SportScene Spring 2015

I N S I D E THI S I SSU E
THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF MACCABI USA
2
3
VOLUME 12 | NUMBER 1 | SPRING 2015
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
SEEKING JEWISH ATHLETES
LEGENDS OF THE MACCABIAH
4
VOLUNTEER PROFILE
DONOR PROFILE
5
RECENT EVENTS
UPCOMING EVENTS
6 MACCABI MATCH!
8 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
9 ELLEN & SAM SPORN
10 NEWS
Gene (z”l) and Lenny
Weiss wrestled their way
into the Maccabiah
Games and became
lifelong supporters.
Gene won the Ohio State Wrestling
title in 1953 and was invited to try out
for the USA Maccabiah Wrestling team
to compete in Israel at the 4th World
Maccabiah Games that year. He returned
to compete at the 1957 Games and won
multiple medals.
Gene returned in 1961 as manager
for the USA Maccabiah Wrestling team
and was flag bearer during the Opening
Ceremony. He came back as Head Coach
for the 7th, 9th and 10th USA Wrestling
teams at subsequent Maccabiot.
Both Gene and Lenny were deeply
impacted by their Maccabiah experiences.
They developed lifelong friendships with
other athletes from the U.S. and around
the world. Both brothers define the
meaning of the word ‘Mensch’ and are
loved by family and friends. Testament to
this was a brunch in 2008 where Maccabi
USA honored them for their contributions
to sport and the organization in front of a
standing-room-only audience.
“There is the common bond of being
Jewish that we all share,” Lenny reflected.
“Maccabi USA does such a great job of
bringing athletes together. The Games
make such an impact on their lives,
Younger brother Lenny, who also
competed in Wrestling and Football at
Shaker Heights High School, was so
impressed with the experiences that
Gene had had in Israel that he joined
him as an alternate and coach on the
USA Wrestling team at the 1973 World
Maccabiah Games. He became hooked
on the Games and came back in 1977 as
Head Coach alongside his brother Gene.
(continued on page 2)
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Where does our strength come from?
RON CARNER
During these most trying of times for worldwide Jewry,
we ask ourselves, “Where does our strength as a people
come from? Does it stem from our rich history, from our
religious beliefs, or from our shared responsibility toward one
another?”
While different people may give different answers, one certain response is that
we derive our strength from our youth. Their energy, vitality, sense of invincibility and
optimism feed us. Our Jewish youth represents our future. Their prospering is for the
betterment of us all. To achieve that goal, we need them to absorb our values and to
carry us all to the place we Jews have forever vied among nations: the betterment of
all humankind.
However, with this aim in mind we must ensure that we instill in them knowledge of
our history, of our present circumstances, and our traditional values that will continue
to guide us into the future.
Thus the next question is how do we reach them? How do we make them want to be
part of the Jewish people and to preserve and perpetuate who we are? How do we break
through the clutter of messages our youth is exposed to, through the vitriolic anti-Israel
teaching at their universities, through the intrusion of electronic devices to which they
seem universally attached?
At Maccabi USA we have found one answer: we reach them through sports.
During the last Maccabiah, Team USA consisted of 1,102 members, all exposed to
the wonders of the State of Israel. Our six-day ISRAEL CONNECT program afforded the
850 Open and Juniors athletes the opportunity to gain insights into the country and take
pride in their Jewish roots. Thereafter, upon meeting over 9,000 Jewish athletes from
75 nations they grasped the vastness of the Diaspora—and the common denominator
that binds us all, our peoplehood.
To some athletes, the great excitement resulted in lifelong memories of a wonderful
sports competition. To most however, as communicated to me scores of times, the
Maccabiah was “the greatest experience of my life,” and “a life-changing experience.”
Our leadership is committed to provide this critical learning opportunity for our
youthful participants. Even our Masters players live the dream. When participating, they
see and experience the excitement of the Maccabiah and commit to financial support,
such as the generous gifts of Sam Sporn and Stuart Weitzman of $1,000,000 each!
Without such friends and many others who make regular, essential donations—large
and small—we would have had to reduce our programs.
And, there is more! This year, two outstanding events are coming up: The European
Maccabi Games in Berlin, where our solidarity team of over 200 headed by Tonja
Magerman will march in a historical event of the largest gathering of Jews in Germany
since WWII—all walking tall and proud, wearing and carrying the Star of David!
Then in December, the Pan American Maccabi Games in Chile, led by Lou Moyerman,
will have a USA delegation of about 650 athletes.
In addition, Jeff Bukantz is gearing up to lead Maccabi USA at the 20th Maccabiah
Games in 2017. Only two years away, work is already under way with our indefatigable
professional staff in our Philadelphia office.
Please plan to come with us to Berlin and/or Santiago and enjoy the
fruits of our labor.
Sincerely,
Ron Carner, President
Maccabi USA
2 | sportscene | Spring 2015
Weiss Brothers
(continued from front page)
maybe not immediately, but definitely
long-term.”
Lenny went on to be the Coach
Emeritus at the 1981 Maccabiah Games
and was the USA National Wrestling
Chairman for the 1985 Games.
He continues to support Maccabi USA
as a member of the Board of Directors.
Both Gene and Lenny were introduced
to Wrestling by their older brother Earl,
who had started wrestling in the 1940’s.
The Weiss brothers are an institution
in Cleveland, Ohio and their names are
synonymous with Wrestling and athletics.
All three brothers wrestled at Ohio State
University. Gene was a member of the
U.S. Olympic Committee from 1972 –
76 and went on to be a Chairman of
the Ohio Athletic Commission in the
mid-aughts. Both Gene and Lenny are
members of the Shaker Heights High
School Hall of Fame.
When people hear of the Weisses
they immediately think of two
things, Wrestling and a close family
relationship. They were in business
together for 57 years developing
athletic clubs, fitness centers, car wash
centers and real estate. They also ran
a summer wrestling camp for 23 years.
As Lenny says, “we couldn’t sit still, we
had Shpilkes – ants in our pants.”
Lenny continues to stay active in
business and sports. He continues to
play Tennis three times a week. Lenny
and his wife Kathy reside in Rocky River,
Ohio and are closely involved with their
extended family.
