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Irwin Kula Appointed Rabbi of Team USA for the 18th "Jewish Olympics" World Maccabiah Games

Will Serve as Spiritual Advisor for the Over 900 U.S. Athletes Who Will Compete with Youth from 60 Countries in Israel, July 12-24

Rabbi Irwin Kula, President of CLAL—The National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership, has been appointed Rabbi of Team USA for the 18th (Chai) World Maccabiah Games, to be held in Israel, July 12-24, 2009. About 8,000 athletes from more than 60 countries will compete in the Games, with over 900 participating from the U.S. The World Maccabiah Games are the premier global sporting event of World Jewry.

"The Maccabiah is one of the most exciting and integrated Jewish experiences I have ever been involved in," said Rabbi Kula, author of Yearnings: Embracing the Sacred Messiness of Life. "It is an expression of a global Jewish community in which people’s passion—sports—combines with a love for Israel, a developing Jewish identity, and an affirmation of Jewish Unity. Just imagining a Bar-Mitzvah over-looking Jerusalem for some two hundred athletes who never celebrated their bar-Mitzvah says it all. "Starting in early July, athletes will meet with Rabbi Kula as they tour and study in Israel as part of the pre-camp activities for building community. As the spiritual advisor and only Team Rabbi, he will be an integral part of Team USA throughout the Games, planning ceremonies, conducting Shabbat services, studying with Bar and Bat Mitzvah participants, preparing Bnai Mitzvah events, leading services in such sacred sites as Yad Vashem and Masada, designing special activities for the athletes, and speaking at a variety of forums to help enrich the Maccabiah experience for participants and their families. In addition, he will remain a spiritual and educational resource for the hundreds of Mission and Delegate participants, who are coming to support Team USA.

"Just as we select the best athletes to represent the USA, Irwin Kula is the best candidate for this year’s Rabbi for the USA Maccabiah Team," said Ron Carner, General Chairman, USA Maccabiah Team. "His vast knowledge and contagious enthusiasm combined with his love of the Jewish People and Israel make him a perfect fit—we look forward to his leadership. By virtue of having outstanding individuals with us, like Irwin Kula, we ensure an outstanding experience for all of our team members in Israel." Maccabi USA/Sports for Israel works to perpetuate and preserve the American Jewish community through sports, by encouraging Jewish pride, strengthening Jewish bonds, and creating a heightened awareness of Israel and Jewish identity. It seeks to enrich the lives of Jewish youth in the U.S., Israel and the Diaspora through athletic, cultural and educational programs. Past Team USA members have included such notables as Olympic gold medalists Mark Spitz and Lenny Krayzelberg. For more information on the Games, visit www.maccabiusa.com or call Maccabi USA at 215-561-6900. .

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