Why Did Sandy Koufax Skip the World Series?

Sandy Koufax made history, not just for his pitching, but for choosing faith over fame by sitting out the World Series on the most important day of his career. In an era of casual antisemitism, his bold stance transformed him into a Jewish-American icon as a symbol of Jewish pride and resilience.

Big Ideas

1. Sandy Koufax chose to observe Yom Kippur rather than pitch in Game 1 of the 1965 World Series.
2. Sandy Koufax shattered the stereotype of Jews as unathletic, becoming one of the best pitchers of all time. 
3. Sandy Koufax has inspired generations of American Jews to be proud of their Jewish identity.

Essential Questions

1. What do we do when our Jewish practice and values conflict with other aspects of life?
2. How can Jewish celebrities, athletes, and public figures change the perception of Jews amongst a population?
3. How can a role model or mentor help in the process of joining a new team or starting a new venture?