In August 2002, just two weeks after his 24th birthday, Jeffrey J. Cohen A”H passed away. Ten years have gone by since then, yet it feels like yesterday.

Jeffrey was more than a son, brother, and friend. He had the ability to make you feel at easeeven when you were having a bad dayjust by standing next to you. He could make you laugh when you wanted to cry. His presence had that effect.

He loved all of his nieces and nephews and they adored him. Their faces lit up every time they saw him. He, too, always had a big smile on his face. He loved to do special things for them on their birthdays.

 He had a passion for music. He played his guitar for them, and taught them how to play. They loved him so much, that his passing had a tremendous impact on their lives. He was also very loved by his cousins.

The Taste of Israel in Brooklyn

If you close your eyes and take a deep breath as you enter Super Nuts, on Kings Highway, the aromas of exotic dried fruits, nuts from Israel and roasted seeds minglemaking you feel like you’re in a market in the Holy Land. Upon opening your eyes, you’ll see the beautifully arranged, vast array of chocolates, candies, dried fruits, nuts and seeds.

Using a special roasting machine, everything is made fresh daily on the premises. As the name of the store implies, the assortment of nuts is huge. Each has a distinct flavor, texture, and aroma. Whether you love peanuts, cashews, almonds or more exotic nuts; you’ll find them all at Super Nuts. Every day a new study is released extolling the health benefits of nuts. Almonds are nutrient dense. Pistachios are packed with fiber and walnuts have special properties, as well. Of course, snacking on nuts is not only healthy, it’s delicious, too.

Their seeds come straight from Israel. In addition to sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds, Super Nuts sells more unusual seeds including water melon seeds, which are delicious and contain iron, potassium and vitamins.

Some people love salty snacks, others prefer sweet. Super Nuts’ selection of nuts will satisfy your salty cravings. Their candy, decadent chocolates and dried fruits will satisfy your sweet tooth and their amazing chocolate covered pretzels will take care of your desire for both salty and sweet, plus they make the perfect gift for the hostess who has everything.

The dried fruit is perfect for snacking and/or cooking. From dried bananas to other exotic flavors, you’ll have to see the selection to believe it. Super nuts has platters for office and holiday parties, as well as any other special occasion, and deliver their sumptuous treats right to your door. If you order in advance, they’ll create a platter just for you that your guests will talk about for weeks to come.

Right now, they’re having a special Hanukah promotion–spend $100 in the store and receive a free gift. Walk in todayyou’re sure to feel like a kid in a candy shop.

Super Nuts is located at 724 Kings Highway. Call them at (718) 872-5490 to discuss your holiday needs.

By: Randi Shomer

Sarah’s Tent has delighted the community in Deal for the past two decades with succulent mazza, delicious sesame chicken and mouth-watering bourekas. These are just a sampling of the gourmet items sold at this fabulous kosher gourmet grocery. For years Brooklyn residents have hoped for a Sarah’s Tent closer to home and were thrilled when they heard that Sarah’s Tent finally opened a second location in the heart of Brooklyn.

In addition to the main gourmet shop, Sarah’s Tent is proud to announce the upcoming grand opening of its new dairy caf. With beautiful white leather couches and a relaxing ambiance, customers can enjoy a delicious lunch while their takeout/grocery order is filled next door. The reasonably priced caf offers mouth-watering sambusak, a variety of salads, wraps, specialty drinks, coffee, cappuccino, espresso and fresh ice cream.

The caf will also feature a pandimiga station, a delicious South American specialty sandwich, which is served on very thin bread in many different varieties. Wi-Fi service will also be available, contributing to the “hot spot” atmosphere of the caf.

“We took great pains to create an inviting atmosphere that will enable our customers to relax and enjoy our new caf, while our dedicated staff fills their grocery order. We are excited to be able to serve the community all year round,” said owner Jonah Shemueli.

For those who love Sarah’s Tent in Deal, you can expect the same warm and friendly service in the new Kings Highway location and you will find the same fabulous food, including: kibbe, lahamagine, yebra, mecshe, deli meats, marinated meats, cigars, sesame chicken, roasted potatoes and new gourmet sauces.

Customers can view the clean preparation of the food from the refrigerated kitchen overlooking Kings Highway. In addition, there is a grocery filled with everyday essentials, a fresh meat department, freshly ground spices, cakes, dried fruits and nuts.

One customer said, “Every summer my family looks forward to all the delicious foods Sarah’s Tent has to offer. We are thrilled that we can now enjoy their delicacies all year round.”

