Dear Amare,

“Hey did you hear Amare is in Israel,” asked ten to fifteen friends of mine today. Yes for those of you who are not keeping a watchful eye on the movements of newly signed New York Knick Amare Stoudemire, he is in Israel and we are glad to have him. Actually we are not only glad to have him in the country but we are also glad to have him as a member of the tribe.
With that said, I feel there are things I must clue Amare in to as he tours around the country as a fellow Jew. I must warn Amare of how crazy Jewish fans are and how different it will be as a Jewish Player in the NBA. First of all, claiming yourself as a Jew comes with great responsibility. For example one of the many people I spoke with today about Amare told me excitedly, “He is now the greatest Jewish Athlete ever!” Now I know Amare signed a 100 million dollar contract with the Knicks but please don’t forget about Sandy Koufax, Hank Greenberg, Mark Spitz and in basketball, Dolph Schayes. But this is what happens to us as a people and a nation. We take one of our own and elevate them to a status like no one can, just ask Jordan Farmar. Secondly, you may have to start making appearances in your off time that may cramp your off court style. For instance, I am sure as the news broke of his new found religious affiliation, Men’s Clubs and B’nai Brith chapters all over America were sending out invitations for him to speak at their next function. Alan Freedman of the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame in New York had found a new inductee for the class of 2011 and I am sure President Obama will have Amare join Sandy Koufax and Dmitriy Salita at the next American Jewish Pride Day or whatever they are calling that dog and pony show a couple of months ago at the White House. Lastly Amare, there is the food. I am not sure whether or not you are Sephardic or Ashkenazi, but you must find out so you can choose your pre-game meals and determine how you will observe Pesach. If you are your Sephardic you can eat some great foods such as tasty flatbreads, baba ghanoush, hibe and most importantly kitnyot on Pesach. If you are Ashkenazi, welcome to the world of pickled herring, borscht and cholent (not that I mind those either). But like I said before Amare, I (we) are here to help. If you ever need anything when it comes to dealing with Jews and Jewish fans (fanatics) let me know. I have a feeling, making 100 million dollars in New York; you should have no problem figuring it out. There may even be a couple of Jewish Fans of the Knicks…who knows.
In closing I wish you Mr Stoudemire a hardy Mazel Tov and welcome. While I do think that there have been many great Jewish Athletes over the years, you are right at the top. I wish you much success thoughout your journey with the Knicks, and more importantly your journey through Judaism. Who knows, Maybe oneday when you are back to celebrate your Bar-Mitzvah at the Kotel, Israel Sports Radio will be right there with you to celebrate! L’ Chaim!

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