Sports Illustrated’s “The Jewish Jordan” coming to the Simon Family JCC Israeli basketball player is first Celebrate Israel event

by | Jan 22, 2016 | What’s Happening

Sunday, Feb. 14, 1:30 pm

Would a few injuries and an end to a basketball career in Israel bring a man down? Not Tamir Goodman, who sees the positive in everything, and lives to inspire others.

Goodman, dubbed the “Jewish Jordan” by Sports Illustrated in high school, made history as the first Jewish athlete to play D-I and professional basketball while wearing a kippah and without playing on Shabbat.

Goodman is the first speaker/performer in the 2016 Simon Family JCC’s Celebrate Israel series, presented by Charles Barker Automotive. His motivational talk to community members includes a basketball clinic. This free event is open to the community, and is presented in partnership with Tidewater Jewish Journeys and BBYO.

Goodman’s positive spin on overcoming adversity on the court and finding the positive in life’s challenges is contagious. “My presentation is all about inspiring others to live their lives with warmth and goodness and kindness off and on the court,” he says.

In 2002, Goodman fulfilled his dream of aliyah, signing a three-year contract with Maccabi Tel Aviv and serving in the IDF. But there were setbacks overseas, as Goodman’s five seasons of playing pro ball (between volunteering for the Israeli Army) were marred by constant injuries. By the time he stopped playing in 2009, his left knee was a mess and both hands were so badly damaged that he could barely catch a basketball.

Since injuries forced Goodman to retire in 2009, he has become a sought-after speaker, coach, and educator. He is author of The Jewish Jordan’s Triple Threat: Physical, Mental, and Spiritual Lessons from the Court, which ESPN’s Mark Stein called “captivating.”

He’s also the inventor of the Zone190 basketball training device—a basketball training tool that combines trampoline-like material with a 190-degree, professional- grade carbon steel frame allowing players to practice a wide range of skills without the presence of a partner. SportStrings, another product (patent-pending) by Goodman, are compression-fit, moisture-wicking tzitzit, providing high-performance sportswear with certified kosher design.

This talk for parents, teens and the entire community will be followed by a Q and A and book signing of The Jewish Jordan’s Triple Threat.

Children and teens can then participate in a drill and skills workshop in the JCC gym run by Goodman.