Tribune

Oy! Chicago makes the Tribune.

Check it out HERE.

And Check TGR out on Oy! Chicago. HERE.

Super Bowl Sunday at TGR

Here are some Jewish Super Bowl links. Enjoy!
Kosher Food at The Super Bowl

Jews for Breesus

Jews with Super Bowl Rings

As to the question who is TGR rooting for? Well, there are no Jewish players or coaches in this one. Apparently, the owner of the Colts Jim Irsay's father was Jewish. He is from Lincolnwood Il. so there is a good chance. So, from a TGR perspective it is hard to go against that. TGR is rooting for the Colts. Also, hard to root against Peyton Manning.

But I personally love the Jews for Breesus site and I hate the Colts for beating the Bears a few years back. So, I am rooting for the NFC and the Saints.

Prediction: Colts 34 - Saints 24

Check out the Sam Fuld interview below.
And Let Us Say...Amen.
-Jeremy Fine

Interview: Current MLB Player and Nightlighty Web Gem Specialist Sam Fuld

So, let's make one thing perfectly clear I am not a Cubs fan. I live and breath White Sox baseball. I made my wife swear to raise our future children wearing White Sox Black. They will treat loving the White Sox like their religion. One of the worst days of my life was passing on tickets to Buehrle's perfect game. It pains me to lose any player and I refer to Kenny Williams as the real Messiah. My favorite player of all time in any sport is Frank Thomas. 2005 was the greatest year of my life. I have been to numberous SoxFests. The first thing I will buy when I move back to Chicago will be season White Sox tickets. The name Ryan Sa&^berg is a swear word in my house.

That being said, occasionally there is a Cubs player, here and there, that I enjoy watching. I was a fan of former Cubs Andrew Dawson (an Expo according to the HoF), I think getting Derek Lee was a great move by the Cubs, and I respect Ron Santo's push for HoF status. There is another guy in that mix named Sam Fuld. Sam Fuld is a human highlight reel. His outfield grabs are web gems every night. The guy can flat out play the field. And he happens to have some Jewish lineage. So, TGR got in touch with his agent, who is a very nice guy by the way. Sam agreed to answer some questions for us. Sam is the first current major leaguer to appear on TGR (Craig Breslow coming up soon). So we are super excited to have him. And we wish him much individual success this upcoming season.

Hope baseball fans enjoy this one.

Interview

1) How did you get started with baseball? Were you always an outfielder?

I played baseball at a very early age, hitting whiffle balls with my grandmother when I was about 3, and then playing for a Little League team coached by my dad at about age 5.  I played a lot of 1st base through Little League, but once I got on the big diamond and once everyone caught up to me in height, I played only outfield (and pitched, too).

2) You made Sportscenters' Top Ten and Baseball Tonight's Web Gems numberous times last season. What is it like seeing yourself on those shows? Is your defense something your take pride in?
It's pretty fun going home after a game and being able to watch yourself on Sportscenter and it's certainly something I never dreamed I would be able to do. I feel like the rise of highlight shows has changed certain sports and individual players, but I promise I try to make great plays to help out our team, not get on TV. That's just a bonus. I've always felt that defense is a big part of my game ever since I began playing outfield. For whatever reason I enjoyed that part of the game, so when I work on my defensive skills, it doesn't feel like a chore to me.

3) What are some of your most meaningful accomplishments as a player? What are some of your goals?

To make the Major Leagues in 2007 was an enormous individual achievement. And then two years later, it felt amazing to finally get my first Major League hit. I'm also very proud of earning a scholarship to play at Stanford University. I rarely set specific goals because I feel they can be limiting, so I keep them simple: continue to improve, never get satisfied and always try to enjoy myself.

