The First Graduating Class of The Sephardic Rabbinical College

Transcription

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O R G A N I Z A T I O N S
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The First Graduating Class of The Sephardic
Rabbinical College
celebration was held at the
home of Lillian and Ken
Cayre, to honor the first
graduating class of rabbis
from the Sephardic Rabbinical
College. This reception marked the
first tier of accomplishment for the
college. Chief Rabbi Shaul Kassin,
Rabbi Shimon Alouf, Rabbi Harold
Sutton, Ezra S. Ashkenazi, Paul
Kopyt and others who were involved
in the Sephardic Rabbinical College
were ecstatic at the realization of
their dream of educating community
members
according
to
the
Sephardic tradition and providing
“home grown educators” for our
community.
Four years ago, the concept of
Mr. Ashkenazi was brought to
fruition as the Sephardic Rabbinical
College was formed. A scholarship
program was implemented to
enable dedicated individuals to participate in the program and live with
dignity among their peers. In return,
students are required to commit to
work and serve in our Sephardic traditional community institutions.
The meeting, attended by many
community rabbis as well as the
families of the honorees, began
with host Ken Cayre greeting the
crowd and welcoming them. Chief
Rabbi Shaul Kassin spoke to the
audience and articulately explained
to the crowd the importance of
keeping Sephardic customs and
traditions alive. He was followed by
our esteemed and honorable Mr.
Sam Catton, who was the keynote
speaker.
Rabbi Shimon Alouf, the head
of the college, spoke about how the
ceremony was of special importance to him because of his connection with the rabbis. He was
immensely pleased to give them
their diplomas that were signed this
past summer by former Chief Rabbi
Ovadia Yosef.
Rabbi Alouf said, “It was a great
experience for me personally to see
336 JANUARY 2008 IMAGE 18th ANNIVERSARY
A
American students, who studied
here, passing the tests like Israeli
kollel students and receiving
smikhah (rabbinical ordination). I
look forward to seeing additional
capable and talented young men
assuming the responsibility of leadership to fill the needs of our community, to maintain our traditions
dents of the Sephardic Rabbinical
College and were the first to take
and pass the rabbinical test given
by Chief Rabbi of Israel (Rabbi
Bakshi-Doron).
In their intense studies, the rabbis learned both secular and rabbinical studies. Other students in the
college included Moses Haber,
Azriel Izhar, Daniel Kahana, David
Zeit and Yehezkel Zion.
Rabbi Alouf and Sam Catton, flanked by
the new graduates Rabbis Joseph Dweck,
Shaul Chamoula, Jacob Savdie,
and Joseph Beyda
Joe J. Sitt, SRC teacher Rabbi Dr. David
Eliach, Ezra S. Ashkenazi, Joe Cayre and
Rabbi Alouf
dor midor (from generation to generation) in the spirit and encouragement of our great Rabbi, Rav
Ovadia Yosef, shlita.”
Ezra S. Ashkenazi gave an eloquent speech, discussing the importance of the rabbinical college to the
future of Sephardic customs and
traditions.
Rabbi Harold Sutton remarked
that “Being involved in the training
of the community’s future teachers
and leaders has been truly inspiring.
There is nothing as gratifying as
watching those whom you have
taught attain positions of leadership
in the community.”
Rabbis Joe Beyda, Saul
Chamoula, Joe Dweck and Jack
Savdie were the original four stu-
Jack E. Cattan, Jakie S. Kassin, Chief
Rabbi Shaul J. Kassin and
Dr. Eddie J. Sutton
The event served not only as
an exciting and important graduation but also as community support
for the next four to five years and
for the new class. Said Ezra S.
Ashkenazi of the day, “We want to
thank everyone who came to this
momentous event, a highlight in
community history. The Sephardic
Rabbinical College will be a key
fixture in our community for years
to come and will become one of
the main organizations that will
provide for all age groups in the
community.”
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T O
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T H E
C O M M U N I T Y
Community
for Cancer
Dear Readers,
We would like to take this opportunity to thank
everyone for their innovation and participation in our
Sephardic Community Resource Guide to Cancer services. Many individuals suffering from cancer or other illnesses, within the Sephardic community and worldwide
have utilized and benefited from the Sephardic
Community Resource Guide to Cancer Services.
Miriam and I had initially thought that if we could help
one person we'd be very happy and the list would have
fulfilled its purpose. To our pleasant surprise, it seems
that thousands of people have benefited from it. If anyone has any vital information to add, we will be happy
to accept it, after some research on our part. On behalf
of Miriam Barry and myself, we would like to thank you
for your participation and questions. For more information, please call 718-376-5727. All calls will be kept confidential.
Sincerely,
Mimi Shomer
Cancer Institute of Brooklyn
(718) 843-8114
Provides health screening, educational materials,
support groups, and individual counseling.
Chai Lifeline
(212) 255-1160
A guide to kosher restaurants, synagogues, and
Bikur Holim apartments near NYC hospitals.
ECHO
(718) 859-9800
Provides personal direction for medical problems
and referrals to doctors or specialists in various fields.
Leukemia Society of America, Inc.
(800) 955-4572
Provides information and support regarding
leukemias, myelomas, lymphomas, and other related
diseases. There is a fund to defray transportation
costs.
Information and Services:
National Cancer Institute
Adelphi’s Statewide Breast Cancer
Hotline and Support Program
(516) 877-4444, (800) 877-8077
Provides referrals, emotional support, information
about early detection, mammography, second opinions,
finding an appropriate physician, and understanding
medical treatment options.
American Cancer Society
(800) ACS-2345, (718) 237-7850
Provides general information on treatment and may
provide financial support.
Cancer Care, Inc.
(800) 813-4673, (718) 712-8400
Provides counseling and financial assistance for
non-medical expenses such as home care, housekeeping, and transportation. Children's services are also
available.
(800) 4-CANCER
Provides regularly updated and computerized information on current research and treatment on any form
of cancer. They also have a variety of free booklets
available. The 800 number will connect you to the closest national cancer center. Memorial Sloan Kettering is
the one in New York.
Children's Services:
When a child is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness there are many difficulties the family must face. In
addition to the organizations mentioned previously,
there are groups that focus mainly on children’s cancer
services.
Because school can be especially difficult during or
after a serious illness, many yeshivot also have staff
members, counselors, or psychologists who can help
ease the child's return to school. The school principal
will generally refer the parent to a staff member who will
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T O
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Resource Guide
Services
best aide in this situation. It is up to the parent to contact the staff member and to be the child's advocate
upon his or her return to school. It is also important to
prepare the classmates for the child's return, and to
answer all of their questions with the correct information
about the disease and treatment. These preparations
greatly ease the resumption of a normal social life for
the child.
Children's Agencies:
Cancer Care, Inc.
(212) 302-2400
Provides a three-step program to educate school
psychologists and counselors on dealing with a cancerstricken child. Parental and group counseling is also
available.
tional support groups, special trips, holiday festivities, and
family retreats. Not to mention Camp Simcha, named in
memory of Dr. Samuel Abraham. It is an extraordinary
summer experience for children with cancer. There is also
a Camp Simcha Special, which is an overnight camp for
children with serious chronic and genetic conditions.
Chai Lifeline's most recent accomplishments are
the establishments of the Chai Family Centers, which
are community based counseling centers. The Chai
Family Centers are located in Brooklyn and the Five
Towns.
