The author and his Starting Five in the stands at the United Center, home of two of his favorite teams – the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks. Rabbi Gordon’s two most favorite teams? His family and Team Spirit Institute. ( Left to Right: Carmi & Rita Muskin; Marilyn, Rabbi James, Sophie & Max Gordon)
Descended from a long tradition of rabbis, Rabbi James (Yaakov Moshe ) Gordon leads the day-to-day operations of Team Spirit Institute. He utilizes his experiences as a rabbi, educator, author, administrator, attorney, and parent, in ensuring TSI’s success.
A prolific and creative writer, Rabbi Gordon’s passion for sports and Jewish education inspired him to write the book PRAY BALL! The Spiritual Insights of a Jewish Sports Fan (Gefen Publishing House, Jerusalem/New York, 1999) – a first of its kind in the literary world. The highly favorable reviews and outpouring of support for the original PRAY BALL! encouraged him to later found Team Spirit Institute. Rabbi Gordon is widely-recognized for his innovative, engaging and thought-provoking ability to connect the Jewish tradition, as well as universal values, to the world of sports and athletics.
An alumnus of Jewish day schools and summer camping programs, Rabbi Gordon received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan, S’mikha (Rabbinic Ordination) from the Hebrew Theological College (Skokie, IL) and a Juris Doctor from the Northwestern University School of Law. He has worked as an attorney and arbitrator in both the public and private sectors. His more than thirty years as an educator and healthcare chaplain have provided Rabbi Gordon with the opportunity of working with Jews of all ages and from all walks of contemporary Jewish life.
Rabbi Gordon and his wife Marilyn, a medical professional, live in suburban Chicago, and are the proud parents of three adult children: Max, Rita (Carmi) and Sophie.