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Toledo, OH - The Orthodox 'holy Women's Basketball Team In Toledo |
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Point of pride: University of Toledo point guard Naama Shafir has become an unlikely role model. University of Toledo
Because of various halachic restrictions, “I never would have thought it was possible for an Orthodox Jewish girl to play basketball” at the collegiate level, she said.
Today, Koloski is giving the matter another thought.
Outfitted in a denim skirt, the unofficial uniform of her Modern Orthodox crowd, and a light blue “BIG SIS” sweatband around her forehead, an artifact from a chesed organization at her school, she sat with a teammate and her coach in the stands of Temple University’s Liacouras Center last week, watching history.
visiting University of Toledo women’s basketball team, is the first Orthodox woman to ever play a sport on a National Collegiate Athletic Association team with an athletic scholarship.
A native of a small religious settlement near Tiberias, and a veteran of Israeli national youth basketball teams, she was recruited by the Toledo Rockets’ new coach this year, becoming the Rockets’ top scorer, and by consensus, the team’s best player.
At 5-foot-7, the second-shortest player on the roster, she has been a starter since her first game, a ponytailed leader on the court, with a smile always on her face, driving to the basket, dribbling behind her back, dishing pinpoint passes.
Opposing teams frequently double- and triple-team her.
“She’s a female Tamir Goodman,” says Ira Stern, coach of the Stern day school’s boys’ and girls’ teams, referring to the Baltimore native who starred for his yeshiva team a decade ago, earned the nickname “The Jewish Jordan,” won a scholarship to Towson University, played one season with limited success and now is playing professional ball in Israel.
Goodman, the first Orthodox male to play NCAA basketball — or any sport — on an athletic scholarship, dribbled and shot in a glare of publicity, attracting media interviews and hordes of Jewish fans wherever he went. Shafir, 18, so far has operated under the radar.
Their examples are “part of a world where Orthodox Jews are both courted and comfortable in American society,” says Jeffrey Gurock, professor of American Jewish history at Yeshiva University and author of the forthcoming book, “Orthodox Jews in America” (Indiana University Press). “It’s a growth industry of accommodation of excellence.”
Toledo, in northern Ohio, has a much smaller Jewish community than Baltimore. The university has not promoted her unique status. And Shafir, as soft-spoken off-court as she is aggressive on-court, isn’t looking for the spotlight.
“I’m not famous,” she says.
Besides the three-member contingent from the Stern Hebrew High School, who brought a small Israeli flag to the Temple game, Shafir’s cheering section included a few fans with Israeli connections who had driven down from New York.
As a Sabbath-observant, kosher-eating minority of one on the Toledo campus, Shafir is providing an education about the customs and requirements of Orthodox Judaism, and the team is serving as a model of religious tolerance.
Her favorite food, according to a player’s profile in the Rockets’ media guide, is “kosher food.”
“My teammates ask a lot of questions,” Shafir says. “I explain.”
Alerted to the symbols of kosher certification, the other young women on the team, Christians, many of them African Americans, go out of their way to find products with the Orthodox Union’s OU symbol when buying snacks, she says.
With the guidance of her rabbi in Israel, who advised her when she was the sole Orthodox girl on her national team a few years ago, she has worked out an MO that allows her to follow Jewish law while playing at the highest level of college hoops.
That means walking to Saturday games — a mile or more sometimes — from a separate hotel for road games. Bringing a cooler of kosher food on the road. Playing in a uniform that features a T-shirt with sleeves under her jersey, and shorts that cover her knees.
Shafir’s biggest accomplishment during her brief collegiate career, she says, is demonstrating that a player can excel at sports without compromising her religious principles.
When she stays in a separate hotel from the team, closer to the arena for a Shabbat game, one teammate stays with her.
Most restaurants on the road allow Shafir to heat her frozen kosher meals in their oven, then eat her food with the rest of the players. One restaurant didn’t. Citing obscure health regulations, the restaurant’s management insisted that she could not eat her outside-prepared food inside, but in an outer lobby.
Head Coach Tricia Cullop picked up her plate to join Shafir in the lobby. The coach glanced behind her and noticed that all the players were carrying their meals to sit with Shafir. They were shouting “k’futsa!” Hebrew for team, a word Shafir had taught them.
“We’re a team. We need to stick together,” says guard Clare Aubry, one of the players who decided to eat with Shafir.
At the University of Toledo, the Jewish students familiar with Shafir’s story are “very excited,” says Rabbi Yossi Shemtov, the school’s Chabad emissary. “She’s really a kiddush Hashem,” a sanctification of God’s name.
Does she feel pressure as a role model? “A little.”
Shafir, who by her teens started and starred on co-ed teams in her region, excelled on her national teams, then started thinking last year of applying for a college scholarship in the U.S. She sent out some highlight DVDs, and a few teams were interested, but one underwent a coaching change and another was unwilling to accommodate her religious demands.
Then Cullop, who had come from a successful stint at Evansville University, found herself late in the recruiting season in need of a point guard. Her contacts in international basketball suggested Shafir.
She contacted the Israeli.
Weeks of discussions with Rabbi Shemtov and an uncle of Shafir in Israel, her unofficial representative, about the player’s religious practice, followed. Cullop learned that an Orthodox player can’t ride in a vehicle on Shabbat, can’t eat the non-kosher food served at team meals, must dress a little more modestly than her teammates. “Is that all?” Cullop asked. She agreed to all the conditions.
“They didn’t just give what [Shafir] demanded. They gave what she asked,” Rabbi Shemtov says.
One example: Saturday practices this season were shifted until after sundown.
“We adapt things for everyone on the team,” Cullop says. “It’s a great opportunity for the team to learn a little about another culture.”
“It’s a minor miracle” — because of bureaucratic roadblocks — “that we were able to get Naama,” the coach says.
Shafir arrived in Toledo, her first time in this country, a few days after the start of the fall semester. “It’s a big change from Israel,” says Shafir, who is still developing her English skills. “It’s not easy.”
Several weeks after Shafir came to Toledo, the team left for the Bank of Hawaii Invitational tournament in Hilo, Hawaii.
In the first game, against the University of Arizona, Shafir was the Rockets’ top scorer, winning the game by sinking two free throws with four seconds left. She was named the tournament’s most valuable player.
From that performance came her teammates’ nickname for Shafir, “Phenomanana.” “Namana,” for short.
So far she’s been named the university’s Athlete of the Week, and the Mid-American Conference West Division Player of the Week.
“I feel lucky that I’m here,” says Shafir, a mantra she repeats often.
