VOLUME 12 | NUMBER 1 | SPRING 2015 THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF MACCABI USA

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE 2 SEEKING JEWISH ATHLETES 3 LEGENDS OF THE MACCABIAH VOLUNTEER PROFILE 4 DONOR PROFILE RECENT EVENTS 5 UPCOMING EVENTS MACCABI MATCH! Gene (z”l) and Lenny Both Gene and Lenny were deeply 6 impacted by their Maccabiah experiences. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE Weiss wrestled their way They developed lifelong friendships with 8 into the Maccabiah other athletes from the U.S. and around ELLEN & SAM SPORN the world. Both brothers define the 9 Games and became meaning of the word ‘Mensch’ and are NEWS lifelong supporters. loved by family and friends. Testament to 10 this was a brunch in 2008 where Maccabi

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Gene won the Ohio State USA honored them for their contributions title in 1953 and was invited to try out to sport and the organization in front of a for the USA Maccabiah Wrestling team standing-room-only audience. to compete in at the 4th World “There is the common bond of being that year. He returned Jewish that we all share,” Lenny reflected. to compete at the 1957 Games and won “Maccabi USA does such a great job of multiple medals. bringing athletes together. The Games Gene returned in 1961 as manager make such an impact on their lives, for the USA Maccabiah Wrestling team and was flag bearer during the Opening Ceremony. He came back as Head Coach for the 7th, 9th and 10th USA Wrestling teams at subsequent Maccabiot. Younger brother Lenny, who also competed in Wrestling and Football at Shaker Heights High School, was so impressed with the experiences that Gene had had in Israel that he joined him as an alternate and coach on the USA Wrestling team at the 1973 World Maccabiah Games. He became hooked on the Games and came back in 1977 as Head Coach alongside his brother Gene.

(continued on page 2) Weiss Brothers PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE (continued from front page) Where does our strength come from? maybe not immediately, but definitely long-term.” During these most trying of times for worldwide Jewry, Lenny went on to be the Coach we ask ourselves, “Where does our strength as a people Emeritus at the 1981 Maccabiah Games come from? Does it stem from our rich history, from our and was the USA National Wrestling RON CARNER religious beliefs, or from our shared responsibility toward one another?” Chairman for the 1985 Games. He continues to support Maccabi USA While different people may give different answers, one certain response is that as a member of the Board of Directors. we derive our strength from our youth. Their energy, vitality, sense of invincibility and optimism feed us. Our Jewish youth represents our future. Their prospering is for the Both Gene and Lenny were introduced betterment of us all. To achieve that goal, we need them to absorb our values and to to Wrestling by their older brother Earl, carry us all to the place we Jews have forever vied among nations: the betterment of who had started wrestling in the 1940’s. all humankind. The Weiss brothers are an institution in Cleveland, Ohio and their names are However, with this aim in mind we must ensure that we instill in them knowledge of synonymous with Wrestling and athletics. our history, of our present circumstances, and our traditional values that will continue All three brothers wrestled at Ohio State to guide us into the future. University. Gene was a member of the Thus the next question is how do we reach them? How do we make them want to be U.S. Olympic Committee from 1972 – part of the Jewish people and to preserve and perpetuate who we are? How do we break 76 and went on to be a Chairman of through the clutter of messages our youth is exposed to, through the vitriolic anti-Israel the Ohio Athletic Commission in the teaching at their universities, through the intrusion of electronic devices to which they mid-aughts. Both Gene and Lenny are seem universally attached? members of the Shaker Heights High At Maccabi USA we have found one answer: we reach them through sports. School Hall of Fame. During the last Maccabiah, Team USA consisted of 1,102 members, all exposed to When people hear of the Weisses the wonders of the State of Israel. Our six-day ISRAEL CONNECT program afforded the they immediately think of two 850 Open and Juniors athletes the opportunity to gain insights into the country and take things, Wrestling and a close family pride in their Jewish roots. Thereafter, upon meeting over 9,000 Jewish athletes from relationship. They were in business 75 nations they grasped the vastness of the Diaspora—and the common denominator together for 57 years developing that binds us all, our peoplehood. athletic clubs, fitness centers, car wash To some athletes, the great excitement resulted in lifelong memories of a wonderful centers and real estate. They also ran sports competition. To most however, as communicated to me scores of times, the a summer wrestling camp for 23 years. Maccabiah was “the greatest experience of my life,” and “a life-changing experience.” As Lenny says, “we couldn’t sit still, we had Shpilkes – ants in our pants.” Our leadership is committed to provide this critical learning opportunity for our youthful participants. Even our Masters players live the dream. When participating, they Lenny continues to stay active in see and experience the excitement of the Maccabiah and commit to financial support, business and sports. He continues to such as the generous gifts of Sam Sporn and Stuart Weitzman of $1,000,000 each! play three times a week. Lenny Without such friends and many others who make regular, essential donations—large and his wife Kathy reside in Rocky River, and small—we would have had to reduce our programs. Ohio and are closely involved with their And, there is more! This year, two outstanding events are coming up: The European extended family. Maccabi Games in Berlin, where our solidarity team of over 200 headed by Tonja On January 15, Gene passed away Magerman will march in a historical event of the largest gathering of Jews in after a brief illness. He will be greatly since WWII—all walking tall and proud, wearing and carrying the Star of David! missed by all who have had the privilege Then in December, the Pan American Maccabi Games in , led by Lou Moyerman, to know him. Our thoughts and prayers will have a USA delegation of about 650 athletes. are with his wife Bobbi and the entire Weiss family. May his memory be for a In addition, Jeff Bukantz is gearing up to lead Maccabi USA at the 20th Maccabiah blessing. Games in 2017. Only two years away, work is already under way with our indefatigable professional staff in our Philadelphia office. Please plan to come with us to Berlin and/or Santiago and enjoy the fruits of our labor. Sincerely,

