Rabbi On The Sidelines

Noam Yitzchaki, of the Israel Tennis and Education Center joins Rabbi Sherman to share the story of how the tennis center allows all children in Israel to dream for a better future. From inclusion of athletes with disabilities to bridging countries after the Abraham Accords to saving children at risk, the Israel Tennis and Education Center has brought together Jews, Christians, and Muslims, from all walks of life to play a sport that unites the world.

Coach Ryan Coleman, of the Shalhevet Firehawks, and his all star-players, Yalee Schwartz and Arielle Grossman, join Rabbi Sherman to share their journey of becoming the first Jewish basketball team in the California to win a state championship. How has this team bonded over sports and religion? What message do they send the next generation of basketball players? What has Coach Coleman learned from his team of deep faith? What life lessons have they learned from him?

Seth Davis, CBS Sports studio analyst, author at The Athletic, senior writer at Sports Illustrated, author of New York Times best selling book, speaks with Rabbi Sherman about his experience meeting top coaches and athletes, what makes them succeed and how they deal with failure. Where does faith fit into their lives? How do they overcome their adversity and challenges while also celebrating their accomplishments?

Joe Alexander and Barak Swarttz speaks with Rabbi Sherman to explain how the worlds of basketball and Israel intersect in a deep way. Joe was the 8th pick in the 2008 NBA draft and then became a Maccabi Tel Aviv star after making aliyah and rediscovering his Jewish roots. Joe and Barak explain how other young kids in America can dream of a professional basketball career in the land of Israel. This summer, Joe and Barak will visit Sinai Temple with their new camp, Jabstep. https://www.jabstepbasketball.com/sinai

Make sure to sign your children up today!

Jason and Randy Sklar, known as the Sklar Brothers, hosts of The View From The Cheap Seats podcast, and the show, Cheap Seats on ESPN Classic, speak with Rabbi Sherman about the intersection of comedy, sports, and faith. The Sklar Brothers teach us how to use humor in our lives to not take ourselves so seriously, while also learning deep lessons of life from humorous situations. Is a game just a game, or does sports bring people together to laugh and cry?

Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt, the chaplain of the Loyola Chicago Ramblers basketball team speaks with Rabbi Sherman about her newly released book, "Wake Up With Purpose: What I've Learned In My First One Hundred Years." Sister Jean explains the value that religion can bring to the world of sports, the power of prayer and the ability to talk to God, and the way in which spiritual health can bring humanity together. Sister Jean, the most famous person in the 2018 March Madness NCAA Tournament details how her overnight celebrity status was simply continuing the small acts of kindness she brings to her work each day.

Jason Benetti, FOX Sports, ESPN, and Chicago White Sox broadcaster, speaks with Rabbi Sherman about the lessons he has learned about himself through his journey with cerebral palsy, how his band director set him up for his journey to the broadcast booth, and what it is like to make the big call for an invisible audience.

Prof. David Hollander, Clinical Professor with the Tisch Institute for Global Sport at NYU, and author of "How Basketball Can Save The World," speaks with Rabbi Sherman about the real life lessons that are derived from the 13 principles of basketball from which James Naismith created the game. How do these 13 principles relate to solving the problems of loneliness, immigration, racism, and more?  Get your PHD in basketball and learn about how we an improve the world.

Father Robert Hagan, of Villanova University, speaks with Rabbi Sherman about the spirituality he brings to the Villanova University campus, in particular to the basketball and football teams. He has cut down the nets in 2016 and 2018, and has guided young athletes both on and off the court, during their time in college and beyond. What lessons do we learn from the locker room sanctuary?

Josh Altman, reality TV star of Bravo's Million Dollar Listing, author of It's Your Move and The Altman Close, and place-kicker of Big East Champion Syracuse University Orange, speaks with Rabbi Sherman about his own faith journey, the powerful lessons that sports has taught him through both his highs and lows in the real estate industry, and the tools for success for the next generation to work hard and do good for the world.

Len Elmore, University of Maryland All-American, NBA veteran, Harvard trained attorney, long time college basketball broadcaster, and Columbia University professor of athletes and activism, speaks with Rabbi Sherman about the transformative power athletes can have in society at large. What responsibility do athletes have to be involved in causes of justice? What is the difference between community service and activism? 

