THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF MACCABI USA VOLUME 9 | NUMBER 2 | FALL 2013

MACCABI USA/SPORTS FOR ENDOWMENTS as of June 1, 2013 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE The 1997 Maccabiah man in Eric’s wedding, so it is a testament to 2 experience instilled the the bond only growing stronger. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE importance of Tzedakah The cultural and social elements of the 2013 YAKIR MACCABI AWARD Games made the entire experience much 3 in Todd Jacobson and he more fulfilling. Living in Netanya, visiting the made the commitment to himself to incorpo- RECENT EVENTS Dead Sea, saying prayers at the Western Wall rate its principals in his life. He has spent his - it is about more than just being an athlete, it 4 UPCOMING EVENTS career, since competing as a member of the is about celebrating being a Jewish athlete. USA Open Men’s Soccer Team at the 1997 TH One of the highlights of the Maccabiah 19 WORLD Maccabiah Games, using sports to give back Games that Todd had been looking forward to the community. 5 MULTI-SPORT ORGANIZATION to was the Opening Ceremony. Unfortu- PARTNER “I grew up playing soccer. As soon as I could nately, in 1997 the Opening Ceremony was walk, my dad would roll the ball over and over marred by the tragic bridge collapse, where 19TH MACCABIAH SPONSOR OUR ATHLETES as of June 1, 2013 19TH WORLD MACCABIAH GAMES 6 to each foot to trap and kick back. I fell in love four Australian athletes were killed. “I was VOLUNTEER & DONOR PROFILES with the sport immediately and started playing about 90 yards away from the bridge when 8 organized soccer when I was four,” Todd said. it collapsed, it could have been anyone.” LEGENDS AND HEROES “I started compet- Todd reminisced. “We were all so excited 9 ing in the JCC and proud one moment and the next every- INSIDE THIS ISSUE NEWS Maccabi Games one was in complete shock. The experience 10 as a teenager and taught me how fleeting life can be and how always aspired to things can be taken away in an instant. We the USA Team all participated in a candlelight vigil – to and the World honor those whose lives were lost – it was a Maccabiah moment none of us will ever forget.” Games.” Todd returned home convinced that this once- After graduating in-a-lifetime opportunity he just experienced from Cornell at the Maccabiah Games, the good and the University in 1997, bad, had taught him so much about life and Todd qualified for the inspired him to make Tzedakah a central part Maccabi USA Soccer of his life. He knew that he wanted Tzedakah Team and headed to to be part of his career and that he wanted to Israel. The experience find a job that would allow him to use sports to was a life-changing help youth from all walks of life. one in many ways. Todd’s first job upon his return was with the The friends he made City Parks and Recreation Depart- ment, first as an analyst developing park remain his friends for programming and then as a director coordi- life. Nothing brings people closer than the ex- nating 42 city programs with a multi-million periences during the Games both on and off dollar budget. This first job out of college the field. The experience that stands out was allowed him to follow his passion of using helping his teammate at Cornell and now sports to unite people, whether it was at a Maccabi teammate Eric Kusseluk become a tournament in Brooklyn or a Bar Mitzvah for the first time while he was in handball tournament in the Bronx. Israel. Not too long ago, Todd was the best (continued on page 2) Todd Jacobson (continued from front page) PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Todd later joined the NBA in 2000 where he worked with the NBA development league to create their community outreach programs. In my previous President’s Letter I asked “why do we do the In 2003 he had his first opportunity to travel Maccabiah”. to Soweto, with the NBA’s Bas- ketball without Borders program and this Well, we just completed the 19th Maccabiah and the answer to that experience also changed his life. question is obvious; just look at some of the quotes below. Ron Carner “I had never seen such extreme poverty “I spent 13 years in Israel playing professional basketball but before, it was overwhelming,” Todd said. I learned more about this country in the six-day ISRAEL CONNECT program than I did in all “However, to see the passion and energy that time.” Mike Carter, Open Men’s Basketball Assistant Coach that existed in the community and the role sports can play to inspire and change lives “Twenty-two men, a coach and a trainer who barely knew each other became friends, was incredible. Through the Basketball forever joined as the first USA Grand Masters soccer team to medal in a Maccabiah in Israel. without Borders Africa program, our NBA Friendships were formed, stories were created and even a few legends were made. For Family has created health centers, libraries some it may be the last time they ever play competitive soccer. For others this could be the and basketball courts, developed a food beginning of a revival. Whatever stage of the journey, if it weren’t for the Maccabiah this service and distribution program in Klip- would never have happened.” John Levene, Masters Soccer 45+ town and helped cultivate young leaders “The ISRAEL CONNECT program was all-encompassing as we explored the wonders of from more than 30 countries throughout Israel together. The program was most memorable and will leave an indelible impression Africa teaching them the values inherent in on all of us.” Sherry Levin, Juniors Girls’ Basketball Coach and Chair the game of basketball such as teamwork, respect, responsibility and living healthy “Dear All: I want to congratulate you all for a truly great Maccabiah. Bigger, better and lives. Helping lead our community outreach bringing even more spirit and kinship. You all deserve great credit and did yourselves proud.” work in Africa and seeing firsthand the Sam Sporn (from a guy who has seen a few Maccabiahs) power the NBA has to impact communities “This experience, the Maccabiah, is one of those rare experiences where superficiality and change lives has been life-changing.” disappears and something lasting develops. Many of my closest friends have made it through The concept of Tzedakah has remained with being on teams that spend a week or two together sharing meals, stories, touring and playing; Todd throughout his career and in his per- spending time together with a common experience outside of our normal life. This is unique for sonal life. It was a well-learned lesson at the adults.” Bob Litwin, Grand Masters Tennis Coach and Athlete Maccabiah Games that has stuck with him. “When he told me that we need to do Shabbat dinner more often and when he now plays “Sports define many of the athletes that Israeli music instead of the typical rap music, my heart is warmed. He so totally bonded with compete for Maccabi USA,” Todd explained. his teammates and he considers Elliot and Jamie the best coaches he has ever had.” “We all have these amazing experiences, Fern Bregman, mother of Michael Bregman – Youth Men’s Basketball great Jewish experiences, yet the most important thing any of us can do is figure These are just a few of the scores of responses we have received. We brought 1,115 Team out a way to make this experience happen members composed of 105 teams in 33 different sports. Overall, it was a very successful for someone else. The Maccabiah experi- three-year journey to get to this point and we made it back safely and accomplished our goals. ence teaches us to become leaders, and We had fantastic leadership with Jeff Bukantz as our General Chairman; Sports Chairmen; and Tzedakah, the idea of giving back, is a Lou Moyerman and his incredible hard-working staff in Management; and an amazing effort vital part of that experience.” by our Executive Director, Jed Margolis, and his staff, including Julie Churylo, Erin Dreyfuss, Todd became re-engaged with Maccabi Sara Feinstein, Sara Glassman, Sue Millis, Ami Monson, Karen Renshaw and Stephanie USA in 2009 as a member of the Board of Sorkin. They overcame their lack of sleep to get things done. Special thanks to Beth Margolis Directors and volunteer for the 60th An- and Monica Gurland who took on Mission responsibilities and to Barry Gurland and his true niversary Gala. “Getting involved has been diligence toward security. And how fortunate we were to have Jeff Schulman on the ground in a privilege for me,” Todd continued. “It is Israel before the Games to help us get things right. important for all Maccabi athletes that have had this opportunity to pay it forward and It was a wonderful experience for just about everyone. One that required total and exhausting help others get the same experience that effort, but truly worthwhile. was afforded us. If there hadn’t been finan- Now we move forward to the next project as there is much to accomplish in the Jewish world. cial help for me in 1997, I would not have been able to participate. This is a respon- sibility we all have to make sure that the funding is there for future generations, so that they may experience the life-changing