Ron Carner, President Maccabi USA

2 | sportscene | Spring 2015 SEEKING JEWISH ATHLETES Maccabi USA is seeking Jewish athletes and volunteer staff members to participate in the 14th European Maccabi Games in Berlin, Germany, from July 27-August 5, 2015, and the 13th Pan American Maccabi Games in Santiago, Chile, from December 28, 2015- January 4, 2016. Maccabi USA builds Jewish pride through sports. Athletes, coaches and volunteers will connect with the global Jewish community through international athletic, educational and cultural experiences, meant to enhance one’s Jewish identity, perpetuate Jewish continuity and increase support for the State of Israel. Both the European and Pan American Maccabi Games will feature sports in four different age groups; Juniors, Youth, Open, and Masters. Maccabi USA is scheduled to compete in 17 sports at the European Maccabi Games and 22 sports at the Pan American Maccabi Games. Don’t wait, apply today to compete, coach, or support Team USA as a manager or member of the medical team! Applications are available online now at www.maccabiusa.com EUROPEAN MACCABI GAMES SUPPORTERS PACKAGE: There are opportunities to travel with Maccabi USA as a member of the USA Delegation when you travel on our Supporters Package. Supporters Package participants will experience the Games and the host country with exclusive programming, tours, and receptions and parties. Tickets and transportation will be provided to the Opening Ceremony. For information and to register for the European Maccabi Games USA Supporters Package, please visit: http://www.cvent.com/d/grq8yk

LEGENDS OF THE MACCABIAH 2015 Maccabi USA presents the Legends of the Maccabiah who have contributed significantly to Maccabi USA and the Maccabi Movement, as athletes, volunteers and supporters at a Gala Brunch on Sunday, March 15 in Boca Raton. HONORING Alan Appelbaum Guiora Esrubilsky (z”l) David Kantor Immediate Past President Basketball Leadership Milt Kantor (z”l) Russell Stoch Maccabi USA Lester Fein (z”l) Leadership Ronald Bakalarz Leadership Maccabi USA Leadership Past President Maccabi USA Maccabi USA Harvey Leff Maccabi World Union Bruce Fleisher Leadership David Weissman Angela Buxton Golf Maccabi USA Tennis Barry Gurland Donna Orender Maccabi Great Britain Leadership Basketball Maccabi USA Leadership Maccabi USA Special Maccabi Spirit Award Presented to: Roy Salomon Past President Maccabi This event is sponsored in part by: PLATINUM SPONSORS GOLD SPONSORS SILVER SPONSOR Kerry and Alan Appelbaum Minna and Ronald Bakalarz, Taylor Hogge and Bob Spivak Stephanie Fein Tania and Edward Bakalarz, Leslie and David Kantor Steven Bakalarz and The Bakalarz Family Monica and Barry Gurland Harvey Leff There are sponsorship opportunites and limited seating available. If you would like to sponsor or attend this event, please contact Sara Feinstein at 267.627.5654 or [email protected] Spring 2015 | sportscene | 3 Elliot first got involved with Maccabi USA when he was recruited to VOLUNTEER PROFILE coach for the Youth Men’s Basketball team at the Maccabi International Games in 2010. The team won the gold medal and Elliot Elliot went on to be the Assistant Coach at the 2013 Maccabiah for the Youth Men’s Basketball team and his experiences got him Steinmetz hooked on the organization. He is currently a member of the Board of Directors of Maccabi USA and Chairman of the Youth Men’s n Hometown: Woodmere, NY Basketball team for the upcoming Pan American Maccabi Games in Santiago, Chile. n School: Yeshiva University’s Sy Syms School of Business “I wasn’t aware of Maccabi USA growing up, but I was lucky enough to get involved over the last few years and I could not be prouder to St. John’s University School of Law say I am a supporter and advocate,” Elliot said. “Maccabi USA literally changes lives n Occupation: Partner – Rosenberg through sports. I have experienced, firsthand, the impact the programming and events & Steinmetz PC that they put together has on Jewish youth from all backgrounds.” Head Men’s Basketball Coach – Elliot experienced the ISRAEL CONNECT program with his team, along with all the Yeshiva University Open, Juniors and Youth athletes and their coaches. He was able to watch them enjoy Website Director – Israel, many for the first time, and it has changed the way he looks at Israel and Jewish JewishHoopsAmerica.com people. n Hobbies: Watching Basketball “The opportunity to meet, be inspired and educated by other Jews from all different game film cultures and backgrounds in the realm of a sporting event is invaluable and irreplaceable,” Elliot explained. “I think we need to continue to expand on the already amazing things Maccabi USA is doing both nationally and internationally.” Elliot and his wife Sima reside in Woodmere, NY with their three children: Jacob, Noah and Leah. In addition to his professional responsibilities, family and work with Maccabi USA, Elliot is also involved with the New York Chapter of the National Conference of Synagogue Youth.

