NBA Superstar Jumps in Judaism

By Doron Finkel ‘24
NBA All-Star Domantas Sabonis has recently converted to Judaism. 
According to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, Rabbi Erez Sherman of Sinai Temple in Los Angeles holds regular Zoom study sessions with Sabonis, a Lithuanian-American who is committed to deepening his understanding of Judaism. Sherman, a Conservative rabbi who also hosts the sports podcast “Rabbi on the Sidelines,” revealed that Sabonis is highly focused on his Jewish studies.

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After Sabonis recorded a triple-double against the Houston Rockets earlier this season, Rabbi Sherman received a text from the athlete expressing interest in finding time for more study. 
“I was surprised,” Sherman recalled. “I thought, 'You are for real.'” According to Rabbi Sherman, Sabonis consistently inquires about and maintains Kashrut and works hard to prioritize his studies.
“As an avid basketball fan, I have been impressed with Sabonis’ game since his days at Gonzaga,” said GOA junior and varsity basketball player Joey Askin. “With all the recent antisemitic drama plaguing the NBA, it feels good to see a star player like him emerge as a role model not just because of his talent, but also his pride in his Jewish identity.”
Sabonis is serious about his Jewish faith and takes it to heart, as evidenced by the fixed mezuzahs at the entrances of his home's rooms and his recitation of "Megilat Esther" during a Purim celebration led by Rabbi Mendy Cohen of Chabad of Sacramento (whom he has a close relationship with). Sabonis even attended Chabad of Sacramento’s Purim party this year, signed autographs and sponsored a sufganiyot giveaway during a Kings home game in December.
“I think it is amazing that an NBA player is converting and at the same time I wish this could be more public because it could be used to help fight antisemitism globally,” said junior Eliana Finkel. 
Sabonis's Jewish wife, Shoshana Rosen, revealed that they observe Shabbat and commemorate Passover and that he loves being a part of the Jewish community. In March 2022, the couple participated in a revised ceremony to exchange vows, with a Reform rabbi officiating the wedding. Despite the demands of his job, Sabonis tries to comply with as many mitzvot as possible and even avoids driving during Shabbat.
“When Sabonis participated in a zoom call with my Jewish camp, I was immediately struck by his humility,” said junior Ari Komorovski. “It was not until later that I learned he was in the process of converting to Judaism, which only deepened my respect and admiration for him as a basketball role model.”
Sabonis is not the only Jewish athlete in the NBA. Deni Avdija, a former player for Maccabi Tel Aviv and an Israeli superstar, now represents the Washington Wizards. Additionally, Ryan Turell, a former sharpshooter for Yeshiva University, is now part of the Motor City Cruise in the NBA's developmental G League.
Sabonis has repeatedly expressed gratitude for the immense support he has received from the Jewish community, even visiting kosher butchers in the Lithuanian capital city of Vilnius to maintain Kashrut and further observe his faith. 
“There’s no denying that Sabonis is truly a superstar, both on and off the basketball court,” said sophomore Jesse Schiffman.