Baseball has been in the Edelman family for generations, and for coach Zack Edelman and his 15-year-old son Jackson, that family tradition was once again on full display during the 16u tournament of the JCC Maccabi games.
Although the purpose of the annual games is to bring Jewish teens from around the world together in athletic competition and cultural activities, that didn’t stop the games from also serving as just one more way for the Cherry Hill father and son to share in what has been a lifelong passion.
“One of the earliest pictures I have of him is a picture of him in my baseball glove,” Edelman said. “His name is Jackson; he’s named pretty much for Reggie Jackson because I’m a big Yankees fan.”
From being 3 years old at home, to playing in local Little League while growing up, all the way to playing on the South Jersey team in last year’s Maccabi games in California, Jackson has always had his dad playing a dual role in his life as both father and coach.
According to Jackson, having that kind of relationship comes with both benefits and challenges.
“It’s good because sometimes I get inside knowledge on like what’s going on with the team, starting lineups and stuff like that, but he does go harder on me, and expects more from me,” Jackson said.
It’s that personal relationship with his father, and the strong friendships he shares with his teammates, that make baseball, especially during the Maccabi games, so fun for Jackson.
“The good thing about this team is I’m friends with everybody on this team,” Jackson said. “They’re all pretty cool guys. We have really good chemistry. A lot of us came back from last year just a year older, and we all work together well, and we all basically have a good time while we’re playing.”
As this year’s games are hosted by the Katz Jewish Community Center of Cherry Hill, Edelman said it’s been great that local fans and Jackson’s extended family could see him and the team play.
“Both sets of his grandparents were able to see him play…it doesn’t get much better than that,” Edelman said. “His aunt is here, his uncle, it’s great to have the community rally around. Even just walking around, all the people here are wishing us good luck, and we know a lot of the people here.”
Edelman said it’s that sense of community that makes the Maccabi games unique.
“We’re all Jewish people,” Edelman said. “This is bonding, especially in light of events in the world right now, something like this — it’s that much better. The fact that Israel is here, and Great Britain, and there’s Jewish people from all over the world that are here. That just strengthens it.”
In addition to playing sports, the young athletes also participate in a number of service projects to enforce the Jewish idea of give back to the community.
“Last year, we met with young kids who were underprivileged, and we taught them how to play baseball, so it’s really good,” Jackson said. “Then there’s evening activities, going to a water park, going to an amusement park, so it’s fun, it’s a lot more than tournament.”
Edelman said the games perpetuate the Jewish experience and comradery, and he’s glad for both he and his son to take part.
“They have a word that they use here called Rachmanus — it’s basically Hebrew for sportsmanship,” Edelman said. “Show Rachmanus. You don’t run up the score on somebody, you don’t blow somebody out, you don’t embarrass anyone.”
