Sandy Koufax famously didn’t pitch on Yom Kippur in 1965. But did he go to synagogue?

October 11, 2024

By JACOB GURVIS

(JTA) — If Daniel Schloff’s family had been on time to Yom Kippur morning services in 1965, he may have never encountered Sandy Koufax.

Schloff, who was 17 years old at the time and a senior in...

How Harlem Globetrotters founder Abe Saperstein shaped basketball as we know it today

October 06, 2024

By JACOB GURVIS

(JTA) — When basketball superstar Stephen Curry sunk a series of three-point shots to help Team USA clinch the Olympic gold medal in Paris this summer, it’s unlikely the four-time NBA champion was thinking about Abe Saperstein.

Israel signs agreement with South American soccer federation, paving way for elite international competition

April 12, 2024

By JUAN MELAMED

(JTA) — Israel’s soccer association has signed a cooperation agreement with South America’s soccer confederation that opens the door for it to compete in the continent’s elite tournaments, such as the Copa America, alongside soccer powerhouses like...

Israeli fencer Yuval Freilich wins gold medal in Qatar, home to Hamas’ leadership

February 02, 2024

By JACOB GURVIS

(JTA) — Israeli fencer Yuval Freilich won a gold medal at the 2024 Qatar Grand Prix on Wednesday, becoming a champion in a country that is home to the leadership of Hamas.

Freilich, 29, won the epee...

Jewish billionaire David Rubenstein buys his hometown Baltimore Orioles

February 02, 2024

By JACOB GURVIS

(JTA) — Jewish billionaire businessman and philanthropist David Rubenstein has reportedly agreed to purchase the MLB’s Baltimore Orioles.

Rubenstein, a Baltimore native who is best known as the co-founder of the private equity firm The Carlyle Group,...

South African national cricket team removes Jewish captain, citing anti-Israel protests against him

January 12, 2024

By PHILISSA CRAMER

(JTA) — David Teeger, a rising star on South Africa’s cricket scene, has been removed as the country’s Under-19 team captain on the eve of the world championship competition.

Cricket South Africa cited threats to Teeger, who...

These Utah rabbis displayed ‘I’m Jewish and I’m proud’ signs at NBA game to send Kyrie Irving a message

January 04, 2024

By JACOB GURVIS

(JTA) — When Kyrie Irving’s Dallas Mavericks came to Salt Lake City on Monday to face the Utah Jazz, Rabbi Avremi Zippel knew he had to be there.

Zippel, his brother Chaim, their father Benny and their...

Michigan State University says it is ‘deeply sorry’ for showing Hitler on screen at football game

October 23, 2023

By JACOB GURVIS

(JTA) — Michigan State University apologized after an image of Adolf Hitler was displayed on the school’s video board at its football game against the University of Michigan on Saturday.

The photo was shown during a pregame...

‘Can’t break us’: Brooklyn Nets preseason game against Israeli team turns into catharsis for Israel supporters

October 13, 2023

By LUKE TRESS

(New York Jewish Week via JTA) — Israeli pop superstar Noa Kirel took to the floor of Brooklyn’s Barclays Center on Thursday night with an Israeli flag draped around her shoulders to sing the national anthem, “Hatikvah,”...

San Francisco Giants fire Jewish manager Gabe Kapler after disappointing season

September 29, 2023

By JACOB GURVIS

(JTA) — The San Francisco Giants have fired Jewish manager Gabe Kapler after four seasons.

Kapler joined the Giants in November 2019 and led the Giants to a 295-248 record during the 2020-2023 seasons, highlighted by a...