Observing the Jewish high holidays can sometimes pose a problem for a student like Angela Schwab. Last year, her classes conflicted constantly with days deigned holy on the Jewish calendar. Her professors weren’t always understanding. But Schwab, Louisville, Ken., junior, never had to turn down a full-ride Division 1 basketball scholarship in order to practice his faith. She said listening to the story of Jewish basketball star Tamir Goodman, who had, gave her instant inspiration.

Nicknamed “Jewish Jordan,” Goodman has played Division 1 college basketball and professional basketball both in the U.S. and in Israel, but he has never once played on a Jewish holiday or the Sabbath. Tonight, Goodman will share his story with students in a speech at Robinson Gymnasium. The presentation will also include a free kosher meal, a short basketball clinic and 3-on-3 fundraising tournament to fight prostate cancer.

“He’s just a very inspirational speaker,” said Schwab, who heard Goodman speak in August and helped the Chabad Jewish Center plan his visit. “He’s very unique to be able to play and also stick to his religious beliefs.”

Though recognized for his ability in basketball, Goodman has achieved much of his fame for his unwillingness to put the sport before his faith. After high school, Goodman turned down a full ride scholarship and verbal contract to play basketball at Maryland University because the team’s schedule of practices and games meant having to play on the Jewish Sabbath, which is against the rules of Orthodox Judaism.

That conviction has earned him coverage on national networks such as ESPN, CBS and Fox Sports.

“I’ve always had a lot of media, but I’ve never used it for myself,” Goodman said. “I’ve always used the media as a tool to help inspire others.”

Goodman said he stayed true to the Jewish weekly schedule throughout his career at Towson State University and his professional career with several Israeli teams including Maccabi Haifa in Israel and the Maryland Nighthawks in the U.S. Premier Basketball League.

“Everywhere I played, the teams were able to work around the schedule,” Goodman said. “I never played from sundown Friday night to sundown Saturday night.”

Goodman, who retired from basketball four weeks ago at age 27, said his choice to put faith over basketball has been the topic of his speeches at more that 14 U.S. colleges and universities. He said his greatest hope was that his example would inspire students of all faiths to better understand their priorities.

“When someone understands who they are and why they’re in this world and they have a true identity, it helps them have a more fulfilled life,” Goodman said.

Goodman said that as part of this effort, the workshop tonight would be hosted by both the Chabad Jewish center and the Black Student Union. Goodman said that he always tried especially hard to bring Jewish and African-American students together because of the similar histories they shared.

“I feel like in general, the African-American community and the Jewish community have overcome a lot of prejudices through the years,” Goodman said. “Throughout my career, I’ve had very, very close African-American teammates and friends. I’ve had a lot of success in bringing the two communities together as one and accomplishing a lot.”

Jordan Brown, Bloomington, Ind., senior and president of the KU Black Student Union, said most members received the invitation to participate in the workshop with enthusiasm.

“The event has sparked a lot of people’s interest,” Brown said. “We’re really about all things positive, not only black students, but the whole University of Kansas campus.”

The Zeta Beta Tau fraternity will host the final tournament portion of the event as a fundraiser for prostate research, said Steven Laviage, ZBT philanthropy chair. Laviage, Houston sophomore, said the tournament was free, but that ZBT requested a $5 donationfor prostate cancer research. He said he expected Goodman would help to bring more participants and success to the event.

“He inspires everybody,” Laviage said.

Schwab, who will watch Goodman speak for the second time tonight, said the aspect of his life that she found most inspiring was his unwavering conviction.

“Sometimes it’s hard for other people to relate, to understand,” Schwab said. “But you really have to do what you feel is right. You still have to stick to what you feel, rather than the pressures around you.”

— Edited by Brenna M. T. Daldorph