This past weekend, world renowned poker player Mike Matusow was on the French Riviera for the Partouche Poker Tournament.
When Shliach Rabbi Mendel Matusof was approached by his friend, the Jewish director of the Palm Beach Casino in Cannes, to inquire if Mike was related to him, he immediately contacted the latter, and the two agreed to meet.
When the two met on Friday, the Rabbi helped him put on Tefillin on the terrace of the Casino.
Mike, who always wears a ‘Chai’ chain around his neck, said he hadn’t put on tefillin since his Bar Mitzva, 30 years ago.
Although the two don’t know if they are actually related, Matusow joked to the Shliach, “I must be related to you Lubavitch guys, because I am completely crazy.”
Rabbi Matusof told him about the Jewish month of Elul and the high Holy days. Matusow introduced the Rabbi to some of his Jewish friends, who also put on Tefillin.
The meeting between the two came at the conclusion of another very successful summer season at Chabad of Cannes, headed by Rabbi Yehuda Leib Matusof, where 4 Chabad Houses are active year round, and an additional 11 minyonim take place during vacation period.
One of the summer’s programs was a concert with singer Yishai Lapidot, attended by 850 people.
Yes, you are related. Most likely. We, our Matusow’s have multiple stories about the original spelling of the Matusow name. The Rabbi spells his name the same as my Father’s is spelled on his Ketubah. (wedding “contract”)
“The mouth” between him and Phil guarenteed entertainment
Dr Allen Matusow of Washington DC, Dr. Gary Matusow a gastronologist from Vineland, NJ and Dr. Gene Matusow an ophthalmologist from Bronx, NY
Mike “the mouth” Matasow, champion poker player!
They sorta look alike. This is so cool.
this is so lovely
they look alike the may be related