The First Annual Topspin Tennis Tournament

Hurricane Irene forced six million to evacuate the Jersey Shore, took down trees and power lines, causing mayhem in New Jersey. In the wake of this horrifying nightmare, we, the tournament chairmen, were forced to decide what to do with the Sephardic Food Fund’s First Annual Topspin Tennis Tournament, which was originally scheduled for the day Irene made landfall in New Jersey.

As we headed back to Deal from Brooklyn after the storm passed, the thoughts of cancelling the tournament filled our minds, but we decided that it must go on and with Hashem’s help, we would hold the tournament a few days later. That’s when the cleanup began. Water flooded the streets and our courts. The fallen branches, leaves and debris covered the clay, making the courts unrecognizable. However,  after a few hours of cleaning up, the courts were visible again and ready for the tournament.

When the day of the tournament finally arrived, it was about 75 degrees outside and the sun was shining—perfect tennis weather. At 10:30, over 40 high school boys arrived at the home of Laurie and Elliot Sutton to sign in. They received their bags, which included a tennis shirt and sweatpants, and were dispersed to the different courts. Competitive play dominated the regular season and it was time for the playoffs.

The four division winners automatically advanced to the quarterfinals while eight teams played to qualify. The quarters and semis were played leaving only two teams, which set the stage for a great final.

A crowd, which included family members and friends, went to the home of Elyse and Eddie Fallack to watch this epic match. Elliot Haddad and Davey Haber were up against Bobby Fallack and Joe Greenberg. Both teams were 4-0 during the regular season, which made this match even more exciting. The Fallack/Greenberg duo took an early 3-0 lead to start off the match. At one point, the losing team rallied, making a comeback, cutting the lead to 3-2. But the consistent play and great volleying by Fallack/Greenberg was just too overpowering and they went on to win the match 8-3.

The two teams shook hands, congratulating each other on the exciting game. The winners brandished their crystal trophies and iHomes while they celebrated their victory.

Baruch Hashem, the event raised over $30,000 for the Sephardic Food Fund. According to David Sitt, who is on the executive committee of the SFF, it will feed the SFF family (almost 300 families) for a whole Shabbat.

The Sephardic Food Fund is without a doubt, one of the major organizations holding up the community today. It helps put food and smiles on peoples’ tables. The families receiving support from the SFF are able to shop without embarrassment. There are many successful families who have experienced major setbacks and need the SFF to help them rebuild.

I would like to give a special thanks to a few people who made this tournament happen: the various sponsors, who gave generously; the hosts of the tournament who graciously opened up their homes: Laurie and Elliot Sutton, Heidi and Steve Russo, Shirley and Louie Franco, Glorie and Meir Cohen and Elyse and Eddie Fallack. Also, a special thanks to all of my friends who helped make this day happen—and last but not least—I must thank my parents, Ceryse and Eddie Mizrahi. Without their constant words of inspiration and assurance, the day would have never happened. B”H next year will be even more successful!
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Ralph Mizrahi is 17 years old. He is currently a senior in Magen David Yeshivah High School. He plans to run many more events for the SFF.