The Jewish Link of New Jersey and Teaneck Doghouse would like to recognize almost 13 -year-old Judah Vogel as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. The Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey seventh grader will be celebrating his bar mitzvah this coming Shabbos. Judah is the Bo Jackson of Bergen County athletics: He is a member of the RYNJ Jaguars and has a trophy case full of championship trophies (two TBO, two Teaneck soccer, and one flag football). RYNJ Jaguars head coach Steve Gutlove told the JLNJ, “You can tell a lot about a boy, by the way they handle themselves on the court. Judah is a mensch on and off of the court. He is a pleasure to have on the team and I am looking forward to another season with him.”
Judah, mazel tov on your upcoming bar mitzvah. I know you have many great influences in your life but if you had to select just one or two, who would you point to as your role models and why?
My role models are my grandfathers—Zaidy Chaim (Klein) played baseball, tackle football, was one of the greatest players of 43 man squamish and still made time to read tons of books. Zaidy (Rabbi Sam Vogel) was an awesome hitter for many years, can still hit and always has a dvar Torah and a joke for any occasion.
What is your greatest sports accomplishment?
I was a member of the first ever TBO summer travel championship team.
Who is your favorite professional athlete and why?
Gleyber Torres because he is exciting to watch and has a ton of potential.
What is your earliest sport memory?
My dad’s friend treated us to “transportation” and a Yankee game…. in Toronto.
What is your favorite sports memory?
My favorite sports playing memory is scoring on my first shot for the sixth grade RYNJ Jaguars last season vs. Yeshivat Noam. My favorite sport memory as a fan was attending a Yankee playoff game and watching as Yankees scored four runs in ninth inning to send the game to extra innings.
What is the weirdest sports related thing that has happened to you?
Throwing toilet paper across the street at the 2009 Yankees Ticker tape parade.
What is your post game ritual?
My mom makes me a special “hungry boy” sandwich consisting of two runny sunny side eggs, melted cheese on thick toasted bread.
What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?
I love seeing myself in the Jewish Link!
The Teaneck Doghouse Sportstar of the Week will receive a $15 gift at the Teaneck Doghouse. Please send nominees for an upcoming Jewish Link of New Jersey and Teaneck Doghouse Sportstar of the Week to [email protected].
