OMG. This is amazing. Did I ever think I would care about a column about football? I did not. Do I care about this column? Yes, I do, and strongly, deeply. That’s because it’s not really about football at all. Or, OK, not entirely. Your ability to create something meaningful and important out of what’s ostensibly a Super Bowl column is [chef’s kiss]. Absolutely love it.
When people talk about traveling to the past, they worry about radically changing the present by doing something small, but barely anyone in the present really thinks that they can radically the future by doing something small.
You remind me of Herbie Bookbinder’s cousin, Cliff, from Herman Wouk’s “City Boy”. Cliff knew EVERY stat for baseball games. And Cliff could dance like an angel. I hope your team wins tonight. The unknown person in the parable is very intriguing. I’ll bet he’s driven scholars crazy for centuries. I think he was an angel. Enjoy tonight!
Thanks, Claudia. The traditional commentators agree on it being an angel. I’m not so sure God is pulling the strings so directly, though that is the thrust of the narrative. Joseph certainly thinks so.
Thank you once again Rabbi, for your incredible ability to weave biblical wisdom into the world around us—especially through the lens of sports, which brings people together in such a powerful way!
Your reflection on the unidentified man in Genesis 37 truly resonated with me. It’s odd how often we overlook the small actions and strangers who, in hindsight, change everything. Your insight gives me a fresh appreciation for Joseph’s journey—not just as a story of faith, perseverance and forgiveness but as a reminder that nothing happens by accident. Whether he was an angel or an ordinary passerby, he played a role that set history in motion, much like the unsung heroes in our own lives.
And of course, I loved the connection to American football! The idea that a single moment, a single decision, or an unexpected detour can lead to something extraordinary—even a legendary comeback—is both humbling and inspiring.
Thank you for your wisdom, your humor, and for always making these lessons so engaging and meaningful. Wishing you a wonderful Super Bowl Sunday!
OMG. This is amazing. Did I ever think I would care about a column about football? I did not. Do I care about this column? Yes, I do, and strongly, deeply. That’s because it’s not really about football at all. Or, OK, not entirely. Your ability to create something meaningful and important out of what’s ostensibly a Super Bowl column is [chef’s kiss]. Absolutely love it.
Thanks, Beth!
It reminds me of this science fiction version:
When people talk about traveling to the past, they worry about radically changing the present by doing something small, but barely anyone in the present really thinks that they can radically the future by doing something small.
You remind me of Herbie Bookbinder’s cousin, Cliff, from Herman Wouk’s “City Boy”. Cliff knew EVERY stat for baseball games. And Cliff could dance like an angel. I hope your team wins tonight. The unknown person in the parable is very intriguing. I’ll bet he’s driven scholars crazy for centuries. I think he was an angel. Enjoy tonight!
Thanks, Claudia. The traditional commentators agree on it being an angel. I’m not so sure God is pulling the strings so directly, though that is the thrust of the narrative. Joseph certainly thinks so.
Thank you once again Rabbi, for your incredible ability to weave biblical wisdom into the world around us—especially through the lens of sports, which brings people together in such a powerful way!
Your reflection on the unidentified man in Genesis 37 truly resonated with me. It’s odd how often we overlook the small actions and strangers who, in hindsight, change everything. Your insight gives me a fresh appreciation for Joseph’s journey—not just as a story of faith, perseverance and forgiveness but as a reminder that nothing happens by accident. Whether he was an angel or an ordinary passerby, he played a role that set history in motion, much like the unsung heroes in our own lives.
And of course, I loved the connection to American football! The idea that a single moment, a single decision, or an unexpected detour can lead to something extraordinary—even a legendary comeback—is both humbling and inspiring.
Thank you for your wisdom, your humor, and for always making these lessons so engaging and meaningful. Wishing you a wonderful Super Bowl Sunday!
To you as well, Pattie. Watch Mitchell’s TEDx video, if you haven’t. It really ties together all these themes. A really good man.
Be the coffee bean. He is inspirational indeed, I'm verklempt now! Thanks for sharing Rabbi.