Cleveland Cavaliers Special Section

June 24, 2016

CJN.ORG | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | 27

A Cleveland Jewish News

Special Section

Illustration by Stephen Valentine

28 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG

JUNE 24, 2016

Congratulations CAVS! In 1969, this 6 oz. jar sold for 19¢!

47

TH

ANNIVERSARY We all grew up on Stadium Mustard!

A Cleveland tradition & true winner along with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

From the Richfield Coliseum to the Gund Arena to the Quicken Loans Arena, fans have enjoyed Stadium Mustard.

It all began at the Cleveland Municipal Stadium. Everyone remembers their first game and the delicious taste of Stadium Mustard on their hot dogs!

Stadium Mustard – part of Cleveland’s sports history!

Available in local food stores for 47 years.

Thank you from the Davis Food Co. www.StadiumMustard.com

CHAMPIONS

Read more CAVALIERS news at cjn.org/cavs

Championship unites a city LES LEVINE

S

llevine@cjn.org

ometime during the Cleveland Cavaliers’ NBA Finals run, LeBron James was asked if he felt pressure to lift the curse from the Cleveland sports fans. Even though he grew up in Akron, he claimed he didn’t know too much of the history involved.

When he was growing up, he was a New York Yankee fan in baseball, and a Dallas Cowboy fan in football. I don’t know if he ever had a favorite NBA team, but it certainly was not the Cleveland Cavaliers. He either took a crash course in Cleveland sports history or he was, for some reason, deflecting the questions when he was asked about the curse as he was getting close to putting an end to it.

After the Cavaliers won the first title in this town in 52 years, he cited John Elway’s “Drive,” Earnest Byner’s fumble and Jose Mesa’s blown save in Game 7 of the 1997 World Series.

Whether he actually knew the history or not, and common sense tells you he does, because he is a student of NBA history, let me tell him what the breaking of the curse means. It means we absolve Brian Sipe, the 1980 NFL MVP, for his errant pass in the game known as “Red Right 88.”

Earnest Byner, who came across better than any player in the ESPN 30 For 30 production of “Believeland,” can be excused for his role in “The Fumble,” especially because of the outstanding performance in the game as it led to the untimely turnover near the Denver goal line. Craig Ehlo, who tried desperately to defend “The Shot”

by Michael Jordan, gets a pass also, as people forget that he scored the go-ahead basket with three seconds remaining in the game. Indians’ fans may not agree, but we can put to rest Mesa’s blown save, although maybe he can be replaced on the cursed list by second baseman Tony Fernandez, who committed an error on a routine ground ball, which set up a run by the Florida Marlins to win the World Series.

We clearly pay way too much attention to the world of sports in this city, and we may be guilty of wallowing in the negativity that our lack of success brings out. But if you have been out of your house this week, you clearly noticed people were much more friendly, and it started with the incredible turnout downtown at the watch party when the Cavaliers played Game 7 in Oakland.

Person after person told me stories about hugging and high-fiving strangers. Cars driving downtown after the June 93-89 victory over Golden State June 19 traveled, slowly, as if they were conquering heroes, which, in a sense, they were. The best part is there was no report of broken windows, looting, overturned cars, or fights, as you hear about in other cities. The most asked question was “What do we do now.” A famous sports quote, attributed to several coaches and observers, involving the actions of players is “Act like you have been there before.” That was impossible last Sunday. Unless you are over 60, you haven’t been there before.

It was Father Day, and I did the radio postgame show on 92.3 The Fan. My son, Jeremy, came downtown and we watched the first half together. I left for the studio at halftime, and he stuck around to feel the great atmosphere of the moment. He joined me at about 12:30. We had a “Kodak moment.”

It doesn’t get better than that.

Read Les Levine online at cjn.org/Levine.

Follow Les at Facebook.com/ClevelandJewishNews or on Twitter at @LesLevine.

Montefiore celebrates championship season

Thelma Jaffee, from left, Seth Vilensky CEO and president of Montefiore, Debbie Gurgal and Eileen Thompson show off a championship banner during a parade June 21 on its Beachwood campus. | CJN Photo / Zach Shafron, Irving I. Stone Editorial Intern

Champions

CJN.ORG | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | 29

June 24, 2016

Gilbert goes ‘all in’ to bring Cavs, city elusive crown JONAH L. ROSENBLUM | STAFF REPORTER jrosenblum@cjn.org Dan Gilbert, a resident of Franklin, Mich., might be Detroit first, but Cleveland was all the Cavaliers majority owner would talk about following the city’s first professional sports championship in 52 years.

The founder and chairman of Quicken Loans was giddy when speaking with reporters after the Cavaliers’ 93-89 win over the Golden State Warriors in game 7 June 19.

“To Hell with that curse if you ask me,” he told Fox 8’s John Telich.

“God loves Cleveland,” he told both Telich and ESPN’s Doris Burke.

“God loves Cleveland” wasn’t exactly the theme of more than a half-century of Cleveland sports – and heartbreak – but Gilbert seems to live on turnaround stories.

In Detroit, Gilbert is heavily active in trying to build up the city, whether it’s co-chairing the city’s Blight Removal Task Force, being vice chair of a new light rail initiative downtown or spending more than $2 billion renovating commercial properties in Detroit.

He’s also “all in” for Cleveland, including being part of the ownership group of the JACK Cleveland Casino, as well as owning the Cleveland Gladiators, Lake Erie Monsters and Cavaliers. The Monsters and Cavaliers have both won their respective leagues, just a week apart.

Gilbert said that the city has touched him. He told Telich that he has received a number of letters and emails over the years from people telling him about their parents, grandparents and great-grandparents.

“The people of Cleveland deserve this more than any people I’ve ever seen or met or felt, and thank God that God loves Cleveland, Ohio,” Gilbert told Burke.

The Cavaliers’ nailbiter to win the 201516 NBA Finals tested his nerves.

Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit.

Jeff Cohen, Cavaliers’ vice chairman, Rock Companies founder and Rock Gaming LLC principal, has served on the federation’s board.

According to Forbes, Gilbert has a realtime net worth of $5 billion as of June 20.

Quicken Loans recently rolled out Rocket Mortgages, a web and smartphone app to speed the mortgage approval process.

He also is founder and chairman of Rock

Open Sunday, June 26th, 1pm-4pm 120 Sterncrest Dr., Moreland Hills Beautiful 4 acre wooded lot hosts this 5,500+ sq ft colonial offering spacious rooms, 1st floor master wing, 3 car garage. Adjoins Chagrin Valley CC. Exceptional Value. $725,000

Cleveland Cavaliers majority owner Dan Gilbert talks about the 2015 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena. | CJN Photo / Bob Jacob

“I’m surprised I’m still here,” Gilbert told Telich. “I was dying, man. It was just like everybody else the last couple of minutes, but, man, God loves Cleveland still.

That’s all I’ve got to say.”

