Get ready for a night of champions, camaraderie, and giving back! The 6th Annual Sports Night of Champions is almost here. It will be an extraordinary event that unites Jewish athletic icons, local legends, and our incredible community to celebrate the profound impact of Jewish athletes in the world of sports. This fun family night has a meaningful purposeāto give back and make a real impact in our community.
Jerry Izenberg’s sports writing career with the Newark Star-Ledger spanned seven decades, during which he covered the first 43 Super Bowls, 58 Kentucky Derbies, numerous Olympics, World Cups and boxing matches. His memoir, one of 17 books he authored, is entitled “Baseball, Nazis, and Nedick’s Hot Dogs: Growing Up Jewish in the 1930s in Newark”
From Paramus, NJ,Ā Galit Chait MoracciĀ represented Israel from 1995-2006 as a competitive ice dance, winning the bronze medal at the 2002 World Championships. The flag bearer for Israel at the 2002 and 2006 Winter Olympics, she has also served as the head coach of the Israeli figure skating team.
Morris āMoeā Berg.Ā Raised in Newark NJ and known as āthe brainiest guy in baseball,ā Moe Berg played catcher for MLB teams including Brooklyn Robins and the Washington Senators from 1923-1939. After finishing his baseball career, he served as an OSS spy in Europe during World War II and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Since the founding of theĀ New Jersey Jewish Sports Hall of FameĀ in 2019, the event has also featured the induction ceremony of three classes of prominent leaders and athletic standouts with a connection to the state. Thanks to the generosity of our community, this event has raised over $750,000 for scholarships at the JCC since its inception.
In addition to the Hall of Fame ceremony, the eveningās festivities include:
The Community Response Campaign: Times like these are, quite simply, why a Jewish Community Center exists. The Community Response Campaign helps our JCC open its doors to cultivate community, offer assistance, and reinforce security measures to ensure a safe haven for all.
Kaplen JCC Programs: These programs are the backbone of our community, fostering connections, empowerment, and support. The funds raised will nurture initiatives like Heart to Heart – a program specially crafted to address the needs of the displaced Israeli families in our community.
Legacy of Excellence: Witness the prestigious induction ceremony of the New Jersey Jewish Sprots Hall of Fame, showcasing the talents of exceptional leaders and athletic standouts.
Joseph Taub Scholar Athlete Awards: Be part of the ceremony as we honor two outstanding high school seniors from Bergen County with the Joseph Taub Scholar Athlete Awards. These young athletes, recognized for their excellence in sports, academics, and community involvement, will each receive a $10,000 college scholarship.
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to come together as a community, celebrate excellence, and make a positive impact. Become a sponsor, a journal ad or purchase tickets via the button below! Join us for a night to remember!