Believe the Hype or is it Too Untrue?

In Judaism the Talmud teaches of the Tzadikim Nistarim or the Lamed Vav Tzadikim. It is said that at all times there are 36 special people in the world, and that were it not for them, all of them, if even one of them was missing, the world would come to an end. (A quick lesson in Gematria; Lamed-Vav. Lamed = 30 and Vav = 6, hence Lamed Vav Tzadikim). It is said that these 36 people's role in life is to justify the purpose of mankind in the eyes of G-d. Tradition states that their identities may not be known to themselves or to others, and that if one of them were to realize this role, they would die and be replaced by another.

It's an extremely interesting concept, whether you are the religious type or not. But when I was re-visiting a sermon our Rabbi gave a few Yom Kippur or ago, it got me thinking. The idea of the Lamed Vavniks, as they are called in Yiddush, is a lesson that can be taught through sports as well.

I believe that at any given time there are 36 Superstars in ALL OF SPORTS. Not just in the US but worldwide. This group of 36 athletes are on earth to justify the purpose of sports in the eyes of the public. If one of them were to realize this role, they would die and be replaced by another... Vince Carter or Allen Iverson anyone?

They return to their anonymity as soon as their task is accomplished, 'concealing' themselves once again in a community wherein they are relatively unknown... pretty much any Olympian?

The lamed-vavniks do not themselves know that they are ones of the 36. In fact, tradition has it that should a person claim to be one of the 36, that is proof positive that he is certainly not one... Jose Mourinho!

These 36 have such "avanah" (humility) that it precludes against their self-proclamations of being among the special.They are all to humble to belive they are one of the 36... Phil Mickelson?

Very few Superstars are truly humble. However, in sports an athlete who day in and day out shows us that they are a superstar rather than saying it, THAT in itself is humbling. The mysticism of the Lamed Vavniks disappears if people know who they are, however there is nothing against conjecture. When Roger Federer makes a shot and you just stop and wonder how on earth it was possible. You can believe he is one of the 36.

As I debated who are the 36, fifteen were obvious. These players sell tickets and put people in the seats, when they are coming to your city it becomes an event you must see. These 14 make us wonder if what we just saw really happened.

1. LeBron James

2. Kobe Bryant

3. Shaun White

4. Lionel Messi

5. Roger Federer

6. Cristiano Ronaldo

7. Michael Phelps

8. Usain Bolt

9. Rafael Nadal

10. Kevin Durant

11. Sydney Crosby

12. Roy Halladay

13. Lance Armstrong

14. Alexander Ovechkin

15. Josh Cribbs

So who are the other 21? I believe the 36 Superstars can change at any given moment. During the NCAA Basketball Tournament, one buzzer-beater makes a player a superstar, but a weekend later that player can fade right back into oblivion. Could it be that player started to believe he was one of the 36? Something that is just not allowed.

Here is the shortlist for some that may or may not be part of this special group... Wayne Rooney, Kaka, David Beckham (undeservedly) Dwayne Wade, Dwight Howard, Carmelo Anthony, Derrick Rose, Steve Nash, Albert Pujols, Stephen Strasburg (moves up as soon as he makes an MLB Start), Jason Heyward (already on his way to being 16), Ryan Braun, A-Rod, Mariano Rivera, Johan Santana, Peyton Manning, Andy Roddick, Venus and Serena Williams, Tiger Woods (clearly on the list until about 6 months ago), Phil Mickelson, Ryan Miller (if only because of his US Olympic performance) Candace Parker, The UConn Women's Basketball team, The Penn State Women's Volleyball team, Apollo Anton Ohno, a NASCAR guy, John Wall, Evan Turner, Brad Stevens (Yeah, coaches can be there).

But then again maybe this list is truly reserved for people like Former Central Washington first baseman Mallory Holtman, softball player carried around bases. For Rick and Dick Hoyt, who form Team Hoyt (must see video). For Maurice Cheeks helping a young girl sing the National Anthem. For Jason McElwain, the autistic high-school basketball player, or even for his coach Jim Johnson who gave him the chance to play.

The Lamed Vavniks are not necessarily the best. But they are those who come through for us in a time of need. Sports is about escape, when we are in need of healing.

So later this week when you are watching the NBA Playoffs, don't forget, the Lamed Vavniks emerge from their self-imposed concealment and, by the mystic powers, which they possess, they succeed in averting the threatened disasters of a people persecuted by the enemies that surround them... LeBron James anyone?