As the Chicago White Sox limped towards the end of their disastrous season, they brought with them a sense of defeat and despair that had long been a hallmark of their franchise. For Rabbi Jeremy Fine, a devoted fan and leader of the Conservative Congregation B’nai Tikvah in Deerfield, Illinois, the team’s struggles were a reflection of the Jewish experience itself – a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is hope.
For Fine, who had been a fan of the White Sox for as long as he could remember, this season was a stark reminder that even the most loyal of fans can be let down. As he watched the team struggle to find their footing on the field, he couldn’t help but draw parallels to his own experiences as a Jew in a world that often seems unjust.
“I think being a White Sox fan, it requires a certain level of devotion, a certain level of commitment,” Fine said. “It’s a test of loyalty, and I think Jews are very comfortable with that. We’ve been through our share of challenges, and we’ve come out stronger because of it.”
Edward Hamburg, a 73-year-old fan who has been a season ticket holder for 20 years, agrees. “Being a White Sox fan is not for the faint of heart,” he said. “It’s a test of endurance, and it requires a certain level of dedication. But I think that’s what makes it so special.”
For many Jewish fans, the team’s struggles are a reflection of their own experiences in the face of anti-Semitism and oppression. As the world grapples with the rise of hate and prejudice, the White Sox’s struggles serve as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope.
Rabbi Tamar Manasseh, a Cubs fan who lives on the South Side, finds herself in the unusual position of comforting fans of the other Chicago baseball team. “Jews who are fans of the White Sox, it’s been a rough one,” she said. “It’s hard to keep the faith, because sometimes when everything else is crazy in the world, it’s our hope and love for our team that keeps us going.”
For some fans, the team’s struggles are a reflection of the ownership’s inability to provide the necessary resources to be competitive. “It’s Reinsdorf’s fault,” said Henry Bernstein, a 42-year-old fan. “He’s got some serious repenting to do this time of year. He should be there all day saying ‘ashamnu bagadnu’ and asking for forgiveness from every single fan.”
Others, like Jason Loeb, a 35-year-old fan, see the team’s struggles as a reflection of a larger cultural issue. “I’m more hopeful for Jews worldwide than I am for the White Sox,” he said. “If I had to take a lifetime of 30-132 seasons from the White Sox, or what Jews have experienced, I’ll take the White Sox being bad for the rest of my lifetime for things to be better for Jews.”
As the team limps towards the end of the season, fans are left to wonder what the future holds. Will the team’s struggles continue, or will they find a way to turn things around? For Rabbi Jeremy Fine, the answer is clear: “I think the Promised Land is within reach,” he said. “I just hope it’s sooner rather than later.”
