Fall Forward In Deal, New Jersey

Back-to-school and High Holiday shopping took on a whole new look at Bnai Zion Foundation’s Fall Forward event at Shella and Jack Sitt’s magnificent summer home, in Deal, NJ.
Hundreds of women showed up to shop at ten local vendors’ booths and to hear seven professional speakers give talks and demonstrations revolving around the fall season. Highlights included a delicious holiday cooking demonstration by Chef Poopa Dweck, the renowned author of “Aromas of Aleppo,” and a parenting class with child psychologist Dr. Simone Hidary, which inspired every mom in attendance. Lauren Ancona demonstrated High Holiday flower arranging, interior designer Natalie Kraiem spoke about the latest trends in home decorating, Glam Girl by Shirl’s Shirley Granger showed everyone the secret to the no-makeup look, and Michelle Gindi of Buddha Bowls and Burpees gave us “A Little Dose of Wellness” when she spoke about how to stay healthy with better food choices during the holidays.

The event, which was in loving memory of Ralph and Rachel Tawil A”H, Barry Sitt A:H, and Alice Nakash A”H, featured an exquisite Chinese auction filled with gift packages that promised to take each winner into the fall season with style. A raffle featuring a black 2018 Hermes Birkin Bag added to the excitement, and kept everyone anxiously awaiting the announcement of the winners.
Throughout the day, senior vice president Rebecca Harary spoke about Bnai Zion Foundation’s important work—building a more inclusive, healthy, and vibrant Israel, and its rich, 110 year-long history. CEO Cheryl Bier spent the afternoon meeting with attendees and speaking about Bnai Zion’s many capital projects currently in progress in Israel.

Fall Forward was organized by event chair Shella Sitt and a ten member event committee, which included Joy Bijou, Danielle Dabah, Kimberly Dabah, Ruthie Gindi, Lauren Levy, Sarina Palacci, Meredith Rishty, Joyce Saad, and Manuela Yedid. Together, these incredible women devised and planned the event, including choosing the day’s beneficiary: Bnai Zion Foundation’s Fortified Emergency Room project, which will be built at the Bnai Zion Medical Center in Haifa, which is at risk of rocket attacks due to its proximity to the border with Lebanon. In recognition of the committee’s tremendous efforts, a beautiful plaque bearing each of their names will be displayed on the wall of the Bnai Zion Medical Center.q