Jewish Pride at Miami Heat

This past Wednesday, Jewish Heritage Night with the Miami Heat was truly was a historic event.

Cantor Yossi Lebovics singing the National Anthem, the Menorah lighting in front of a sold out American Airlines Arena, the Chanukah Half Time Show and all the other elements made it an overwhelming success and an evening filled with fun, joy and Jewish pride for all in attendance.

The Miami Heat appreciate how many people attend because of Jewish Heritage Night and therefore invited event organizers Rabbi Pinny Andrusier, Rabbi Chaim Lipskar and special guest, Miami Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez onto the court during a game time-out, to recognize their efforts. The Menorah lighting ceremony took place during the next pause in play at the end of the first quarter. Florida’s Jewish Heritage Night is the largest annual group at an NBA game.

“Originally, we were scheduled to have the lighting on the court during the 75 second time-out, but the time required to get everyone and the Menorah on and off the court would have taken away from the beautiful ceremony we had,” explained Rabbi Pinny. “It worked out wonderfully!”

Mayor Gimenez, Jewish Philanthropist David Schottenstein and Miami Heat CFO Sammy Schulman assisted in lighting the Menorah.

“Amazing how many Chabad centers have followed our lead and are now doing it, but this ceremony was really special,” said Rabbi Chaim Lipskar. “To light the Menorah during the game in front of 20,000 fans was truly incredible.”

For Half Time, more than 5000 people strolled onto the East Plaza to enjoy a special Chanukah Half Time celebration. The show was also broadcasted live on the big screen inside.

Jewish Heritage Night was a united project of Chabad of Florida. “The unity in the state is terrific,” Rabbi Pinny commented. “All the Chabad Centers share the credit for this successful event. Members from every community were there and very proud that Chabad was the one organizing such a major event.”

5000 Jewish Heritage Night t-shirts were given out and JHN Happy Chanukah placards were distributed to every guest upon entry. Also, before the game, rabbinical students played an 8 minute scrimmage and a select number of younger Jewish Heritage Fans got to be on court to greet the players as they entered.

“This is the first time attending such an event,” said Brian Gordon of Hollywood. “What you guys did here is truly amazing! I love being Jewish, I love Chanukah, I love the Heat and you brought it all together so beautiful. Amazing!