G.O.A.T.

G.O.A.T. Timeline: Jerusalem, Israel, Sunday, January 31 Abraham Twerski, Hassidic rabbi and psychiatrist, dies at 90 As a Jewish educator, I've been asked, more times than I can remember, “What is your favorite book of Torah commentary?” My answer has consistently been: Rabbi Dr. Abraham J. Twerski's coffee table book on the Chumash. Personally, I have read and been inspired by so many of Rabbi Twerski's books on self-esteem, personal growth, addiction, recovery, and rehabilitation. His passing last week has left a tremendous void in the Torah world as well in the medical community. He authored his 90th book just a week before his passing at the age of 90! Rabbi Twerski was also a musical composer. Amazingly, a testament to his great humility, the rabbi left clear instructions in his will that no eulogies be delivered at his funeral. Instead, he requested that his family sing a song that he composed. The lyrics of one of King David's Psalms, asking G-d to eternally lift up the downtrodden, was the legacy that he lived by and was sung by his family and friends as this 90-year journey of faith, hope and altruism came to a close. Timeline: Tampa, Florida February 7, 2021 TOM BRADY, TAMPA BAY BUCS WIN SUPER BOWL LV, Destroy The Chiefs Since Tom Brady's fantastic Super Bowl performance on Sunday, there has been a tremendous buzz about Brady passing Michael Jordan and securing his place as the GOAT (Greatest of all Time) in the world of professional sports. I can’t help contrasting the headlines of these past two weekends, the life and legacy of Rabbi Dr. Twerski, and the legacy of Tom Brady. I agree with the pundits: at 43 years old, Brady gets my vote as GOAT in the world of sports. I also have a confession to make: I did not watch the Super Bowl, but I did watch the official 12-minute NFL Super Bowl highlights video. Watching Tom Brady was like watching both a master surgeon and artist. The way he calmly and masterfully released the football before the defensive line could touch him, with poise and skill, managing to connect the football with the hands of Rob Gronkowski time and again, was amazing to see. But in the game of life, my GOAT vote goes to Rabbi Dr. Twerski. The lives that he touched, the people that he saved, and his unbelievable sphere of influence are truly mind blowing. In one area, both the good rabbi and the great QB deserve equal honorable mention. In my opinion, one of Brady's greatest qualities is the fact that he was not born into greatness. From his humble beginnings as a high schooler who wasn’t even good enough to be a starter on his JV team, to his start in his professional career, where 198 other players were picked ahead of him in the NFL draft, the road to a seven-time Super Bowl champ was one of hard work, flexibility (from New England to Tampa), and determination. Rabbi Twerski began his career as a rabbi, but didn’t feel inspired with this choice. He felt that he couldn’t live up to his illustrious father and ancestors, and decided to make a career change to psychiatrist, in the hopes that this position would allow him to reach and help more people. He worked hard and blazed a trail to the top of his field, and became recognized as an international authority in the world of chemical dependency. Each of these men succeeded by pushing themselves forward in new and unfamiliar territory. Each had to find his own way. And both of them did. King Solomon writes "The Righteous fall seven times, then they rise up again." As high as the stakes are in the Super Bowl, they are nothing compared to the stakes that we face every single day in the game of life. What defines us are not the mistakes we make but getting back up. After a difficult day, if we get up the next morning, put one foot in front of the other and a smile on our face, we are truly worthy of GOAT status. (Somebody tell that to Patrick Mahomes!) Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Koval