“This is a very emotional decision for me,” Stoudemire said at a press conference in Madison Square Garden in New York. “At this moment I’m going to uproot my family. Now we will be moving to a different country where we have never lived before.
“It is also a spiritual journey for us,” he added. “Playing for Jerusalem allows me to take care of my spiritual journey and continue my professional career.”
In a letter published on The Players’ Tribune, Stoudemire wrote, “The Scripture speaks about Jerusalem as a holy place, and I can feel that whenever I’m in the city. This is a chance for me to be a better husband and a better father, to help me lead my family into righteousness. The opportunity to play there, and grow as a player and person, is a blessing.
“As my father used to tell me, “The sky’s the limit. Time to soar.”
Stoudemire had a Jewish wedding with a tallis and kipa, enjoys Shabbos meals and occasionally wears a kipa. He is particular to eat kosher food and says, “I am not technically Jewish but it feels natural to me.”