I don’t know if it was a repeat or not, as contrary to popular belief, I am NOT an Oprah groupie, but last night, before going to sleep, I quickly turned on the television and there she was with Rabbi Shmuley Boteach.
I was outraged. This man was representing Judaism on national television for the world to see.
This man cannot be Oprah’s rabbi. Can’t she befriend or engage the non celebrity among us? Just because he has a television show, (which consists of Boteach yelling at people) does not mean he should represent the rabbis of the world. Having a television program certainly does not mean he is the most articulate, published, articulate or knowledgable.
Doesn’t Oprah know that there are amazing rabbis that live here, locally in Chicago? Can’t she choose from one of them to be her rabbi, or be her guest to discuss the deteriorating American family. Don’t all rabbis know about such issues? Don’t rabbis learn to be pastoral counselors anymore?
If I was one of Oprah’s Ugg-wearing employees, I would tell her to choose Rabbi Heather Altman as her rabbi. Rabbi Heather Altman is is deeply committed to helping people nurture their dreams and nourish their soul through the combined exploration of physical awareness and Jewish spiritual traditions. And I don’t think she can claim she was Michael Jackson’s rabbi ever.
Could you imagine how high Oprah’s ratings would be if her show consisted of her best friend Maya Angelou and Oprah’s rabbi, Rabbi Heather Altman?
There are many reasons why Rabbi Heather Altman is perfectly suited to be Oprah’s rabbi. These two women both take seriously the ideas of bettering yourself, body and soul. I think Oprah should attend Rabbi Heather Altman’s Woman’s Rav Yoga Retreat, August 29-September 1st. If Oprah cannot make the retreat, then all of you woman readers out there should.
If Rabbi Heather Altman went on Oprah, she would be kind, nurturing, sensitive and dynamic.
If Oprah thinks thats she needs a rabbi, the join me in starting this new campaign to introduce her to someone who does not care about the limelight, or television ratings or the media, but someone who cares about people. Let’s make a shidduch between Oprah Winfrey and Rabbi Heather Altman.
We all like Rabbi Heather, but she doesn’t have 4 books and a TV show on TLC. Noprah got Shmuley on the show because he’s already a celeb.
Also I didn’t think he was that bad in the advice department, but his delivery was a bit stiff. Oprah didn’t seem terribly impressed, though Boteach has done his fare share of tuchas kissing.
I’m a big Boteach fan and probably wouldn’t be in the tribe if he hadn’t introduced me to Judaism with Kosher Sex and a few guest spots on Loveline.
Good Shabbes!
I all honesty- I do think the guy’s a little nurdey, but wasn’t he the one who actually invented speed dating ,and wrote a book on how do do so effectively? Perhaps Meredith Vierna, Ellen Degeneres, David Letterman, or Conan need Rabbis! If one wants to be a “TV star” rabbi they can always send their resume there. Milt Rosenberg on WGN Extension 20 radio may be looking as well. That “gig” would definitely be dynamite! He is always lookijng for people with interesting viewpoints to share! Perry
I do love Oprah, admire her work, and would love to have her at my Shabbat dinner table or for a private walk along the lakefront. Our doggies can play together while we chat about healing and hope.
While I welcome the opportunity to meet Meredith, Ellen, David, Conan (or Rosie!), I’m not sending my resume out to TV shows. I will consider the suggestion, though becoming a tv star rabbi is not on my list of goals. Here’s some things that are: making a dvd of my classes for students to take home, scheduling the first Yoga Israel trip, continuing to teach monthly Shabbatons at colleges, synagogues and yoga studios….
So far, all of my work has been by word-of-mouth, grassroots, and it hadsallowed me to create sanctuary for the soul. That is what I want: to help people live their authentic lives, express their true soul desires, and connect with the wisdom that will help them become their Shechinah-self. I offer Rav Yoga, Spiritual Direction, innovative rituals and consulting with individuals, groups and organizations.
I believe the teaching of Pirke Avot that we must seek out our teachers and I am confident in promotion by attraction. Maybe one day a tv show host will be attracted to my work and I’ll become a tv star rabbi too.
I pray that my work will be of service, and I am open to the abundant opportunities that come my way to share the message. This blog makes me smile