Malibu Surfer to Surfing Rabbi!
Growing up under the spell of one of the worlds most coveted surf spots, Norm Shifty Shifren risks missing his own bar mitzvah to take his first shaky ride at the mecca of surfdom Malibu Beach. A rebelious teen who barely acknowledged his spiritual roots, Shifren pursues his dream of becoming a big-wave surfer, lifeguard and triathlete.
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Surf N' Soul Testimonials
| "Guilt and Pleasure Magazine" Surfing Article, Issue #5, Summer 2007 |
What They Are Saying About "Surf N' Soul"...
Israel Center, Jerusalem "Did you ever think that surfing and spirituality could be connected? Rabbi Shifren's message: the importance of finding oneself and using one's own uniqueness and talents to serve Hashem."
Hillel of Long Beach (California) "Thank you for speaking with the students about G-d, physical fitness, and Judaism. Your discussion was absolutely engaging and you managed to bond with those students who typicallly are cynical about the connection between Judaism, having a meaningful life, and what they refer to as the "real world." You managed to show that it's possible to be a proud Jew, observant, and cool at the same time!"
Rabbi Yrachmiel Tilles, Ascent of Tzfat "All benefitted from your rich life's experience and fission of spirituality and physical fitness. Your presentation was not only entertaining, it was witty and well-punctuated with a great sense of humor. The students at the girls' seminary, MACHON ALTA, in particular enjoyed the talk you gave on Shabbos."
Lubavitch of Boulder, Colorado "Boulder may be far from the golden sands of Malibu Beach, yet he left his legacy of surfing tales, interwoven with his own unique brand of connecting the Jewish soul."
Chabad Yeshiva of Pittsburgh "Rabbi Shifren captivated his audience, with enthusiasm and inspiration through his personal journey to a deeper connection with Yiddishkeit through, what he terms "surf and soul." His life about being immersed in Torah and physical fitness allowed all present to draw a connection from his pather to their own lives."
Chabad of Brooklyn Heights "There is no doubt that Rabbi Shifren's career as a professional surfer, Malibu Lifeguard, and inner-city teacher have armed him with a lifetime of experiences bound to arouse any audience. But most important is his message to our young people and recent returnee's to their heritage- inspiring them to greater heights in spirituality and Torah study."
Hillel of Long Beach (California) "Thank you for speaking with the students about G-d, physical fitness, and Judaism. Your discussion was absolutely engaging and you managed to bond with those students who typicallly are cynical about the connection between Judaism, having a meaningful life, and what they refer to as the "real world." You managed to show that it's possible to be a proud Jew, observant, and cool at the same time!"
Rabbi Yrachmiel Tilles, Ascent of Tzfat "All benefitted from your rich life's experience and fission of spirituality and physical fitness. Your presentation was not only entertaining, it was witty and well-punctuated with a great sense of humor. The students at the girls' seminary, MACHON ALTA, in particular enjoyed the talk you gave on Shabbos."
Lubavitch of Boulder, Colorado "Boulder may be far from the golden sands of Malibu Beach, yet he left his legacy of surfing tales, interwoven with his own unique brand of connecting the Jewish soul."
Chabad Yeshiva of Pittsburgh "Rabbi Shifren captivated his audience, with enthusiasm and inspiration through his personal journey to a deeper connection with Yiddishkeit through, what he terms "surf and soul." His life about being immersed in Torah and physical fitness allowed all present to draw a connection from his pather to their own lives."
Chabad of Brooklyn Heights "There is no doubt that Rabbi Shifren's career as a professional surfer, Malibu Lifeguard, and inner-city teacher have armed him with a lifetime of experiences bound to arouse any audience. But most important is his message to our young people and recent returnee's to their heritage- inspiring them to greater heights in spirituality and Torah study."
