The following is an email that Rabbi Mendy Lipskier, Director of Chabad Lubavitch of Fountain Hills in Arizona, sent to his community:
I’d like to share a real life experience that occurred in our family recently. The “Kid and the Yid” is our son, Yossi, 9 years old, an avid baseball fan, and valuable team member on our local Little League team. We recently dropped him off, “uniformed up” at “the diamond” for the regular game.
We do as all little league parents normally do, sometimes we stay, sometimes we drop off. Due to other commitments, this particular day we dropped him off leaving him in his uniform with his coach and teammates.
What happened next was the “foul ball.”
The game was going fine, with Yossi (as always) very actively participating, and very much looking forward to his “at bat.” As he came up to bat, the umpire happened to notice that Yossi wears two uniforms, his team uniform, and also the fringe undergarment uniform of every male Jew – Tzitzit.
And then, for the first time, the umpire insisted that Yossi remove his Tzitzit in that it could produce some type of “interference or unfair advantage.”
Yossi –the only Jewish boy, not just on the team, but we think in the entire league– respectfully explained to the umpire that he is wearing a religious undergarment, had never had an issue with this previously, however the umpire would not listen, decrying in affect “foul ball.”
What was Yossi to do? Disrespect the umpire (an adult), or disrespect his religion?
To Yossi, the choice was easy and clear. He had “two feet on the ground” in more ways than one. He walked off the field and would not play!
But then another thing happened: The game stopped. Fellow members of Yossi’s team volunteered to walk off the field and forfeit the game in its entirety in support of him.
After a significant “pow-wow” between the coaches and the umpire, Yossi was allowed to play, “double uniforms” and all.
So what educational opportunity does this story lend itself to?
1. Tzitzit is a sign of Jewish pride. Jews have always had a way of dress to distinguish them from the people of the lands in which they lived—even when that meant exposing themselves to danger and bigotry. By the grace of G?d, today most of us live in lands where we are free to (and should) practice our religion without such fears.
2. Religious tolerance means to refrain from discriminating against others who follow a different religious path.
3. The freedom of individuals to believe in, practice, and promote their religion of choice without interference, harassment, or other repercussions shall always prevail.
4. Ignorance, unacceptance and religious intolerance still run rampant, and people exhibiting those traits, among other “blind acts,” might see Tzitzit as just part of a “fringe religion.” However, we actually see it as a symbol of “forget-me-knots.” Today, whether it be a Yamulke, a Mezuzah, or Tzitzit (ideally all), as Yossi did, we should all wear our “Jewish uniform” unapologetically with pride and with our head’s held high.
As we know, self-assertion often demands a lot of humility. Doing something out of the ordinary requires putting our image on the line. It means that I care more about my truth than what other people think about me. This is self-esteem that is rooted in soul-consciousness.
The Lubavitcher Rebbe taught a powerful lesson gleaned from the location Hashem chose from where to give us His Torah, as explained on Chabad.org:
The Midrash tells us that G-d chose Mt. Sinai, and not a more impressive mountain, to teach us the value of humility. The question, of course, is this: If humility is paramount, why did G-d give us the Torah on a mountain at all? Why not a plain, or even a valley? The mere term “Mt. Sinai” is an oxymoron. It’s a mountain, towering and majestic. And it’s Sinai, meager compared to her sister mountains, humble. If humility is paramount, why did G-d give us the Torah on a mountain at all?
When G-d gave us the Torah and inaugurated us into Jew-hood, He said, “You are going to need to be real strong to be a Jew.” Be a mountain. Have a backbone. Be a charismatic light unto the nations, and don’t give a hoot if people laugh at you.
But be a humble mountain. Humble in your recognition that your strength comes from G-d. Your life’s value is not about your image, it’s about your higher calling. Don’t measure yourself against the standards set by your neighbors; measure yourself against your soul’s potential.
Yossi, you are a true hero and a blessing to your parents, teachers,your team and to the Jewish people and the world, keep playing , keep being a great Yid and know that we all love you! ,Yoel “YoYo” M, NJ!
You bring nachas to your parents & to klal Yisroel! And what wonderful teammates you have.
