Chaim Galbut is embarking on a rare journey as he prepares to become the first Orthodox Jewish player to compete in NCAA Division I men's basketball while observing the Sabbath since Tamir Goodman in 2001. Galbut has committed to Duquesne University, a Catholic institution, where he will balance his religious observances with the demands of elite collegiate athletics.
This dual commitment means Galbut will sit out games played on Friday nights and will meticulously manage his schedule to accommodate his religious practices. His path is one that some have advised against, suggesting that pursuing both his faith and his basketball aspirations at this level might lead to falling short in one or both areas.
"I've had some people tell me I'm not going to be learning [Torah] as much as I should, and others saying that if I really want to chase this basketball dream, I need to fully devote myself to that," Galbut said. "I get it, and I know this is not going to be easy."
Galbut, a 6-foot-7 player from Miami, accepted a scholarship offer from Duquesne after visiting the campus and meeting with head coach Dru Joyce III. His journey to this point involved a significant gap year spent in Jerusalem studying Talmud eight hours a day. This rigorous academic pursuit contrasts with his athletic ambitions, a balance he is determined to maintain.
"I'm a basketball player and I'm a Jew. Not one or the other," Galbut stated. "To me, there is no choice. And being both is how I've gotten here."
His talent began to gain wider recognition during his time playing for JDS Elite, an AAU team designed to give high-level Jewish day school players exposure. A standout performance at Harvard's annual high school showcase, where he was described by an assistant coach as "the best on the floor," brought him to the attention of college scouts. Despite interest from other programs, including Harvard, the academic rigor and game schedules at some institutions were incompatible with his Sabbath observance.
Duquesne assistant coach Chase Goldstein, who grew up in a Jewish home, discovered Galbut through a viral video. Goldstein saw not only Galbut's athletic ability but also an opportunity to showcase what an Orthodox Jew could achieve in Division I basketball. He presented Galbut's highlight reel to head coach Joyce, who, after learning more about Galbut's background and religious commitments, approved the recruitment.
"There was just a lot of gratitude," Joyce said of conversations with Galbut's father. "No demands or anything. And we knew it wouldn't be easy. But it just felt like it was a great opportunity to both help a young man and also for our program and staff to grow."
Galbut's daily routine since moving to Pittsburgh in June is a testament to his dedication. He wakes early for morning prayers, followed by breakfast and practice. He attends online classes in the early afternoon, then studies Talmud at a local Kollel from 3-6 p.m. After afternoon prayers, he returns to the gym for additional shooting practice and training before dinner and evening prayers. He aims to be in bed by 10 p.m. to repeat the demanding schedule.
"It's been really hard," Galbut admitted. "Some days feel so long, but I also remind myself that's what I wanted. One of my family's sayings is to chase your dreams. And that's what I'm doing."
He has found ways to integrate his two lives, discovering a kosher ice cream spot frequented by teammates and engaging them with questions about his practices and faith. The team has shown support, even rescheduling a grocery run to accommodate his study schedule. Galbut acknowledges that challenges lie ahead, particularly when he may have to miss games due to Shabbat or cut short study sessions for basketball commitments.
"I know this is going to be a journey," he said. "But that's the whole point. This is the journey I've always wanted to take."