DECEMBER 26 • 2024 | 33

so many family members, friends and
teammates attended the event. I was
emotional and truly appreciative of
the entire night. The ceremony was
emotional for me but also a ton of
fun.”
Of all the accomplishments on
your Pillars of Excellence resume,
which are you most proud of?
“When I made my first U.S. bas-
ketball team (for the Maccabiah
Games in Israel), I never imagined
that my career on the national team
would span three decades. Holding
the records for most games played,
most assists and most points scored
for all U.S. basketball players who
have ever played in the Maccabiah
Games or been named to a Jewish
national team — those records are
my proudest accomplishments. I’m
also truly grateful and proud to have
been a gritty and tough teammate
while serving as the U.S. team captain
or co-captain nine times in 13 global
tournaments.”
What is something people may
not know about you?
“As much as I love competing in
sports, my day-to-day life includes a
wide and crazy circle of friends and
includes my loving family. Being
‘present’ and connected to my circle is
what’s truly important ... and the fact
that my daughter knows she has me
wrapped around her finger.”

NAME: Steve Matz
AGE: 72
HOMETOWN: Franklin
OCCUPATION: Attorney
HIGH SCHOOL/COLLEGE:
Southfield High School; University
of Michigan; George Washington
University.
FAMILY MEMBERS: Wife, Sandi;
children Jared, 43, Danny, 40, Rachel,
37; four grandsons.
What are your thoughts on being
named a Pillars of Excellence recip-
ient?
“I have the upmost respect for
those who came before me and those
with whom I was inducted. My
father was a proud supporter of the
Michigan Jewish Sports Foundation. I
know he would have been thrilled to
see me inducted.”
Of all the accomplishments on

your Pillars of Excellence resume,
which are you most proud of?
“After every mountain climb and
sea kayak adventure, I’ve returned
healthy, happy, and looking forward
to the next adventure.”
What is something people may
not know about you?
“I play percussion in jazz and rock
bands. Most recently, my jazz band
played at Baker’s Keyboard Lounge as
well as Aretha’s Jazz Cafe at the Music
Hall.”

NAME: Mort Plotnick
AGE: 88
HOMETOWN: West Bloomfield
OCCUPATION: Consultant for
the Jewish Community Center of
Metropolitan Detroit (now The J).
HIGH SCHOOL/COLLEGE: Detroit
Central High School; Wayne State
University; Michigan State University.
FAMILY MEMBERS: Wife, Judie;
children Suzy Lederman and Danny
Plotnick; stepchildren Michael and
Stephen Sandweiss; seven grandchil-
dren.
What are your thoughts on being
named a Pillars of Excellence recip-
ient?
“I was honored.”
Of all the accomplishments on
your Pillars of Excellence resume,
which are you most proud of?
“My role in creating the JCC
Maccabi Games and involving JCCs
around the country. The Maccabi
Games use sports to bring people
together. The community celebrates
the wonderful values of volunteerism
and sportsmanship and of course
Jewish values. The event touches
many Jewish lives in many ways.”
What is something people may
not know about you?
“How committed I am to Jewish
causes, and how much I care for
my family and extended family. I
also love fixing things electrical and
mechanical, and I’ve made jewelry.
I’ve always desired to help and give
and organize. I’ve never been a taker.
I was born in Palestine. I think I’m
pretty much an open book.”


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