Meyers Leonard, NBA veteran and University of Illinois star, speaks with Rabbi Erez Sherman, about his spiritual transformation after hurting the Jewish community with difficult words in March 2021. Meyers explains his process and how the Jewish community has helped him heal and bring more love into the world. Just a day after Leonard's exclusive interview on ESPN's Outside The Lines with Jeremy Schaap, Meyers visited Sinai Temple, spoke with the children of Sinai Akiba Academy and sat for a one on one interview with Rabbi Sherman.

Gary Belsky, ESPN The Magazine, New York Times Best Selling Author, "On The Origin Of Sports" speaks with Rabbi Sherman on the power of storytelling. What stories do we tell and for what purpose? How do our stories raise others up? Belsky also explains how the sports we know and love came into being and if this history has impact on how we watch sports today.

Steve Rosenberg, author of "Make Bold Things Happen," and chairman of the Philadelphia Jewish Sports Hall of Fame speaks with Rabbi Sherman about how the lessons of winning and losing in the world of sports can translate to success in life. How do you get to know your neighbors by playing sports with them? Who do you meet that will connect you to the next opportunitiy in your life?

Elissa Sagoskin, who grew up in Philadelphia, PA, was always involved with sports as a child, attending Barrack Academy. Her love of sports took her to University of Maryland, where she played intramural basketball. After making aliyah, she met the sport of flag football, where she has been a representative of the State of Israel on and off the field. What lessons has she learned from sports and from life? What role can sports play in bringing people together?

Shaun Tomson, 1977 world champion surfer, and author of The Surfer And The Sage, joins Rabbi Sherman to learn about the meaning of "riding a wave." how do we paddle back out after wiping out? How do we find purpose over fear? How do we write our "CODE," to live a meaningful life? learn the secrets of the sea.

Andy Hill, UCLA basketball player in 1970-1972, under the legend, Coach John Wooden, joins Rabbi Sherman to speak about the lessons he learned from Coach Wooden and his pyramid of success. Decades later, Andy Hill returns to Coach Wooden to thank him for the lessons that led him through challenge and success.

Meredith Shiner, accomplished journalist and communications expert speaks with Rabbi Erez Sherman about her newly released podcast, hosted by Tablet, The Franchise: Jews, Sports, and America. What story can sports tell about the role that Jews play in the history of America. What does Sandy Koufax represent and who are the new models that we look towards today?

Jay Bilas, ESPN College Basketball Analyst, speaks with Rabbi Sherman about his inspiring trip to Israel, accompanying the Auburn University Tigers and Coach Bruce Pearl to the land of Israel, to see the home of the Abrahamic faiths.

James Andrew Miller joins Rabbi Sherman to speak about the faith it takes to give someone a chance to dream big, make mistakes, and eventually succeed. James Andrew Miller is an investigative journalist, host of the podcast, Origins, and author of New York Times bestselling books.

Kevin Warren, Commissioner of The Big Ten Conference, and Adam Neumann, Chief of Staff of the Big Ten Conference, join Rabbi Erez Sherman to speak about their deep faith that led their journeys to intersect, how faith has led Commissioner Warren to create the greatest conference in college sports, and how we can keep our dreams alive if we allow our lives to be in God's hands.

Andre Drummond, of the Chicago Bulls, joins Rabbi Sherman to speak about the faith it takes to be successful and to stay successful in the NBA. How does the NBA platform provide an opportunity for athletes to make a greater difference in society? What does it take to be an NBA All-Star?

James Donaldson, 14 year NBA veteran, NBA All-Star, and author of "Standing Above The Crowd" and "Celebrating Your Gift of Life" shares in conversation with Rabbi Sherman about the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. From an NBA All-Star life to a life of suicidal thoughts and depression, his faith in himself, God and others kept him alive.

Noah Eagle, voice of the Los Angeles Clippers, and graduate of Syracuse University, Newhouse School of Communications, joins Rabbi Sherman to speak about the faith he has had on his journey following in the footsteps of his father, the great broadcaster, Ian Eagle, jumping from college to be the voice of an NBA team, replacing the legendary Ralph Lawler.

Coach Matt Sayman, of Grapevine Faith Christian School, and of Baylor basketball, speaks with Rabbi Sherman about the role faith plays in his life. As a member of the Baylor basketball team during the 2003 scandal where a teammate murdered another teammate, how did the faith that Matt knew that led him to a blessed life play a role in his life during and after the scandal? Through challenge and achievement, Sayman finds his faith again-a story of redemption.