Children's Brain Tumor Foundation
(212) 448-9494
Provides information on medical and social services, support groups, and resource guides for the parents
of a child with a brain or spinal cord tumor.
Candlelighters
(800) 366-CCCF, (917) 886-4573
The childhood cancer foundation provides a
newsletter, information, and resources for the young
patient and members of the family.
(718) 596-1542
This is a self-help network for Jewish Orthodox parents of children with cancer. It provides phone pals,
support meetings, newsletters, resource books, and a
children's newsletter. Contact Mrs. Chumie Bodek.
Chai Lifeline/Camp Simcha
(212) 465-1300, (877) CHAILIFE
Chai Lifeline is a not-for-profit international organization that provides vital support services to Jewish children
and families with serious, life-threatening, and chronic illnesses. Its wide network of services include 21 yearround programs that provide professional case management, medical referrals, insurance support services, emo-
(800) 637-2774, (914) 277-4547
Provides financial assistance to catastrophically ill
children and their families with payments for physicians,
hospitals, and medication. Helps with home nursing
services and equipment. Above all, offers emotional
support.
NCI Pediatric Branch
(301) 496-4256
This is the National Cancer Institute's children's
clinic, which treats more than 500 patients a year. It
works with cancer study groups, has an active parents'
group, and prepares special publications for parents.
This information was compiled by community members Miriam Barry and Mimi Shomer to ensure that people could have immediate access to information and
services at a time of crisis. Great care was taken to
ensure the accuracy of each listing.
Caring and Sharing
Friends of Karen
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One Barkai Question:
Seven Barkai Answers
Joey Mizrachi
arkai Yeshivah; what a wonderful idea! We
spoke about it; we dreamed it; and prayed for it.
In the beginning Sammy Salem and I had to go
door to door trying to sell our school. We had
meetings of every shape and size with all sorts of different people. We promised a better mousetrap, but
we really had no history to back up our claims or any
proven track record.
Seven years later we are 300 students strong and
a community institution. The small children who toddled through our door on that first day in 1999 are now
about to complete their study of Sefer Debareem; a
B
community first. Their achievement test scores reflect
an excellence in general studies, and our Judaic studies curriculum is second to none.
We always need feedback. It is critical information
when trying to assess a job you tried to do. As Mayor
Koch used to ask, “So, how am I doin?”
Well, how are we doing? Also, who do I ask that
question to? I think I might get different answers from
different people.
Here then are seven answers from seven people
who really count: seven Barkai parents.
I hope you will find their comments as inspiring as
we did.
“Kudos to Barkai Yeshivah! As a parent with
children in other yeshivahs, I can certainly
appreciate Barkai's refreshing approach to
education! Barkai fosters autonomy, problem
solving skills, and most importantly a thirst for
knowledge and love of learning! Keep up the
great work!”
Wendy Jemal
Interacting with the live creature brought science to life and piqued the children's growing
curiosities.
Academics aside, my son is thriving both personally and socially. He has a great group of
friends and they all enjoy many playdates
together. This fall I plan to send my second
son to Barkai and I am eager to see what he
will learn and who he will meet. I am not, how“For months my husband was trying to con- ever, apprehensive at all.”
vince me to enroll our son in Barkai Yeshivah,
Rachel and Charles Ashkenazi
and for months I adamantly refused. I reluctantly agreed on a strictly trial basis. It has “From the minute you enter the building you
been two years since that hesitant decision feel this warmth, this bond that you share with
and I have since had no regrets. My four year every other family. Barkai is not only an excelold son runs to school every morning and lent school it's the ultimate home away from
can't wait for the weekends to be over to be home. Each child is important, and everyone
back in school. He is almost completely fluent knows who each child is, every child comes
in Hebrew, knows much more than either my home radiant and happy with an education
husband or myself, and has a deep knowl- that is second to none. Every day my daughedge of the holidays and the weekly parash- ter Mimi who is 4 years old can't wait to teach
iot. Most impressive to me is his understand- me another song, or to tell me what day of the
ing of nature, science and the world around week it is. She loves to learn and that is every
him. At age three he came home explaining parents dream. I guess you can say this
the process of chrysalis, by name, and pro- school is a dream come true.”
ceeded to explain where butterflies came
Lynda Levy
from. The class watched their very own caterpillar for two weeks and was able to see this “Barkai provides my children with a sense of
miracle happen before their astounded eyes. security and warmth as they learn and
Continued on page 310
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One Barkai...
explore the world around them. I send my
children off to school every day with the
assurance of knowing that they are getting a
stellar Judaic and secular education in a
warm and personal environment. Barkai promotes a three-way partnership between
teacher, parent, and child that is invaluable.
On any given day, I can ask the director
(Sherri) how my child is doing, and she would
respond with details of my child's day. You
just don't get that anywhere else.”
Ruthie Tawil
“Barkai Yeshivah is truly unique in its
approach to educating our children. Lessons
come to life through the creativity and positive energy of the teachers. Their enthusiasm is contagious and the children eagerly
look forward to each new lesson. Jeanne
comes home with a big smile on her face and
can't wait to tell me all about her day.”
Rachel Franco
“My child learns not only how to be a Jew but
learns to love being a Jew! Barkai instills a
love of Eretz Yisrael and our children long to
visit it!”
Tracy Zeit
“Sitting at the Shabbat table discussing various intriguing topics, our family came across
an interesting article written by Rabbi
Jonathan Sacks. It was dealing with a topic
that is very appropriate for out community.
Rabbi Sacks was quoted in the
article,"there's no conceivable reason for this
turning away from secular knowledge. If
Judaism has to shutter itself behind high
walls, that's not a strength". At an instant, my
daughter Alison (a fifth grader) stated that in
Sefer Bemidbar, Moshe sent out spies to
Yisrael. One of the aspects they were looking for was to see if the people lived behind
high walls or simply in tents; the high walls
were a sign of weakness. Alison correlated
the comments of Rabbi Sacks on a sophisticated level with confidence. This is a tribute
to the type of education she is receiving in
her Torah class at Barkai
Lori Tawil
T O
B E N E F I T
T H E
C O M M U N I T Y
Barkai Yeshivah
Celebrates
One Year
arkai Yeshivah began with a nursery and a
kindergarten consisting of 13 children in a
‘home’ on East 8th Street in Brooklyn. One
year later they were educating 56 children in
four grades: lower nursery, upper nursery, kindergarten
and first grade. With much thanks to HaKadosh Baruch
Hu, they began the new school year in their new home
at the Ave N. Jewish Center.
Their synthesis of two highly successful educational methods, namely the Barkai Method and the Bank
Street or Developmental-Interactive approach has been
proven to be a resounding success. They believe success is defined not just by what knowledge and skills
were acquired by the children (this in itself is truly
remarkable), but also by what kind of attitude about
learning was formed; what kind of midot (personality
traits) were internalized by the children; what personal
connection was established regarding their rich
Sephardic tradition and what relevance did they feel in
their lives about being Torah observant Jews.
The following are a few thoughts from Director,
Miriam A. Tawil and Rabbi Shweky:
“It's hard to believe, but here we are at the last day
of school—what a year it has been. What a wonderful
beginning of what is and what we pray will be, an amazingly successful educational home for our children.