4) As a White Sox fan I have to know, what is it like playing for the Cubs? Who did you root for as a child?
I feel lucky and spoiled to come up in this organization. While we've been held championship-less for awhile, the history of the Cubs is impressive, and it's an honor to be around some of the former greats: Ernie Banks, Billy Williams, Fergie Jenkins, Ryne Sandberg, etc. It speaks to the quality of the organization that these guys are around us every Spring Training and throughout the season. I grew up about an hour from Boston, so I grew up deep in Red Sox Nation. I think the similarities between the two clubs are amazing: the great fan support, the tradition-rich stadiums, the long WS droughts (hopefully we can join them as Champs this year!).

5) This is a Jewish sports blog, so I am wondering what was your Jewish upbringing like? Is there anything about your Jewishhood that you take a lot of pride in?
I grew up with a Jewish father and Christian mother. We always celebrated both Hanukkah and Christmas and both Easter and Passover, but my parents pressed neither religion on me very hard. Even though I was never Bar Mitzvahed and do not practice Judaism, I do take a lot of pride in having a Jewish background. 

6) How do the Cubs look going into this season?
I think we'll have a very successful season. We had a lot of our star players have off-years last season and I'm very confident those guys will turn it around. Despite the general consensus that we had such a poor year, we still finished above .500 and in 2nd place. 

  

7) Is there added pressures when playing your crosstown rivals in the White Sox?
I've only played them once (it was a make-up game last year in early September), but you could feel a different energy at the ballpark that day. It was a little more hostile, which was especially noticeable since Wrigley is usually such a friendly place. Even though interleague play, and this rivalry, is relatively new, we still want the bragging rights for the city.

8) Most important question. What is you favorite Chicago pizza place?

Hate to go mainstream here, but Giordano's. I could eat deep dish every night, but I don't think I'd be playing CF too long if I did that. Haven't had a chance to try too many places yet, so I'm always up for suggestions. 

9) Anything else you would like to tell the TGR audience?
I don't yet have a foundation, but I'm a big supporter of JDRF (being a type I diabetic myself). I bought the domain samfuldbaseball.com and hope to have a website up and running in the near future. I'm also running a baseball camp in Portsmouth, NH the weekend of January 30,31: http://www.usatrainingcenters.com/

Again thank you to Sam Fuld for his time. We will be keeping an eye on you throughout the year.
And Let Us Say...Amen.
-Jeremy Fine

Oy! Chicago Features TGR as Part of Tribune Week

TGR's Tamar Katz story was the featured article as part of Oy! Chicago's feature in the Tribune!

Big Shabbat Shalom from TGR

I am in a great mood. Why you ask? Well, in Israel when you go shopping on Fridays they give you a Shabbat present. Today I got two, one which as a bag tha I could fill to the brim with any fruits and veggies I wanted. It was awesome.

Anyway back to sports.

We had a big week as we started Interview month. Thank you to Dave Pustilnik and Paul Goldstein for helping us out. Also, we were able to get in touch with Tamar Katz and her you unique experience. We wish Tamar the best in the future.

Sunday we have Cubs player Sam Fuld for you. It is our first current Major Leaguer ever. Later in the week we will bring you Jason Bodner's story and the IBL.

We also hope to bring you some news on the Olympics.

Check out our Tamar Katz story on OY! Chicago as well. It is a big week of OY! and we are their feature story.

POLL:
Please continue voting for this year's NFL player of the year. It is a tight race so far. The fans decide this one!

TGR News:
We might have gotten in touch with Steve Stone which would be a major story for the beginning of the baseball year. We will be speaking soon with Tani Mintz an Olympic hopeful about her experience. Lastly, as Wrestlemania approaches we hope to be in touch with Colt Cabana again about his predictions.

Lastly, if anyone knows someone who might want to donate money to my basketball program that I am working on with the Maccabi games...let me know. Thanks .

