Blazer Media Group - Los Angeles

Started in 1998 by Phil Blazer and Blazer Communications to celebrate Israel’s 50th birthday at venues all over the country, Jewish Community Day at Dodger Stadium has now become a Los Angeles tradition. This is the eighth consecutive year Blazer Communications and the Dodgers have welcomed the Jewish communities of Los An-geles to Dodger Stadium. Every year awards or dedications are given to people who contribute to the Jewish community.

Jewish Community Day at Dodger Stadium on July 17, 2005

With American and Israeli flags behind him, Phil Blazer kicked off the game by welcoming the fans in attendance. A video presentation on the big screen— Dodger Vision—depicted many Jewish Major League players with Mandy Patinkin singing Take Me Out To The Ballgame in Yiddish. From the first professional and Jewish baseball player, Lippman Pike, to Sandy Koufax to Shawn Green, many Jewish ball players were honored in the pre-game dedication ceremony. The crowd cheered for many of those recognizable players who have paved the way for Jewish athletes throughout baseball’s history.

Blazer Communications and The Jewish News—in an effort to salute other local Jewish community patrons—introduced some of them to the fans as honorees. These included Alan Stock, Jim Small and Debbie Love of Ralphs Grocery Company, Barry Rosenbaum from Empire Kosher Meats, entertainer Lainie Kazan, Bob Hirsch from the Jewish Home for the Aging, Lynda Oshin of Cedars-Sinai, Mike Johnson from KSUR radio, Barry Schreiber of CECI, Barry Schoenbrun of the Synagogue Softball League, David Frank of JNF, Gail Bershon of AMIT, Laurie Konheim, Campaign Chair for the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles, and Stanley Black, community leader and representative from Vista Del Mar.

Capping the pre-game ceremony was the presentation of the 2005 Jewish Community Service Award given to the Ralphs Grocery Company by Phil Blazer and The Los Angeles Jewish News. The award was given to Ralphs for their extraordinary creativity and commitment. Alan Stock accepted the award on Ralphs’ behalf.

Lainie Kazan then presented an emotional and moving a cappella rendition of God Bless America and The Star Spangled Banner.

Providing the kosher eats was Rabbi Aaron Parry, who has set up a kosher concession stand at Dodger Stadium a few days each season since 2000.

The Dodgers put up a valiant fight against third place San Francisco Giants, but lost only in the final inning when they gave up a three-run home run, thus losing 4-1. The sold-out game proved to be a success and was a welcomed respite from the daily world news. It was definitely not your average day at the park!