I N S I D E THI S I SSU E THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF MACCABI USA 2 3 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE ROBERT E. SPIVAK LEADERSHIP AWARD 4 VOLUNTEER PROFILE DONOR PROFILE 5 RECENT EVENTS UPCOMING EVENTS 6 MULTI-GENERATION MACCABI USA FAMILIES 8 MACCABI USA LEGACY SOCIETY 9 LEGENDS OF THE MACCABIAH 10 NEWS Joanna Zeiger Open Swimming Leads to Olympic Experience The first time Joanna Zeiger tried out for the swim team at the age of seven she swam one lap and told the coach she was ready to get out. He wouldn’t take her shenanigans and made her stay in the pool for the rest of the workout. That lesson, “finish what you start,” stayed with Joanna for the entirety of her athletic career. Twenty-three years later, Joanna qualified for the Olympics in triathlon. Joanna was the sole Jewish athlete on her swim team leading to bouts of anti-Semitism. She tried to hide her religion in an effort to suppress the nasty comments from her teammates. It was an uncomfortable situation. Then in 1989, Joanna participated in the 13th Maccabiah Games as a member of the Open Swim team. For the first time she was surrounded by other Jewish athletes creating a level of comfort she had never known. VOLUME 10 | NUMBER 1 | SPRING 2014 The ISRAEL CONNECT program had a particular impact on her, especially the cultural identity seminar. During the breakout sessions she learned that many other athletes had the same experience with anti-Semitism. Joanna said, “Seeing how others had had the same difficulties made me feel less alone.” The Maccabiah Games was Joanna’s first international event; it was the perfect springboard to her future international travels as a triathlete. Joanna won silver in the 800 free and bronze in the 400 free and 400 IM. Her most cherished medal was the gold in the 4x200 free relay she won alongside her sister Laurie Zeiger Dodd. After graduating from college, Joanna transitioned from a swimmer to a triathlete. In 2000, Joanna again represented the USA, this time at the Summer Olympics in Sydney in the inaugural triathlon where she placed fourth. She then went on to win the Ironman 70.3 World Championships in 2008. She continues to compete as a Masters runner. In 2011, Joanna was inducted into the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame. As part of her speech she talked about her eyeopening experience at the 1989 Maccabiah Games. She relayed a story about the emotional moment when she marched into Ramat Gan Stadium for the Opening Ceremony and they played Hatikvah. Joanna knew the words well from years of attending Jewish Day School and she was overwhelmed with pride knowing she was surrounded by thousands of other Jewish athletes and spectators from around the world. Joanna continues to inspire Jewish athletes as a motivational speaker. When asked if an athlete should participate in the Games, she is quick to say that they should, even (continued on page 2) Joanna Zeiger PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Dear Maccabi Friends: I am writing this message shortly before Passover, a holiday that celebrates the Jews’ liberation from slavery. The process of peoplehood culminated forty years later, when the Children of Israel settled in today’s Israel. Miraculously, in spite of Ron Carner repeated existential threats, the Jews survived when most nations from that era disappeared. The establishment of the State of Israel sixty-six years ago is the most heroic chapter in our history, and the Maccabi movement shares this Zionist vision, defined as the right of Jews for self-determination in the land of their ancestors. For the first time, Jews everywhere are viewed as strong, and there is no better demonstration of this image of physical might than you, our Jewish athletes. Thousands of you, former Maccabiah athletes and supporting family and friends, have had the chance to visit Israel and to witness the astonishing achievements of this country in spite of its difficult position in its neighborhood and in the world arena. Yet, as Israel increasingly becomes the focus of anti-Semitic vitriol, it falls upon you to continue to educate yourselves about the issues and become the ambassadors who can speak up for her. When is criticizing Israel anti-Semitic? When focusing exclusively on Israel—a democracy with an independent justice system that has shown objectivity when correcting its government’s mistakes—ignores more than forty “hot spots” around the globe of human misery—slavery, famine and genocide. Often, those who purport to care for the plight of the Palestinians ignore their abuse, degradation and denial of human rights in many Arab countries, where laws prohibit Palestinians from holding jobs or from owning homes. As a Maccabiah athlete, you have met, perhaps for the first time, Jewish athletes from over 70 other countries and realized that we are one big family. With antiSemitism rising around the globe, many athletes returned home to turmoil. For Jews in Venezuela, Ukraine and France, Israel is now their safe refuge. Please join me in meeting many of them again and have your voice heard at the Maccabi World Union Congress in Israel in late May, where the 2013 Games will be evaluated with an eye toward the planning of future events. Yes, Maccabi USA is already preparing to send a solidarity team to the European Maccabi Games in Berlin, Germany in July 2015, led by Rich Grodin, and a delegation to the Pan Am Maccabi Games in Santiago, Chile in December 2015, led by Lou Moyerman. The 20th Maccabiah Games in 2017 will be led again by Jeff Bukantz. Having been re-elected president for a second