Dana and Mark met in college in their senior MEET OUR DONORS year. They started dating and got married three years later. Dana, who converted to Judaism, Dana and Mark has embraced it and gotten very involved with the Jewish community. She has been voted Woman of Susson the Year twice in recognition of her volunteer work n Hometown: Dana – Anaheim, CA by the Orange County JCC and Jewish Federation. Mark – Philadelphia, PA Both Dana and Mark are Endowers and members of the Board of Directors of Maccabi USA. n Schools : University of California Irvine – Both They got involved with Maccabi USA through their kids, Matt and Sarah. Both competed in Loyola Law School Los Angeles – with the JCC Maccabi Games. Sarah and Matthew were recruited by Maccabi Both USA to compete at the 2007 Pan American Maccabi Games in . They applied n Occupation : Attorney – Both and made the Open teams, and Mark and Dana joined the Mission so they could cheer on their kids in Buenos Aires. n Hobbies: Dana – All sports and philanthropy / Mark – Racquetball, The kids went on to compete at the and Dana and Mark Paddle Ball & Golf chaired the Open Women’s Volleyball team. They were able to march into the Opening Ceremony along with Sarah and Matt. Sarah also competed in the 2013 Maccabiah, and Dana and Mark came to Israel to cheer her on. The entire experience has been enriching for them as a family, reconnecting with old childhood friends and making new ones, expanding their circle in the worldwide Jewish community. One of Mark’s highlights has been the development of a friendship with his childhood idol, Dolph Schayes. “Not only did the Games create memories that will last a lifetime but they also created friendships and renewed friendships that will last a lifetime,” Mark said. The Sussons continue to support Maccabi USA because they feel that Israel needs American support now more than ever. “The participation of our children, Matt and Sarah, in the Maccabiah was and is a pivotal experience in their lives and something of which they are proud,” Dana summarized. “We will never forget the feeling of pride, excitement and awe participating in and watching them march in Opening Ceremonies with so many Jewish athletes from around the world!” 4 | sportscene | Spring 2015 recent events upcoming

The 10th Annual Westchester Brunch & events Tournament took place at Doral Arrowwood in Rye Brook, NY, on October 5, 2014. Committee Co- Chairs Barbara Feldman and George March 15, 2015 Lippman did a tremendous job, Legends of the Maccabiah attracting over 130 Bridge players Boca Raton, FL to this ACBL-sanctioned event. The 10th Annual Tournament also marked March 16, 2015 the first time Mah Jongg was played. 20th Annual Palm Beach Golf Tournament A special thank you to committee Lake Worth, FL members Nat Adler, Babette Bandler, Ruth Brandt, Betty Burr, Henry Deutsch, Stanley Feldman, Lynne Goldstein, Gail Greenberg, Jane Heilbron, Pat Hofmann, May 29 – June 2, 2015 Mickey Karlan, Richard Laufer, Valerie Levitt, Phyllis Lippman, Sue Maier, Joanne Marks, Ondrea Schiciano, and Bobby Stayman. Next year’s event, the Maccabi World Union Plenum 11th Annual Westchester Brunch & Bridge Tournament, which will offer Mah Ramat Gan, Israel Jongg and Canasta, is tentatively scheduled to take place at Doral Arrowwood on October 18, 2015. June 1, 2015 Chicago Golf Tournament The Maccabi Chicago, IL Exhibition Basketball Games Receptions took place June 8, 2015 in Cleveland and Brooklyn on October Philadelphia Golf Tournament 5 and 7, 2014. Working with Maccabi Cinnaminson, NJ Tel Aviv, Friends of IDF, and Maccabi World Union, Maccabi USA was July 13 – July 23, 2015 able to organize receptions at the exhibition basketball games between Birthright with Maccabi USA Maccabi Tel Aviv, and the Cleveland Israel Cavaliers and the Brooklyn Nets. Funds raised from these events are being used to support programs for IDF soldiers and those living in the South of Israel, July 27 – August 5, 2015 providing them with an opportunity to attend Maccabi Tel Aviv games in Israel. European Maccabi Games These receptions were attended by prominent Maccabi figures, including Tal Berlin, Germany Brody, Mickey Berkowitz, and Dolph and Danny Schayes. 2015 JCC Maccabi Games The David Blackburn Dallas, TX | August 2 – 7 Memorial Dedication took Milwaukee, WI | August 2 – 7 place at Elings Park Softball Complex, Davie, FL | August 9 – 14 in Santa Barbara, CA, on November 22, 2014. A large 25’ oak tree was planted and a memorial plaque October 18, 2015 installed to commemorate the 11th Annual Westchester Brunch & Bridge Tournaments memory of David Blackburn, Maccabi Rye Brook, NY USA and International Fast Pitch Softball legend. Elings Park was October 19, 2015 selected as the site for the memorial San Francisco Golf & Bridge Tournaments because it was the host location of the “Best of the West” softball tournament, Daly City, CA which Dave ran for 13 years. The memorial, organized by Kenny Schwartz, was attended by those Dave touched throughout his remarkable 10 International December 28, 2015 – January 4, 2016 Maccabi Games. David Blackburn is missed by all. Pan Am Maccabi Games (continued on page 8) Santiago, Chile

Get connected, stay engaged... April 20, 2016 Maccabi USA Honors Ron Carner New York, NY Spring 2015 | sportscene | 5 MACCABI MATCH! Part of our Mission at Maccabi USA is to build Jewish Continuity, and we can think of no greater way to do this than when our athletes meet their life partners while participating in an international Maccabi or Maccabiah Games. As part of our new series, MACCABI MATCH, we introduce you to couples who first met during Maccabiah and Pan American Maccabi Games.

LORRAINE AND RICHARD ABRAMSON have been blissfully happy for 46 years. They have two children – Gregg a runner, and Jill a swimmer; and their granddaughter is a wonderful runner. Richard worked in investment banking and Lorraine was a teacher and an accomplished author who published her story, My Race, in 2010.

“The opportunity to meet Jews from all over the world, in Israel, for one purpose [sports] is a lifetime opportunity not to be missed,” Lorraine reminisced. “The fact that I met my husband there was just icing on the cake.”

ARYN AND KEN BARER

Lorraine Lotzof and Richard Abramson met at the 7th Maccabiah Games in 1965. She was a runner from and he was a swimmer from the USA. Lorraine was an accomplished runner whose dreams of representing her country at the in 1964 were thwarted when South Africa was expelled from the Games because of their race policies. The Maccabiah Games were not yet sanctioned by the International Olympic Committee in 1965, so she was able to represent her country in international competition at these Games.

