Inspired by what he read and heard about the success of Jewish community events at professional sporting events in a number of other United States cities, in 2001 Rabbi James Gordon introduced this concept to the Chicago professional sports and Jewish communities when he collaborated with the Chicago Bulls to create Jewish Community Night on December 22, 2001. The model that Rabbi Gordon created seeks to bring the Jewish community together through group outings to professional (& college) sports games/events, featuring an enjoyable presentation by a sports figure and Jewish community leader, which creatively ties Jewish ethical considerations to sports. These events provide a means of introduction to other TSI programs, as well as a supplementary activity for youth and families already utilizing the TSVS curriculum.
Since the “piloting” of the Jewish Community Night with the Chicago Bulls, Rabbi Gordon has worked with the Chicago Rush of the Arena Football League (2006, ’07 & ’08) and the Chicago Sky of the Women’s National Basketball Association (2007) in assisting and guiding them in the creation of their respective Jewish Community Days and Jewish Family Night.
It is TSI’s hope that each sports organization it engages the interest of, will continue to utilize its model in providing these events on a regular basis. Future program development will focus on introducing the concept to additional Chicago professional & college) teams in all major sports to create and implement these enjoyable, educational, family and community events.
Attached you will find a sampling of promotional fliers and support materials, highlighting events with the Chicago Bulls, Chicago Rush, and Chicago Sky organizations. Click on text for a larger image.
