‘Jewish Jordon’ opens hoop camp in Israel over Sukkot

If you are in Israel for Sukkot, you could play basketball with international hoop star Tamir Goodman.

Dubbed the “Jewish Jordan” by Sports Illustrated, Goodman is leading the Hapoel Jerusalem Basketball Camp for boys and girls aged 9 to 17 on Oct. 12 and 13.

He has been leading basketball camps for the past 15 years, with over 15,000 Jewish children participating so far. But this year, pro team Hapoel is sponsoring the camp, which adds a unique flavor and excitement for attendees.

“Basketball is a universal language,” Goodman told The Jewish Star. “We will have kids from all over the world who will be connecting on the court with their shared love of basketball. Through this, they will improve their basketball skills, but also connect to Israel and their Jewish identities, and build life and leadership skills. I’m excited that Hapoel made this opportunity happen.”

Goodman made aliyah in 2002, and from then through 2009 played pro ball for  Maccabi Tel Aviv, Maccabi Shohan, Giva’t Shmuel, and the Maryland Nighthawks. He also served in the IDF.

Growing up in Baltimore, Goodman attended the Talmudic Academy of Baltimore and while in 11th grade, was ranked the 25th-best high school player in the United States, averaging 35.4 points per game.

Goodman’s energies have also been directed at his recently unveiled training apparatus, called Zone190, which has been in the works since 2009. It is used by the NBA, NCAA, and elite high schools across the U.S. Coaches are hailing it as an innovative player development tool to improve basketball fundamentals and allow players to train for every position.

To sign up for the Hapoel camp, or for more information, email tamir@hapoel.co.il, or view the website hapoel.co.il.