As for the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player, LeBron James, whom Gilbert famously blasted when the superstar decided to leave Cleveland for South Beach, Gilbert told Telich he was glad James decided to come back. Gilbert flew down personally to try to entice James – a trip that turned out very successfully.

“I think that one worked out,” Gilbert told Telich.

Gilbert, a member of Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Mich., is involved in a number of Jewish causes. He and his wife, Jennifer, are longtime donors, supporters and volunteers with ORT, a Jewish organization working toward international education. Jennifer is also a staff person on the Israel and overseas committee for the

Congratulations to the Cavaliers & Thank You for a Great Season!

Call me for all of your real estate needs.

Janice Carson 440.622.8181 • janicecarson@howardhanna.com

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR

CLEVELAND CAVALIERS NBA CHAMPIONS!!!!! “ A CHAMPION TEAM WILL ALWAYS BEAT A TEAM OF CHAMPIONS.” - John McGrath

Gilbert opened wallet for luxury tax Cleveland Cavaliers majority owner Dan Gilbert always has shown his dedication to the franchise. It became quite clear this past offseason when he pledged millions of additional luxury tax dollars to re-sign the best players for this successful championship run.

The luxury tax is an additional penalty for each dollar spent over the salary cap limit. It is only applicable to re-signing players, encouraging them to stay on the same team but costing the ownership much more to keep them.

Gilbert spent $175.6 million dollars total ($69.6 million luxury tax) on payroll

Ventures, which encapsulates his various business and real estate investments and employs more than 25,000.

Still, for all he is invested in, the Cavaliers are a big one, as the team led the National Basketball Association with a payroll of over $105 million, more than $10 million above that of any other team.

Gilbert became majority owner in March 2005.

this season with the salary cap set at $70 million. The Cavs were $35 million over the cap, resulting in the massive tax.

• Power forward Tristan Thompson held out from signing a contract until the end of last summer. His $14.2 million dollar 2015-16 salary had been paid in all luxurytaxed money.

• The Cavs already committed to LeBron James for $23 million, Kevin Love for $19.5 million and Kyrie Irving for $14.7 million.

– Compiled by Zach Shafron, Irving I. Stone Editorial Intern

CLASSIC

Visit our Dealership

Meet our Team!

Complimentary Valet and Loaner Program and Complimentary Car Washes for All Classic Lexus Customers

2551 SOM Center Rd. in Willoughby Hills • 440.975.1222 ClassicLexus.com

30 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG

June 24, 2016

2016 / 5776

Gilbert thanks city, crowd, team – and even some rabbis Kristen Mott | CJN Staff Reporter kmott@cjn.org

T

Michael C. Butz | CJPC Lifestyles Editor mbutz@cjn.org

he 18 days during which the NBA Finals unfolded were an emotional roller coaster for Cavaliers fans, and by extension, much of Northeast Ohio.

Emotional lows experienced early on as Cleveland fell behind three games to one in a seven-game series were replaced by highs as the team overcame seemingly insurmountable odds to defeat the defending champion Golden State Warriors.

Led by desirous and tenacious majority owner Dan Gilbert, the Cavs became the first team in NBA history to overcome a 3-1 deficit in the NBA Finals, and more importantly, the first team to deliver Cleveland’s diehard fans their first major professional sports championship in 52 years.

Talk about an emotional high. Or perhaps in this case, the life breathed into the region by the Cavs’ series-clinching win June 19 is better described as chai.

And in addition to having megawatt superstar LeBron James on his team, Gilbert had even more powerful forces behind him and his team: Cleveland’s Jewish community.

“There are a couple of rabbis in Cleveland that sent me emails who said they were going to do some prayers during the Finals, so I’m at least giving them partial credit for it, for sure,” Gilbert told the Cleveland Jewish News during a pause in the parade.

The celebrations that started the other night culminated June 22, when a championship parade involving about 60 floats coursed through downtown Cleveland.

Starting at Quicken Loans Arena, the parade – featuring Cavs players, team officials and local dignitaries – parted a sea of about 1.3 million spectators and revelers, who frequently and spontaneously chanted, “Let’s go Cavs!”

The celebration ended with a rally on Mall B, where Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish led those gathered in a moment of silence in recognition of the passing of the 52-year “Cleveland curse.”

“We are forever grateful you made us all champions,” said Budish, referring to the team.

When Gilbert took the stage, he thanked his business partners for their dedication, and said seeing the support for the franchise, which he bought 11 years ago, during the parade was “overwhelming.”

“Every one of our guys, coaches and front-office staff were in it for the fans and people of Northeast Ohio,” Gilbert told the crowd. “It fueled every single thing they talked about and did.”

He also singled out James, who returned to the Cavs in 2014 after famously taking his talent to South Beach to play for the Miami Heat in 2010. James, an Akron native, won two NBA championships in Miami but left

many Cleveland fans feeling jilted in the process.

“We wouldn’t be here if our leader and hometown MVP had not come back to the state and did what he promised to do,” Gilbert said.

The Cavs 2015-16 season was marked by emotional highs and lows. Despite finishing with the best record in the Eastern Conference, reported turmoil in the locker room led to questions surrounding team chemistry – and to the eventual firing of head coach David Blatt, who was replaced by then-assistant Tyronn Lue. When he was hired by the Cavs in 2014, Blatt became the first Israeli coach to become an NBA head coach, and during the 2014-15 season, he led the team to the NBA Finals before an injury-riddled roster eventually fell to the Warriors. June 20, the day after the Cavs won the 2015-16 title, marked two years since the Cavs hired Blatt.

Despite this season’s reported turmoil, however, the Cavs reached the NBA Playoffs. The first three rounds of the postseason went relatively smoothly as Cleveland powered past the Detroit Pistons and soared over the Atlanta Hawks, sweeping both seven-game series, 4-0. They then clawed past the Toronto Raptors, 4-2, to reach the NBA Finals.

Parade participation Among the fans present was Michael Butler, a former University Heights resident who moved to New Jersey eight years ago.

Butler drove nearly seven hours to make it to Cleveland in time for the parade.

“It’s been a lifelong dream of mine to attend a parade for a Cleveland sports win,” he said.

A self-proclaimed diehard Cleveland sports fan, Butler said he cried after the Cavs’ 93-89 win over the Warriors.

“For me personally it gives me just a lot of pride,” he said. “Being a Clevelander, like every other Clevelander we’re very proud of where we grew up and where we live and how we grew up. The one thing we were always lacking was a Cleveland sports championship.

“For the city, I think it’s unexplainable what it will do. I think it will erase a lot of bad memories.”

Butler watched the parade June 22 with his brother and sister-in-law, Todd and Heather Butler of University Heights, and his mother, Sylvia Butler of Lyndhurst.

