VOLUME 15 | NUMBER 2 | FALL 2017 THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF MACCABI USA

time as completely different than when 2 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Genna 20TH WORLD MACCABIAH she was 16. She went to with a 3 GENERAL CHAIR MESSAGE Brand better understanding of herself and her SUPPORTERS MISSION career goals, the world she wanted to see, Genna Brand’s love MACCABI USA CONFERENCE WEEKEND and the people she wanted to meet. She for sports began at was housed with other athletes on the UPCOMING EVENTS the age of three. 4 RECENT EVENTS Open Women’s team, many of whom were While growing up only beginning to realize their connection EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE she was both an avid to . This “vulnerability shed a light 5 ALUMNI RELATIONS and soccer player until the age on how amazing it was to be in Israel – 20TH WORLD of 12, when she made the decision to focus 6 and to love Israel and soccer,” said Genna. THE INTERNATIONAL MACCABI solely on soccer. A natural on the field, she These beautiful experiences made her 8 CULINARY COMPETITION always played two years up with the older realize that she was meant to live in Israel girls, learning discipline, teamwork, and DONOR PROFILE and play soccer there as well. how to be an accountable teammate while 9 VOLUNTEER PROFILE setting goals for herself. As the youngest After graduating from college, Genna made NEWS Aliyah to Israel and played professionally 10 on the team, Genna watched the older girls go to college and play professionally for ASTA , along with one of her

INSIDE THIS ISSUE THIS INSIDE abroad which shaped her mindset for the Maccabiah teammates, Sarah Friedman, future to play professionally abroad. who also became her roommate in Israel. In addition to her teammate from the 2009 Genna first heard about the Maccabiah team, there was also an Israeli teammate Games from a friend and was immediately from her years at Ohio State playing on interested since the Games combined ASTA Tel Aviv. “Soccer is soccer wherever two of her biggest passions – soccer and you go, anywhere in the world,” said Israel. She qualified for and played on Genna. “I work in Africa, [soccer] is the the Juniors Girls’ Soccer Team in 2005 same; I live in Israel, it’s the same; I am at the 17th World Maccabiah Games. At from America, it’s the same. It’s a beautiful the age of 16, she had an unbelievable language spoken by people all around the time learning more about Israeli culture, world. When you have the ability to play a traveling throughout the country, and going game you’ve been playing your entire life, to the beach. The Maccabiah Games no one can take that away from you,” said provided Genna the opportunity to live in Genna. Israel and connect with the people and culture on a whole different level. She credits the Maccabiah Games as having a tremendous impact on her choice During high school Genna committed to move to Israel and later as an influence to play Division I soccer at Ohio State on her career decision. Genna always University, but her heart longed to return to admired the volunteer work that was done Israel. At the age of 20, she was selected to produce the Maccabiah Games. She to play on the Open Women’s Soccer Team felt a great impact through the Lev L’Lev for the 18th World Maccabiah Games in – tzedakah – program where she learned 2009. She recalls her participation this (continued on page 2) Genna Brand PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE (continued from front page) more about non-profit organizations in Israel. Currently, she is Director of We have just completed probably the most successful Communications at Innovation: Africa, a Maccabiah of the eight I have been involved in. To say New York-based non-profit organization that our six-day Israel Connect program – held prior to that brings Israeli technologies to rural the Games – was well-planned and executed would be an African villages. They pump clean water, understatement. Beth Margolis and Tonja Magerman did a fantastic job getting our 925 Juniors/Youth and Open install light in rural and medical villages, athletes absorbed and engaged in this Jewish – and Israel schools, and provide refrigeration to – educational program. store medicine. Genna feels the stars were aligned when The enthusiastic feedback from the athletes, coaches, she became part of the Maccabiah and families has been overwhelming. While our athletes family. She wants to remain involved by managed to get their training in, they also toured the country and became involved being a spectator at future Maccabiah with both soldiers and victims of terror and other Israelis. They came away with an Games in Israel and hopes her story will understanding of the truth about the State of Israel and her importance in their lives and in the existence of every Jew worldwide. Hopefully, they have returned home as help encourage other athletes to take a Truth Ambassadors to their communities and campuses. chance and apply for the Games. When you allow sport to speak for itself The Maccabiah is much more than just an important sports event. Israel Connect it brings together people from all walks of is the foundation of our cultural and educational mission and helps build the Jewish life, and it brought her to Israel. “Some value of the experience. As each team bonded; they worked together on their unity in think Israel is a fiery country and unsafe their competitive sport, but as a group they also discussed their new insights and fed at times, but when you are there, it is on each other’s intellectual grasp of their Jewish identity and cultural heritage. Such was the B’nai-Mitzvah ceremony, in which hundreds of athletes chose to either renew perfect,” Genna said. “The Maccabiah their commitment to their Jewish identity or studied for the ceremony for the first time. Games are a beautiful story of the love In coming years, I would like to see the Israel Connect program growing even further of sports and the love and passion for to serve our mission of “Jewish education and pride.” Israel – the perfect match – and everyone should want to become a part of it.” Fortunately, our top leadership, especially Jeff Bukantz, understood this and established and maintained appropriate policies for reaching this goal without ever neglecting our sports character: Team USA won 365 medals, 93 of which are gold. Our high level of athleticism has and will be maintained.

We must continue along this path. As long as we and the Israelis can continue to execute this highly complex project that involves over 6,000 separate competitions, elaborate housing and food planning for 10,000 athletes, efficient transportation, well-run educational and cultural programs (including exceptional production of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies,) “bigger is certainly better,” as more of our youths can benefit.

