From Basketball Star to Torah Teacher: The Journey of Daniel Tamir

In the past few years, many basketball fans have wondered about the disappearance of promising player Daniel Tamir. Known for his height of 6'10", Tamir was expected to achieve great things, perhaps even surpassing his brother Amit Tamir, also a famous player. Then, amid success, he vanished. Rumors circulated about him going to New York or playing in Hungary, but the truth was unknown. Now, as an observant Jew living in Los Angeles, he teaches children Torah and basketball and shares his story. **From Israel to the U.S. and Hungary** "I grew up in Kiryat Yovel, Jerusalem," Daniel begins. "We're a sports family. My late father was a top player, my brother Amit played for Israel's national team, and basketball was central to us. Since age five, I was dribbling, inspired by my brother and father." However, religion wasn't part of their life. "We were totally secular," Daniel explains. "My Ashkenazi father was not traditional, and though my Moroccan mother observed some traditions, we felt distant from religion." Basketball took a large part of his life, bringing success with Israel's team and his club, Hapoel Jerusalem. At 18, he enlisted in the army, serving three years before working with at-risk youth. "Then, I got a chance to coach at a summer camp for Jewish kids in the U.S.," he says. "It was a perfect mix of teaching and basketball. In New York, among Modern Orthodox kids, I experienced my first prayer and Shabbat—much to my surprise, it felt sweet and pleasant." After the camp, Daniel moved to Hungary, where he excelled in the game. "I didn't mind being far from Israel unless it was Passover. In Western Hungary, I found myself without fellow Hebrew or English speakers and no seder. I missed it," he recalls. Despite being in Hungary, a local law change meant dual citizens like Daniel couldn't compete. This forced him to decide his future. His non-Jewish girlfriend faced opposition from her parents about marrying a Jew. The relationship ended, and Daniel felt it was Hashem guiding him away from intermarriage. **Learning in Yeshiva, Playing Basketball** Returning to Israel, he played for the national team and endured a pivotal year, losing his father in a work accident. "I wanted to do something meaningful for him," Daniel remembers. "I decided to say *kaddish* for a month. The prayer sessions brought spiritual fulfillment." Soon, he received an offer from the U.S.: to study at Yeshiva University, blending morning Torah with evening secular academics, and coach their basketball team. "My gut reaction was 'No way to a religious place!' But after encouragement and learning about the academic rigor, I accepted. At 24, I received a visa and embarked on a new chapter." "Leaving to the U.S. meant ending my basketball career in Israel," he reflects. "Despite family support and understanding, it was tough leaving the court just when exciting game offers were coming. But I was ready for my new start." At Yeshiva University, Daniel felt out of place at first, but was warmly embraced. "They answered all my questions, which just led to more and deeper inquiries. Gradually, I understood and appreciated Jewish beauty, finding true spiritual connection." **Lectures That Changed Lives** His transformation deepened during a Shabbat invitation with a Jewish family in New York, disconnected from his phone. "The meal was rich with Torah and songs," Daniel says. "I decided to stay offline until Shabbat ended." After *mincha*, Rabbi Moshe Weinberger invited him to a post-Shabbat gathering. "Though I felt out of place among traditionally dressed attendees, the rabbi's warmth changed that by including me in a dance. That led to deeper discussions about faith and life, strengthening my spiritual journey." _Inspired by spiritual content online, including Rabbi Zamir Cohen's lectures on science and Torah, Daniel began routinely wearing *tefillin* and praying, accelerating his return to faith._ **A Tradition of Learning** Traveling with the Biala Rebbe to Ukraine, Daniel had a profound experience in Mezhibuzh, at the resting place of the *Baal Shem Tov*. "Sabbath there was uplifting," he says. "The Rebbe and others showed me the potential of integrating basketball with Torah." Encouraged by multiple rabbis, Daniel realized basketball could do good in the world. Returning to coach at Yeshiva University, he revitalized the team with the guidance of learning. Before each game, they'd study texts like *Mesilat Yesharim* and saw success, notably winning their first championship, which paved their way to a national tournament. "The learning tradition continues, offering a unique, inspiring pre-game ritual," Daniel explains. **"I've Come Full Circle"** On a personal level, Daniel married his wife, who also grew spiritually, and they built a religious home in Los Angeles. "Balancing Torah and basketball, I've created community programs offering basketball plus Torah. After training, we learn for five minutes, providing Jewish education even in non-religious schools," he shares. "I see kids connect to Torah from a 6'10'' non-parent, it's impactful. Every summer, I bring some to Israel for a special program to strengthen their ties to the land and learning." Meeting Rabbi Zamir Cohen last year in Los Angeles closed a circle for Daniel. "We discussed advancing projects, and I felt fulfilled meeting the person whose lectures inspired my return to Judaism, now as an observant Jew." When asked about his family's view of his spiritual journey, Daniel adds, "My sister, who embraced faith before me, is delighted. My mother is proud. Though my other siblings lead different lives, they're respectful. It helps that I stayed close to family and never 'lost my head.' I've added Torah and *mitzvot* but am the same person embracing my lifelong passion."