News from Congregation Magen David of Manhattan

As the community continues to expand, more and more people are benefiting from having a Sephardic synagogue in downtown Manhattan. Joseph Kassin, a 21 year old senior studying at NYU lives just one block away from the synagogue. He said, “It’s been extremely convenient for me to have a community synagogue footsteps from my apartment and so close to all my classes. The daily minyanim and classes have been so beneficial. The holidays that I’ve spent in the synagogue, have all been exciting and memorable. The leaders are warm and inviting. Having the synagogue so close was critical during my college years and I know it will continue to be for all the young people who decide to attend universities or live downtown.”

Sephardic singles from around the world are joining in on Shabbatot and taking part in programs where they can enjoy a sense of community much like the one in which they were raised. One couple, who met at a CMDM singles event, recently became engaged. She said, “It was the best night of my life!”

International Sephardic men and women are also becoming an important fixture of the community. In fact, there are so many French Sephardim that there is now a Torah class every Tuesday night taught in French by Rabbi Uriël Elyahou Aviges. For the English speaking majority, congregants can enjoy breakfast following services, where Rabbi Setton leads topical discussions in Parashah, Practical Halachah and Jewish Philosophy. Rabbi Setton also hosts evening classes accompanied by a light dinner, every Tuesday night.

Translation of Rabbi Yosef’s Letter
I hereby recommend the established Synagogue and House of Study for Torah and Prayer, Congregation Magen David of Manhattan, in the United States, whose goal is to serve the young people of Brooklyn, who have moved to live in Manhattan; and to our dismay, they had no congregation in the area and therefore took up temporary quarters to serve the community. Now, because theirs souls yearned and their spirits volunteered, the lovers of Torah and all those who study it, the Gabbai David Dweck and his group, may the Lord protect them and care for them, purchased a building to serve as a new and expanding synagogue, which shall serve the many people who come to pray—who have crowded the extant synagogue, which was too small for the needs of the congregation. May those who campaign for the Torah be blessed.
I hereby turn to the munificent members of the congregation, and beseech them to assist generously, and to give as much as they are able, and may they bear the blessing of G-d.
May all those who assist and support be blessed with long life, in great abundance, and honor, and all that is pleasing.
OvadiaYosef

Back by popular demand, there will be a Syrian-style, Friday Night Shabbat dinner series for young professionals!

The synagogue also boasts a growing number of Sephardic Jewish families who have set down roots in downtown Manhattan. Dwecks, Safdiehs, Mamiyes, Yedids, Grazis, Gindis, Tawils, Sassons, Cayres, Dabahs, Cohens, Kassabs, Beydas and many more—all families with strong Brooklyn roots, and like their parents and grandparents, they are ensuring that the future generation is steadfast in their commitment to the continuity of community, Torah education, and Sephardic heritage.

Phase 1 construction continues on CMDM’s 9,000 square foot facility. With 90 to 100 people attending Shabbat services on any given weekend, CMDM continues its renovation, while accommodating the growing community. The three level facility will boast
an expanded banquet hall, new hardwood floors and a refurbished sanctuary that will eventually accommodate up to 300 people. Melissa Sutton is donating her expertise, overseeing the design of the project. Melissa said she’s donating her time because she moved from Brooklyn to Manhattan, and had no intention of lessening her involvement in the Sephardic community. “I love so many things about our culture. I wanted to bring it all with me, and I know the downtown community feels the same way. There’s no reason why we shouldn’t have that sense of community we have in Brooklyn. Families want to stay connected. Anytime I see that, I know it’s a good thing, and I know I want to help.”

The outpouring of support continues to overwhelm congregants and CMDM board members. “Along with Melissa, Joyce Silverman will be donating her time and décor expertise once we begin Phase 2 of construction,” said Dweck. “The support from Brooklyn has been outstanding. I think people really understand the value and importance of having a home base for students and young people living and studying downtown.”
Recently, Chacham Ovadia Yosef bestowed upon the congregation a Haskama praising the synagogue, its founders’ mission, and its steadfast commitment to the preservation of our Sephardic traditions in downtown Manhattan. The Haskama will be framed and proudly displayed in the synagogue lobby.

CMDM’s Rabbi Sion Setton recently married Ms. Mijal Bitton at Congregation Shaare Zion. The couple was set up by Ms. Bitton’s brother, Yaakob, who was Rabbi Setton’s college roommate. CMDM would like to welcome the new bride into our community and wish the couple Mabrook for their new life. Erica Rolo, program director extraordinaire, who has organized many singles events and has the zechut of many introductions, has recently become engaged to Michael Mizrahi. We wish them continued success, happiness and long life. Mazal Tov to both couples!