This is my last President’s Letter as my presidency of eight years expires in December, but my thirty-one years of volunteerism and dedication will continue. I only hope that our next leadership can and will keep us on the path of our Mission – to preserve and perpetuate the Jewish people through sports. Thank you for allowing me to be part of this process.

Sincerely,

Ron Carner, President Maccabi USA

2 | sportscene | Fall 2017 20th World Maccabiah Games Jeff Bukantz, General Chair, 20th Maccabiah USA Organizing Committee

The 20th World Maccabiah Games were the largest gold. Team gold medals were and best run ever, with 10,000 athletes representing won by Juniors Boys’ , 76 countries. Juniors Boys’ and Girls’ Soccer, Juniors Boys’ , , under the leadership of Youth Men’s and Juniors Boys’ Games Chairman Amir Peled and Sports Director Basketball, Open Women’s Golf, Open Men’s and Women’s Basketball, Roy Hessing, expertly handled the record numbers, Open Women’s , Open Men’s Soccer, Open Men’s Rugby, Open and in the process proved that “bigger is better.” Men’s Saber Fencing, and Juniors Girls’ . Everything from accommodations, to food, to transportation, was outstanding. The sports venues were fine, the competitions run in a timely The devoted volunteers and professional staff helped make this Maccabiah and orderly manner, and the officiating was generally fair and competent. a gold medal experience for the Team. It was a true Team effort. Team USA was 1,131 strong, the largest delegation ever at a multi-sport While my limited word count doesn’t afford me the ability to thank each competition. person, I’d like to thank two very special people whose tenures are ending. While we came to Israel to compete in “The Jewish Olympics,” we helped Ron Carner’s second term as President is up in December, and Ron fulfill Maccabi USA’s slogan of “Building Jewish Pride Through Sports” deserves congratulations for having served Maccabi USA as a dedicated with the ISRAEL CONNECT Program. This six-day cultural and educational volunteer for three decades. program differentiates the Maccabiah from the Olympics, which is a Jed Margolis, our Executive Director who has been involved with Maccabi one-dimensional sporting event. ISRAEL CONNECT included trips to USA for four decades, is retiring in December, and Jed will be sorely missed. , Tel Aviv/Jaffa, The Western Wall, Masada, and the Dead Sea. Thank you, Ron and Jed. Of course, the reality check was the highly emotional visit to Yad Vashem, as it most definitely put winning or losing medals in perspective. Congratulations to Team USA, and I hope you had the experience of a lifetime at the 2017 World Maccabiah Games! Team USA had an outstanding Maccabiah, winning a total of 365 medals; 93 gold, 127 silver, and 145 bronze. Our two Rio Olympians, Jeff Bukantz th swimmer and fencer Eli Dershwitz, each won individual General Chair, 20 Maccabiah USA Organizing Committee

2017 Maccabi USA Maccabi USA Conference Supporters Mission Weekend, Annual Meeting, The 2017 Maccabi USA Supporters Mission was led by our Co- and Election Chairs, Andrea Bochner and Harold Friedman. In addition to Andrea and Harold, the team consisted of four managers: Nora Collas, JoAnn Please mark your calendars to join us the weekend of December and Louis Lippman, and Steven Weisbrot, along with Maccabi USA 1-3 in Newark, NJ for our Conference Weekend. After our Saturday and Gil Travel Staff: Julie Churylo, Mackenzie Mager, Michael Miller, morning Executive Committee meeting, we will open the conference and Samantha Sultzer. The entire team worked hard to help make to all athletes and volunteers to share some highlights from the sure all 317 of our Mission members had a memorable experience recent Maccabiah Games and some of our new marketing materials, at the 20th World Maccabiah Games. We thank all our Mission including the premiere of our new video and commemorative journal. participants for joining us at the Games and hope you will consider We will then outline how the planning process for the next World joining us in Budapest or City in 2019! Stay connected with us Maccabiah Games will work and when it will start. on Facebook and on our website for more information early next year. That evening, we will host a special reception as a thank you for Ron Carner, whose two-term Presidency ends, and for Jed Margolis, who will retire as the Executive Director of Maccabi USA at year’s end. This will be an opportunity to share some memories with Ron and Jed in a festive atmosphere. On Sunday, we will hold our annual meeting and elections. We encourage all members of our Board of Directors to join us for this important event. For more information, please contact Jed Margolis at [email protected].

L-R Back: Louis & JoAnn Lippman, Harold Friedman, Michael Miller BUILDING JEWISH PRIDE THROUGH SPORTS L-R Front: Samantha Sultzer, Mackenzie Mager, Andrea Bochner, Julie Churylo Fall 2017 | sportscene | 3

Building Jewish Pride Through Sports

BUILDING JEWISH PRIDE THROUGH SPORTS upcoming recent events The Maccabi World Union Plenum events took place in Israel from March 2-7. Members of Maccabi USA leadership visited sites for ISRAEL CONNECT, discussed logistics around training, touring, and various accommodations. There were meetings with individual heads October 1 of the various departments such as sports, 13th Annual Westchester Brunch & Bridge transportation, touring, etc. in preparation for Tournament in Memory of Edythe Levitt the Maccabiah Games. Purchase, NY L-R: Lou Moyerman, Marc Backal, Tonja Magerman, Dan Kurtz