“It’s important for me to attend the parade because we haven’t won anything in 52 years,” Sylvia Butler said. “I’m 68 years old and I’ve never been able to appreciate such a wonderful experience of being able to go downtown. It’s all about Cleveland and how everybody is responding to the win and how

Susan Licate, from left, and Gia Slogar, both of Mentor; Sue Krantz, of Solon and a Temple Emanu El member; and Gabe Adler, of Beachwood and a B’nai Jeshurun Congregation member, all eagerly anticipate the beginning of the Cavs championship parade June 22 in downtown Cleveland. | CJN Photo / Mike Butz

Solon residents Douglas Rich, from left, a Park Synagogue member; Randi, Mike and Noah Sussman, members of The Temple-Tifereth Israel; Noah Baerson, a B’nai Jeshurun Congregation member; and Jarett Freeman, a Park Synagogue member, enjoy the crowd environment in the hours before the Cavs championship parade started June 22 in downtown Cleveland.

everybody is brought together all as one.”

Sylvia Butler said watching Game 7 was an “overwhelming experience.”

“I was out of town watching the game in a hotel room,” she said. “I was yelling so loud that I was told to keep quiet because I was waking everybody up. It was the most exciting thing I’ve ever gone through.”

Gabe Adler, 62, of Beachwood, attended the parade with several of his coworkers from Zinner & Co. in Beachwood, which closed for the day.

“As a longtime suffering fans of Cleveland sports teams, I feel it’s a way of celebrating this tremendous victory,” said Adler, a member of B’nai Jeshurun Congregation in Pepper Pike. “It’s great to see all these people come together for a great occasion.”

Adler was joined at the parade by Susan Licate, 50, and Gia Slogar, 12, both of Mentor, and Sue Krantz, 50, of Solon and a member of Temple Emanu El in Orange.

The group parked near the intersection of East 40th Street and Superior Avenue and walked to East 9th Street to enjoy the parade.

“It’s more than just celebrating the Cavs, it’s celebrating what’s happening in Cleveland – and how proud people are to be from Cleveland,” said Krantz, a member of the Cleveland Jewish Publication Company

Board of Directors. “It’s a great year to be a Clevelander.”

Many of the hotels in downtown Cleveland were booked solid during the parade, as fans near and far traveled to the city for the celebration.

Randi and Mike Sussman of Solon were two of the people who decided to spend the night before the parade downtown in order to avoid traffic. They booked two rooms at The Westin Cleveland Downtown: one for them and the other for their 18-year-old son, Noah, and several of his friends.

“We got down here at 6:15 (in the morning) and could only get the second row,” said Randi Sussman, who was stationed on East Ninth Street between St. Clair and Superior avenues. “The people in front of us got here at 5:30.”

Sussman said her family members are “huge fans” of the Cavs. A member of The Temple-Tifereth Israel in Beachwood and Cleveland, she grew up in Cleveland but moved away 20 years ago. After living in Maryland and Arizona, she and her family moved home to Cleveland four years ago.

“My kids weren’t born and raised here, but they have always been Cleveland sports fans,” she said. “Their grandparents lived here and it’s just how they were brought up.

We wouldn’t miss the parade for the world.”

98

$

Champions

June 24, 2016

Per mo.

27

131

$

Month Lease*

$2,995 CASH/TRADE DUE @ SIGNING • 12,000 miles/year, 15¢ per mile over INCLUDES $1,000 TFS SUBVENTION CASH. Lease Cap Cost = $18,730

MSRP

OR

$19,770

0% APR 72 For

Mos*

Financing with approved credit thru TFS. Sale Ends 6/30/16.

0% APR Financing for 72 Months. $13,88 per $1,000 borrowed/financed.

NEW 2016 TOYOTA

27 $24,914 Month Lease*

$2,995 CASH/TRADE DUE @ SIGNING • 12,000 miles/year, 15¢ per mile over INCLUDES $1,300 TFS SUBVENTION CASH. Lease Cap Cost = $23,220

0%

72

OR CHOOSE:

OR APR For Mos* “PLUS” $500 TFS Subvention Cash

$2,500

Toyota Customer Cash

Financing with approved credit thru TFS. Sale Ends 6/30/16.

0% APR Financing for 72 Months. $13,88 per $1,000 borrowed/financed.

NEW 2016 TOYOTA

Classic Toyota

RAV4 LE /AWD

SIENNA LE

8-PSGR SEATING Nate Forbes, from left, Dan Gilbert and Jeff Cohen comprise the Cavs

WHEEL Kyrie Irving, left, and LeBronALL James soak upDRIVE! the atmosphere. | CJN Photos / Michael C. Butz, Lilly Messner and Kristen Mott BACK-UP CAMERA

ownership, along with General Manager David Griffin.

DUAL Pwr Sliding Doors

www.DriveClassicToyota.com Back-Up Camera

17” Wheels

8510 TYLER BLVD. MENTOR

Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish waves to the crowd along the parade route.

1-440-210-4144

OPEN SUNDAY 12-

Bluetooth

Remote Keyless (#T47630)

Per| mo.

CJN.ORG CLEVELAND MSRP JEWISH NEWS | 31

2016 TOYOTA

179

COROLLA LE

$

3.5L V6

2016 TOYOTA

276

(#T47205)

CAMRY SE 4-Cyl.

$

Automatic , 8-Airbags!

Back-upPer Camera mo.

TouchScreen Auto. Climate Month Bluetooth Lease* (#T46960) $2,995 CASH/TRADE DUE @ SIGNING • 12,000 miles/year, 15¢ per mile over

27

Alloy Wheels, Rear Spoiler

36

10 Airbags!

Month Lease*

(#T47414) $2,995 CASH/TRADE DUE @ SIGNING • 12,000 miles/year, 15¢ per mile over Lease Cap Cost = $30,996

131 98 Classic Toyota Classic Toyota 0% APR 60$

MSRP

$26,875

MSRP Per mo.

For of piecesMos* Thousands of confetti fall along the parade route.

Financing with approved credit thru TFS. Sale Ends 6/30/16.

0% APR Financing for 60 Months. $16.66 per $1,000 borrowed/financed.

Mon thru 9-6 Thur 9-8

Per mo.

Back-up Camera SPORTY!!

INCLUDES $150 TFS SUBVENTION CASH. Lease Cap Cost = $25,706

Cavs majority owner Dan Gilbert has some fun withOR the crowd.

Fri & Sat.4

27 $32,725

0$% APR 60

Per mo.

MSRP Browns Forof Famer JimMos* NFL Hall Brown of the Cleveland than8510 Financing with approved speaks credit thru to TFS.the Salemore Ends 6/30/16 . 1 million people. $ TYLER BLVD. Month

OR

27 24,914

Month BLVD. 8510 TYLER 0% APR Financing for 60 Months. $16.66 per $1,000 borrowed/financed.Lease* Lease* MENTOR MENTOR $2,995 CASH/TRADE DUE @ SIGNING • 12,000 miles/year, 15¢ per mile over $2,995 CASH/TRADE DUE @ SIGNING • 12,000 miles/year, 15¢ per mile over

1-440-210-4144 1-440-210-4144 History is made.