Freedom of religion,G-d bless you. From a Jewish family in Puerto Rico blessings to you and you’re Family.Bravooooo
Bravo to Yossi for standing up for your faith. Bravo to your teammates for standing up for you.
YOSSI YOU DEFINITELY SCORED A HOMER THAT YOU AND NO ONE WILL EVER FORGET!
KEEP SCORING AND SOARING …….
Yossi, I’m proud to be your classmate!
wow! wow! wow! thats all i have to say!
Good for you. Wish adults could be more like him and stand up for freedom of religion.
Good for you Yossi ! You are a beautiful boy with a smart mind ! Keep-up your good work and have fun playing ball! Good luck to you and your team:)
Finally some positive news for a change.
It’s really a shame this article doesn’t mention the real beauty of this story – that his team stood up for him! We are always so quick to jump to anti semitism, we should acknowledge the beauty of young children honouring religious diversity. What a beautiful world we live in! Maybe if we showed the same kind of tolerance we wouldn’t always feel so discriminated against!
Yossi did as we all hope our children (and even ourselves) would do, show humility and restraint. Impressive at this young age.
#111 said it all as it relates to the umpire. We should not be so quick to judge, it doesn’t serve us or Hashem well at all.
hashem’s very proud.
Great job Yossi! You should be a model for all of your Jewish brothers and sisters, to be proud and show connection with Hashem. In this way you make a Kiddush Hashem in the world. Way to go! Home run!!
What a truly inspiring story. I hope all the kids who read it walk away with a positive lesson learned. P.S. Am on the same page as the writer in all but one of his statements; I think the words “promote their religion” might be misunderstood to mean that we Jews have no gripes with missionizing when, as a matter of fact many of us do. The fact that it’s a freedom that is guaranteed by the constitution doesn’t make me, for one, more happily accepting of it.
You undoubtedly win the MVP award for coming through for the team, (the Jewish people).
Thanks for the right play!
in this world of conformity it takes great courage to be who you are
Words fail. Much gratitude for this sunbeam you’ve brought to the world.
Yossi my kids are amazed at your Jewish pride in a midbar like Arizona! Hashem sends us the most encrypted messages sometimes! Kabbalas haTorah besimcha u bepinimius!
wow yossi you are really a living example thanx for the nachus and keep having fun love a fellow yid
What a Kiddush Hashem. Very well raised.
yosi your parents can be very proud of you,
Yossi what a Kiddush Hashem! Your Zeidi, for whom you are named, is Shepping Nachas and in your Zchus Zeidi Fitzi will surely prevail on Hashem to bring about the revelation of the Rebbe Melech Hamoshiach who will take us out of Golus teikef umiyad Mamesh. Hashem will surely bless you and your family with health wealth and many years to enjoy life.
wow big kiddush hashem
wow big Kiddush hashem
Wow! I’m sure is a reflection of the parenting he recieved!
You’re a star Yossi. Way to go.
beautiful
way to go so amazing !
kol hakavod
If only us adults had the courage that Yossi had, Kidush Hashem would have been more apparent to the world. How many of us (including myself) tuck in our Tzitzit and cover our Kippa with a hat when we have to deal with the goyim in our businesses?! Imagine if you had to walk out of a big business deal because your Tzitzit was exposed?! How many of us would have tucked it in?! If only we were all like Yossi………………
such a nice kidush hashem!wow!!through an nineeht year old!ashrenu!
Yossi, you showed that you love Hashem…and you got to see that your team mates love you! Loving Hashem and showing your love for Him is always rewarded. Thank you for being such a wonderful Jew, and such a wonderful teacher. You got to teach all the gown-ups an important lesson about who is the #1 most important one in all of life and the universe: HASHEM.
And an especially heartfelt ko hakavid to his teammates for supporting his decision. That takes courage at such a young age.
Is it wrong to call him a hero? NO! It was quite mature and it shows individuality, and VERY good upbringing. Yasher Koach to the parents too!
I bet the umpire was himself a jew a self hating one
Yossi, you are a very special young man. That took a lot of inner strength.You are a true chayal and an inspiration to all that know you.Loads of Chassisishe Nachaa to the parents.
