Mar 31, 2009

Lebron James and Jay Schottenstein

TIME magazine compiles a list every year of who they consider to be the top 100 most influential people in the world. They call the list the "TIME 100".

In addition to compiling their own list, they ask various people, past honorees and other important people, who they would put in the list.

LeBron James, aka King James, was asked for his nominee for this years TIME 100 list. James chose to mention Jay Schottenstein:

LeBron James
The NBA All-Star and Olympic gold medalist is a past TIME 100 honoree
Jay Schottenstein, an Ohio business leader and philanthropist, has supported the translation and elucidation of the Talmud Bavli into English, Hebrew and French. The Schottenstein Edition of the Talmud is now utilized by more than 2 million people worldwide.
(TIME)
I wonder why Lebron, one of the greatest basketball players to ever live and play the game, chose Schottenstein. Clearly Schottenstein deserves it, considering all he has done with his philanthropy. But James did not choose Schottenstein because of his sponsoring basketball arenas, sporting events, helping underprivileged children by building parks and basketball courts. he chose Schottenstein because of his work in translating the Talmud.

James grew up and plays ball in Ohio, so clearly he is familiar with Schottenstein. I am surprised though that he chose Schottenstein and gave the reason to be because of his Talmud translation. Why would that have a profound affect on Lebron James?

I can't figure it out. but clearly Jay Schottenstein is doing a tremendous kiddush hashem with his philanthropy. not that we need Lebron James to show us that, but if even Lebron James recognizes it, however that happened, clearly we must not overlook it.

(HatTip VIN via Yaak)
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6 comments:

  1. EzzieMarch 31, 2009 7:58 PM

    I also talked about this. He's probably had lots of business dealings with Schottenstein, and I doubt he wrote the blurb. Huge Kiddush Hashem.

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  2. Lebron "RBS" JamesApril 01, 2009 3:30 PM

    LEBRON JAMES MVP!!! I think he might even be Jewish.

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  3. Joshua SkootskyApril 12, 2009 8:57 AM

    Kiddush HaShem to the max.

    Yea, he probably didn't write the blurb, but hey, I don't expect him to.

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  4. Rafi G.April 12, 2009 9:03 AM

    why would he not have written the blurb, or at least the idea of it? Do you think he just said Schottenstein and did not give a reason, then TIME wrote the reason?

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  5. AnonymousApril 15, 2009 3:58 AM

    James is very familiar with Ohio state, and therefore Schottenstein. It makes perfect sense! He's way too athletic to be Jewish.

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  6. ShawnMay 05, 2009 3:46 PM

    Obviously LeBron is considering conversion! I hear he had to narrow his Time choice down between Jay Schottenstein and Rav Elyashiv!

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