Renowned Sportscaster Michael Barkann to Speak at Rodeph Shalom

Congregation Rodeph Shalom in Philadelphia will host a special event featuring renowned sportscaster Michael Barkann on November 11. The NBC Sports Philadelphia anchor, known for his extensive coverage of local sports, including the Eagles and Phillies, will engage with the community, sharing insights from his three decades in the industry.

Barkann, a celebrated figure in Philadelphia’s sports media landscape, has a long list of accolades, including being a member of the Philadelphia Jewish Sports Hall of Fame. He has garnered recognition as Philadelphia Sportscaster of the Year seven times and has received five Mid-Atlantic Emmy Awards. His experience includes hosting postgame shows and reporting from major events like the Winter Olympics and the U.S. Open Tennis Championships.

Dan Stamm, co-chair of the synagogue’s men’s group, the Men of RS, expressed excitement about Barkann’s participation. “He has been the voice of the fan for a long time,” said Stamm, who works alongside Barkann at NBC10 Philadelphia. “This is a great opportunity for him to tell his stories in a community setting.” He noted that Barkann is keen to deepen his involvement with the local Jewish community, making this event a significant occasion for attendees.

Brad Hyman, the congregation’s cantor, shared that attendees can expect Barkann to reflect on the highs and lows of covering Philadelphia sports over the years. Hyman hopes Barkann will draw parallels between his experiences and Jewish values, stating, “Michael embodies a menschlichkeit, a kindness and decency that resonates within the greater community.”

The Men of RS aims for this event to set a precedent for future signature gatherings. Hyman highlighted the importance of connecting through shared interests, particularly sports. “Using sports as a connector is as valuable as any other means we employ to bring our community together,” he remarked.

As excitement builds among congregation members, many are planning to bring family and friends to the event. Stamm noted, “People are saying they want to bring their kids or spouses. It’s a memory they will cherish, like ‘I remember that time I got to see Michael speak and talk sports.'”

The event is free and open to the entire Philadelphia community, although pre-registration is required to manage attendance and security. Organizers have made several hundred slots available, ensuring that space should not be an issue.

This unique opportunity to engage with a prominent figure in sports media promises to blend entertainment with community bonding, showcasing the power of sports to unite people from diverse backgrounds.