four-year term, my goal now is to develop younger leaders by identifying and supporting those of you willing to give the time and energy at various levels in order that Maccabi USA will continue to have an impact on our Jewish youth through the same important experiences that have left such a strong mark on you. Together, let us continue our mission of building Jewish pride through sports in order to preserve and perpetuate Jewish identity everywhere. Thank you again for your confidence, 2 | sportscene | Spring 2014 Ron Carner, President, Maccabi USA (continued from front page) encouraging her niece and nephew, Jamie and Max – future Maccabiah athletes – to try out for the Games in swimming. She explains that it is a wonderful experience that will provide them with a lifetime of memories. “I love speaking to kids because I want them to feel compelled to engage in sport. I share stories about my struggles and how not giving up can often lead to success. If I can motivate them to do the same, I feel I have done my job.” “Maccabi USA is a great organization that supports sports and Judaism and anyone who gets involved makes a huge difference in the lives of Jewish athletes. No one can do this alone; it is a huge group effort.” Joanna has been successful academically while pursuing her athletic dreams. After receiving a B.A. in Psychology (1992) at Brown University, Providence, RI, she went on to Northwestern University, Chicago, IL to earn her M.S. in Genetic Counseling (1995). Motivated by the excitement of independent research, Joanna earned her Ph.D. in Genetic Epidemiology (2001) at the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD. She continued in academia at the Institute for Behavioral Genetics at the University of Colorado. Joanna resides in Boulder, CO with her husband Mark. Through racereadycoaching.com she helps athletes of all ages and abilities achieve their dreams. SPRING 2014 UPDATE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE Telling Our Story At Maccabi USA we don’t measure our success in the number of medals won, but rather the impact that we make. In speaking with Maccabiah athletes since I first got involved more than forty years ago, the recurring theme I hear is what a life-changing event it was. Athletes are very open to sharing their experience, whether they were 15 or 85, it touched their hearts, minds and souls in a way that no other experience has. Their Maccabiah experience has strengthened their connection to the land of Israel and with fellow Jews around the globe. Now that we are back from another successful Maccabiah event, it is time to begin our next chapter. We have already begun to build our delegations for the European Maccabi Games in Berlin, Germany in July 2015 and the Pan Am Maccabi Games in Santiago, Chile five months later. Then of course we always have our eyes on our crown jewel, the Maccabiah Games, which will be held in July 2017. Putting together a USA delegation of 1100 for the 19th Maccabiah Games was monumental. It took the hard work of hundreds of volunteers and our dedicated staff to make our dreams come true - they truly are the Magic of Maccabi USA. As we move this wonderful organization forward, we are once again seeking your help. We need a corps of dedicated volunteers to help us “Light it Forward” for the next generation – who can either give of their time or financial resources. Give me a call, tell me your story, get involved and make a difference. Help us to create positive Jewish memories that will last a lifetime. Over the past four years we built Teams of record Jed Margolis numbers – no larger delegation for ANY competition has ever left our shores. We grew our Endowment to $10 million so that we can begin to ensure our future; and we participated in all the Maccabi events with class and pride. As a People we face many challenges, yet together we can help build a stronger tomorrow. Thank you to everyone involved this past four years and to those committed to stepping up to help build our next chapter. Help us to inspire that next generation of leadership for the Jewish community. B’SHALOM, JED MARGOLIS Executive Director THE ROBERT E. SPIVAK LEADERSHIP AWARD This Award is the highest honor that the leadership of Maccabi USA can present to its volunteers. It was named in honor of the longest-serving president in Maccabi USA history, Bob Spivak. The purpose of the award is to recognize the tremendous efforts of volunteers who have donated their time and resources in order to build Maccabi USA into the organization it is today. On the evening of December 7, 2013, Ron Carner and Bob Spivak presented the award to Wally Wortman. Wally first got involved as a volunteer along with his wife, Toni, when she brought a dance troupe to Israel for the 1985 Maccabiah Games. He later joined the Board of Directors and became a member of the Executive Committee, both positions he continues to hold today. He has also served as an officer in the position of Secretary, and while his wife Toni served as President from 2001 through 2009, Wally was the official ‘First Man’ of Maccabi USA! Previous recipients of the award are Alan Sherman, Bill Steerman and Phyllis Magerman (z”l). Fred Cohen will be presented with the next Robert E. Spivak Leadership Award at a ceremony on July 28 in Glenview, IL. sportscene | Spring 2014 | 3 VOLUNTEER PROFILE Tonja Magerman n Hometown: Cupertino, CA n School: Temple University n Occupation: High School Athletic Coach – Field Hockey & Softball; Personal Trainer n Sport: F ield Hockey, Softball, Running, Tennis, Golf n Hobbies: T ennis, Running, Philadelphia Phillies – Live, Reading, Knitting Tonja first got involved with Maccabi USA because her mother-in-law, Phyllis Magerman (z”l), was very involved with the organization and encouraged her to get involved. Her first experience with Maccabi USA was as a member of the Mission at the 2003 Pan American Maccabi Games where her son competed in Tennis. Tonja’s first volunteer position was as Chairman for Field Hockey at the 2007 Pan American Maccabi Games, and most recently she was the Co-Chairman and Head Coach for the 2013 USA Open Field Hockey team at the Maccabiah Games. Tonja is currently a member of the Maccabi USA Board of Directors and serves on the Executive Committee. “Maccabi USA combines all the things that I am passionate about in my life,” Tonja said when asked why she stays involved. “The opportunity to be involved in athletics, and more importantly with young athletes, is so fulfilling. I have truly gotten back so much more than I have given.” Tonja was also very impressed with all the volunteers that she met in Israel, particularly their ability to fundraise and give of their time to help make the Maccabiah experience truly magical for the athletes. Some of her greatest memories have come from her various Maccabi experiences and her involvement is truly a family affair. Her father-in-law Alan Magerman and her husband Joel are also members of the Maccabi USA Board of Directors, and her children, Jake (Tennis) and Rachel (Field Hockey), have both competed for Team USA at different Games. When asked why she continues to stay involved as a volunteer, Tonja enthusiastically responded, “I truly believe in helping athletes, young and old, reach their potential and Maccabi USA does this. My involvement enhances my life and I would encourage anyone to get involved and volunteer. I am so glad I did, because it has helped me see the world differently.” In addition to the volunteer work Tonja does for Maccabi USA, she volunteers her time as a member of the Germantown Academy Athletic Task Force and as member of the Board of USA Field Hockey. Tonja coaches high school Field Hockey and Softball at Germantown Academy and runs her own personal training business. She resides with her husband Joel in Blue Bell, PA. MEET OUR DONORS Bob Spivak nH ometown: Philadelphia, PA n Schools: Central High School Muhlenberg University n Occupation: Insurance and Investments n Hobbies: Golf, Skiing, Traveling Bob was first introduced to Maccabi USA by his colleague, Harold Landesberg who was an Officer of Maccabi USA, and brought him on as a member of the Board of Directors in 1976. Bob went to Israel to see the 10th Maccabiah Games in 1977. After experiencing the Opening Ceremony with thousands of Jews from around the world singing Hatikvah, Bob was hooked. Bob went on to serve as president of Maccabi USA from 1981 through 2001 and he currently is the Chairman of the organization. He was instrumental in creating the concept of a cultural and educational program, ISRAEL CONNECT, to enhance the sports competition at the Maccabiah Games for Team USA. The goal of the program is to increase Jewish continuity by bringing the Team to Israel in advance of the Games to tour the country and experience the culture and magic of Israel and its People. Bob established the Endowment Fund for Maccabi USA in the late eighties to give the organization the opportunity to create a sound financial base and perpetuate the funding that is needed to take USA athletes to Israel to participate in the Maccabiah Games. He and his wife, Taylor Hogge, were among the earliest donors to the Fund and support it at its highest level. “I continue to support Maccabi USA to help continue the programming that builds Jewish pride and enhances Jewish continuity,” Bob said. “I think that anyone who has the means and feels strongly about these values should support Maccabi USA because they achieve these goals by using sports to engage Jewish athletes and get them turned on by their own culture and heritage.” In addition to his volunteer work for Maccabi USA, Bob also sits on the Boards of Directors for the Philadelphia Jewish Sports Hall of Fame, the Israel Sport Center for the Disabled, and the Central High School Board of Governors. He has been a member of the Maccabi World Union Board of Trustees for the last 12 years. In 2001, Bob was presented with the Yakir Award – Maccabi World Union’s highest honor and was inducted into the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame. Bob and Taylor reside in Philadelphia, PA and Yorktown, VA. They have three children, Michael (Melaine), Merri and Greg (Erin), and seven grandchildren, Rachael, Eric, Spencer, Peri, Emma, Zara and Cooper. 4 | sportscene | Spring 2014 recent events upcoming events 10|6|13 9th Annual Westchester Brunch & Bridge Tournament The was held in memory of Edy Levitt (z”l), a longtime supporter of the organization and key member of the tournament steering committee. Edy’s daughters and grandchildren continue L-R: George Lippman, Jonah Shainberg, Phyllis Lippman to volunteer their time. This ACBL-sanctioned event attracted over 130 participants and they had the opportunity to meet 2013 Maccabiah Open Fencing athlete Jonah Shainberg. This tournament has been successful year-in and year-out because of the efforts of the Steering Committee: Barbara Feldman and George Lippman, Co-chairs; Nat Adler, Babette Bandler, Ruth Brandt, Betty Burr, Henry Deutsch, Stanley Feldman, Lynne Goldstein, Jane Heilbron, Pat Hofmann, Mickey Karlan, Richard Laufer, Valerie Levitt, Phyllis Lippman, Sue Maier, Joanne Marks, Ondrea Schiciano and Bobby Stayman. May 23 – 28, 2014 Maccabi World Union Congress Ramat Gan, Israel June 9, 2014 Philadelphia Golf Tournament Cinnaminson, NJ 10|16|13 Legends of the Maccabiah of Metropolitan Washington DC The was held in Bethesda, MD. Please see page 9 for details. 