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