This is a strong and wonderful child! May he grow up in the Land of Israel and live among his own people, as Hashem is now giving us the opportunity to do, where a child wearing tzitzit is a normal occurrence.
his team friends! well done to them for supporting him. they didn’t have to, they could go on with the game, it says a lot about the value of friendship and relation ship and they deserve just as many praises as him
Brings tears. May we each be blessed to remain gracefully authentic especially in the face of adversity, always, In all ways
and I’m a fan,rooting for the team.
I am impressed but- why not live in your (and my) home, Israel?
Nations have lands including ours.
Imagine waking up every morning, building, defending and living among your people in your country.
No one will say anything about the Tzizit, because its *your* home.
When the Rebbe sent us out on shlichus He sent us as families. Adults and children, adults have their sphere of influence and children have their s. This boy Yossi stood up to a test, that boys much older than him could easily have failed. That makes him special. If he had failed, it probably wouldn’t be such a big deal. .. But he passed. And that is huge. And the reason (and strength and inspiration with which) he passed, comes from the Rebbe. That is the reason this article is titled “Chabad boy bravely walks of the field” Chazak… Read more »
I’m a little league coach, manager, board member. We have a whole team of frum kids. You simply tuck them in. Why doesn’t anyone get this. Nobody will tell you not to wear them if they are tucked in and can’t be seen. No big issue. Also you are not supposed to wear a kippah. It is actually in the rule book. So you wear a baseball cap anyway. Again no big deal. And if you want to try to get them to change the rule, you can bring up the issue. Just like halacha, it helps to know the… Read more »
however, if you made a ‘real sacrifice’ and moved to Israel, your children would never have to face an umpire who might require them to make a choice.
You are a brave boy, like Yehuda the Maccabi.
having worked with Lubavitch children over some years
I am not at all surprised at the reaction of this great youn
g man. This would be a natural reaction under such condition. However my question is why push a child to
such tests. How would the boy have felt if he reacted
differently and taken off the Tzitziit. Can we not put our children in such dangers at such young age/
How about a huge shout out to the other 9 year olds in this story, the brave and amazing teammates (coaches and parents too) for understanding the true values of team.
Answer to 112 in az LL you cannot possibly name all the teams AZ diamondbacks only one team can get that name the rest must use other team names that’s how it’s done everywhere. Regarding the umpire from the email the rabbi wrote it does not seem like he was trying to make an issue out of that my guess is it was worked out like number 111 wrote he prob obly did not know and after it was cleard up I’m sure Yossi was able to play with his tiztzis. If you re read the story it’s very clear… Read more »
In little league each team wears the uniform of a major league team. So if a league has 12 teams one will be the braves, one the Dodgers, one the Yankees, etc
Yossi, your pride and strength is having a big effect and strengthening the pride and strength of so many other Yidden, as you can see from all these posts. Keep up the good work and go from strength to strength!
This boy is to be admired for sticking to his principles but why can’t he wear his Tzitzis on the inside of his clothes? If the umpire felt they are dangerous or something what is the difference??
What a tremendous Kiddish HaShem, on Yossi and the whole team’s part! Kol Ha Kavod!!
To 109: It is not nice to be mean to # 37 🙁
To All: I was serious with my question re: Braves uniform on an Arizona-based team?? Does anyone know why??
Those people who posted and called for the umpire to be reprimanded or even fired: Please show some understanding and tolerance, too. Don’t reflexively assume the worst and try to divine the umpire’s motives by coming to the conclusion that he is discriminating against a Jewish kid. Fact is: You don’t have any way to know his reason; no one does. The dad wrote that theirs might be the only Jewish family in the entire league. That said, how is anyone else (including the umpire) supposed to know what tzitzit are? Maybe there is a rule in the league about… Read more »
Yossi is a young mensch. He showed his devotion to HaShem and his commitment to his faith at a very early age. Much nachos to you and Tzippi. Kudos to his teammates. They are fine young people.
Thanks for showing us your ignorance of baseball and lack of Jewish self-esteem.
Yossi totally ROCKS!
‘א קידוש ה
we should be praising his team for supporting him. they had to make a true, conscious decision on something they had never encountered before, but they understood, one for all and all for one, we are beautiful in our diversity.
