As one who grew up loving football, I understand its attraction and allure. However, Hashem placed us in this world with a mission and task from which we cannot be distracted. Devoting hours and hours to watching a game and even more hours partying is a colossal waste of time. As the great Rav Yitzchok Cohen of Yeshiva University says, killing time is murder! Time is our most valuable asset and we must use it well. If one really wants to see the action, he can watch the fifteen minute highlight film available already shortly after the game’s conclusion. Spend the time learning Daf Yomi instead; you will feel much more fulfilled and satisfied afterwards.
– Rabbi Chaim Jachter is a prominent rabbi who serves as the rabbi at Congregation Shaarei Orah, the Sephardic Congregation of Teaneck, and is a popular Torah teacher at the Torah Academy of Bergen County. He also serves as a Dayan on the Beth Din of Elizabeth and has acquired an international reputation of excellence in the area of Get administration. He has authored sixteen books on issues ranging from contemporary Halacha, Tanach, Aggada, and Jewish Thought all available on Amazon.
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“A person should direct his heart and the totality of his behavior to one goal, knowing G-d. His resting, rising, and speech should all be directed to this end” (Rambam, Hilchot De’ot 3:2). Taking this as our jumping off point, we can rephrase the question as follows: Is it possible to attend a Super Bowl party for the purpose of knowing and serving G-d?
Yes, it’s certainly possible.
Some people will be taking a much needed break to refresh themselves for their vital day-to-day tasks such as parenting, work, torah study, and prayer; some will take a much-too-rare opportunity to bond with their children and friends; some will use this to include new or isolated people in community, shul, or neighborhood life. All of these are worthy purposes.
It goes without saying that having a good purpose does not make everything permitted – but it is the start. If the food is kosher, berachot are made, Torah, community, and family matters discussed, and the TV even turned off if and when it becomes necessary, this can become a spiritual opportunity.
But this is not a natural spiritual opportunity in the same realm as going to shul or a shiur. Participants need to make a conscious decision to give it a spiritual frame and ensure that someone gives a dvar Torah, everyone makes Mincha, and so on.
In short, yes, we can absolutely make the decision to ensure going to a Super Bowl party is proper.
– Rabbi Yitzchak Sprung is the Rabbi of United Orthodox Synagogues in Houston, Texas (UOS). Visit our facebook page or UOSH.org to learn about our amazing community. Find Rabbi Sprung’s podcast, the Parsha Pick-Me-Up, wherever podcasts are found.
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Some might argue that attending a Super Bowl party promotes values that are inconsistent with Jewish ethics, such as excessive indulgence or the celebration of violence, particularly given the aggressive nature of American football. In essence one should avoid activities that encourage bad behavior or lead to moral degradation.
In addition some Super Bowl parties may involve immodest behavior, including inappropriate dress or actions. Jewish law encourages modesty in both behavior and appearance, which may conflict with the environment at some parties
Additionally, one may argue that attending a Super Bowl party is bittul Torah – certainly a person would be better served by learning Torah than wasting time on frivolous activities.
Having said all that, the reality is that, at least among the modern Orthodox, attending a Super Bowl party is common practice and to proclaim that it is forbidden will probably serve no purpose.
Therefore, if you are attending one or you are sponsoring one, make sure that at minimum kosher food is served, and there is no behavior contrary to Jewish modesty.
– Rabbi Mordechai Weiss lives in Efrat, Israel, and previously served as an elementary and high school principal in New Jersey and Connecticut. He was also the founder and rav of Young Israel of Margate, N.J. His email is [email protected].
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Human beings are social entities, and Jewish tradition recognizes many ways to address the problem of feeling alone. A great place to find these lessons is in Pirkei Avos. For example, in chapter 2, Mishna 13, we learn about the importance of a chaver tov (a good friend) and a shachen tov (a good neighbor). In chapter 1, Mishna 6, we learn of the importance of finding teachers and acquiring friends.
We worry about negative peer pressure. But there is also positive peer pressure. In the last chapter of Pirkei Avos, Rabbi Yossi ben Kisma tells a dramatic story of how he was willing to forgo a lucrative job offer because it was located in a city that lacked positive peer pressure. We should look for opportunities to be around people that help us to be good Jews/ better Jews. It is proper to attend a Super Bowl party in a setting that will provide positive peer pressure in a social and fun atmosphere.
– Rabbi Yosef Weinstock is Senior Rabbi at Young Israel of Hollywood – Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
