DENVER, CO — State senators have taken up the cause of a Jewish boys basketball team whose playoff run may be halted because its players can't play on the Jewish Sabbath.
Shabbos Conflict May End Playoff Run – Jewish Boys Hoops Team Won’t Play On Shabbos
DENVER, CO — State senators have taken up the cause of a Jewish boys basketball team whose playoff run may be halted because its players can’t play on the Jewish Sabbath.
The Herzl/Rocky Mountain Hebrew Academy team could be headed for a regional championship on Saturday, March 8, if it wins one more game. But the Denver team’s religious beliefs prohibit students from playing on the Jewish Sabbath between sundown Friday and sundown Saturday.
If Herzl/RMHA makes it to the regional championship and refuses to play a Saturday game, another school would be chosen to take its place, CHSAA commissioner Bill Reader said.
Earlier this month, the Colorado High School Activities Association, which governs sports and other high school activities, rejected the team’s request for a schedule change.
At the end of morning debate in the state Senate on Wednesday, Majority Leader Ken Gordon, D-Denver, called on the CHSAA to be more flexible.
Senate President Peter Groff, D-Denver, said the CHSAA’s decision was ironic because it has a rule barring games from being played on Sunday for religious reasons.
Sen. Tom Wiens, R-Sedalia, said there must be a way for the CHSAA to accommodate the team.
“It just seems like the bureaucracy has run amok here,” Wiens said.
Bruce H. DeBoskey, mountain states regional director for the Anti-Defamation League, said the group was disappointed by CHSAA’s decision.
Mary
This is absolutely disgraceful! If these young gentlemen were Catholic or Muslim, or any other religion, people would be falling over themselves to accomodate them, for fear of a lawsuit if nothing else. Stick to your values, boys — that’s more important than any game. You are already winners in my eyes!! For the record, I’m a Goy (hope you don’t mind,but I am a regular visitor to this site — I just love it! I learn so much!!)
BigBen
No matter what happens these boys are already big winners. They are making a big Kiddush HaShem.
Let’s examine the issue a little closer. Denver is a “liberal” city as evidenced by the “D” next to the names of the President and Majority Leader of their Senate. The person standing up for the Hebrew Academy has an “R” next to his name.
Another point. Look at the argument put forth by the Majority Leader: “At the end of morning debate in the state Senate on Wednesday, Majority Leader Ken Gordon, D-Denver, called on the CHSAA to be more flexible.” This is ridiculous. He is essentially saying: I am a Liberal, I am a Democcrat, I make everyone happy, if you are not happy then change and be like me.” How absurd it this?!?
Bottom line: Vote Republican and have a gut Shabbos and a gut Yohr (or four:)
7-7-7
I would have no problem with CHSAA’s decision, but once you accomidate one religion, it’s imperative that all are treated equally
proud jew
GO HOOPS! may G-d be with you
seriously
We should stay home.
Parents want to watch their kids play ball and they don’t work on Saturday, why can’t we keep to our books and let the goyim have their ball playing fun?
Every non-Jewish endeavor we make ends up ticking everybody off.