‘Rabbinical Rad’ Story Uncovers Another Surfer
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I enjoyed the June 27 article “Rabbinical Rad,” but I must take issue with the opening line, which described Nachum Shifren as “L.A.’s only surfing rabbi.” You see, I am also an L.A. rabbi who surfs.
Born in Los Angeles, I started surfing the local waves as a youngster and continued until years later when I began rabbinical training that removed me from this area.
While I was studying in Israel, my parents disposed of my surfboard. I thought that was the final blow to my surfing career. But I returned to Los Angeles and, after a 10-year hiatus from the sport, my yeshiva pal, Dave (The Wave) Adler, helped persuade me to resume surfing.
Although my schedule working for a prominent Orthodox Jewish organization does not afford me much free time, The Wave and I try to set aside at least one sunrise or sunset every week for loading up our boards, searching out a remote beach and catching the surf.
So please consider that the next time you print the word “only.”
RABBI HERSHEL REMER
Los Angeles
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