October 2 The 22nd Annual Palm Beach San Francisco Golf & Bridge Tournaments Golf Tournament took place at The Daly City, CA Falls Country Club in Lake Worth, FL on March 20. The Tournament Co-Chairmen, Lou Shook and Bob Spivak; along with Tournament December 1-3 Chairmen Emeriti, Michael Cohen, Harvey Annual Maccabi USA Conference Leff, and Marvin Waronoff (z”l); and Steering & Officer Elections Committee, Debbie Adams, Alan Appelbaum, Newark, NJ Nancy Jo Feinberg, Daniel Frankel, Gary Freedson, Mark Goldstein, Larry Leff, and Marty Riger, helped make this event a great success. The Golf Tournament honored golf athletes from Florida who were to represent March 19, 2018 Team USA at the 20th World Maccabiah Games this past July. 23rd Annual Palm Beach Golf Tournament Lake Worth, FL The 10th Annual Chicago Golf Tournament was held at Skokie Country Club in Glencoe, IL on May 22. We thank the May 25-29, 2018 Tournament Co-Chairs, Fred Cohen and Mark Maccabi World Union Plenum Fishman; along with the Steering Committee , Israel members, Mark Berman, Arnie Fielkow, Harry Fishman, Jess Forrest, William Furie, Terry Markus, Eric Newman, Howard Polk, Karla Prado, July 22-August 1, 2018 Jeff “Tuba” Rubin, Ron Saslow, Bob Spivak, and Maccabi Youth Games L-R: Jeremy Rusch, John Scaletta, Adam Winick. Israel George Rouman, Kevin Shiffman The Memorial Golf Tournament took place at August 5-10, 2018 Woodcrest Country Club in Cherry Hill, NJ on JCC Maccabi Games June 12. The Event Co-Chairs, Bob Spivak and Orange County, CA Marc Zumoff; along with Tournament Directors, Bruce Apple, Larry Burns, and KC Isdaner, helped attract a large field of almost 100 December 2018 golfers. Special thanks to Steering Committee Legends of the Maccabiah Gala Brunch members, Louis Barson, Mark Edfort, David L-R: Howard Needleman, Harvey Leff, Mark New York, NY Lorry, Bruce Marks, Jon Miller, Mel Miller, Ross Susson, Bob Spivak Miller, Mark Rabinowitz, Michael Spivak, and Merrick Wetzler for all their help.

The 20th World Maccabiah Games took place all over Israel. Team USA brought over 1,100+ athletes who were part of Get connected, stay engaged... the 10,000 Jewish athletes from 76 countries, participating in 43 different sports. Team USA Like Us On Follow Us On Follow Us On Facebook Twitter Instagram brought home many gold, silver, and bronze medals in a variety of sports.

4 | sportscene | Fall 2017 FALL 2017 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE UPDATE

We are back from the most successful wonderful volunteers, fellow staff, coaches, management, medical Maccabiah Games ever. I am proud of staff, and athletes. My heart swells with pride reflecting on what we the efforts of our Organizing Committee, accomplished together. It was a great team effort and we are in a reflecting thousands of hours put in good place as we move forward. between our dedicated volunteers and I have had many magical moments around Maccabi and Israel. It has staff. Our friends at Maccabi World Union, been my goal to provide even more special times for our athletes, in conjunction with the international throughout the years, no matter what their age. Together we have community, did a wonderful job. The been successful. From our ISRAEL CONNECT, Lev L’Lev, Opening and impact we make through this life-changing Closing Ceremonies, to the competitions, we have opened a whole new experience is profound. world to thousands of athletes. We have provided support to those in In looking back, I have seen the Maccabiah need – athletes from , , , , , Games evolve into a very sophisticated , and elsewhere. And we have done this with great enthusiasm competition that goes beyond the playing field – it has an educational and little fanfare. Working with our partners at Maccabi World Union, and cultural program that goes unmatched in the world. And from my Kfar Maccabiah, Stand With Us, Archaeological Seminars, and other first trip to Israel in 1965, I have had the privilege of seeing Israel grow great organizations has meant a higher level of experience. as a country. I am forever grateful to everyone I have worked with; you are important Growing up in Cleveland, my father, who spent his career as a Jewish to me and to Maccabi USA. We could not have done it without you. I educator, would often ask us, “what have you done lately for the hope to see you at the 2018 International Maccabi Youth Games in Jewish People?” Having spent 28 years in the JCC world and the Israel, then in 2019 in Budapest and Mexico City, and Israel for the past 16 years as Executive Director for Maccabi USA, I have been 21st Maccabiah Games in 2021. privileged to have impacted so many in the Jewish Community Toda Rabah. through the work that we do. As I prepare to retire from the best job ever, I look back with pride to have been able to partner with so many JED MARGOLIS, Executive Director

program matches younger members of the Maccabi USA Alumni with those members established in their professional areas of interest. As the next generation of potential leaders arises, Maccabi USA alumni have the chance to provide guidance and support to our rising stars – bright, successful young Jewish men and women who have excelled in the classrooms, on the fields and courts, and have much to learn and so much to offer. This is an opportunity to give back and to get back, to learn and grow, and to make a lasting impact on the future. Contact me at Dan Kurtz, Alumni Relations Director [email protected] if you are interested in being a mentor or looking Welcome to the 1,131 new members of the Alumni Association who to be matched with someone in a specific area. represented Maccabi USA at the 20th Maccabiah! The largest visiting Finally, in the true volunteer spirit of Maccabi USA, we are looking delegation in the history of the Games did not disappoint. Whether for alumni who are interested in taking the lead on any activities bringing home a medal or simply leaving it all on the floor, ice, mat, or or developing programs in their region or for their sport. Call me at field, Team USA represented themselves, our country, and Maccabi USA 215-561-6900 x4158. with class and pride. As the Alumni Relations Director, I am thrilled to welcome you all to our growing association as new members joining the incredible individuals from previous Games. How do you create an Alumni Association that engages people living all over the country (and world!), ranging in age from 14 to 84+, playing 43 different individual and team sports? That is the question that has stalled previous attempts at creating a vibrant and thriving Alumni Association. The answer is quite simple – we share such a transformative experience as members of Team USA that we already have a deep connection. The theme of the 20th Maccabiah was 80 Countries, 1 Heart. That same ideal applies so well to our alumni as our common bond has joined our hearts as participants in the Games. Building on that deep connection through regional activities, various affinity groups, and special events, our alumni programming continues to grow. One of the signature activities of the Maccabi USA Alumni Association is the new Maccabi USA Chonech Program, or Maccabi Mentors. This Fall 20152017 | sportscene | 5 WORLD MACCABIAH GAMES

