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The Cantor's Voice
March 2008

While this time of the year has many sports fans thinking about college basketball's March Madness, I thought I'd share with you a story about an athlete whom you might say has something of a lead foot.

Jon Denning is a Jewish racecar driver. No, I'm not kidding. In fact, Jon races on the NASCAR circuit. He's only 20, but already has notched four wins in his racecar, including wins in Boston and in Orange County.

Now it's not that Jon is simply Jewish, but that he clearly identifies outwardly as Jew and is proud of his roots. Jon was called to the Torah as a Bar Mitzvah in his home synagogue in New Jersey when he turned 13. Jon recites Tefila HaDerech, the Traveler's Prayer, prior to each race, asking God to protect him during his challenging and difficult races.

What really excited me to read is that Jon recently participated in Taglit-Birthright trip to Israel, which he mentioned was extremely emotional and spiritually connecting for him. Jon visited the Kotel in Jerusalem and Masada, among other sites. The birthright program is an incredible offering that far-sighted visionaries and philanthropists, working with the Jewish Agency in Israel, have put together to expose young people, ages 18-26, to the miracle that is Israel.

In corresponding with Jon's mom, Rochelle, I learned that Jon often feels quite alone as he travels the country during his races. He is the only Jewish driver on the circuit, and has been proselytized on more than one occasion. Rochelle told me that since the article ran, Jews from around the world have lent support and prayers to Jon and his family, something that that they all appreciate very much. You can write to Jon and his family at DobbsRacing@aol.com, if you're so inclined.

I pray for Jon Denning, that God keep him safe during his races and beyond. His involvement and connection to Judaism is commendable, and I also pray that he continue to achieve in his chosen career and far more importantly, continue his involvement in the Jewish community and serve as a role model to race fans everywhere. Amen.

Keith Miller
Hazzan
Director of Education