As the High Holidays approach, a story is about to be retold, one that has been passed down through generations of Jews, a testament to the significance of faith in the lives of celebrities. It’s a story about Sandy Koufax, the great baseball star, and his decision to skip a World Series game on Yom Kippur in 1965.
Daniel Schloff, who was just 17 years old at the time, had been attending Temple of Aaron in St. Paul, Minnesota, with his family for years. They had a tradition of attending Yom Kippur services together, but their usual spot in the seventh row was taken by other congregants that morning. Schloff and his family sat near the back, and as they began to daven, they noticed two empty seats in front of them. It wasn’t long before two men, dressed in ordinary clothing, walked in and sat down. Schloff’s heart skipped a beat as he realized who one of them was – Sandy Koufax, the star pitcher of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Schloff remembers the moment clearly, recalling how Koufax, who was known for being observant, sat down, put his prayer shawl over his head, and began to pray. Schloff couldn’t take his eyes off the pitcher, who, at that moment, was just another member of the congregation.
It’s a story that has been told and retold, but the truth behind it remains unclear. Did Koufax attend services that day, or did he stay in his hotel room as his biographer, Jane Leavy, claims? The answer lies with Koufax himself, who remains tight-lipped about the matter.
Rabbi Jeremy Fine, who served at Temple of Aaron from 2012 to 2021, suggests that the story might be a “modern midrash,” a Jewish story that has been passed down through the generations. While Schloff is adamant that he saw Koufax that day, others who were at the service don’t recall seeing him. Even Ken Agranoff, the synagogue’s executive director, who was 12 years old at the time, didn’t lay eyes on Koufax, but he believes the tale may be true.
As Jews around the world prepare to attend Yom Kippur services, Schloff’s story will likely be remembered alongside Koufax’s remarkable decision. In 1965, Koufax chose to put his faith above his professional duties, a choice that resonated with the Jewish community and continues to inspire future generations of Jewish athletes.
The mystery surrounding Koufax’s day remains, but the significance of his decision is crystal clear. It’s a testament to the power of faith in the lives of even the most unlikely of celebrities.