Ron Carner, President, Maccabi USA impact of the Maccabiah Games.” Todd and his wife Jana reside in . sportscene | Fall 2013 | 2 FALL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

2013 I had my first Maccabiah experience in mission. We are pleased to share with you that as of September 2013 we UPDATE 1973, and like our athletes today, was are 90% of the way there, with just three months left to reach our goal. asked to make a Yachad contribution to The 19th World Maccabiah Games were a great success. We were tasked help fund the entire Team. I was asked to with bringing a quality Team in as many sports as possible and with a USA raise $800 in order to compete at the Team of over 1100, we were successful. However the real importance of 9th Maccabiah Games. what we do is the impact we have made on each athlete. This was their Having just graduated from college, I approached my local JCC and asked time and opportunity to represent their country in the sport that they love, for their guidance. Herman Eigen, Executive Director for the Cleveland and to explore their Jewish Identity and the State of Israel. JCC, told me not to worry; he would help me with my fundraising. As a We have faced many challenges over the last four years: result, I was able to participate in the Games, a defining moment in my the weakness of the U.S. Dollar vs. the Shekel; rising life. I chose to work in the JCC field, which I did for 28 years, all while travel costs and mounting a campaign to ensure that volunteering for Maccabi USA. distressed communities could participate in this year’s I became the Executive Director for Maccabi USA 12 years ago and have Games. Yet by working together, we were able to make been fortunate to work with our strong volunteer base along with our it happen. For that we are indebted to our volunteers, dedicated staff to continue to provide life-changing experiences for Team staff and the worldwide Maccabi Movement. USA. As I did many years ago, our athletes are required to contribute to the TODA RABA Yachad program to ensure that the entire USA Team is able to participate. AND L’SHANA TOVA We understand the burden this can be to our athletes, given our skyrock- Jed Margolis eting costs. This is why we have created a Yachad Relief, or scholarship, Executive Director program which is what we spend countless hours fundraising for. Four years ago we announced the launch of our Making a Difference campaign where we undertook the monumental task of raising $6 million dollars through 2013 of which half is to be used for team subsidies and the other half for our Endowment Fund, to ensure the perpetuity of our TONI WORTMAN 2013 Yakir Maccabi Award Recipient Toni Wortman, immediate Past President of Maccabi USA was awarded the Maccabi World Union Yakir Maccabi Award on July 20 in Israel. The Award is the highest honor any member of the Maccabi Movement can receive and exemplifies the significant contributions that an individual has made to both their own national Maccabi organization as well as to the world- wide Maccabi Movement. Toni, who first got involved in the early 1980’s, has been a dedicated volunteer and member of the Board of Directors and various organiz- ing committees for multiple World Maccabiah Games and other inter- national Maccabi Games. In 2001, she became president of Maccabi USA, which she led through two terms of phenomenal growth. She remains a member of the executive committee of Maccabi USA and a Vice-President of Maccabi World Union. Her grace and leadership style have allowed her to build relationships within Maccabi USA and the international Maccabi community which have resulted in great Maccabi experiences for hundreds of athletes around the world. The decision of the Maccabi World Union Executive to honor Toni Wortman with the Yakir Maccabi Award was a natural choice. “The highest honor that any person can receive is recognition of the con- tributions they’ve made by their peers and that is what the Yakir Award represents,” said Toni Wortman. “It is a huge honor and very humbling.”