They have grown, they have matured, they have
laughed, they have played, they have had countless
positive encounters with the world of learning and with
life. We can not thank our teachers enough for being
such positive role models for our children as they introduced them to the world of learning and life as Torah
Jews. These early positive years in school will serve as
a very solid foundation for your children as they embark
on their educational careers,” said Miriam A. Tawil.
“This year we were able to accomplish a lot with our
children. Seeing the areas of growth in Torah and reading has been gratifying to me and I thank Hashem for
giving me this opportunity to learn with your children.
Judging by the enthusiasm level of the children, I feel
the school environment had a very positive effect on
them. May we continue to grow while preserving our
commitment to Torah and mitzvot,” said Rabbi David
Shweky.
B
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Gesher Yehuda’s 14th
Annual Commencement
t the 14th annual commencement of Gesher
Yehuda, held in Bnei
Yitzhak, you could feel the
love and warmth the school possesses as they honored the tremendous accomplishments of the graduates.
A
Claudia and Jack Setton, Alan
Maleh, Michael Cayre, and Frieda
Tawil and her entire family for planning this year's graduation.
“I truly appreciate each student.
Each student added something special to the fabric of our school,” said
Vivian Stok.
Rabbi Eli Mansour then
addressed the crowd. “This is a
remarkable night. I am so proud of
the boys; they have reached a
majority of their potential. All the
rabbis are thrilled with their achievements.”
to Rabbi Mordechai Tesser, who
travels from Lakewood everyday, is
always available, and has been a
great inspiration.
Rabbi Tesser then blessed the
graduates to give their parents
nahat (pride and joy), grow in
mitzvot (commandments), and that
Hashem should give them good parnassah (livelihood).
The founder of Gesher Yehuda,
Jack Setton, presented student
Joey Antebi the Triple ‘C’ Award,
from the state of New York, for
always possessing kindness.
The graduates were then given
their diplomas. Congratulations to:
Joey Antebi, Robby Chattah, Ricky
Chehebar, Albert Cohen, Albert
Dweck, Elliot Dweck, Max Franco,
Rabbi Eli Mansour
Alan Maleh was the host for the
evening. In opening he said, “I am
honored to be the emcee for the
evening. While in Bnei Yitzhak, I
was approached to help Gesher
Yehuda with its need for marketing
and exposure. After one or two
meetings, I realized the need for a
school like Gesher Yehuda that
builds the self-esteem, pride and
confidence of its students.”
Alan went on to introduce Vivian
Stok, the director of Gesher
Yehuda. She pointed out that in the
14 years since Gesher Yehuda
opened its doors, this is the largest
graduating class. With extreme
pride she thanked her staff for their
devotion, and for giving so much of
themselves. She also went on to
thank pivotal members of our community who continue to make
Gesher Yehuda the fine school it is:
Rabbi Mordechai Tesser
Sammy J. Sutton, parent of
graduate Joseph Sutton, felt privileged and honored to be there on
this special night. In a touching
moment Joseph presented his
grandmother, Eileen Sutton, with
the Distinguished Service Award.
“Every parent’s dream is to see their
child graduate and celebrate who
they are. Success does not happen
in the elevator, you must take the
stairs,” said Eileen Sutton upon
receiving her award.
Students Sammy Mograby and
Daniel Safdeye gave a special
‘thank-you’ to all the teachers who
helped in all areas of their life, and
Founder, Jack Setton
Oren
Hakimisefat,
Sammy
Mograby, Daniel Safdeye, Yaeer
Sankari, and Joseph Sutton for their
major accomplishment!
Special thanks to: Melissa
Sutton, Nathan Tawil, Isaac Tawil,
Miriam Lewin, Rebecca Harary,
Shirley Mansour, and the board and
staff of Bnei Yitzhak for all their hard
work and efforts to make the
evening special.
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Sephardic Renaissance Opens Day Camp
t was Tuesday, June 29, the day
that most children in our community who are staying in
Brooklyn for the summer were
beginning the first day of day camp.
They and their parents had joyful
visions of delightful programs—
swimming, ball games, parasha stories and question hours, arts and
crafts, music, yummy snacks, and
exciting field trips.
Yet, in many of the small apartment houses found in various corners of our community, there are
families struggling to pay their rent
and put food on the table.
I
notice the child ‘playing’ in the street.
Remembering the tragedy and
fearing a similar incident, the
Sephardic Renaissance, a grass-roots
community organization that sponsors
kiruv (bringing secularized Jews closer
to Judaism) activities in New York and
Israel, immediately decided to open an
affordable day camp to serve recent
immigrant families.
That same day, the Sephardic
Renaissance arranged to rent facilities for a new day camp at Yeshivah
Ohel Moshe at Bay Parkway and
80th Street in Bensonhurst. Flyers
were quickly designed, printed and
distributed to announce the establishment
of
the
Sephardic
delighted by their immediate
endorsement of the day camp and
their commitment to not only
donate, but also to actively solicit
contributions amongst their friends
and business associates.
Rabbi Cohen, an experienced
educator who studied at the
Sorbonne and Hebrew University,
decided to utilize the positive atmosphere of the day camp to help many
of the campers improve their educational skills.
Rabbi Cohen was stunned to
discover that some of the campers
have weak understandings of
Yahadut (Judaism) and subjects
such as English, mathematics,
reading simple books or understanding Hebrew.
Children enjoy lunch at the Sephardic
Renaissance Day Camp
For these children, June 29 was
the start of what promised to be yet
another boring summer of unsupervised hours outside on the muggy
street or in homes (many of which
lack air conditioning) where they
would quickly become bored.
That same day, however, a turning point occurred when Rivka
Vekinin, an experienced day camp
director, happened to meet with
Rabbi David A. Cohen, Director of the
Sephardic Renaissance. She spoke
about the kids whose immigrant parents were unable to pay for even the
simplest day camp programs for their
children, explaining both the physical
and spiritual dangers that these kids
were going to face being on their own
during the summer.
Rabbi Cohen said that he and
many others in the community still
recall the painful incident when a
young girl, outside her house unsupervised, was run over by a garbage
truck whose driver tragically didn’t
Girls enjoying arts and crafts
Renaissance Day Camp for Summer
2004. Rivka Vekinin, that same afternoon, began to receive numerous
phone calls from excited parents.
The Sephardic Renaissance
understood that the price they would
charge the parents would not come
close to covering the actual costs for
providing door-to-door transportation to and from camp, breakfast,
catered hot lunches, paying for the
rent of the day camp facilities, the
cost of the weekly field trips and the
salaries for the day camp counselors and staff.
Rabbi Cohen was briefly concerned as to whether or not he
would be able to get support from
the community each week to pay
the many bills that the day camp
was going to generate. He started
making phone calls to prominent
individuals who are active in similar
mitzvah oriented projects and was
Rabbi David A. Cohen listens to a young
boy’s answer to a Torah question along
with camp director Rivka Vekinin
Sephardic Renaissance aims to
improve the understanding of the
youngsters by providing the camp
with special teachers who can provide tutorial assistance in a friendly
environment. In addition to teaching
Chumash (Bible studies) to both the
boys and girls, special classes in
Mishna and Gemora are given to
the older boys.