For me, the Maccabiah experience is wide-ranging, but most importantly, “it’s about family and friends and is perfectly captured in this picture. My friend and teammate from Penn in 1979, Brian [Roberts], and I won a gold medal at the . The fact that we were able to share this experience with our sons together was truly a dream come true. —Steve Berliner, Masters”

Going over to Israel to play in the “Maccabiah Games was an amazing experience. I wasn’t there very long before I knew that I would be going back there again. —Hannah” Fox, Open Women’s Basketball

I understand the importance of “going to Israel and not only competing and representing the USA, but also realizing that we need to be advocates for this country and share its beauty, wonder, and spirit with the world. The trip brought me a sense of pride for the Jewish people and community. —Leah Goldman, Open ”

6 | sportscene | Fall 2017 The Maccabiah Games signify a rebirth of the “Jewish image, a sign to the world that the Jewish people are capable of amazing feats of strength and athletic ability. As part of the U.S. delegation to the , my teammates and I carry on the torch of Jewish heritage, and strive to honor the history and struggle of our ancestors as we work to bring light, peace, and understanding into the world. —Jake Sussman,” Open Triathlon

I thank God that we are here, in “Israel, as Jewish athletes. Today [July 3] we were at Yad Vashem and there are people who tried to push us off this Earth, but we are still here and it is pretty amazing. ”—Hayden Fried, Juniors Boys’ Ice Hockey

The best part of the Opening Ceremony It was an honor and an experience of a lifetime to get “was singing the Israeli National Anthem, “to represent the USA playing the sport I love. I got to play Hatikvah. There was something really professional-level players in , some ranking in the magical about everyone in the stadium top 400 in the world. But perhaps, more importantly, standing with arms around each other I made lifelong friends from across the world, learned singing. I’m getting chills right now thinking more about my Jewish heritage, and got to see Israel. about it. It is just an incredible feeling that I’m not sure when I’ll be back, but part of my heart will we may all be from different countries, but forever be engrained in the Holy Land. Am Yisrael Chai! being Jewish brings us all together to the —Seth Cohen, Open Men’s ”Tennis . —Tamara” Statman, Open Women’s Softball

Winning a gold medal at the Maccabiah “Games was one of the proudest moments of my life. I made friends and had experiences that will last a lifetime. I really got in touch with my Jewish heritage visiting the historic sites in Israel. ” —Don McNeil, Open FallFall 2017 2017 | |sportscene sportscene | |7 7 The International Maccabi Culinary Competition Update

The first-ever International Maccabi Culinary competition took place on ity professionals including Keren Brown, Uri “Buri” Jeremias, Erez July 4 at the Bishulim Culinary Institute in Tel Aviv, Israel. There were Komarovsky, Lydia Peled, Ran Schmueli, Adeena Sussman, and six teams of professional chefs from around the world competing: Shlomi Tachan. Team won the gold, Team USA won the Team Australia: Zohar Flantz of Luscious Foods in Byron Bay silver, and Team Israel won the bronze. and Ronit Robbaz of Open Table Catering and School in Byron Bay The program was conceived and developed to bring more people to Team : Ariel Guivisdalsky, Private Chef Israel, through their passion for food and gastronomy, as part of the Team : Daniela Di Veroli – Private Chef and Culinary Instruc- mission of Maccabi USA and Maccabi World Union. Co-chaired by tor in Milan, Giulia Gallichi Punturello – Private Chef in Jerusa- volunteers – Michael Solomonov, Chef/Partner of Zahav Restau- lem and Naples, and Giovanni Terracina of Le Bon Ton in Rome rant; Bob Spivak, Honorary President of Maccabi World Union; and Team Israel: Osama Dalal of Maiar in Tel Aviv, Shalom Ghenish of Ido Zarmi, Chief Culinary Officer at International Maccabi Culinary Hotel Cramim in Jerusalem, and Lamees Salem, Culinary Ingénue Productions – who worked tirelessly over the last couple of years Team : Roberto Hierro of Café de Oriente in Madrid and to manage the logistics of the competition. In addition to the com- Antonio Pina Florit – Culinary Instructor, Consultant and author in petition, there was a Culinary Mission that was comprised of guests Palma de Mallorca who were passionate about food and who wanted to explore Israel Team USA: Lissadell Cohen-Serrins of Dizengoff NYC in Manhattan, through a culinary lens. The competition and mission were a great Lior Lev Sercarz of La Boîte in Manhattan, and Yehuda Sichel of Abe experience for all involved and allowed 28 additional people to experi- Fisher in ence the Magic of the Maccabiah. The chefs were required to create a five-course meal and had one day To learn more about the chefs and for information about future to prepare prior to the competition. Each team’s entry was judged International Maccabi Culinary Competitions and Missions, please ‘blindly’ by a panel of professional chefs, food writers and hospital- visit our website at www.maccabiculinary.com.