Richard got into competitive , along with his brothers, when his brother David had to exercise his leg by swimming in order to save it after a third degree burn. All three brothers became competitive swimmers and their parents became very involved in the sport. Jack Abramson, Richard’s dad, became very involved in the sport at the highest levels. He Aryn Landau and Ken Barer met just prior to the 1993 Maccabiah Games was instrumental in the growth of Maccabi USA, managing the Swim teams in Israel. They had both competed at the 1989 Games, however Ken at multiple Maccabiah Games, as well as serving as a member of the U.S. represented then, where he holds dual citizenship. He played Olympic Committee. Richard went on to swim for the Air Force professional basketball in France for five years. Ken has the distinction of Academy in Denver as an All-American. playing in the highly competitive field of Open Basketball at three separate Maccabiah Games, the first in 1985 when he represented the USA Team. The English-speaking teams were housed in the same complex at the 1965 He also competed in the most recent Maccabiah, in 2013, as a member Games. The buildings were all grouped around a courtyard with terraces of the Masters Men’s 35+ Basketball team. that faced each other. One afternoon, after winning the gold in the 400m, Lorraine stepped onto the terrace to view the courtyard and she looked Aryn was also a competitive athlete in both and . across and saw Richard. They talked across the courtyard and it was love She was All-American in both sports at Tufts University. Aryn competed at at first sight. After getting to know each other for four days, they knew they the 1989 Maccabiah Games as a member of the International Team that wanted to get married. However, Richard was not permitted to be married was put together so that four athletes from South Africa would have the while at the Air Force Academy, so they would have to wait three years until opportunity to compete (they couldn’t represent their country at the time he graduated. because of apartheid). Her parents came along and her father fell in love with the Games and came back to be the Chair of the USA Field Hockey Lorraine and Richard began a long-distance relationship without the benefit team for the 1993 Maccabiah Games. Both Aryn and her sister Sharon of email and internet technology. They communicated the old-fashioned were members of that team. way, with letters that took 10 days to arrive at their destination. After three years, Richard flew to South Africa and they were married. It was the Aryn and Ken met right before the Games at a send-off party in New Maccabiah Games that provided them the opportunity to meet, and they York City and Aryn had an immediate crush on Ken. Fast forward to the ISRAEL CONNECT program in Israel. There was a party one evening at the 6 | sportscene | Spring 2015 Natalia, who had grown up with Maccabi in , relocated to Santiago to do her medical residency. She got involved with the local Jewish community and then with the organizing committee for the 2003 Pan American Maccabi Games. While she was working with the organizers prior to the Games, one of her colleagues told her about Dr. Joel Carter from the USA who kept sending emails full of questions. He told her she would have to ‘deal with this guy.’

Natalia, who was working for an ambulance company, arrived in an ambulance to meet the doctors. They were all men and were standing in a circle waiting for her arrival. When her colleague introduced her to Joel, he said, “This is Joel Carter, he is single.” They both got in the ambulance and talked and felt like they connected.

They found each other frequently during the Games and Joel finally invited her out ‘for the sake of international relations.’ She picked him up and beginning of their stay where they hung out and got to know each other. Ken before they were able to head out on their first date she got a call requesting went to call his brother that evening and said, “Andrew, I’ve seen my wife.” she come back to headquarters because someone had appendicitis. After They got to know each other during the remainder of the ISRAEL CONNECT that night, Natalia then invited Joel out and they finally had their first date. program and then sporadically during the competition since they both had grueling competition schedules. Ken was able to secure transportation to visit Aryn at her hotel in , they took a walk to the beach and shared their first kiss.

“When talking with people about Maccabi USA, I tell them that the sport doesn’t even matter, once you get to Israel it is all about the Jewish experience,” Aryn reflected. “I don’t remember the medals. It’s who you meet and the relationships that endure. What happens off the field matters more than what happens on the field.”

Aryn and Ken got married after dating for a few years and now have three MaccaBabies – Solomon, Deva and Jesse – all talented athletes in their own right. They both work with summer camps. Aryn is the director of a Jewish overnight camp in Milford, PA and Ken is a partner in a major summer day camp in White Plains, NY.

NATALIA DORF AND JOEL CARTER

By the end of the Games, they both knew they wanted to see each other again.

Joel kept coming to Chile once a month. They met later in Sao Paulo for the wedding of a friend of Natalia and after the wedding he proposed. They both currently practice medicine in Minnesota and have two children, Anouk and Alec.

“Maccabi USA is a wonderfully close family,” Joel said. “It is great to be part of it, have wonderful reunions with Maccabi friends and family every few years, organize the medical team, and give back [to Maccabi USA].”

Natalia and Joel, both doctors, met at the 2003 Pan American Maccabi Games in Santiago, Chile. Joel was heading up the Medical team for Maccabi USA and Natalia was the medical liaison for the English-speaking doctors at the Games. Without the Maccabiah or International Maccabi Games, none of these couples would have met. Unlike on-line dating services, when athletes and Joel first got involved with the Maccabi Movement through his participation volunteers meet at the Games, they already share two very important bonds as a Track & Field athlete for Maccabi Canada in 1985 when he ran his – their love of sports and their Jewish culture and heritage. It was through best times in the 1500m and 800m at a track in Tel Aviv. After medical the Magic of Maccabi that they created their own magical connections and school he began to run long-distance and having moved to Boston, he tried went on to build strong, Jewish families. out for the Half Marathon team with Maccabi USA, and in 2001 finished the Half Marathon on the same track in Tel Aviv that he had competed on at the 1985 Games.