Almost 100 boys and girls, in
separate programs, aged 3-13,
some of whom unfortunately attend
public schools, now have the
chance to get up each day and look
forward with excitement to a funfilled day that will also enrich their
Yahadut (Jewish identity) understanding of themselves and the
world around them.
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MDY Students Receive Literary Award From
IMAGE Magazine and the Sephardic National Alliance
n an effort to promote Sephardic heritage and
encourage young writers from the community,
IMAGE Magazine and the Sephardic National
Alliance (SNA), in conjunction with Magen David
Yeshivah sponsored a literary contest. The contest was
open to all the students of Magen David Yeshivah. They
were encouraged to write about community members
and families in their essays. Each winner would be
awarded $100 and their article would be published in
IMAGE Magazine.
The talented winners were: Ariel Cohen, Helen
Grazi, Sally Semah and Regine Setton. Sally Semah
wrote a touching story about her grandparents who both
I
Ben-Gurion Matsas presents Ariel Cohen, Helen Grazi, Sally
Semah and Regine Setton with checks for their winning
submissions
contracted Alzheimer's disease. Ariel Cohen took us
through the exciting experiences of his grandfather’s life
(a Holocaust survivor). Regine Setton wrote an inspirational story about the family togetherness that she
learned from her grandmother. Last but not least, Helen
Grazi wrote about the selflessness and love her grandmother had toward her family. The winners were picked
for their talent and flair for writing. Each story was inspirational and gave insight into some of the wonderful
members of our community.
After the winners were chosen, Ben-Gurion Matsas,
president of the SNA and publisher of IMAGE
Magazine, and Rachelle Matsas, Chief Editor of IMAGE
Magazine, congratulated the winners and gave them
their awards.
The SNA would like to thank all the writers who
shared their stories.
Ariel Cohen’s Winning Essay
About His Grandfather
y grandfather looks like any ordinary grandfather. He has white hair, thick glasses, a
grin on his face that stretches from ear to
ear, and he always wears checkered shirts
with thick sweaters. However, even though he looks like
an ordinary grandfather, he is anything but that.
My grandfather, Moshe Shapiro, is a Holocaust survivor. He was born in a town in Poland no longer in existence, called Pshitik, in the year 1923. He was the son
of the respected Rabbi Yisroel Shapiro, the town's Chief
Rabbi. When the war broke out, Rabbi Shapiro and his
wife were killed by the Nazis. The eight children of the
household were separated. My grandfather, who was a
strong young man and fit for labor, took his younger
brother, Meir, with him wherever he went. My grandfather was transported to labor camps in Germany and
struggled to survive every day. By 1945, the German
empire's end was near, since the Allied powers were
pushing the Nazis back on all fronts. The Nazis were
panicked as a result of their situation. This made it easier for my grandfather to escape, together with his
brother, to Switzerland. He was put in a home to recuperate from the effects of the war.
In 1946 my grandfather once again had to pick up
his belongings and move. This time he moved to Israel.
There he found his sister Matya. He learned from Matya
that of the eight children in his family, only three had
survived (Moshe, Meir and Matya). For the next two
years, my grandfather worked as a waiter in the town of
Affula. In 1948, he joined the Israeli Armed Forces in
the War for Independence. At the end of the war, he lost
his eye and was no longer able to serve in the Armed
Forces. In 1949, my grandfather came to the United
States for the first time. In the United States, he met the
woman who would be his wife, Naomi Wurtzberger.
They were married in 1949, and moved back to Israel
that same year.
When my grandfather returned to Israel, he bought
a home in Giva'atayim. He took the job of a cab driver.
He lived in Giva'atayim for two years and had two children there. In 1951, he moved to a little town called Kfar
Pinnis. He bought a farm in the town, raised livestock
and worked in a grocery store for the next 10 years of
his life. After that, he began his own business of providing animal feed. With Hashem's help, the business succeeded and he decided to expand it. He worked in this
business until 1996, when he retired with eight children
M
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Ariel Cohen’s
Winning Essay
About His
Grandfather
Ariel Cohen and his grandfather/hero Mr. Moshe Shapiro
and over 45 grandchildren (B”H). Finally he
moved to Jerusalem, the city of his dreams. He
lives there today and enjoys his eight children, 51
grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
My grandfather, who has gone through so
much in his life, and experienced so many devastating losses, is a true hero. He worked all of his
life to support his family. He did not allow his losses to affect him, because he knew that if he did,
there would not be 64 descendants of his line. He
defied the will of the Germans by escaping their
tyranny and bringing 64 Jewish souls into the
world (B”H).
T O
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The Sephardic Educational
Center
he Sephardic Educational Center, founded in
1979 by Dr. and Mrs. J.A. Nessim just purchased the three famous and historical buildings that it has leased for the last 20 years.
The SEC represents the one and only World
Spiritual and Educational Center with a Sephardic orientation in the Jewish World. It is strategically situated
meters away from the Kotel (Western Wall) in the
Jewish quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem.
The premises contain dormitories for 240 participants, classrooms, offices, a library, audiovisual room,
kitchen and dining room. It has adjoining walls with
Yohanan Benzakai Synagogue, one of the four famous
Sephardic synagogues. For centuries, the synagogue
served as the headquarters and residence of every
Sephardic Chief Rabbi. It also was the home to the
famous Sephardic Rabbinical school. The three buildings have deep Sephardic roots.
Since the Sephardim never had a need for reformation, the institution and the organization does not belong
to the reconstructionist, reform, conservative, orthodox
or Hassidic movements. The word Sephardic simply
refers to the culture and philosophy of a group of Jews
that are just Jewish. Maimonides, a Sephardi, was one
of the greatest philosophers of Judaism in the last 1,000
years who studied and combined Torah and science
without conflict.
The only requirement for attending courses in the
Center in Jerusalem or to belong to any of the Centers
in the Diaspora is that the participant be Jewish. SEC is
a center for all Jews, and they welcome everyone with
open arms. They observe Jewish law and serve Glatt
Kosher food.
Sixteen thousand youth and young adults have
come from 21 countries to SEC to discover or intensify
their knowledge and practice Judaism. The organization
is a non-profit corporation in the US and in Israel.
If you are interested and want to know more about
the organization and the Center in Jerusalem contact
their World Executive Headquarters which is situated at
the Sephardic Educational Center, 10808 Santa Monic
Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025. They will send you more
information.
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The Sephardic Angel Fund:
Offering Business Assistance to
Our Community
he Sephardic Angel Fund (SAF) is aptly named.
They truly are angels to the people who come
in seeking their assistance. Founded in August
2002, SAF has been offering business advice,
networking opportunities, and interest free loans to
community members who want to go into business—or
keep their existing businesses afloat—during difficult
times.
SAF guides individuals on the road to business success by uniting them with volunteers from throughout
our community in a spirit of hesed.
Irwin Dayan, Executive Director of SAF (known to
most as ID), has worked for over 30 years in crisis management, restructuring companies. He's swift at analyzing situations and offering solutions and options. At
SAF, he's available day and night as an advisor. He
enthusiastically told us about all of SAF's programs.
“SAF handles all types of business activity from
startup to growth to distress areas of business. We
have the ability to finance businesses and advise them
on how to structure their company; we implement marketing plans, financial plans and all types of legal and
accounting advice for free.”