On January 15, Gene passed away
after a brief illness. He will be greatly
missed by all who have had the privilege
to know him. Our thoughts and prayers
are with his wife Bobbi and the entire
Weiss family. May his memory be for a
blessing.
SEEKING JEWISH ATHLETES
Maccabi USA is seeking Jewish athletes and volunteer staff members to participate in the
14th European Maccabi Games in Berlin, Germany, from July 27-August 5, 2015, and
the 13th Pan American Maccabi Games in Santiago, Chile, from December 28, 2015January 4, 2016.
Maccabi USA builds Jewish pride through sports. Athletes, coaches and
volunteers will connect with the global Jewish community through international
athletic, educational and cultural experiences, meant to enhance one’s Jewish
identity, perpetuate Jewish continuity and increase support for the State of
Israel.
Both the European and Pan American Maccabi Games will feature sports in
four different age groups; Juniors, Youth, Open, and Masters. Maccabi USA
is scheduled to compete in 17 sports at the European Maccabi Games
and 22 sports at the Pan American Maccabi Games.
Don’t wait, apply today to compete, coach, or support Team USA as a
manager or member of the medical team!
Applications are available online now at www.maccabiusa.com
EUROPEAN MACCABI GAMES SUPPORTERS PACKAGE:
There are opportunities to travel with Maccabi USA as a member of the
USA Delegation when you travel on our Supporters Package. Supporters
Package participants will experience the Games and the host country
with exclusive programming, tours, and receptions and
parties. Tickets and transportation will be provided to
the Opening Ceremony. For information and to register
for the European Maccabi Games USA Supporters
Package, please visit: http://www.cvent.com/d/grq8yk
LEGENDS
OF THE
MACCABIAH 2015
Maccabi USA presents the Legends of the Maccabiah who have contributed significantly to Maccabi USA and the Maccabi Movement, as athletes, volunteers and
supporters at a Gala Brunch on Sunday, March 15 in Boca Raton.
HONORING
Alan Appelbaum
Guiora Esrubilsky (z”l)
David Kantor
Danny Schayes
Golf
Leadership
Maccabi USA
Immediate Past President
Maccabi World Union
Basketball
Basketball
Milt Kantor (z”l)
Russell Stoch
Ronald Bakalarz
Leadership
Maccabi USA
Leadership
Maccabi USA
Squash
Leadership
Maccabi USA
Past President
Maccabi World Union
Angela Buxton
Tennis
Maccabi Great Britain
Lester Fein (z”l)
Harvey Leff
Bruce Fleisher
Golf
Leadership
Maccabi USA
Barry Gurland
Donna Orender
Leadership
Maccabi USA
Basketball
Leadership
Maccabi USA
David Weissman
Softball
Special Maccabi Spirit Award Presented to:
Roy Salomon
Past President
Maccabi Canada
This event is sponsored in part by:
PLATINUM SPONSORS
Kerry and Alan Appelbaum
Stephanie Fein
Leslie and David Kantor
GOLD SPONSORS
SILVER SPONSOR
Minna and Ronald Bakalarz,
Taylor Hogge and Bob Spivak
Tania and Edward Bakalarz,
Steven Bakalarz and The Bakalarz Family
Monica and Barry Gurland
Harvey Leff
There are sponsorship opportunites and limited seating available. If you would like to sponsor or attend this event,
please contact Sara Feinstein at 267.627.5654 or [email protected]
Spring 2015 | sportscene | 3
VOLUNTEER PROFILE
Elliot
Steinmetz
n Hometown: Woodmere, NY
nSchool: Yeshiva University’s
Sy Syms School of Business
St. John’s University School of Law
nOccupation: Partner – Rosenberg
& Steinmetz PC
Head Men’s Basketball Coach –
Yeshiva University
Website Director –
JewishHoopsAmerica.com
nHobbies: Watching Basketball
game film
Elliot first got involved with Maccabi USA when he was recruited to
coach for the Youth Men’s Basketball team at the Maccabi Australia
International Games in 2010. The team won the gold medal and
Elliot went on to be the Assistant Coach at the 2013 Maccabiah
for the Youth Men’s Basketball team and his experiences got him
hooked on the organization. He is currently a member of the Board
of Directors of Maccabi USA and Chairman of the Youth Men’s
Basketball team for the upcoming Pan American Maccabi Games in
Santiago, Chile.
“I wasn’t aware of Maccabi USA growing up, but I was lucky enough
to get involved over the last few years and I could not be prouder to
say I am a supporter and advocate,” Elliot said. “Maccabi USA literally changes lives
through sports. I have experienced, firsthand, the impact the programming and events
that they put together has on Jewish youth from all backgrounds.”
Elliot experienced the ISRAEL CONNECT program with his team, along with all the
Open, Juniors and Youth athletes and their coaches. He was able to watch them enjoy
Israel, many for the first time, and it has changed the way he looks at Israel and Jewish
people.
“The opportunity to meet, be inspired and educated by other Jews from all different
cultures and backgrounds in the realm of a sporting
event is invaluable and irreplaceable,” Elliot explained.
“I think we need to continue to expand on the already
amazing things Maccabi USA is doing both nationally
and internationally.”
Elliot and his wife Sima reside in Woodmere, NY
with their three children: Jacob, Noah and Leah. In
addition to his professional responsibilities, family
and work with Maccabi USA, Elliot is also involved with
the New York Chapter of the National Conference of
Synagogue Youth.
MEET OUR DONORS
Dana and Mark
Susson
nH
ometown: Dana – Anaheim, CA
Mark – Philadelphia, PA
nS
chools: University of California
Irvine – Both
Loyola Law School Los Angeles –
Both
nO
ccupation: Attorney – Both
nH
obbies: Dana – All sports and
philanthropy / Mark – Racquetball,
Paddle Ball & Golf
Dana and Mark met in college in their senior
year. They started dating and got married three
years later. Dana, who converted to Judaism,
has embraced it and gotten very involved with the
Jewish community. She has been voted Woman of
the Year twice in recognition of her volunteer work
by the Orange County JCC and Jewish Federation.