Have a good Shabbat.
And Let Us Say...Amen,
-Jeremy Fine

The Biggest Jewish Story of the Year (so far)- Tamar Katz and TGR's Inside Scoop

If you are alive, Jewish, and into sports you should know about Tamar Katz's story. It has been covered by major news outlets including The New York Times and The Jewish Week. For someone like me who is basically Pro-Israel in every way, I think Israel got it wrong on this one. We need these athletes to show the world that there is more than the Middle East conflict going on in the Holy Land. The Olympics are a perfect platform for that. So, TGR got a hold of the Israeli skater to get the inside scoop. Jewish Sports Journalism at its best.

Interview:
1) How long have you been skating? Where did you get your start?
My father used to work for SCD. He was brought to the USA to work here. I was 8 when we moved to Washington D.C. and I began skating when I was 10. We were there until I was 13. When we returned to Israel it was hard to continue skating. There is only one real ice rink in Israel. So, my family and I relocated from Zichron Yaacov to be closer to the rink in Mitulah. It was still difficult to train because its not a great rink and it is shared with the hockey players, free skate, and other events. It was even closed once or twice due to Hesbollah. So, at 15 I moved to new jersey to pursue my dream. My mother came to live with me for a while. I then moved in with Sally Wittmore, a wonderful woman who is also a Holocaust Survivor. Eventually, I moved to Monsey NY. I began training with my coach Peter Burrows. The community around me has been very supportive.



2) Could you have tried to represent the US?
Well, I have both American and Israeli citizenship. I learned English when I was 8 years old. But I will always represent Israel. First I am Israeli, then I am Jewish, then I am American.

3)  Tamar you have been in the news a lot recently, what exactly happened?
I qualified for the Winter Olympics to represent Israel. We had three spots in the Winter Olympics. I was the first person to represent Israel in figure skating. But my spot was taken away by Israel. Israel has a rule that you must place within the top 12 in the European Championships. During the European Championships I had a viral infection. I shouldn't have competed, but I did anyway because it was my dream to represent my country. Unfortunately, I finished 21st. But in September 2009 I qualified for the Olympics at the Nebelhorn Trophy, Olympic Qualifying Competition. There I finished 7th.

4) Why won't Israel let you compete?
Israel has an Internal standard (not that of the Olympic games).  I must finished in the top 12-14 at the European Championships. Israel has said several times that they do not want to send "tourists" to the Olympic games. They want to send people who will bring back medals. Well, I was not intending on going as a tourist and while I might not have won a medal, I think it is important for the world to see Israel compete. That is how a sport grows, through exposure.

5) What are you trying to do now?
My battle is over. Israel decided to recede the spot I got to Australia. So, now I am trying to advocate for future Israeli athletes who want to participate in the Olympic games. I started a facebook group that has over 1,700 members to raise awareness. Also, my story has been picked up by many Jewish outlets.

6) Did the facebook group  work?
It definitely gets the word out there. Israel has never won a medal in the winter games. They won a gold and a few bronze medals in the summer games. Israel makes it all about medals. But I do not think it should just be about medals. This was my dream and many other will have the same dream.  I don't want this to happen to someone else. There are not so many athletes, so we need more to help develop younger athletes. It will inspire younger children.

7) So now that 2010 is unfortunately not going to be a reality, do you plan on trying again in 2014? This is still very hard for me. I am still very upset now. I need some time to think about it. But I am definitely not ruling it out.

8) We are a Jewish sports blog, so I was wondering what your Jewish life is like?
Well I was of course Bat Mitzvahed. Being Jewish is important part to who I am. For the 2006 Olympics there was a qualifier on Yom Kippur. I did not participate. It wasn't even a thought. Yom Kippur is a holy day. 

9) So what is next for Tamar Katz?
I am going to compete at the World Championship in March in Italy. There will be the same competitors as the Olympics but actually more competition. Hopefully, I will do well there and prove something to everyone.

10) Is there anything else you would like to say to the TGR world?  
If you could just add that I've had incredibly support from Boris Chait and the Israeli Ice Skating Federation who fought until the last minute so that i won't have to give up my spot. Also, check out my facebook group (click here).