NEW 2016 TOYOTA NEW 2016 TOYOTA www.DriveClassicToyota.com MSRP www.DriveClassicToyota.com 0%customers.

APR 72 Mos* $2,500 0% APR from 72 Our bragging rights come OPEN OP Mos* our$500 INCLUDES $1,000 TFS SUBVENTION CASH. Lease Cap Cost = $18,730

INCLUDES $1,300 TFS SUBVENTION CASH. Lease Cap Cost = $23,220

OR CHOOSE:

EN 4x4 TRD Sport AVALON XLE / V6 $19,770CAVS,TACOMA SUNDAY Congratulations 2016 SUNDAY NBA Champs!

Leather Interior, alloys 12- 4 12 OR

For

Financing with approved credit thru TFS. Sale Ends 6/30/16.

0% APR Financing for 72 Months. $13,88 per $1,000 borrowed/financed.

2016 TOYOTA

For

OR “PLUS”

TFS Subvention Cash

Toyota

Financing with approved credit thru TFS. Sale Ends 6/30/16.

0% APR Financing for 72 Months. $13,88 per $1,000 borrowed/financed.

Customer Cash DOUBLE CAB SERIES 2016 TOYOTA 2016 TOYOTA TOYOTA 2016 TOYOTASE 4-Cyl. Fri & Sat. 9 CAMRY 2016 Fri & Sat.4 NEW 2016 TOYOTA NAVIGATION NEW 2016 TOYOTA Mon thru -6 Alloy Wheels, Rear Spoiler Mon thru 9-6 4-Cyl. Thur 4-Cyl. 17” Alloys Th

COROLLA LE 2016 TOYOTA Heated seats

“I’ve bought 9 cars from CAMRY SE COROLLA LE CAMRY SE ur SIENNA LE RAV4 LE /AWD 9-8 9-8 Automatic Automatic Classic Toyota.

The staff SHARP!!!!

8-PSGR SEATING push-button (#T47554) start & more! is very professional and (#T47109) extremely honorable in $ $ all aspects.

I trust them 27 27 MSRP 36 36 $ MSRP $ 27 27 27 27 and I always get27 the$24,914 $36 24,914 best deal.”

MSRP MSRP 0 % APR 72 0For%4x4 APR 72 MSRP MSRP Well-Equipped, MSRP MSRP 0 % APR 72 Mos* OR 0% APR ForMSRP 60 Mos* $19,590 0 % APR For 72 Mos* $24,914 -Donald Weinstein 0 % APR For 72 Mos* $2,500 OR For 60 Mos* OR 0 % APR For 60 Mos* 0 % APR For 72 Mos* $2,500 $26,875 $500 19,770$500 $32,725 $36,848 $19,770 $33,685 Automatic, 8-Airbags!

COROLLA LEcamera Back-up Camera backup

, 8-Airbags!

Alloy Wheels,DRIVE! Rear Spoiler ALL WHEEL Back-up Camera Back-up BACK-UPCamera CAMERA TouchScreen 10 17”Airbags!

Wheels Auto.

Climate Bluetooth Remote Keyless SPORTY!! (#T46960) (#T47630) (#T47414)

, 8-Airbags!

TouchScreen

Back-up Camera Auto. Climate TouchScreen Bluetooth Auto.

Climate (#T46619) Bluetooth (#T46960)

Back-up Camera

Alloy Wheels, Rear Spoiler 10 Airbags!

Back-up Camera SPORTY!!

DUAL Pwr Sliding Doors 10 Airbags!

Back-Up Camera (#T47354) SPORTY!!

Bluetooth (#T47414) T47414) 3.5L V6 (#T47205)

$ $ 149 $ 179 84 287 279 98 131 276 98 131

$ $

Per mo.

Per mo.

Month Per mo.

Lease*

Month Lease*

$

Per mo.

Per mo.

Per mo.

Per mo.

Per mo.

Per mo.

Per mo.

Month

Month Lease* Lease* Month Month Month Month $2,995 CASH/TRADE DUE @ SIGNING • 12,000 miles/year, 15¢ Month per mile over $2,995 CASH/TRADE DUE @ SIGNING • 12,000 miles/year, 15¢ perMonth mile over Lease* Lease* Lease* $2,995 CASH/TRADE DUE @Lease* SIGNING • 12,000 miles/year, 15¢ per mile over Lease* $2,995 CASH/TRADE DUE @ SIGNING • INCLUDES 12,000 miles/year, 20¢ per mile over Lease* INCLUDES $1,000 TFS SUBVENTION CASH. Lease Cap Cost = $18,232 $800 TFS SUBVENTION CASH. Lease Cap Cost = $23,220 $2,995 CASH/TRADE DUE DUE @ @ SIGNING SIGNING •• 12,000 12,000 miles/year, miles/year, 15¢ 15¢ per per mile mile over over INCLUDES $500 TFS SUBVENTION CASH. Lease Cap Cost = $31,067 $2,995 CASH/TRADE DUE @ SIGNING • 12,000 12,000 miles/year, miles/year, 15¢ 15¢ per per mile mile over over $2,995 CASH/TRADE $2,995 Lease Cap Cost = $35,763 $2,995 CASH/TRADE DUE @ SIGNING • 12,000 miles/year, 15¢ per mile over $2,995 CASH/TRADE DUE @ SIGNING • 12,000 miles/year, 15¢ per mile over INCLUDES $150 TFS SUBVENTION CASH. Lease Cap Cost = $25,706 INCLUDES $1,000 TFS SUBVENTION CASH. Lease Cap Cost = $18,730

OR

For

Cap CostCASH. = $30,996 INCLUDES $1,300 TFS Lease SUBVENTION Lease Cap Cost = $23,220

INCLUDES $1,000 TFS SUBVENTION CASH. Lease Cap Cost = $18,730 INCLUDES $1,300 TFS SUBVENTION CASH. Lease Cap Cost = $23,220

Mos*

OR CHOOSE:

Financing with approved credit thru TFS. Sale Ends 7/5/16.

0% APR Financing for 72 Months. $13.88 per $1,000 borrowed/financed.

OR OR OR Financing with approved credit thru TFS. Sale Ends 6/30/16. Financing with Financing withapproved approvedcredit creditthru thruTFS. TFS.Sale SaleEnds Ends6/30/16 6/30/16..

“PLUS” TFS Subvention Cash Financing with approved credit thru TFS. Sale Ends 6/30/16.

Toyota 0% APR Financing for 72 Months. $13,88 per $1,000 borrowed/fi nanced.

0% APR Financing for 60 Months. $16.66 per $1,000 borrowed/fi nanced.

0% APR Financing 60 Months. $16.66. per $1,000 borrowed/financed.

Financing with approved credit thru TFS.forSale Ends 6/30/16

0% APR Financing for 72 Months. $13,88 per $1,000 borrowed/financed.