Both Dana and Mark are Endowers and members
of the Board of Directors of Maccabi USA.
They got involved with Maccabi USA through
their kids, Matt and Sarah. Both competed in
Volleyball with the JCC Maccabi Games. Sarah and Matthew were recruited by Maccabi
USA to compete at the 2007 Pan American Maccabi Games in Argentina. They applied
and made the Open teams, and Mark and Dana joined the Mission so they could cheer
on their kids in Buenos Aires.
The kids went on to compete at the 2009 Maccabiah Games and Dana and Mark
chaired the Open Women’s Volleyball team. They were able to march into the Opening
Ceremony along with Sarah and Matt. Sarah also competed in the 2013 Maccabiah,
and Dana and Mark came to Israel to cheer her on.
The entire experience has been enriching for them as a family, reconnecting with old
childhood friends and making new ones, expanding their circle in the worldwide Jewish
community. One of Mark’s highlights has been the development of a friendship with
his childhood idol, Dolph Schayes.
“Not only did the Games create memories that will last a lifetime but they also
created friendships and renewed friendships that will last a lifetime,” Mark said.
The Sussons continue to support Maccabi USA because they feel that Israel needs
American support now more than ever. “The participation of our children, Matt and
Sarah, in the Maccabiah was and is a pivotal experience in their lives and something
of which they are proud,” Dana summarized. “We will never forget the feeling of pride,
excitement and awe participating in and watching them march in Opening Ceremonies
with so many Jewish athletes from around the world!”
4 | sportscene | Spring 2015
recent events
upcoming
10th
Annual
Westchester Brunch &
Bridge Tournament took place
The
at Doral Arrowwood in Rye Brook, NY,
on October 5, 2014. Committee CoChairs Barbara Feldman and George
Lippman did a tremendous job,
attracting over 130 Bridge players
to this ACBL-sanctioned event. The
10th Annual Tournament also marked
the first time Mah Jongg was played.
A special thank you to committee
members Nat Adler, Babette Bandler, Ruth Brandt, Betty Burr, Henry Deutsch,
Stanley Feldman, Lynne Goldstein, Gail Greenberg, Jane Heilbron, Pat Hofmann,
Mickey Karlan, Richard Laufer, Valerie Levitt, Phyllis Lippman, Sue Maier,
Joanne Marks, Ondrea Schiciano, and Bobby Stayman. Next year’s event, the
11th Annual Westchester Brunch & Bridge Tournament, which will offer Mah
Jongg and Canasta, is tentatively scheduled to take place at Doral Arrowwood
on October 18, 2015.
Maccabi Tel Aviv
Exhibition
Basketball
Games Receptions took place
The
in Cleveland and Brooklyn on October
5 and 7, 2014. Working with Maccabi
Tel Aviv, Friends of IDF, and Maccabi
World Union, Maccabi USA was
able to organize receptions at the
exhibition basketball games between
Maccabi Tel Aviv, and the Cleveland
Cavaliers and the Brooklyn Nets. Funds raised from these events are being
used to support programs for IDF soldiers and those living in the South of Israel,
providing them with an opportunity to attend Maccabi Tel Aviv games in Israel.
These receptions were attended by prominent Maccabi figures, including Tal
Brody, Mickey Berkowitz, and Dolph and Danny Schayes.
David
Blackburn
Memorial Dedication took
The
place at Elings Park Softball Complex,
in Santa Barbara, CA, on November
22, 2014. A large 25’ oak tree was
planted and a memorial plaque
installed to commemorate the
memory of David Blackburn, Maccabi
USA and International Fast Pitch
Softball legend. Elings Park was
selected as the site for the memorial
because it was the host location of the “Best of the West” softball tournament,
which Dave ran for 13 years. The memorial, organized by Kenny Schwartz, was
attended by those Dave touched throughout his remarkable 10 International
Maccabi Games. David Blackburn is missed by all.
(continued on page 8)
Get connected, stay engaged...
events
March 15, 2015
Legends of the Maccabiah
Boca Raton, FL
March 16, 2015
20th Annual Palm Beach Golf Tournament
Lake Worth, FL
May 29 – June 2, 2015
Maccabi World Union Plenum
Ramat Gan, Israel
June 1, 2015
Chicago Golf Tournament
Chicago, IL
June 8, 2015
Philadelphia Golf Tournament
Cinnaminson, NJ
July 13 – July 23, 2015
Birthright with Maccabi USA
Israel
July 27 – August 5, 2015
European Maccabi Games
Berlin, Germany
2015 JCC Maccabi Games
Dallas, TX | August 2 – 7
Milwaukee, WI | August 2 – 7
Davie, FL | August 9 – 14
October 18, 2015
11th Annual Westchester Brunch & Bridge Tournaments
Rye Brook, NY
October 19, 2015
San Francisco Golf & Bridge Tournaments
Daly City, CA
December 28, 2015 – January 4, 2016
Pan Am Maccabi Games
Santiago, Chile
April 20, 2016
Maccabi USA Honors Ron Carner
New York, NY
Spring 2015 | sportscene | 5
MACCABI MATCH!
Part of our Mission at Maccabi USA is to build Jewish Continuity, and we can think of no greater
way to do this than when our athletes meet their life partners while participating in an international
Maccabi or Maccabiah Games. As part of our new series, MACCABI MATCH, we introduce you to
couples who first met during Maccabiah and Pan American Maccabi Games.
LORRAINE AND RICHARD ABRAMSON
have been blissfully happy for 46 years. They have two children – Gregg a
runner, and Jill a swimmer; and their granddaughter is a wonderful runner.
Richard worked in investment banking and Lorraine was a teacher and an
accomplished author who published her story, My Race, in 2010.
“The opportunity to meet Jews from all over the world, in Israel, for one
purpose [sports] is a lifetime opportunity not to be missed,” Lorraine
reminisced. “The fact that I met my husband there was just icing on
the cake.”