Since startup business plans can cost thousands of
dollars, SAF has alliances with Pace University and
Baruch College where there are programs that enable
the small business owner to get a startup business plan
and financial projections free of charge.
“We have a group of angels,” says Dayan, “that I
call captains of industry. They come to the table and
give their time to advise our clients (local business owners). We cover 15 to 20 different industries including
retail, wholesale, real estate, and Internet services.“
“I meet with each client, and then we assign a team
that stays with that client until we feel that they're where
they have to be.” The team consists of three advisors—
an industry expert, an experienced businessperson and
a “Guardian Angel” who serves as a personal caseworker. The team analyzes the client's business situation and provides business advice and networking
opportunities.
“We've grown so much in the past couple of years.
Now that we've identified everything that we do and we
can do and we will do, we see there are different groups
that need our help. There's a young group, an old
group, a men's group and a ladies' group and each of
them has different needs,” explains Dayan. “So, now we
T
have
Generation
Angel, which consists
of men and women
18-25. We encourage
them to go to college
or business, find
emerging markets,
and go into new
industries.
We're
starting another group
for men and women
23-33 who are out of
college, very aggressive and ready to go
into business.”
This group came
about thanks to a
Irwin Dayan
young man who SAF
helped three years
ago, a 21-year-old with an idea for a job placement
website, but he didn't know where to begin. With the
help of SAF, three years later, he has a thriving business. “It's growing like crazy,” says Dayan proudly. “He
came back to us three months ago, saying ‘I want to
start a young entrepreneurial network.’ So, we did and
he's an angel on cases now.”
Another new program is the Ladies’ Network. “The
women who come in are very creative. They have lots
of ideas,” he says. In order to help them, Dayan found
a national organization that puts ladies in business,
called Ladies Who Launch. Thus, another partnership
was formed.
In addition SAF works with Sephardic Career
Services, a joint venture with Sephardic Bikur Holim, to
provide resources for job training, career counseling
and placement advice. SAF helps clients find meaningful employment that will make the most of their abilities
and allow them to find their niche in the business world.
SAF job coaches help clients set goals and market their
strengths. They also refer business owners who are
having personal financial difficulties to Sephardic Bikur
Holim, where they receive counseling and guidance
about financial resources and budget counseling.
Dayan is excited about the success and growth of
SAF. “All these things are happening, we're getting
more volunteers, we're getting more clients and we're
spreading out to other areas.”
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Generation Angel Career Event
vent preparations were set up in the white and
green Generation Angel colors, from big banners to the five white tents atop the green
grass. Coordinators worked hard to arrange
their summer career event in Deal, featuring sessions
given by community businessmen and professionals
from an assortment of industries.
Allie Sutton, Jack Terzi and Ralph Terzi of
Generation Angel (the Sephardic Angel Fund’s youth
division) organized the program catering to the community's young adults. Keynote speakers were Hymie
Betesh and David Tawil. Both delivered invigorating
addresses and motivated their audience of around 150
teenagers and men in their 20s.
David noted how lucky youth are to receive such
advice. “I didn't have anything like this,” he said, referring to when he was younger. “The earlier you are
aware, the earlier you can plan ahead. And that increases the likelihood for success.”
The event centered around two rotations of 45minute sessions, during which young adults chose to sit
in on industries in which they were interested. Panels
were comprised of: Real Estate: Abie and Eddie Hidary,
Wholesale: Nathan M. Dweck, David Franco, Jack
Haddad, Bernie Hafif and Ralph Harary, Finance:
Sammy Attias and Allan Mishan, Medical: Dr. Eddie
Gindi (pediatrician), Dr. Stephen Haddad (gastroenterologist) and Dr. Joey Shams (interventional radiologist), Law: Jeffrey Dweck, Robert Frastai and Adam
Sultan, and Retail: Joe Sitt.
Attendees received business cards from speakers
and benefited from the exchange. Young adults sat
enthralled in the sessions and felt it helped shape their
own careers. Especially nowadays, and in this community, it's important for young adults to figure out what
they love doing and map out a plan on how to get there.
“Career is a marathon, not a sprint,” said David in his
presentation. He said one should always have a goal as
he or she will be more driven, and it's fine if that goal
changes. “Take chances when you are young; the
stakes get higher when you get older,” he said.
David promoted the idea of sharing information,
and said that communication goes both ways. While it's
significant for young adults to seek guidance, successful community members should reach out and look to
share their experience and tips. “Why should I keep
what I have a secret?” he asked.
However, nothing happens overnight. Some kids
today think that life for many is on cruise control and
don't see behind the scenes to how people achieve success. The most prevalent signs of success are material—homes, cars, vacations and lavish lifestyles. Most of
those who have succeeded, said David, “love what they
E
Organizers Jack Terzi and Ralph Terzi
do and, at least initially, worked until they couldn't keep
their eyes open.”
Furthermore, young adults aren't necessarily aware
of what it takes to live comfortably in the community, let
alone luxuriously, and therefore should educate themselves on living costs and temper their expectations.
The world is ultra-competitive and it's crucial that
young adults start down a path to success early on. A
college education is essential and, as David put it,
“A profession is a good insurance policy.”
While sitting in on Joe Sitt's retail session, David
observed that many boys raised hands when asked if
they planned on entering family businesses. He said
that it's great if they love it and could be highly advantageous. But on the other hand, if it's not something
they desire to do, it could be counter-productive.
David recalled that when he was younger he
worked in his father's retail store and hated it. That's
when he realized one of the most crucial pieces of
advice he could probably give: “As important as it is to
find out what you want to do, it's almost as important to
find out what you don't want to do.”
Young adults took what was said to heart and
everyone was impressed by the event.
“If this event changed the life of one kid, then it is all
worth it,” said Jack Terzi. “To learn from professionals—
and in this case, young professionals—and see that
anyone can make it with hard work, persistence and
education is a big confidence booster for kids who need
to make it on their own. This is just the beginning. We
plan on having many more events and seminars and
hope to guide the future of the community with help
from the leaders of today.”
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Shehebar Sephardic Center
Trains Rabbis for Outreach
he Shehebar Sephardic Center held its annual
convention in conjunction with the International
Conference for Orthodox Rabbis in Jerusalem
for its 72 rabbinical alumni from the four corners
of the world.
The conference was geared around the topic of
Jewish education, and how to pass on our heritage to
the next generation. Most of the rabbis educated by
Shehebar Sephardic Center serve in distant communities whose members are often removed from their
Jewish roots and one of the vital functions of these rabbis is to draw their communities closer to our glorious
heritage.
As part of this conference attended by nearly 100
rabbis from around the globe and in the presence of the
chief rabbis and distinguished rabbinical leaders from
around the world, Rabbi Sam Kassin and the Shehebar
Sephardic Center was honored with the Jerusalem
Prize, the State of Israel’s most prestigious award in the
field of Jewish education.
Under the visionary and charismatic leadership of
Rabbi Sam Kassin, Dean, and Rabbi Eliahu Shamoula,
Director, who co-founded the yeshivah in the old city of
Jerusalem 18 years ago, the SSC has developed into
the most experienced and successful rabbinical training
program in the world with over 70 rabbis serving in
Jewish communities across the globe.