OR “PLUS”

OR

For

ORMos* CHOOSE:

Financing with approved credit thru TFS. Sale Ends 7/5/16.

0% APR Financing for 72 Months. $13.88 per $1,000 borrowed/financed.

Financing with approved credit thru TFS. Sale Ends 6/30/16 .

Toyota Financing with approved credit thru TFS. Sale Ends 6/30/16.

0% APR Financing for 60 Months. $16.66 per $1,000 Customer borrowed/financed.

Cash

TFS Subvention Cash TRD SPORT! 0% APR Financing for 72 Months. $13,88 per $1,000 borrowed/financed.

Customer Cash 0% APR Financing for 72 Months. $13,88 per $1,000 borrowed/financed. *All leases plus taxes, title, license & $250 doc. fee. Security deposit waived.

Subject to credit approval. Prices & payments include all Toyota Customer Cash/Rebates & Dealer discounts. In-stock only. Customer may *All leases plus taxes, title, license & $250 doc. fee. Security deposit waived. Subject to credit approval. Prices & payments include all Toyota Customer Cash/Rebates & Dealer discounts. In-stock only. be responsible disposition feedisposition at lease fee end.

Special financing may be of Toyota Customer dependingonon model.

Offers exclude College & Military ends 7/5/16.

Customerfor may$350 be responsible for $350 at lease end. Special financing mayIn-Lieu be In-Lieu of Toyota Customercash cash depending model.

Offers exclude College & Military Rebate. Rebate.

Sale endsSale 6/30/2016.

NEW 2016 TOYOTA

TOYOTA NEW 2016 NEW 2016TOYOTA TOYOTA

NEW 2016 NEW 2016TOYOTA TOYOTA

ALL WHEEL DRIVE!

ALL WHEELSEATING DRIVE! alloys Leather Interior, 8-PSGR

DOUBLE SEATING CAB SERIES 8-PSGR

BACK-UP CAMERA 17” Wheels Remote Keyless

Classic Toyota

(#T47630)

TACOMA LE 4x4 TRD Sport SIENNA

RAV4 LE /AWD AVALON XLE SIENNA LE / V6

RAV4 LE /AWD

8510 TYLER BLVD. SU OPEN NDAY 12NAVIGATION DUAL Pwr Sliding Doors MENTOR F 17” Alloys r i Back-Up Camera & Sat. 9 4 SHARP!!!!

Bluetooth 440-953-0910 Mon th -6

BACK-UP CAMERA Heated DUAL Pwrseats Sliding Doors 17” Wheels backup camera Back-Up Camera Remote Keyless push-button Bluetooth

www.DriveClassicToyota.com (#T47630) start & more!

3.5L V6

(#T47554) 3.5L V6 (#T47205)

(#T47205) (#T47109) Per mo.

$

Per mo.

ru Thur

9-8

Per mo.

32 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG

JUNE 24, 2016

2016 / 5776

CHAMPIONS

Championship City

CJN.ORG | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | 33

JUNE 24, 2016

0-1

June 2 Game 1 At Oakland

Warriors 104 - Cavs 89

0-2

June 5 Game 2 At Oakland

Warriors 110 - Cavs 77

1-2

June 8 Game 3 At Cleveland

Cavs 120 - Warriors 90

1-3

June 10 Game 4 At Cleveland

Warriors 108 - Cavs 97

2-3

June 13 Game 5 At Oakland

Cavs 112 - Warriors 97

3-3

June 16 Game 6 At Cleveland

Cavs 115 - Warriors 101

4-3

June 19 Game 7 At Oakland

Cavs 93 - Warriors 89 Cavs win series, 4-3

34 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG

We love our CAVS! We feel like we’re in your shoes.

Thank you for a remarkable season!

MAR-LOU SHOES 5471 Mayfield Road, Lyndhurst, OH 44124 Tel. 440-449-7463 (shoe)

marloushoes.com

Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10am-8pm Sat. 10am-6pm/Sun. 12-5pm (closed holidays)

June 24, 2016

Akron’s Stein: ‘Not surprised’ by anything James does ED WITTENBERG | STAFF REPORTER ewittenberg@cjn.org

T

odd Stein has known LeBron James since he was about 13 years old, when he started receiving lessons in basketball skills at the Jewish Community Center of Akron from Keith Dambrot, now head men’s basketball coach at the University of Akron.

Stein, president and CEO of Brunswick Companies in Fairlawn, went on to watch James lead Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary High School to three OHSAA state basketball championships.

So when James sparked the Cleveland Cavaliers to their first NBA title – rallying from a three-games-toone deficit by winning three straight games over the favored Golden State Warriors – Stein was not surprised.

“This was nothing new for him,” Stein said. “All the years I’ve known LeBron, ‘can’t do something’ is not in his vocabulary. When he puts his mind to something, he is very determined to get things done.”

Stein, who was born and raised in Akron, said he has been “starved for a championship” since he was 6 years old, when the Cleveland Browns won the NFL title in 1964.

“It’s just been incredible watching it come to fruition for everyone (in Akron), including myself and my

A DAM S. K AUFMAN

#1 State of Ohio Company Top Producer The Proven Realtor Who Will Get You Home!

Remember… Just

MORELAND HILLS

AURORA

BAINBRIDGE

BEACHWOOD

ASK Adam – www.justASKAdam.com 216.831.7370

Bialosky designed contemporary offering a Beautiful French country inspired manor fantastic mountain modern flair sited on a overlooking the 15th fairway offering a spectacular private wooded lot! Dramatic fabulous floor plan and stunning updated open interior with fabulous use of wood, décor! A grand entry and spectacular glass and natural materials! Gorgeous great great room overlooking the covered room with corner fireplace, chef’s dream terrace are one of the many highlights of kitchen with Wolf appliances, banquet size this home! The first floor master suite is dining room, a first floor library with full bath beyond luxurious with a coffee bar, sitting area, gorgeous bath and more! $749,000 and more! $749,000

Just a beautiful home in an absolutely beautiful setting! Pride of ownership is evident throughout this meticulously maintained Georgian colonial offering a wonderful open flowing floor plan and lots of windows! A grand 2-storey entrance with sweeping stairway and 2-story family room with beautiful fireplace highlight the 1st floor! $479,900

Outstanding house with a fabulous floor plan and numerous amenities! 2-story foyer opens into the great room with a dramatic fireplace! The formal dining room has hardwood flooring and the dream kitchen features a large eating area and center island! A first floor library has a fireplace. Luxurious 2nd floor master suite. $419,000

2016 / 5776

SHAKER HEIGHTS

Stately brick Tudor offering gracious rooms and lovely detailing throughout! An elegant foyer opens onto the spectacular sunken living room and dining room and grand reverse staircase! The fabulous family room has a fireplace, gorgeous built ins, and overlooks the stone terrace and pond! A fabulous white kitchen with center-island! $549,900

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS

This end unit has a million dollar view and the best location in Aberdeen overlooking the golf course yet offering privacy and sweeping views! A fabulous wrap-around patio provides for incredible outdoor enjoyment!! Wide open floor plan with a luxurious first floor mstr suite and expansive second floor with loft, 2 bedrooms, and additional library/bonus room! $379,900

BEACHWOOD

PEPPER PIKE

BRATENAHL

BEACHWOOD

$349,900

$335,000

A wow 2-story penthouse offering every luxury, amenity, and incredible drama!