A business major, she hopes to play professional basketball, according to the team’s media guide. After graduation, she may do her deferred army service, or perform the national service available to young women from religious backgrounds.
In the game against Temple, she led the team in minutes played and was second in points and steals.
“It’s really inspiring,” says Sheera Ohayon, a senior at Stern Hebrew High School who watched the Temple game after taking part in her day school team’s victory earlier that evening.
“It’s possible within halacha that an Orthodox Jewish girl who is talented can play Division I basketball, within certain guidelines,” says Coach Stern.
Shafir showed Aviva Koloski that someone like her, who is both a basketball player and Shabbat observant, might qualify for an athletic scholarship.
“I didn’t think it’s possible,” Koloski says. “Now it’s an option.”
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Read Comments (72) — Post Yours »
1
Dec 18, 2008 at 07:38 PM Anonymous Says:
And I'm supposed to be proud of this? I am more proud of the chasidic women in BP or Willi. women have one role to be at home & raise the kids they don't belong on a basketball court or for that matter in a office
2
Dec 18, 2008 at 08:04 PM Anonymous Says:
I know that everybody will jump down my throat for saying this, but very few Rabbis will say that SHORTS, not SKIRTS covering the knees falls within the bounds of Halacha
I shouldn't even bring up the Mishnah Berura clearly paskening that Psiah Gasa - taking large steps - is not acceptable on Shabbos and is against Halacha.
Although we some may not hold like the Mishna Berura in all cases, there are no Rishonim or Achronim who argue on this one.
3
Dec 18, 2008 at 09:03 PM BBall Girl Says:
Good for her!!! I am proud of you!! You are an individual and you are unique!! More power to you! I hope you excel in ALL aspects of your life!! You are a true role model to girls and women everywhere!
4
Dec 18, 2008 at 08:43 PM Anonymous Says:
“ I know that everybody will jump down my throat for saying this, but very few Rabbis will say that SHORTS, not SKIRTS covering the knees falls within the bounds of Halacha
I shouldn't even bring up the Mishnah Berura clearly paskening that Psiah Gasa - taking large steps - is not acceptable on Shabbos and is against Halacha.
Although we some may not hold like the Mishna Berura in all cases, there are no Rishonim or Achronim who argue on this one.
”
I guess she didn't learn in bais yakov she doesn't know the mishna berurah
5
Dec 18, 2008 at 08:36 PM Foodtekie Says:
“ And I'm supposed to be proud of this? I am more proud of the chasidic women in BP or Willi. women have one role to be at home & raise the kids they don't belong on a basketball court or for that matter in a office ”
What cave do you live in? Who is the source of your brilliant declaration that women only belong at home to raise their kids. Did Moshe Rabeinu whisper it into your ears at Har Sinai? I must have gone to the bathroom when that takana was announced. I feel pity for the women of BP and Williamsburg if their whole life consists of going to the pediatrician, the OB/GYN, the mikvah, Korn's bakery and the kid's shoe store on 13th Avenue or Lee Ave.
6
Dec 18, 2008 at 08:32 PM Anonymous Says:
Why is everyone so intolerant and then expect people to tolerate you and your mishigasin? Live and let live. I for one think its cool.
7
Dec 18, 2008 at 09:55 PM Anonymous Says:
Way to go Yossie Shemtov!!!
8
Dec 18, 2008 at 09:45 PM Rodeph Shalom Says:
“ And I'm supposed to be proud of this? I am more proud of the chasidic women in BP or Willi. women have one role to be at home & raise the kids they don't belong on a basketball court or for that matter in a office ”
You should be proud of any yid. Didn't you learn anything from Mumbai.We are all brothers and sisters.
9
Dec 18, 2008 at 09:41 PM Anonymous Says:
“ And I'm supposed to be proud of this? I am more proud of the chasidic women in BP or Willi. women have one role to be at home & raise the kids they don't belong on a basketball court or for that matter in a office ”
I can respect Chasidic women who choose a lifestyle focused on home and children...I have no respect for those such as yourself or the so called "Gadolim" you cite who would impose this 17th century "shtetel" lifestyle on all women based on some warped view or Torah and Halacha....This young woman should be a real hero and role model to all yiddishe girls who aspire to more of a life than nonstop pregancies and preparing meals and doing laundry for their husbands
10
Dec 18, 2008 at 09:40 PM Anonymous Says:
the article says shorts that cover the knees and something under her jersey the picture does not show that besides which the picture is pritzus and a bizoion
11
Dec 18, 2008 at 09:40 PM seen it all Says:
To all the wonderful holy rollers who communicate to us Hashem's true will every day by being obnoxious, hypocritical second-guessers:
How many immigrants dropped shmiras shabbos to get jobs in NY during the 20's?
How many men hid their yarmulkas to become partners in law firms?
How many beards disappeared so guys can go to med school?
She is a living kiddush hashem, who got a team to accomodate her Judaism. We can argue if playing ball on shabbos is muttar, shorts knee length are tznius, bichlal if a girl should play basketball in public, etc. She had a test and bent the school to her way vs. bending her religion to accomodate her dreams.
12
Dec 18, 2008 at 09:32 PM Anonymous Says:
“ What cave do you live in? Who is the source of your brilliant declaration that women only belong at home to raise their kids. Did Moshe Rabeinu whisper it into your ears at Har Sinai? I must have gone to the bathroom when that takana was announced. I feel pity for the women of BP and Williamsburg if their whole life consists of going to the pediatrician, the OB/GYN, the mikvah, Korn's bakery and the kid's shoe store on 13th Avenue or Lee Ave. ”
Its actualy a possuk "kol kevudah bas melech pnimah
13
Dec 18, 2008 at 10:31 PM Anonymous Says:
“ To all the wonderful holy rollers who communicate to us Hashem's true will every day by being obnoxious, hypocritical second-guessers:
How many immigrants dropped shmiras shabbos to get jobs in NY during the 20's?
How many men hid their yarmulkas to become partners in law firms?
How many beards disappeared so guys can go to med school?
She is a living kiddush hashem, who got a team to accomodate her Judaism. We can argue if playing ball on shabbos is muttar, shorts knee length are tznius, bichlal if a girl should play basketball in public, etc. She had a test and bent the school to her way vs. bending her religion to accomodate her dreams. ”
So she got the school to conform to her warped way of judiasim but it still is against the halacha just like the guy who worked on shabbos
14
Dec 18, 2008 at 11:03 PM Anonymous Says:
Oh, good grief. We went through this same discussion when there were articles about the shomer shabbos hockey player in Canada, and a female athlete I'm forgetting the particulars about. Let's agree to disagree, for heaven's sake. There will be a vocal percentage here that will say it's boosha and bezoyon for various reasons. And there will be those who will see the positive. Is one side going to convince the other? No. But, over time, with opinions expressed with derech eretz, I think frum yidden can learn something and have a hashpa'a on one another. Tolerance, people.
