The Jewish People have always been underdogs. Just look at the history of incredible victories over Persians, Greeks and other civilizations as celebrated in our various festivals throughout the year. The New York Giants are also underdogs. Pitted against the undefeated New England Patriots after having come from way behind at the beginning of the season, who would have thought they would make it to the Superbowl?
Jay Greenfield seems to know the answer. He proclaims himself as the greatest Giants fan ever. He was quite disappointed about his team’s performance when Yom Kippur came around and told Rabbi Shemtov, who asked him if he wanted to put on tefillin, that he would put on tefillin if it would help the New York Giants. Rabbi Shemtov made a deal that if Greenfeld agreed to put on tefillin three times a week, he would pray for a Giant’s victory against their nemesis, the Washington Redskins.
The Giants secured a last minute victory, and did not stop there. As Greenfeld continued to put on tefillin, he saw his favorite team come from behind to win game after game. Pretty soon, he and his brothers put mezuzot on their doors and were encouraging other Jewish fans to put on tefillin. The Giants finally qualified to compete in the Superbowl against the Patriots.
Many would wonder if it is the best thing to put on tefillin just to help one’s football team. The reason seems far removed from the realm of religion. However, as the Torah tells us, the essential thing is the deed. Once someone performs a commandment, even for “ulterior motives” they will eventually become sincere. And even the commandment itself can affect reality, regardless of the true motive. Every commandment can transform the person who performs it and transform the world.
“If they lose, they lose,” Greenfield told Chabad.org. “But I am going to keep putting the tefillin on.”