ARYN AND KEN BARER
Lorraine Lotzof and Richard Abramson met at the 7th Maccabiah Games in
1965. She was a runner from South Africa and he was a swimmer from the
USA. Lorraine was an accomplished runner whose dreams of representing
her country at the Olympic Games in 1964 were thwarted when South Africa
was expelled from the Games because of their race policies. The Maccabiah
Games were not yet sanctioned by the International Olympic Committee in
1965, so she was able to represent her country in international competition
at these Games.
Richard got into competitive swimming, along with his brothers, when his
brother David had to exercise his leg by swimming in order to save it after
a third degree burn. All three brothers became competitive swimmers
and their parents became very involved in the sport. Jack Abramson,
Richard’s dad, became very involved in the sport at the highest levels. He
was instrumental in the growth of Maccabi USA, managing the Swim teams
at multiple Maccabiah Games, as well as serving as a member of the U.S.
Olympic Committee. Richard went on to swim for the United States Air Force
Academy in Denver as an All-American.
The English-speaking teams were housed in the same complex at the 1965
Games. The buildings were all grouped around a courtyard with terraces
that faced each other. One afternoon, after winning the gold in the 400m,
Lorraine stepped onto the terrace to view the courtyard and she looked
across and saw Richard. They talked across the courtyard and it was love
at first sight. After getting to know each other for four days, they knew they
wanted to get married. However, Richard was not permitted to be married
while at the Air Force Academy, so they would have to wait three years until
he graduated.
Lorraine and Richard began a long-distance relationship without the benefit
of email and internet technology. They communicated the old-fashioned
way, with letters that took 10 days to arrive at their destination. After
three years, Richard flew to South Africa and they were married. It was the
Maccabiah Games that provided them the opportunity to meet, and they
6 | sportscene | Spring 2015
Aryn Landau and Ken Barer met just prior to the 1993 Maccabiah Games
in Israel. They had both competed at the 1989 Games, however Ken
represented France then, where he holds dual citizenship. He played
professional basketball in France for five years. Ken has the distinction of
playing in the highly competitive field of Open Basketball at three separate
Maccabiah Games, the first in 1985 when he represented the USA Team.
He also competed in the most recent Maccabiah, in 2013, as a member
of the Masters Men’s 35+ Basketball team.
Aryn was also a competitive athlete in both Field Hockey and Lacrosse.
She was All-American in both sports at Tufts University. Aryn competed at
the 1989 Maccabiah Games as a member of the International Team that
was put together so that four athletes from South Africa would have the
opportunity to compete (they couldn’t represent their country at the time
because of apartheid). Her parents came along and her father fell in love
with the Games and came back to be the Chair of the USA Field Hockey
team for the 1993 Maccabiah Games. Both Aryn and her sister Sharon
were members of that team.
Aryn and Ken met right before the Games at a send-off party in New
York City and Aryn had an immediate crush on Ken. Fast forward to the
ISRAEL CONNECT program in Israel. There was a party one evening at the
Natalia, who had grown up with Maccabi in Uruguay, relocated to Santiago
to do her medical residency. She got involved with the local Jewish
community and then with the organizing committee for the 2003 Pan
American Maccabi Games. While she was working with the organizers prior
to the Games, one of her colleagues told her about Dr. Joel Carter from the
USA who kept sending emails full of questions. He told her she would have
to ‘deal with this guy.’
Natalia, who was working for an ambulance company, arrived in an
ambulance to meet the doctors. They were all men and were standing in
a circle waiting for her arrival. When her colleague introduced her to Joel,
he said, “This is Joel Carter, he is single.” They both got in the ambulance
and talked and felt like they connected.
beginning of their stay where they hung out and got to know each other. Ken
went to call his brother that evening and said, “Andrew, I’ve seen my wife.”
They got to know each other during the remainder of the ISRAEL CONNECT
program and then sporadically during the competition since they both had
grueling competition schedules. Ken was able to secure transportation to
visit Aryn at her hotel in Netanya, they took a walk to the beach and shared
their first kiss.
They found each other frequently during the Games and Joel finally invited
her out ‘for the sake of international relations.’ She picked him up and
before they were able to head out on their first date she got a call requesting
she come back to headquarters because someone had appendicitis. After
that night, Natalia then invited Joel out and they finally had their first date.
“When talking with people about Maccabi USA, I tell them that the sport
doesn’t even matter, once you get to Israel it is all about the Jewish
experience,” Aryn reflected. “I don’t remember the medals. It’s who you
meet and the relationships that endure. What happens off the field matters
more than what happens on the field.”
Aryn and Ken got married after dating for a few years and now have three
MaccaBabies – Solomon, Deva and Jesse – all talented athletes in their
own right. They both work with summer camps. Aryn is the director of
a Jewish overnight camp in Milford, PA and Ken is a partner in a major
summer day camp in White Plains, NY.
NATALIA DORF AND JOEL CARTER
By the end of the Games, they both knew they wanted to see each other
again.
Joel kept coming to Chile once a month. They met later in Sao Paulo for
the wedding of a friend of Natalia and after the wedding he proposed. They
both currently practice medicine in Minnesota and have two children, Anouk
and Alec.
“Maccabi USA is a wonderfully close family,” Joel said. “It is great to be
part of it, have wonderful reunions with Maccabi friends and family every
few years, organize the medical team, and give back [to Maccabi USA].”
Natalia and Joel, both doctors, met at the 2003 Pan American Maccabi
Games in Santiago, Chile. Joel was heading up the Medical team for
Maccabi USA and Natalia was the medical liaison for the English-speaking
doctors at the Games.
Joel first got involved with the Maccabi Movement through his participation
as a Track & Field athlete for Maccabi Canada in 1985 when he ran his
best times in the 1500m and 800m at a track in Tel Aviv. After medical
school he began to run long-distance and having moved to Boston, he tried
out for the Half Marathon team with Maccabi USA, and in 2001 finished
the Half Marathon on the same track in Tel Aviv that he had competed on
at the 1985 Games.
Without the Maccabiah or International Maccabi Games, none of these
couples would have met. Unlike on-line dating services, when athletes and
volunteers meet at the Games, they already share two very important bonds
– their love of sports and their Jewish culture and heritage. It was through
the Magic of Maccabi that they created their own magical connections and
went on to build strong, Jewish families.