15
Dec 18, 2008 at 11:00 PM Anonymous Says:
“ So she got the school to conform to her warped way of judiasim but it still is against the halacha just like the guy who worked on shabbos ”
Why is there so much hatred among Yidden for someone whose view of halacha is dfferent from their own...she is a role model for our daughters and has shown great maturity while makadesh hashem through the torah lifestyle she seeks to maintain
16
Dec 18, 2008 at 10:56 PM Anonymous Says:
you can't make a kidush hashem by just picking and choosing what to be careful about and ignoring other parts of hashem's torah!!!
17
Dec 18, 2008 at 10:52 PM Charlie Hall Says:
Mazel tov to Ms. Shafir for her scholarship and for keeping Shabat and kashrut. May her example inspire many young Jewish women athletes to do the same. I wish her and her teammates much success in both athletics and learning.
BTW, Stern College for Women fields teams in basketball, tennis, soccer, cross country, fencing, and (new for this year) volleyball. However, it does not give athletic scholarships. And many orthodox high schools sponsor sports teams for both boys and for girls.
18
Dec 18, 2008 at 10:51 PM robroy560 Says:
“ To all the wonderful holy rollers who communicate to us Hashem's true will every day by being obnoxious, hypocritical second-guessers:
How many immigrants dropped shmiras shabbos to get jobs in NY during the 20's?
How many men hid their yarmulkas to become partners in law firms?
How many beards disappeared so guys can go to med school?
She is a living kiddush hashem, who got a team to accomodate her Judaism. We can argue if playing ball on shabbos is muttar, shorts knee length are tznius, bichlal if a girl should play basketball in public, etc. She had a test and bent the school to her way vs. bending her religion to accomodate her dreams. ”
I'm not a gadol hador like many of you here. Nor was I at Har Sinai. So I am in no position to comment on this young woman's personal decision.
As a male who is comfortable with women leaving the home and working, I say kol hakavod.
As a wise man said, worry about your own home first before you judge others. Or as I like to joke, people who live in glass houses should get dressed in the basement.
19
Dec 18, 2008 at 10:51 PM Yehuda Macabe Says:
this is what the Maccabees fought against Greek sports and the chochme
20
Dec 18, 2008 at 10:37 PM Anonymous Says:
“ And I'm supposed to be proud of this? I am more proud of the chasidic women in BP or Willi. women have one role to be at home & raise the kids they don't belong on a basketball court or for that matter in a office ”
I just got a call from the shop, your time machine has been fixed and you may return to the 1400s now. You won't be missed.
21
Dec 18, 2008 at 11:14 PM Anonymous Says:
While she should definitely not be a role model for us who are brought up with a stricter level of yiddishkeit, she definitely should be a role model to those that are at her level.
And for us of the first category, there may still be something we can learn. Don't be embarassed of your yiddishkeit even at work or wherever you spend your day in between goyim. We should also always act in a way that will bring a kiddush shaim shomayim
22
Dec 19, 2008 at 12:08 AM Anonymous Says:
“ While she should definitely not be a role model for us who are brought up with a stricter level of yiddishkeit, she definitely should be a role model to those that are at her level.
And for us of the first category, there may still be something we can learn. Don't be embarassed of your yiddishkeit even at work or wherever you spend your day in between goyim. We should also always act in a way that will bring a kiddush shaim shomayim ”
For us in the first category the satmar Rabbi zy"a taught us already not to be embarrassed by our yiddishkeit we wear our shtreimlich & even our white socks chol hamoed even when we go wednesday to the bronx zoo cause its free so we don't need some modern lady to teach us
23
Dec 19, 2008 at 12:02 AM Anonymous Says:
“ I just got a call from the shop, your time machine has been fixed and you may return to the 1400s now. You won't be missed. ”
Hello hello last time I checked torah is what we call nitzchiyos it always stay the same in the 1400s in the 1900s or in 2008 for that matter so if the torah said kol kvodah bas melech pnima is still relevant today, more relevant than your apikorses
24
Dec 18, 2008 at 11:50 PM Anonymous Says:
“ While she should definitely not be a role model for us who are brought up with a stricter level of yiddishkeit, she definitely should be a role model to those that are at her level.
And for us of the first category, there may still be something we can learn. Don't be embarassed of your yiddishkeit even at work or wherever you spend your day in between goyim. We should also always act in a way that will bring a kiddush shaim shomayim ”
Thats the spirit! Although I disagree with your assertion that stricter is better,I still respect your decision to be strict while not condemning people who have their own mahalach.As for the other fools who lashed out at her,I think it shows just what kind of bnei torah you are who are willing to hold others up to their version of Judaism.
Live and let live!
25
Dec 18, 2008 at 11:46 PM Anonymous Says:
“ To all the wonderful holy rollers who communicate to us Hashem's true will every day by being obnoxious, hypocritical second-guessers:
How many immigrants dropped shmiras shabbos to get jobs in NY during the 20's?
How many men hid their yarmulkas to become partners in law firms?
How many beards disappeared so guys can go to med school?
She is a living kiddush hashem, who got a team to accomodate her Judaism. We can argue if playing ball on shabbos is muttar, shorts knee length are tznius, bichlal if a girl should play basketball in public, etc. She had a test and bent the school to her way vs. bending her religion to accomodate her dreams. ”
I suppose the yerushalmi that says tur shimon was destroyed because they played ball is totally irrelevant. I feel sory for you that you feel Judaism has to be accepting of goyishe culture because "we're in galus!" I remind you that Jews went out of golud because they did not adopt goyishe culture. down to the smallest items their clothes their language, and their names. Not they opposite that they kept just those 3 things while they ate pizza on Yom Kippur, watching the pritzusdikeh movies sitting in taruvas with their arm around their shiksa girlfriends.
26
Dec 18, 2008 at 11:42 PM Anonymous Says:
“ I know that everybody will jump down my throat for saying this, but very few Rabbis will say that SHORTS, not SKIRTS covering the knees falls within the bounds of Halacha
I shouldn't even bring up the Mishnah Berura clearly paskening that Psiah Gasa - taking large steps - is not acceptable on Shabbos and is against Halacha.