Spring 2015 | sportscene | 7 SPRING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

2015 We continued to “Light it Forward” with a direct mail campaign. I am Looking Ahead, always moved by the volume of small and large gifts that come from UPDATE 2015 and Beyond the heart. Each one makes a difference, and I say thank you – not just from me, but from our leadership, and more importantly our athletes After a busy ‘off-year’ in 2014, we are gearing who will benefit from your support. Whether it is the investment of up for an even busier 2015. We are in the process of appointing time, energy, expertise or financial support, please know how much athletes to the USA Team for the upcoming Games in Berlin, Germany of a difference you make. and Santiago, Chile. Our fundraising efforts are geared towards ensuring that all USA Open I consider us blessed to have the involvement of some of the top and Juniors athletes are able to participate in the World Maccabiah leadership in the USA who understand the importance of the unique Games, regardless of financial ability. We also lend financial support to work we do. Our small staff in Philadelphia partners with hundreds of Maccabi World Union in order to help Jewish athletes from distressed volunteers to implement impactful programs for thousands of Jewish communities around the world participate in the Maccabiah. athletes of all ages. Examples of the difference we make in people’s lives are the many former and current athletes that want to ‘pay it One of our new initiatives this year is to build upon the success of forward’ for the next generation of Jewish athletes. the Young Maccabi Leadership group. Yogi, our Maccabi Shaliach, is working with the New York group’s leadership to take their model In December we received an extraordinary contribution of $1,000,000 and expand it to other cities throughout the from one of our alumni. Sam Sporn and his wife Ellen made this gift country. Our goal is to engage and grow our next after seeing firsthand the impact we make on athletes and volunteers. generation of leadership. If you or anyone you They had originally committed this amount as part of our Legacy know wishes to help build our future, please let Society, but decided to change their gift from a bequest to a gift to me know. help us now. Knowing Ellen and Sam as I do, this gift came from their hearts. It has made a tremendous difference, as it allows us to fulfill Thank you and best wishes for a great Passover, a match gift from a foundation that originated from a family whose JED MARGOLIS, Executive Director child was touched by the “Magic of the Maccabiah.” Words can hardly express our appreciation for such generosity and foresight. JED MARGOLIS

Recent Events (continued from page 5)

WE HAVE MOVED OUR OFFICE TO: 1511 Walnut Street Suite 401 Alvaro and Andy Rosenblut Philadelphia, PA 19102 The 2015 European and Pan American Maccabi Games USA Steering Committee Meetings took place at the Renaissance Hotel in Newark, NJ, on December 6, 2014. The All phone numbers and Committee meetings were attended by Maccabi USA’s Executive Committee and many of the individual sports chairmen for the upcoming email addresses are the same European and Pan American Maccabi Games. A highlight of the meetings was the presence of Alvaro Rosenblut, the leader of Chile’s Organizing Committee for the Pan American Maccabi Games.

The Maccabi World Union Strategic Forum took place in Israel from December 14-16, 2014. Maccabi USA sent a delegation JOIN OUR including Jeff Bukantz, Ron Carner, Jed Margolis, Bob Spivak, and Toni EMAIL LIST Wortman to discuss issues regarding the 2017 World Maccabiah Games. Topics discussed included how to make the Games stronger, how to strengthen the relationship between Maccabi World Union and the Diaspora, and how to re-engage lost communities to participate in the next Maccabiah Games. Having a vision to the future has always been instrumental to the growth and success of the Maccabi Movement. 8 | sportscene | Spring 2015 FEELING LIKE A MILLION BUCKS!

Ellen and Sam Sporn donated $1,000,000 to Maccabi USA in December, 2014. Their gift will be used to help fund programs and projects that are part of Maccabi USA’s Mission. The Sporns have been supporters of Maccabi USA for over 33 years.

“It is because of the generosity of people like Ellen and Sam, that we are able to implement programs that build Jewish identity, increase Jewish continuity and strengthen support for the State of Israel,” said Ron Carner, President, Maccabi USA. “We are so grateful to Ellen and Sam, they get what we do and their gift makes it easier to fulfill our Mission.”

Sam is an 11-time Masters and Grand Masters tennis athlete who has participated in seven Maccabiah and four Pan American Maccabi Games, winning multiple medals in the process. He has served as both the Chair and Co-Chair of the USA Masters and Grand Masters Tennis Team from 1981 through 2013 and saw the growth of the teams double in size. Sam has witnessed firsthand the impact that Maccabi USA programs have had on athletes and volunteers that participate in them. In 2013, he was awarded the Chairman’s Award of Excellence from the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame for his commitment and support of sports, Jewish culture and the State of Israel.

“It is our pleasure to donate money to Maccabi USA at this time so we can see the impact of the programs they create,” Sam told the organization. “We love the fact that Maccabi USA uses sports as a unifying language that connects Jewish athletes with each other, their culture and heritage, and Israel.”

Sam is a member of the Executive Committee of Maccabi USA’s Board of Directors and has served in numerous leadership roles for the Maccabiah Games over the years. He is currently in training to qualify for the USA Grand Masters Tennis team participating in the Pan American Maccabi Games in Santiago, Chile later this year. In addition to his involvement with Maccabi USA, he is a practicing attorney with Schoengold & Sporn, P.C. in New York City, specializing in class action litigation. Ellen has accompanied Sam to Israel and South America to cheer him on at his competitions, most recently to Israel for the 19th Maccabiah Games in 2013. She holds a doctorate in Education and was a professor with The City University of New York.

Ellen and Sam have been married for over 60 years and have three children, Jessica (Fred), Nina (Tim) and Joseph (Robin) along with eight wonderful grandchildren. The Sporns reside in Brooklyn where they were raised, met and raised their family.

