A firm believer in the power and wonder of wave-riding, to build character, diligence, and inner calm and tranquility.
Rabbi Shifren started his surfing career at Malibu in 1962, and is considered one of the oldest, most dynamic, and physically fit athletes in the water. He has surfed all over the world, including in Australia, Mexico, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Israel.
As a fitness instructor in the army, he continues to work out daily and trains for lifeguard events nationwide. In 2019, he took 2nd place at the United States Lifeguard National Championships in his age group.
He speaks fluent Spanish, German, and Hebrew, and has been a classroom teacher for over 20 years, serving not just as an academician, but as a mentor and advocate for young people looking for answers. He was an LA County Beach Lifeguard for 10 years and is accredited with reinstituting the Catalina-to-Manhattan-Beach (32 miles) paddleboard race, placing 3rd, 4th, and 3rd place in consecutive years. He was blessed to have had world-famous lifeguard and waterman. Tom Zahn, as his coach and mentor during his formative athletic years as a lifeguard and beyond.
An ardent advocate of educational reform and empowering the youth of our country, Rabbi Shifren ran for California State Senate in 2009, and then in 2012 ran for US Senate for the State of California. A father of 6, with 8 grandchildren, he has captured the hearts and minds of thousands of his countrymen with his no-nonsense attitude of hard work, fitness, academic excellence and the building blocks needed for our youth to be successful and vital in their work and personal lives.
To celebrate his 70th birthday, he is planning on surfing one of the world’s biggest waves on Maui- “Jaws”- breaking the Guiness’ record as the oldest surfer to attempt such a challenge.
Rabbi Shifren speaks to all audiences about achieving goals, personal and family success, and how to live a joyous, and creative life- what he calls his own mantra: “Surf and Soul”. He is a firm believer in the power and wonder of wave-riding, to build character, diligence, and inner calm and tranquility, as portrayed in his world-wide acclaimed book, “Surfing Rabbi” (available at SurfandSoul.org).
Have Rabbi Shifren inspire and motivate your church, organization, or school with his clarion call to inner development of body and soul, a holistic approach to all aspects of our lives, that is unique and guaranteed to bring results to all participants.
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