While it was great the kid kept his tzi-tzis on, that’s not impressive, he is trained to do that. What’s truly impressive was the reaction by his teammates. That was amazing! The proof of what being a good Yid can do to those around us, even the Goyim!
this makes me so happy
also 9 kiddush lubavitch!!!!
ATLANTA
I am so proud to hear there’s such a wonderful young man out there and amazed at his ability and strength to stand up for simething he knew might cause him to be ridiculed by his peers. kuddos to his parents for raising such a fine young man.
lots of nachas
His actions were ridiculous at best.
Wow amazing!
I am so so proud of this little boy! As a Jewish mother, I am crying! What a good boy!
In Rochester, NY, where we live we have a special baseball league for just us! Boys of all Jewish denominations play together as brothers. We have a few sisters playing with us too! It’s because the little league here is only on Saturdays. So we made our own league. When I watch these children play, I don’t know who to root for because I feel like they are all my family!
I’m sure the Rebbe is smiling…as am I. Shkioach! So nice to hear a positive story…
Kol hakavod. May you and you wife continue to receive much nachat from Yossi.
You should move to an American League city or team that plays with AL rules. Pitchers don’t bat so you will never get scrutinized by the ump.
Go Blue Jays Go
Just like Sandy Koufax! Kol hakavod! May you always make Hashem proud!!
You should be so proud, but, then, who would expect anything else? Wonderful experience, in hindsight, and wonderful outcome.
I would hope I would have to the guts to do a Kidush Hashem like what Mendy did.
Am yisrael chai
Yossi AND his team mates are absolute All Stars.
But why did you have to name him “Chabad” boy and not “Jewish” boy or something similar? Lo tisgodidu – this ya nothing to do with Chabad or Chasidus, it is common across all observant Jews.
A lesson well taught and well learned. Bravo!!!!!
wow I’m inspired !
This boy has a very special soul. And I must say that the parents raised him well and HaShem is proud
your son is strong and amazing. looking froward to him making the biggest and most important step a Jew can make – Aliyah.
a Priestly practice of Kohanim?
“Daber el Bnei Yisroel Veamarta Alehem Veasu lahem Tzitzis”.
I didn’t know “Bnei Yisroel” means only kohanim! Bnei Yisroel most deffinitely includes children and laymen.
To all those constantly playing the anti-Semite card… Here you go.
What a brave young hero! Kol HaKavod!
Now that he Survived the Incident , it is a good Time to look into Tzitzit and how It went from a Priestly practice of Kohanim to children and Laymen alike, is this Necessary ???
We can easily be upset with the Coach but most important is what we do with our Power and Authority over our Kids,
would we allow our Teachers to ask our Kids to wear Tzitzit on the outside of our garments? ?
What a kiddush Hashem!
Awesome kid!!!! One slightly unrelated question though, why is he wearing an Atlanta Braves outfit if he is in a league in Fountain Hills, AZ ???
From personal experience, I can guess that the umpire was probably Jewish. The teammates that agreed to forfeit the game were most likely not.
and to think he’s only 9 yrs old, wow! i can only imagine what an amazing person he will grow to b! he surely makes the rebbe really proud! yes, his team mates were amazing for standing at his side through this, but when yossi dropped out of the game rather than removing his tzitzis, he had no idea, obviously, that it would b so, and was really ready to leave. his parents r certainly teaching him well. may they have lots of yiddishe nachas
In this era of Jewish kids wanting to just fit in -as we see on campuses across North America – preparing to in effect “give up” their Jewish heritage, this story is totally inspiring.
Kol H’Kavod!!!
Proud of Yossi for standing up for his Jewish identity. However, I’d take exception with point 1. in the list–having self respect, dignity, and composure is good. Being proud of avodat Hashem is good too. But going on and on about outward Jewish pride seems to both fly in the face of the deep relationship that one can have with Hashem by means of these mitzvos. It also seems to contradict Rabbi Lipskier’s main point at the end about having great humility. Nonetheless, kol hakavod to Yossi, and to Rabbi Lipskier for raising a child with such strong Jewish identity… Read more »
Yossi You are Our Hero. We are proud of you.
