This past Sunday, the Greater MetroWest community enjoyed its Night at the Ballpark at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, New Jersey. An ordinary minor league baseball game was transformed into an incredible celebration of community organizations and leaders. With four sections filled with eager fans waving�

Israeli flags and Jewish music playing from the speakers, hundreds of families from Essex, Morris, Union and Somerset counties enjoyed the baseball game between the Somerset Patriots and the Road Warriors, as well as fan festivities, kosher food and a run around the bases after the game.

The event included an array of tables from local day schools, camps and youth groups, and was a great opportunity for families to explore activities for their children. Many Federation staff members were on hand to answer questions about its programs and to help people get involved in areas of interest. There were raffles, giveaways and on-field activities that allowed the kids to take part in the fun. Bistro 70 was there as well, serving kosher food ranging from hot dogs to shawarma.

“We’re deeply proud to be hosting the Jewish Community Day at the Somerset Patriots,” Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest CEO Dov Ben-Shimon said. “It’s a great sign for the community to come together as one, to support a great baseball team, to have a great fun kosher day together and to celebrate what’s really important, which is our support for community, our support for Israel and our support for Greater MetroWest.”

The event was an overall success, providing great exposure to all of the wonderful programs Federation has to offer, while also treating attendees to an enjoyable ballpark experience. The Patriots also beat the Road Warriors 4-2, which was the icing on the already perfect cake.

By Zach Marcus

Zach Marcus is a rising senior at Rae Kushner Yeshiva High School and a Jewish Link summer intern.