On the World Series of Poker:
I play as a hobby … I never expected to be thrown into the limelight like I recently was. Gambling is something that can be very dangerous for most people and is not something that I would generally encourage.�
On the importance of making a Kiddush HaShem:
The lesson I would like people to take from my making the final table at the WSOP has nothing to do with poker and only nominally to do with giving tzedakah. The opportunity to make a Kiddush Hashem is ever present (and G-d forbid the opposite)… What we are all expected to do as Torah Jews is to set an example of how best to act no matter what the circumstances.
On backgammon:
This is a game that I’d love to see more people take up, especially our youth. It has it all: Strategy, probability, having to deal with randomness in the short-term. It’s a good microcosm for life.
On Parshat Shemot:
The Torah says in consecutive pesukim “Vayigdal Hayeled ” and then “vayigsal Moshe”. The Ramban explains that the first pasuk is meant in the literal sense – that Moshe grew up physically and the second pasuk is meant in a spiritual sense…The Pasuk explains: “וַיֵּצֵא אֶל־אֶחָיו וַיַּרְא בְּסִבְלֹתָם”. A “Gadol” in Judaism … is all about empathizing with the pain of others and actively doing something to help those who are suffering. That is the tachlis of a Jew in this world.
Gershon Distenfeld, a Teaneck native resides in Bergenfield with his wife Aviva and four children. He is co-head of Fixed Income & Director of Credit at AllianceBernstein, a global investment-management firm. He is involved in many communal endeavors with a particular interest in Day School affordability. Recently he made the Final Table of the 2020 World Series of Poker Main Event and donated all of his winnings to charity.
Photos and interview by David Beyda www.davidbeyda.com�
Available for family portraits, business headshots, shidduch photos, simchas and all of your photographic needs. IG @davidbeydaphotography. 212-967-6964, Studios in Manhattan and Teaneck
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