Ellen and Sam Sporn

8 | sportscene | Fall 2017 The Donor Profile International Stuart Weitzman Maccabi College: The Wharton School, University of Career: Founder and Designer of Stuart Weitzman Shoes, Culinary Recently Retired Hobbies: Tennis, Table Tennis, Skiing, Travel, Collecting Unique Competition Objects, Philanthropic Endeavors Update Eight years ago, a friend and participant in the Maccabiah Games in Israel During his participation in the Maccabiah Games, he met our President, suggested to Stuart that he also play in these Games. He contacted Ron Carner, who gave him a very clear understanding of what these Joel Roodyn who chaired the USA Table Tennis teams, and after seeing Games mean to all of those who partake in them. This encouraged Stuart Stuart play, invited him to join the Masters team at the 18th Maccabiah to help establish the Maccabi USA Million Dollar Donor Club, and to Games in 2009. Stuart has continued to represent the USA in the last become its founding member. Stuart continues his support on a regular two Games as well. basis and has spoken about Maccabi USA on many occasions. A few years ago Stuart sold his company. He continued to run it in “Maccabi is a fabulous organization,” he has said. “It teaches kids order to develop a transition team which has now taken over. There are about sports, camaraderie, and heritage among fellow Jews from over several exciting projects in which he is now involved. Among them, is the 80 countries of the world. The culture they learn and friendships they production of a Broadway musical with a high school friend about the life make are invaluable to them for the rest of their lives. It doesn’t get any and times of Andy Warhol. In addition, his love of Spain has led to his better than that.” involvement in excavating and publicizing a recently-discovered prehistoric Stuart, his wife Jane, and his two daughters, Rachael and Elizabeth, live cave in the Cantabrian region of Spain. He has become directly involved in the New York area and are all involved with multiple philanthropies. with Spanish friends in building in Madrid what will become Spain’s first Hispano-Judeo History Museum.

Volunteer Profile Jeff Bukantz Hometown: Forest Hills, Queens, NY School: New York University Occupation: Energy Broker/Consultant at Flex Energy, Author, and Fencing Consultant Hobbies: Golf, Ice Hockey, New York Rangers Fan

Jeff first became involved with Maccabi USA as an athlete in 1981. League, the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC), and the Atlantic Following in the footsteps of his late father, Daniel, he took up fencing and Coast Conference (ACC). Jeff is the current President of the New competed as a fencer in the 1981, 1985, 1989, and 1993 Maccabiah Interscholastic Fencing Officials Association. Games. He participated in three World Championship teams, the Pan Jeff is very passionate about the Maccabi Movement and the State American Games, the World University Games, refereed at the 1984 of Israel. He feels very strongly about volunteering with Maccabi USA and 1996 Olympics, served as Team Captain of the USA Fencing Team because of the dedication of his co-volunteers and the hard work of the at the 2004 and 2008 Olympics and worked as an analyst providing professional staff. “Each person has their own reason for volunteering. commentary for NBC at the 2012 and 2016 . However, I take great pride in having played a role in bringing over 2,200 athletes his greatest accomplishment was winning the individual gold medal in foil to Israel for the last two Maccabiot,” Jeff said. “Seeing the never-ending at the 1989 Maccabiah Games; this was the same medal that his father sea of smiling faces decked in red, white, and blue as we marched into won at the 3rd Maccabiah Games in 1950. for Opening Ceremony was a moment that made me so Along with his participation as an athlete, Jeff became a volunteer for proud to be a volunteer.” He continues to stay involved because of the Maccabi USA in 1986 when he became the Overall Fencing Chairman impact the Maccabiah Games has on athletes and worldwide Jewry – it for the 1989 Maccabiah Games. Jeff has worn many hats over the years offers them the opportunity to connect with Israel and their heritage in but will always feel the proudest for serving as General Chairman of the unique environment of a sports competition. Team USA at the 2013 and 2017 Maccabiah Games. He volunteers with USA Fencing, the International Fencing Federation (FIE), The Ivy Fall 2017 | sportscene | 9 news HANNAH BERMAN and ALEXA MATT SHERMAN – 2009, 2013 PICTURED BELOW ARE MEMBERS OF THE 1985 MEN’S POPOWITZ – 2017 Maccabiah Maccabiah – scored his 1,000th FAST PITCH SOFTBALL TEAM that came to root on – competed in the United career point during his final the Masters Team at their training camp in Las States Golf Association game at Haverford College on Vegas (April 6-8). Women’s Amateur Four-Ball the men’s basketball team Championship at The Dunes on February 15, 2017. He is Club in Myrtle Beach, FL. the 16th player in program history to reach the 1,000-point MARLEE EHRLICH – 2009, 2013 Maccabiah – milestone. graduated from Harvard University in 2016. She is working as a coordinator for Harvest Records KATIE SIMON – 2005 in conjunction with Capitol Music Group, Caroline Maccabiah – wed Adam Distribution, and the Promotions Team. Boshoff on May 6, 2017 in NATE FISH – 2013 Maccabiah – was the first base Malawi, Africa. coach for Israel at the 2017 World Baseball Classic. MAX FRIED – 2009 Maccabiah – SAM SINGER – 2017 Maccabiah – pitched two scoreless innings against signed a three-year contract with the Phillies in his major league debut Bnei Herzliya, a professional with the Atlanta Braves on August 15. basketball club that is based in Herzliya, Israel. RACHEL GOETTSCH – 2001, 2005 Maccabiah; 1999, 2007 Pan Am – is a Pediatric Cardiac Sonographer at Arnold Palmer Children’s ELLIOT STEINMETZ – 2010 Australia; Hospital in Orlando, FL 2013 Maccabiah – was awarded JAKE LAKATOS – 2017 Head Coach of the Year at Yeshiva Maccabiah – was University. He led Yeshiva to a 15-10 commemorated by the overall record and 11-5 in Skyline township of Brick, NJ play in the Skyline Conference. for helping the Juniors – 2013, 2017 Boys’ Ice Hockey Team Maccabiah – signed a two-year bring home a gold contract with Gilboa Galil, medal at the 20th World Maccabiah Games. July a professional basketball club that L-R Standing: Terry Markus, 26 was proclaimed “Jake Lakatos Day.” is based in Gan Ner, Israel. Kenny Schwartz, Terry Goldberg, Mike Levine BEN RESNER – 2007 Pan Am – was L-R Kneeling: Paul Rubin, Mike Orloff named Head Coach of The Cape Breton Highlanders professional basketball franchise of the National Basketball League of on January 23, 2017 in Sydney, Nova Scotia.