We here want to thank Tamar for her time. Also, please check out her website  www.tamarkatz.com. We here at TGR are behind her all the way. It would have been nice to have seen Tamar represent Israel on the ice. Good luck and we will be pulling for you in 2014?




And Let Us Say...Amen.
-Jeremy Fine

Interview: Jewish Blogging the Bullies with David Pustilnik

Our second interview of the month comes from Dave Pustilnik. Dave is a really good guy and his girlfriend Julie is one of the coolest Phisters I have ever met. Anyway, recently Dave started writing a blog about his beloved Bulls. He covers everything thing from Derrick Rose's All-Star appearance to Tyrus Thomas trade rumors to post-game analysis. Bulls fans everywhere check out www.DaBullsEye.com, you will be hooked. Dave was nice enough to answer some questions for TGR about his site and Chicago Bulls history. Enjoy!

Interview:
1) Tells us a little bit about yourself and your athletic career?

First and foremost, I'm a huge sports fan...and also a lawyer in my spare time.  I was born and raised in and around Chicago, and this being the greatest sports city in the world, I had no choice but to enthrall myself in all things sports.  I was born on the Northside, so naturally, I'm a Cubs fan.  I know TGR is a diehard Southsider...so I hope he can forgive me for my transgression. 

Unfortunately, my athletic career was brief --- I was limited to 5 years of Buffalo Grove Park District youth basketball.  I retired at a young age, but I like to think that I left my mark.  I went to an absolutely massive high school, and being 5'9", trying out for the basketball team did not seem too realistic.  Although I do still play pretty often recreational ball and actually play a pretty mean point guard.  Other than that, I live vicariously through the replica of myself I created in NBA 2k10.

2) What is your blog all about?

My blog is about one thing and one thing only: the organization known as the Chicago Bulls.  I provide both news and analysis prior to and after just about every game and give my take on the outcome.  I also provide analysis of all transactions the Bulls partake in as well as any rumors that surface.  If you read the blog, you'll be able to tell that I'm pretty opinionated.  You know the saying "Don't judge a man until you walk a mile in his shoes"?  Well I do the opposite of what that saying says to do.  And I'm pretty sure I'm right 99.9% of the time.

3) What made you want to get involved in blogging about the Bulls?

Well, my passion for the Bulls started at an early age.  Passed down from my father at around roughly the time when the Detroit Bad Boys were handing over the crown to Jordan's Bulls, I was hooked starting in kindergarten.  Yadda yadda yadda 6 rings later and I rarely missed a game throughout all of the 90's.  Then disaster struck.  Jordan retired.  The greatest basketball team ever is dismantled.  The Bulls fell into obscurity for a about half a decade.  Bulls fans jumped ship.  I stuck around, but most of my friends who I'd been able to talk Bulls basketball with in the past no longer followed closely.  Even when the Bulls were making the playoffs consistently in the second half of the 00's with the emergence of the baby Bulls, Chicagoans seemed to lack interest.  My friends seemed to lack interest.

But I figured there had to be fans out there who shared my passion for this team, even without Jordan.  I started looking for blogs, and I found some good ones as well as some average ones.  I also found lots of diehard fans that I didn't know existed.  But I also found that these blogs were not seeing all the angles and some of their analysis were somewhat wacky and just didn't make sense to me.  I had a lot to say, but I couldn't force my friends to become interested in the Bulls.  So who could I share my opinions with?  The other diehards in the blogosphere, that's who.  So I started a blog of my own.  Plus, I figured that maybe if I started my own blog, my friends would become more interested in the subject.  I've found this to be true so far.

Besides that, there was an incident where there was some sort of 35 point comeback that we shall not speak of and I physically got sick afterward.  Whether the illness was actually a direct result of the heartbreak stemming from the loss or not isn't certain.  But I figured that it might be a good idea to have some sort of outlet where I can bang away at my keyboard after tough losses like that. 

4) What are your goals for this blog?