I know his parents are indeed proud of their son, and rightly they should be.
Kudels to his team mates too for standing with him
For the other boys to want to do this for him shows that he was always a mentch. How we act to others would b’chlal reflect how others would act to us.
Come to Israel, no ONE will tell you to take off your tzitzit.We’re all Jews here in our little leagues.
You hit a grand slam outa the park
It is obvious that this young man has been loved at home and stood tall in front of adversity in doing what he felt was right respectively with dignity and class. The courage to act and stand up not only for his rights but to have a whole team stand tall and along his battle speaks volumes of the respect, love and admiration that Yossi has from his peers. May his courage be his beacon to continue to strive for whatever he strives for in a positive manner. Mark Gardner/Dallas, TX
This kid would realy appreciate sleep away camp where he can play with all yudishe kids without worrying about doing motsvos.
Now that’s a home run.
Well done Yossi, but was there a positive educational outcome as far as the referee was concerned..
!חזק חזק ונתחזק
may yossis parents receive countinues nachas from him!
It is a beautiful story that is very bitter sweet and for me hits too close to home. I’m so proud of him for standing up to what he knows is right and for the team to follow him as well. What a kiddush HaShem! The maturity this yingeleh has is amazing and at such tender age! I really hope the umpire will get reprimanded or even fired. This should also serve as a warning to all yidden in the USA that there IS open anti-semitism here and we need to be vigilent and not naive!
SM
Yossi spoke from his heart. He meant it with a true Emes and that is why his teamates joined him. He gets the credit. This is the way to be Mekarev others. Kol Hakovod. An example of a true Shliach.
Great kid, great parents. As to the team, you will remember this moment for the rest of your lives as true teamwork. great coach who supported yossi and his team!
Now yossi, you set the bar high, we need to emulate you!
Awesome story!!!!!!
I had a similar event occur to me, but it was a Shabbos issue. My parents gave me the option to decide myself, and I didn’t play. That deep struggle and memory engraved itself on my life ever since…we’re talking about almost 50 years ago now…Yashar Koach Yossi – that move will stick with you and bless your future challenges.
What an inspiration!!!
Credit should also be given to the team. This was a unified group that respected the beliefs of one (obviously different) member. Had they not decided to leave with him, the results might have been different.
i’m sure you have many things to take care of however i would suggest a formal complaint should be made to the league regarding the umpire
Yossi, we are so proud of you!
The Sandman Family
he will be a talmud chochom
The fact that his entire team also joined him, oh my gosh is that heart warming.
Score!!
wow the credit goes to the parents!!! kol hakovod on so many levels!!!
So amazingly PROUD OF YOU and I don’t even know you. Your LIGHT shines BRIGHTLY and reveals where most of us are not willing to walk. 🙂
Beautiful!
freedom is the key to peace/love/happiness ! the child
gave him a lesson to know how to share/respect
any religion
I teach in a non chabad school-(litvish state aided) and some of the children when they are having tenniss lessons do not wear their Tsitsis. I will be telling them this story this morning in class. Thank you
Thanks for sharing this beautiful story. 🙂
Yossi did great, he fulfilled exactly what he should and I know both the parents and the Rebbe are kvelling.
I also agree strongly with the other posters who wrote commending the rest of Yossi’s team. And we see from this that when a Jew stands tall and proud, goyim respect him for it.
Yossi, kol hakavod and may you continue to go from strength to strength.
You inspired your students by telling them this real life story about your cousin. Thank you
Beautiful story. So inspiring. May we all continue to grow and give the Rebbe nachas
May you always continue to be a true Shaliach of the Rebbe, standing strong for what is right. We love you Yossi, Come visit us again in HB
This would make a beautiful song to inspire other Jewish children . A lot of Jewish adults could use a lesson in how to stand up for G-d and Judaism
its nice to see some people can raise a kid properly… even nicer to see is a story like this on col and not something bad
What a bitter sweet story. The parents should be proud of how they raised such a little chosid. We are proud of you Yossy you gave the Rebbe such Nachas . This story is such a Kiddush HaShem.
technically hanging tzitzis could be problematic in baseball. could confuse the strike zone, could get caught with another player’s uniform. wearing them hanging outside is not halachic so arguably the kid could wear tzitzis and keep them tucked in. But the kid’s shtoltzkeit is exemplary. Evevn more exemplary is that his team backed him up and was willing to forfeit the game.
