The Boy Who Thought He Shouldn’t Run

When 21st-century American Jewry is studied, historians will look back at the story of Oliver Ferber as a snapshot of the era: an inspiring and horrifying episode that tells us a great deal about the American Jewish experience. Oliver’s tale, which occurred in 2021, was made known in an April 2023 article for ESPN by Sam Borden titled “A State Championship or His Faith? The Agonizing Choice of a Young Jewish Runner.”

Oliver Ferber, Borden tells us, was like many students at the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School in Maryland. His family found its Jewish identity important enough to send him to a Jewish educational institution, but much of the seventh day of the week was devoid of Sabbath observance, with a focus on athletics. “Saturday morning was sports,” Oliver’s mother told ESPN, “whatever they wanted to do and they were always busy.” Oliver embraced running, and soon became a central member of his school’s cross-country team. He excelled in his athletic activities, and the team succeeded with him.

Then came Covid-19. And in isolation, the then-16-year-old Oliver found the faith of his forefathers. He “began praying more” and took “a stricter approach to the holiness of Shabbat.” He came to believe that public athletic competition was inappropriate on the day of rest. Meanwhile, the Maryland cross-country championship had been scheduled for Saturday, with Oliver’s team competing.