AMERICAN NINJA WARRIOR — “Philadelphia Qualifier” — Pictured: Akiva Neuman — (Photo by: Mitchell Leff/NBC)

Looks like the stereotype of the standoffish, scholarly Rabbi will be shattered for good. 

JTA.org has an interesting article about Akiva Neuman, otherwise known as the “Ninja Rabbi” for recently competing on the popular competition show American Ninja Warrior.

I initially assumed this had to be a Reform rabbi, but the fact that he’s Orthodox was surprising. His story is not only inspiring, it’s thoroughly modern as well. The Orthodox have long had a reputation for avoiding athletics so this is a nice step closer towards the rest of us. I especially liked reading about how his wife not only plays basketball, she beats him!

I’ll definitely be tuning in tonight at 9:00PM when the show airs, keeping my fingers crossed for the Rabbi.