By C.S. Shoot4Shalom, Shalom Torah Centers’ 3rd annual basketball tournament, was held last week, with increased competitive fervor and drive to win! With the Tournament Sponsor Meridian Capital leading the way, Tournament players committed to “Play Ball, Score Eternity”. Over 100 players converged from across the tri-state area to the Hoop Group Headquarters in its expansive and professionally equipped basketball facility in Neptune, New Jersey. All proceeds benefit Shalom Torah Academy.

For the second year in a row, the winning team was ZP Realty, a real estate management and investment firm located in Brooklyn. The Team received trophies at the event.

Teams were comprised of corporations and individuals. In addition to Meridian Capital as Tournament Sponsor, Platinum level sponsors included Goldmont Realty Corp, Rieder Communities, Madison Title, and Newport Management. Led by intrepid Madison Title Principal Elliot Zaks and Executive Director of Shalom Torah Centers Rabbi Nachman Greenwald, all corporate teams enjoyed and leveraged the opportunity to network with like-minded professionals and basketball players in a unique and exciting setting.

When asked why he raised money to participate in the Tournament, Yaakov Ausfresser, a returning player for the Tournament who played for Newport Management, said, “the Tournament is a great kosher outlet to bring family and have a good time, and also to do a chessed for an organization that brings Jewish education to children and their parents. I played basketball years ago in camp, but it’s exciting to be part of a competitive Tournament.” Yosef Golubchik, from Edison, New Jersey and the husband of a Shalom Alumnus said, “It’s refreshing to be involved with one of the only organizations that has managed to stay true to its objectives and pure in its intentions. And that is to spread the joy, beauty, and splendor of true Torah Judaism to all that thirst for its waters.”

The Tournament began with each team playing 4 games within their division. While the teams played, Shalom’s young students and alumni and the ball players’ families enjoyed delicious snacks and salads by Garden Cafe, energy bars, popcorn and cotton candy, while waving pom poms and wearing sweatbands. The kids had a great time Shooting for Shalom and cheering on their fathers!

After the play in round, Zeus, a famous Harlem Globetrotter, entertained the crowd and competed with a few brave volunteers to shoot hoops. Some fortunate young children also got to enjoy some basketball wizardry firsthand. Following the playoffs, a delicious buffet by Delux Caterers was served for everybody on the court.

The teams competed in a 3-point shootout which was played by every player. The talented winner was Banquest, with 26 points in 2 minutes! The team won the coveted prize of an Invicta watches.

All proceeds from Shoot4Shalom benefit Shalom Torah Academy, a Kiruv Day School located in Morganville, NJ. Shalom provides a full day General and Jewish education to students who would otherwise be in public school. With a proven 40 year record of achievement, Shalom students remain connected to their Jewish heritage and are active in their communities, building future Jewish generations and defying international statistics of high assimilation. Over 50 Lakewood children are students at Shalom Torah Academy and rely upon the support of our Lakewood community.

Visit http://www.shoot4shalom.com/for all the action! Looking forward to seeing you in 2018!

YOUR DONATION to Shalom Torah Academy is greatly appreciated by Shalom’s children! Thank you!