sportscene | Fall 2013 | 3 recent events upcoming events March 4 Florida Golf Tournament Chairman Lou Shook and Chairmen Emeritus David Cohen and Harvey Leff organized a great day of golf October 6, 2013 at The Falls in Lake Worth. In addition to the tournament, there was a golf clinic 9th Annual Westchester Brunch & Bridge Tournament with Medicus and Maccabiah alumnus Bruce Fleisher, and all guests had the opportunity to talk with Rich Lerner from the . in Memory of Edy Levitt. This year’s tournament will May 7 Fundraising also feature Canasta and Mah Jongg. Rye, NY Reception with Lenny Krayzelburg October 16, 2013 Janelle and Greg Berger hosted a fundraising reception in their home to help raise Legends of the Maccabiah from the additional funds for the Maccabi USA Yachad Metro Washington DC area. Bethesda, MD Relief fund. In addition to 2001 Maccabiah L-R: Sherry Levin, Tara Berger, Jacqueline Lavitt, Ally Silfen, Lenny Krayzelburg Alumnus and Olympic Gold Medalist Lenny Krayzelburg, four members of the 2013 Juniors Girls’ Basketball Team, October 28, 2013 who won the gold medal this summer, were in attendance – Coach Sherry Levin, San Francisco Golf & Bridge Tournaments and Tara Berger, Jacqueline Lavitt and Ally Silfen. Alumni Cocktail Party. Daley City, CA June 9 –11 Cranwell Tennis Invitational The Masters and Grand Masters Tennis athletes had the opportunity December 6-8, 2013 to get together for practice, training Maccabi USA Conference and some socialization. A highlight Annual Meeting and Elections. Newark, NJ of the weekend was a dinner where athletes helped raise funds for Yachad Relief. December 7, 2013 June 10 Golf Tournament The pouring rain and Maccabi USA Reunion party. Newark, NJ closed front nine at Manufacturers’ Golf Club did not dampen the spirits of this year’s tournament. Chairman Marc Zumoff kept everyone happy March 3, 2014 with an early cocktail and cigar party on the 19th Annual Palm Beach Golf Tournament porch for those that didn’t golf in the rain. Marc and his committee are hard at work on making L-R: Michael Magerman, Mel Miller, Jon Miller, Joel Magerman the 2014 tournament better than ever. June, 2014 June 24 Chicago Golf Philadelphia Golf Tournament Tournament The Maccabi USA tournament was held at the beautiful Conway Farms Golf Club in Lake Forest, Illinois. The threat of a June, 2014 storm was swept away right before shotgun, the Chicago Golf Tournament weather turned out to be perfect and the greens were immaculate. The team that landed the first place slot could not agree more. Bart Johnson, 2014 JCC MACCABI GAMES Alan Wheel, Dan Plotnick and Steve Friedman L-R: Fred Cohen, Al Wheel, Steve Friedman, Dan Plotnick, Mark Fishman, Bart Johnson took home the bragging rights for this year’s Boca Raton, FL | August 10 – 15 tournament. Their participation, along with the 108 other participants, continues to provide generous support for Maccabi USA’s mission. Cherry Hill, NJ | August 10 – 15 July 21 Endowers Detroit, MI | August 17 – 22 Dinner Every four years during the World Maccabiah Games, the Maccabi USA Endowment Fund hosts a dinner for its members and special guests. This year’s event was held on the rooftop L-R: Tal & Tirtza Brody, Talia Carner, Stuart Weitzman, Ron Carner terrace of the Ilana Goor Museum in Jaffa and the special guests were , Lenny Krayzelburg and Donna Orender. Endowment opportunities start at $25,000 and for more information about the program, please contact Jed Margolis at 215.561.6900 x121.

sportscene | Fall 2013 | 4 It is with a sense of melancholy that I write you about of you who have literally gushed about what a upcoming events 19TH WORLD the Maccabiah Games that took place this July. great competition it was, but that more importantly, These were the largest Games ever held with Jewish you have made lifelong friends and developed or MACCABIAH athletes from over 77 countries for a total of 9000 renewed your love for the State of Israel. participants, including 1,100 members of Team USA. This is why all of us, as volunteers, do what we do - Although there were some logistical issues during GAMES help athletic get involved with the Maccabiah the Games, the overall experience was phenomenal. Games because of their love of sport and then return And I am so proud to have been a part of it. home as Jewish athletes, proud of their and Thank you to all the chairmen for the incredible work connection to Israel. you did over the past few years - organizing the sports So make sure to stay in touch, keep the Maccabi USA and recruiting coaches and athletes, coordinating office staff informed of what you are doing. Let us tryouts and selecting the athletes that went on to know if you would like to be involved as a volunteer, represent the USA. and make sure to stop by and say hi to the staff if you Then our ISRAEL CONNECT co-chairs, Jodi Reff and are ever in the Philadelphia area. Bob Spivak, did an amazing job coordinating our I would like to thank all the athletes, coaches, educational and cultural program. The special Phyllis volunteers and staff for making my life so much Magerman B’nai Mitzvah Ceremony and all the tours, more meaningful just because we are all part of the parties and cultural identity programs made it such a Maccabi USA family. Serving as the 19th Maccabiah meaningful and unique experience for our athletes. Games USA General Chair has been a pleasure for I have had the privilege of participating in four me, and everyone has touched my heart. Maccabiah Games as an athlete, from 1981 through Stay tuned for more information about the European 1997, so I understand the tremendous amount and Pan Am Maccabi Games taking place in Berlin, of hard work that all of our athletes put into this and Santiago, in 2015. More competition. By far, this has been the most amazing importantly, save the date – July 2017 – for the 20th Maccabiah for me, because I had the opportunity World Maccabiah Games! to see the positive impact these Games have on so many of our athletes. I have heard from so many Jeff Bukantz 19th Maccabiah Games, USA General Chairman

SELECTED AS A UNITED STATES OLYMPIC COMMITTEE MULTI-SPORT ORGANIZATION PARTNER

Maccabi USA has been selected by the United States Olympic “The USOC is pleased to welcome Committee (USOC) as a Multi-Sport Organization (MSO) partner. Maccabi USA to its family of Multi- The nonprofit organization becomes one of 35 MSOs nationwide Sport Organizations,” said Alicia to be recognized by the USOC for McConnell, Director, Training Sites its ability to cultivate a national and Community Partnerships. interest in sport and increase “Maccabi USA’s efforts are a terrific opportunities for participation example of how to enhance participation in sport at the national and internationally, nationally and international levels, and we look forward to working together to add at the grassroots level. more opportunities in the years to come.”