The Shehebar Sephardic Center was asked by the
Chief Rabbis of Israel and leading members of the government to respond to counter the bleak prospect of
assimilation facing our people. Our Diaspora communities are facing a terrific emergency. A silent holocaust is
transforming whole communities. The twin diseases of
assimilation and intermarriage have engulfed our people. In most countries around the world intermarriage
rates are over 50%. Rabbi Kassin and the SSC have
been at the forefront of positive steps to remedy this situation and this is why the State of Israel honored them.
There are so many communities in the world which are
relying on them to find them spiritual leadership including: rabbis, mohalim, shochatim, teachers, scribes and
chazzanim. The SSC also organizes an annual conference for its 70 rabbinical alumni to meet in various locations around the world. This allows the rabbis to further
their education and strengthen their host community in
Torah.
The Shehebar Sephardic Center combines the best
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Rabbi Sam Kassin seated in the middle front row surrounded by his
students who are presently serving as rabbis around the world.
Seated on his right, Mr. Eliezer Sheffer, head of the Torah
Department of the Jewish Agency
of the yeshivah world with the most modern pedagogical techniques. Their goal is to produce outstanding
rabbis and spiritual leaders who are equally qualified in
Jewish law as they are in the latest thinking on educational techniques and counseling. They have a terrific
unmatched record of over 70 alumni rabbis placed in
communities around the world, including five in our local
Syrian and Egyptian communities of Brooklyn and Deal.
Rabbi Shalom Nir of Magen David Yeshivah, Rabbi
Haim Shaul of Congregation Ahaba Ve Ahva, Rabbi
Chaim Ovadia of Magen David of West Deal, Rabbi
Michael Shrem of Congregation Kol Israel and Rabbi
David Schweky of Magen David Yeshivah.
Even before receiving this prize the yeshivah has
been singled out for praise by all the Chief Rabbis of
Israel, present and former, and by leading members of
the Israeli government for its role in serving and saving
Diaspora communities. This yeshivah is almost unique
for helping to reverse the trends of assimilation and
intermarriage.
In a very successful program the SSC has also set
up a network of three schools in the former Soviet Union
with an enrollment of more than 700 children to service
the Sephardim who remain behind and facilitate their
aliyah to Israel.
For more information about Shehebar Sephardic
Center or for a free list of the rabbis worldwide please
call 212-594-4250 or write to 100 W. 33rd St. room
1012, New York, NY 10001.
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JCC Hosts Ma
hey said it couldn't be done. It could never happen here. We're too small. We don't have the
space. We don't have the manpower to make it
happen. We'll never pull it off!
Guess what? In the year 2001, history was made.
We did it! By all standards, the JCC 2001 Maccabi
Games by far exceeded all expectations. After years of
wishful thinking and hoping somehow we could wrangle
it, the JCCs of Greater Monmouth and Western
Monmouth Counties and the Sephardic Community
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Under the able leadership and guidance of president Donald Epstein, Executive Director Jess Levy, the
steering committee, the dedicated chairpersons,
Maccabi staff and countless volunteers, the goal was
reached. “I think I can” became the mantra to success.
The excitement began to build as the buses started to
arrive Sunday morning, August 19th. Host families met
their visiting athletes and visiting families were welcomed to the JCC. Schedules and directions were
given out. The feeling of friendship and fun spread
immediately. It was the start of an incredible event!
Sunday evening opening ceremonies were exhilarating. Many thanks go to the evening's masters of ceremonies, Judi Franco and Hy Azar, and our committee
headed by Jeanne Epstein, Samantha Harary and Toni
Zaro. The Olympic feeling hung in the air as the delegations marched in to the cheers of the crowd, the national anthems were sung, athletic oaths taken, and the
Maccabi torch lit. A solemn memorial to the Munich 11
Norma Shamosh (second from right) proudly poses with her
daughter and her friends, participants in the games
Center of Brooklyn stepped up to host the games.
The J had been planning to host the 2003 Maccabi
games. But in September 2000, one of the 2001 host
centers canceled and the Jewish Community Center
Association asked if we would host the summer 2001
games. Despite it being two full years earlier than our
plan, and in the middle of a major building expansion,
we graciously said yes.
The J was starting way behind the 2001 host centers. We forged ahead and persevered with optimism.
Frustrations, setbacks and missed deadlines were all
enough to cause despair. But because of the diligence,
guidance, financial support, and plain hard work of
many dedicated people—we made it happen. The week
of the games will long be remembered as “the week that
was” by the entire Jersey Shore Jewish community and
all the participants of the 2001 games.
Maccabi baseball coaches Nathan Tawil and Chuck Abady
reminded us that the world remains imperfect and as
Jews, we are obligated to make it a better place. The
evening was topped off by entertainment by Antigravity,
a performance troupe, whose combination of athletic
acrobatics and the artistic rhythms of music made for a
sensational show.
The games began bright and early Monday morning
and continued throughout the week, till Thursday's final
competitions. The athletes dispersed to their assigned
venues based upon their chosen sports. The JCC
served as the main hub station, Maccabi Central, where
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ccabi Games
registration, arrival and departures, hospitality, main
cafeteria, transportation and medical needs were met.
Some of the other venues were Brookdale
Community College, Monmouth University, Hollywood
Golf Club, and Hillel Yeshivah. Sports included baseball, basketball for boys and girls, soccer for boys and
girls, swimming, in-line hockey, bowling, volleyball and
even a dance competition.
Time out from the games was taken on Tuesday
afternoon for a Day of Caring and Sharing. Athletes met
with the community. Our guests included children with
special needs, senior citizens, junior Maccabi athletes,
Holocaust survivors, and Jewish war veterans.
Everyone realized that just as in the sports arena,
where you are rewarded when you give a total effort,
when you give of yourself to others, there is also a great
sense of winning and accomplishment.
The evenings were the time for everyone to let his
or her hair down and let loose in a more relaxed social
setting. All events were planned to perfection. Many
thanks to Joyce and Jack Kassin, who provided the
beach for the Monday night beach party. Music and
Our community’s youngest volunteers lend their singing talents as
they serenade the crowd at the opening ceremonies
Mr. Kassin, gracious host of the beach party
Bobby Dweck, coach of the hockey team, poses with some
of the young players
Here, there and everywhere, the extraordinary Sammy J. Sutton
lends his hockey coaching skills to the Maccabi’s
DJs, dancers and barbecue created the perfect atmosphere for social mixing. Tuesday evening was host family night when host families and their visitors had a
chance to get to know one another. Wednesday
evening the athletes boarded the buses and headed off
to Great Adventure. Finally, Thursday evening was a
night of victory celebration. At the games' closing ceremonies, awards and medals were given out, and the
torch was passed to next year's hosts.
Friday morning, exhausted and weary from activity,
the athletes exchanged numbers and e-mail addresses,
some tearfully, and waved goodbye to their new friends
from other towns, cities and countries. Memories made
and shared, the last bus pulled away. A collective sigh
of relief could be heard from miles around.
After all the hard work, meetings and planning, the
gang that couldn't—did. For every athlete and for our
entire community, we conducted the games that couldn't be done. And did them in superb fashion. It was an
accomplishment each and every one of us should feel a
great sense of pride in. The memories for both guests
and hosts will last a lifetime. Thank you to everyone
whose generosity of time, financial support, leadership
and extreme dedication made the week of wonderment
happen.
