Compromise Found for Jewish Player Who Wishes to Dress Modestly

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basketballIsrael and basketball’s governing body have reached a compromise that will allow an Orthodox Jewish player to compete in the European women’s championship which began this weekend in Poland.

Point guard Naama Shafir asked to wear a T-shirt under her jersey because Jewish modesty rules require her to cover her shoulders. (See Matzav.com‘s earlier report here.)

FIBA refused, saying regulations require all players to wear the same uniform. The Israel team as well as Jewish groups denounced the decision as insensitive.

But Moti Aksmit, a spokesman for the Israel Basketball Association, said Israel reached an agreement with FIBA that allows Shafir to wear skin-toned elastic sleeves.

FIBA Europe spokesman Sakis Kontos confirmed that Shafir was “given approval” to play with the sleeves.

Israel kicked off its campaign against the Czech Republic.

Shafir, 21, plays basketball for the University of Toledo and the NCAA allows her to play with a T-shirt. Her college team also has made sure Shafir receives kosher food and doesn’t have to drive or practice on Shabbos.

Shafir is the only Orthodox woman known to have received an athletic scholarship from a US Division I school.

{Ynet/Matzav.com Newscenter}


13 COMMENTS

  1. For the record, skin-toned sleeves do not meet the minimum standard of Tzenius either, because they look like no sleeves are being worn (nor do shorts, which I assume are part of the uniform).

    That said, Kol Hakavod that she stood up for her principles.

  2. But Moti Aksmit, a spokesman for the Israel Basketball Association, said Israel reached an agreement with FIBA that allows Shafir to wear skin-toned elastic sleeves.

    Sick. So it lehach’is has to appear immodest?

  3. David:
    possibly, and possibly not. See Igros Moshe, Even haEzer chelek 4, siman 100, seif 6, about flesh-colored stockings.

  4. #4,

    Please speak to a competent Posek, and you’ll see why that’s irrelevant (no one is Matir to wear flesh-colored garments over areas that are considered an Ervah).

  5. #4,

    Flesh colored stockings is a whole different issue. Its based upon what the “shok” is. According to the poskim that below the knee is “shok”, flesh colored stockings is prohibited.

    Additionally, besides for the pants issue, her shorts rides up when she runs, maneuvers and jumps.

    That being said, she still deserves credit. Hashem counts every detail of what is (or isen’t) done. And He rewards for every bit of effort.

  6. to number 6 Please speak to a competent Posek, and you’ll see that covering the upper arms was introduced for the first time by the chochmas adam

  7. #10,

    If you’re right (which I highly doubt), it’s because until the Chochmas Adam, it went without saying that a woman may not expose her upper arms.

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