Coach Elliot Steinmetz, Yeshiva University basketball coach, who held a 50 game win streak, speaks with Rabbi Erez Sherman on the tools it takes to build a successful basketball program with high level Jewish learning. Over the past few years, Yeshiva University has gained recognition as one of the best college programs with players of the highest character. 

Andrea Kremer, Emmy Award winner, Thursday Night Football Broadcaster, HBO Sports with Bryant Gumbel, Pro Football Hall of Famer, reporter at 25 Super Bowls, NBA Finals, Major League All-Star Games, NCAA Tournament, Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Olympics, and more, speaks with Rabbi Sherman about faith in the world of sports-in the locker room, in the broadcast booth, and on the field.

Miss Val, Pac 12 Coach of The Century, 7 time NCAA Championships, 29 Pac-12 titles, UCLA Athletic Hall of Fame, and author of "Life Is Short, Don't Wait To Dance," joins Rabbi Sherman to speak about the faith in building championship teams, accepting failure, and learning to life your life of passion.

Tom Rinaldi, 16 time Sports Emmy Award winner, FOX Sports journalist, and author of New York Times Bestseller, "The Red Bandana," speaks with Rabbi Sherman on the skills needed to tell stories of the soul, how stories lead to understanding of each other, and how stories from sports are filled with elements of faith.

David Samson, exec VP of Montreal Expos, President of Miami Marlins, World Series Champion 2003, and host of the Nothing Personal podcast, joins Rabbi Sherman to discuss the key to building championship teams, the role of faith in the clubhouse, and the value of time in our lives.

Mark Greenberg, 4 time All-American at Johns Hopkins, and founder of lacrosse in Israel, joins Rabbi Sherman to discuss the values of the sport of lacrosse, how he brought the sport to Israel and how his faith and sports journey intersect.

Mia Raskin, daughter of a Conservative Rabbi, and basketball player at Binghamton University, speaks with Rabbi Sherman on her journey to division 1 basketball as a Shabbat observant Jew, her passion for faith and sports, and her leadership in being a role model for other young women looking to stay strong in their faith and their on court performance.

Maiya Edelson, Columbia University and Israeli National Softball team, and director of University of Texas Hillel speaks with Rabbi Sherman on how her faith and athletic career go hand in hand. The granddaughter of a rabbi, the daughter of Israeli parents, Maiya has thrived in the world of Jewish leadership and athletics. What challenges did she face? how does she create the next generation of leaders on campus?

Jeff Passan, Major League Baseball Insider at ESPN, joins Rabbi Sherman to speak about the end of the Major League Baseball Lockout, what it takes to be a Major League all star, and how does a journalist take the responsibility of telling baseball's story to the generations to come.

Josh Rawitch, President of National Baseball Hall of Fame, speaks with Rabbi Sherman about the hallowed halls of Cooperstown. What does it take to make it to the hall of fame? How does the history of baseball intersect with the history of the United States? What message can baseball teach our young people today? How does his faith impact the decisions he makes at the Hall of Fame?

Johnathan Franklin, 4000 yard rusher for UCLA, Green Bay Packers running back, and Social Justice Director of the LA Rams, talks to Rabbi Sherman about the important connection between faith and football. How do we tackle the challenges facing our communities with the same strength we use to tackle on the football field?

Ernie Johnson, Inside the NBA on TNT, 7-time Emmy Award winner, author of Unscripted, and a man of deep faith, shares his faith journey through achievement, trial, tribulation, and accomplishment A cancer survivor, a father of a special needs son, a man who walks the walk; Ernie Johnson the man of faith inspires us all.

Sherry Levin, Jewish All-American at Holy Cross, New England Hall of Fame, head coach of USA Women's Maccabi team, joins Rabbi Sherman to discuss the importance of a pre-game speech, her strong connection to Israel, how she motivates young women off and on the court to be a light unto others, and how her faith has inspired her through challenging times. 

Mike Gminski NBA Veteran and ACC Network Broadcaster joins Rabbi Erez Sherman of Sinai Temple to discuss the role of faith in times of success and hardship. Gminski speaks about how his personal conviction to faith influenced his mindset as an NBA player through pre-game prayer sessions in the locker room, as well as how it has served as his anchor in dealing with addiction  following the loss of a loved one.

