Philadelphia Sportscaster Michael Barkann to Share Insights at Rodeph Shalom

Congregation Rodeph Shalom in Philadelphia will host a special event featuring renowned sportscaster Michael Barkann on November 11, 2023. This gathering aims to provide insights into the world of Philadelphia sports, a topic close to Barkann’s heart as a prominent figure in the local sports media landscape.

Celebrating a Local Legend

Michael Barkann, an esteemed member of the Philadelphia Jewish Sports Hall of Fame, has made a significant impact on the sports community through his roles as a host for postgame shows for the Eagles and Phillies. His extensive career includes coverage at major sporting events such as the Winter Olympics and the U.S. Open Tennis Championships, earning him recognition as a seven-time Philadelphia Sportscaster of the Year and a five-time winner of the Mid-Atlantic Emmy awards.

The event will be an opportunity for Barkann to engage with the community and share his unique experiences. Dan Stamm, co-chair of the synagogue’s men’s group, the Men of RS, expressed his enthusiasm about Barkann’s involvement. “He’s been the voice of the fan for a long time. He’s done it all and is very involved in the community,” Stamm stated. “This is a great opportunity for him to tell stories in a community setting.”

A Community Connection

Stamm, who works with Barkann at NBC10 Philadelphia, suggested the idea of hosting him at Rodeph Shalom after developing a relationship over the past year. Barkann is keen to deepen his ties with the local Jewish community, and this event serves as a platform for him to connect with members and share his insights.

Brad Hyman, the congregation’s cantor, highlighted that Barkann’s discussion will encompass the highs and lows of Philadelphia sports over the last three decades. Hyman hopes Barkann will draw parallels between his Jewish values and the sports scene. “Michael embodies a spirit of decency and kindness, which resonates with the community,” he noted.

The Men of RS group anticipates that Barkann’s appearance will set a precedent for future signature events at the synagogue. Hyman mentioned that while Rodeph Shalom often hosts significant personalities, this event uniquely utilizes sports as a means to foster community connections.

“We have always sought to bring in large names and programs from around the region and the world,” Hyman explained. “Using sports as a connector is as valuable as any other approach we employ to strengthen our community.”

As the event draws closer, excitement is building among congregation members. Stamm reported that many are eager to bring their families to hear Barkann speak. “It’s something they will likely remember, like ‘I remember that time I got to see Michael speak and talk sports,’” he said.

Open to the entire Philadelphia community, the event is free but requires pre-registration to ensure an accurate headcount for security and refreshments. Organizers have noted that several hundred slots are available, alleviating concerns about space.

For more information or to register, interested individuals can contact the congregation directly.