Spring 2015 | sportscene | 7
SPRING
2015
UPDATE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
Looking Ahead,
2015 and Beyond
After a busy ‘off-year’ in 2014, we are gearing
up for an even busier 2015. We are in the process of appointing
athletes to the USA Team for the upcoming Games in Berlin, Germany
and Santiago, Chile.
I consider us blessed to have the involvement of some of the top
leadership in the USA who understand the importance of the unique
work we do. Our small staff in Philadelphia partners with hundreds of
volunteers to implement impactful programs for thousands of Jewish
athletes of all ages. Examples of the difference we make in people’s
lives are the many former and current athletes that want to ‘pay it
forward’ for the next generation of Jewish athletes.
In December we received an extraordinary contribution of $1,000,000
from one of our alumni. Sam Sporn and his wife Ellen made this gift
after seeing firsthand the impact we make on athletes and volunteers.
They had originally committed this amount as part of our Legacy
Society, but decided to change their gift from a bequest to a gift to
help us now. Knowing Ellen and Sam as I do, this gift came from their
hearts. It has made a tremendous difference, as it allows us to fulfill
a match gift from a foundation that originated from a family whose
child was touched by the “Magic of the Maccabiah.” Words can hardly
express our appreciation for such generosity and foresight.
We continued to “Light it Forward” with a direct mail campaign. I am
always moved by the volume of small and large gifts that come from
the heart. Each one makes a difference, and I say thank you – not just
from me, but from our leadership, and more importantly our athletes
who will benefit from your support. Whether it is the investment of
time, energy, expertise or financial support, please know how much
of a difference you make.
Our fundraising efforts are geared towards ensuring that all USA Open
and Juniors athletes are able to participate in the World Maccabiah
Games, regardless of financial ability. We also lend financial support to
Maccabi World Union in order to help Jewish athletes from distressed
communities around the world participate in the Maccabiah.
One of our new initiatives this year is to build upon the success of
the Young Maccabi Leadership group. Yogi, our Maccabi Shaliach,
is working with the New York group’s leadership to take their model
and expand it to other cities throughout the
country. Our goal is to engage and grow our next
generation of leadership. If you or anyone you
know wishes to help build our future, please let
me know.
Thank you and best wishes for a great Passover,
JED MARGOLIS, Executive Director
JED MARGOLIS
Recent Events
(continued from page 5)
WE HAVE MOVED
OUR OFFICE TO:
Alvaro and Andy Rosenblut
2015 European and Pan American Maccabi
Games USA Steering Committee Meetings took place
The
at the Renaissance Hotel in Newark, NJ, on December 6, 2014. The
Committee meetings were attended by Maccabi USA’s Executive
Committee and many of the individual sports chairmen for the upcoming
European and Pan American Maccabi Games. A highlight of the meetings
was the presence of Alvaro Rosenblut, the leader of Chile’s Organizing
Committee for the Pan American Maccabi Games.
The Maccabi World Union Strategic Forum took place
in Israel from December 14-16, 2014. Maccabi USA sent a delegation
including Jeff Bukantz, Ron Carner, Jed Margolis, Bob Spivak, and Toni
Wortman to discuss issues regarding the 2017 World Maccabiah Games.
Topics discussed included how to make the Games stronger, how to
strengthen the relationship between Maccabi World Union and the
Diaspora, and how to re-engage lost communities to participate in the
next Maccabiah Games. Having a vision to the future has always been
instrumental to the growth and success of the Maccabi Movement.
8 | sportscene | Spring 2015
1511 Walnut Street
Suite 401
Philadelphia, PA 19102
All phone numbers and
email addresses are the same
JOIN OUR
EMAIL LIST
FEELING LIKE A
MILLION BUCKS!
Ellen and Sam Sporn donated $1,000,000 to Maccabi USA in
December, 2014. Their gift will be used to help fund programs
and projects that are part of Maccabi USA’s Mission. The Sporns
have been supporters of Maccabi USA for over 33 years.
“It is because of the generosity of people like Ellen and Sam,
that we are able to implement programs that build Jewish
identity, increase Jewish continuity and strengthen support for
the State of Israel,” said Ron Carner, President, Maccabi USA.
“We are so grateful to Ellen and Sam, they get what we do and
their gift makes it easier to fulfill our Mission.”
Sam is an 11-time Masters and Grand Masters tennis athlete
who has participated in seven Maccabiah and four Pan American
Maccabi Games, winning multiple medals in the process. He
has served as both the Chair and Co-Chair of the USA Masters
and Grand Masters Tennis Team from 1981 through 2013 and
saw the growth of the teams double in size. Sam has witnessed
firsthand the impact that Maccabi USA programs have had on
athletes and volunteers that participate in them. In 2013, he
was awarded the Chairman’s Award of Excellence from the
International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame for his commitment
and support of sports, Jewish culture and the State of Israel.
“It is our pleasure to donate money to Maccabi USA at this time
so we can see the impact of the programs they create,” Sam
told the organization. “We love the fact that Maccabi USA uses
sports as a unifying language that connects Jewish athletes with
each other, their culture and heritage, and Israel.”
Sam is a member of the Executive Committee of Maccabi USA’s
Board of Directors and has served in numerous leadership
roles for the Maccabiah Games over the years. He is currently
in training to qualify for the USA Grand Masters Tennis team
participating in the Pan American Maccabi Games in Santiago,
Chile later this year. In addition to his involvement with Maccabi
USA, he is a practicing attorney with Schoengold & Sporn,
P.C. in New York City, specializing in class action litigation.
Ellen has accompanied Sam to Israel and South America to
cheer him on at his competitions, most recently to Israel for
the 19th Maccabiah Games in 2013. She holds a doctorate
in Education and was a professor with The City University of
New York.
Ellen and Sam have been married for over 60 years and have
three children, Jessica (Fred), Nina (Tim) and Joseph (Robin)
along with eight wonderful grandchildren. The Sporns reside in
Brooklyn where they were raised, met and raised their family.
Thank You! Toda! Gracias!
