By Micaela Blitz
WHEN Rabbi Rafi Goodwin first took up boxing as a hobby, he could hardly have imagined it would one day lead him into the ring. Although he may be better known for his sermons than his right hooks, the ‘Boxing Rabbi’ of Chigwell and Hainault Synagogue will be stepping between the ropes this April to take part in a white-collar boxing match.
Speaking to the Essex Jewish News, he explained: “It started when a member of the community convinced me to try boxing training at a local gym run by Team Macattack. I really enjoyed it, and found that it has been great for my fitness and wellbeing. When my instructor suggested I take part in a bout, I thought, ‘Why not?’”
The event, which will take place at the Sir James Hawkey Hall in Woodford on Sunday 26 April, sees amateur fighters come together to test their skills in front of a live audience. The evening will also include entertainment, with a comedian and singer performing before the main event.
The Orthodox rabbi is taking on the challenge in aid of the Community Security Trust (CST), raising funds for the organisation’s work protecting Jewish communities across the UK. He has been regularly training over the last few months and is hoping the community will be firmly in his corner for a memorable evening.
“I’m not sure whether it’s a mid-life crisis or just wanting a new challenge,” he joked. “But I’m really looking forward to stepping into the ring, and I hope plenty of people from the community will come along to cheer me on.”
If you would like to support the Boxing Rabbi, please get in touch by emailing rabbirafi@chigshul.org.uk.
