There aren't many Jews playing professional basketball today, but in the 1920s and 30s the sport took on a strong Jewish flavor. In fact, in 1935 Newsweek ran a story on basketball's rise to prominence and declared the sport was one "at which Jews excel."
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History
Jews harbored negative attitudes toward sports for many centuries, often with good reason.
Immigrant Jews delved into sports to prove their mettle as Americans.
In August 1936, the Nazi regime tried to camouflage its violent racist policies while it hosted the Summer Olympics.
A European Jew in 1930 would have felt quite differently about sports than what we expect today.
Religion and sports make good teammates.
Wide World of Sports
Ironically, as the number of professional Jewish athletes declined, interest in them has continued to grow.
Jews' participation in professional boxing in the interwar period is not as surprising as it might seem to be.
By Allen Bodner
A street game goes professional.
This anthology features essays on major Jewish athletes, coaches, broadcasters, trainers, and even team owners.
How much do you know about Jews and sports?
In Israel
Moving into the international arena.
Soccer may contribute to the integration of Arabs as individuals into Israeli society--but it simultaneously blurs their national identity.
One of the greatest tragedies ever to befall an international sporting competition.
This book walks you through Krav Maga, the powerful self-defense method and workout.
Baseball
Why do we idolize Jewish baseball players?
By Bradford R. Pilcher
Hank Greenberg becomes the pride of America's Jews.
In this compendium, some of today's most acclaimed writers step up to the plate to talk about this most loved and reviled team.
This unique and exciting book delivers a moral, ethical, and spiritual message through the curious medium of professional sports.