As the good book says, “As iron sharpens iron, so too does one friend sharpen the wit of another.” * Yes, they were probably talking about some lofty vision of friendship and studying Torah, but this verse about irons can be interpreted in another “lofty” way. When friends play golf together, they push one another to be better—one player’s irons sharpen the skill of their friend. Together, their friendship emerges improved.
This is how Tanach talks about golf.
I’ll admit it. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed golf when I took up the sport during the pandemic. I’ve played basketball and soccer my whole life. The idea of playing a relatively stationary sport like golf rarely crossed my mind. I did not expect to like it, but I soon realized how much I was missing. In the years since I’ve discovered how endlessly challenging the game can be. More than that, I’ve realized how much fun the social part of golf is. When I spend 3 ½ hours with someone on the course, there is a deeper bond between us.
Now I’ve got the golf bug, and I can’t wait for Sunday, September 10th.
On September 10th, the Dick Wilson and Rick Shapiro Memorial Golf Tournament will honor Danny and Laura Beth Summerfield at Bear’s Best. Not only will we honor two exceptional congregants of Temple Emanu-El, the Summerfields, but the tournament proceeds directly benefit our scholarship program for teens heading into their first year of college.
I am glad we can honor Dick Wilson and Rick Shapiro’s memory. For so many years, Rick was central in organizing this very tournament. We also get to raise up two phenomenal congregants and support the youth of our congregation—all in one morning!
I hope you’ll join me on Sunday, September 10th (Register Here), either by playing in a foursome or being one of our tournament sponsors. You’ll have a fantastic morning with your Temple Emanu-El community, and you’ll be supporting worthy congregants and a worthy cause.
Shabbat shalom,
Rabbi Max
*Proverbs 27:17