Although we some may not hold like the Mishna Berura in all cases, there are no Rishonim or Achronim who argue on this one.
”
i think the insane and amazing kiddush hashem make up for taking big steps!!!!!!
27
Dec 18, 2008 at 11:21 PM shmiel glassman Says:
it is fair to say that her intentions are good & any person trying to do the mitzvos even when they are not convient is a kidush hashem ,& it should be encouraged
this does not mean it is a course a bais yakov girl should take n, nor does it mean that its greater than being a mother , a yidishe mama& tate similarly go out of their way to fulfill hashems ratzon when its not convient
28
Dec 19, 2008 at 08:17 AM Aviva Says:
how do you judgemental types know that she's not a total tzadekes from where she's coming from? a lot of times, dati leumi people don't even know the real halacha and fact of the matter is, even if she's not doing the 100% halacha, she is being moiser nefesh l'gamrei for where and who she is, and that's probably a lot more than all of you holy rollers who have chalav yisroel on every corner and talk loshon hara in shul (which is much worse that what she's doing - those who know more are held to higher standards)
29
Dec 19, 2008 at 07:46 AM Anonymous Says:
kevodah bas melech penima is the oldest line used by all the rabbis when they don't have a good answer to give. live and let live. in BP people take that line to literaly, wearing shabbos clothing to buy milk at the supermarket - if that tickles their fancy - fine, but don't impose your skewed view of Torah onto others.
30
Dec 19, 2008 at 07:32 AM Anonymous Says:
Every Yid has something to contribute....This is her contribution...Mazal Tov!!
31
Dec 19, 2008 at 07:23 AM UBET Says:
“ I'm not a gadol hador like many of you here. Nor was I at Har Sinai. So I am in no position to comment on this young woman's personal decision.
As a male who is comfortable with women leaving the home and working, I say kol hakavod.
As a wise man said, worry about your own home first before you judge others. Or as I like to joke, people who live in glass houses should get dressed in the basement. ”
How can a yid say they weren't at Har Sinai? All neshomas were there! And to all those who say she is wrong about being involved in sports, I bet your definition of a Jewish wife is "barefoot and pregnant" all the time. DUH!
32
Dec 19, 2008 at 04:22 AM a reader Says:
all the negative comments here about this girl seem to me to smack of jealousy. why? because this girl, who everyone here is having a great time putting down, explaining why she is not really "frum" (based on the williamsburg definition) has probably already made a greater kiddush hashem and had more of a positive impact on the world and especially other yiddin that most of the negative posters have in their entire lives!!
there are probably many completely secular yiddin who have learned a bit more about what it means to be frum because they saw/heard this girl playing basketball within the framework of halacha (as advised by her rov). imagine that some of them decide to go for a shabbos meal to the chabad house on the campus, become more involved in yiddishkeit, etc., etc. - 'ein ladavar sof!' - by playing ball while still remaining frum, this girl has the potential to inspire neshomos who would otherwise NEVER have been touched by yiddishkeit.
the negative posters here, on the other hand - what do you have to show for yourselves? your negative comments posted anonymously on this site which attack this girl for not following your rov/communities psak with regards to this or that? what a tremendous kiddush hashem you have created! i'm sure that after reading your negative posts, many will be inspired to become more frum - yashar koach to all!!
33
Dec 19, 2008 at 04:21 AM Anonymous Says:
“ Why is there so much hatred among Yidden for someone whose view of halacha is dfferent from their own...she is a role model for our daughters and has shown great maturity while makadesh hashem through the torah lifestyle she seeks to maintain ”
theres no hate just other jews who are concerned 4 her and all these "hetairim" she is getting> it is clearly asur gamer!
34
Dec 19, 2008 at 01:45 AM every frum yid Says:
Mr. glassman: good intentions are not always a mitzva. Here it is against halacha and it's a Chulul Hahem & not a Kidush Hashem. A girl or woman is not allowed to run and play like this in public it's just not tznius especially if men watch. and also it is impossible that her knees should not show from jumping and running. above the knees is an ervah lchol ha'deos
I think we jews lost touch in what is a Kidush Hashem and what is a Chilul Hashem.
A Kidush Hashem is when a jew keeps Torah, even if that would mean that a non jew sees us keeping torah and thinks the some halacha is the wrong thing to do. This is a Kidush hashem.
A Chilul Hashem is when a jew deos something against Halacha especially if a non jew is watching and saying look this jew or jews are so cool they are just like us. this is a big Chilul Hashem
35
Dec 19, 2008 at 09:20 AM Genuch-er-Genuch Says:
“ Mr. glassman: good intentions are not always a mitzva. Here it is against halacha and it's a Chulul Hahem & not a Kidush Hashem. A girl or woman is not allowed to run and play like this in public it's just not tznius especially if men watch. and also it is impossible that her knees should not show from jumping and running. above the knees is an ervah lchol ha'deos
I think we jews lost touch in what is a Kidush Hashem and what is a Chilul Hashem.
A Kidush Hashem is when a jew keeps Torah, even if that would mean that a non jew sees us keeping torah and thinks the some halacha is the wrong thing to do. This is a Kidush hashem.
A Chilul Hashem is when a jew deos something against Halacha especially if a non jew is watching and saying look this jew or jews are so cool they are just like us. this is a big Chilul Hashem
”
"A girl or woman is not allowed to run and play like this in public it's just not tznius especially if men watch. and also it is impossible that her knees should not show from jumping and running. above the knees is an ervah lchol ha'deos"
So many of these narrow-minded and sexist comments are posted here, one wonders how the Torah can be so distorted by these mindless zealots to frame a wonderful young yiddeshe maidel as a threat to every jew who g-d forbid might see her knee and thus be driven into uncontrollable lust and lose any entitlement to olam habah. This young woman should be applauded for setting a role model for our women in Bais Yakov, Beis Feiga or Bes Whatever that they can live a yiddishe life without compromising basic yiddeshe and torah values such as keeping oneself in good physical condition and making a point of how once can reconcile observance of Torah with enjoyment of all the wonderful opportunites Hashem provide us in Olam Hazeh (beyond simply constantly muttering that we need to daven more and o Tsushvan so that Moishiach might come sooner. If he does show up, I'm willing to bet he would want a front row ticket to her next basketball game.
36
Dec 19, 2008 at 09:35 AM Anonymous Says:
alot of you on both sides are missing the point on some of our posts.
the question is not whether or not she is doing the right thing or not. I am all for live and let live.
What I have a problem with, and why I posted post #2, is because of the assertion that "It’s possible within halacha".
