Episode 031 - The Winter Olympian: A Conversation with AJ Edelman

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

What is a nice Jewish boy doing flying down an Olympic ice-track, competing for the Israeli National Team in the obscure sport of Skeleton? In AJ Edelman's view, at least, redefining what it means to be a Jew in sport, defying near-impossible odds and generating tremendous pride for his country.

Born and raised in Boston, MA, a hockey goalie growing up and through his university days at MIT, AJ was always a gifted athlete. But not until a chance encounter with his high school alumni director and a confluence of exceptional events did he determine he could change the perception of and landscape for Jewish athletes.

In this hour-long conversation, we discover what it takes to learn an entirely new sport, from scratch, and in a matter of several years to rise to its highest echelons of competition, earning respect and representing Israel valiantly along the way.

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ABOUT THIS PODCAST

Jews You Should Know introduces the broader community to interesting and inspiring Jewish men and women making a difference in our world. Some are already famous, some not yet so. But each is a Jew You Should Know.

The host, Rabbi Ari Koretzky, is Executive Director of MEOR Maryland (www.meormd.org), a premier Jewish outreach and educational organization. MEOR operates nationally on twenty campuses and in Manhattan; visit the national website at www.meor.org.

Please visit www.JewsYouShouldKnow.com, follow us on Twitter @JewsUShouldKnow or on Facebook.

Have feedback for the show, or suggestions for future guests? E-mail us at JewsYouShouldKnow@gmail.com.

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A special thank you to Jacob Rupp of the Lift Your Legacy podcast for his invaluable production assistance.