Rabbi On The Sidelines

Allison Norlian, director of the documentary Meandering Scars, tells the story of Erika Bogan, the adaptive athlete who climbed Mt Kilimanjaro to bring suicide awareness in the disability community to the public eye. An inspiration you do not want to miss.

Rabbi Sherman speaks with Oscar nominated producer Ron Dyens, of the animated short, Butterfly, detailing the heroic story of Alfred Nakache, the French-Algerian swimmer in the 1936 Berlin Olympics, who becomes a prisoner in Auschwitz during the Holocaust, suffers the murder of his wife and daughter to the Nazis, and swims again in the 1948 Olympics in London, the year the State of Israel is creat...

Mark Wilf, owner of the Minnesota Vikings, and Chairman of the Board of Governors of The Jewish Agency, speaks with Rabbi Sherman about the influence of his Holocaust survivor parents on his journey in the world of faith and in sports. Mark shares why his commitment to Israel is such an important part of his life and how sports can be a force of good in the world.

Rabbi Sherman speaks with Israel's Olympic Gold Medalist in windsurfing in the Paris 2024 Olympics. He shares his fascinating Jewish journey, his path towards windsurfing, his October 7th experience, and his amazing representation of Israel on the global stage during the most difficult times. Reuveny shares his path towards LA 2028.

Mark Gerson, author of “God Was Right: How Modern Social Science Proves The Torah is True” speaks with Rabbi Sherman on the depth of the Torah, the lessons we learn and how so many of lessons are found in the world of sports.

Rabbi Zev Eleff, president of Gratz College, author, and scholar, speaks with Rabbi Sherman about greatness in sports, Judaism, and America.

Lee Schwartz, author of “Raising Giants” speaks to Rabbi Sherman about the joy of raising two sons to play in the NFL.

Nate Fish, CEO of Israel Baseball America and manager of Team Israel, speaks with Rabbi Sherman about his Jewish journey, his Israel journey, and his journey, and how he has combined all three passions to bring Team Israel to the Olympics.

Heather Brooks Karatz, owner of Angel City Football Club, speaks with Rabbi Sherman about her faith and sports journeys. Heather, the grandchild of Holocaust survivors who met in Auschwitz, has traveled through the sports world with a lens of her faith. In a post October 7th world, Heather continues to make a difference in a most meaningful way.

Donna Orender, former president of the WNBA, senior executive of the PGA, CEO and founder of Generation W, and current commissioner of the Maccabi basketball collective speaks with Rabbi Sherman about her journey that is at the intersection of sports and faith, the importance of using the ball as a social changemaker, and her connection to the people and state of Israel through sports.

Henry Schipper, author of the new book of poems, “The Ball Dreams of the Sky” joins Rabbi Sherman to speak about the deep connections between the game of baseball and the metaphors of our lives. Schipper, the son of Holocaust survivors, speaks about his inflicted wounds, relationships, and the will to achieve a perfect game.

Elana Horowitz, Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleader and Super Bowl Champion speaks with Rabbi Sherman about her faith journey through Jewish day school, NATIV gap year in Israel, and Camp Ramah inspired her to share her Jewish identity as she became a world champion Eagles cheerleader.

Paul Olden, PA announcer of Yankee Stadium for the last 17 years, and the voice of 12 Super Bowls, speaks with Rabbi Sherman on his expertise in the box, bringing the game to life for the fans.

Ryan Lavarnway, World Series Champion of the Boston Red Sox, Team Israel Olympian, and author of new children’s book, “Baseball and Belonging,” speaks with Rabbi Sherman about his upcoming visit to Sinai temple and Sinai Akiba Academy. How did his connection to Team Israel transform his Jewish journey and how has that allowed Ryan to represent the State of Israel through his sports career.

Ohad Poraz, injured IDF combat solider, speaks to Rabbi Sherman about Brothers For Life, the non-profit created by and run by Israeli injured soldiers, who provide immediate and long term need to IDF soldiers sacrificing their lives for the safety of the Jewish people. Ohad speaks about his upcoming trip to Los Angeles with a Brothers For Life delegation. A true hero on 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...

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 Chri...

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, R...

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.