Video: Jtube: Yuri Foreman's Two Worlds

Published: May 15, 2010

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Visitor Comments: 21

(20) Anonymous, May 28, 2010 4:39 PM

What is a Rabbi

I don't think there is anything wrong with enjoying a sport like boxing, but I do know that there are lots of negative things for a persons Neshoma when he invloves himself in these types of activities, such as the people watching the boxing match. Like it said above, Rav Moshe clarified that its ok, as long as it dosn't damage a persons Neshoma. If there is, then it is best that a person stays away from the threats posed to people who attend this sport. Its very difficult to balance both being a fully, Torah observant jew, and at the same time jeopardizing ones spiritual being. I also don't feel that a person should be learning to be a Rabbi, someone who is supposed to be at a high spiritual, and at the same time hanging around alot of growse people drinking and dressing immodesly.

Bendecho, May 15, 2012 6:17 PM

What? If you are at a high level of boxing and not doing it in some grubby back room with a bunch of thugs - as he is not- then there is NO drinking involved and what's to say that boxers are shabby people? Its just your pampered media influenced perception that they are - stop watching Rocky. There is nothing wrong with this and the fact that you would say there is when a learned Rabbi says there is not just shows your arrogance and closed mindedness.

(19) Robert Tucker, May 28, 2010 3:16 AM

mistake in report

The announcer states the fight will take place Saturday night at which time tefillin will be exchanged for tape on the hands of the boxer. Jewcy should know tefillin are never worn on Shabbat and only at the morning serice on weekdays. Tsk Tsk

(18) YISHIAYA, May 25, 2010 10:35 AM

What is a rabbi

There may not be anything wrong with being a Jewish boxer. But as a Rabbi who is at a high spiritual level you would want to avoid seeing women dressed as they are in a arena the words they say and so on. I do appreciate what Yuri's doing but a rabbi is not a job it a life something you do at the full from inside you can't learn how to be one.

(17) hey, May 18, 2010 5:33 PM

Rabbi

Rav Moses Fienstean was asked a similar question and he responded,"as long as there is no permanent damage, and that he makes money it is OK. A rabbi once asked him If it was ok to play ball with the kids and his reply was,"are you Good?"

(16) shaya dank, May 18, 2010 5:07 AM

absolutely amazing! never seen anything like it

(15) David of Spain, May 18, 2010 4:30 AM

It's doesn't matter what kind of professionalism a man has

It's NOT what this guy wants, it's what God WANTS. There's nothing wrong for a young Rabbi being a boxer. To me, that's an image of backbone for God. Every man needs to be willing to fight for his family, and for God, and take a punch. Besides, the question is: Why are you questioning GOD? There's ALWAYS a reason we don't even comprehend. Best to attempt to understand other person's perspective than be critical.

(14) Al Roth, May 18, 2010 4:27 AM

Anonymous# 6

Reading his comments on Yuri and his occupation, gives me the impression he looks at things through Rose Colored Glasses...When God spoke and said i will smite him, hip and thigh or an eye for an eye, who was he saying this to? Will you comment on God saying this? Well, since it is God, he can. I wonder if God was an Orthadox Jew. And all the wars, that were fought, in his name, i guess that was not right...Im one of Yuri Foremans managers..

(13) Pleasant, May 18, 2010 3:27 AM

This is correct and true.

This is what every jew must be from now on in order to survive. We are God's own who teach, but sometimes we must fight for what is right. We must protect it from those who would like it to cease to exhist. We are chosen to make sure it will continue. This is our job. There can be no such thing as a weak Jew anymore.

(12) Darryl, May 18, 2010 1:19 AM

No contradiction

I have been a kickboxer for 24 years, have taught for several and am a Rabbi myself so I can completely identify with Yuri and his living in 2 worlds. My marital arts keeps me fit, enabling me to have the energy for my ministerial duties and gives me opportunities to share spiritual insights with people who don't really have much spirituality. May G-d continue to sustain Yuri in all his endeavours and find truth wherever he looks.

(11) Walter E Lee, May 17, 2010 7:31 PM

Yuri Forman

Is Yuri Russian for George? He could be successful as a boxer, but more so as a grill salesman.

(10) Anonymous, May 17, 2010 5:53 PM

to #7

it's a good thing God doesnt judge as harshly as you do...we'd all be in deep trouble. We are all on a journey. Yuri is, without a doubt also on one. A Jew who is rediscovering his roots and his birthright. He is not a finished product as we are not. why not welcome him and support his obviously righteous desire to connect with something deeper?

(9) Manny L, May 17, 2010 5:49 PM

Build self confidense to better serve HASHEM.

The restriction to raising your hands is anger. So calm down, respect your opponent & remember to duck.

(8) Anonymous, May 17, 2010 5:23 PM

I just want to clarify that tefillin are not worn on Shabbat.

(7) laiv, May 17, 2010 5:08 PM

this is wonderful

What a wonderful blend of the 2 worlds we all live in. There are Rabbis who are into martial arts, and lets not forget that throughout the Tanach we see Israel was a nation that could fight and defend itself. Does anyone think that the armies of Israel did/does not practice with each other to hone their fighting skills. To raise a hand in unjustified anger is forbidden. For 2 people to enter a ring with a common understanding and goal, under common rules and fore knowledge of what to expect is not wrong. If only more of our people would learn from this young man and add a life searving Hashem to their work and everyday life.

(6) Anonymous, May 17, 2010 3:04 PM

knock out for the spirit of the Torah

Tthis is so very antithetical to the spirit of the Torah, and most likely covered by specific prohibitions. EG I dont think the prohibition against raising hands to strike someone is only against fellow Jews -- there is a wellknown mitzva prohibiting "tza'ar ba'alei chaim"--not to cause pain/anguish to animals. So how can he continue to perfect his skills in hurting a human being?!? I think it's a distortion

(5) Moe, May 17, 2010 2:46 PM

Why question him?

Maybe it's not Jewish to be a boxer, and maybe it is. Maybe he wears a Yarmulka when he fights, maybe he doesn't. Does it make a difference for Yuri? That's a personal question he should ask himself but not one we should be asking him. Let's applaud his commitment and his drive to Judaism and to his successes. I don't box and I do wear a Yarmulka, but I only wish that I had the drive to grow in my relationship with the Almighty as this man clearly does. I pray that he should grow to be the best Jew that he can be no matter what he wraps around his hands.

(4) Anonymous, May 16, 2010 11:59 PM

does he wear a kippa when hes boxing? if not is that allowed? also isnt it wrong to raise ones hand to hit another jew ,so if he's boxing another jew is that ok?

(3) Anonymous, May 16, 2010 6:02 PM

Go get him

I hope you win. It will be a tough fight but Foreman has the drive to go all the way and he has beaten the fighter who beat his opponent. It will be a home crowd for his opponent but it will not matter much. Yuri can go the distance. He is a true champion.

(2) Anonymous, May 16, 2010 2:53 PM

???

I'm not sure how religous this man can be if in Jewish tradition we don't want to play a part in violence. By boxing, that is exactly what he is doing so I'm not sure.

(1) Anonymous, May 16, 2010 10:18 AM

really

is he really training to be a rabbi - or is that just a misunderstanding?

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