Jamie Hoffman played at the Sarachek Tournament for Hillel Miami in 1993, the second year of the tournament. His son, Nathaniel, is a senior on the Katz Yeshiva High team.
Playing in the Sarachek Basketball Tournament at Yeshiva University was a defining moment in my high school experience—an opportunity to compete at a high level, bond with teammates, and meet up with friends from around the country. I have clear memories of the entire high school grade from HIllel in North Miami Beach coming up for the tournament and filling the stands- and I see the same is true with large groups of family and friends that come in to root for their teams. It is like a mini March Madness tournament. Now, 32 years later, watching my son step onto the same court and take part in this incredible tradition means a lot. The tournament has grown over the years, and is run so well, it is really the signature event in the Jewish sports landscape. I have memories playing against kids I know from camp, and others that I would become friends with in Israel or college. Seeing my son Nathaniel embracing kids from all over the country before and after his games is almost as enjoyable as watching the competitive games on the court.