Lawrence and Douglas county
‘Jewish Jordan’ teaches area players about sport, religion
Some local basketball players were able to learn from a professional, the "Jewish Jordan," Monday.
October 27, 2009
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It isn’t every day that area basketball players have the opportunity to learn from a professional, but that was the opportunity given Monday evening at Robinson Gym on the Kansas University campus.
Tamir Goodman, who retired from professional competition one month ago, broke several barriers during his playing career. While still in high school, Goodman was dubbed by Sports Illustrated as the “Jewish Jordan,” a comparison to Michael Jordan. Goodman was the first Orthodox Jewish player to compete at the Division I level, at Towson University near Baltimore, and also played international basketball while never playing on Friday nights and Saturdays, the Jewish sabbath. Many believe his dedication to the game and his faith makes him a great example for other players.
“To have someone who was very professional and very successful in his basketball career but at the same time stuck to his principles, stuck to his values — what greater lesson can we give to the future generations, the future players, the future leaders,” said Rabbi Zalman Tiechtel, executive director of the Chabad Center for Jewish Life. “If you have value and if you want to succeed, the more you stick to your guns, the more respect you’re going to gain.”
Dozens of players who took part in a 3-on-3 basketball tournament Monday evening also gave back to a good cause. The tournament was called “Hoops for Hope,” with proceeds going toward prostate cancer causes. Goodman believes that following his retirement, he has the chance to use what he learned throughout his professional career to give back to others.
“I am dedicating the second phase of my life to what I call the spiritual side of basketball,” said Goodman, who after leaving college played professionally in Israel, and for a short time in the U.S., until last month. “Bringing light to the world through basketball, doing interracial, special needs, all sorts of different types of basketball programs to raise money for under privileged and special needs kids.”
You can learn more about Goodman’s travels and clinics at tamirgoodman.com.
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27 October 2009
at 11:55 a.m.
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Wallythewalrus (Anonymous) says…
Now that story shows a true religion of peace.
27 October 2009
at 12:14 p.m.
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Wallythewalrus (Anonymous) says…
The camp was designed to help black and Jewish players build a comfort zone with each other while still being competitive on the court.
Goodman said several “anonymous” sponsors help make the camp available to both able-bodied and special-needs players.
“I'm very happy with the quality of players and the way they worked together on and off the court,” Goodman said. “We brought the best Jewish players in the country here, and the way they interacted (with the black players) was special.”
The camp was primarily for players who intend to continue their careers past high school, which Goodman did for Towson University and for several professional teams in Israel.
“They're all looking to get to the next level,” Goodman said. “That's why we played at college-level speed. I wouldn't let them settle to play at high school speed.”
Wally is guessing that he is teaching that “If you have value and if you want to succeed, the more you stick to your guns, the more respect you’re going to gain.”
And not about seperation and bigotry.
27 October 2009
at 12:46 p.m.
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thatonedude (Anonymous) says…
BlessedSap, I've flagged your comment for removal. What you said was childish and hateful. You obviously have no idea what this event was about, or for that matter, what the Jewish faith stands for.
27 October 2009
at 1:14 p.m.
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supertrampofkansas (Anonymous) says…
Blessed says: “What does he teach about his religion? That he is a descendant of Abraham and one of gods chosen people but you cannot join because you are born of unclean gentiles? Thanks buddy.”
Imagine that! A religion that has restrictions about who can actually be in their religion. Will wonders never cease! Can you name a religion who takes everybody regardless of who they are or what they believe or what they do Blessed?
I think maybe FSM does. All Hail to the Flying Spaghetti Monster! May you be touched by his noodly appendage!
27 October 2009
at 1:37 p.m.
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Wallythewalrus (Anonymous) says…
Supertrampof kansas: Actually most protestant denominations will accept anyone into their faith without going through some sort of conversion. Catholics not so much. One cannot even take communion in the Catholic faith if not a paying member. Unlike protestants whom allow communion regardless of beliefs. (however the collection plate is still handed to about.) But that is all a bit off topic to the story. And I believe “B.S.” is just trying to bait off topic comments.
27 October 2009
at 1:46 p.m.
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maxcrabb (Anonymous) says…
blessedsap… it's called converting to judaism. If you are worried about missing out on the big show in the afterlife, go see your local rabbi for further instructions.
27 October 2009
at 2:13 p.m.
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thatonedude (Anonymous) says…
Mainstream Judaism accepts anyone interested, regardless of their bloodline. Perhaps, BlessedSap, you would do well to actually meet some Jews before you judge them. Also, don't judge the nature of a presentation if you have no idea what it is about.
27 October 2009
at 2:49 p.m.
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Bernardo_de_la_Paz (Anonymous) says…
http://www.convertingtojudaism.com
Good news BlessedSap, with ignorance comes the potential to learn.
27 October 2009
at 4:15 p.m.
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supertrampofkansas (Anonymous) says…
Blessed says: “How many religions are based on bloodlines?”
Not sure if there is much to say on this matter since some other posters have beat me to it.
The idea of bloodlines can be shown to be statistically impossible. Ultimately, we all come from the same bloodlines.
Another amazing miracle! Check out FSM. I think you will find noodly appendages to be quite irresistible!
27 October 2009
at 4:44 p.m.
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BABBOY (Anonymous) says…
Blessedsap sounds like a genuine dork.
I bet he gets beat up a lot.
27 October 2009
at 10:59 p.m.
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beerguy (Anonymous) says…
Who has the highest admission fee nowadays? The Sociologists? Maybe I need to start my own religion, the church of the beerguy-ish, women only, $2,000 cover charge at the door :)
27 October 2009
at 11:15 p.m.
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beerguy (Anonymous) says…
Oh! what a coincidence…..
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/eur…