Baseball doesn’t get much more Jewish than this year’s National League Division Series, which starts Friday, Oct. 9 between the New York Mets and the Los Angeles Dodgers. Both teams feature notable Jews: Palo Alto native and star rookie Joc Pederson in the outfield for the Dodgers and Joe Wilpon in the owner’s box for the Mets.
But what really makes this series Jewish is the bet between two Jewish Democratic members of Congress. Rep. Adam Schiff of California is betting on the Dodgers, and Rep. Steve Israel of New York is betting on the Mets. If the Mets win, Schiff pays up in popcorn from Pauline’s Premier Sweets in Burbank. If the Dodgers win, Israel is on the hook for bagels.
And, wrote Schiff: “Please make sure the lox is fresh, Steve.” — jta