When wearing your Kippah becomes a superpower

Ever wonder what it takes to compete at the highest level while staying true to who you are? Meet Avremi Poupko, who turned heads when he conquered the Israeli Ninja competition — Kippah firmly in place, Jewish pride on full display.

His story isn't just about athletic prowess. It's about the incredible power that comes from never hiding your Jewish identity, no matter where life takes you.

The question everyone asks

"How does it stay on your head?" people wonder, watching Avremi navigate impossible obstacles with his Kippah secure. His playful answer? "Super glue" — though he quickly admits that's not quite true.

But the deeper question reveals something profound: "Why wear it during sports? You're religious, that's fine, but you don't have to be so fanatic."

Avremi's response cuts to the heart of authentic Jewish living: "I'm a Jew first. Anything I do, it comes along with that. If it's learning, studying, working out, training, competing — I do it all with my day-to-day dress code, including my Kippah."

When commitment changes everything

Here's where the story gets remarkable. The entire Israeli Ninja competition was scheduled for Shabbos. When organizers realized Avremi — a likely finalist — wouldn't compete on Shabbos, they moved the entire event to Friday.

One person's unwavering commitment to Torah values shifted a national competition. That's the ripple effect of living with authentic Jewish pride.

Throughout months of training with fellow athletes, Avremi noticed something beautiful: "There's pure admiration and respect. They treat me differently in how they speak, how they act. They know I don't take my shirt off when I work out — there's a level of modesty and respect that comes with it."

The secret strength of Hishtadlut

Does wearing a Kippah actually make you stronger in competition? Avremi believes it goes far deeper than physical strength. "I've done everything I need physically — my Hishtadlut. Now I can let God take it from here."

This Torah concept transforms how we approach challenges. We prepare, we train, we give our absolute best effort — then we trust in Hashem for the outcome.

But Avremi's insight extends beyond competition day: "It's my whole life. There's this constant aura — my body recovers well, I find the right people to train with. It's not one moment of strength, it's an all-encompassing connection that carries me wherever I go."

Your daily training ground

You don't need to be a professional athlete to live with Avremi's authenticity. Every day presents opportunities to proudly wear your Jewish identity — literally and figuratively.

Ready to embrace this mindset? Try these practical steps:

Make your Kippah non-negotiable. Whether you're at work, the gym, or running errands, let it be the constant reminder of who you are and Whom you serve.

Practice the "Jew first" mentality. Before making decisions, ask yourself: "How does this align with my Jewish values?" Let that guide your choices.

Embrace respectful conversations. When people ask about your observance, respond with Avremi's confidence and pride. Your authentic living often inspires others.

Apply Hishtadlut thinking. Give your best effort in whatever you're pursuing, then trust Hashem with the results. This removes pressure while maintaining excellence.

Look for your "competition moment." Find one area where you can take a public stand for Torah values, even when it's inconvenient.

The ripple effect of authentic living

Avremi's story reminds us that wearing our Kippah with pride creates waves far beyond ourselves. When we live authentically Jewish lives, we inspire respect, create positive change, and often discover that the world accommodates Torah values more than we expect.

Our inspiring interview with Avremi captures the full power of his message — showing how one person's commitment to Jewish identity can move mountains, or in this case, entire competitions.

Your Kippah isn't just a head covering. It's a declaration, a source of strength, and a bridge to connecting with Hashem in every moment of your day. Wear it with the same pride Avremi brought to that ninja course.

Want to explore more stories of Jews who chose authenticity over convenience? Torah Live's collection of Kippah inspiration interviews will fill your heart and strengthen your resolve. Join thousands of families who are discovering that living proudly Jewish isn't just possible — it's powerful. Sign up free and turn your Jewish pride into your greatest superpower!