On a recent afternoon in the gymnasium of Emek Hebrew Academy in Sherman Oaks, the squeaking of sneakers on hardwood and shouts of “Defense!” and “Screen right!” echo off the empty bleachers. Valley Torah High School’s basketball team is here to practice — with one noticeable standout.
In between drills, a gangly 6-foot-5-inch teenager with a loose-fitting red practice jersey and a black yarmulke clipped to his blond hair leaps effortlessly toward the basket and dunks the ball with two hands. He hangs briefly on the rim, lands, then smiles sheepishly, revealing braces on his teeth…. Read more