Baseballs, Basketballs And Matzah Balls: What Sports Can Teach Us About The Jewish Holidays...And Vice Versa

Baseballs, Basketballs and Matzah Balls offers a sweeping exploration of sports: of contests and heroes, of triumph and adversity, and how they relate to the festivals that Jews have celebrated for thousands of years. Among the chapters: Remembering Simpler Times: What central message of Sukkot is enthusiastically espoused by winning college coaches? Kindling the Light of Confidence: What Hanukkah teaches us about the kind of confidence that builds champions? A Purim Perspective on Competitive Anger: Why so many athletes lose their cool, just like the villainous Haman did, becoming their own worst enemies? Coach K and the Meaning of Passover: How Mike Krzyzewski's success explains the Exodus?"A compelling, entertaining, illuminating work that will stir the hearts and intellect of Jews and non-Jews alike." -- Seth Davis, Sports Illustrated/CBS Sports"Rabbi Mitch Smith has written a book that gives all sports fans occasion to think about the meaning of sacrifice, teamwork, leadership and other virtues in a different light. -- Bud Selig, Commissioner, Major League Baseball"This book is a great read! It offers all of us a roadmap to becoming more fulfilled human beings." -- Lenny Krayzelburg, 4-time Olympic Gold Medalist Informative, insightful, inspirational... Mitch Smith scores on every level with this tonic for the soul." -- Tim Green, former defensive end, Atlanta Falcons, Fox Sports NFL ana