August, 2000) - Jerry Markbreit, who refereed a record four Super Bowls for the National Football League (NFL) will be inducted into the B'nai B'rith Jewish Sports Hall of Fame on Sunday, Aug. 27 at a ceremony during the B'nai B'rith International Convention, being held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Washington, D.C.
"It is a great honor to be honored by the B'nai B'rith Jewish Sports Hall of Fame, and I will cherish the award," said Markbreit.
One of just three Jewish referees during his NFL career, Markbreit retired after the 1998 season. He remains active in the NFL, currently serving as a replay official.
Markbreit, who resides in Skokie, Ill., also serves as president of B'nai B'rith's Chicago Sports Lodge. "I love B'nai B'rith because it's a chance to be involved in a Jewish organization that does so much good worldwide," Markbreit said. "I think all Jewish [people] should be involved in B'nai B'rith. It makes me proud to be involved because B'nai B'rith is really the only way for adults to stay connected to the Jewish religion outside of a synagogue."
In addition to photos of Markbreit, one of his referee shirts, his flag, whistle and commemorative coin from a toss will be on display in the newly renovated B'nai B'rith Sports Hall of Fame. Included among the 42 previous inductees are Hank Greenberg, Sandy Koufax, Marv Albert and Howard Cosell.
Markbreit's induction will be immediately followed by the international launch of the B'nai B'rith Sports Network, which is co-chaired by former Chicago Bear and Minnesota Viking Brent Novoselsky. Designed to provide sports activities throughout the B'nai B'rith world, the Network officially kicked off in Chicago on April 2 with a three-on-three basketball tournament.
The B'nai B'rith Jewish Sports Hall of Fame, part of the B'nai B'rith Klutznick National Jewish Museum, is open to the public Sunday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and is closed on federal and major Jewish holidays. It is located at the B'nai B'rith.
International headquarters, 1640 Rhode Island Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036. Metro to Farragut North, Dupont Circle (red line) or Farragut West (blue or orange line). Call (202) 857-6583 for more information.
B'nai B'rith International - with leadership and members in 58 countries - is the world's largest human rights, community action and humanitarian organization.
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