If you reside in New Jersey in Atlantic, Cape May, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean or Union County, and suffered physical or economic damage due to Hurricane Sandy, you may be eligible for a disaster loan.

Types of Disaster Loans

Home Disaster Loans

These are loans to homeowners or renters to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate or personal property owned by the victim. Renters are eligible for their personal property losses, including automobiles.

Business Physical Disaster Loans

These are loans to businesses to repair or replace disaster-damaged property owned by the business, including real estate, inventories, supplies, machinery and equipment. Businesses of any size are eligible. Private, non-profit organizations such as charities, synagogues, and private universities are also eligible.

Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL)

These are working capital loans to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster. These loans are intended to assist through the disaster recovery period.

This assistance is available only to entities and their owners who cannot provide for their own recovery from non-government sources, as determined by the US Small Business Administration (SBA).

Applicants must have a credit history acceptable to SBA. Applicants must show the ability to repay all loans. Collateral is required for physical loss loans over $14,000 and all EIDL loans over $5,000. SBA takes real estate as collateral when it is available. SBA will not decline a loan for lack of collateral, but requires you to pledge what is available.

By law, the interest rates depend on whether each applicant has credit available elsewhere. An applicant does not have credit available elsewhere when SBA determines the applicant does not have sufficient funds or other resources, or the ability to borrow from non-government sources, to provide for its own disaster recovery. An applicant, which SBA determines to have the ability to provide for his or her own recovery is deemed to have credit available elsewhere. Interest rates are fixed for the term of the loan. The interest rates applicable for this disaster are:

The law authorizes loan terms up to a maximum of 30 years. However, the law restricts businesses with credit available elsewhere to a maximum 3 year term. SBA sets the installment payment amount and corresponding maturity based upon each borrower’s ability to repay.

Loan Amount Limits

Home Loans: SBA regulations limit home loans to $200,000 for the repair or replacement of real estate and $40,000 to repair or replace personal property. Subject to these maximums, loan amounts cannot exceed the verified uninsured disaster loss.

Business Loans: The law limits business loans to $2,000,000 for the repair or replacement of real estate, inventories, machinery, equipment and all other physical losses. Subject to this maximum, loan amounts cannot exceed the verified uninsured disaster loss.

Economic Injury Disaster Loans:

The law limits EIDL(s) to $2,000,000 for alleviating economic injury caused by the disaster. The actual amount of each loan is limited to the economic injury determined by SBA, less business interruption insurance and other recoveries up to the administrative lending limit. SBA also considers potential contributions that are available from the business and/or its owner(s) or affiliates.

Business Loan Ceiling: The $2,000,000 statutory limit for business loans applies to the combination of physical, economic injury, mitigation and refinancing, and applies to all disaster loans to a business and its affiliates for each disaster. If a business is a major source of employment, SBA has the authority to waive the $2,000,000 statutory limit.

Loan Eligibility

Uninsured Losses: Only uninsured or otherwise uncompensated disaster losses are eligible. Any insurance proceeds which are required to be applied against outstanding mortgages are not available to fund disaster repairs and do not reduce loan eligibility. However, any insurance proceeds voluntarily applied to any outstanding mortgages do reduce loan eligibility.

Ineligible Property: Secondary homes, personal pleasure boats, airplanes, recreational vehicles and similar property are not eligible, unless used for business purposes. Property such as antiques and collections are eligible only to the extent of their functional value. Amounts for landscaping and swimming pools are limited.

Noncompliance: Applicants who have not complied with the terms of previous SBA loans are not eligible. This includes borrowers who did not maintain flood and/or hazard insurance on previous SBA or Federally insured loans.

If your loan application is approved, you may be eligible for additional funds to cover the cost of improvements that will protect your property against future damage. Examples of improvements include retaining walls, seawalls, sump pumps, etc. Mitigation loan money would be in addition to the amount of the approved loan, but may not exceed 20% of total amount of disaster damage to real estate and/or leasehold improvements. It is not necessary for the description of improvements and cost estimates to be submitted with the application. SBA approval of the mitigating measures will be required before any loan increase.

SBA can refinance all or part of prior mortgages that are evidenced by a recorded lien, when the applicant (1) does not have credit available elsewhere, (2) has suffered substantial uncompensated disaster damage (40% or more of the value of the property), and (3) intends to repair the damage.

Homes: Homeowners may be eligible for the refinancing of existing liens or mortgages on homes, in some cases up to the amount of the loan for real estate repair or replacement.

Businesses: Business owners may be eligible for the refinancing of existing mortgages or liens on real estate, machinery and equipment, in some cases up to the amount of the loan for the repair or replacement of real estate, machinery, and equipment.