What this article shows is almost the opposite. While we should not judge her because of where she comes from, and she is doing the best she could, nevertheless, it is NOT within the bounds of Halacha.
When I talk Lashon Harah, and somebody calls me on it, My response would be a sheepish "Oh, yeah, right. I'm sorry". I would not say that the actions are within Halacha.
There are
37
Dec 19, 2008 at 08:54 AM Anonymous Says:
Don't we come to this site because it has only modest pictures. If I wanted to see this kind of pictures I can go to Yahoo or MSN etc. Please remove the picture. Thank you
38
Dec 19, 2008 at 08:52 AM Anonymous Says:
“ What cave do you live in? Who is the source of your brilliant declaration that women only belong at home to raise their kids. Did Moshe Rabeinu whisper it into your ears at Har Sinai? I must have gone to the bathroom when that takana was announced. I feel pity for the women of BP and Williamsburg if their whole life consists of going to the pediatrician, the OB/GYN, the mikvah, Korn's bakery and the kid's shoe store on 13th Avenue or Lee Ave. ”
KOL KVIDU BAS MELECH PNIMA
39
Dec 19, 2008 at 08:48 AM Anonymous Says:
by putting yourself in a situation of nisayon you can't call that misiras nefesh.the seforim say,one is not supposed to put themselves into situations of nisayon-its hard enough with what regular life throws your way.
40
Dec 19, 2008 at 08:46 AM Daat Toirah Says:
Everyone should be proud of this girl. It is a kiddush Hashem. The same people who put her down are the boorish ignoramus's who called Rabbi Avi Billet's exceleent article "kefirah". VIN : You must upgrade the caliber of some of your readers
42
Dec 19, 2008 at 09:50 AM evry frum yid Says:
Mr. Genuch-er-Genuch:
I hope you understand that I or the nerrow minded like me did not write Hilchos Tznius, Hilchos Tznius is GOD Given and absolute.
A woman exposed from her knees up is against the torah according to all. and has nothing to do if we are driven by it or not.
And by the way the only reason a person would not be driven in anyway seeing a woman that is not tznius, is only because that person was exposed to much worse and exposed knees and above does'nt effect them anymore
You may think that our generation has grown to understand that in some cases the Torah law is sexist
need not say more......
43
Dec 19, 2008 at 09:44 AM teen girl Says:
I didn't read the whole article, so I may not know exactly the story here. But one thing that I know is that it's really really important for a girl to have an "outlet." Many girls have a lot of energy on their hands and need a way to let it out.
I personally go to the gym and let out my energy that way. But there should be other ways to do it. A basketball team is a wonderful idea. I just don't think it should be in front of men.
I think it's unfair when men expect their wives to just stay at home and cook and clean all day while they go out and do what they want. They should organize such a thing in New York. I would join. Just as long as it's not in public where boys can watch.
44
Dec 19, 2008 at 09:42 AM wake up and smell the coffee Says:
Let's stop bickering for a minute and look at the facts:
1) She wasn't looking for this opportunity. They contacted her
2) She then asked her Rabbi what she should do. He investigated and setup guide lines for her.
3) She is completely in line with what her Rabbonim asked of her.
Just because her rabbis don't live with your standards, is not a reason to look down at her.
At least she asks first then follows thru with what her rabbis tell her to do!
Can you say the same?
Did you ask your Rabbi if it’s proper for you to spend time blogging?
I wish her mazal and success in her pursuit.
May she always stick to her standards of asking and doing what her Rov says!
45
Dec 19, 2008 at 09:53 AM a reader Says:
“ alot of you on both sides are missing the point on some of our posts.
the question is not whether or not she is doing the right thing or not. I am all for live and let live.
What I have a problem with, and why I posted post #2, is because of the assertion that "It’s possible within halacha".
What this article shows is almost the opposite. While we should not judge her because of where she comes from, and she is doing the best she could, nevertheless, it is NOT within the bounds of Halacha.
When I talk Lashon Harah, and somebody calls me on it, My response would be a sheepish "Oh, yeah, right. I'm sorry". I would not say that the actions are within Halacha.
There are ”
excuse me, but it is YOU who are missing the point.
to be specific, the point that you (and the other negative posters here) are making is that what this girl is doing is not within the bounds of YOUR OPINION of halacha. the article explains that she has a rov who has guided her and has advised her how to behave under specific circumstances. perhaps this p'sak is not the one that your rov would have given, or one that your are not comfortable with - but this does not make it outside the bounds of halacha.
many rabbonim hold that wearing a sheitle is assur - does this mean that those who wear shetils (following the psak of their own rabbonim) are "not withing the bounds of halacha"?? (as you claim this girl is). chas veshalom!! rather, the halacha is decided by each rov for those who follow him/his community. the fact that different rabbonim hold differently does not mean that one of their actions is outside of halacha - different shitos is what halacha is all about. only someone who has never studied halacha could assert that there is only one correct shitta about everything, and all other shitos are "assur", "krum", etc.
this girl received a psak from her rov, and is following it. this psak is the halacha for her. if you don't like it, take it up with her rov. but this girl's actions are just as much within halacha as those women who wear sheitles despite the fact that some 'asser' them. but you'd probably hold that those women are "NOT within the bounds of Halacha", in your words.
46
Dec 19, 2008 at 09:51 AM Shai Golani Says:
“ I suppose the yerushalmi that says tur shimon was destroyed because they played ball is totally irrelevant. I feel sory for you that you feel Judaism has to be accepting of goyishe culture because "we're in galus!" I remind you that Jews went out of golud because they did not adopt goyishe culture. down to the smallest items their clothes their language, and their names. Not they opposite that they kept just those 3 things while they ate pizza on Yom Kippur, watching the pritzusdikeh movies sitting in taruvas with their arm around their shiksa girlfriends. ”
"I suppose the yerushalmi that says tur shimon was destroyed because they played ball is totally irrelevant. I feel sory for you that you feel Judaism has to be accepting of goyishe culture because "we're in galus!" I remind you that Jews went out of golud because they did not adopt goyishe culture. down to the smallest items their clothes their language, and their names. "
I don't know the Yerushalmi you quote his Sefer Vyoel Moshe Rabbi Teitelbaum asserts that anything that is not in the Bavli is not to be relied upon(Maamer Yishuv Eretz Yisroel)
As to the three things.This was only at the time of Mitzrayim prior to matan Torah and the Jews needed a zchus.
