Jewish American Heritage Month

Posted By admin on September 28, 2021

There have been many great Jewish baseball players throughout history, from Hall of Famers Sandy Koufax and Hank Greenberg to former Astros Brad Ausmus and Norm Miller.

On Oct. 3 at 5 p.m., Houstonians will have an opportunity to place themselves right next to greatness.

Temple Beth Torah is hosting a special virtual presentation with baseball enthusiast Greg Harris, who brought together dozens of Jewish baseball players for a special edition painting.

One lucky person will win a custom-made painting that includes the famous Jewish players, as well as their own likeness painted into the crowd right above Koufax, Greenberg and others.

Its a great gift for a Bar MItzvah, a grandchild or to honor someone who has passed away, Temple Beth Torah Rabbi Dan Gordon told the JHV. And, we are hoping it can be done in time for Chanukah.

There is no cost for the Zoom presentation, and one can purchase raffle tickets for the custom-made painting. All proceeds will go to Temple Beth Torah and its programming in Northeast Houston.

A winner will be announced during the presentation, although you dont need to be virtually in attendance to win.

During the presentation, Harris will tell in-depth and behind-the-scenes stories of how the painting came together, as well as details about the players themselves.

Its not just for your baseball nut, Harris told the JHV. These are good, human-interest stories about Jewish baseball players.

Harris, whose first job was as a peanut vendor at Wrigley Field in Chicago, has always had a passion for baseball. When he first came up with the idea to get all of the players on the painting, the task seemed like an uphill battle.

After working the proper channels and getting the approved licensing and player permissions, Harris commissioned artist Ron Lewis to paint the work of art in 2013.

The 24-inch-by-36-inch painting includes 26 current and former Jewish baseball players, along with nine prominent Jewish figures, including fans like Rob Reiner, Larry King and Billy Crystal. One thousand lithographs were made and personally autographed by most of the players.

Harris since has raised nearly half-a-million dollars for multiple charities through the works of art.

For Temple Beth Torah, the opportunity to hear Harris speak was a perfect match for a baseball-loving rabbi.

I certainly hope everyone will enjoy learning about the connection between Judaism and Jewish people and baseball, Rabbi Gordon said. People can look at role models in different ways. We can connect Jewish concepts of teamwork and sportsmanship to understand the connection.

Rabbi Gordon always has been a huge baseball fan, often combining his love of the game with Judaism. He has intertwined baseball in his sermons, as well as written essays showing the similarities in baseball and Judaism in the book, Whats Jewish About Americas Favorite National Pastime? published by Houstons Rabbi Judy Abrams, of blessed memory.

Rabbi Gordon grew up in Pittsburgh, a big fan of Roberto Clemente and the Pirates.

The first baseball game I ever attended was Roberto Clemente Night at Three Rivers Stadium on July 24, 1970, Rabbi Gordon said. Clemente was a role model for me, not only dedicating himself to the game he loved, but also helping people.

When Rabbi Gordon moved to Houston in 1990, he quickly converted to being an Astros fan. He also enjoyed following the careers of the Jewish players, both past and present.

When Rabbi Gordon heard about Harris getting all of the Jewish players together for the painting, it was an instant hit.

Ive always loved to bring my two loves of baseball and Judaism together, Rabbi Gordon said. Everyone knows Im a big baseball fan and I just think this would be great for our synagogue.

To join the Zoom and/or purchase a raffle ticket for the custom-made painting, visit temple-beth-torah.org/just-in-time-for-the-baseball-playoffs/ or email [emailprotected].

Read the original here:

Temple Beth Torah raffling off custom-made Jewish baseball painting that can include you in the crowd - Jewish Herald-Voice

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