The Jewish Link and The Humble Toast would like to recognize Ori Edelstein as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. Edelstein, a seventh grader at Yeshivat Noam is nicknamed “Spider” by his friends for good reason. He can maneuver around any sports court or field with impeccable agility, strength and speed. One of Ori’s greatest skills in a game is his keen observation of the people and spaces around him. He detects the strengths and challenges in each team and rather than take any quick or aggressive shots, he adapts his focus to support his teammates and to take the right shots at the right times. Ori is not only a star athlete, he is also a loyal teammate and friend. When he sees someone being left out of a game, Ori will often be the first to find ways to bring them in. Ori loves to play sports as a way to stay in shape, practice good strategy and master the art of communication in a game. He always brings his best self to a game and knows that even when games do not go as expected, to never give up and keep aiming higher. Kol hakavod to Ori and a huge mazal tov to him on his bar mitzvah this week!
Ori, Mazel tov on your bar mitzvah and congrats on being recognized as this week’s Sportstar of the Week! Who is your role model and why?
My role model is my dad because I learn a lot from him, whether about math, sports, nature or how to treat other people.
Who is your favorite professional athlete?
My favorite athlete is Saquon Barkley because he’s amazing at football and because we share a favorite number—26.
What is your favorite sport?
Football is my favorite sport because I appreciate the strategy, and especially playing wide receiver.
What is your pregame routine?
Depending on the time of day, my pregame routine is either Shacharis, Mincha or Maariv. 😉
What is your greatest sports accomplishment?
My greatest sports accomplishment is probably when I won the 3-point basketball shot competition at Camp Dora Golding against much older kids.
What is your earliest sports memory?
My earliest sports memory is tackling my brothers.
What is your favorite sports memory?
My most recent favorite sports memory is of the Mets game I went to on Chol HaMoed Pesach with my family. It was cool being able to get a kosher l’Pesach burger and fries at the stadium and see so many friends while also watching the Mets play a great game.
What is the weirdest thing to happen to you while playing sports?
The weirdest sports memory I have has got to be watching a Giants game with my dad and brothers while it was snowing. We were freezing and our coats, gloves and blankets were all soaked through, but we still had a great time!
What is your favorite thing to do when you are not playing sports?
When I’m not playing sports, I like to bike, hike, climb, play games (especially Codenames) and hang out with my family and friends.
What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?
The best thing about being a sportstar is realizing everyone has something to bring to the game, and making sure everyone is included in some way.
The Humble Toast Sportstar of the week will receive a $25 gift card to The Humble Toast. Please send nominees for an upcoming The Humble Toast Jewish Link Stars of the Week to [email protected].
By Jewish Link Sports Desk