After Matan Torah the only issue is keeping the Torah
As to the three things:
Most names passing as Jewish today are decidedly not. The names Wolf,Ber Lieb,Herz Hersh are real German names Zev ,Dov ,Arye Tzvi,Etc are just the Hebrew transalation of these names.Briendel ,Kriendel, Shaindel, Feige,Perel etc are not Jewish . I can go on and list most names that we know today are not from Jewish sources (including Chaim, Feivel , Boruch, Shraga etc.) .
Yiddish was a Germanic language taken to Poland by Jews who emmigrated there. There are other cases of Jews keeping their non-jewish languge in a new are. Spanish Ladino,and the Persian Jewish language in Uzbekistan.All share the common trait of a move to a lower status country by a large group at the same time.Initially it was an attempt to retain cultural superiority and not to create a Jewish language.
Clothing i leave you to guess at the origins of knickers half shoes ,silk stockings and a silk caftan.
47
Dec 19, 2008 at 09:58 AM Anonymous Says:
“ Mr. Genuch-er-Genuch:
I hope you understand that I or the nerrow minded like me did not write Hilchos Tznius, Hilchos Tznius is GOD Given and absolute.
A woman exposed from her knees up is against the torah according to all. and has nothing to do if we are driven by it or not.
And by the way the only reason a person would not be driven in anyway seeing a woman that is not tznius, is only because that person was exposed to much worse and exposed knees and above does'nt effect them anymore
You may think that our generation has grown to understand that in some cases the Torah law is sexist
need not say more...... ”
I respect your right to believe that "Hilchos Tzinius" are toras moshe m'sinai and are at the core of your value system as a yid...I also respect your right, as another poster said, to keep your wife and daughers locked in the bedroom and the kitchen, but again you are in a minority because hashem gave the rest of us the ability to think and apply his mitzos and prohibitions with some common sense. You choose not to use the intellect hashem gave you to interpret his words, the rest of us do.
shabbat shalom
48
Dec 19, 2008 at 10:12 AM Anonymous Says:
Such Hypocrites!
Just because a woman dresses tznius with bulletproof stockings
or a man wears chassidshe clothing does not make them "Holy"
anybody can dress up and play Holy Roller.
You degenerate her:
She respects Shabbos -
She Does Not Do Drugs
She Does Not Commit Chillul Hashem
This is why there are so many teens at risk!
This why so many are opting out on frumkeit!
Because they see the hypocracy in the community
The see the fakers They see the phonies in our midsts
which by the way are allways the loudest protestors and
supposed protectors of the faith.
The supposed modern orthodox and bad teens.
They see people dressed in Chassidish / Yeshivish clothing sitting at the same movies with them gambling in same casinos going to the same Yankees games and at the same beaches and hot spots in Miami.
But when a modern Bas Yisroel follows her passion and makes arrangments to stay within Halacha you all go jumping down her throat WHAT A SHAM!
49
Dec 19, 2008 at 10:30 AM Anonymous Says:
“ Such Hypocrites!
Just because a woman dresses tznius with bulletproof stockings
or a man wears chassidshe clothing does not make them "Holy"
anybody can dress up and play Holy Roller.
You degenerate her:
She respects Shabbos -
She Does Not Do Drugs
She Does Not Commit Chillul Hashem
This is why there are so many teens at risk!
This why so many are opting out on frumkeit!
Because they see the hypocracy in the community
The see the fakers They see the phonies in our midsts
which by the way are allways the loudest protestors and
supposed protectors of the faith.
The supposed modern orthodox and bad teens.
They see people dressed in Chassidish / Yeshivish clothing sitting at the same movies with them gambling in same casinos going to the same Yankees games and at the same beaches and hot spots in Miami.
But when a modern Bas Yisroel follows her passion and makes arrangments to stay within Halacha you all go jumping down her throat WHAT A SHAM!
”
they would rather she be in boro park and be at risk or something...its always better to wear tights and stokcings on the baketball court and smoke up, so long as you talk yeshivish and plan to marry a hatzolah guy who used to smoke.
50
Dec 19, 2008 at 10:28 AM Anonymous Says:
This is a Kiddush Hashem! And another testament to this great country in which we live!
51
Dec 19, 2008 at 10:27 AM Anonymous Says:
“ I know that everybody will jump down my throat for saying this, but very few Rabbis will say that SHORTS, not SKIRTS covering the knees falls within the bounds of Halacha
I shouldn't even bring up the Mishnah Berura clearly paskening that Psiah Gasa - taking large steps - is not acceptable on Shabbos and is against Halacha.
Although we some may not hold like the Mishna Berura in all cases, there are no Rishonim or Achronim who argue on this one.
”
there is nothing wrong with it
52
Dec 19, 2008 at 10:27 AM yiddel Says:
“ And I'm supposed to be proud of this? I am more proud of the chasidic women in BP or Willi. women have one role to be at home & raise the kids they don't belong on a basketball court or for that matter in a office ”
there is nothing wrong with kids getting physical activity and excersize.
no one ever lived a long healthy life from 6 years worth of plays, contadas, kumzits and sing alongs.
53
Dec 19, 2008 at 10:25 AM Anonymous Says:
“ Such Hypocrites!
Just because a woman dresses tznius with bulletproof stockings
or a man wears chassidshe clothing does not make them "Holy"
anybody can dress up and play Holy Roller.
You degenerate her:
She respects Shabbos -
She Does Not Do Drugs
She Does Not Commit Chillul Hashem
This is why there are so many teens at risk!
This why so many are opting out on frumkeit!
Because they see the hypocracy in the community
The see the fakers They see the phonies in our midsts
which by the way are allways the loudest protestors and
supposed protectors of the faith.
The supposed modern orthodox and bad teens.
They see people dressed in Chassidish / Yeshivish clothing sitting at the same movies with them gambling in same casinos going to the same Yankees games and at the same beaches and hot spots in Miami.
But when a modern Bas Yisroel follows her passion and makes arrangments to stay within Halacha you all go jumping down her throat WHAT A SHAM!
”
Your words are so true...the hateful comments made about this wonderful girl who exhibits the most wonderful attributes of a bat yisroel are indicative of why Moishiach will not come anytime soon (unless, of course, her team makes it into the NCAA playoffs)
54
Dec 19, 2008 at 10:38 AM a reader Says:
“ Such Hypocrites!
Just because a woman dresses tznius with bulletproof stockings
or a man wears chassidshe clothing does not make them "Holy"
anybody can dress up and play Holy Roller.
You degenerate her:
She respects Shabbos -
She Does Not Do Drugs
She Does Not Commit Chillul Hashem
This is why there are so many teens at risk!
This why so many are opting out on frumkeit!
