Rabbi Seeks Poker Loophole in Torah

The Torah, the holy book for the Jewish religion, prohibits gambling when it is done for greed, or as a profession, but gambling for fun is allowed. Following this idea Rabbi Harry Manhoff of Temple Beth Sholom decided to hold a Texas Holdem tournament and invite the locals. The idea is to use chips as a point system, with players hitting different chip levels qualifying for prizes. Rabbi Manhoff's goal is to encourage fun and fellowship at Temple Beth Sholom, and it is not the first time poker is used to do so. Texas Holdem events have been used to raise money before, but this is the first time the tourney was opened up to the community and awarded prizes.