“We, at Maccabi USA, are proud and honored with this recognition by the USOC,” said Maccabi USA President Ron Carner. “We want to thank the USOC for acknowledging the effort required to organize the U.S. Team’s participation in the World Maccabiah Games – the world’s third largest international sports competition.”

Located in Philadelphia, Maccabi USA recently returned from competing in the 19th World Maccabiah Games, July 17-30, 2013, in Israel, where they captured 369 medals in individual and team competitions. The USA Team consisted of 1,115 athletes, coaches and support staff, comprising the largest delegation to ever represent the U.S. at the quadrennial event. The 2013 Games featured 9,000 athletes representing 77 nations worldwide. sportscene | Fall 2013 | 5 19TH WORLD MACCABIAH GAMES JULY 17TH ~ JULY 30TH

The experience I had at the 19th “World Maccabiah Games was incredible. My time in Israel was surreal and I was able to connect more with my culture and heritage. It was also a one of a kind opportunity to be around so many other Jewish athletes, I met so many lifelong friends and would definitely do it again. ” Lauren Greenberg, Open

The idea of introducing Jews from “throughout the world to each other and to the State of Israel through sports was a wonderful idea that began in 1932, and is now stronger than ever. It was a pleasure to be part of the Maccabiah Games. Jeff Fleishman,” Masters Golf

To all you guys, coaches and “players as well as our Co-Chairs Derek Borisoff and Leland Faust, thank you for one of the most unbelievable times of my life. I consider you all family and would love to do it again in four years. All that and two gold medals. Doug Peabody, Water” Polo Coach

sportscene | Fall 2013 | 6 The threads of the Maccabiah “reach deep inside each of the participants, and will manifest in so many ways. Truly, the Maccabiah is three weeks to experience and TH a lifetime to remember!” Sherry Levin, WORLD MACCABIAH GAMES Juniors Girls’ Basketball Coach

The plane ride home was full of laughs and “tears from athletes that I both knew, and met for the first time en route home. I know many of the Juniors athletes I spoke with can’t wait to train and return as Open athletes, and of course, many of the Open athletes are already planning their lives around the 2017 Games. If you Dare to Dream the ” “Impossible you can Achieve Sarah Susson, Open Women’s the Possible. Preston Goldfarb, Open” Men’s Soccer Coach

Thank you for giving “Leah the most amazing The reality of 9,000 Jewish athletes experience. I could never “from 77 countries, gathering in the modern have imagined the impact State of Israel to compete as brothers this trip has made on her and sisters is clearly the miracle here – life. She has made lifelong nes gadol…b’emet! friendships in just a few Rabbi ”John Linder, Masters Ice Hockey weeks and her connection to Judaism is stronger than ever. I cannot fathom all the planning that goes in the Maccabiah Games, but I can tell you the result is top rate. Sheryl Goldman,” Parent of Open Swimming Athlete

Soccer has been my passion my whole “life. The Maccabiah Games gave me 22 new brothers and took me on a sports high that I never experienced before. Ian M. Grusd, Men’s Masters” Soccer 45+ sportscene | Fall 2013 | 7

VOLUNTEER Ellen first got involved with Maccabi USA (MUSA), along with her husband Si, in the late 1970’s PROFILE through Alan Sherman. They got their entire family involved as they took responsibility for soliciting supplies and equipment for the USA Team. In 1977, for the 10th Maccabiah Games, Ellen and Si Ellen Atlas took their children with them to JFK airport to help distribute the equipment to the athletes as they n Hometown: Washington DC boarded the plane for Israel. The whole family continued to stay involved, culminating in 1993 n School: University of Maryland when their son, Steven, became the first medical doctor to live with the Team during the Games. n Sport: Swimming In 1983, Ellen became a member of the Board of Directors and has served in that role for 30 years. n Hobbies: Tennis, Gardening, MUSA President Bob Spivak asked Ellen to get involved with creating a logo for the organization, Bridge, Travel which culminated in the logo we use today. Ellen always felt it was one of the best projects she worked on and is proud of the results. Ellen was a swimmer and saw how hard elite athletes needed to train to be successful at what they did. She believes that athletes’ lives are often narrowly focused on their sport and need other outlets, so Maccabi USA was a perfect fit for her. The athletes learn about their Jewish roots while they compete against and make friends with Jews from around the world. Together Ellen and Si have sponsored athletes for the Maccabiah Games since 1981. Individually, Ellen has served in various leadership roles within the organization such as in chapter development and planning regional and national conferences, as well as chairing Missions and the 1997 ISRAEL CONNECT program with Si. “I liked that the organization brought me to Israel and allowed me to re-connect with my Judaism,” Ellen said. “I have gotten so much satisfaction and joy from my work with Maccabi USA. Besides helping young people connect with their Jewish Culture and Israel, one of the greatest benefits of getting involved is that you make so many wonderful friends with the volunteers and athletes.” Besides her long-term involvement with Maccabi USA, Ellen is also active as a volunteer with the Brandeis National Committee and the Democratic Party of Montgomery County (MD). Both Ellen and her husband Si will be honored on October 16 as Legends of the Maccabiah at a Gala event in Bethesda, MD.