My main goal for this blog is just to be able to share my thoughts on the goings on of the Bulls with as many Bulls fans as possible.  The reason that's appealing to me is because I feel as if I have a pretty good grasp on why the Bulls win, why they lose, what they should have done to win, what trade they should or shouldn't make, who they should draft, etc.  What interests me is whether other Bulls fans agree with me or not.  What better way to find out than to post my thoughts publicly on the internet where tons of Bulls fans can read them and let me know?

5) Who is your favorite Bull of all-time (note MJ does not count)?

I hate to be generic, but really there's only one choice.  And anyone who says otherwise is fooling themselves.  Scottie Pippen baby.  The greatest defensive player of all time.  He redefined the position of small forward.  He holds the record for the most career assists by a forward and most career steals by a forward.  One of three players to record 200 steals and 100 blocks in one season.  8 time All-NBA Defensive first team honors and 10 time All-NBA Defensive team honors.  One of the 50 greatest players of all time.  Original Dream Team member.  He was able to play every position except for center and was arguably one of the most versatile players in NBA history.  He continues to be the most underrated player in NBA history, largely in part if not completely as a result of MJ's shadow.

6) If you had to pick one of these players to hit a last second 3 pointer who would it be, John Paxon, Craig Hodges, B.J. Armstong, or Steve Kerr?

Great question.  Definitely not B.J.  Hodges was automatic in the three-point contest, but never hit a clutch shot in his life.  Steve Kerr had a big 2-pointer in game 6 in the 1997 NBA finals to clinch the title for the Bulls and he also won his second of back-to-back three-point contests that year.  But I don't remember him draining too many clutch threes.  Pax, on the other hand, had blood in his veins and was a clutch three-point shooter.  He drained "the shot" in Game 6 of the '93 Finals giving the Bulls the lead with 3.9 seconds left, IN PHOENIX, for their first 3-peat.  My pick?  Paxson.

Honorable mention:  Bobby Hansen, the catalyst and three-point specialist who started the Bulls rally in the 1992 NBA Finals in Game 6 against the Blazers where they were down by 15 going in to the 4th quarter.  Hansen come in for Jordan, and drains a three immediately, then steals the ball on the next possession.  Bulls come back and win their second title that day.  Without him, the Bulls don't win that game, so he gets a shoutout. 

 
7) How good would Pippen have been without MJ?

Pippen would have been great without Jordan.  Pippen WAS great without Jordan.  We have a very small sample size, but just look at the '94 season.  He had a line of 22.0 points per game, 8.7 rebounds per game, 5.6 assists, 2.9 steals.  Those are some serious numbers.  He led the entire league in steals that year.  He went on to win All-Star Game MVP honors.  He was selected to the All-NBA First Team.  The Bulls, without Jordan, finished with 55 wins...ONLY 2 LESS THAN WITH JORDAN THE YEAR BEFORE.  The Bulls lost Jordan and mostly thanks to Pippen (and the addition of rookie Toni Kukoc), the Bulls only won 2 less games without the greatest player in the world.  Unreal.  He was a man on a mission...a mission to prove to the world that Jordan was a luxury he didn't really need.  He was possessed. 

If it wasn't for the infamous Hue Hollins phantom foul called on Pippen, allowing the Knicks' Hubert Davis to shoot the game-winning free throws in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals, I truly believe the Bulls would have won the title again that year.  Imagine what Pippen's legacy would have been if he won the title without Jordan?  This question that you just asked me almost surely would never be asked by anyone if that ended up happening.  Bottom line...Pippen was a true first-option scorer, team leader, and champion.  I strongly believe he could have led the Bulls to at least one title without MJ. 

8) Were the Bulls better with Grant or Rodman?

