LONGING FOR A SHOT AT THE MAJORS, BUT SITTING OUT THE SABBATH
Elie Kligman can do anything on a baseball field, but his strict observance of the Jewish sabbath complicates his future.
Elie Kligman is a switch-hitter with power. He has pitched no-hitters and immaculate innings, and he can snatch the ball with cool precision from any spot in the infield. He is a star in every way at Cimarron-Memorial High School in Las Vegas, with dreams of reaching even greater heights.
He is also shomer Shabbat, meaning he observes the strict rules of the Jewish sabbath and cannot — and will not — play ball on Friday nights or Saturday afternoons before the sun goes down.
Based on talent and desire, Kligman is good enough to realistically entertain his dream of playing Major League Baseball, or at least top level college ball. But he knows his devotion to his faith could shatter that dream before it starts, and he is ready to accept that.
And even if a big league team were to offer Kligman a $10 million signing bonus, with the promise that he would be playing in front of 40,000 people later this summer — provided he agrees to play on the sabbath — he insists he would stand firm...read more