Thank You! Toda! Gracias!

Spring 2015 | sportscene | 9 news DAN CALICHMAN – 1989 MOLLY JUBAS – 2007 Pan Am; 2009 JORDAN SCHLACHTER Maccabiah; 2011 Pan Am Maccabiah – swims for Tulane University – 2003 Pan Am; 2005, – accepted an assistant in Division I, where she is working 2013 Maccabiah – coaching position with towards a graduate degree in Energy has been hired as the Toronto FC of Major Management. National Basketball League Soccer (MLS). DEENA KASTOR – 1991 Pan Am – broke Player’s Association’s JAMIE COOPERSTEIN – 2007 Pan Am – the record for the fastest time in the first Chief Marketing Officer. founded a hospitality training business Women’s Masters Division at the Rock ‘n’ MARCUS SCHLESINGER – 2010 Australia; in May, called J. Cooperstein Hospitality Roll Half Marathon, with a time of 1:09:36, 2011 Pan Am; 2013 Maccabiah – Consulting, LLC. in Philadelphia in September, 2014. qualified for the 2016 Olympic Trials JONATHAN DEUTSCH – 2009 Maccabiah KATHERINE PIERCE in Swimming in the 50m Freestyle and – accepted a job with WIBW in Topeka, – 2009, 2013 100m Fly. Kansas, where he will work as a sports Maccabiah – married JAMIE SHADIAN – 2009, 2013 Maccabiah reporter and weekend sports anchor. Chris Chute in an – got engaged to Lee Wybranski. She has ZACHARY ELFENBEIN intimate wedding won two gold medals - one as the Juniors – 2007 Pan Am; 2009 in South Portland, Girls’ Basketball team’s Assistant Coach Maccabiah – was hired as Maine in August 2014. Katherine ran at the 2009 Maccabiah Games, and a Graduate Assistant for Track & Field and Half Marathon at the another as the Head Coach of the Open the University of Florida’s 2009 and , Women’s Basketball team at the 2013 Men’s Basketball team. winning two gold medals, two silvers, and Maccabiah Games. one bronze. LELAND FAUST – 1965, JOE SIEGMAN – 1973- 1973, 2005 Maccabiah; ROB PREBISH – 1989, 1993 Maccabiah – 1989 Maccabiah, Former MUSA Board – placed 3rd was selected to be the Virginia Wrestling USCSFI V.P. – published in his age group at the Association’s Head Greco Roman a new book, titled Bats, National Championships Wrestling Coach. It is his responsibility Balls & Hollywood Stars: for Aquathlon, a two-stage to identify talent, conduct statewide Hollywood’s Love Affair race involving swimming clinics, and implement statewide with , which tells stories from the followed by running, wrestling curriculum. Los Angeles Dodgers’ celebrity exhibition in October, qualifying RICHARD “RICKY” REFF baseball games. him for the 2015 World – 1985-2013 Maccabiah, MORGAN SMITH – 2013 Maccabiah – Championships. 2010 Australia, MUSA verbally committed to attend the College JULIA FISHER – 2006 Board – received the of William and Mary, where she will Australia; 2007 Pan inaugural Maccabi Legacy compete on their Track & Field team. Am – married JARED Award from the JCC of ZACH TEST – 2009, 2013 Maccabiah FARBMAN – 2007 Pan Greater Washington – was named to the Gold Coast 7’s Am – in Philadelphia for the hard work and Dream Team after a great performance on November 15. They dedication he provides to at the Gold Coast Sevens with USA met at the 2007 Pan American Maccabi the Maccabi Movement. Rugby’s Eagles, where they captured the Games, where she played Tennis and he DYLAN ROSE – 2013 championship. played Baseball. Maccabiah – was named DAN FRANKEL – 2005, Men’s Soccer Offensive INTERNATIONAL JEWISH 2013 Maccabiah; Player of the Week by SPORTS HALL OF FAME 2006 Australia – was the Southern Athletic named as the Director Association. He currently of Junior Golf for the plays for the Birmingham Southern Panthers. GARRETT WEBER-GALE PGA Metropolitan 2013 Maccabiah Section. He is the SARA SCHIFFMAN – 2003, 2007 Pan Am; Overall Golf Chairman 2005 Maccabiah – married Josh Klein for the upcoming Pan in an Orthodox wedding in New York in American Maccabi Games. October. Sara played Open Women’s Tennis at the 2003 Pan Am and 2005 THERESA GRENTZ – 1981 Maccabiah – DONNA ORENDER Maccabiah Games, also coaching Juniors accepted an assistant head coaching 1985 Maccabiah Girls’ Tennis at the 2007 Pan American position with Lafayette College’s MUSA Board Women’s basketball team. Maccabi Games.