You may use your SBA disaster loan to relocate. The amount of the relocation loan depends on whether you relocate voluntarily or involuntarily. If you are interested in relocation, an SBA representative can provide you with more details on your specific situation.

To protect each borrower and the Agency, SBA may require you to obtain and maintain appropriate insurance. By law, borrowers whose damaged or collateral property is located in a special flood hazard area must purchase and maintain flood insurance for the full insurable value of the property for the life of the loan.

For more information, contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance customer service center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visit www.sba.gov.

You may also apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) at www.disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

Application Filing Deadlines:

Physical Damage:

December 31, 2012

Economic Injury:

July 31, 2013

By: The Magen David Staff

Magen David had the wonderful and unique privilege of hosting Gilad Shalit and his unit for their final intensive therapy, to “close the circle” of the trauma that affected us all in June 2006. Fourteen members of this unit of the Armored Brigade of the IDF and three career IDF officers specializing in dealing with post-traumatic stress therapy were welcomed by MDY and the Syrian community of Brooklyn for 10 days.

The members of Gilad Shalit’s unit were met at JFK Airport by Dr. Chagit Hadar, Hebrew Department Chair at MDY and Ms. Elyse Nadjar, Director of Hesed Activities. They were welcomed to our school and our community as befitting of the men that dedicate themselves to the security of the State of Israel and Jews around the world. The primary purpose of the unit’s visit to NY was to complete the therapy they started after Gilad was kidnapped.

During that incursion, Hanan Barak and Pavel Slocker were killed and Roi Amitay was severely injured. The trauma of that event has affected these men and indeed the entire Jewish world.

As a community, we recognize the need to not only provide for soldiers in the midst of combat, but also to help them recover from the emotional and physical traumas of the experience of war as well.

In heartwarming welcome ceremonies MDY embraced the members of the unit, demonstrating true Syrian hospitality. With thanks to Hashem, we welcomed these heroes to our community. Rabbi Sutton, our Rosh Yeshivah imparted to the students the tremendous importance of Hakarat Hatob (giving thanks). Rabbi Zucker, principal of the high school, welcomed the men as giborim (heroes). In true modesty, the soldiers commented that they don’t feel like heroes because this is something that every one does in Israel. It is just a part of life. Yoav Belkis, the unit commander at the time of the incident, commented that the warm embrace of the community served to reinforce their commitment to serve. “In Israel we feel like Israelis, but here we are part of the Jewish world.”

Rabbi Dr. Baruch Hilsenrath reminded the soldiers and the students that three years ago Gilad Shalit’s father stood in the same auditorium to ask for the community’s help and support in securing his son’s release. At the time, Rabbi Hilsenrath promised Mr. Shalit that one day we would be celebrating Gilad’s safe return.

On Friday morning, MDY welcomed students from NY and NJ to a panel discussion with the unit, to hear from the men themselves what it means to serve in the IDF and how they dealt with the trauma of the devastating events. We heard from each unit member. They discussed their commitment to the IDF’s principle of leaving no man behind; and the importance of serving in the IDF and protecting their country and their people against ruthless enemies. They also discussed the camaraderie that is established between soldiers and how that crosses over between secular and religious Jews, creating bonds and establishing unity. The men discussed how moral conflicts arise in dealing with an enemy that uses children as shields and how they have put their own lives in danger to save Palestinian children. And we heard from Gilad Shalit, as he recounted the difficulty of the isolation during his years in captivity. He is thankful for the efforts of the Jews around the world who demonstrated, lobbied and prayed for his release, even as he struggles to have a semblance of normalcy in his everyday life.

At the end of the school day, hundreds of community members came watch the Magen David Varsity Basketball team play against the unit. Although the men of the unit might have preferred a soccer match, they held their own against our champion team. The high spirits of the crowd and their rousing cheers bolstered the efforts of the soldiers and a great time was had by all.

The unit participated in Shabbat services at three local synagogues: Ahaba v’Ahva, Shaare Zion and Congregation Hokhmah U’Mussar. At every location, shuls overflowed with crowds of well-wishers wanting a glimpse of the unit and especially Gilad Shalit, who for many, represents the answered prayers of years of beseeching HaKadosh Barukh Hu for his safe return.

Throughout the week in NY, Magen David provided a place for the men to receive their intense therapy and many of the men commented on how much the therapy was helping them. On Rosh Hodesh Heshvan, the unit was welcomed by our boys to celebration in our atrium. It was an emotionally charged moment for our boys and the entire unit. MDY also arranged for the men to appear at Yale University, Yeshivah University and to spend their final Shabbat in NYC welcomed by Kehilat Jeshurun. While the unit appreciated visiting communities throughout the tri-state area, they always felt they were returning home to Magen David Yeshivah High School.