10|28|13 July 28, 2014 Chicago Golf Tournament Glenview, IL Robert E Spivak Leadership Award The San Francisco Golf and Bridge Tournaments were held simultaneously on a beautiful fall day in Daly City, CA. All participants gathered together after the events for a cocktail party and to hear from Maccabiah athletes Sarah Susson (Volleyball) and Max Levine (Rugby) about their experiences at the 2009 and 2013 Games in Israel. Presented to Fred Cohen Glenview, IL 2014 JCC Maccabi Games 12|6-8|13 Boca Raton, FL | August 10 – 15 Members of the Maccabi USA Board of Directors from around the country gathered for the Annual Meeting and Elections. Ron Carner was re-elected to serve as President for the next four years and the new Maccabi video, Building Jewish Pride Through Sports, pre miered. Wally Wortman was presented with the Robert E. Spivak Leadership Award, Maccabi USA’s highest honor, for all of his contributions to the organization. Cherry Hill, NJ | August 10 – 15 Detroit, MI | August 17 – 22 October 5, 2014 Ron Carner 3|3|14 10th Annual Westchester Brunch & Bridge Tournament Rye Brook, NY The 19th Annual Palm Beach Golf Tournament was held on a beautiful day in Lake Worth, FL. The Steering Committee, led by Tournament Chair, Lou Shook; Chairmen Emeriti, Michael Cohen and Harvey Leff; and Committee members Alan Appelbaum, Gary Freedson, Larry Haberman, Larry Leff, Larry Rutstein, Bob Spivak and Mike Stapler did a wonderful job organizing a great day of golf. Three special Hall of Fame guests were a highlight of the day: Dolph Schayes – NBA, Mike Zeigler – Golf, and Nicko McBrain – Rock and Roll. There was a dedicated group of volunteers that made every aspect of this event run smoothly. A special thank you to Howie Berman, Ronne and Kevin Collins, Joan and Walter Jacobson, Jerry Kaufman, Claire Meadow, Linda L-R: Dolph Schayes, Mike Zeigler, and Marty Riger and Lee Rosenthal. Nicko McBrain sportscene | Spring 2014 | 5 DOR L’DOR FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION The Maccabiah Games provide a mily a f y v e l the Three generations of the Levy family have participated in the Maccabiah Games. 1n 1957, Syd Levy (z”l) competed as a member of the USA Open Men’s Basketball team and returned home with a gold medal and incredible memories. He shared his memories of the Games and Israel with his son Howard. Howard grew up hearing these stories and used to wear his dad’s USA jersey and shorts. He knew that participating in the Maccabiah Games would be an incredible experience – one where he could represent the USA and see Israel, as well as meet other Jewish athletes just like himself. Howard tried out for the 1981 USA Men’s Basketball team while still a senior in high school, but did not make the team. After playing in college he tried out for the 1985 team and did make the squad. Howard went on to compete again in 1989 and continued his involvement with the Games as an Assistant Coach for the 1993 team and as a Head Coach for the USA Youth Men’s Basketball team in 2005. The Maccabiah Games truly changed his life, not just because he won gold and silver medals as an athlete, but because the relationships he developed at previous Maccabiot still thrive today. “I did not have many Jewish friends before my first Maccabiah. There I was able to meet so many lifelong friends, business partners and people that influenced me to play Basketball in Australia for a year,” Howard reflected. “I developed a love for Israel that I know led to me meeting my wife.” life-changing experience for all who participate. Lifelong friendships are formed and a unique appreciation for the Land of Israel and her people is infused in the athletes’ souls. Some members of our Maccabi USA family have the opportunity to return to Israel and watch their children compete in the Games which enhances their own Maccabiah memories. Two of our Maccabi USA athletes that participated in the Maccabiah Games in the 1980’s were each able to return to Israel last July to watch their children compete and win gold medals. family g r e b n rose the Marc Rosenberg grew up as a big New York Knicks fan and attended most of the Knicks playoff and championship games throughout the early 70’s with his dad. He was a collegiate basketball athlete and in his senior year he was selected as a first team Jewish All American Division 2 & 3. Marc’s mom had read about this distinction in a Jewish publication and in the article it mentioned the tryout for the 1981 USA Maccabiah Men’s Basketball team. Marc had never been to Israel before and he wanted to represent the USA while playing basketball against the best Jewish basketball players in the world. The experience for him was life-changing. After winning a gold medal at the 1981 Maccabiah, Marc had the opportunity to participate as a Masters athlete in two additional Maccabiot – 1993, 1997 – and one Pan Am Maccabi Games – 1995. Additionally, he participated in an invitational Games in Brazil in 1994. Both of Marc’s sons Alex – Basketball – and Drew – Soccer – participated as Juniors and Youth athletes in the 2009 Maccabiah Games before competing in the Open division of their sports last summer. The entire family joined them in Israel during both competitions. Mom Amy, sister Blake and brother Will joined Marc in cheering on their sons/brothers. The entire family feels very fortunate to have traveled to Israel to support Drew and Alex at both Maccabiah