Watchdog

Speaking of Bon Jovi (see below) and the Jewish high holidays . . .

The best shofar player I ever have heard is David Bryan, Bon Jovi's keyboard player. The guy regularly receives standing ovations for his work - common at rock concerts, less so in synagogues.

(A shofar is a ram's horn, by the way. Long story.)

I once ran into Bryan in the Giants locker room and told him how much I admire his shofar work. I also saw him at Tiki Barber's retirement party in January, at which time he informed me he no longer would be attending my synagogue for personal reasons. Oy vey.

Anyway, in February I talked to Jon Bon Jovi at an Arena League event at the ESPN Zone and mentioned Bryan's shofar acumen. I figured the guy wouldn't know what a shofar is, let alone be aware of his buddy's special gift.

Turns out Bon Jovi knew all about it, and begged me not to tell Bryan how good he is because his friends are sick of hearing about his shofar chops.

I'm pretty sure he was serious.

Thanks to this site for the photo.