MEET OUR Carl became involved with Maccabi USA in 2007 as a result of bumping into a fellow DONORS classmate from James Madison High School - Ron Carner. After catching up and establishing that they are both big basketball fans, Ron, who was the 18th Maccabiah Carl Goldstein General Chair of the USA Organizing Committee, asked Carl to chair the USA Juniors n Hometown: Brooklyn, NY Girls’ Basketball team. n Schools: James Madison He agreed to chair the team and went to Israel to watch them compete in High School, Baruch and win the gold medal in 2009. Carl had the opportunity to participate College, Fashion Institute in the ISRAEL CONNECT program in 2009 and saw firsthand that many of Technology and an athletes who had never been to Israel before really became connected honorary graduate to Israel and their Jewish faith. He was the Chair of the Open Women’s of West Point Basketball team that won the gold medal this past summer at the 19th n Occupation: Maccabiah Games in Israel. Vice Chairman of When asked why he thinks it is important to financially support Maccabi S. Lichtenberg & Co. USA, Carl’s response was, “The Maccabiah Experience is extremely n Hobbies: Sailing and Golf important for the Jewish People. It uses sports to allow Jewish youth from around the world to compete with other Jewish athletes in Israel with a common goal of Jewish Continuity and support for Israel.” In addition to being a member of the Executive Committee of Maccabi USA, Carl is the Vice President of the Friars Foundation, the longest-serving board member of the Home Fashions Products Association where he was past president. He is a member of the Happ Arnold Society of West Point and was a 15-year member of the Board of the Educational Foundation of the Fashion Institute of Technology. “I think that Maccabi USA provides Jewish athletes with the opportunity to compete on a worldwide stage, build strong relationships with other Jewish athletes and connect with Israel,” Carl said. sportscene | Fall 2013 | 8 MACCABI USA HONORS THE LEGENDS OF THE MACCABIAH in the Metropolitan Washington DC Area OCTOBER 16, 2013 at a Gala Evening in Bethesda, Maryland

WE GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGE THE GENEROSITY All of the honorees have made OF OUR significant contributions to the EARLY SPONSORS: organization as athletes, LEGENDS: volunteers and supporters which Alan Albert PLATINUM have earned them the designation of Ellen and Simon Atlas Mary and Mel Chaskin Legends of the Maccabiah. Marty and Mark Goldstein Mel Chaskin Betsy Grossman/ Jeff Fleishman Harry & Beatrice Sley The Legends Events are a way Foundation for Maccabi USA to recognize the Mark and Brent Goldstein GOLD accomplishments of its athletes Ernie Grunfeld* Ellen and Simon Atlas and volunteers in a public forum Jacky Loube Sharon and Harvey Kaplan and to raise the much-needed dollars required Michael Oren SILVER to fund the USA Team’s Jodi and Ricky Reff Nancy Chasen and Don Spero participation in the Don Spero* World Maccabiah Games. BRONZE Wendy Weinberg Weil* Karen and Robert Silverman *Olympian

If you are interested in attending or supporting the event through a sponsorship or purchase of a journal ad, please contact Sara Feinstein at 215.561.6900 x119 or [email protected].

sportscene | Fall 2013 | 9 news LORRAINE ABRAMSON – 1961, ’65 (South Africa) Welcome to our MACCABABIES! & ’73 (USA) Maccabiah – authored a book, My TAL – 1965 & ’69 Maccabiah – and Race, the story of a TIRTZA BRODY welcomed their sixth Jewish woman growing grandchild, Hadassah Meshulam on up in apartheid South April 26. Parents Linor and David Africa. are doing great. RABBI ISABEL DE KONICK – SETH BARON – 2005 Maccabiah – and 1985, ’93, ’97, 2001 & RABBI RONI HANDLER welcomed ’05 Maccabiah; Board – daughter Dahlia Pearl on April 16. is now the Executive Director for the Friends of the Israel Defense IRWIN KULA – 2009 Maccabiah; Board – STEPHANIE Forces Atlanta Region. was selected #17 of the Top 50 Rabbis MOYERMAN – for 2013 via the Daily Beast. His mission: 2001, ’05 & ’09 to make Jewish practice more ‘useful and Maccabiah; 2007 SUMMER BLOOM – meaningful’ to , regardless Eur; 2007 Pan Am – 2009 & ’13 Maccabiah; of where they live or how they affiliate. received her PhD 2007 Pan Am – was in Astrophysics GUY LEWIS – married on April 6 from the University to Tony Runestad in 1969 Maccabiah – of California, Marina del Rey, CA. will be inducted into the San Diego and Naismith Basketball then married her Hall of Fame in MARK EPSTEIN – 2006 partner, Dr. Leslie McClure in Hawaii on September. Aus – was inducted May 25. The couple resides in Phoenix, AZ into the New England where Stephanie is a Rotation Engineer for Basketball Hall of Intel Corporation. Fame on June 22, LARRY NEEDLE – along with his dad, 1985 Maccabiah – Charlie. They were authored a children’s both inducted into the book, Homecourt, semi-pro category. which tells the story of the South MICKEY FERRI – Philadelphia 2005 Maccabiah – JOEL – Board; ALAN – Board; and JAKE – Hebrew Association received his PhD in 2003 & ’07 Pan Am – MAGERMAN had the opportunity to visit the Kotel in Jerusalem Basketball team – Economics from the the best team you in July, while visiting Israel for the University of Chicago never heard of. with highest honors Maccabiah Games. in May. CELEBRATE THE TODD JACOBSON – ACHIEVEMENTS OF YOUR 1997 Maccabiah – married Jana FRIENDS AND FAMILY Schulman on BY PURCHASING September 29th, AN AD IN THE 2012 in New York. Teammates 19th Maccabiah Games USA ERIC KUSSELUK – Commemorative Journal 1997 Maccabiah; 2006 Aus – and For ad specifications and pricing, ETHAN ZOHN – please contact Sara Feinstein at 1997 Maccabiah; [email protected] or 2003 Pan Am – 215.561.6900 x119 were both in attendance.