Yossi your an absolute legend standing up tall . May you continue to be a source of nachas and strwngth for yourfamily and friends. Remember we dont look into the rear view mirror to reflect on our past rather to see it as a way forward . We can can use it as growth and oppeetunity may we all learn and move forward from yossi and continue to helpothers
Beautiful story. Thank you for sharing!
Much nachas!
Yossi you made a real kidush Hashem and kidush lubavitch may you have much hatzalaha and go from strength to strength
Kol hakovod to his entire team for standing united with yossi
I wonder how many adults wouldve had the guts to do what he did! And he’s just 9 – amazing!
I heard -2nd hand but maybe it can be confirmed by Shliach- that the Shliach in Kentucky told this story to his congregation and it caused an excitement in the shul..so the Shliach seized the opportunity and offered to purchase Tzitzis for anyone that would commit to put on Tzitzis at least once a week. 5 PEOPLE COMITED TO MITZVAS TZISIS, As a result of this child’s Gion Yaakov
What Nachas and Kiddush Hashem!
Can you please explain “they wrote a letter to the Rebbeh”
I’m from crown heights and my son also plays little league on a non Jewish team and has never had a problem with wearing his tzitzis outside or his yarmulke In fact he has been to numerous tournaments and we have never had a problem In fact he is so well liked and respected by his teammates and coaches that all games in his league for his age group are scheduled as double headers on Sunday and the team does not play on shabbos When a Jew respects himself and shows that his Yiddishkeit is not for sale, then everyone… Read more »
Agree all the way, it says a lot about Yossy as well!
HOPE FOR JEWS! -fellow highland park IL shlucha <3
Yo dis kid is da real deal!
Yossie. you did such a wonderful thing this is your schlichus and you passed5 it with flying colors. we are all so proud of you. keep it up
This boy is extremely correct in what he did. He is not covering his face. I applaud him for his strong convictions.
He took this episode to his flock and taught them a lesson in real yidishkait, not just some fluff. Kein yirbu!!
so much for sharing. Very inspiring
Yep, it sure is a kiddush hashem. But how cute is this kid!
So kind of those non-Jewish little boys to want to forfeit their game to support Yossi…they probably were looking forward to the game the entire week but they were willing to forfeit for Yossi….that says a lot about Yossi and it also says so much about them. So proud of all of these little boys, we can learn from them.
Beautiful!
I’m proud of you Yossi!!
Keep it up!!
Being proud that you’re a Frum, Jewish, Lubavitch boy- in the whole league, is an amazing KIDDUSH HASHEM!!
I am extremely impressed!!
This act will surely bring Moshiach much closer.
So nice to hear, it uplifts my heart…..more stories like this please….
soooo totally inspiring..thanks for sharing this amazing story.
Fittzis grandson
I was by a Fabrengen last night and the Shliach who was Farbrenging said a the same thing happened but just it was with a Yarmulke and it was a Jewish school and they didnt let him back on, they wrote a letter to the Rebbeh if they should move him to another school but goishe but they let him keep yidishkeit and the Rebbeh answered that theyshould transfer him to another School
Beutiful giving ‘ה lots of nachas
A true chasid
So beautiful & Inspiring!
Nice to see a Jewish boy wearing their tzitzis out and not keeping them tucked in Makes the Rebbe proud!
How jinspiring!
GOOD ON YOU YOSSI!! YOU HAVE A GREAT FUTURE . MAY YOU BE A LIGHT TO OUR PEOPLE AND TO THE NATIONS OF THE WORLD!!
Good for you Yossi!!!
yossi we are so proud of you and you agrate teacher for all yidden we alllove you hatslocho rabo
Such a beautiful story! What an amazingly, strong and brave boy!
Kol hakavod!
a huge Kiddush hashem!
Lots of nachas – smart boy knew what to do. Impressed!
parents, you have brought your son up well so far. such strong values at the age of 9. what a kiddush hashem!