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SNA & SCC Sephardic Heritage Literary Award
The Community
Now that we’re in the beginning of a new century,
By David Safdieh
And having reached the age of 63,
I often think how it used to be, growing up in the community,
Back in the ’40s and ’50s.
And to those that are in this age category,
Why not return with me, and let me try to jog your memory,
To recall those hazy images of long ago,
And bask in the afterglow.
When our descendants left the old country,
Most settled on the Lower East Side, founding our community.
They prospered, working night and day,
Eventually migrating to Bensonhurst then Ocean Parkway.
All the boys went to Hebrew School,
And on Saturdays, walked proudly with their fathers to shul,
Holidays when the entire family would meet,
To pray together, catch up and on delectable delights we’d feast.
We played city games in the streets, and ball in the schoolyard at P.S. 215,
And all of us were on a team.
The Hawks, the Volts and the Cavaliers
Played every game like it was the World Series.
In the summer, Bradley Beach was where we went,
Mike and Lou’s was where our time was spent.
Romances blossomed by the sea, and some would even eventually marry,
Passing our traditions to the next generation of the community.
We made loyal friends, all faithful and true,
Who would unquestionably forfeit their lives for you.
Nothing on earth could tear us apart,
A love unspoken from secret places of the heart.
And if one of us was destitute or one of us was broke,
The others all contributed and not a word was spoke.
If one of us was in distress and racked with gnawing pain,
The others would lift him up and get him back in the game.
But friendships dissolve with the passage of time, and every now and again,
I’d bump into an old friend from way back then.
We’d laugh and reminisce of those bittersweet days,
And with mixed emotions, warmly embrace, then go our separate ways.
I could recount endlessly of that exhilarating time,
But tears force me to end my humble rhyme.
With sadness and nostalgia heavy in the air,
Let me conclude by saying, “Boy you had to be there!”
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C O M M U N I T Y
MiBereshit at Yeshivah
of Flatbush: Learning
Torah for The Fun of It
hirty pizza pies arrive at the Yeshivah of
Flatbush Elementary School after dismissal
every Thursday, for the more than 100 children
who attend a special learning program called
MiBereshit. The name MiBereshit means “from the
beginning,” and refers to the material studied each
week from the weekly parashah that begins with the
Book of Bereshit. This exceptional series is modeled
after a program developed for Israeli schools, and was
brought to the yeshivah by Elementary School Principal
Rabbi Lawrence Schwed. The material studied is from
prepared pamphlets from the Israeli MiBereshit program's
kid-friendly
guided
materials
(see
www.mibereshit.org.)
Introduced three years ago to the yeshivah for second through fifth graders, the MiBreshit program has
now been expanded to include a right-after-school program with homework helping, sports activities, art projects, board games, and dinner (thus, the pizzas).
Second grader Ester Benzaken attends each week with
her older brother, Joey. She says that it is fun and she
likes doing the art projects. Another second grader,
Sara Marcus, agrees, “It's fun!”
Students are able to get assistance with their homework from Middle Division student volunteers and the
supervisors of the program, Mrs. Dina and Rabbi Ilan
Amar, Mrs. Michal and Rabbi Noam Goldshtein, Shira
Buskila, and Hadas Peretz. Any Hebrew homework is a
breeze with the help of such supervisors, since they are
actually ‘imports’ from Israel! They are at YOF for two
years as visiting teachers and assistants, in order to
share their knowledge and love of the State of Israel
with our students and their families.
At 7 pm, the evening takes on a whole different
quality. Mothers, fathers, and even grandparents arrive,
joining their children in the auditorium for an evening of
Torah learning. Round tables bustling with discussion,
colorful pamphlets, and snacks make for quite a festive
atmosphere. Melissa Tbeile, a parent who attends the
MiBereshit program with her fifth grade son Sammy,
marvels at the interest the children show in learning
Torah just for the fun of it. She appreciates that dinner
for the children is complimentary, and notes that the
experience of presenting d'vrei Torah is an excellent
public speaking skill for those children who choose to
make presentations. Sari Tawil says that she enjoys
sharing quality time with her fourth grader, Jackie. What
better way is there to show our children that Torah study
is a valuable lifetime pursuit than to join them at school
and learn with them!
T
Nissim Cohen with his second-grade daughter Marcel.
Sari Tawil and her fourth grade son Jack
Student volunteers assist with homework.
Third grader Sari Esses learns with her mom, Betty.
Arts and crafts help everyone unwind after a day of school
Joseph and Jacob Aini look through the sources together.
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W I T H
Page 330
T O
B E N E F I T
T H E
C O M M U N I T Y
The Allegra Franco Teachers College
he Allegra Franco Sephardic Women’s
Teachers College is doing more than opening
doors to higher Judaic education for women in
our community. By providing an opportunity for
the women of our community to be exposed to an
enlightened Torah and Judaic education, whether they
become teachers, executive tutors, or whether they are
primarily interested in advancing their post-high school
Jewish education, it is creating a completely new direction in life for each student, for our community and for
future generations as well.
As Ezra S. Ashkenazi, the founder of the Allegra
Franco College, explains: “I believe the sources that
most inspire our wonderful community to continue to
grow and thrive are our strong Torah foundation coupled with our treasured Sephardic customs. With G-d's
help, our goal is to educate women from our community as teachers or executive tutors, in order to elevate the
level and understanding of our sacred Torah and insure
the spiritual health of our community. I can think of no
other investment with less risk and greater reward than
investing in the education of our children and future
generations.”
Sharyn and Ezra S. Ashkenazi graciously opened
up their home, which provided the warm setting on an
otherwise cold snowy day, for an all day and into the
evening event to benefit the women’s college.
Allegra Franco, A"H was born in Aleppo, Syria. She
was the daughter of famed cantor, pizmonim author and
Rabbi, Moshe Ashear A”H; the wife of Isaac H. Franco
A”H; and the mother of four children; Harry and Morris
Franco, Grace and Sally Ashkenzai. Mrs. Franco, while
running a business and bringing up a family, instilled in
her children the significance of obtaining an excellent
Torah and secular education consistent with her precious Sephardic culture; a part of which she conveyed
through her emphasis on the power of prayer, and by
attending synagogue every Shabbat. The Allegra
Franco Teachers College reflects Mrs. Franco's values
and beliefs and strives to open paths for Sephardic
women that previously did not exist in our community.
The theme of the day was titled The Past, Present
and Future, and featured several informative and fascinating panel discussions and lectures about the educational, social, economic and religious growth of our
community over the past 80 years, as well as how to
best maintain these needs in the future. In addition a
bake sale, Chinese Auction, antique salon and live auction were held to benefit the College.
The first panel discussion, titled The Past, was led
by Rabbi Ely Matalon of Congregation Beth Torah and
Magen David Yeshivah High School as he inspired
everyone with his introductory remarks citing examples
T
Rabbi Shimon Alouf, Ezra S. Ashkenazi, Rabbi Harold Sutton and
Rabbi Joseph Dweck
from the Tanakah which stressed the importance of
having foresight in the initial development of establishing a new immigrant community. He then invited Mrs.
Gita Sultan (Rabbi Matalon's grandmother) and Mr.
Mac Haddad to share their memories of what life was
like for those who arrived on Ellis Island and became
the pioneers of the Sephardic community in New York.
