“Survivor” Winner Ethan Zohn: ‘Other-Centered Man’
From www.jcrboston.org
Temple Emunah in Lexington has a tradition of honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in unique ways. Last year, they celebrated their multi-congregational Habitat for Humanity project with a Gospel choir. This year, the congregation will welcome Ethan Zohn, winner of CBS show “Survivor: Africa.” Ethan is returning to his home congregation to share his story and how Dr. King’s lessons apply to his life. In an exclusive Tzedek E-news interview, Zohn mentioned his Jewish values of leadership, kindness and fairness that helped him to win “Survivor,” and talked about his decision to dedicate his winnings to the pursuit of justice. He said that when he received the check he thought, “What good is this if I don’t share?”
Believing deeply in King’s philosophy that “the time is always right to do what is right” Zohn seized the opportunity to confront the spread of HIV/AIDS in Africa. Ethan (a professional soccer player himself) will use the celebrity associated with soccer and powerful grassroots organizing techniques to educate youth throughout Zimbabwe on HIV/AIDS prevention through his organization, Grassroots Soccer.
Barbara Palant, who was active in planning this event, participated in the civil rights movement as a student and was inspired when hearing King speak. Dedicated to exploring the relevance of King’s work to the Jewish community, she sees a meaningful observance of MLK Day as essential for her own synagogue community. Referencing King’s statement, “…believe that what self-centered men have torn down, other-centered men can build up.” Palant noted that she views Zohn as the quintessential example of an ‘other-centered man’.
Social Action chair Sherry Hahn explained that this event is uniting the observance of the Sabbath, a commitment to justice, and an American national holiday. The event is bridging generations as well. With Youth Educator Wendy Aronson, Temple Emunah’s youth group is coordinating the service before Zohn’s speech and a soccer equipment drive to facilitate Zohn’s upcoming trip to Africa. To raise funds for Grassroots Soccer, the group will also be auctioning off a cell from the cartoon show “Rugrats” that was donated for the event. Zohn looks forward to sharing his pride in his Jewish identity and encouraging the social justice efforts of the group in a youth program scheduled for that evening. Quoting Dr. King, Zohn holds the fundamental belief that “Everybody can be great, because anybody can serve.”
For more information please contact Temple Emunah at 781-861-0300 If you would like to have Ethan come speak at your synagogue, contact him through his website at Grassrootssoccer.org.