Welcome to our MACCABABIES! HARRISON “GABE” – 1999, 2004 PAUL ASH – 1957, 1961, 1977, LEO GRIFKA – 2015 Pan Am – BEN – 1981 Maccabiah, Board 2006- Pan Am; 2001 Maccabiah – and 1981 Maccabiah – and ANNALISA and SIMONETTE LOWY-GRIFKA 2017 – and HEIDI FOX welcomed MELINDA FRANK welcomed a son, GIBBONS - welcomed their great- welcomed their son, William their first grandchild, Finley Jean Aron “AJ” Frank, born on October grandson, Bohdi Paul Ash, on Grifka, on March 11, 2017. Mahand, on August 9, 2017. 18, 2016. Big sisters Cora and December 20, 2016. Bodhi is the William weighed 6 lbs. 7 oz. Finley is the daughter of EMALEE Eliana couldn’t be happier! son of MICHAEL and ONNIE ASH. and RYAN MAHAND.

10 | sportscene | Fall 2017 We mourn the passing...

Neil Kabinoff Louis Goldstein Bruce Elfenbein Joan Waldbaum MAY 23, 2016 JULY 17, 2016 FEBRUARY 12, 2017 JULY 19, 2017 Open Men’s Softball Open Judo Masters Squash Masters Swimming 1985, 1993 Maccabiah 1965 Maccabiah 1997 Maccabiah 2007 Pan Am; 2009 Maccabiah Neil competed as an Open Men’s Board of Directors 1994-1996 Bruce was an avid cyclist and squash 2010 ; 2011 European Softball player in the Maccabiah Louis competed as an Open Judo player, a member of the Maccabi Joan was passionate about Games and won a gold and silver athlete in the Maccabiah Games. USA Masters Squash Team in 1997, swimming and a beloved member medal. He was a longtime supporter He was a founding partner at and professor of pathology at Temple of the Maccabi USA Family. She of Maccabi USA and the Israel Goldstein, Fluxgold and Baron, PC University and Cooper University participated in many Games, Sport for the Disabled. He is and Deputy Assistant Secretary at Hospitals. Bruce is survived by his winning one gold and two silver survived by his daughters Jill (Eric) the U.S. Department of Education wife Christine Bastl; children, Randy medals at the 2009 Maccabiah. Paine, Lindsay, and Kelsey Kabinoff; Office for Civil Rights. He is survived (Carolee Marano), Elizabeth (Peter She is survived by her children, his brothers Alan (Laura) Kabinoff, by his wife Joni; his children Scott Blatchford), Michael, and Rachel Lisa (James Davis) Waldbaum, Larry (Deb) Kabinoff and Ken (Rendi) Goldstein, Matthew Goldstein, and (Nathaniel Mahlberg); grandchildren, Ellen (Dave) Haskell, and Josh Kabinoff; his stepchildren Lee and Dori (Robert) Rothschild; his grand- Olivia, Laurel, , Max, Ian, Waldbaum; grandchildren Dan Max Beckman; his grandchildren child Remi; and siblings Shirley (the Sam and Alma; and brother Gerald. (Ariella), Tom (Ayelet), and Inbal He is predeceased by his daughter-in- Will and Molly Paine; and his late Ralph) Skolnik, Elaine (Jack) (Noam); and great-grandchildren law Debbie Preg. fiancée Mimi Newman. Goldberg, and Faye (the late Floyd) Maayan, Liana, Shachar, and Netta. Christensen.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the families. May their memories be for a blessing.

LEGACY SOCIETY

We Build Jewish Pride Through Sports. Jewish continuity and include an outright gift, a bequest in a will, an insurance policy, support for the State of Israel are our ultimate goals and we designation of a retirement asset or IRA, and supporting achieve them through our unique programming and the life- foundations and private foundations. changing experiences we offer Jewish athletes of all ages. Legacy Society gifts can be structured to benefit Maccabi USA You can help ensure that we are always able to provide these and any program or initiative of the organization. So don’t experiences to future generations of Jewish athletes by joining wait, please consider joining the other members of the Legacy our Legacy Society. No matter your level of wealth, anyone can Society to help ensure that Maccabi USA will continue to provide participate in the Legacy Society. It does not matter how you do its unique programming, providing life-changing experiences it, only that you make a decision to do so. and building Jewish continuity in perpetuity. You can become a member of the Legacy Society in many Please consider making a lasting gift to Maccabi USA and contact different ways, each offering financial and tax benefits. These Jed Margolis for more information at 215.561.6900 x 4152. LEGACY SOCIETY MEMBERS

Hank Alpert Libby Newman Feldman Donald Kent Jeff Schulman Ellen and Si Atlas Suzan and Marilyn Labkon Ken Schwartz Robyn Barsky Heidi and Ben Fox Harvey Leff Claire A. and Alan Sherman Sandi and Jerry Bloomberg Gary Freedson Donald I. Levin Taylor Hogge and Robert Spivak Merri and Jay Blumenfeld Marilyn Glaser Irv Levine Ellen and Sam Sporn Jerry Bornstein, MD Joy and Gary Gordon Jackie and Nat Levine Louise and Bill Steerman Peter Brand Jennifer and Dan Greyber David Lowenthal Dana and Mark Susson Ray Brenner Betsy Grossman Beth and Jed Margolis Harry Swimmer Jim Bronner Harvey Gutman Ilene and Mel Miller Frank Velie Talia and Ron Carner Alan Hahn Harvey Morgan David Weissman Fred Cohen and Family Richard Hermann Jay Moses Steven Wertheim Douglas Erenberg Larry Hirsch John Paul Toni and Wally Wortman Susan and Leland Faust Karen Karper Leonard Reifman