sportscene | Fall 2013 | 10 ALEC ROBIN – 2013 Maccabiah – HALLS OF FAME a member of the University of Oklahoma’s Team was All- INTERNATIONAL JEWISH SPORTS NATIONAL JEWISH SPORTS HALL OF FAME: American in All-around and the Team HALL OF FAME: ELECTED MEMBER finished second at the NCAA Gymnastics DAVID BERGER (z”l) – 1965 & ’69 Maccabiah; ALY RAISMAN (2013) – 2013 Maccabiah Championships in March. ALY RAISMAN – 2013 Maccabiah LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD MARILYN RAMENOFSKY WINGFIELD – ROBERT P. LEVY (2011) – 1981 Maccabiah, STEPHANIE 1961 & ’65 Maccabiah 1985-2005 Maccabiah Organizing Committees SORKIN – GARRETT WEBER-GALE – 2013 Maccabiah Staff – WILLIAM STEERMAN (2013) – 1985-2009 were all inducted and JACQUELINE KALIN – married Jeffrey Maccabiah Organizing Committees 2013 Maccabiah - received the Marblestone AWARD OF EXCELLENCE Jewish Scholastic Athlete of the Year Award on August 25 in SAMUEL P. SPORN (2010) – on April 21. Philadelphia. 1981-1993 Maccabiah, 2005-2013 Maccabiah, Pan Am 5, 8, 10, 11 MULTI-ETHNIC SPORTS HALL OF FAME: MICHAEL, PHILADELPHIA JEWISH SPORTS HALL OF FAME: LELAND FAUST – 1965, ’73, 2001 & ‘05 SPENCER – Maccabiah JUDY SHAPIRO-IKENBERRY – LARRY BROWN – 1961 Maccabiah – – and 2013 and BONNIE KAY – 1985 & ’97 Maccabiah – 1961 Maccabiah – were inducted into the Maccabiah; were inducted as members of the 16th 13th Class. BOB and Class and JED MARGOLIS – SPIVAK – 1973 Maccabiah; Staff – received the Chairman; Pillar of Achievement Award. Board – competed the TriRock Philadelphia Triathlon – Sprint Distance Race as Team Spivak on June 22.

JULIE STEINBAUER – 2013 Maccabiah – was featured in the August issue of Kenneth “Ken” Meyer Edythe “Edy” Levitt 1965 Maccabiah Sports Illustrated’s ‘Faces in the Crowd’ Volunteer SEPTEMBER 4, 2012 ON APRIL 12, 2013 after winning the Juniors Girls’ Golf gold Ken was a member of the gold-medal 1965 USA medal this summer. Edy was a member of the first female graduating Open Men’s Water Polo Team who had played class at the Wharton School and later became MATT SUSSON – competitively at the Beverly Hills High School a partner in Levitt-Fuirst Assoc. LTD. Insurance 2009 Maccabiah; and at UCLA. After receiving his JD from UCLA, Agency following the death of her husband he worked in the field of entertainment law, 2007 Pan Am – David in 2006. She was an avid Competitive most recently he was Of Counsel at the law firm Duplicate Bridge player who earned Silver Life received his of Bryan Cave. He was a committed husband Master Status and a dedicated volunteer for Juris Doctor and father, who enjoyed spending time with his Maccabi USA, who had also introduced her from Chapman wife and sons. Our thoughts and prayers are late husband David to the organization. This with his wife Teri Fournier and their sons and Law School on year’s Annual Westchester Brunch & Bridge family. May his memory be for a blessing. May 17 as class Tournament will be held in her memory on Valedictorian October 6. Our thoughts are with her daughters, Maxwell “Mac” Garret and Summa Cum 1981 Maccabiah Valerie and Ondrea, son-in-law Jason Schiciano Laude. He will join K&L Gates, LLP as an ON APRIL 10, 2013 and grandchildren, Samantha, Rachel, Logan Associate at their Southern California Mac was a fencing legend, first as an athlete and Hanna. May her memory be for a blessing. office. and later as a coach for the University of Illinois Michael Bloomberg (1941 – ’72) and later for Penn State University 1985 Maccabiah (1972 – ’80). As one of the principal organizers ABIGAIL TUFTS – JULY 16, 2013 of fencing in the Midwest, he was co-founder of 2005 Maccabiah; Michael was a Track & Field athlete who passed the NFCAA in 1941 and later served as president 2007 Pan Am – away following a heroic battle with brain cancer. of the organization. Additionally, after WWII, Mac was promoted to He was the son of longtime Board Members, developed the first U.S. fencing program for the PR/Baseball Sandi and Jerry Bloomberg. Our thoughts and students with disabilities and coached the first Communications U.S. wheelchair fencing team that brought home prayers are with his family. May his memory be Intern for the medals from the Paralympics. Our thoughts are for a blessing. Philadelphia Phillies. with his wife Diana and family. May his memory be for a blessing.

sportscene | Fall 2013 | 11 United States Committee Non-Profit Org. Sports for Israel US Postage 1926 Arch Street, 4R PAID Philadelphia, PA 19103 Permit No. 1291

