Natali Mizrahi

If there is a gambling casino built in Coney Island, it will undoubtedly make moneylots of money for developers and insiders who will cut those deals. If you listen to developers they will tell you that they will make money, the community will get jobs and everyone wins. However, the one thing that any gambler can tell you is: when it comes to gambling the house always wins. Everyone else usually loses.

Promised jobs never materialize, and even when they do, they are mostly part time and minimum wage. Anyone who has walked around the corner from an Atlantic City casino knows that the economic development is only for the casino. Quite literally, the next block sees an economic development of the wrong kind: as soon as casinos move in so do drug dealers, pimps and thievesnot to mention the traffic! If you thought the Belt Parkway was congested now during rush hour, you can only imagine what it will look like when thousands of gamblers are driving to Coney Island at all hours of the day and night.

When Albany proposes expanding legal gambling opportunities in New York State it is toying with neighborhoods’ and people’s lives within them. That’s why our community’s leaders recently formed the organization “Stop The Casino,” comprised of social service, non-profits and clergy and local elected officials from Midwood, Borough Park, Bensonhurst and Gravesend, with other leaders across Southern Brooklyn. With the guidance of the Sephardic Community Federation and the advice and leadership of Council Member David Greenfield, Stop The Casino is working overtime to prevent a casino from being built on Coney Island.

Research proves that the toll on the community is staggering. For example, one year ago in Ozone Park, Queens, Genting’s Resort Worlds Casino was opened next to Aqueduct Racetrack. Since then, residents have not experienced any windfall to their local economy, because according to one restaurant owner near the casino, “they’d rather spend money gambling than eatinglocal people too,” he lamented as a possible explanation as to why his business has actually gone down since the casino opened.

The Wall Street Journal, commenting on the string of empty storefronts there, says that “very little has sprung up in the way of new businesses.” Of course, there is an exception to that report, as well. One type of business that is experiencing growth: pawn shops. That’s right, four new pawn shops have opened for all of the community residents looking to trade away their possessions so they can gamble at the local casino.

20,000 local members of the community, who never gambled before, now visit the casino daily. This significant portion of residents has in one short year, been transformed into habitual gamblers. Pensioners, young adults and not to mention underage teens within a 50 mile radius of a casino have double the likelihood of becoming addicted gamblers, according to The University of Chicago’s National Opinion Research Center. It is all about availability and opportunity.

Point of fact: individuals categorized as pathological and problem gamblers are more likely to be on welfare, have declared bankruptcy, or have been arrested. Sadly, the greatest trend amongst casino communities is the increase in bankruptcy rates. If a casino comes to Coney Island, Gravesend, Midwood, Bensonhurst, and Borough Park are all considered part of the casino community.

Astonishingly, 40% of all white-collar crime in the country is committed by gambling addicts trying to recoup their losses, but that is not all. Street crime within the vicinity of gambling casinos also quantitatively rises; theft, burglary, narcotics trade and DWI (driving while intoxicated) all go up. Ozone Park, a socio-economic community very akin to Coney Island and its environs, in the last year saw increases in robbery up 12.3%. Due to Connecticut’s Foxwoods Casino, the annual number of calls to the Ledyard, Connecticut police department dramatically increased from 4,000 to 16,700 within five years of opening.

While some may think this is controllable with an increased police presence (read: costly), organized crime and prostitution rings tend to orbit casinos with little or no fear or accountability from the police. The local police precinct simply doesn’t have the resources or sophistication to take on organized crime in a residential community.

It’s not just about the high-cost of policing and the toll that increase in robberies, rapes, murders and prostitution will take on neighboring communities, it’s also about the cost to social service organizations. “Our community spends millions of dollars each year dealing with the social service challenges that any community has, whether it be loss of work or gambling addiction or substance abuse,” explained Sam Sutton, former President of Sephardic Bikur Holim. “Can you imagine how many more people will be tempted to gamble, do drugs and other illicit activities? The reality is that the cost on the community in dealing with these new problems would be literally millions of dollars more each year. That doesn’t even account for how many thousands of lives will be ruined in the process,” Sutton concluded.

“You only have to look at recent history to know that a casino will increase crime, vice and traffic,” said David Greenfield, a City Council member. “We didn’t invest our whole lives to making this community one of the greatest in America, so that a few developers can ruin it. The last thing that Southern Brooklyn needs is a casino.”

Greenfield maintains that Albany shouldn’t decide where to locate a casino in the city without approval from the City Council. He is advising Stop The Casino with this singular shared goal in mind of making sure a casino does not open up in Brooklyn.

Stop The Casino is already gaining momentum. Thanks to the support of generous community leaders, the organization has hired Steve Zeltser, a former senior aide to Councilman Mike Nelson, as its executive director and has launched an intense public campaign to stop a casino from being built on Coney Island.

Stop The Casino’s efforts have already been profiled in the Wall Street Journal, America’s most widely read newspaper. The article, on the front page of the Journal’s Greater New York Section on October 7th, detailed how local site control is emerging as a complicating factor in the casino debate.

