This year’s Jewish Heritage Night at the Phillies will kickoff with an Israel festival before the game begins.
Join the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia for a celebratory double header on Tuesday, May 12, at Citizens Bank Park for Jewish Federation’s fourth annual Jewish Heritage Night at the Phillies. What makes this year’s event unique is that it will also celebrate Israel’s 67th year of independence with an Israel festival before the game begins.
Israel’s Independence Day, Yom Ha’atzmaut in Hebrew, which falls officially on April 23 this year, is celebrated as a way to support one of the United States’ strongest allies and to honor freedom and democracy throughout the world.
“This year, we are excited to combine two Jewish Federation ‘traditions’ — our love of Israel and our love of Phillies baseball,” said Jeri Zimmerman, director of Jewish Federation’s Center for Israel and Overseas. “We are delighted to celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut once again with an Israel festival and to mark this happy occasion for Israel and our local Jewish community. We look forward to honoring Israel 67 at Jewish Heritage Night festivities at the Phillies.”
The free festival will begin at 4:30 p.m. along Citizens Bank Way and will feature activities that the whole family can enjoy together. Maccabi athletes will demonstrate martial arts and fencing; all former Maccabi athletes are invited to wear their uniform or medal for a special gift.
What would an Israeli celebration be without music and dancing? Israeli-style music will be provided by DJ Adam Weitz from A-Sharp Productions and the band Atzilut, a 10-member, Middle Eastern ensemble featuring local Jewish and Arab musicians who will be performing live. The Team Philadelphia JCC Maccabi dance team will also perform, and Darcy Grabenstein will lead Israeli dancing for everyone.
In the spirit of Jewish community, the Jewish Federation has invited camps, youth groups and other organizations to participate in interactive sporting fun, including gaga (Israeli-inspired dodgeball), a basketball free-throw contest, a baseball pitching game, a beanbag toss and mini golf, as well as arts and crafts like creating tzedakah boxes, Israel-themed frames and Jewish Star dreamcatchers.
Children can also try their hand at building an Israeli flag out of K’NEX construction toys. Plus, marvel at the Give and Take Jugglers, have your face painted or get a henna tattoo! Share all your amazing experiences with your friends and family by taking free commemorative photos via our TapSnap booth. And did we mention that we’ll be giving away free Star of David soft pretzels?
At 7:05 p.m., the Israel Festival draws to a close and the ball game begins! Watch the Philadelphia Phillies take on the Pittsburgh Pirates and nosh on kosher food available for purchase while you enjoy the game.
Order your discounted, pavilion-level tickets now. The first 500 people to order will receive a coupon for a limited-edition Phillies mezuzah case.
For more information about Jewish Heritage Night or to order individual or group tickets, visit: jewishphilly.org/phillies. Find us on social media at: #JHNJewishPhilly.