10 | sportscene | Spring 2015 BASKETBALL NEWS MACCABI USA STAFF UPDATE Nine Maccabi USA alumni playing basketball SHANE CARR – joined the staff in October We mourn the passing... professionally in Israel are: as the Program Director following a nine- year career with the Union for Reform ALYSSA BARON Judaism Summer Camps. He earned 2013 Maccabiah – Ramat Hasharon his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Howard Bromberg June 2014 DANNIELLE DIAMANT Administration from the University of Tennis – 2009 Maccabiah Games 2009 Maccabiah – Maccabi Miami, with a minor in Judaic Studies. Howard was a member of Team USA at the DANE DILIEGRO As the Program Director, he will focus 2009 Maccabiah Games, where he played 2009 Maccabiah – Galil Gilboa on the development and implementation Grand Masters Tennis. He passed away at the DANIEL GRUNFELD of projects and programs. A native of age of 92 from Parkinson’s disease, leaving Philadelphia, he resides in Havertown, PA behind his wife Ruth, their three children, and 2009 Maccabiah – Bnei Herzliya five grandchildren. ALISON HINTON with his wife Jamie and their dog Otis. 2009 Maccabiah – Maccabi Ashdod YOGEV “YOGI” MATOK, of Gedera, Israel, Andrew Cassius August 2014 JACQUELINE KALIN joined the staff in November as the first Volleyball – 2007 Pan Am 2013 Maccabiah – Maccabi Ramat Hen Maccabi Shaliach to work out of the Andrew was a member of the bronze medal ISAAC ROSEFELT Maccabi USA office. In this role, Yogi will Open Men’s Volleyball team at the 2007 2006 Australia – Hapoel Holon work to enhance the image, involvement, Pan American Maccabi Games, where Team ZACHARY ROSEN programming and awareness of Maccabi USA beat the host country, Argentina, 3-1. 2009 Maccabiah – Maccabi Ashdod activities. He will liaise with and develop He tragically passed at the young age of 25. LAINE SELWYN new Maccabi Young Leadership groups 2001 Maccabiah – Maccabi Ashdod across the USA, and support Maccabi Arthur Figur August 2014 Canada and the JCC Maccabi Games. Swimming – 2011 European Yogi also works with Maccabi World Union Arthur was a member of Team USA at the 2011 in Israel to coordinate activities and European Maccabi Games, where he won five MACCABABIES! involvement of alumni living in Israel. He medals as part of the Masters Swimming and his wife Shani reside in Philadelphia team. He passed away at the age of 83, leav- HAROLD FRIEDMAN with their dog Luna. ing behind five children. – 2005-2013 Maccabiah; 2007, BRIAN SCHIFF – 1999- Jerry Gumenick September 2014 2011 European; 2007 Pan Am; 2001- Maccabi USA Board Member, 1994-2008 2010 Australia; 2009 Maccabiah Jerry served 14 years on Maccabi USA’s 2011 Pan Am; – and SUSAN KARDON Board, beginning in 1994 through 2008. MUSA Board – welcomed their He passed away at the age of 85, leaving welcomed his fifth first grandchild, behind his wife Gigi, their two sons Jeffrey and Randolph and seven grandchildren. grandchild Jacob Penelope Crouse, on Rehaut, on September 15, 2014. Jacob’s September 19, 2014. Her parents, Brenda and parents, Michael and Emily, are thrilled. Stuart Press September 2014 Joseph, are thrilled. Cycling – 2009 Maccabiah Games MARNE LOVEMAN FRIEDMAN – 2009 WHITNEY SIMON Stuart was the captain of Team USA’s Open Maccabiah – and her husband MATTHEW MAYER – 2005 Cycling team at the 2009 Maccabiah Games. welcomed daughter Celia Audrey, born on Maccabiah – and He passed away at the age of 39 from a rare November 7, 2014. her husband DONNIE form of a malignant brain tumor, leaving behind welcomed daughter his wife Tracy and their son Jacob. ILYSE RESNICK-ARCHIE – Avery, born on 2005 Maccabiah – and January 4. Eugene Weiss January 2015 Wrestling- 1953, 1957, 1961, 1965, 1973, her husband MARCUS STEPHANIE (NEE 1977 Maccabiah Games welcomed son Harry Maccabi USA Board Member Maxwell, born on SORKIN) – former Eugene was a member of Team USA at June 23, 2014. Program Director, Maccabi USA – and six Maccabiah Games and also served on Maccabi USA’s Board. He passed away at the JOSIE SANDLER JEFFREY MARBLESTONE, – 2005, 2009 age of 80, leaving behind his wife Bobbi, their welcomed daughter Zoe four children and eight grandchildren. Maccabiah; Arden on January 8. 2007 Pan Am The family is doing well Our thoughts and prayers are – welcomed and planning which with the families. daughter sports Zoe will train for in anticipation of the Theodora Luria Sandler on August 6, 2014. 24th Maccabiah Games. May their memories be for a blessing.

Spring 2015 | sportscene | 11 United States Committee Non-Profit Org. Sports for Israel US Postage 1511 Walnut Street, Suite 401 PAID Philadelphia, PA 19102 Permit No. 1291 Philadelphia, PA President Ron Carner ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Executive Director Jed Margolis Marketing Director Sara Feinstein Design The Kiva Group

1511 Walnut St., Suite 401, Philadelphia, PA 19102 215.561.6900 Fax: 215.561.5470 [email protected] www.maccabiusa.com ©2015 Maccabi USA Maccabi USA is a Registered Trademark Since 1948, Maccabi USA (MUSA) has sought to enrich the lives of Jews in the United States, Israel and throughout the Diaspora through athletic, cultural and educational programs. The organization is the sponsor of the U.S. Team to the World Maccabiah Games. MUSA also sponsors U.S. participation in Maccabi competitions in Pan America and Europe, and supports Jewish youth through the JCC Maccabi Games.

