The Baltimore Chesed League (BCL) held its annual final banquet at Suburban Orthodox, bringing together boys and coaches from all 23 teams for a night of celebration, inspiration, and recognition. The evening was filled with gratitude, reflection on the season, and a shared commitment to the core values of chesed that define the league.
A Warm Welcome and Delicious Dinner
The program kicked off with a warm welcome from the Master of Ceremonies, Mr. Zevi Daniel, who expressed thanks to the league’s sponsors, coaches, committee members, and the 157 participants who made the season a success. The banquet’s atmosphere was warm and inviting, with all attendees – from the young participants to their dedicated coaches – enjoying a delicious dinner that showcased the culinary talents of master chef Jon Kaplan. The menu featured an array of mouthwatering dishes, including hot dogs, poppers, and pulled beef, a hearty feast that satisfied everyone after a season of hard work and dedication.
Words of Inspiration and Gratitude
Zevi Daniel also took a moment to recognize the final banquet sponsors, Tactic Therapy and Pricebusters, for their generous support. He also gave special mention to BCL Executive Director, Mrs. Michelle Rakovsky, for the countless hours she put in this year behind the scenes, ensuring the season would be a tremendous success. His heartfelt gratitude set the tone for the evening’s inspiring program.
BCL’s Rabbinic and Spiritual Advisor, Rabbi Shmuel Silber, then took the stage, delivering a powerful message to the attendees. Rabbi Silber drew a deep connection between the BCL banquet and the upcoming holiday of Pesach, highlighting the timing of the event as a poignant reminder of the meaning of true freedom. Rabbi Silber explained that true freedom is not just about personal liberation but about the ability to give of one’s time and efforts to help others. His words resonated deeply with the boys, reinforcing the central message of BCL — that acts of chesed are key to personal growth and the betterment of the community.
Recognizing “Above and Beyond” Acts of Chesed
League Commissioner Dovi Ziffer spoke next, acknowledging several boys who went “above and beyond” throughout the season. These boys were recognized for their self-directed acts of chesed, which included teams volunteering to pick up lawn signs from past community campaigns, boys helping organize and beautify local shuls, and others who stayed after their scheduled activities to bury shaimos in the cemetery, ensuring that the task was completed with respect and care. To honor these exceptional acts, prizes were awarded, sponsored by Chesapeake Urology and Union Bridge Family Dentistry, further encouraging the spirit of kindness and community involvement.
Coach Ben Gutman’s Heartfelt Speech
Next, Coach Ben Gutman addressed the crowd, sharing his thoughts and personal experiences. He spoke about the pride he felt for his team, particularly reflecting on a special moment during the season when his boys volunteered at Sterling Care, a local nursing home. Initially apprehensive, the boys overcame their hesitation and embraced the opportunity with open hearts. They not only rose to the challenge but excelled, interacting with the residents in a way that made them feel like superstars. Coach Gutman was moved by the boys’ growth and compassion, and shared with the audience that, inspired by their positive experience, they volunteered to return to Sterling Care after the season had concluded. His words exemplified the transformative power of chesed in the lives of the boys.
Fun and Engaging BCL Trivia
To bring some lighthearted fun to the evening, the boys participated in a lively game of “BCL Trivia,” hosted via the popular platform Kahoot!.The competition was fierce, but in the end, Team Pikesville Remodeling emerged victorious, taking home prizes for their efforts. The trivia game provided a perfect way to reflect on the season’s highlights in an enjoyable and engaging manner, bringing smiles and laughter to the crowd.
A Sweet Conclusion
As the night drew to a close, a dessert of ice cream was served, allowing everyone to relax and unwind while watching a slideshow that celebrated the boys’ accomplishments throughout the 2025 season. The slideshow served as a reminder of the hard work, teamwork, and kindness that defined their year, with clips of the boys participating in various community service activities and bonding with their teammates.
Closing Reflections
The evening concluded with bentching, followed by Maariv. As the boys gathered together in unity, they were reminded of the incredible impact their actions had on others during the season. The BCL community’s commitment to chesed was not just an activity but a way of life. Rabbi Silber’s words of inspiration echoed in their hearts, and with a final message of motivation, the boys left the banquet inspired to take all they had learned during the 2025 season into their everyday lives.
The BCL final banquet was a fitting end to another successful season of camaraderie, kindness, and community service. With so many inspiring moments, it was clear that the boys who participated in the league are young men dedicated to making a positive difference in the world around them.
As the season wraps up, the spirit of the Baltimore Chesed League will continue to thrive, one act of chesed at a time.
