In appreciation, people called the football player a “mensch” and invited him for latkes, coffee and even to Friday-night Shabbat dinner.
By Faygie Holt, JNS
Pittsburgh Steeler Zach Banner announced Monday that he was donating a portion of a game-day check to Tree of Life*Or L’Simcha Synagogue, the site of the mass shooting in October 2018.
If you look up “mensch” in the dictionary, you’ll find a photo of @ZBNFL.
Thank you, Zach! https://t.co/Ndxyj4432W
— Tree Of Life * Or L’Simcha Congregation (@treeoflifepgh) December 15, 2020
“I’m crashing Hanukkah this year guys … by donating part of my game day check to the Tree of Life synagogue here in Pittsburgh. Happy Holidays!” tweeted Banner.
He signed off as “Hulk,” a reference to Marvel superhero Bruce Banner.
We look forward to inviting you to celebrate the holidays with us in-person someday soon!
— Tree Of Life * Or L’Simcha Congregation (@treeoflifepgh) December 15, 2020
“I have been so moved by the support and love I’ve received from the Jewish community this year, especially here in Pittsburgh,” Banner told JNS. “The Tree of Life synagogue is such a major fixture in our city, and I see so much overlap between their mission and the mission of my foundation [B3 Foundation] champion. To build and strengthen community, to heal division and bring people together. This is my way of saying thank you for the ongoing support I’ve received and to stand as an ally for my Jewish brothers and sisters.”
