Crowd “Electric” at Miami Heat

Jewish Heritage Night with the Miami Heat on December 17 was as advertised, “Spectacular!”

From Heat stars Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh appearing on the giant screen to wish the sold out arena “Happy Chanukah,” to all the celebrations that took place, Jewish Heritage Night once again proved to be a grand celebration of the Chanukah holiday and Jewish unity.

Fans of JHN were granted exclusive early entry and after select children from the Jewish community graced the court to high-five the towering basketball players from the Miami Heat and Utah Jazz, highly acclaimed Jewish star Yoni Z, electrified the crowd with his wonderful rendition of the National Anthem. The New York based singer received tremendous applause.

JHN sponsors Ryan Shapiro with his son Dov (9) and Gideon Gratsiani and his son Dovber (8) were then chosen as Honorary Captains and invited to present the Game Ball to the referees and participate in the traditional handshake between the Heat and Jazz captains.

“This was fantastic,” said Shapiro. “Chabad, especially in Florida does incredible work. They outdid themselves tonight, creating such thrilling and unique opportunities for the kids to enjoy the Chanukah festival and feel proud of being Jewish.”

Jewish pride was most felt when renowned philanthropists Mr. Rick Stone and his son Bennett (9) together with Mr. David Schottenstein and son Ari (10) kindled the Menorah inside American Airlines Arena at the conclusion of the first quarter. The announced attendance of 19,633 fans, many donning kippas (skullcaps) and Jewish Heritage Night t-shirts rose to their feet and celebrated the Chanukah display with a standing ovation.

The Miami Heat also took time out during the first quarter to recognize the Chabad rabbis who annually make Jewish Heritage Night a great success. Invited onto the court were Rabbis Pinny Andrusier, Chaim Lipskar and Eli Lipskar. Joining them for the recognition ceremony were Israeli Network CEO Amit Ben-Yehuda and representatives of Winn Dixie and Kosher Kingdom in Aventura who helped sponsor the event.

The celebration continued at half time when Israeli superstar Yishai Lapidot took to the court with his group of dancers ‘Oif Simchas’ to sing a five minute medley of his most popular hits.

The evening reached a crescendo as more than 5,000 fans packed the East Plaza for a highly energetic concert with Yoni Z. The singer was joined on stage by the Heat mascot ‘Burnie’ and a team of dancing rabbis.

“The crowd was electric,” said Rabbi Eli Lipskar. “They did not want to stop singing and dancing.”

Even though play resumed inside, the concert continued for nearly an hour, till the 4th quarter was under way.