“WINNING IN TWO WORLDS”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 15, 2010
CONTACT: Rabbi Levi Notik
773.274.5123 or lnotik@obshina.com

“WINNING IN TWO WORLDS”
Is it possible for a professional boxer to claim the WBA title while refusing to ever fight on Shabbat?

December 15, 2010, Chicago, IL, Rabbi Levi Notik announced that Synagogue F.R.E.E. on Sunday, January 9th, will host Dmitry Salita, a professional boxer claiming the WBA title. In a compelling lecture, Mr. Salita will speak about his personal journey from secular to observant while overcoming personal challenges. He will further address what it takes to achieve your dreams and the positive power of sports. The importance of staying true to who you are, your faith and beliefs will likewise be addressed.

Dmitriy Salita’s family moved from Odessa, Ukraine (USSR) to New York City in 1991. “We came to America because Jews were discriminated against,” says Salita. Today, Dmitriy “Star of David” Salita fights to be the best that he can be in and outside the boxing ring. He is a welterweight champion, who has amassed a 31-1-1 professional record, earned a Golden Gloves championship, and a Sugar Ray Robinson award. But Salita is distinguished by more than his professional accomplishments. Dmitriy Salita is the first ranked boxer in the world who keeps kosher, attends synagogue, refuses to fight on the Sabbath, and puts on tefillin daily. He states: “I will never compromise my beliefs. I have a personal relationship with G-d that I won’t compromise. Boxing is a big part of my life, but it won’t get in the way of my religion.”

Leonard Mogul, a community representative/market development director for Kontinent Media Group remarked that “Dmitry Salita’s lecture is going to explore an interesting approach to “Best of Both Worlds.” If you ever thought about how it is possible to be a professional athlete and still remain observant or if you would like to meet a professional boxer, and hear him speak about his career and his triumphs both on and off the ring. Then this lecture is for you!” Rabbi Levi Notik concluded that “we would be happy to see you there on Sunday, January 9th – 7:30 PM at The Bellows Center Synagogue FREE 2935 W. Devon Avenue.”

For information on event sponsorship or to reserve your tickets, please visit www.obshina.com/salita or call 773.274.5123.