Fall 2017 | sportscene | 11 Committee Non-Profit Org. Sports for Israel US Postage 1511 Walnut Street, Suite 401 PAID Philadelphia, PA 19102 Permit No. 1291 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Philadelphia, PA President Ron Carner Executive Director Jed Margolis Marketing Director Sara Feinstein Marketing Associate Dakota Marine JOIN OUR Design The Kiva Group EMAIL LIST 1511 Walnut St., Suite 401, Philadelphia, PA 19102 215.561.6900 Fax: 215.561.5470 [email protected] 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/SPORTS FOR ISRAEL ENDOWMENTS as of July 28, 2017 PATRONS • Level $1,000,000+ Cecile (z”l) & Allan Dalfen Donna & Jeffrey (A) Laikind Marilyn & Simon Denenberg Dana & Mark Susson Aileen & Brian (A) Roberts Cecile & Lester (z”l) Fein Ilene & Melvyn Miller The Fraenkel Family Foundation Wertheim Family Endowment Ellen (A) & Samuel (A) Sporn (IC) Suzan & Allen Fox Robert Pincus (A) & Family Doris & Sheldon (A) (z”l) Gitman Stuart Weitzman Family Foundation (A) Mark S. Goldstein & The Jean Alenstein Trust Estherly & Leonard (A) Reifman Joy & Gary (A) Gordon PLEASE NOTE: Space constraints Kantor (A)/Knue (A) Family Barbara Brizdle (A) & Larry Schoenberg (A) Ira Kamens do not permit us to print a CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE Phyllis (z”l) & Alan Magerman Janet & Ellis (z”l) Shore Jean & Stephen Kaplan Level $180,000+ Amy & Alan Meltzer Jill & Stu (A) Siegel Stanley Kleckner (A) complete list of all endowments to Kerry & Alan (A) Appelbaum Susan & Harvey Morgan Harry & Beatrice Sley Foundation/ Marilyn & Mark Labkon Family Endowment Maccabi USA. Every contribution Talia & Ron Carner The Sheldon Family (A) Betsy Grossman Carol (z”l) & Harvey (A) Leff is greatly appreciated. Please Leah & Ed Frankel Dr. Lee Winston & Herman Silver Diane & David Stern Jon (A), Kelly, Kenton & Ashlyn Levin use the QR code to access the Keith Frankel (A) Charitable Fund/Sam Rabinowitz (z”l) Marilyn & Harry Swimmer Cissie & Robert Levy Monica & Barry Gurland Toni & Wally Wortman Sydney Levy Memorial complete list of generous donors Iris & Igal Hami Selig Zises & Ellyn Bank (A) ISRAEL SPORTS AMBASSADOR Ronnie & David Lowenthal who have contributed to our Edy (z”l) & V. David (A) (z”l) Levitt 16th & 17th U.S. Maccabiah Teams Level $25,000+ Tonja & Joel Magerman endowment program. Phyllis Magerman (z”l) B’nai Mitzvah Jan Albert (A) Family Golf Endowment Michael L. Magerman Family Endowment GIBORIM • Level $50,000+ Ellen & Simon Atlas Beth & Jed (A) Margolis Joy & Jerry Monkarsh Sandi & Jerry Bloomberg Cathy & Marc (A) Backal Ava, Edward & Jordan (A) Mendelson Taylor Hogge & Robert E. Spivak The Chaskin Family Gladys & Lewis (A) Bass & Family Endowment Dennis (A), Marc & Steve Needleman Florence & Michael Edelstein Jerome Bornstein (A) & Bernard Osher Foundation PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE Benjamin Frankel Fund Morris & Rose Bornstein Memorial Fund The Pincus Charitable Fund (A) Level $100,000+ Lynn & Carl (z”l) Goldstein The Peter Brand Foundation (A) The Rabinovitch Foundation (A) Sarah & Robert Cohn Mark S. & Marty Goldstein Ruth & Ray Brenner May & Samuel Rudin Foundation Cecile (z”l) & Allan Dalfen Shirlee & Bill (A) (z”l) Jacobs Barbara & Jim (A) Bronner Silverstein Family 20TH MACCABIAH FUND A NEED (Gifts over $5,000) as of July 28, 2017 Anonymous Shari Cohen & Craig Donoff**** Howard Guggenheim (A) Jason Kurland (A) Arnold Resnick (A) Ilyse & Alex (A) Sternberg Eric Abel (A) Lisa Melmed & Steven Cohen (A) David Haas (A)** Betty & Charles Lebovitz**** Aileen & Brian (A) Roberts (IC) Linda & Russell (A) Stoch Steven Abelowitz (A) William Cohon (A) Michele Haddad (A) & Daniel Lerman (A) David Roberts (A) Lawrence Summers (A) Lorraine (A) & Terry Cole (A) Joel Schlesinger (A) ** Marc Lerman (A) Leon Roday Ronnie Sussman (A) Richard (A) (z”l) Abramson** Congregation Zichron Yosef Mordechai Sharone Hakman (A) John Levene (A) Joel Roodyn (A) Elaine (A) & Gwendolyn Symonds Debbie (A) & Anthony Adams**** Drs. Gaby & Danny (A) Cosgrove Ian Harris (A) Lawrence Levin (A) Barbara Rosenbaum (A) Susan