President Ron Carner ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Philadelphia, PA Executive Director Jed Margolis Marketing Director Sara Feinstein Design Kiva Fresh JOIN OUR 1926 Arch Street, 4R, Philadelphia, PA 19103 EMAIL LIST 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 June 1, 2013 CHAIRMAN’S CIRCLE • Level $180,000+ Phyllis (z”l) & Alan Magerman Susan & Harvey Morgan Stanley Kleckner (A) Kerry & Alan Appelbaum (A) Amy & Alan Meltzer Robert Pincus (A) & Family Marilyn & Mark Labkon Family Endowment Talia & Ron Carner The Sheldon Family (A) Estherly & Leonard Reifman (A) Carol (z”l) & Harvey Leff (A) Leah & Ed Frankel Dr. Lee Winston & Herman Silver Barbara Brizdle (A) & Larry Schoenberg (A) Jon (A), Kelly, Kenton & Ashlyn Levin Keith Frankel (A) Charitable Fund/Sam Rabinowitz (z”l) Janet & Ellis (z”l) Shore Cissie & Robert Levy Monica & Barry Gurland Toni & Wally Wortman Jill & Stu Siegel (A) Sydney Levy Memorial Edy (z”l) & V. David (z”l) Levitt (A) Selig Zises & Ellyn Bank (A) Harry & Beatrice Sley Foundation/Betsy Grossman Ronnie & David Lowenthal Phyllis Magerman (z”l) B’nai Mitzvah Endowment 16th & 17th U.S. Maccabiah Teams Diane & David Stern Tonja & Joel Magerman Joy & Jerry Monkarsh GIBORIM • Level $50,000+ Marilyn & Harry Swimmer Michael L. Magerman Family Taylor Hogge & Robert E. Spivak Sandi & Jerry Bloomberg Wexner Family Beth & Jed Margolis (A) Ellen & Samuel Sporn (A) The Chaskin Family ISRAEL SPORTS AMBASSADOR • Level $25,000+ Ava, Edward & Jordan (A) Mendelson Stuart Weitzman Family Foundation (A) Florence & Michael Edelstein Jan Albert (A) Family Golf Endowment Dennis (A), Marc & Steve Needleman PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE • Level $100,000+ Benjamin Frankel Fund Gladys & Lewis Bass (A) & Family Endowment Bernard Osher Foundation Sarah & Robert Cohn Lynn & Carl Goldstein Ruth & Ray Brenner Gerry & David (z”l) Pincus (A) Cecile (z”l) & Allan Dalfen Mark Goldstein Barbara & Jim Bronner (A) The Rabinovitch Foundation (A) Cecile & Lester (z”l) Fein Shirlee & Bill (z”l) Jacobs (A) Marilyn & Simon Denenberg May & Samuel Rudin Foundation Suzan & Allen Fox Ira Kamens Doris & Sheldon Gitman (A) Dana & Mark Susson Iris & Igal Hami Donna & Jeffrey Laikind (A) Norma & Charles Golden Wertheim Family Endowment Kantor (A)/Knue (A) Family Ilene & Melvyn Miller Joy & Gary Gordon (A) 19TH MACCABIAH SPONSOR OUR ATHLETES as of June 1, 2013 Anonymous (IC) Depuy Orthopaedics, Inc. Cheryl & Gilad Hayeem (A) Thea & Bob Mitzman Judith & Morton Sloan (F) Anonymous DJO, LLC Arthur & Janet Hershaft Foundation Pat & Steve Mizel**** Hillary Sloss (A) Lorraine & Richard Abramson (A)** The Drumcliff Foundation** Hochman Family (A) Ocean Ridge Capital Advisors, LLC Mark Small (A) Activision/Blizzard David Eckman (A) The Horowitz Family Oklahoma City Jewish Foundation Smart Family Foundation (B) Debbie (A) & Anthony Adams**** Ben/Joyce Eisenberg Foundation**** Kim & Steven Horowitz (A) Kathleen & Robert Olin (A) Sylvia & Martin Snow Pamela & Richard Ader (A) Joyce Eisenberg-Keefer (A)** Dr. Dan Indech (A) Alex Osborne (A), Osborne Family Fdn. Charitable Foundation (IC) Jill & Peter Albert (A) Jeff Eisfelder (A) Ron Jacobs (A) Ishay Oved (A) Audrey & Bob Sockolov (A) David Alhadeff (A) Leo Eisner Thomas Jacobson (A) The Packer Family Foundation Stephanie & Jeffrey Sorkin (A)