MACCABI USA/SPORTS FOR ISRAEL ENDOWMENTS as of January 22, 2015

PATRONS GIBORIM Marilyn & Mark Labkon Family Field-Krasnoff Neal Rudder Level $1,000,000+ Level $50,000+ Carol (z”l) & Harvey Leff (A) Freidin-Ziman Salter Family Trust Ellen & Samuel Sporn (A) (IC) Sandi & Jerry Bloomberg Jon (A), Kelly, Kenton & Ashlyn Levin Rhona and David Furman Toby and Michael Salter Stuart Weitzman Family Foundation (A) The Chaskin Family Cissie & Robert Levy Doris and Sheldon Gitman (A) Salter/Praw Florence & Michael Edelstein Sydney Levy Memorial Gittleson Family Naomi and Dolph Schayes (A) CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE Benjamin Frankel Fund Ronnie & David Lowenthal Richard Goldman Memorial Fund Wendy and Dan Schayes (A) Level $180,000+ Lynn & Carl (z”l) Goldstein Tonja & Joel Magerman Rita and Marvin Goldstein In Memory of Kerry & Alan Appelbaum (A) Mark S. and Marty Goldstein Michael L. Magerman Family Edward Gottlieb Memorial Fund Arthur & Edith Selverstone Talia & Ron Carner Shirlee & Bill (z”l) Jacobs (A) Beth & Jed Margolis (A) Zachary Hahn Memorial Fund Nancy and James Shalek Leah & Ed Frankel Ira Kamens Ava, Edward & Jordan (A) Mendelson Benjamin Joseph Hahn Memorial Fund Sharrow Memorial Fund Keith Frankel (A) Donna & Jeffrey Laikind (A) Dennis (A), Marc & Steve Needleman Bettina and Izzy Horowitz (A) Jason Shrinsky Monica & Barry Gurland Ilene & Melvyn Miller Bernard Osher Foundation Laura and Richard (z”l) Horowitz Sidney Margolis Memorial Iris & Igal Hami Susan & Harvey Morgan The Pincus Charitable Fund (A) Barbara and George Hyman Siegfried Family Edy (z”l) & V. David (z”l) Levitt (A) Robert Pincus (A) & Family The Rabinovitch Foundation (A) Leslie and David Kantor (A) Charles Simon Phyllis Magerman (z”l) B’nai Mitzvah Estherly & Leonard Reifman (A) May & Samuel Rudin Foundation Susan and Robert Klein Rhea and Edward Slade Endowment Barbara Brizdle (A) Dana & Mark Susson Sondra and Herbert Kupersmith Edward M. Slater Memorial Fund Joy & Jerry Monkarsh & Larry Schoenberg (A) Wertheim Family Endowment Carole and Robert Landau Louise and William Steerman Taylor Hogge & Robert E. Spivak Janet & Ellis (z”l) Shore Scott, Jan, Morgan and Skylar Lane Tanner Tananbaum Jill & Stu Siegel (A) ENDOWMENT Dan Levenson Ruth and Howard Walzer PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE Harry & Beatrice Sley Foundation/ Level Under $25,000 Jeanie and Armand Lindenbaum Patricia and Philip Wexler Level $100,000+ Betsy Grossman Anonymous Mark J. Rosenberg Memorial Fund Ira and Shirley Yohalem Sarah & Robert Cohn Diane & David Stern The Abramson Family Foundation Tema and Joseph Merback Deborah Miller and William Zabel (A) Cecile (z”l) & Allan Dalfen Marilyn & Harry Swimmer Jean R. Alenstein Trust Milken Family Foundation Cecile & Lester (z”l) Fein Gerry and Hank Alpert June and Sidney Moray Suzan & Allen Fox ISRAEL SPORTS AMBASSADOR Arlene and Richard (z”l) Batchley Jan and Jay Moses (A) Mark S. Goldstein & Level $25,000+ Berlin Family Foundation Inc. In Honor of Carly and Erica Novich the Jean Alenstein Trust Jan Albert (A) Family Golf Endowment Doris Dannenhirsch Beshunsky (z”l) (A) Randolph and Judith Pace Foundation Kantor (A)/Knue (A) Family Ellen and Si Atlas Borden Family Muriel and Ed Pickard Phyllis (z”l) & Alan Magerman Gladys & Lewis Bass (A) & Family Morris and Rose Bornstein Bernard Pomerantz Memorial Fund Amy & Alan Meltzer Endowment Memorial Fund (A) The Pressman and Friends Group The Sheldon Family (A) Ruth & Ray Brenner Jeffrey Bukantz (A) Estherly and Leonard Reifman (A) Dr. Lee Winston & Herman Silver Barbara & Jim Bronner (A) Ralph Chernin and Family Anne and Harry J. Reicher Foundation Charitable Fund/Sam Rabinowitz (z”l) Marilyn & Simon Denenberg Linda and Jeffrey Chodorow Linda Rice Toni & Wally Wortman Doris & Sheldon (z”l) Gitman (A) Marcia and Sheldon Cloobeck Rochester Chapter Maccabi USA Selig Zises & Ellyn Bank (A) Norma & Charles Golden Sophie and Albert Crome Sports for Israel 16th & 17th U.S. Maccabiah Teams Joy & Gary Gordon (A) Steven Damashek Memorial Fund Louise and Claude Rosenberg (A) Jean & Stephen Kaplan Miriam and Harvey Diamond Nina and Robert Rosenthal Stanley Kleckner (A) Leo Eisner Judith and Ben Rubin (A)

20TH MACCABIAH SPONSOR OUR ATHLETES as of January 22, 2015

Lorraine (A) and Richard Abramson (A)** Gregg Goldberg (A) Stuart and Eileen Kaufman Pat and Steve Mizel**** Jenny and Neil Tramer Bindler, Bogen, Buchwald, Eisenman, Laura and David Goone Foundation Inc. Nina and Edward Paul Family TSG Reporting Inc. Kent, Novatt and Associates Linda (z”l) and Frank Greenberg (z”l) (IC) Wendy and Jeff Krieger (A) Aileen and Brian Roberts (A) (IC) USA Masters Men’s Maccabiah Talia & Ron Carner Becky and David Heller**** Betty and Charles Lebovitz Seed The Dream Foundation (IC) Soccer Alumni Jess Forrest (A) Sigmund Hiller (z”l) Paula and David Menche Lizzie and Jonathan Tisch

(A) Athlete | (IC) ISRAEL CONNECT | **Sponsored two athletes ($6,000 per athlete) | ****Sponsored four athletes or more Happy Passover!