Penry-Williams & Jason Ader (A) Glen Davis (A) Andrew Harrison (A) Todd Lewis (A) David Rosenfeld (A) John Tamerin (A) Adler Family The Shuer-Davis Family (A) Hebrew Orthodox Congregation Alan Lipp (A) David Rothstein (A) Laszlo N. Tauber Family Peter Albert (A) Michael Del Giudice Becky & David Heller**** Tonja & Joel Magerman** Michael Rubenstein (A) Foundation, Inc. Nancy Alterman (A) Dan Deresh (A) Sigmund Hiller (z”l) Shalom Maidenbaum Jonathan Sack (A) Nancy Jacobs & Geoffrey Thaw (A), Scott Alterman (A) Ilana Eisenstein (A) Hi-Rise Laundry Anthony E. Mann (A) Traci & Roy (A) Salter Russell & Collin Jane & John (A) August Joseph Ende (A) Andrew Hoffman (A) Elizabeth & Robert Margolis (IC) Savills Studley, Inc. Lizzie & Jonathan Tisch Judith & Lawrence (A) Belinsky** Marc Essenfeld (A) Kim & Steven (A) Horowitz Budd & Nanette Mayer Family Neil Schechter (A) Tishman Speyer Properties LP Bender Foundation, Inc. (IC) Susan & Leland (A) Faust Beby Hoshia (A) Foundation** Schneider Family**** Jenny & Neil Tramer Lea & Arnie Bengis & Cynthia & Ralph (A) Finerman Gregg Hymowitz Paula & David (A) Menche Michael Schuman (A) Tri-City Health Group Inc. Jeff & Marlene Noll (IC) Michael Fletcher I & K Vending, Inc. Kim (A) & John Mertens Seed The Dream Foundation (IC) TSG Reporting Inc. Philippe Bennett (A) Robert Fogel The Joelson Foundation Stuart A. Miller Family Foundation Robert Sevim Garry Vickar Janelle & Greg Berger Jess Forrest (A) Gal Jurick David Millstone (A) Benjamin Shabtai Steven Wagshal (A) Mitchell Berliner (A) Ben Fox (A) Josh Kahane (A)** Drew Misher (A) Douglas Sharfstein (A) Lisa & Neil (A) Wallack & Family The Arthur M. Blank Family Gary Freedson (A) Scott Kalb (A) & Family Pat & Steve Mizel**** Chris & Murray Sheldon David Warren (A) Foundation (IC) Friends of Israel Ice Hockey Federation Kantor/Knue Families**** Michael Morgenstern (A) Jill Sickle (A) Dan Weiner (A) & Family Alex Blavatnik (A)**** Lauren Gard (A) Jeffrey Kaplan (A) Moscatel Family (A) Arthur S. Sills Stuart Weitzman Family Foundation (A) Len Blavatnik Mona Geller The Karp Family Foundation Kathleen & Robert (A) Olin John Silverman (A) Westreich Family Sandi & Jerry Bloomberg Anthony Ginsberg (A) Stuart & Eileen Kaufman David Ostroff (A) Silverstein Properties Josh Wexler (A) Bindler, Bogen, Buchwald, Eisenman, Ginsburg Family Foundation Foundation Inc. Nina & Edward Paul Family Matthew Sirovich (A) Kathleen & David (A) Wit Kent, Novatt & Associates Gregg Goldberg (A) Saville Kellner The Perelman Family Foundation Slade Family Foundation Steven Wittels (A) Ronald Bobman (A) Jason Goldblatt (A) Donald Kent (A) Philadelphia Revolution Ice Hockey Larry Smith & Family Abraham Woidislawsky (A) The Bornstein Family Neal Golding (A) Jeffrey Keswin (A) & Keswin The Pittsburgh Foundation (IC) Sylvia & Martin Snow Charitable Women’s Sports Foundation Jordan Brill (A) Lisa & Douglas Goldman Fund Family Foundation Lee Popper (A) Foundation (IC) Paul Wright, M.D. (A) Rodney Brown Stacy & Michael (A) Goldman Igor Kirman (A) Emily & David (A) Pottruck Hilare & Howard Solomon Robert Wynner (A)** Bryant Park Capital Cheryl & Adam (A) Goldstein** Marc Kirshner Ari Pressman (A) Neil Solomon (A) USA Maccabiah Masters Men’s Adam Carl (A) Laura & David Goone Allen D. Kohl Charitable Foundation Helen & David (A) Pudlin Robin Solomon (A) Soccer Alumni Talia & Ron Carner**** Nathaniel Gould (A) Komberg Family (A) Robert Rakowitz (A) Stephanie & Jeffrey (A) Sorkin Oren Zeev (A) Gil Charash (A)** Michael Graff Lisa Konsker (A) Bruce Ratner Tracey (A) & Shanin (A) Specter Zipper Family (A) Glen Coblens (A) Christina & Larry (A) Green Gil Koppel (A) Ravetz Family Joan & Arnold (A) Stark Alan Cohen (A) Linda (z”l) & Frank Greenberg (z”l) (IC) Oded Krashinsky (A) Andrew Reichgut (A) Rebecca (A) & J. Andrew Stein Dhana & Fred (A) Cohen Larry Greenspon (A) Wendy & Jeff (A) Krieger David Rentz (A) Stephanie Rein & Edward Stern (A)

(A) Athlete | (IC) ISRAEL CONNECT | **Sponsored two athletes ($6,000 per athlete) | ***Sponsored three athletes | ****Sponsored four athletes or more L’SHANA TOVA!