The Hesed and Tzedek council on September 15 announced the Heschel Open, a pickleball tournament open to all high school students aimed at raising money for charity.

Hesed and Tzedek Council Vice President Caleb Creizman said, “Normally, the Hesed and Tzedek Council has two major events: Goals for Gelt and Hoops for Hesed. At the end of last year, I decided I wanted us to host a third major event. After lots of discussion and totally out of the box ideas, such as Chess for Hesed, our council decided on a pickleball tournament: The Heschel Open.” 

While the goal was for students to have fun, there were some criteria and regulations: participants’ partners needed to be in the same grade, all games were doubles, and all games were played to seven points. In total, there were 62 players making up 31 teams. 

Every participant paid a $12 entry fee. The money raised was donated to Tuesday’s Children, an organization that provides support to 9/11 families, fallen soldiers, and 9/11 responders and their family members. On September 11, Heschel High School students had the honor to hear from a representative of this organization and learn more about it. In total, the event raised $744. Many players donated extra and many non-participating students donated too.

While all games were supposed to take place in the high school gym during lunch the week of September 23, some games extended into subsequent days. The 10th graders played on September 24, and the 11th graders competed the following day on September 25. The 11th graders finished their games the week of October 7, crowning their winners. 

The Hesed and Tzedek council is currently working to find a date for an all school inter-grade championship. Stay tuned for more information!