Games. Blake was so enthused by the 2009 Maccabiah that in her Junior year of college she chose to study abroad in Israel. Marc re-connected with Maccabi USA during the 2009 trip to cheer on his sons and has stayed involved since. He realized how much in common he had with the other parents on the trip and really admired the hard work 6 | sportscene | Spring 2014 The love of basketball has been passed on to the third generation of the Levy family, with both Mia – Juniors Girls’ Basketball – and Lior – Youth Men’s Basketball – competing at the 2013 Maccabiah Games. Mia has been exposed to basketball as long as she can remember since her dad has always coached the sport. She learned about the Maccabiah Games from her dad when she was very young and remembers seeing Howard’s gold medal around the house. When her father coached the USA Youth Men’s team in 2005, he brought the family with him to Israel and Mia recalled the experience as awesome. That was the reason she applied for the Juniors Girls’ Basketball Team. team because he knew that it would give him a chance to continue a family legacy. “It was one of the most incredible times of my life,” Lior said, “particularly the Opening Ceremony when I saw Jews from around the world celebrating together.” Howard summed up their experience last summer, “I was so proud of both of them and saw them thriving with their teams both socially and athletically. It was especially emotional to see the kids saying goodbye to their friends and teammates. I am hopeful and optimistic that the relationships they developed last summer will continue to grow as mine have.” “The most impactful part of my Maccabiah experience were the friendships I created with my teammates and the bond I was able to share with Jews from all over the world,” Mia stated as she recalled her experience. “I had the time of my life at the Maccabiah and I will never forget the incredible memories from that amazing experience.” Both Mia and Lior felt that their experience was heightened by the sheer fact that they were both participating in the Maccabiah Games at the same time. “We feel much closer having experienced the Maccabiah together,” Lior and Mia said. “It was really special because we will always be able to share these memories.” Lior was also exposed to basketball as a youngster because of his dad’s involvement with the sport. He was motivated to apply for the Youth Men’s Both the Levy and Rosenberg families have had life-changing experiences at the Maccabiah Games and these three – and two – generation Maccabi USA families might increase the number of generations participating in the Games someday. and enthusiasm of the volunteers and professional staff. He believed in Maccabi USA as an athlete and finds it very rewarding to be a volunteer. Marc is currently the Associate Treasurer for Maccabi USA and a member of its Executive Committee. “Marching into the stadium during the Opening Ceremony was most impactful for me,” Drew said. “The number of Jewish people in one place celebrating not only the athletes but also the fact that they are Jewish was really cool. It was the month I was most proud in my life as a Jew, shared with fellow Jews who became my brothers forever!” Drew started playing soccer when he was three and hasn’t stopped since and Alex has played basketball since he could walk. They learned about the Maccabiah Games through Marc who would regale the boys with stories about his Maccabiah experiences. Both Drew and Alex were committed to representing the USA in their respective sports and helping them win a gold medal at the Maccabiah Games, a goal they were able to achieve together. “To experience Israel, the homeland of the Jewish people for the first time, and compete with other Jewish athletes from around the world was an enlightening experience for me,” Marc commented. “Watching my sons competing at the Maccabiah Games was a surreal experience. Over the years we have driven and flown thousands of miles to watch the boys compete. To see them compete and win gold medals on an international level against the best Jewish athletes from around the world was priceless.” Both Alex and Drew were thrilled to be competing together again in 2013 as members of Team USA. Although they were competing in different sports, they were able to cheer each other on, and both the Open Men’s Basketball and Soccer teams became closer because of the Rosenberg connection. “The Maccabiah was very productive and enjoyable because I was able to make friends, win a gold medal, learn more about my Jewish roots and enjoy all that Israel has to offer,” Alex said as he described his recent experience. sportscene | Spring 2014 | 7 MACCABI USA Please call Jed Margolis at 267.627.5652 for more information on how you can help make a difference. LEGACY SOCIETY We Build Jewish Pride Through Sports. Jewish continuity and support for the State of Israel are our ultimate goals and we achieve them through our unique programming and the life-changing experiences we offer Jewish athletes of all ages. You can help ensure that we are always able to provide these experiences to future generations of Jewish athletes by joining our Legacy Society. No matter your level of wealth, anyone can participate in the Legacy Society. It does not matter how you do it, only that you make a decision to do so. You can become a member of the Legacy Society in many different ways, each offering financial and tax benefits. These include an outright gift, a bequest in a will, an insurance policy, designation of a retirement asset or IRA, and supporting foundations and private foundations. Legacy Society gifts