PHOTOS: by A.L. This past Sunday night, July 27th, the 8th annual Lev Aharon Backgammon tournament was held in Park Ave Synagogue in Deal, New Jersey. Dubbed as “THE mens event of the season” the annual backgammon tournament is hosted and attended by alumni and friends of Yeshivat Lev Aharon.
Lev Aharon is a Sephardic post high school men’s seminary located in Jerusalem, Israel under the tutelage of Rabbi David Laniado.
In its most successful year to date, the tournament saw nearly a thousand participants attend this year’s event. Catered by Dougies and Ma’aza (Syrian hors doevres) by Eat-a-pita, attendees enjoyed an evening rich with gaming and culture.
Throughout the night, 256 players battled for the coveted role of “Community champion”. As the hours passed more and more players were eliminated. Spellbound onlookers were riveted as the gaming slowly wound down leaving all but two players remaining.
Just after 12am Mr. Clem Benun and Mr Jack Dabbah took there places on stage in the ‘Winners Circle’. With complete silence and sheer anticipation the crowd watched as Mr Dabbah claimed victory in the final game of the five game set. Mr Dabbah, who hails from a family famous for their ‘Shebesh’ skill, remains undefeated for the second consecutive year.
Says Mr Jack Dayon, event founder and coordinator “with Hashems help, as the years progress we see more and more enthusiasm for this event. Just about a thousand men came out on Sunday- an astonishing number. The money raised here offers crucial assistance to help the Yeshiva continue it’s vital work.”
Asked to contrast this year versus years passed Mr David Haber puts it as follows, “both in financial and attendance terms we far exceeded even our most lofty projections. With the assistance of some truly dedicated volunteers we were able to top the six figure mark by a significant amount.”
What an unbelievable event! I’ve had many friends who’ve attended and they say it’s truly a sight to behold! Hashem should bless those involved and the Syrian community at large!
Hadge! Can we project a lofty 7 digit figure for next year?
It was mamish a gevaldika event. I loved the design of all those signs and it was mamish a taka kidush Hashem. Yoshar choyach to the syrains!
Keep up the amazing work!! Inshala 7 digits next year!! Amen!!
Hi, Im DUDU!! As an accomplished CEO myself I thoroughly understand the wherewithal needed to produce such an event. I, myself, have produced many a woman’s garment and the intricate detail involved in such a process pails in comparison to this tremendous evening. As a global askan and as internationally acclaimed pencil skirt technician and would like to express my utmost gratitude to the organizing team for playing a role in the education of Kal Yisroel… MEZ-AA-RAHI OUT!
Dude it’s nice to hear words from such a global asskan and such a great ceo. Thank u