New York Knicks point guard Jeremy Lin. Photo: wiki commons.

A few months ago I wrote an article about the Top 10 Living Jewish Celebrity Role Models (Living) which garnered extensive media attention in the Jewish world – admittedly, unfortunately there weren’t many too chose from. I thought of it again recently as NY Knick superstar Jeremy Lin has become a high-profile religious celebrity role model who speaks of G-d in such a beautiful holy way (although he’s not Jewish).

Lin of course has electrified the world with his amazing success story – and credits his success to G-d, while saying consistently “G-d is good”. “In terms of being a role model, I just want to make sure I live and play in a God-glorifying way,” Lin has said. Only 6’3, he’s approachable, relatable and looks like the boy next door. A Harvard graduate – the very definition of brains and brawn, Lin is a hard working underdog who was an undrafted free agent and cut by 2 teams.  This humble young man already has a foundation in his name whose aim is to “provide “financial, educational and spiritual assistance and to make a lasting difference in the lives of others.”

Lin speaks of his family and G-d, and clearly it’s part and parcel of his success. While I believe he epitomizes the American dream, he has been referred to worldwide as a role model, lets hope more Jewish celebrity role models can follow his example.

Of course there are some who are real role models – and others around celebrities constantly who also work to push them forward. They include Moshe Lax who quietly built the Soho synagogue in NYC to encourage Jews, who rarely attend synagogue, to step foot inside; Nightlife mogul, Mark Birnbaum of EMM Group whom YJP honored for his dedication to the Jewish community and others.

I am sure I am not alone in hoping that there comes along a great religious Jewish celebrity like Jeremy Lin. Moshe or Mark, think you can get Jeremy to see a Rabbi?

Ronn Torossian is CEO of 5WPR, and author of best selling PR book “For Immediate Release: Shape Minds, Build Brands, and Deliver Results with Game-Changing Public Relations.”