On Thursday, December 14, as NBA’s Miami Heat took on the Chicago Bulls at the Kaseya Center in Miami, the Heat also celebrated the last night of Chanukah before 19,653 fans in a most spectacular fashion.
Recognized as Florida’s largest Chanukah celebration, the Heat’s annual “Jewish Heritage Night” (JHN) is always popular with Jewish sports fans. However, in light of the October 7 attack and massacre in southern Israel and the evening’s call for a display of Jewish unity and solidarity, the event attracted more members of the Jewish community than ever before.
The home arena of the Miami hoopsters was filled with Kippah clad fans donning blue and white Jewish Heritage t-shirts, many of whom were waving Israeli flags and other mementos displaying Jewish pride.
Highlighting the evening’s celebrations, was a grand menorah lighting ceremony which took place just as the first quarter came to a close. Arena announcer Michael Baiamonte asked the enthusiastic crowd to please rise and direct their attention to section 104.
There, Consul General of Israel Maor Elbaz-Starinsky joined the JHN event organizers, Chabad of Florida representatives Rabbi Pinny Andrusier and brothers Rabbis Chaim and Eli Lipskar in kindling the eight candles of the branched Chanukah Menorah.
The menorah lighting ceremony received great cheer and applause with the many Jews in attendance singing along to the blessings.
At half-time, thousands of men, women and children marched onto the AT&T East Plaza for a thrilling and electrifying performance by Yoni Z. Accompanied by DJ Shia and joined once again by NBA Legend and Miami Heat all-time great Alonzo Mourning, Heat mascot Burnie, entertainer Dale McLean and the team’s dancing acrobats, Yoni Z belted out upbeat ballads of prayers and hope for Israel’s victory and peace.
Well past the 30 minute allotment and continuing deep into the fourth quarter, the concert went on with the exuberant crowd roaring in delight and energetically dancing non-stop.
“In all my years here, I’ve never seen this plaza hopping with such loud holiday joy. You guys really know how to throw a party,” said a smiling Jeff Craney, the Heat’s Vice President of Marketing.
In fact, during the first quarter of play, Rabbi Pinny, Chaim and Eli were invited onto center court for the incredible energy they brought to the arena that evening. The Chabad rabbis were recognized for the evening’s incredible success. McLean expressed how wonderful it was to witness the entire South Florida Jewish community coming together for such a joyous celebration and wonderful cause.
In addition to the nearly 20,000 in attendance, thousands more witnessed the public Chanukah celebration on the Heat’s official NBA TV broadcast and their live YouTube streaming seen worldwide.
Throughout the game, Miami Heat players offered Chanukah greetings. A custom-made video with a special holiday message was also shown for all in attendance.
The video message, inspired by the teachings of the Rebbe, encouraged unity and stressed the importance of adding light and acts of kindness during these especially dark times.
In addition to all the festive holiday activities that the Miami Heat offered its Jewish guests, the arena was literally aglow with Chanukah images and the colorful Jewish Heritage Night logo streaming on its screens and display boards.
The Heat TV announcers also often repeated at breaks their best wishes for a Happy Chanukah and reminded fans about it being Jewish Heritage Night and described the many festivities taking place, including the lighting of the menorah.
Among the evening’s treats for JHN guests was a prime-time basketball game. Students of the highly acclaimed TAG Academy in Cooper City, led by its Educational Director, Rabbi Zalmy Raksin were invited to play an eight-minute scrimmage just prior to the Heat-Bulls tipoff.
Also, select younger fans were thrilled to line the court to slap the Miami Heat players high-five as they entered the court and to stand beside them while Yoni Z belted out a spectacular rendition of the Star Spangled Banner.
To purchase a JHN t-shirt or for information on future events, visit JewishHeritageNight.com
I Spy Levi Plotkin! Hope youre having fun in your new Hometown! Your Sis.
Am Yisroel Chai
DJ Shia rocket the house
Yo ma boy
wow wow Yoni Z you fired up the people good job and everyone is having blast