By Faga Speker, theJC.com
Newcastle Hebrew Congregation’s Rabbi Dovid Lewis is helping boxer Dmitriy Salita prepare for the fight of his life.
Before the religiously observant Salita challenges Britain’s Amir Khan for the WBA light-welterweight title on Saturday night in Newcastle, Rabbi Lewis will be organising a Shabbat minyan and meal in the boxer’s hotel. The rabbi also hopes to attend the fight, along with members of the Newcastle and Gateshead communities.
Salita and his personal assistant Israel Liberow celebrated last Shabbat with the Newcastle congregation, where he was hosted by Rabbi Lewis and his wife Nachi.
Watching his weight, he ate the smoked salmon and cucumber but passed on the accompanying savoury crackers at the post-service kiddush.
The boxer said he was grateful for the hospitality, adding: “I am looking forward to the challenge of the fight, although I am always a little nervous.”
Rabbi Lewis said: “It has been our pleasure to welcome them into our home to stay. They were both very keen to come to shul with me.
“When I expressed an interest in Dmitriy’s training schedule, he invited me to his training on Monday. I was able to see him taped up and go through his fitness regime.”
There was even the opportunity to involve the rabbi in a lighthearted sparring session.
go go go go go go
WBA super lightweight/junior welterweight champion Amir Khan (22-1, 16 KOs) demolished Dmitriy Salita (30-1-1, 16 KOs) in the first round on Saturday night
Actually the fight begins here between 10-11 pm so it will be approx 5-6pm in NY. Lots of jewish people from around England are going to support Salita, lets hope he wins!!
Show that paki who rules!!! -ur Manchester fans
ps- we will be waiting to hear of ur victorry!!
The fight will be at 3:00pm while it is still Shabbos in NY, but the fight is in England and it will be Motzoei Shabbos already, so we won’t be able to watch the fight live here in NY, but don’t worry he’s not fighting on Shabbos.
is shabbos
israel liberow
Yay DJ & Nachi
Kol Hakovod, Keep up the Great work.
Love From NY
Go DJ Go!!!!! What a great job your doing:)
good shabbos