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It was a beautiful day for baseball — and an even better day for Jewish pride.
Coby Kamish, a proud alum of Fasman Yeshiva High School (FYHS '22) and now a student-athlete at Yeshiva University playing college baseball, did more than rack up runs and RBIs during a recent game. He delivered something far more meaningful — a moment of connection, identity, and inspiration.
After the Yeshiva University game against City College of New York, Coby noticed one of the opposing players lingering near the field. With the same confidence and charisma he brings to the plate, he approached the player and asked a simple question: “Are you Jewish?” The boy replied, “Yes, I am.” What followed was pure magic.
Coby’s face lit up with a huge smile, and he wrapped the player in a half-hug, beginning a warm, natural conversation that drew in the attention of nearby teammates. Before long, two more players stepped forward and said, “We’re Jewish too.” With the charm of Derek Jeter and a kiruv rabbi, Coby seamlessly shifted the conversation from baseball to Shabbos — just a few hours away — and to the mitzvah of Tefillin.
“Let’s put on Tefillin,” Coby said. One of the boys responded, “I’ve never had the chance to do that… yes, let’s do it.”
Right there on the field, with teammates and fellow players surrounding them, these young men donned Tefillin — many for the first time. Some of Coby’s teammates even joined in to support the effort. It was a moment of pride, of unity, and of Jewish connection.
One boy was so moved he said, “I want a bar mitzvah.” Coby smiled and said, “This is kind of your bar mitzvah — right now, right here.” The teams sang together in celebration.
This is what the Skokie Yeshiva produces. Leaders on and off the field. Young men with the confidence, sensitivity, and conviction to inspire others, simply by being themselves and living their values with authenticity and heart.
Coby may contribute big on the field, but it’s what he did after the game off the field that left the biggest impact.
From the dugout to the divine — thank you, Coby, for making HTC proud.