can be structured to benefit Maccabi USA and any program or initiative of the organization. So don’t wait, please consider joining the other members of the Legacy Society to help ensure that Maccabi USA will continue to provide its unique programming, providing life-changing experiences and building Jewish continuity in perpetuity. LEGACY SOCIETY MEMBERS ank Alpert H Ellen and Si Atlas Robyn Barsky Sandi and Jerry Bloomberg Merri and Jay Blumenfeld Jerry Bornstein, MD Ray Brenner Jim Bronner Talia and Ron Carner Fred Cohen and Family Douglas Erenberg Susan and Leland Faust Libby Newman Feldman Suzan and Allen Fox Benjamin H. Fox Gary Freedson Marilyn Glaser Joy and Gary Gordon Linda Greenberg z”l 8 | sportscene | Spring 2014 Betsy Grossman Harvey Gutman Alan Hahn Richard Hermann Larry Hirsch Marilyn Labkon Jackie and Nat Levine Karen Karper Donald Kent Irv Levine David Lowenthal Beth and Jed Margolis Ilene and Mel Miller Harvey Morgan Jay Moses John Paul Leonard Reifman Jeff Schulman Ken Schwartz Claire A. and Alan Sherman Taylor Hogge and Robert Spivak Ellen and Sam Sporn Louise and Bill Steerman Dana and Mark Susson Harry Swimmer Frank Velie David Weissman Steven Wertheim Toni and Wally Wortman LEGENDS OF TH E MACCABI AH GAL A M E T RO P O L I TA N WA S H I N G T O N D C OCTOBER 16, 2013 Among this class of Legends are some of the longest-serving volunteers in the organization. There were 14 honorees and among them - three Olympians. This event was an opportunity to honor some of the athletes, volunteers and supporters who have contributed tremendously to the growth of Maccabi USA. The event was also one of the first opportunities to kick off our Light it Forward campaign to raise money for the 20th Maccabiah Games in Israel in July, 2017. It was a lovely evening, led by Master of Ceremony Steve Buckhantz, Comcast SportsNet Play-ByPlay announcer for the Washington Wizards. To learn more about the Legends of the Maccabiah, please visit our website at www.maccabiusa.com. MACCABI USA GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGES THE GENEROSITY OF ITS SPONSORS PLATINUM SPONSORS Bender Foundation, Inc. Mary and Mel Chaskin Betsy Grossman/ Harry & Beatrice Sley Foundation Mark S. Goldstein/Jean Alenstein Trust GOLD SPONSORS Ellen and Si Atlas Sharon and Harvey Kaplan SILVER SPONSORS Nancy Chasen and Don Spero BRONZE SPONSORS Frances and Leonard Burka Rabbi Amy and Gary Perlin Santos, Postal & Co., PC Karen and Robert Silverman DC LEGENDS: Alan Albert - Soccer Ellen and Simon Atlas - Board of Directors Mel Chaskin - Board of Directors Jeff Fleishman - Golf Mark and Brent Goldstein - Golf Ernie Grunfeld* - Basketball Jacky Loube - Basketball Michael Oren - Rowing Jodi and Ricky Reff - Medical Don Spero* - Rowing Wendy Weinberg Weil* - Swimming/Medical *Olympian sportscene | Spring 2014 | 9 news Welcome to our MACCABABIES! LORRAINE – 1961, HEATHER (KAUFMAN) ’65, ’73 Maccabiah – and – 2001 Maccabiah; 1999 RICHARD– 1961, ’65 Pan Am – and AVI – 1999 Maccabiah – ABRAMSON Pan Am – RASOWSKY welcomed their third welcomed their son grandchild, MILES on CYRUS LEVIN on June 19, 2013. His December 23, 2013. parents, Jill and Jacob Manczyk are He joins big brother, ADLEY AUSTIN, born thrilled with their first child. on March 7, 2012. ALEX ARSHT – 2013 Maccabiah – made the 2013 Daktronics All-American, 2013 NSCAA All-American and the CCAA Player of the Week (October 7, 2013). STEVEN BIRNBAUM – 2011 Pan Am – was selected #2 in the MLS Draft in January. He will play for D.C. United. HERB BROWN – 1997, ’01, ‘05 Maccabiah – will receive the National Association of Basketball Coaches Lifetime Achievement Award in April in Arlington, TX. JESSE GOLEMAN – 2013 Maccabiah, 2011 Pan Am – stopped two shots and recorded his seventh shutout to help Centenary College earn their first Colonial States Athletic Conference Men’s Soccer Championship. THERESA GRENTZ – 1981 Maccabiah – considered a Women’s Basketball pioneer, was presented with the sixth annual Lapchick Character Award in November, 2013. OREN KANTOR – 2003 Pan Am – married MEGAN ROSE SADAKA on January 25 at Eau Palm Beach in Florida. DEENA (DROSSIN) KASTOR –1991 Pan Am – placed 9th at the World Championship Marathon in Moscow in August, 2013. ELIZABETH KOBAK – 2011 Pan Am – was named the Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) Player of the Year. 10 | sportscene | Spring 2014 AARON LIBERMAN – 2011 Pan Am – a forward for Northwestern University, made Big Ten Conference history in January, when he became the first player in Big Ten history to wear a yarmulke in a game. SARA MERMELSTEIN – 2013 Maccabiah, 2011 Pan Am – will be a part of the Women’s Gymnastics team for George Washington University this Fall, where she received a full scholarship. BRET MOLDENHAUER – 2013 Maccabiah – was the Acupuncturist for Lolo Jones and her USA Bobsled Team at the Sochi Winter Olympics in February. ARI SINAY – 2009 Maccabiah, 2011 Europe – is playing professional Volleyball with Hapoel Jerusalem. DAVID WEISSMAN – Board – and JUDI GOTTLIEB welcomed their newest granddaughter, ELLIE, on January 23. Her parents, LESLIE and BEN GOTTLIEB are thrilled. ROB SUGARMAN – 2009, ’13 Maccabiah – Chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, led a 60-member delegation on a historic first official visit to Spain by the organization and met with his Majesty King Juan Carlos I at Zarzuela Palace in February. TRAVIS WARECH – 2009 Maccabiah; 2007 Pan Am – is living his dream playing professional Basketball with the Pro-A Gotha Rockets in Germany. BASKETBALL ALL-IVY: SAM SPORN – 1985, ’89, ’93, 2005, ’09, ’13 Maccabiah; 1983, ’95, 2003, ’07 