A spectacular 2-story great room opens onto a glass walled atrium with walls of windows! A media room/den plus separate library or bedroom with private full bath all on the first level. The second floor master suite is unequalled with gorgeous glamour bath. $537,000

This is the ultimate townhouse--super sharp--modern--sophisticated and gorgeous! Wide open floor plan with a master chef’s kitchen, pub room, and spectacular great room area! Designed for entertaining and luxury living featuring 3 bedrooms on 2nd including a luxurious master retreat with opulent glamour bath!

This house is outstanding! Totally updated throughout including a luxurious first floor master suite with fabulous glamour bath! Huge rooms including a gorgeous family room with a wall of built-ins with aquarium, stone fireplace and access to the stone patio! Fabulous kitchen with granite counters and first floor laundry room! $499,000

Outstanding ranch sited on a truly spectacular landscaped park-like lot. This home is simply beautiful! Gorgeous hardwood floors, updated kitchen with granite counters and stainless steel appliances, and a fabulous family room overlooking the beautiful yard! The master suite features an incredible newly updated master bath.

family,” he said.

Stein said he’s especially proud of James as an advisory board member of the Akron-based LeBron James Family Foundation, which seeks to positively impact the lives of children and young adults through education and co-curricuKanfer lar educational initiatives.

“His whole idea was to give back to the community in such a way as to help all children in the Akron Public Schools,” Stein said. “A lot of these kids don’t finish high school, and our goal is to graduate 100 percent of them.”

Joe Kanfer, chairman and CEO of Akron-based GOJO Industries, also has known James since he started honing his basketball skills Mirman at the JCC. His son, Jaron, was a basketball teammate of James’ at Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary, and Jaron and James are business partners in Unknwn, a men’s clothing store in Aventura, Fla., a Miami suburb.

“The boys got to know each other, and LeBron became a friend of the family,” said Kanfer, who noted Stein is a second cousin to his wife.

Stein “We were all excited for LeBron (to help the Cavs win the NBA championship) because we know him so well and we knew this meant so much to him.”

Kanfer said James had special qualities as a teenager growing up in Akron.

“I remember in one of the state tournament games, he ran through the court into some fans, and he wanted to make sure the fans were OK,” he said. “It’s extraordinarily rare that a young high school player would have that kind of self presence and concern.”

Keith Mirman, vice president of the Shaw JCC of Akron and a member of the board of directors of the Jewish Community Board of Akron, said “everybody in Akron is excited because LeBron is like their son.”

“Because he was practicing and learning at the JCC, the Jewish community basically watched him grow up, and then we followed him through the years at St. V,” he said. “What he does to give back to the community and the public school system is just amazing, because there are plenty of people with his wealth who don’t do that.”

Mirman, founder and owner of Mirman Construction in Akron, is a past president of Temple Israel in Bath Township. Stein and Kanfer are members of all three synagogues in the Akron area.

The city of Akron, in collaboration with the LJFF, was to host a celebration for James the evening of June 23 in downtown Akron.

CHAMPIONS

CJN.ORG | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | 35

JUNE 24, 2016

Dambrot, Akron JCC helped launch James BOB JACOB | MANAGING EDITOR bjacob@cjn.org

T

he seed for the city of Cleveland’s first professional championship in a major sport in 52 years may have been planted at the Shaw Jewish Community Center on White Pond Drive in Akron nearly 20 years ago.

That’s when a tall, lanky 13-year-old kid from Akron named LeBron James walked onto the hardwood Dambrot court and changed the game of basketball forever.

Coach Keith Dambrot, now the highly successful head basketball coach at the University of Akron, conducted those sessions that attracted between 50 and 100 players.

“Little Dru (Joyce) brought him because Little Dru used to work out with me,” Dambrot said about the Sunday night sessions. “That’s where I first met him. Just a guy that wanted to be taught, wanted to be coached, wanted to please you, sponge-like.”

Dambrot remembers his first impression.

“Well, he wasn’t a big kid, back then he was only about 5-11, which is still pretty good, but he wasn’t monstrous,” Dambrot recalled. “Even when I had him as a freshman (at Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary High School), he was only 6-4, 170 pounds. My first impression was a guy who wanted to learn and had a really good skillset, but really wanted to learn the game, and wanted to get better and wanted to please the guy who was coaching him.

“They all said he was a good player. I had had Little Dru long enough that Little

Dru said he’s a guy that could be really good.”

James was more than just good as he demonstrated in high school, where Dambrot-coached teams won back-to-back state championships.

Dambrot texted James following the Cavs’ 93-89 win over Golden State in Game 7 of the NBA Finals June 19.

“I always try to keep it brief with him,” said Dambrot. “You could see the jubilation. I think he’s very proud, and very happy for everyone and just that he could do it at home.

“Obviously, I’m very happy for Northeast Ohio and particularly happy for LeBron, because you know obviously he deserves this, and has put a lot of time and effort into not only winning for himself but making this region proud.

“I just really wanted him to win just for this region. Obviously, hard economic times with the automobile industry, and steel and rubber companies. The people of this region really needed something to look forward to and deserve to have a little optimism.

“Anytime you can do it at home, for LeBron, anytime you can have success at home and give back to your community, the fulfillment is unbelievable, and obviously when you haven’t won a championship in 52 years, just the pride. There’s a lot of prideful people in this part of the state, this part of the country; it gives people something to rally around.

“When it’s your guy, everybody in town kind of feels like they’re related to him, or if they’re not, they act like they are.

There’s a buzz.”

The buzz was expected to continue June 23 when the city of Akron held its celebration, the day after the city of Cleveland held a parade to recognize the city’s first championship in a major sport in 52 years.

Former Cavs coach David Blatt congratulates team on Twitter

Warrensville

26200 Harvard Rd. I-271 & Harvard 216-896-WING(9464) Congratulations To Our

CLEVELAND CAVALIERS! We’re celebrating with WINGS! Stop in and enjoy a …

No team (or city) deserves it more!

#Allin216

SNACK ORDER OF

WINGS - traditional or boneless -

+ REGULAR ORDER OF FRIES

ONLY

8.99

$

Mention ‘Cavs Victory Wing Special’ to receive offer. Not valid on Wing Tuesday or Boneless Thursday.

Warrensville location only. Dine in only. No substitutions. Offer valid through 6/30/16.