Spring 2015 | sportscene | 9
news
DAN CALICHMAN – 1989
Maccabiah; 2011 Pan Am
– accepted an assistant
coaching position with
Toronto FC of Major
League Soccer (MLS).
JAMIE COOPERSTEIN – 2007 Pan Am –
founded a hospitality training business
in May, called J. Cooperstein Hospitality
Consulting, LLC.
JONATHAN DEUTSCH – 2009 Maccabiah
– accepted a job with WIBW in Topeka,
Kansas, where he will work as a sports
reporter and weekend sports anchor.
ZACHARY ELFENBEIN
– 2007 Pan Am; 2009
Maccabiah – was hired as
a Graduate Assistant for
the University of Florida’s
Men’s Basketball team.
LELAND FAUST – 1965,
1973, 2005 Maccabiah;
MUSA Board – placed 3rd
in his age group at the
National Championships
for Aquathlon, a two-stage
race involving swimming
followed by running,
in October, qualifying
him for the 2015 World
Championships.
JULIA FISHER – 2006
Australia; 2007 Pan
Am – married JARED
FARBMAN – 2007 Pan
Am – in Philadelphia
on November 15. They
met at the 2007 Pan American Maccabi
Games, where she played Tennis and he
played Baseball.
DAN FRANKEL – 2005,
2013 Maccabiah;
2006 Australia – was
named as the Director
of Junior Golf for the
PGA Metropolitan
Section. He is the
Overall Golf Chairman
for the upcoming Pan
American Maccabi Games.
THERESA GRENTZ – 1981 Maccabiah –
accepted an assistant head coaching
position with Lafayette College’s
Women’s basketball team.
10 | sportscene | Spring 2015
MOLLY JUBAS – 2007 Pan Am; 2009
Maccabiah – swims for Tulane University
in Division I, where she is working
towards a graduate degree in Energy
Management.
DEENA KASTOR – 1991 Pan Am – broke
the record for the fastest time in the
Women’s Masters Division at the Rock ‘n’
Roll Half Marathon, with a time of 1:09:36,
in Philadelphia in September, 2014.
KATHERINE PIERCE
– 2009, 2013
Maccabiah – married
Chris Chute in an
intimate wedding
in South Portland,
Maine in August 2014. Katherine ran
Track & Field and Half Marathon at the
2009 and 2013 Maccabiah Games,
winning two gold medals, two silvers, and
one bronze.
ROB PREBISH – 1989, 1993 Maccabiah –
was selected to be the Virginia Wrestling
Association’s Head Greco Roman
Wrestling Coach. It is his responsibility
to identify talent, conduct statewide
clinics, and implement statewide
wrestling curriculum.
RICHARD “RICKY” REFF
– 1985-2013 Maccabiah,
2010 Australia, MUSA
Board – received the
inaugural Maccabi Legacy
Award from the JCC of
Greater Washington
for the hard work and
dedication he provides to
the Maccabi Movement.
DYLAN ROSE – 2013
Maccabiah – was named
Men’s Soccer Offensive
Player of the Week by
the Southern Athletic
Association. He currently
plays for the Birmingham
Southern Panthers.
SARA SCHIFFMAN – 2003, 2007 Pan Am;
2005 Maccabiah – married Josh Klein
in an Orthodox wedding in New York in
October. Sara played Open Women’s
Tennis at the 2003 Pan Am and 2005
Maccabiah Games, also coaching Juniors
Girls’ Tennis at the 2007 Pan American
Maccabi Games.
JORDAN SCHLACHTER
– 2003 Pan Am; 2005,
2013 Maccabiah –
has been hired as the
National Basketball
Player’s Association’s
first Chief Marketing Officer.
MARCUS SCHLESINGER – 2010 Australia;
2011 Pan Am; 2013 Maccabiah –
qualified for the 2016 Olympic Trials
in Swimming in the 50m Freestyle and
100m Fly.
JAMIE SHADIAN – 2009, 2013 Maccabiah
– got engaged to Lee Wybranski. She has
won two gold medals - one as the Juniors
Girls’ Basketball team’s Assistant Coach
at the 2009 Maccabiah Games, and
another as the Head Coach of the Open
Women’s Basketball team at the 2013
Maccabiah Games.
JOE SIEGMAN – 19731989 Maccabiah, Former
USCSFI V.P. – published
a new book, titled Bats,
Balls & Hollywood Stars:
Hollywood’s Love Affair
with Baseball, which tells stories from the
Los Angeles Dodgers’ celebrity exhibition
baseball games.
MORGAN SMITH – 2013 Maccabiah –
verbally committed to attend the College
of William and Mary, where she will
compete on their Track & Field team.
ZACH TEST – 2009, 2013 Maccabiah
– was named to the Gold Coast 7’s
Dream Team after a great performance
at the Gold Coast Sevens with USA
Rugby’s Eagles, where they captured the
championship.
INTERNATIONAL JEWISH
SPORTS HALL OF FAME
GARRETT WEBER-GALE
2013 Maccabiah
DONNA ORENDER
1985 Maccabiah
MUSA Board
BASKETBALL NEWS
Nine Maccabi USA alumni playing basketball
professionally in Israel are:
ALYSSA BARON
2013 Maccabiah – Ramat Hasharon
DANNIELLE DIAMANT
2009 Maccabiah – Maccabi Ashdod
DANE DILIEGRO
2009 Maccabiah – Galil Gilboa
DANIEL GRUNFELD
2009 Maccabiah – Bnei Herzliya
ALISON HINTON
2009 Maccabiah – Maccabi Ashdod
JACQUELINE KALIN
2013 Maccabiah – Maccabi Ramat Hen
ISAAC ROSEFELT
2006 Australia – Hapoel Holon
ZACHARY ROSEN
2009 Maccabiah – Maccabi Ashdod
LAINE SELWYN
2001 Maccabiah – Maccabi Ashdod
MACCABABIES!
MACCABI USA STAFF UPDATE
SHANE CARR – joined the staff in October
as the Program Director following a nineyear career with the Union for Reform
Judaism Summer Camps. He earned
his Bachelor’s Degree in Business
Administration from the University of
Miami, with a minor in Judaic Studies.