Pan Am – was presented with the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame Chairman’s Leadership Award last summer in Israel. ALYSSA BARON – 2013 Maccabiah – University of Pennsylvania, was named the Ivy League Women’s Basketball Player of the Year. JESSICA STEGMAN – 2001, ’05, ’09 Maccabiah; 2003 Pan Am; 2002 Aus – married TOSH MARKS on October 5, 2013 at the New York Botanical Gardens. Maccabiah alumni Tracy Bienenfeld and Alex Yudelevich were in attendance. SPENCER WEISZ – 2013 Maccabiah – Princeton Freshman, Rookie of the Week January 27th and was named Rookie of the Year. ALEX ROSENBERG – 2009, ’13 Maccabiah – Columbia Junior, was named as a member of the First Team All-Ivy. FENCING REUNION: There was a Maccabi reunion at the National Collegiate Fencing Squad Championships in Philadelphia on February 23. Jeff Bukantz – 1981, ’85, ’89, ’93 Maccabiah, Board; Amanda Lalezarian – 2013 Maccabiah; David Micahnik – 1965, ’69, ’85, ’93 Maccabiah; and Ira Nathan Schlosberg – 2013 Maccabiah were all in attendance. L-R: Genna Brand, Dana Schwartz, ASA Manager Nathan Shapira, Sarah Friedman, Danielle Paz NATIONAL JEWISH SPORTS SOCCER NEWS: We have eight alumni that are playing soccer professionally around the world. They are: GENNA BRAND – 2005, ‘09 Maccabiah – ASA Tel Aviv STEVE BIRNBAUM – 2011 Pan Am – D.C. United JEFF COHN – 2009 Maccabiah ED HARRIS – 2013 Maccabiah MIKE HAYNES – 2013 Maccabiah DAN INDECH – 2009, ‘13 Maccabiah; 2007, ‘11 Pan Am SARAH FRIEDMAN – 2009 Maccabiah, 2011 European – ASA Tel Aviv DON KENT – 2005, ’09, ’13 Maccabiah; 2003, ’07, ’11 Pan Am LEO KRUPNIK – 2005 Maccabiah – Maccabi Umm al-Fahm F.C. JOHN LEVENE – 2013 Maccabiah ZAC MACMATH – 2009 Maccabiah – Philadelphia Union ROB OLIN – 2013 Maccabiah DANIELLE PAZ – 2009 Maccabiah – ASA Tel Aviv L-R: Ira Schlosberg, Amanda Lalezarian, Olivia Briffault, Jeff Bukantz GARY BERNSTEIN – 2009, ‘13 Maccabiah DANA SCHWARTZ – 2009, ’13 Maccabiah – ASA Tel Aviv MAE SHAMIR – 2009 Maccabiah, 2007 Pan Am – ASA Tel Aviv JEFF MOGUL – 2013 Maccabiah; 2011 Pan Am RICHARD SHAKTER – 2013 Maccabiah KEITH SILVERMAN – 2013 Maccabiah; 2011 Pan Am DAVE WARREN – 2013 Maccabiah ADAM ZWEIBACK – 2013 Maccabiah; 2011 Pan Am MACCABEE’S SOCCER The Maccabee’s Soccer team is made up of Maccabi USA alumni along with other Masters Soccer athletes from the USA and Costa Rica. They recently competed in the King Cup Soccer Tournament in Las Vegas on the weekend of January 17. Alumni include: ROSS BERMAN – 2013 Maccabiah out our new webs Check .macc abiusa.c ite at om! w w w We mourn the passing... Carl Goldstein Board of Directors OCTOBER 19, 2012 Carl was a true “mensch” who gave of his time and resources to many worthy causes, including Maccabi USA. He served as the Chairman for Juniors Girls’ Basketball at the 2009 Maccabiah and for Open Women’s Basketball at the 2013 Maccabiah. He went to every game in which each of his teams competed and was there to cheer them both on to their gold medal wins. Carl was a member of the Executive Committee of the Maccabi USA Board of Directors. He was a business leader and the warmth of his friendship and generosity will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with his wife Lynn and children, Scott and Wendy. May his memory be for a blessing. sportscene | Spring 2014 | 11 United States Committee Sports for Israel Non-Profit Org. US Postage PAID Permit No. 1291 Philadelphia, PA 1926 Arch Street, 4R Philadelphia, PA 19103 President Executive Director Marketing Director Design ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Ron Carner Jed Margolis Sara Feinstein Kiva Fresh JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST 1926 Arch Street, 4R, Philadelphia, PA 19103 215.561.6900 Fax: 215.561.5470 maccabi@maccabiusa.com www.maccabiusa.com ©2009 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 ENDOWMENTS as of March 1, 2014 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 Ellen & Samuel Sporn (A) Stuart Weitzman Family Foundation (A) 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) 20TH MACCABIAH SPONSOR OUR ATHLETES as of March 1, 2014 19TH MACCABIAH SPONSOR OUR ATHLETES as of March 1, 2014 Lorraine (A) and Richard Abramson (A)** Jess Forrest (A) Laura and David Goone Linda (z”l) and Frank Greenberg (IC) Sigmund Hiller (z”l) Stuart and Eileen Kaufman Foundation Inc. Wendy and Jeff Krieger (A) Pat and Steve Mizel**** Nina and Edward Paul Family TSG Reporting Inc. Anonymous (IC) Anonymous Lorraine (A) & Richard Abramson (A)** Activision/Blizzard Debbie (A) & Anthony Adams**** Pamela & Richard Ader (A) Jill & Peter Albert (A) David Alhadeff (A) Nancy Alterman (A) Carol & Marty Appelbaum (A) Audrey & Alan Arsht (A) Jane & Bruce Ash Paul Ash (z”l) (A) Jane & John August (A) Brenda & Carlin Axelrod Anna & Dean Backer Diana & Doug Baker (A) Helen & Harris Barer (A) Bellick Family (A) Bender Foundation, Inc. (IC)** Bengis Family of New York (IC) Carol (A) & Melvin Benjamin Philippe Bennett (A, T) Ellen & Adam Beren (A) Mandell & Madeleine Berman Foundation Ross Berman (A) The Berner Family (A) Gary Bernstein (A) Henry & Helen Bienenfeld Foundation*** Alex Blavatnik (A) Adam Block (A) Sandi & Jerry Bloomberg Blum Family Foundation*** Derek Borisoff (A) Robin & Ivor Braka (A) Nancy (A) & Howard Brown Bryant Park Capital CHAG Jeffrey Bukantz (A)*** The Burack Family Talia & Ron Carner Arthur Canter (A) Cavalor Dhana & Fred Cohen (A) The Law Offices of Joel E. Cohen (A) Cohon (A)/Ringer Family Toni & Steve Collis Eric & Shari Kates, Colts Neck Equine Assoc. (F) Drs. Gaby & Danny Cosgrove (A)** Mark Cuban (T) The Nathan Cummings Foundation, Inc. (T) Lynn & Robert Delman (A)** Depuy Orthopaedics, Inc. DJO, LLC The Drumcliff Foundation** Ben/Joyce Eisenberg Foundation**** Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer (A)** Jeff Eisfelder (A) Leo Eisner Ike, Molly & Steven Elias Foundation**** The Eva Foundation Trust Janet Leahy (A) & Richard Farber (A)**** Susan & Leland Faust (A) Nancy-Jo Feinberg (A) Mark Finerman (A) Cynthia & Ralph Finerman (A) Shelly & Scot Fisher (A)*** Michael Fishman (A) Walker Forest Jess Forrest (A) The Sharna & Irvin Frank Foundation The Randy & Barbara Ann Frankel Foundation** Dawn & Andy Frankl Gary Freedson (A) Dr. Robert Fried (A) Jerry Friedman (A) Beth & Joshua Friedman (F) The Gelfand Family in Honor of the Eliashar Family Mona Geller Paul Gilden (A) Carol & Aubrey Glaser (A) Glazer Family (A) Rachel & Matthew Glotzer (A) Stacy & Michael Goldman (A) Gold Pure Food Products Co., Inc. (F) The Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation (IC) Lynn & Carl (z”l) Goldstein (T) The Goldstein Family (A) Laura & David Goone Michael Graff** Linda (z’l) & Frank Greenberg Julie & Justin Greenberg (A) SAMEACH! 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 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) Rogow Greenberg Foundation**** Larry Greenspon Foundation (A) Staci & Richard Grodin (A, IC, B) Carl Grossman (A) Ian (A), Edy, Hunter, Sydney & Jordyn Grusd Howard Guggenheim (A)*** Monica & Barry Gurland J. Noah Hagey (A) Corey, Brooke, Abigail, Jill & Dr. David Hassman (A) Cheryl & Gilad Hayeem (A) Arthur & Janet Hershaft Foundation Hochman Family (A) Michael and Peter Hochschild (A) The Horowitz Family Kim & Steven Horowitz (A) Dr. Dan Indech (A) Ron Jacobs (A) Thomas Jacobson (A) Claudia Josebachvili (A) Cathy & Ethan Kahn (A) Scott Kalb (A) & Family In Memory of Milton H. Kantor** Adam Katz*** Ken Katz (A) Stuart & Eileen Kaufman Foundation Inc. Kaye Family (A) Ethan Keswin (A) Keswin Family Foundation Jeffrey Keswin (A) Kirkland & Ellis Elise & Mark Kitaeff (A) Vicki & Paul Klapper (A) Caleb Koeppel (F) David Kohn (A) Komberg Family (A) Gil Koppel (A) Alex Kor (A) Koret Foundation (IC) Wendy & Jeff Krieger (A) Amy & Stephen Kroll S&K Kushner Family Foundation ** Murray Kushner Family (T) Ryan Landy (A) Joseph Leavitt (A) Betty & Charles Lebovitz**** Lehigh Valley Technologies, Inc. Nancy & John Levene (A) The Lawrence Wolf Levin Family (A) Betsy & David Levy (A) Annette & Doug Liftman (A) Yuval Lion (A) Thea & Doug Luba (A) Kenneth C. Luba (A) Ernest S. Madison Family Foundation Jean & Stephen Kaplan Stanley Kleckner (A) Marilyn & Mark Labkon Family Endowment 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 Gerry (z”l) & David (z”l) Pincus (A) The Rabinovitch Foundation (A) May & Samuel Rudin Foundation Dana & Mark Susson Wertheim Family Endowment Shalom Maidenbaum The Mancher-Kohlberg Family** Donna Applegate & Jonah Mandelbaum Beth & Jed Margolis (A) Budd & Nanette Mayer Family Foundation Claire & Myron Meadow David Messer Stuart Miller David Millstone (A) Thea & Bob Mitzman Pat & Steve Mizel**** Ocean Ridge Capital Advisors, LLC Oklahoma City Jewish Foundation Kathleen & Robert Olin (A) Alex Osborne (A), Osborne Family Fdn. Ishay Oved (A) The Packer Family Foundation Eric Parmacek (A) Gerry (z”l) & David (z”l) Pincus (A) ** Michael Pollack (A) Helen & David Pudlin (A) David Raben (A) Robert Rakowitz (A) Glenn Reicin In Memory of Irving Resnick Stephen Riven (A) Aileen & Brian Roberts (A, G) Leonard Robinson Gail & Fred Rollman (A) Joel Roodyn (A) Barbara Rosenbaum (A) Amy & Marc Rosenberg (A)**** Marc Roth (A) Anne & Lowell Rothschild Louise & Andy Rubin (A) Robert Russell Memorial Foundation (IC) Traci & Roy Salter (A) Ron Saslow (A) Neil Schechter (A) Mary & Michael Scherl (A) Leslie (A) & Jordan Schlachter (A) Beth & Eric Schlager (A) Susan & Richard Schnall (A) Jeffrey Schor (A) & Alexandra Trinkoff Stephanie & Ken Schwartz (A, T) Larry Schwartz Lisa & David Shabsels (A) Richard Shakter (A) Chris & Murray Sheldon Julie & Gary J. Shemano (A) Heather Shenkman (A) Dennis Shields (A) Irwin Shorr (A) The Shuer-Davis Family Arthur S. Sills (A) Lawrence Sills (A) Matthew Sills (A) Keith Silverman (A) Lois Silverman (A) Howard Sklar (A) Judith & Morton Sloan (F) Hillary Sloss (A) Mark Small (A) Smart Family Foundation (B) Sylvia & Martin Snow Charitable Foundation (IC) Audrey & Bob Sockolov (A) Stephanie & Jeffrey Sorkin (A) Soslow Family (A) Lee Spiegel (A, F) Ellen & Sam Sporn (A) Joan & Arnold Stark (A) The Grabb/Stenn (A) Family Ilyse & Alex Sternberg (A) Linda & Russell Stoch (A) Sukert Family Jane & John Summers (A) Stuart March Suna (A) Larry Taylor Nancy Jacobs & Geoffrey Thaw (A)**** Russell & Collin Thaw TSG Reporting Inc. Ira A. (A) & Josette Turret Marjorie Zinman & Howard Unterberger (A) Vicki and Todd Volyn Joan Waldbaum (A) David Warren (A) Carolyn Ballan Wasserman (A) & David Wasserman*** Stuart Weitzman (A, G) The Westrick Family (A) Judy & Merrick Wetzler (A, F) Wexner Family (IC) Stuart Wilder (A) Wilf Family Foundation (B) Mark Willner (A) In Memory of Ruth Wilson The Winn Family (A) Winner Family (A) Mark Wisnevitz (A) Sylvia Wolf Melissa & Scott Wortman (A) Paul Wright, M.D. (A) Laura (A) & Geof Wyatt Kevin Youkilis** The Zantker Charitable Foundation, Inc. Lynn & Nick Zerbib Elana & Scott Zimmerman (A) Sig Zises & Ellyn Bank (A, F) Eyal Zuker (A) Adam Zweiback (A) (A) Athlete | (IC) ISRAEL CONNECT | (G) Gold Medal Sponsor, $250,000 | (B) Bronze Medal Sponsor, $50,000 | (T) Team Sponsor, $25,000 (F) Friend, $10,000 | **Sponsored two athletes ($6,000 per athlete) | ***Sponsored three athletes | ****Sponsored four athletes or more