Another great question.  This one can be debated for hours and could honestly go either way.  Grant was the far more polished offensive player.  Rodman was the more tenacious rebounder, although Grant was a gifted rebounder in his own right.  But nobody was a better rebounder than Rodman.  He won 7 straight rebounding titles from '92-98.  How he did it at 6'7" or 6'8", who knows.  Obviously it was a gift.  Rodman also is one of the best defenders at his position of all time.  He joined Michael and Scottie on the All-NBA Defensive First Team in 1996, the first time three players from one team were all selected.  Grant was no defensive slouch either, being selected to four All-NBA Defensive Second Teams.  But I have to say the Bulls were better with Rodman.  Rodman was better defensively, he was a better rebounder, and the Bulls didn't really need any offense from him.  He helped the Bulls win 72 games, something Horace never ever could do, so clearly there was something about Rodman joining that squad.  So I have to go with Rodman.

 
9) Your prediction for the 2010 Bulls?

My final prediction is that the Bulls will sneak into the playoffs with the 8-seed right ahead of the Knicks.  Although the current 7-game road trip that they're on surely will not help their case.  I think they'll get bounced in the first round by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 6 games and hopefully sign some major free agents this offseason.  I don't think Wade or LeBron are coming to Chicago, but I'm keeping a close eye on Joe Johnson, Chris Bosh, and Amar'e Stoudemire.  If we can sign one of those three, or maybe two (imagine that), nothing but good things for this franchise to come.  But I'm not getting my hopes too high.  That's my inner Chicago sports fan speaking.

And Let Us Say...Amen.
-Jeremy Fine

NFL PoY - The TGR Fans Decide

TGR has decided to let the fans decide who is this years Jewish NFLer of the year. Vote on the sidebar. Below are the candidates and their 2009 stats.

1) David Binn - Binn is the long snapper for the San Diego Chargers. His kicker Kaeding made a league most 32/ 35 field goals. He was also 50/51 extra points.

2) Julian Edelman - The Patriots rookie finished the season with 37 receptions for 359 yards. He had one TD as well. Edelman made his biggest impact in the playoffs grabbing two Tom Brady passes for touchdowns to go along with his 6 receptions. Edelman started in place of the injured Wes Welker.
 
3) Igor Olshansky - Big Igor was 162 in the league with 40 tackles. He started for the playoff Cowboys.  He had 1.5 sacks.

4) Adam Podlesh - Podlesh finished 9th in the AFC in punting. He had 72 punts for a total of 3017 yards which is 41.9 yards per punt. He also had 5 touchbacks and 23 inside the 20.

5) Geoff Schwartz - Starter on the Carolina Offensive Line. The Panthers O-line only allowed 32 sacks all season.

Happy Voting.
And Let Us Say...Amen.
-Jeremy Fine

Feldman Avoids Arbitration

The Rangers and Scott Feldman have agreed on a one-year, $2.425 million deal to avoid an arbitration hearing for the right-handed pitcher.- TexasRangers.com

For more click here.

Interview: Former ATPer Paul Goldstein

February is finally here. This means the Super Bowl, my sister's Bday, and interview month here at TGR. Today we kick off the month long special at TGR with an interview with former ATPer Paul Goldstein. Goldstein was on the tour for a while and played against the world's greatest. We hope you in enjoy his story. Check back Wednesday to hear about the new blog that follows DA BULLS.

How did you get started playing tennis?

I am the youngest of three brothers. They were athletic so I followed in their footsteps. I played all sorts of sports in I was younger but tennis stuck and I had success doing it. I loved the competition. Once I was out in the tennis world I figured things out myself.

What was the biggest stage you played on and biggest stakes?

I played in all four of the grand slams. My fondest memory was when I won a national championship at Stanford. We actually won four, which had never been done before. Out team had a common goal and we accomplished it.

I played [Pete] Sampras at the U.S. Open on the Stadium court. I also played against [Andre] Aggasi at the Australian Open. I reached the semi-finals at the U.S. Open in doubles.

Who was the greatest player you played against?

Played Aggasi four or 5 times faired better than I did against Sampras. I struggled against Aggasi because we are similar players he just did things better. When I played it was a close four sets. Sampras was the more accomplished tennis player. He has the best serve of all-time.