Among some of the fondest memories mentioned were
descriptions of how Isaac Shalom A”H sponsored many
people to come to the United States and how families
used to extend each other invitations via singing, as
telephones were not yet widespread.
The second panel discussion titled, The Present
included thoughts from some of the community's finest
Sephardic teachers, including Sabrina Maleh (Magen
David Yeshivah), Joyce Salame (Yeshivah of Flatbush)
and Ruth Tawil (Yeshivah of Flatbush). Each spoke
about their desire to continue educating themselves
after high school, each at different stages in their lives,
and how becoming a teacher has had such a positive
impact on their lives.
A discussion of The Future rounded out the afternoon's lectures as Ricky Cohen captivated all those
present by first discussing what will be some of the significant educational challenges our community may
face in the future. He then enthusiastically articulated
what we must do to prepare ourselves to meet some of
those challenges. The discussion of which careers our
children and grandchildren might pursue, and lifestyles
of our future generations, were some of the topics that
were also discussed. The event was a huge success.
You can be sure that the women who graduate from
the Allegra Franco Teachers College will be teaching
and tutoring our community youth and preserving our
proud and rich Torah and Sephardic tradition; thus having an enormous effect on the future generations of our
community for many decades to come.
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Shomer Shabat
Page 331
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T O
SEAD:
A Place for Individualized
Jewish Education
F
C O M M U N I T Y
f illness strikes within a family, options often seem
bleak. Major illness has a devastating effect on the
victim and every member of the family. No one is
sure of where to turn for the appropriate medical
help. Questions regarding medical technology, procedures, therapies, and medications rapidly pile up, and
all seem so overwhelming to the uninformed patient.
Consolation, however, can be found in knowing that
there is an organization in our community geared
toward helping you and your loved ones. Not only are
they willing to help—they are trained to do so. Their staff
members are especially suited to lend a helping hand
during such a critical and upsetting time.
The Ezras Cholim Organization, or ECHO, has
been committed to helping patients and their families in
finding the best medical care available. They have dedicated themselves to answering your medical questions,
providing personal care, and truly making certain that
those in need know that there are options. They then
refer you to the appropriate specialists.
What started as the vision of Rabbi Aaron Weitz as
a grass roots organization in his basement has developed into a 25-year-old blessing. They now answer over
30,000 calls per year from patients all over the world.
As they celebrate their 25th anniversary, the days of
the basement are long gone, as they currently have
office locations in Spring Valley, Toronto and Brooklyn,
and representation in Mexico City, Atlanta, Miami,
Cleveland, Israel, Antwerp and Zurich. Their humble
beginnings have helped ground their cause, as they
know what it really means to develop a personal relationship with their clients. The individual's needs and
privacy always comes first. You can reach them at (212)
391-6900.
I
T H E
ECHO
National Institute
for Health: Helping
Families for 25 Years
ive years ago, S.E.A.D. started as one classroom with two children. Now, it has blossomed
into a full-grown institution that has made its
mark on the map of Deal. Community schools
continue to refer their students, parents keep calling,
and each year they open a new class.
S.E.A.D. stands for Special Education Academy of
Deal, and it meets a growing need in the community to
service children who can't make it in the mainstream
yeshivah. These children would otherwise have no
other alternative than public school.
S.E.A.D. is comprised of a highly professional staff
trained to meet each child's needs. They create a curriculum tailor-made for each child. The team consists of
an occupational therapist, physical therapist, behavioral
therapist, speech therapist and highly qualified teachers
with master’s degrees and years of experience. In a
mainstream school there is one curriculum for 25 children—in S.E.A.D. there are seven curricula for seven
children. Their goal is to help each child succeed to his
or her maximum. Besides academics and the above
therapies, they provide music therapy, art therapy and
gymnastics by trained professionals, to develop each
child's talent and offer opportunities for different learning styles. They have unique computer equipment and
programs specially designed to enhance each child's
learning.
There are many children drowning in the mainstream. S.E.A.D. takes them in, equips them with the
tools necessary to succeed and sends them back into
the mainstream.
Due to a growing demand, they are opening a nursery class this coming year. They already have six children enrolled and the calls just keep coming.
The mothers are desperate. If we don't open this
class, they have nowhere else to turn within the community.
“I prayed and prayed to Hashem that my son could
go to a Jewish school,” said one mother. “Thank G-d,
S.E.A.D. is the perfect place.”
B E N E F I T
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T O
B E N E F I T
T H E
C O M M U N I T Y
Encore Celebrates The Arts
ver 1,000 people attended two evenings of sold
out performances at the newly completed
Axelrod Theater. Ruth Hyman masterfully sang
the American and Israeli anthems to open up
the evening's festivities—a show is never complete
without her.
Straight from the theatre, Allan Socher's rendition
of “If I were a Rich Man” from Fiddler on the Roof
rivaled Broadway. Carol and Al Azar, as Goldie and
Tevye, sang “Do You Love Me” and added extra spice
to the program. They had the audience reminiscing and
laughing at the same time. Ellen Jemal was vivacious
singing My Fair Lady's “Wouldn't It Be Loverly?” with
her Cockney accent. Sarit Botton was a marvelous
Celine Dion and Norma Betesh, the young pianist, was
a true shining star.
Comedians Marcelle Massre and Hurdle Tawil had
the crowd roaring and begging for more. Sonja
Cabasso reached into our souls with her superb rendition of Aretha Franklin's Eleanor Rigby.
Joyce Mizrahi's magical voice ran shockwaves
through the audience. Highly gifted, talented, and
charming, her high notes cracked the glass in Phantom
of the Opera. Her rendition of “At Last” attested to her
versatility as a vocalist. Alphonse Missry, a professional, made the audience smile and laugh, playing a gifted Phantom, as well as a debonair vocalist, singing
“All the Things You Are.” Robert Shamah left audience
members wanting more.
Hymie Azar and Gloria Serure, the announcers,
were a perfect duo. Gloria graced the stage with her
charming flair and Hymie, handsome, elegant and
quick witted, doubled as a professional vocalist,
singing the magnificent duet, “The Prayer,” with Susan
Sorscher. Sung in Italian, the performance brought
tears and chills to many.
Jenny Kraiem delighted the audience with her
moving composition on piano of “Moonlight Sonata.”
Lauren Morabia's voice and guitar, accompanied by
her cousin Allie, brought warmth and pleasure to the
stage.
Michelle Schrem radiantly singing “Cheek to
Cheek” brought the crowd back to the oldies but goodies while Mariel Hidary and Cynthia Massry brought the
crowd to their feet with their exotic salsa dance, as well
as Mariel's interactive dance to “At Last.”
David Sutton lit up the piano and amazed the audience with his original classical composition of
“Shadows.”
Susan Sorscher came out swinging in “The Main
Event.” She really showed us how a vocalist can go
from one type of song to another quite successfully.
The Morabia family, each member a virtuoso in
O
their own right, entertained the audience with a gold
mine of music from the '50s and '60s. Elliott, the father,
provided vocals and guitar, Maurice was on drums,
Allie on bass, and Laura was on keyboard. What a talented family!
The goal of the program was to entertain people as
well as develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for the arts. The audience can attest to their success. Both evenings were truly magical.

The First Graduating Class of The Sephardic Rabbinical College

Transcription

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