Ben Zauzmer, Assistant GM of the New York Mets, and author of "Oscarmetrics" joins Rabbi Sherman to discuss the role of analytics in predicting the Oscars and helping shape the culture of a major league baseball team. Ben, through his journey of faith in Jewish camps and synagogue life, takes us behind the scenes into the locker room and onto the field.

Doron Sheffer, Israeli and UCONN Husky basketball legend, joins Rabbi Erez Sherman to discuss his faith journey from the court to the synagogue, from Israel to the United States, from a life of achievement through a life of challenges. What is the meaning of victory?

Steve Springer, LA Lakers historian, LA Times journalist, author of 14 books, and member of the Jewish Sports Hall of Fame in Southern California, joins Rabbi Sherman to discuss faith behind the scenes of the Showtime Lakers--Magic, Kobe, and Lebron, and more stories never heard before.

Justin Borses, who has lived his life with Cerebral Palsy, and has achieved his dream of sports broadcasting, speaks with Rabbi Sherman on how his faith and his community has allowed him to reach great heights and inspire others to tell their stories.

Dan Grunfeld, son of Ernie Grunfeld, the only NBA player who is the son of Holocaust survivors, joins Rabbi Sherman to speak about his newly released book, "By The Grace Of The Game." Basketball, the Holocaust, and the unprecedented American dream come together in this moving narrative of a grandmother, father, and grandson.

Dr. Jeffrey Gurock, professor of Jewish history, at Yeshiva University, and author of Judaism's Encounter with American Sports, speaks with Rabbi Sherman about how sports can be used as a metaphor to put a marker on Jewish acceptance in American society. Amazing, never before heard stories of the American Jewish experience through the world of sports.

Jay Bilas, ESPN college basketball analyst and New York Times best selling author speaks with Rabbi Sherman about his book "Toughness" and the principles related to faith, belief, and hope.

Dani Menkin, director of On The Map, and Aulcie, speaks with Rabbi Sherman about the important role that sports plays in the relationship between Israel and the Diaspora. How does a simple game impact the image of Israel around the world?

Elsa Garrison, world famous Getty Images sports photographer has covered the World Series, NBA and Stanley Cup Finals, Olympics, US Open, World Cup and more. What is the story behind the best sports photos you see? How are they captured and how does the audience react? Elsa discusses with Rabbi Sherman the faith behind the lens.

Ariana Berlin, UCLA Champion gymnast, feature of Netflix's Full Out, and award winning producer, speaks of how to overcome adversity, mental health and faith aspects in the world of sports, and how her Jewish identity and personal narrative has shaped her life story.

Jimmy Dykes, ESPN college basketball analyst and author of recently published book, "The Film Doesn't Lie," joins Rabbi Sherman to discuss his deep faith, in and out of the broadcast booth, the heroes and inspiring people he has met on this journey, and how we can watch our life film to gain insight into our own faith.

Lenny Krayzelburg, US Olympic swimmer and 4 time gold medal winner, joins Rabbi Sherman to share his journey from Russia to the United States, the importance of his Jewish identity, his connection to the State of Israel, and the importance of swimming in his and our lives.

Scott O'Neil, CEO of the Philadelphia 76ers and the New Jersey Devils, and author of newly released book, "Be Where Your Feet Are," joins Rabbi Sherman to speak about his achievements and challenges as head of Madison Square Garden, the faith he lives out in his daily life, and how to be grateful and happy all at once. 

Arnie Kander, world renown strength and conditioning coach for the Detroit Pistons, speaks with Rabbi Sherman about spirituality, faith, and physicality on and off the court of championship teams.

Ken Levine, Emmy award winning writer/producer of Cheers, MASH, Simpsons, The Jeffersons, and more, as well as Major League Baseball announcer for the Orioles, Mariners, Padres, and Dodger talk, speaks with Rabbi Sherman on the guiding values that led him into a path of entertainment and sports. How do you tell a story and how do you create a story? How do you make people laugh in a serious world?

Jacob Emrani, speaks with Rabbi Sherman about the meaning of giving back, on and off the court. How did his upbringing impact his path to a passion of sports, faith, and philanthropy.

Ty Kelly, of the New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, and Israel Olympic Baseball team speaks with Rabbi Sherman about faith on and off the field, in and out of the clubhouse. What is the difference between playing for a Major League Team and representing the State of Israel for the Jewish people around the world?