As the Program Director, he will focus
on the development and implementation
of projects and programs. A native of
Philadelphia, he resides in Havertown, PA
with his wife Jamie and their dog Otis.
YOGEV “YOGI” MATOK, of Gedera, Israel,
joined the staff in November as the first
Maccabi Shaliach to work out of the
Maccabi USA office. In this role, Yogi will
work to enhance the image, involvement,
programming and awareness of Maccabi
activities. He will liaise with and develop
new Maccabi Young Leadership groups
across the USA, and support Maccabi
Canada and the JCC Maccabi Games.
Yogi also works with Maccabi World Union
in Israel to coordinate activities and
involvement of alumni living in Israel. He
and his wife Shani reside in Philadelphia
with their dog Luna.
HAROLD FRIEDMAN
– 2005-2013
Maccabiah; 2007,
BRIAN SCHIFF – 19992011 European;
2007 Pan Am; 20012010 Australia;
2009 Maccabiah
2011 Pan Am;
– and SUSAN KARDON
MUSA Board –
welcomed their
welcomed his fifth
first grandchild,
grandchild Jacob
Penelope Crouse, on
Rehaut, on September 15, 2014. Jacob’s September 19, 2014. Her parents, Brenda and
parents, Michael and Emily, are thrilled. Joseph, are thrilled.
WHITNEY SIMON
MARNE LOVEMAN FRIEDMAN – 2009
Maccabiah – and her husband MATTHEW MAYER – 2005
welcomed daughter Celia Audrey, born on Maccabiah – and
her husband DONNIE
November 7, 2014.
welcomed daughter
Avery, born on
ILYSE RESNICK-ARCHIE –
January 4.
2005 Maccabiah – and
her husband MARCUS
STEPHANIE (NEE
welcomed son Harry
SORKIN) – former
Maxwell, born on
Program Director,
June 23, 2014.
Maccabi USA – and
JOSIE SANDLER
JEFFREY MARBLESTONE,
– 2005, 2009
welcomed daughter Zoe
Maccabiah;
Arden on January 8.
2007 Pan Am
The family is doing well
– welcomed
and planning which
daughter
sports Zoe will train for in anticipation of the
Theodora Luria Sandler on August 6, 2014. 24th Maccabiah Games.
We mourn the passing...
Howard Bromberg June 2014
Tennis – 2009 Maccabiah Games
Howard was a member of Team USA at the
2009 Maccabiah Games, where he played
Grand Masters Tennis. He passed away at the
age of 92 from Parkinson’s disease, leaving
behind his wife Ruth, their three children, and
five grandchildren.
Andrew Cassius August 2014
Volleyball – 2007 Pan Am
Andrew was a member of the bronze medal
Open Men’s Volleyball team at the 2007
Pan American Maccabi Games, where Team
USA beat the host country, Argentina, 3-1.
He tragically passed at the young age of 25.
Arthur Figur August 2014
Swimming – 2011 European
Arthur was a member of Team USA at the 2011
European Maccabi Games, where he won five
medals as part of the Masters Swimming
team. He passed away at the age of 83, leaving behind five children.
Jerry Gumenick September 2014
Maccabi USA Board Member, 1994-2008
Jerry served 14 years on Maccabi USA’s
Board, beginning in 1994 through 2008.
He passed away at the age of 85, leaving
behind his wife Gigi, their two sons Jeffrey and
Randolph and seven grandchildren.
Stuart Press September 2014
Cycling – 2009 Maccabiah Games
Stuart was the captain of Team USA’s Open
Cycling team at the 2009 Maccabiah Games.
He passed away at the age of 39 from a rare
form of a malignant brain tumor, leaving behind
his wife Tracy and their son Jacob.
Eugene Weiss January 2015
Wrestling- 1953, 1957, 1961, 1965, 1973,
1977 Maccabiah Games
Maccabi USA Board Member
Eugene was a member of Team USA at
six Maccabiah Games and also served on
Maccabi USA’s Board. He passed away at the
age of 80, leaving behind his wife Bobbi, their
four children and eight grandchildren.
Our thoughts and prayers are
with the families.
May their memories be for a blessing.
Spring 2015 | sportscene | 11
United States Committee
Sports for Israel
Non-Profit Org.
US Postage
PAID
Permit No. 1291
Philadelphia, PA
1511 Walnut Street, Suite 401
Philadelphia, PA 19102
President
Executive Director
Marketing Director
Design
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Ron Carner
Jed Margolis
Sara Feinstein
The Kiva Group
1511 Walnut St., Suite 401, Philadelphia, PA 19102
215.561.6900 Fax: 215.561.5470
[email protected]
www.maccabiusa.com
©2015 Maccabi USA
Maccabi USA is a Registered Trademark
Since 1948, Maccabi USA (MUSA) has sought to
enrich the lives of Jews in the United States, Israel and
throughout the Diaspora through athletic, cultural and
educational programs. The organization is the sponsor
of the U.S. Team to the World Maccabiah Games.
MUSA also sponsors U.S. participation in Maccabi
competitions in Pan America and Europe, and supports
Jewish youth through the JCC Maccabi Games.
