Through his time on Fearless Interventions, Jordan Berman reveals how he's reshaping Jewish identity and celebrating sports excellence.
By Max Alperstein, Written on September 11, 2024,
The Fearless Interventions podcast, hosted by Max Alperstein and Jacob Finkel, was filmed on September 9, 2024, with Jordan "Bear Jew" Berman, the founder and CEO of Stars of the Tribe™. Jordan’s story is a testament to resilience and empowerment, and our conversation focused on the impactful world of Jewish athletes and sports representation. I came away from this podcast episode with a profound sense of pride and a deeper understanding of the strength in the Jewish community embedded within sports.
Jordan highlighted a powerful message about reclaiming the narrative surrounding Jews in sports. Often, we, as Jews, are portrayed solely as victims—oppressed and marginalized. Yet, Jewish history is rich with triumphs and achievements. Jordan’s declaration, “We are not victims; we are victors,” resonated deeply. It’s a powerful reminder that Jewish accomplishments, including in sports, should be celebrated and recognized.
Our discussion also covered the unique contribution of Stars of the Tribe™, a brand that merges a passion for sports with Jewish identity. The brand offers a range of merchandise celebrating Jewish athletes. One standout is their shirt featuring the names of notable Jewish sports figures. It’s a conversation starter, prompting curiosity about athletes like Sue Bird and the first NBA player who was Jewish. This representation shifts the narrative and enlightens us about the significant contributions Jews have made across various fields, inspiring us to recognize and celebrate these achievements.
Jordan’s work extends beyond sports; he’s also leading and creating the “Let Our People Goal” challenge, advocating for the release of hostages held by Hamas. His dedication to this cause underscores the transformative power of sports as a platform for broader social impact and justice, motivating us to be more engaged in such initiatives. The athletes we look up to hold much power and influence, so why don't they act on it? Why don't they fight for what's right?
As a Jewish teen, I found working on this episode uplifting and empowering. Jordan’s message reinforces that our identity and achievements are something to be proud of. It reminds us that we are capable of extraordinary things and that our success stories deserve to be celebrated. His advocacy and leadership inspire me to embrace and share my heritage proudly.
I am grateful to Jordan for his insights and the impactful work he’s doing. His passion for celebrating Jewish sports and commitment to essential causes are genuinely inspiring. Stay tuned for this episode, and check out Stars of the Tribe™ for a meaningful way to support Jewish athletes and their stories.
Authors Bio:
Max Alperstein is a Jewish Latino high school senior in New York City. Raised in a single-parent household by his incredible mother, Max's upbringing was filled with love and resilience. His experiences of navigating his American, Guatemalan, and Jewish identities have inspired him to embrace his unique cultural background. This journey led him to create Fearless Interventions, a podcast and creative outlet where he explores his thoughts, experiences, and identity while connecting with inspiring voices from the Jewish world. Max is passionate about music, acapella, graphic design, and video editing, all of which come to life in Fearless Interventions.
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