On Sunday, February 8, during the Super Bowl halftime show, the annual Halftime for Torah program offered an inspiring Torah-focused alternative to the traditional halftime entertainment. Conceived by Rabbi Eytan Feiner, Rav of Congregation Kneseth Israel (the White Shul) in Far Rockaway, the event has run every year since 2019, providing meaningful inspiration coordinated by Chazaq.
The program featured a series of powerful speakers who drew lessons from football and life.
Rabbi Gavriel Friedman, a prominent lecturer, opened by teaching that when a tzaddik falls, he rises even higher. Challenges and struggles, he explained, are opportunities for growth, enabling us to elevate ourselves. The Hebrew word for “test,” nisayon, shares a root with neis (banner or miracle), symbolizing how overcoming trials turns them into a banner of achievement. Rather than resenting difficulties, we should thank Hashem for the chance to draw closer to Him.
Rabbi Paysach Krohn, a renowned mohel, author, and speaker, drew three key lessons from the Super Bowl itself. First, he noted, participants don’t merely experience the game; they grow through intense preparation, with players undergoing hundreds of drills over years of training. This underscores the need for thorough preparation in all our endeavors. To illustrate, Rabbi Krohn displayed hundreds of index cards filled with sources he researches meticulously for his own speeches.
Second, he pointed out that a typical football team employs around 12 specialized coaches – one for each position, such as quarterback or defense. This highlights the importance of having a personal rav or rosh yeshivah to guide us spiritually in life.
Third, success demands unwavering focus and concentration, free from distractions. Failure is inevitable, but like a quarterback who gets tackled and rises again, we must persevere and refuse to give up.
Henry Rothenberg, Esq., a sought-after speaker, shared a poignant exchange. A rav hosting Australian students was asked how to combat rising anti-Semitism in Australia and on college campuses. His response: “Date only Jewish and marry Jewish.” He explained that while Hashem has promised the Jewish people’s eternal survival, that promise depends on us avoiding assimilation, which could lead to our own extinction. Rothenberg emphasized that we are all influencers in others’ lives and must demonstrate genuine passion for Torah, mitzvos, and study – because true passion is contagious and can inspire those around us.
Rabbi Yoel Gold, a well-known speaker and storyteller, presented an emotional video recounting the story of a young woman named Devorah who had drifted from observance. After moving alone from Israel to the United States, she chose to observe Yom Kippur and felt profoundly close to Hashem that day. Soon after, she fell victim to a scam and lost her entire savings – money she had set aside to attend the Nova Festival with friends on October 7. Devastated and feeling abandoned, she grew angry at Hashem. But when she learned of the tragedy at Nova, she realized that Hashem had protected her from disaster. Remarkably, the bank later recovered her funds. The powerful message: Hashem is always watching over us, even when His protection is not immediately apparent.
This uplifting annual program serves as a meaningful and appropriate alternative to the conventional halftime show, delivering Torah insights instead of entertainment that may not align with our values.
Special thanks to Chazaq and Rabbi Feiner for organizing this enriching and timely initiative.