Because they see the hypocracy in the community
The see the fakers They see the phonies in our midsts
which by the way are allways the loudest protestors and
supposed protectors of the faith.
The supposed modern orthodox and bad teens.
They see people dressed in Chassidish / Yeshivish clothing sitting at the same movies with them gambling in same casinos going to the same Yankees games and at the same beaches and hot spots in Miami.
But when a modern Bas Yisroel follows her passion and makes arrangments to stay within Halacha you all go jumping down her throat WHAT A SHAM!
”
bingo!
could not have said it better!
thank you!
55
Dec 19, 2008 at 10:35 AM wtvr Says:
“ What cave do you live in? Who is the source of your brilliant declaration that women only belong at home to raise their kids. Did Moshe Rabeinu whisper it into your ears at Har Sinai? I must have gone to the bathroom when that takana was announced. I feel pity for the women of BP and Williamsburg if their whole life consists of going to the pediatrician, the OB/GYN, the mikvah, Korn's bakery and the kid's shoe store on 13th Avenue or Lee Ave. ”
u guys are both rong, just as it is important for this girl to play ball it is of equal important for the woman in "bp & willi" to serv g'd the way that do
we cant play good and say what is of value and not of value
true valu of a jew is in the eys of the 1 and only
56
Dec 19, 2008 at 10:35 AM Anonymous Says:
“ And I'm supposed to be proud of this? I am more proud of the chasidic women in BP or Willi. women have one role to be at home & raise the kids they don't belong on a basketball court or for that matter in a office ”
In response to the first post of the person who said a woman's place is in the home, I have to say that that is the dumbest comment I have ever heard. (I am a guy) If you are married I certainly feel bad for your wife and daughters, and shame on whoever taught you to think that way. This woman is very courageous and should be commended for going out of her way to stay religious while doing what she loves. Good for her and I hope she can continue with her success
57
Dec 19, 2008 at 10:33 AM wtvr Says:
“ What cave do you live in? Who is the source of your brilliant declaration that women only belong at home to raise their kids. Did Moshe Rabeinu whisper it into your ears at Har Sinai? I must have gone to the bathroom when that takana was announced. I feel pity for the women of BP and Williamsburg if their whole life consists of going to the pediatrician, the OB/GYN, the mikvah, Korn's bakery and the kid's shoe store on 13th Avenue or Lee Ave. ”
u guys are both rong, just as it is important for this girl to play ball it is of equal important for the woman in "bp & willi" to serv g'd the way that do
we cant play good and say what is of value and not of value
true valu of a jew is in the eys of the 1 and only
58
Dec 19, 2008 at 11:00 AM Anonymous Says:
this is wonderful and I hope she becomes a role model for many other girls....way to go!
to all the negative comments - get a life!
59
Dec 19, 2008 at 11:54 AM Anonymous Says:
I'm honestly surprised at all the people that are in full support. We're not talking about small chumras that she's choosing not to be makpid on. We're talking about Shabbos!!! If playing ball on shabbos could be assur, the no amount of "oh wow, she's a role model" makes it right! I'll be dan l'kaf zchus that when she used the hotel's oven to heat up her food she used a double covering. But then to also just throw tznius out the door, because "she's a role model! woohoo!"
I may come of as a finatic, and believe you me, I'm far from that. But we're talking about SHABBOS! people!! Come on!!!
60
Dec 19, 2008 at 11:42 AM Anonymous Says:
“ Hello hello last time I checked torah is what we call nitzchiyos it always stay the same in the 1400s in the 1900s or in 2008 for that matter so if the torah said kol kvodah bas melech pnima is still relevant today, more relevant than your apikorses ”
True, but the message I responded to has nothing to do with Torah in any way.
61
Dec 19, 2008 at 12:07 PM clk12565 Says:
I wanted to add one note-I am amazed at the assembly line judaism we have fallen for....just because it sounds frummer does not make it so. Fact is-having been involved in something like this before-this girls biggest problems will come from the frum community-not the goyim-unfortunately most among us believe halacha is a straight jacket created to strangle the people who want to live within it. I suggest you do a deep assessment of halacha and shabbos within a closed karmulus before you pass judgment-most people commenting on here have no idea what it is like to be a posek-if they did they wouldn't be on here....so all you poskim wannna-bes calm down and learn the sugya then paskin.
62
Dec 19, 2008 at 12:26 PM Anonymous Says:
“ I'm honestly surprised at all the people that are in full support. We're not talking about small chumras that she's choosing not to be makpid on. We're talking about Shabbos!!! If playing ball on shabbos could be assur, the no amount of "oh wow, she's a role model" makes it right! I'll be dan l'kaf zchus that when she used the hotel's oven to heat up her food she used a double covering. But then to also just throw tznius out the door, because "she's a role model! woohoo!"
I may come of as a finatic, and believe you me, I'm far from that. But we're talking about SHABBOS! people!! Come on!!! ”
You are 100% about Shabbos
and as Rav Berel Wein so pointedly said to kids he saw playing baskeball on Shabbos "There is no Eruv that allows you to play basketball on Shabbos"
With that said
Her observance is not on the madrega of yours.
The fact that she walks to the venue and keeps Kosher in public, she can be a great role model for Teens from Frum homes that have completly thrown away Kasherous and Shabbos in pursuit of a differnt lifestyle.
As long as she is cognizant that she must keep Shabbos and Kasherous it speaks miles of her character and growing in Yiddishkeit in the future.
63
Dec 19, 2008 at 12:07 PM Can't throw or catch a ball! Says:
Point to consider: SOME (I say SOME, not all!) of those women who are programmed to be "pregnant, barefoot, & chained to the kitchen" are the ones who rebel, if not openly then quietly. For example, I KNOW of a Chassidishe woman in BP who gets her "freedom" in illicit relationships. And she's not fussy about who she consorts with. Others, like that one VIN reported a few weeks ago, the one from TV, are more open. And then of course you have that organization that actively encourages people to leave Frumkeit.
Which is worse: the above examples, or what this girl is doing?
64
Dec 19, 2008 at 01:15 PM Shai Golani Says:
“ Point to consider: SOME (I say SOME, not all!) of those women who are programmed to be "pregnant, barefoot, & chained to the kitchen" are the ones who rebel, if not openly then quietly. For example, I KNOW of a Chassidishe woman in BP who gets her "freedom" in illicit relationships. And she's not fussy about who she consorts with. Others, like that one VIN reported a few weeks ago, the one from TV, are more open. And then of course you have that organization that actively encourages people to leave Frumkeit.