MACCABI USA/SPORTS FOR ISRAEL ENDOWMENTS as of January 22, 2015
PATRONS
Level $1,000,000+
Ellen & Samuel Sporn (A) (IC)
Stuart Weitzman Family Foundation (A)
CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE
Level $180,000+
Kerry & Alan Appelbaum (A)
Talia & Ron Carner
Leah & Ed Frankel
Keith Frankel (A)
Monica & Barry Gurland
Iris & Igal Hami
Edy (z”l) & V. David (z”l) Levitt (A)
Phyllis Magerman (z”l) B’nai Mitzvah
Endowment
Joy & Jerry Monkarsh
Taylor Hogge & Robert E. Spivak
PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE
Level $100,000+
Sarah & Robert Cohn
Cecile (z”l) & Allan Dalfen
Cecile & Lester (z”l) Fein
Suzan & Allen Fox
Mark S. Goldstein &
the Jean Alenstein Trust
Kantor (A)/Knue (A) Family
Phyllis (z”l) & Alan Magerman
Amy & Alan Meltzer
The Sheldon Family (A)
Dr. Lee Winston & Herman Silver
Charitable Fund/Sam Rabinowitz (z”l)
Toni & Wally Wortman
Selig Zises & Ellyn Bank (A)
16th & 17th U.S. Maccabiah Teams
GIBORIM
Level $50,000+
Sandi & Jerry Bloomberg
The Chaskin Family
Florence & Michael Edelstein
Benjamin Frankel Fund
Lynn & Carl (z”l) Goldstein
Mark S. and Marty Goldstein
Shirlee & Bill (z”l) Jacobs (A)
Ira Kamens
Donna & Jeffrey Laikind (A)
Ilene & Melvyn Miller
Susan & Harvey Morgan
Robert Pincus (A) & Family
Estherly & Leonard Reifman (A)
Barbara Brizdle (A)
& Larry Schoenberg (A)
Janet & Ellis (z”l) Shore
Jill & Stu Siegel (A)
Harry & Beatrice Sley Foundation/
Betsy Grossman
Diane & David Stern
Marilyn & Harry Swimmer
ISRAEL SPORTS AMBASSADOR
Level $25,000+
Jan Albert (A) Family Golf Endowment
Ellen and Si Atlas
Gladys & Lewis Bass (A) & Family
Endowment
Ruth & Ray Brenner
Barbara & Jim Bronner (A)
Marilyn & Simon Denenberg
Doris & Sheldon (z”l) Gitman (A)
Norma & Charles Golden
Joy & Gary Gordon (A)
Jean & Stephen Kaplan
Stanley Kleckner (A)
Marilyn & Mark Labkon Family
Carol (z”l) & Harvey Leff (A)
Jon (A), Kelly, Kenton & Ashlyn Levin
Cissie & Robert Levy
Sydney Levy Memorial
Ronnie & David Lowenthal
Tonja & Joel Magerman
Michael L. Magerman Family
Beth & Jed Margolis (A)
Ava, Edward & Jordan (A) Mendelson
Dennis (A), Marc & Steve Needleman
Bernard Osher Foundation
The Pincus Charitable Fund (A)
The Rabinovitch Foundation (A)
May & Samuel Rudin Foundation
Dana & Mark Susson
Wertheim Family Endowment
Field-Krasnoff
Freidin-Ziman
Rhona and David Furman
Doris and Sheldon Gitman (A)
Gittleson Family
Richard Goldman Memorial Fund
Rita and Marvin Goldstein
Edward Gottlieb Memorial Fund
Zachary Hahn Memorial Fund
Benjamin Joseph Hahn Memorial Fund
Bettina and Izzy Horowitz (A)
Laura and Richard (z”l) Horowitz
Barbara and George Hyman
Leslie and David Kantor (A)
Susan and Robert Klein
Sondra and Herbert Kupersmith
Carole and Robert Landau
Scott, Jan, Morgan and Skylar Lane
Dan Levenson
ENDOWMENT
Jeanie and Armand Lindenbaum
Level Under $25,000
Mark J. Rosenberg Memorial Fund
Anonymous
Tema and Joseph Merback
The Abramson Family Foundation
Milken Family Foundation
Jean R. Alenstein Trust
June and Sidney Moray
Gerry and Hank Alpert
Jan and Jay Moses (A)
Arlene and Richard (z”l) Batchley
In Honor of Carly and Erica Novich
Berlin Family Foundation Inc.
Doris Dannenhirsch Beshunsky (z”l) (A) Randolph and Judith Pace Foundation
Muriel and Ed Pickard
Borden Family
Bernard Pomerantz Memorial Fund
Morris and Rose Bornstein
The Pressman and Friends Group
Memorial Fund (A)
Estherly and Leonard Reifman (A)
Jeffrey Bukantz (A)
Anne and Harry J. Reicher Foundation
Ralph Chernin and Family
Linda Rice
Linda and Jeffrey Chodorow
Rochester Chapter Maccabi USA
Marcia and Sheldon Cloobeck
Sports for Israel
Sophie and Albert Crome
Louise and Claude Rosenberg (A)
Steven Damashek Memorial Fund
Nina and Robert Rosenthal
Miriam and Harvey Diamond
Judith and Ben Rubin (A)
Leo Eisner
Neal Rudder
Salter Family Trust
Toby and Michael Salter
Salter/Praw
Naomi and Dolph Schayes (A)
Wendy and Dan Schayes (A)
In Memory of
Arthur & Edith Selverstone
Nancy and James Shalek
Sharrow Memorial Fund
Jason Shrinsky
Sidney Margolis Memorial
Siegfried Family
Charles Simon
Rhea and Edward Slade
Edward M. Slater Memorial Fund
Louise and William Steerman
Tanner Tananbaum
Ruth and Howard Walzer
Patricia and Philip Wexler
Ira and Shirley Yohalem
Deborah Miller and William Zabel (A)
20TH MACCABIAH SPONSOR OUR ATHLETES as of January 22, 2015
Lorraine (A) and Richard Abramson (A)**
Bindler, Bogen, Buchwald, Eisenman,
Kent, Novatt and Associates
Talia & Ron Carner
Jess Forrest (A)
Gregg Goldberg (A)
Laura and David Goone
Linda (z”l) and Frank Greenberg (z”l) (IC)
Becky and David Heller****
Sigmund Hiller (z”l)
Stuart and Eileen Kaufman
Foundation Inc.
Wendy and Jeff Krieger (A)
Betty and Charles Lebovitz
Paula and David Menche
Pat and Steve Mizel****
Nina and Edward Paul Family
Aileen and Brian Roberts (A) (IC)
Seed The Dream Foundation (IC)
Lizzie and Jonathan Tisch
(A) Athlete | (IC) ISRAEL CONNECT | **Sponsored two athletes ($6,000 per athlete) | ****Sponsored four athletes or more
Happy Passover!
Jenny and Neil Tramer
TSG Reporting Inc.
USA Masters Men’s Maccabiah
Soccer Alumni