Rabbi’s Blessing Credited for Heat’s Blowout Victory

Chanukah, the Festival of Lights commenced on Wednesday evening, December 1 with thousands of men, women & children tapping into the joyous holiday spirit at the American Airlines Arena in Miami where the Miami Heat played the Detroit Pistons.

In addition to the scheduled NBA basketball game featuring all stars Lebron James and Dwyane Wade, the evening was also recognized by the Miami Heat as Jewish Heritage Night with an array of festivities planned for members of the Jewish faith.

In fact, as fans strolled into the arena, they were welcomed by a costumed Judah Maccabe and “Burnie”, the team’s colorful mascot who donned a Kippa and Tzitzis, the traditional skullcap and fringed garment. As Burnie strode through the arena and danced on court throughout the night, his strings swayed back and forth in rhythm to the Jewish music being played on the loudspeaker for all fans to enjoy.

As the players warmed up on prior to the game, they were amused too see an orange eight foot giant Menorah placed on center court. Rabbi Cantor Yossi Lebovics, Principal of Chaya Aidel Seminary Women’s College in Hallandale then belted out the holiday blessings to the delight of the crowd. Lebovics would soon be called upon to sing the National Anthem, which he did so masterfully.

It was the first time in history for a rabbi to sing the anthem at a major sporting event and the loud applause he received in conclusion was breathtaking.

“He was absolutely amazing,” said Debbie Mathews of Cooper City. “What an incredible voice.”

The Menorah lighting ceremony was followed by ten local Chabad rabbis being divided into two teams for an eight minute scrimmage of their own. One team wore the custom Jewish Heritage t-shirts handed out to all fans as they entered the arena. The second squad wore black Heat jerseys with each rabbi’s name emblazoned on the back.

Also before tipoff, event organizers and Chabad Rabbis Pinny Andrusier of Cooper City, Alex Kaller of Sunny Isles and Chaim and Eli Lipskar of Downtown Miami, together with the evening’s main sponsors, philanthropist Mr. Guma Aguiar, Mr. Chen Tal of DrinkWatermatic.com and Mr. Craig Zinn of Craig Zinn Automotive Group were invited to center court in recognition of their fine efforts and success.

Lipskar pointed out that last year Jewish Heritage Night was the largest single group to ever hold an event at an NBA game and this year’s event attracted a much bigger response.

For the half time show, an overflowing crowd of nearly 7,000 made their way onto the outside concourse of the East Plaza for a Grand Menorah Lighting Ceremony and concert. For those fans wishing to remain in their seats they were able to watch the ceremony on the giant scoreboard. Overall, 19,600 people were on hand to watch the Heat clobber the Pistons 97-72 and enjoy the Jewish Heritage Night festivities.

Heat all-time great, Alonzo Mourning joined Guma Aguiar in the lighting of the central candle, also known as the Shamash while the blessings were sung by the Hebrew Academy Choir of Margate. Mr. Sammy Schulman, CFO of the Miami Heat was then honored with kindling the first night’s flame.

Dr. Laz & the Sensations, a band comprised of special needs children, followed with a Chanukah rap and Jewish songs that excited the guests. As Burnie and several rabbis danced wildly on stage, the crowd below roared with cheers and sang along.

Jewish Heritage Night also received special mention from the Heat’s TV broadcasters Eric Reed and Tony Fiorentino. As the game was winding down in the 4th quarter, Reed informed the fans watching at home that it was Jewish Heritage Night and beautiful to see the many thousands of fans sporting the heritage t-shirts.

Reed explained that before the game he asked Rabbi Pinny for a blessing for the Heat and received his very own t-shirt. So Fiorentino quips, “You took the shirt and not the blessing?” To which Reed responded, “Coach, the Heat are up by over 30 points, of course I got the blessing! And it’s working!”

While doubters might want to credit Lebron and Wade for the blowout victory, Rabbi Kaller warns not to take lightly the power of the rabbi’s blessings. “Last year while the Heat were mired in a losing streak, they beat Toronto by 20 points and tonight they pounced Detroit by 25. I don’t think it’s a coincidence.”

Kaller added, “When the Heat catch on, they might want to make every game Jewish Heritage Night.”