Congregation Shomrei Torah of Fair Lawn will pick up where it left off last year, hosting a table tennis tournament that promises to be bigger and better than the inaugural competition. Scheduled for Saturday, November 19, at 8 p.m., it will again serve the dual purpose of being both a charity fundraiser and an evening of fun, food and friendly competition.
The event is part of the shul’s Torah Tuesday programming, a learning group of mostly retired members that combines breakfast and Torah classes every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. The program initially ran only on Tuesdays, hence the name. Mendy Aron, a founder of Torah Tuesday and coordinator of this special event, has changed the format this year, allowing for more players to reach the late rounds, which should ratchet up the excitement and competitive spirit.
The tournament can be characterized as a charity event with twists. Each competitor, and there are 29 in all, was given the opportunity to choose whatever charity he or she wished to represent. In all, 20 charities were selected, ranging from specific yeshivas, shuls, mikvahs and health-related organizations, to groups that serve all of Bergen County and beyond, such as NCSY, Project Ezra, Sinai and Tomchei Shabbos. Prize money has been doubled, from one $500 champion last year, to a $500 winner plus five $100 runner-ups this time around. That alone makes for a very special and meaningful event, with the potential for a half dozen charities to benefit.
The brackets have changed as well. Last year, age was the only factor in deciding match-ups. Each game was won or lost when one player reached 21 points, with the loser automatically eliminated. This year, players have been divided into six divisions, grouped by sex, age and overall proficiency. The games have been shortened, with the first player reaching 11 points declared the winner, but elimination will now occur when someone loses two games within his/her division.
Among the returning players will be Rabbi Benjamin Yudin, Rabbi and Rebbetzin Andrew Markowitz and Fair Lawn Mayor John Cosgrove. Also returning will be Dima Yuster, the winner of last year’s inaugural event. There will be a number of new participants as well. Three tables will be set up in the ballroom and used for simultaneous play, with a judge assigned for each one. If it’s anything like last year, some players will be caught up in the intensity of the competition, while others will be participating for the pure fun of it. All will have their favorite charities in mind as they take to the floor.
Adding to the festive atmosphere will be an array of dairy goodies for both players (pre-event) and audience/fans to enjoy. It will include pizza, salads, hot pretzels, salsa and chips, ice cream and more.
Shomrei Torah is located at 19-10 Morlot Avenue in Fair Lawn. Cost to attend the tournament is $18 per person. Reservations can be made by emailing [email protected]. Those wishing to sponsor a player/charity can access the form at www.shomrei-torah.org/event/ttchampionship.
By Robert Isler
Robert Isler is a marketing researcher and writer who lives in Fair Lawn. He can be contacted at [email protected].