[Roger] Federor is now amazing and the best ever. But I never played against him

How high were you ranked? What was your biggest personal accomplishment on the court?

I was ranked 58th in the world, which was 4th or 5th in the US. I was ranked 40th in the world in doubles. Reaching the semi-finals of the U.S. Open in doubles was amazing. Also, making the singles 3rd round twice at Wimbledon was a great time.

Why did you retire?

I guess I never felt like I “retired” I just got a different job. I turned thirty-one and with tennis that is older because you start young. When I played I was the #1 player with a college degree. Most players don’t go to college. So I got a late start at age twenty-two. Tennis is truly a global sport and some travel so much. It is an eleven-month season. It’s a big grind. So careers short.

During all this I got married and had a child. The travel became too much.

Do you miss it?

Absolutely. I miss playing, the guys, and the competitiveness. The travel is the best and worst part of what you do. I got to play on six continents. I have friends all over the world. It was just hard with a family.

What do you do now?

I work for an alternative energy company. I really enjoy it. It was a big transition at first. The job is completely different. I commute to work every day and sit behind a desk. Both careers are very challenging but in different ways. This job has lots of growth potential.

What does your Judaism mean to you?

I grew up in a Jewish home. When I was playing I got a lot of sport culturally from the Jewish community and it was very important.

And Lets Us Say...Amen.
-Jeremy Fine

A Night With Casspi

FOR FAMILIES IN THE TORONTO AREA:

UJA Federation of Greater Toronto presents

 

 

 

Meet the only Israeli player ever chosen in the first round of the National Basketball Association draft, rookie Omri Casspi of the Sacramento Kings!

 
Join us for a night of sports, games, music, entertainment,

food and fun for the entire family.

Saturday, February 6, 2010 | 7:30 p.m.TanenbaumCHAT Kimel Family Education Centre

Lebovic Campus, 9600 Bathurst Street, Vaughan

Tickets: $10 per person or

$25 per family (3 or more people living in the same household).

Kids under 3 are free.

Complimentary refreshments and snacks will be served | Kashruth observed Your chance to see the Raptors live!

Register by Wednesday, January 27, 2010,

and be entered into a draw to win Raptors tickets!
Register early. Space is limited.

Buy your tickets online now

https://www.ujaevents.com/login.asp?destinationsite=events&destinationid=275

or contact Michelle Spring at mspring@ujafed.org  or 416.635.2883 ext. 5685 for more information.

 

Calling all kids ages 7-14!

Win a chance to shoot hoops with Omri!

To be eligible, purchase tickets before January 27, 2010.

Contact Michelle Spring at mspring@ujafed.org to enter draw.

We hope you can join us for this uniquely entertaining evening!

Belinelli's Story

I was recently sent this story by my good friend Zeke Fraint. It is truly amazing. Click HERE to read about Marco Belinelli's family and how they helped the Jews during the Holocaust.

Ausmus Stayin' Put

Brad Ausmus has re-signed with the LA Dodgers. Here is the article from the Dodgers website. Ausmus hit .295 last season while backing up Russell Martin.  His deal is 1-year  worth $850,000 with a mutual option for 2011 worth $1 million.

This season will mark a huge milestone for Ausmus because he is one game shy of Shawn Green's 1,951 games played by a Jewish ball player.

Casspi Receives His First NBA Honor

Yesterday Omri Casspi received his first honor from the NBA being named to the NBA Rookie Challenge during All Star Weekend. He will join teammate Tykere Evans, the Bulls' Taj Gibson, and several other rookies who have had a major impact in the NBA already. They will play against the best NBA sophomores including Derrick Rose, Michael Beasley, and O.J. Mayo. The game will take place February 12th in Dallas. For more information click on the articles below. Congrats to Casspi its is a nice honor and he deserves it.

Rookie Challenge CBSSportsline

Rookie Challenge Haaretz

And Let Us Say...Amen.
-Jeremy Fine