36 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG

June 24, 2016

2016 / 5776

For 45-year season ticket holder, title ‘will always be special’ ED WITTENBERG | STAFF REPORTER lawyer, said he shed a few ewittenberg@cjn.org

L

arry Weiser said he must be either “very persistent or very stupid” to be a Cleveland Cavaliers season ticket holder for 45 years.

“I’ve seen more bad basketball than anybody you could ever talk to in your life,” he said. “But I love the game, I love the beauty of it, and I always have considered the Cavs my team.”

So when the Cavs captured their first NBA championship, beating the Golden State Warriors in Game 7 of the NBA Finals on Father’s Day June 19, it was a special moment for Weiser. He watched the game on television at his Gates Mills home with a group that included his son, Sterling.

“It was a little depressing when they were down three (games) to one, but I never really gave up on them,” he said. “I knew this team had the talent to win.

“I probably held my breath for the last minute and a half of that game.

When it was over, my son came over and gave me a big hug and a kiss, and it was a great feeling. It really was the culmination of 45 years.”

Weiser, a semi-retired

tears of joy, but he wasn’t sobbing like he thought he would when his beloved Cavaliers ended Cleveland’s 52-year drought without a major pro sports championship.

“It was just a quiet elation,” he said. “But my son being there meant a lot.”

Weiser, a lifelong Clevelander who grew up in University Heights, said he began following pro basketball in the 1960s, before the inception of the Cavaliers franchise in Cleveland.

He said the Cincinnati Royals would play some home games in Cleveland during those years, and he attended some with his father.

After he graduated from law school in June 1971, Weiser called the Cavaliers’ office to inquire about season tickets. He said he got a call back from head coach Bill Fitch, who had guided the Cavs to a 15-67 record in their first season in 1970-71.

“He told me to come down (to the old Cleveland Arena), and I met him there and he showed me around,” he said. “Believe me, there wasn’t anybody hurrying to buy tickets, not like it is now. I was able to pick out my seats, and I got very nice seats as a result.”

Weiser said he only

paid about $6 per ticket for front-row seats. He has been courtside ever since, even though the Cavs have moved twice – first to the Richfield Coliseum and then to Quicken Loans Arena.

“I never missed a single home game for about 20 years, and I went to four or five away games a year,” he said.

In May, Weiser suffered a broken leg, and he missed Cavs’ home playoff games for the first time ever. But he made it to Game 6 of the NBA Finals in Cleveland, and he sat in a wheelchair as the Cavs stayed alive with a 115-101 victory over the Warriors.

“No matter what happens next year, or in the

Larry Weiser, one of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ longest season-ticket holders, celebrates the Cavs’ first NBA championship in his Gates Mills home with his dog, Storm. | Photo / Lisa Weiser

years to come, this (championship) will always be special,” he said.

“I probably held my breath for the last minute and a half of that game. When it was over, my son came over and gave me a big hug and a kiss, and it was a great feeling. It really was the culmination of 45 years.”

Larry Weiser Gates Mills

ESPN’s Greenberg: Win was ‘transformative’ KRISTEN MOTT | STAFF REPORTER kmott@cjn.org

T

he impact of the NBA title could be felt throughout Cleveland – and the nation – the morning of June 20, the day after the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Golden State Warriors 93-89 in Game 7 of the NBA Finals.

According to Mike Greenberg, cohost of “Mike & Mike” on ESPN2 and ESPN Radio, the win was “transformative.”

“It’s hard to balance the utter meaninglessness of a basketball game with the overwhelming importance of something like this,” Greenberg told Greenberg

the Cleveland Jewish News. “But to many Clevelanders, this will be one of the best things that ever happened to them, one of the happiest days of their entire lives. And I think it’s great. Long live sports.”

On the June 20 “Mike & Mike” show, which airs from 6 to 10 a.m. on weekdays, Greenberg, a native of New York City, praised LeBron James for his record-setting performance, as well as the game-changing 3-point shot made by Kyrie Irving late in the fourth quarter.

“LeBron James, the MVP, and unanimously so of the NBA finals, led all players in the finals, from both teams, in points, in rebounds, in assists, in steals and in blocks,” Greenberg said. “He’s the only player to ever do that in any round of the playoffs at any level in a series of any length.

He led everyone in everything.”

Champions

CJN.ORG | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | 37

June 24, 2016

Even after Blatt, some Israelis follow Cavs JUDITH SUDILOVSKY | CJN CORRESPONDENT

JERUSALEM – It was a busy day for sports in Israel on June 20 and the Cleveland Cavaliers’ 93-89 over the Golden State Warriors win in Game 7 of the NBA Finals had to share the morning headlines with the Israeli National Gymnastic Team’s four medals, including one gold, in the European Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships.

Then there were the European soccer Euro Cup and the South American Copa America games to contend with, not to mention the local sports scenes.

So, though some hardcore NBA fans stayed up to watch the game and the morning radio new shows dedicated part of their broadcast to LeBron James and the Cavs, for the average Israeli, the win was just another item in the sports news.

“When I watch sports on the news I like to watch the local soccer teams,” said car driver Yuval Menachem, 54, of the Jerusalem suburb of Mevasseret Zion. “So what if a team over there won? What am I going to do, go over there and celebrate?”

He said he had taken more of an interest in the team when Israeli coach David Blatt had been with the Cavs, but when Blatt was let go, his interest waned.

Basketball fan Moria Gilbert, 31, of Jerusalem said she had followed the games because she had friends from Cleveland who had gotten excited about their hometown team being in the finals, and ultimately winning the title.

But still, she said, she felt it was “unfortunate” that the

Cavs had won after firing Blatt since it made it look like it was his fault they had lost last year while in reality his firing had been due to politics.

The Israeli gymnastic team’s win that guaranteed it a spot in the Rio Olympics this summer on the other hand, she said, really excited her.

“I am 100 percent more excited about that than the NBA,” she said. “I am always looking for a connection to me in sports. I need a connection. I wasn’t born in Cleveland. I am not into gymnastics but they represent my country. Blatt was my connection to the Cavs.”

For those Israelis who did keep up with the games, what most touched them was the dedication of the Cleveland fans to their team.

In her Mevasseret Zion gym studio personal trainer and running coach Jude Golan, 46, said this has really moved her as an athlete is the journey and dedication of the Cleveland team.

“This can remind us Israelis of the power and popularity of local basketball teams,” she said.

Though she didn’t stay up to watch the final game, Golan watched it afterward on the internet. She cried along with LeBron James as he lifted up the trophy, she said.

“I totally understand. When you really love a particular sport, you can get very emotional about it and it can make you cry,” she said.

Eylon Jacobs, 18, who works out in her studio, said

Blatt deserves ring, Israeli lawmaker tells Gilbert JTA JERUSALEM – An Israeli lawmaker has written to the Dan Gilbert, the owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers, asking him to give a 2016 NBA championship ring to David Blatt, the team’s former head coach.

