It Was Zo Amazing!
Miami’s Chanukah Heat Is Definitely On
by Joseph Meisels
Chanukah, the festival of miracles witnessed an extraordinary event with record shattering numbers and milestones at American Airlines Arena where the Miami Heat played the Toronto Raptors.
Jewish Heritage Night turned out by far to be the largest single group to hold an event at a Heat game. Highlighting the celebration was an electrifying half time show when more than 5000 fans packed the arena’s East Plaza for a menorah lighting ceremony with Miami Heat’s all-time great center and ambassador, Alonzo Morning, the Lubavitch Boys Choir and the rocking beats of hot new Jewish band, “8th Day.”
As the large crowd swarmed outside for the Chanukah festivities, those choosing to remain in their seats were able to view the entire half time show via live feed on the jumbo scoreboard.
“The energy was incredible”, said Jewish Heritage Night co-organizer, Rabbi Pinny Andrusier representing the more than 150 Chabad Centers of Florida co-sponsoring the event.
After the kindling of the giant menorah, Rabbi Chaim Lipskar presented Alonzo, more commonly referred to as “Zo”, with a beautiful handcrafted basketball menorah in appreciation of the Heat recognizing Florida’s large Jewish community with a special evening.
Upon accepting the unique gift, Zo remarked, “It’s my pleasure to be here. It’s a wonderful night, you guys do great work & I can see by the special menorah you guys are very creative.”
Rabbi Alex Kaller commented how Jewish Heritage Night turned out to be a spectacular family fun Chanukah celebration for everyone. “Parents keep on thanking us for creating such a thrilling time for their kids”, said Kaller.
All fans upon entry to the arena received a free custom Jewish Heritage Night t-shirt, Chanukah gift pack and program. Just prior to the NBA stars taking the court for the start of the game, a pre game 5 on 5 showdown featuring local Chabad rabbis took place. The crowd cheered as the black jerseyed Chanukah Heat scrimmaged with the tzitzis flailing, white shirted ChabadKnicks. Fans received a special surprise when the Jewish Jordan, Tamir Goodman stepped on the court. Recruited by Maryland and featured on ESPN, Sports Illustrated and sports media worldwide, Tamir also helped light the Chanukah candles at half time. The star Jewish player, representing his Israeli Maccabe Haifa basketball team, is in town to run special basketball clinics for kids and teens.
JHN children were then selected to form a Fan Tunnel on center court for the Heat and Raptors players to run through as they entered play. Andrew Pearl, 8, of Hollywood got to greet his favorite players. “That was awesome!” said Andrew. “I can’t believe I just stood on the same court with Dwyane Wade and gave him a high five.”
“I attend most games,” said season ticket holder Annette Daiagi of Hallandale. To see the arena packed with Jewish Heritage fans waving Happy Chanukah signs is remarkable. I really am filled with Jewish pride. I hope this becomes an annual event. Chabad did a terrific job organizing this.”
Throughout the game, arena DJ Irie pumped up the crowd playing Jewish & Chanukah tunes like Am Yisroel Chai. Everyone jumped to their feet cheering for Burnie the mascot as he led a Jewish Heritage toss of 200 t-shirts into the exuberant crowd. Colorful Chanukah greetings constantly scrolled across the giant Heat scoreboard along with scenes of Judah Maccabe in costume dancing and celebrating with Jewish Heritage Fans.
The East Plaza decked with Chanukah decor and bright colored menorahs also featured a food court where for the very first time Glatt Kosher food was made available at American Airlines Arena.
At the half time menorah lighting ceremony, 7-foot Alonzo Morning and the giant menorah both towered over everyone else on stage. Chabad of Florida’s Regional Director, Rabbi Abraham Korf who was honored with kindling the Chanukah candelabra, marveled at Alonzo’s height. “He wouldn’t need a ladder to light the menorah,” he quipped.
Rabbi Korf compared basketball and Chanukah. “Both holidays are about giants.” Korf said. “Basketball is filled with physical giants; Chanukah is all about spiritual giants. “The eight day Festival of Lights encourages people of all faiths to become spiritual giants by heeding the call of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Schneerson, to add in random acts of goodness and kindness, and thereby usher in a world that is illuminated with peace, prosperity, and goodwill amongst all people.”
Jewish Heritage Night concluded on a fun note with the Heat clobbering the Raptors by 20 points and every fan having a chance to shoot a Free Throw as Jewish music filled the arena.
In his Chanukah message to the overflowing crowd, Rabbi Pinny offered, “May the warmth and “Heat” of the Chanukah candles lead us to the ultimate Redemption of true and everlasting peace throughout the entire world with Moshiach Now and the rekindling of the Menorah in the Holy Temple.”
The thousands of exhilarated men, women and children in attendance, gave a large applause and cheered loudly in total agreement.
