Ohev Shalom Men's Club's annual World-Wide Wrap

The Super Bowl was not the only big event on Super Bowl Sunday this month. Once again, the Men’s Club of Congregation Ohev Shalom—like its brother organizations throughout the United States and beyond, under the auspices of the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs—sponsored its annual World-Wide Wrap.

This year’s program featured Ohev Men’s Club member and Jewish Academy of Orlando Head of School Alan Rusonik starting the morning with some background on the origins of the ancient ritual of wrapping t’filin. Conveying his experiences with a recently departed friend who had worked as a scribe, Rusonik opened the t’filin “boxes” as he explained what they contained and signified.

Following the presentation, Rabbi David Kay guided participants in the mechanics of wrapping t’filin, and Cantor Allan Robuck then led the Sunday morning minyan service.

A hearty breakfast ranging from lox and bagels to kugel and scrambled eggs with cheese was prepared by Men’s Club chefs Richard Schwartz, Andy Rosen and Mark Goodman. As the group was finishing their meal, Co-President and event-planner Neal Blaher set the stage for that evening’s Super Bowl Game with an “A & Q,” Jeopardy style. The singular topic was famous Jewish sports figures over the past century. The program provided much enlightenment into not only the tremendous accomplishments of these athletes in their respective sports, but also their philanthropy and service to the community, and their strong Jewish identity regardless of their level of actual ritual observance.