Which is worse: the above examples, or what this girl is doing? ”
Your comment is irrelevant,but I would like to give my view anyhow.
The issue here is one of control. When a story like this breaks some in the community fear the loss of control over their women. Orthodox women have a brutally hard lifestyle. Most work and raise children. The are elaborate prepration for Shabbat and Yom Tov. There is a need to keep them subjucated,and not asking questions. Ask yourself why l the Mishmeres Hatznius is so concened with womans actions and their place on the bus aren't men the more likely to sin?
Why don't the Chareidim allow woman as taharat hamishpachah advisers ,isn't it more b'tsnius .
The Chassidus with the most stringent laws of marital relationships ,discuss evey action with a designted leader.(Kommandant) Isn't that contrary to tsnius?
But what if the issue is control?
65
Dec 19, 2008 at 02:30 PM Anonymous Says:
I know Aviva Koloski personally and she is a Frum girl with wonderful Middos and comes from an amazing family. With all that has gone on in the past year with all the tzores that Klal Yisroel is....... don't we think that judging others should be left up to Hashem!!!!
66
Dec 19, 2008 at 03:18 PM Women's Libber Says:
“ Your comment is irrelevant,but I would like to give my view anyhow.
The issue here is one of control. When a story like this breaks some in the community fear the loss of control over their women. Orthodox women have a brutally hard lifestyle. Most work and raise children. The are elaborate prepration for Shabbat and Yom Tov. There is a need to keep them subjucated,and not asking questions. Ask yourself why l the Mishmeres Hatznius is so concened with womans actions and their place on the bus aren't men the more likely to sin?
Why don't the Chareidim allow woman as taharat hamishpachah advisers ,isn't it more b'tsnius .
The Chassidus with the most stringent laws of marital relationships ,discuss evey action with a designted leader.(Kommandant) Isn't that contrary to tsnius?
But what if the issue is control?
”
It's not an irrelevent comment. It answers the posters who think it's a shanda that this girl plays basketball & that the only way for women to live is to be homemakers.
I hate stereotypes! Jewish women are smarter than having being at home as the ONLY option. It's an option that many choose happily & that's what's important. Nothing wrong with staying home to raise kids & bake kugels, but if women want more they should go for it!
67
Dec 19, 2008 at 04:12 PM Anonymous Says:
“ Mr. glassman: good intentions are not always a mitzva. Here it is against halacha and it's a Chulul Hahem & not a Kidush Hashem. A girl or woman is not allowed to run and play like this in public it's just not tznius especially if men watch. and also it is impossible that her knees should not show from jumping and running. above the knees is an ervah lchol ha'deos
I think we jews lost touch in what is a Kidush Hashem and what is a Chilul Hashem.
A Kidush Hashem is when a jew keeps Torah, even if that would mean that a non jew sees us keeping torah and thinks the some halacha is the wrong thing to do. This is a Kidush hashem.
A Chilul Hashem is when a jew deos something against Halacha especially if a non jew is watching and saying look this jew or jews are so cool they are just like us. this is a big Chilul Hashem
”
I think you have lost touch
Is it better to be arrested with the strumpf and hat w/sheitel or without.
Is it better to go to the movies is a sheitel and your husband in a white shirt beard and paiyes. Is it better to sit at the pool on Miami Beach in a Shaietel and Bikini.....Come on what world are you living in?
Yeah they / you will see her knees if they/you look......
so don't look and dont be on the internet oiver bitul zeman or take time away from plastering kol korehs
68
Dec 20, 2008 at 06:58 PM Anonymous Says:
Why does everyone have to be so judgmental? While I may or may not disagree with everything she is doing, who am I to judge her. I give her credit for staying strong and not bending on her beliefs, in a difficult situation.
69
Dec 20, 2008 at 08:25 PM Anonymous Says:
Making a kiddush hashem doesn't give a heter to do what ever you want you still have to go according to the halacha. And VIN shouldn't be putting on such pictures
70
Dec 20, 2008 at 11:41 PM Willy mom of 4 and counting Says:
tznius is still tznius. You cannot just tear out whichever page you want to from the shulchan orech and pat yourself on the back (or for that matter, everyone else patting her on the back) and consider yourself a good jew by doing other good deeds. One cannot wear thick socks, a shaitel and long skirts and eat at mcdonalds. Nor may one daven piously while wearing no socks, shorts, and a tank top. You cannot nitpick mitzvohs. You gotta do it all. The torah doesnt mention anything about "reaching 2008 and doing what you think is convenient for you". Sorry to everyone out there who have it all figured out. It doesn't work that way. If you're going to make a kiddush hashem wear appropriate clothing.
And to the shmo who says we should stay home and have babies. That doesn't say anywear in the torah. You have to know to be aidel and tznius'dig in whatever environment you are.
71
Dec 21, 2008 at 02:57 AM baruch hashem Says:
loh almon yisroel. way to do it. a real kiddush hashem.
72
Dec 21, 2008 at 09:37 AM open minded chassideste Says:
“ Don't we come to this site because it has only modest pictures. If I wanted to see this kind of pictures I can go to Yahoo or MSN etc. Please remove the picture. Thank you ”
who says that you don't go to other sites to see pictures? the fact that you are online is an issue in itself! she isnt on here in a bikini or short shorts or a low cut top...give a jewish girl a break!
73
Dec 21, 2008 at 09:27 AM open minded chassideste Says:
I can not believe how naive some of you are! you give credit to a woman that pops babies every 10 months? goes shopping all day spending her husbands hard earned money when they can barely pay rent? sit with their friends in the restaurants on 13th avenue like spoons and avenue plaza while their husbands survive on a cup of coffee all day? ?It's time to open your eyes and realize that there are people that enjoy sports and have a career because of that. some of you are so concerned about the modesty of her clothing or the fact that she wears shorts...gimme a break! I wonder how many of you have looked at magazines or movies and seen more immodest images!!! Maybe if the school I attended wouldnt have focused so much on my buttons being closed all the way to the top where i was at the point of suffocating in the summer, or the thickness of my tights,or the length of my hair or skirts maybe...just maybe things would have turned out different for me. I have teenagers,have had office jobs,but still have less experience than a recent high school graduate and am unable to find a job due to lack of knowledge in many fields. I respect anyone that goes to college,gets a degree and has a career that enables them to support or help support their family.
maybe if the schools would add aerobics to their curriculum there wouldnt be so many obese individuals all going under the knife to do the lap band surgery???the system needs major help..it's time to face the music,correct the problems rather then pretend they dont exist and their will be happier,stable and successful adults.
just my 2 cents....