions.

In addition, Ben speaks about his Bar Mitzvah video message from Inside The NBA's Ernie Johnson, and how the favor was repaid when Ben's father was battling cancer. This inspiring story will lift your soul.

Asael Shabo lost his leg in a terror attack in Israel in 2002, when a terrorist entered his home, and killed his mother and three of his siblings. He found healing at the Israel ParaSport Center, where he became a national champion in 50 meter swimming. He is now a professional wheelchair basketball player in Germany and brings hope to those with disabilities. In 2022, Asael was selected to light the torch on Mount Herzl for Israel’s Independence Day.

Teresa Strasser, Emmy winning writer, Emmy nominated TV host, who has appeared on Good Morning America, Today Show, CNN, The View, and a regular on Dr. Phil, speaks to Rabbi Sherman about her book, "Making It Home" lessons of how to grieve for her brother and mother through time with her father at the little league field.

Coach Bruce Pearl, Auburn University men's basketball coach, 2006 coach of the year, and gold medal Maccabi USA coach in 2009, speaks with Rabbi Sherman about his Jewish journey, his basketball journey, and his dedication to the people and land of Israel.

Producers of American Manhunt: The Boston Marathon Bombing, Loren Mendell and Omar Al Dakheel join Rabbi Sherman on the 11th anniversary of that fateful day to discuss its historic significance in America and in the world of sports.

Emily Austin, social media influencer, with 2.1 million Instagram followers, NBA podcaster, and Israel advocate speaks with Rabbi Sherman about her journey, both in Judaism, and in the world of sports. How has her Jewish identity challenged her and helped her challenge others to find commonality between faiths. Learn about the new Abrahamic Athletic Academy, that will bring Jews, Muslims, and Christians together to learn and to play.

Father Patrick Kelly, associate professor religious studies at University of Detroit-Mercy, author of Play, Sport, and Spirit, speaks with Rabbi Sherman on the important connection between sport and spirituality. What is the connection between work and play? How does this affect the current state of intercollegiate athletics? After meeting at the conference for the Service of Sport and Humanity, Rabbi Sherman and Father Kelly continue to be in dialogue in bringing people together on and off the field.

Kevin Jordan, UCLA All-American football player, and sports chaplain for UCLA football and Pittsburgh Steelers, speaks with Rabbi Sherman on how faith and God consciousness help athletes become better people in their own lives.