Nancy Alterman (A) Ike, Molly & Steven Elias Foundation**** Claudia Josebachvili (A) Eric Parmacek (A) Soslow Family (A) INSIDE THIS ISSUE Carol & Marty Appelbaum (A) The Eva Foundation Trust Cathy & Ethan Kahn (A) Gerry & David (z”l) Pincus (A) ** Lee Spiegel (A, F) Audrey & Alan Arsht (A) Janet Leahy (A) & Richard Farber (A) Scott Kalb (A) & Family Michael Pollack (A) Ellen & Sam Sporn (A) Jane & Bruce Ash Susan & Leland Faust (A) In Memory of Milton H. Kantor** Helen & David Pudlin (A) Joan & Arnold Stark (A) Paul Ash (z”l) (A) Nancy-Jo Feinberg (A) Adam Katz*** David Raben (A) The Grabb/Stenn (A) Family Jane & John August (A) Mark Finerman (A) Ken Katz (A) Robert Rakowitz (A) Ilyse & Alex Sternberg (A) Brenda & Carlin Axelrod Cynthia & Ralph Finerman (A) Stuart & Eileen Kaufman Foundation Inc. Glenn Reicin Rowena Young & Myron F. Steves, Jr. Anna & Dean Backer Shelly & Scot Fisher (A)*** Kaye Family (A) In Memory of Irving Resnick Linda & Russell Stoch (A) Diana & Doug Baker (A) Michael Fishman (A) Ethan Keswin (A) Stephen Riven (A) Sukert Family Helen & Harris Barer (A) Walker Forest Keswin Family Foundation Aileen & Brian Roberts (A, G) Jane & John Summers (A) Bellick Family (A) Jess Forrest (A) Jeffrey Keswin (A) Leonard Robinson Stuart March Suna (A) Bender Foundation, Inc.** The Sharna & Irvin Frank Foundation Elise & Mark Kitaeff (A) Gail & Fred Rollman (A) Larry Taylor Bengis Family of New York (IC) The Randy & Barbara Ann Frankel Foundation** Vicki & Paul Klapper (A) Joel Roodyn (A) Nancy Jacobs & Geoffrey Thaw (A)**** Carol (A) & Melvin Benjamin Dawn & Andy Frankl Caleb Koeppel (F) Barbara Rosenbaum (A) Russell & Collin Thaw Philippe Bennett (A, T) Gary Freedson (A) David Kohn (A) Amy & Marc Rosenberg (A)**** TSG Reporting Inc. Ellen & Adam Beren (A) Dr. Robert Fried (A) Komberg Family (A) Marc Roth (A) Ira A. (A) & Josette Turret Mandell & Madeleine Berman Foundation Jerry Friedman (A) Gil Koppel (A) Anne & Lowell Rothschild Marjorie Zinman & Howard Unterberger (A) Ross Berman (A) Beth & Joshua Friedman (F) Alex Kor (A) Louise & Andy Rubin (A) Will Velie The Berner Family (A) The Gelfand Family in Honor Koret Foundation (IC) Robert Russell Memorial Foundation (IC) Joan Waldbaum (A) Gary Bernstein (A) of the Eliashar Family Wendy & Jeff Krieger (A) Traci & Roy Salter (A) David Warren (A) Henry & Helen Bienenfeld Foundation*** Mona Geller Amy & Stephen Kroll Ron Saslow (A) Carolyn Ballan Wasserman (A) Alex Blavatnik (A) Paul Gilden (A) S&K Kushner Family Foundation** Neil Schechter (A) & David Wasserman*** Adam Block (A) Carol & Aubrey Glaser (A) Murray Kushner Family (T) Mary & Michael Scherl (A) Stuart Weitzman (A, G) Sandi & Jerry Bloomberg Glazer Family (A) Ryan Landy (A) Leslie (A) & Jordan Schlachter (A) The Westrick Family (A) Blum Family Foundation*** Rachel & Matthew Glotzer (A) Joseph Leavitt (A) Beth & Eric Schlager (A) Judy & Merrick Wetzler (A, F) Derek Borisoff (A) Stacy & Michael Goldman (A) Betty & Charles Lebovitz**** Susan & Richard Schnall (A) Stuart Wilder (A) Robin & Ivor Braka (A) Gold Pure Food Products Co., Inc. (F) Lehigh Valley Technologies, Inc. Jeffrey Schor (A) & Alexandra Trinkoff Wilf Family Foundation (B) Nancy (A) & Howard Brown The Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation (IC) Nancy & John Levene (A) Schreiber Family Foundation (A) Mark Willner (A) Bryant Park Capital Lynn & Carl Goldstein (T) The Lawrence Wolf Levin Family (A) Stephanie & Ken Schwartz (A, T) In Memory of Ruth Wilson Jeffrey Bukantz (A)*** The Goldstein Family (A) Betsy & David Levy (A) Larry Schwartz The Winn Family (A) The Burack Family Laura & David Goone Annette & Doug Liftman (A) Lisa & David Shabsels (A) Winner Family (A) Talia & Ron Carner Michael Graff** Yuval Lion (A) Richard Shakter (A) Gidon Wise Arthur Canter (A) Linda (z”l) & Frank Greenberg Thea & Doug Luba (A) Chris & Murray Sheldon Mark Wisnevitz (A) Adam Carl (A) Julie & Justin Greenberg (A) Kenneth C. Luba (A) Julie & Gary J. Shemano (A) Sylvia Wolf Cavalor Rogow Greenberg Foundation**** Ernest S. Madison Family Foundation Heather Shenkman (A) Melissa & Scott Wortman (A) Dhana & Fred Cohen (A) Larry Greenspon Foundation (A) Shalom Maidenbaum Dennis Shields (A) Paul Wright, M.D. (A) The Law Offices of Joel E. Cohen (A) Staci & Richard Grodin (A, IC, B) The Mancher-Kohlberg Family** Irwin Shorr (A) Laura (A) & Geof Wyatt Cohon (A)/Ringer Family Carl Grossman (A) Donna Applegate & Jonah Mandelbaum The Shuer-Davis Family Kevin Youkilis Toni & Steve Collis Ian (A), Edy, Hunter, Sydney & Jordyn Grusd Beth & Jed Margolis (A) Arthur S. Sills (A) The Zantker Charitable Foundation, Inc. Eric & Shari Kates, Colts Neck Equine Assc. (F) Howard Guggenheim (A)*** Budd & Nanette Mayer Family Foundation Lawrence Sills (A) Lynn & Nick Zerbib Drs. Gaby & Danny Cosgrove (A)** Monica & Barry Gurland Claire & Myron Meadow Matthew Sills (A) Elana & Scott Zimmerman (A) Mark Cuban (T) J. Noah Hagey (A) David Messer Keith Silverman (A) Sig Zises & Ellyn Bank (A, F) The Nathan Cummings Foundation, Inc. (T) Corey, Brooke, Abigail, Jill & Stuart Miller Lois Silverman (A) Eyal Zuker (A) Lynn & Robert Delman (A)** Dr. David Hassman (A) David Millstone (A) Howard Sklar (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 | L’SHANA TOVA! (F) Friend, $10,000 | **Sponsored two athletes ($6,000 per athlete) | ***Sponsored three athletes | ****Sponsored four athletes or more