Jason Horowitz, Westwood One and CBS Sports host, has hosted Super Bowls, Final Fours, Olympics and more. He speaks about his own personal journey of loss and hope, what sports means to the greater world, and the power of connection between people.

Dr. Jeff Mangram joins Rabbi Sherman to discuss the impact of faith on and off the field. As a Sugar Bowl participant in the 1987 national Championship, Dr. Mangram describes the belief it took to get to the highest level. He has also achieved that level in the classroom, mentoring the next generation of students to be leaders.

Dave Cohen, Yankees play by play announcer, WFAN radio host, Syracuse basketball and football broadcaster, mentor to a generation of broadcasters, speaks of how he brings faith into the open, inspiring fans and athletes alike.

Joe Lunardi, ESPN Bracketologist, joins Rabbi Erez Sherman to look at the return of March Madness and the look towards the future. What joy does sports bring into our lives, how do you not take your life too seriously, and what lessons can we take from the science of Bracketology into the world of faith?

Coach Matt Doherty, former head coach of the University of North Carolina and Notre Dame, and new author of "Rebound: From Pain To Passion," joins Rabbi Sherman, to hear how faith gets each of us through challenge. How do we listen better? How do we forgive others and also forgive ourselves? Doherty was teammate of Michael Jordan, won an NCAA Championship, and now inspires all of his audiences with inspiration, faith, and hope.

Jori Esptein, USA Today NFL reporter of the Dallas Cowboys, and author of newly released Holocaust memoir, the Upstander, joins Rabbi Erez Sherman, on Yom Hashoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day. Jori shares her strong connection to her faith, her commitment to telling the story of the Holocaust, and her ability to tell deep stories on and off the field. 

Mark Johnson, Voice of the Colorado Buffaloes, joins Rabbi Sherman to speak about his life as a broadcaster, preacher, father of a special needs child, and a man of faith.

ESPN and Laker analyst, NBA journalist, author, and Lebron James expert, joins Rabbi Sherman on Rabbi On The Sidelines, to discuss the lessons he has learned from interviewing Kobe Bryant and Lebron James one on one, the faith aspect that he sees in the NBA, and the role of the journalist in 2021.

Dave Sims, Emmy Award winning broadcaster, Seattle Mariners play by play, and college basketball and football analyst, joins Rabbi Sherman on his take of faith and sports of over 3 decades in the sports world. What changes has Dave seen that has made a difference in society? What is the role of the storyteller?

Tamir Goodman, the Jewish Jordan, joins Rabbi Erez Sherman to speak about the importance of faith on the sports journey. Where did he go after University of Maryland? How has basketball shaped his life's journey?--And a surprise visit by NBA lottery pick Mike Sweetney!

Coach Seth Greenberg joins Rabbi Sherman to speak about sports and faith. How do you face anti-semitism and racism on and off the court? How does sports impact the lives of young athletes? How does your connection to Israel shape your experience? What stories make an impact on the air?

Talia Caldwell, Cal-Berkeley alum, Final Four participant, WNBA and Israeli and European professional basketball player, writer, and community activist, joins Rabbis Sherman to discuss the power of the Bible and the ball, the difference athletes can make in their won communities, and the impact the female athlete has in the world of social justice.

College basketball and Major League Baseball Play by Play Broadcaster joins Rabbi Sherman as he discusses his participation in the Maccabiah Games in Israel, the games that he has broadcasted that have made history, life lessons on and off the court, and how to live a purposeful life while fulfilling your dreams.

College basketball analyst Andy Katz joins Rabbi Sherman as he discusses the role of faith he sees in college basketball, when it's allowed and when it's not, what the key is to successful journalism and more.

Chelsea Hopkins, Israeli MVP, star at Duke and San Diego St. joins Rabbi Erez Sherman to speak about her strong faith, love of Israel, and racial justice in the sports world.

Steve Hyder, Syracuse basketball and football broadcasting legend, along with play by play for Pawtucket Red Sox, speaks of his faith during his kidney transplant, what it is like to live with faith during a serious illness, and how faith and sports intersect on and off the court.

Eric Devendorf, All Big East, Syracuse University, 2005-2009, joins Rabbi Sherman to tell us what it means to be a community activist.

Eric also details the 6OT game vs UCONN and his experience playing professionally in the land of Israel.