Much scholarly research has focused on “fortuitous events.” What, you ask, is a fortuitous event? Simply put, it’s an unexpected or unintended event. Every day we meet people by chance or through random events that we could not predict. These unexpected happenings have been dubbed fortuitous for a reason; often they lead to life-altering results. Many have met their spouses, started businesses or made a close friend simply by chance. Personally speaking, my newfound job as the editor of Sephardic Bikur Holim of Deal’s newsletter was the result of a “fortuitous event.” I had just recently moved to Deal and one afternoon a friend of mine suggested that I go to a luncheon at SBH headquarters. Being new in town I saw it as a rare opportunity to socialize; little did I know how much more it would be. After lunch our very own volunteer coordinator, Celia Habbaz, passed out a volunteer sign-up sheet. While my volunteer time was very limited, there was a check-off box for “writers.” I figured, “Why not, I can do that from home in my pajamas.” Needless to say, I’ve gotten my money’s worth out of those “editor’s pajamas” and I would never trade them in for any other pair. I believe that many of the volunteers of Sephardic Bikur Holim (SBH) of Deal feel as I do.
All volunteers have their own unique story to tell of how they got involved. Most tell the story of some fortuitous event that got them there, and most would agree that they are truly fortunate to be a volunteer in such a wonderful organization. Day in and day out these men, women and children give their time and money with no regard for themselves and without the expectation of any sort of compensation. Recently, SBH held its second annual awards gala to honor the volunteers of SBH of Deal for the selfless love and compassion they show to others.
Through the gracious donation of Donald Epstein, Restaurant 656 hosted Sephardic Bikur Holim of Deal’s Second Stars Award Gala. Over 200 people turned out to show their support for SBH and those who make SBH’s contribution to the community possible—the volunteer award recipients. Cindy Antebi and Sandy Esses made sure that the room’s décor reflected the intention of the evening. Balloons, glittering stars, beautiful cakes and good cheer were spread throughout the room. SBH’s in-house photographer Ronnie Habbaz was on hand to make sure that our first-ever event would be a memorable one.
As has become tradition, A.J. Gindi opened up by welcoming everyone and thanking Tuni Missry, Sandy Esses and Frieda Sasson for organizing the event. Once again, the Stars Awards were more than just a dull ceremony and boring speeches—one which was definitely not lacking entertainment! The evening’s entertainment began with Lee Rishty’s rendition of “A Day With the Seniors.” The entertainment did not stop there. Sephardic Bikur Holim’s youth group delighted the audience with skits and parodies of the work that goes on at SBH behind the scenes. While we laughed at the office quirkiness and the mundane display of board proceedings, case reviews and home visits, we all got a small glimpse at the difficulties encountered by the staff, executive directors and volunteers of SBH every day.
Morris Beyda and the youngest members of SBH youth performed Bobbie Braha’s “Volunteer Theme Song” to the tune of “One Singular Sensation.” Throughout the evening the message was clear—the volunteers of SBH selflessly give, with no expectation of reward or gratitude. Most don’t even realize the way they affect another’s life. As A.J. so eloquently asked, “Does an hour outweigh the forever? Yes. One hour of reaching out and putting a smile on someone’s face is worth an eternity. What one volunteer can attain in an hour, some cannot attain in a lifetime!”
SBH award recipients epitomize these sentiments. The members of the social services staff along with the SBH volunteers demonstrate what it means to be a Ben or Bat Yisrael. These were the people that were honored at the Stars Award Gala.
Each award recipient received a lovely piece of Judaica artwork with a message of thanks and a blessing for the award recipient’s family engraved on the frame. Sephardic Bikur Holim’s youth and seasoned volunteers were awarded for their valiant efforts raising money, establishing youth leadership, creating an after school tutoring program, visiting the sick and elderly, stocking the food pantry, preparing meals on wheels, running substance abuse programs, and for the newly established seniors program. I was so excited by my award that I was floored (quite literally fell right on my behind!).
The take-home message behind the event this year was simply to remember that each time you go out, there may be some fortuitous event just waiting around the corner. May Hashem give us the strength and ability to continue moving forward and accomplishing greatness. As Victor Gindi so appropriately phrased it, “Bikur Holim volunteers do the greatest Kiddush Hashem on Earth—please keep doing it!”
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Dr. Florette Cohen-Abady is a psychologist currently living in Deal. She is an assistant professor at CUNY in the College of Staten Island and teaches psychology at Hillel Yeshiva High School.
