By Matthew Weisbaum | The Jerusalem Post | November 9
Sandy Koufax put his Judaism before his baseball career: What will be your Sandy Koufax moment?
When our kids see us sacrifice for our Jewish values and for Israel, and when they take part themselves, they learn that these are not ideals but living commitments.
In 1965, at the height of his career, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Sandy Koufax stunned the sports world by refusing to pitch Game 1 of the World Series because it fell on Yom Kippur, the holiest day on the Jewish calendar. To many, this was an act of extraordinary faith and courage, a quiet but powerful statement that his Jewish identity came before even the pinnacle of professional success.
For an American Jewish community still finding its footing in the mainstream, Koufax’s choice was a moment of collective pride. He showed that being Jewish wasn’t something to hide or compromise on; it was something to honor, even at personal cost.
That single act became emblematic of Jewish dignity and self-respect in the modern world. It wasn’t about religious observance alone; it was about values, about demonstrating, not declaring, what truly matters. Koufax didn’t explain himself or deliver a sermon. He simply acted, and that action spoke volumes about identity, integrity, and pride. That pride has lasted until today.
As we look to this and future generations, the question is: What will be our Sandy Koufax moment?
For those who care deeply about the Jewish future, about ensuring our children and grandchildren feel connected to their people, their faith, and the State of Israel, the answer lies not in slogans or lectures, but in example. Jewish continuity has always been transmitted less through words and more through lived values. When young Jews see their parents make choices that place Jewish identity and the well-being of Israel above convenience or comfort, that lesson stays with them far longer than any classroom message ever could.
And it’s not only about what we give up, it’s about how we show up. Choose an organization or two and get involved, and bring your kids with you. Let them experience the passion and purpose of Jewish advocacy firsthand. Attend an event together (the StandWithUs conference is a great idea), volunteer for a quality Jewish/pro-Israel organization, and bring them to rallies. When children see and share in your commitment, they understand that Jewish engagement isn’t abstract, it’s lived, tangible, and deeply meaningful.
These acts may seem small, but to your children, they speak louder than any lecture about “Jewish pride.”
The value of anything is measured not by what we say it’s worth, but by what we’re willing to exchange for our time, money, or comfort. When our kids see us sacrifice for our Jewish values and for Israel, and when they take part themselves, they learn that these are not ideals but living commitments.
Sandy Koufax didn’t play that day in 1965, and his absence told the world who he was. The next generation is watching us just as closely. If we want them to value their Jewish identity and their bond with Israel, we must model what that value looks like through action, sacrifice, pride, and involvement.
So, ask yourself: What will be your Sandy Koufax moment?
The writer, a rabbi, is the executive director of RabbisUNITED, a division of StandWithUs, an international nonpartisan education organization that supports Israel and fights antisemitism.