As we bade the men a tearful farewell, we wished them a safe journey and strength and purpose in their endeavors in the IDF and as the individuals we had come to know and care for. They presented Magen David with a gift of appreciation for our hospitality.

The men have since written to us to check on our entire community’s status after the devastation of Hurricane Sandy. They wanted us to know that their thoughts and prayers are with us. They said it is now our turn to be “giborim.”

By: Rabbi David Laine

Hanukah, the Festival of Lights, recalls the victorymore than 2,100 years agoof a militarily weak but spiritually strong Jewish people over the mighty forces of a ruthless enemy that had overrun the Holy Land and threatened to engulf the land and its people in darkness.

The miraculous victoryculminating with the dedication of the Sanctuary in Jerusalem and the rekindling of the Menorah which had been desecrated and extinguished by the enemyhas been celebrated annually ever since during the eight days of Hanukah, by lighting the Hanukah Menorah, also as a symbol and message of the triumph of freedom over oppression, of spirit over matter, of light over darkness.

The 8th grade students of Magen David Yeshivah were all smiles as they embarked on a fun and exciting scavenger hunt inside a Toys R Us store. With over 60 students in attendance, the 8th graders served as positive role models, working as a cohesive group performing hesed. The event not only enhanced the lives of so many, but it brought MDY and Sephardic Bikur Holim (SBH) together.

MDY Assistant Principal Rabbi David Sultan addressed the students before they began, “We are here representing MDY. We are working as a team for a greater cause. Be proud of who you are.”

Toys R Us closed to accommodate the event. The students split into groups, with lists in hand. As soon as the hunt began, parents and students raced around the store in search of the toys on their lists. With their shopping carts overflowing, and their hearts filled with joy, the students proudly brought their carts to the register to purchase them with money that was donated. Everyone was a winner.

“The parents of the students proudly brought the toys to the SBH office, where we will give them to the children of our clients on Hanukah and their birthdays. The students had a blast, while learning a lot about SBH and helped children less fortunate than themselves. The parents and faculty from Magen David Yeshivah got to see their children in action, helping those in need. Everyone left smiling. Thank you to the entire committee for all of their hard work,” said Charles J. Anteby, Director of Development, at SBH.

Many students conveyed their thoughts: “This night was a success. We joined together to do a great mitzvah. We hope to do more in the future,” said Jack Franco.

“I had the best time for two reasons: I loved working with my friends and I had fun collecting toys for the less fortunate, so they can have a Happy Hanukah,” stated Stephanie Franco.

“Good can come from anyone if they put their mind to it. The Hanukah Hunt was a great example of youth philanthropy,” noted David Hedaya with a smile.

“It was one night that will spread happiness to so many,” said Michael Cattan.

Thank you to the charity crew, who proudly does charity for many different organizations, and who raised the funds necessary to make the night possible. Thank you to all of the generous sponsors, volunteers, faculty members, and the graduation committee for making this event a night to remember

The Mitzvah Man

I got to know Al Salem A”H four years ago, shortly after he had stumbled upon a Mitzvah Man ad and decided to see if we could help him. Al was lonely. He had never been married and had no one to talk to. The first time we spoke, he requested that the organization find someone to take him to a Verizon storein a snow storm. His phone was not working properly and he needed to have it fixed. I gladly accepted the task and was able to find a volunteer to take Al to the Verizon store in Bayridge. Needless to say, he was thrilled and shocked that someone would volunteer to take a stranger to the store in a snow storm!

After that first encounter, Al didn’t stop calling. He would call us to request help with errands or just for someone to talk to. Al loved company. Many volunteers enjoyed visiting with him and listening to the wonderful advice he had to offer. These volunteers became familiar faces in Al’s home.

New volunteers were sent to visit Al first. He was easy to talk to and made them comfortable. I guess you could call Al the practice run for newbies!

Al called three times a week. Each time, volunteers would jump at the opportunity to pop in and say hello to him, or to help out with whatever he needed.

An average visit lasts about 10 to 15 minutes. In Al’s home, volunteers would stay for hours!

Al thanked me for all the company the Mitzvah man volunteers provided and the volunteers thanked me for rending them!

Sadly, Al passed away last month, but he left us with wonderful memories. His sage advice was happily accepted by the volunteers. Many said he helped them with business problems and disputes with friends.

