(Courtesy of NCSY) The last few years have been groundbreaking for Jewish athleticism. Young Jewish athletes who are observant now understand that playing sports at the highest levels is a goal that is attainable. We have witnessed success at one time thought not possible by our neighbors and friends on a national level. That success was not easily achieved. Those athletes were motivated to develop skills that would enable them to succeed all the while balancing their Torah values and Jewish education.
This summer, NCSY hopes to launch Jumpshot Israel 2022, a premier basketball experience for rising ninth and 10th grade boys who attend Jewish day schools and yeshivot across the U.S., Canada and Israel. Prospective participants can expect to engage in drills, scrimmages and competitive league games, under the leadership of Rabbi Zak Lenik, currently a rebbe at Yeshivat Torat Shraga and an all-star athlete. In addition, Israeli basketball pros and other basketball personalities would be an integral part of the program.
The program would share a campus with NCSY’s Kollel program, which enrolls over 200 campers each summer and is located in Beit Meir, just outside of Jerusalem. Newly renovated basketball courts and a swimming pool are on-campus amenities. Off campus trips would be unique and specifically tailored to the design of this new program.
David Cutler, NCSY’s director of Summer Programs, shared, “NCSY is committed to constantly assessing the needs of the current Jewish teenager and responding accordingly. We provide our teens with rich educational environments that encourage learning and, in this case, growth both on and off the courts.” Lenik shared, “I am so excited to be a part of this incredible program and hope to have the opportunity to bring together an incredible group of Jewish, Orthodox young men who share a commitment to growth in Torah and in basketball.”
Interested athletes and their parents are encouraged to join an informative Jumpshot Israel Zoom info session on Sunday February 27, at 10:30 a.m. EST at summer.ncsy.org/jumpshot, or to reach out to Elliot Tanzman at [email protected] for more information.
