this is the Chief Rabbi of Ukraine, Rabbi Yaakov Dov Bleich.
I don't know the background to the picture - why he is playing basketball, nor do I know with whom he is playing. Nor do I know if he made this shot or if it was blocked by the defender.
What I do know is that in Israel we would never see such an image of a rabbi, let alone a prominent rabbi, playing ball. In the USA it happens, probably not as commonly today as it used to be, but it can still be seen.
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Actually, Rav Aharon Lichtenstein was know to be a very adept basketball player. I don't know about photos; but students and colleagues report that he gave no quarter on the basketball court. Although it is true that most of the stories I've seen are from before he arrived in Israel.
ReplyDeleteThere are at least three individuals that claim the title of chief rabbi of ukraine. And that's only among the frum.
ReplyDeleteMaybe you are right. Rabbis overseas definitely need to be more into the gashmi world. In Israel, I don't think it's necessary for the chief rabbi to be 'cool'.
ReplyDeleteHis opponent is his lovely colleague and neighbor, the Chief Rabbi of Poland.
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