I
n an evening dedicated to
bringing the Jewish com-
munity and sports togeth-
er, the Detroit Pistons game
on March 27, against the New
York Knicks at Little Caesars
Arena, was one of the first of
many Jewish Heritage Game
nights.
Nikki Wald, group sales
executive with the Pistons,
says they often host heritage
nights that have included
“Celebrate Faith for Christian
and Catholic communities,
French Heritage Day and
German etc.,” she said. As
someone of the Jewish faith,
she wondered if there had ever
been a Jewish Heritage Game
night.
“There were some excuses
here and there, but basical-
ly none of the excuses were
valid. And so, I said, okay…
I’m going to make it happen.”
Nikki then began to put
out feelers in the Jewish com-
munity and connected with
Marisa Meyerson, director of
operations of The Well. The
Metro Detroit-based Jewish
organization then partnered
with several others, including
NEXTGen Detroit, Hillel of
Metro Detroit, Jewish Young
Professionals of Ann Arbor
and more.
“I reached out personally to
different synagogues around the
community, a couple of youth
groups, so on so forth, and real-
ly just got the ball rolling. After
that, it kind of took on a life of
its own,
” Nikki said.
Due to their efforts and sup-
port from the Metro Detroit
Jewish community, they had
a successful event with more
than 400 people throughout
the community coming out.
Happy with the turnout
Nikki says there were some
difficulties in the beginning.
“There was so much
behind-the-scenes work that
went into it. The difficulty that
was tough to overcome was
getting kosher food. I know
that not all in the Jewish com-
munity keep kosher and for
those who do there’s different
levels of kosher,” explained
Nikki, who succeeded in her
goal to have kosher foods
available at the game.
Nikki hopes to have more
Jewish Heritage Game nights,
even bigger and better next
time. “This was definitely
the foundation of what we’re
hoping to build on next year.
We are hoping to schedule
it around Chanukah time so
that we can incorporate the
celebration of lights and really
connect that to the game,” she
added.
FROM TOP: Participants Nicole Gudeman, Brooke Bain, Lindsay
Ishbia, Lindsey Eisenshtadt and Nikki Ishbia enjoy the game togeth-
er. Carlee Meyers takes her shot on the court after the game. The
Pistons Jewish Heritage Game was the perfect setting for reuniting
with old friends and making new ones. The Well and Jewish Young
Professionals of Ann Arbor were welcomed to the game on the big
screen. (Followed by a slide welcoming NEXTGen Detroit and Hillel of
Metro Detroit.)
Detroit Pistons home game brings
hundreds of Jewish people together.
Jewish
Heritage Game
RACHEL SWEET ASSOCIATE EDITOR
70 | APRIL 14 • 2022
NEXT DOR
VOICE OF THE NEW
JEWISH GENERATION
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE WELL