Nachman Shai of the Zionist Union party sent the letter June 21, The Jerusalem Post reported, in his position as head of the Knesset caucus on U.S.-Israel relations as well as a caucus on strengthening the Jewish world. Blatt was fired in January.

“I want to wish you mazal tov on your success in bringing a longawaited championship to the great city of Cleveland and its wonderful people,” Shai wrote. “We in Israel were proud of the achievements of one of our own, David Blatt, when you appointed him as the head coach of your team, and we of course,

undermined the were sorry to see coach. him go. NeverBlatt had led theless, Israelis the Cavs to the remain strong 2015 NBA Finals, supporters of where they lost the Cavaliers, as to the Golden do their many State Warriors in Jewish fans six games. in Cleveland’s Blatt Shai also strong Jewish wrote to Gilbert: community.”

“David played a key role At the time of Blatt’s in building the Cavaliers, dismissal, the Cavaliers guiding its players, and had the best record in helping the team become the Eastern Conference. championship-caliber.

Some claimed the team’s That is why I want to ensuperstar, LeBron James,

courage you to give David the respect and credit he deserves by giving him a championship ring, as is customary for players who have left mid-season.

I am sure he would cherish such a ring that would symbolize his part in your team’s success.”

Earlier this month he signed on as head coach with a team in Turkey. His two-year deal reportedly does not allow him an out if an NBA team makes an offer.

Congratulations to the Cleveland Cavaliers 30 Creekview Circle, Moreland Hills - $900,000 Spectacular Transitional Home with First Floor Master Suite.

Nestled on a private lot with fabulous views from every room. Call today for a personal tour.

some young people had been devoted viewers and friends woke each other up to see the games.

The Cleveland championship had been 52 years in the making, he said.

“They won it because they deserved it,” he said, noting the historical comeback from a 3-1 deficit in the finals. “It was amazing to see the dedication of the fans and the belief in their team always. Even more amazing to see was the loyalty of LeBron James returning to the team two years ago and promising to bring the championship to Cleveland, and that is what he did.”

MAZEL TOV CAVS! For a complete and largest selection of Kosher foods, Unger’s is a slam dunk.

1831 South Taylor Road P: 216-321-7176 / F: 216-321-0777 Open Daily and Sundays Saturday Night after Shabbos Til 12 Midnite Closed Shabbos and Yom Tov

CLEVELAND’S LARGEST SELECTION & INVENTORY OF KOSHER FOODS & WINES AT THE LOWEST PRICES

Congratulations Cavs!

Have you ever taken the time to stop by a local art gallery and see what the local artists have to offer in the way of paintings, sculptures, jewelry, glassware and more?

Stop on by The Art Gallery, where you’ll have the opportunity to see some of the finest creations our home town artists have to offer!

CLEveland. A City of Champions and Beautiful Homes.

Call me for all of your real estate needs.

Sue Sloan Homes of Distinction Specialist Residential Relocation Specialist Howard Hanna Champions Club 216.287.7059 • susansloan@howardhanna.com

4134 Erie St • Willoughby, OH 44094 440.946.8001 • artgallerywilloughby.com

38 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG

June 24, 2016

Clevelanders take shot at watching history inside Oracle Arena ED WITTENBERG | STAFF REPORTER ewittenberg@cjn.org

D

Dan Zelman, from left, outside Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif., with his wife, Ellen; their daughter, Kara; Kara’s boyfriend, Jeremy Rosen; their son Brett’s girlfriend, Courtney Knoll; Brett and their son, Andrew. | Photo / Dan Zelman

Congratulations to our

2016 CLEVELAND

CHAMPIONS Your hard work earned a championship. Our entire community celebrates with you!

myNYCB.com • (877) 786-6560

©2016 New York Community Bank

an Zelman decided to attend Game 7 of the NBA Finals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors June 19 at Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif., because he saw it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“I felt if the Cavs lost, it would be a waste of a couple days and I would rather not be there,” he said. “But if they won, I would regret not going for the rest of my life, so I felt I had to give it a shot.”

It’s clear now that Zelman, of Moreland Hills, made the right choice, as he and his family were there to see the Cavs stun the defending NBA champion Warriors, 93-89, to capture their first NBA championship and end Cleveland’s 52-year drought without a major pro sports title. “(Cavs fans) were significantly outnumbered in the arena,” he said. “But we were as loud as we could be, and the section we sat in was right behind the Cavs bench; there were a lot of Cavs fans in that section.

“All the Warriors fans around us were very nice and congratulated us at the end of the game.”

Lauren Spilman of Moreland Hills, who also attended the game with her husband, Steve, other family members and Mitch Kroll, a co-worker, said she saw Cavs fans “in all levels of the arena,” but it was “nothing like being at The Q (Quicken Loans Arena).”

“I think the Warriors fans were nervous,” she said. “I thought the building would be roaring loud from the beginning until the final buzzer, and it honestly was not.

“You could hear Cavs fans cheering in the building. At times the Warriors fans got really loud, but it wasn’t consistent.”

Kroll, CEO of Findaway in Solon and the company’s co-founder with Spilman, agreed “Cleveland’s presence was really felt in the arena.”

“I was really proud of all the support the Cavs were getting from their fans,” he said.

Zelman said he felt good about the Cavs’ chances, partly due to a conversation he had with Rich Paul, LeBron James’ agent, in a hotel a few hours before the game.

“Rich told us all, ‘Relax, we’ve got the best player in the world; don’t worry, we got this,’” Zelman said.

Yet even after the Cavaliers took a fourpoint lead with 10.6 seconds remaining, Zelman – a Cavs season-ticket holder since about 1994 – said he was concerned that “something would happen.”

“When that buzzer sounded, it was just pure elation among the few but mighty and proud Cleveland fans,” said Zelman, CEO of Twinsburg-based Paro Services Corp.

“People were jumping around, hugging

each other; it was just a great feeling.”

Spilman, a Cavs season-ticket holder since 1974, said the victory “broke the curse of my entire lifetime.”

“I feel really blessed to have been on the court for the trophy presentation and to celebrate with our team and with our city,” said Spilman. “This is something we’ll own forever.”

Kroll, of Solon, said he’d been “so waiting for this all my life, and it was even better than I hoped it would be.”

“It was nothing but sheer joy,” he said.

“I’m proud to be a Clevelander today and so happy for the city; the city deserves this.”

Zelman and Spilman are members of Park Synagogue in Cleveland Heights and Pepper Pike.

“I felt if the Cavs lost, it would be a waste of a couple days and I would rather not be there. But if they won, I would regret not going for the rest of my life, so I felt I had to give it a shot.”

Dan Zelman Moreland Hills

“I feel really blessed to have been on the court for the trophy presentation and to celebrate with our team and with our city. This is something we’ll own forever.”

Lauren Spilman Moreland Hills

“It was nothing but sheer joy. I’m proud to be a Clevelander today and so happy for the city; the city deserves this.”

Mitch Kroll Solon