It is often said that when it comes to hesed, both the giver and the receiver are enriched, and Al certainly enriched the lives of the Mitzvah Man volunteers.

He said to me, “You people shouldn’t be called Mitzvah Manyou should be called Miracle Men! What you do for me is priceless. I want everyone to know how they’ve changed my life!”

He was always so appreciative. Whenever a volunteer would take him on errands, he would thank them profusely. He’d then give the volunteer a blessing and, in his special way, make them feel like a million dollars. The volunteers would always go back to help him again. Helping Al was like helping a friend.

Last April, Al requested that we find him a family to eat with for the Seders. Because he couldn’t walk too far, Al asked that we find a family close to his home. So, a few Mitzvah Man volunteers began knocking on doors on Al’s street.

When someone answered the door, they asked if the family had room at their seder for an elderly man down the block. When they mentioned Al’s name, the responses were enthusiastically “yes.” One woman said, “yes, tell him to come sleep over.” The day before Passover, more than seven homes were eager to have him at their seders. What a beautiful community we live in.

In the four years since that first day when Al wanted to go to the Verizon store in a snow storm, Al got to know hundreds of volunteers, through visiting, helping with errands and dropping off meals. When we informed our volunteers of Al’s passing, there were no words to describe our sorrow. It felt like a piece of us was taken away.

Each volunteer who helped Al was honored and grateful to have known him. He left a mark on our lives that we will never forget.

To the Salem family, we thank you for sharing Al with us. He did more for us than we did for him.

The Sephardic Women’s Charity Club (SWCC) recently held an exciting event celebrating the organization’s third anniversary. The intention of the day was to tell everyone about the unity, charity and kindness the organization had brought about and to encourage more women to get involved!

Over the years, 1,000 community women have been given pouches which they call their personal “tzedaka boxes” in which they put away a few dollars each month. The money from the pouches is collected each month, and from these few dollars, thousands of dollars are collected and donated to a community charity.

The event was graciously hosted by Yvette and Jimmy Hanon. Over 400 women gathered for a fun filled day of inspiring lectures, motivational speakers and comedy skits. The afternoon opened with the SWCC spiritual advisor Rabbi Eli Mansour, praising the group’s commitment to unity and charity, donating money to the many community institutions and organizations across the board. As Rabbi Mansour stated “Unity brings blessingnever underestimate the power of it.”

Rabbi Joey Haber commented that he was amazed at the creativity of raising money a few dollars at a time. “Small Changebig difference,” has become the SWCC official motto. He was so inspired, he walked away with pouches for his mother, wife and daughters.

The very talented Frieda Sutton performed her famous fun and enjoyable skits. Performing a spoof on the Syrian woman’s lifestyle, Frieda had the crowd hysterical laughing. “With a splash of love, laughter and a sprinkle of inspiring speakers the afternoon was a great success,” said Frieda.

Motivational Speaker Linda Haddad gave an inspirational speech illustrating how our actions affect everyone around us. She then entertained the crowd with a hilarious skit. She came up with her own take as to why Chanel pocketbooks are so popular in our community.

By comparing the CC on Chanel to “charity and community” she creatively gave new meaning to the Chanel logo.

Poopa Dweck, famous for her “Aromas of Aleppo” cookbook spoke eloquently about the power of women. She spoke of the importance of balancing the many roles a woman plays in her life. “The day reflected the emunah (faith), spirituality, and dedication of the women of our community.”

We were honored to have Karen Baghdadi make a special trip from Brooklyn to share her words of courage with us. She gave us all strength, as she described her belief that Hashem guides us every step of the way. She spoke of the immense gratitude she feels towards the community for the immeasurable amount of ways they have been helping her with her surgeries and recovery. May Hashem bless her and give her a speedy recovery.

The atmosphere in the room was electrifying; everyone wanted to become a part of this wonderful charity group!

The SWCC would like to thank all the rabbis and guest speakers who made this day the huge success that it was and that helped us exceed all our expectations. Thank you to Diane Paige, who graciously presented us with a poem that she wrote and dedicated to the women of the SWCC. Also, thank you Elana Matalon and Malki Giniger for the SWCC theme song, which was beautifully sung by Rozie Grazi. We would especially like to thank all the sponsors and volunteers for their support, for making the day possible.

We ended the day by presenting an award to Loraine Mishan, a very special and caring woman who has been the driving force of the SWCC since its inception.

The seeds of hesed and charity have been planted into our generous community. With Hashem’s help the SWCC will continue to grow and blossom enriching the lives of others!” said Linda Haddad.