So there is hope, but time is crucial. While the amendment expanding legal gambling must be passed by state lawmakers next year followed by a voter referendum, a grassroots organization must be in place now if it does. In that scenario, local elected officials must hear from us that we will not tolerate a casino or elected officials who support one.

Already, leading elected officials have pledged to Stop The Casino that they will do everything in their power to stop it. These officials include: Council Members Domenic M. Recchia, Jr., Mike Nelson and David Greenfield. Assembly members Steve Cymbrowitz, Helene Weinstein and Dov Hikind are all against the casino. On the Senate side, Senators Diane Savino and Marty Golden, oppose the casino, as well. We must remember that these are our friends and show our appreciation for their leadership on Election Day.

Anyone who appreciates and enjoys the recent improvements of Coney Island in the last few years knows how far the neighborhood has come and where it needs to go. The dangling of a few minimum wage jobs comes with too much baggage. A healthy, family friendly recreation area with safe pastimes like rides, shops, the New York Aquarium, an ice rink, the beach and more will bring in much more revenue in the long run.

On the flip side, the crime and addiction casinos create in their wake will cost taxpayers and citizens dearly. Jim Maney, the spokesman for The New York Council on Problem Gambling, explained that the last survey of the neighborhood exposed a 5% gambling abuse problem. With increased availability and opportunity within a 10 mile radius of a casino, “we expect an increase of up to 90%. People can walk or drive over to the casino easily and for some it will be harmful.”

Support for Stop The Casino will send a clear message that residents are not willing to risk their families’ well being for someone else’s get rich scheme. The casino developers scooping up prime, beach front real estate will certainly make the bulk of the money here, while it is the community who will ultimately pay the ultimate price.

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Stop the Casino, a newly formed coalition of civic groups, community leaders and elected officials, is charged with the mission of stopping any and all forms of casino gambling being introduced to South Brooklyn

The Chateau Steakhouse

Fabulous Food, Beautiful Ambiance and Impeccable Service

The Chateau Steakhouse is a beautiful French and Asian inspired glatt kosher restaurant, under the supervision of Vaad Harabonim of Queens.

The restaurant offers upscale dining, with the sophistication of Manhattan, in a lovely neighborhood that’s easy to get to, with plenty of parking. The breathtaking floor to ceiling windows, marble and wood, make the ambiance wonderful, warm and inviting.

With two dining rooms, one with a tremendous and beautiful crystal chandelier and one with a dazzling wall-length waterfall, it’s not only a fabulous place to bring a date, it’s also the perfect venue for an engagement party, Sweet 16, or corporate event. This lovely restaurant can accommodate an intimate party of 120 guests and a larger gala of 220.

While the rooms are stunning and the neighborhood is nice, the food is what makes this restaurant so spectacular. Whether you enjoy dining on sushi, steak or veal chops, grilled to perfection, they have it and you’ll love it.

The sushi rolls are innovative and delectable. The BBQ salmon roll begins as a simple California roll, then asparagus, carrot, spinach, BBQ marinated salmon and wonton crisps are added and the whole thing is topped with romaine lettuce to make it one of the best rolls we’ve ever tried. However, if you’re not in the mood for sushi, there’s so much more to choose from.

If you love meat, the 24 ounce Delmonico steak, grilled in a peppercorn sauce with garlic whipped potatoes and onion rings, is a fabulous choice. The baby rack of lamb, the short ribs and steak are aged in the house’s own dry-aging room until the beef is tender and buttery. Of course, there is no actual butter, making the rich accompanying sauce all the more impressive.

The chicken dishes are delicious, as well. The pasta, kabobs and fish are all excellent. And if you just want a burger, you can order that too. The Chateau sliders will put a smile on the faces of young and old, alike. That’s not all, the pastrami, gyro and falafel, along with all the sides and appetizers will make it very difficult to decide what to eat.

If you have room after your meal, be sure to try the exquisite chocolate souffl or apple tatan.

The Chateaux Steakhouse truly offers a satisfying dining experience. The staff is friendly and always helpful. And the presentation of the food is impeccable.

Located at 185-01 Union Turnpike, in Fresh Meadows, this is a dining experience you don’t want to miss. We highly recommend it. If you would like to know more visit www.chateausteakhouse.com

An Interview with Joseph Lichter, DDS

As I entered the elegant, state-of-the-art office of , I couldnt help but take in the beautiful dcor, the calming brown hues, and the warm and caring staff. Once I sat down for my interview with Dr. Lichter, I realized there was much to be gained in this dental practice, which has been a staple in the community for over 65 years.

How long have you been at this location?
Dr. Lichter: We moved in a few months ago, and we hope to continue to grow within the community. Perception is important. Our kind and caring staff has been with our practice for a long time. Our expanded office now has more hygienists, holds state-of-the-art equipment, and the increased space enables my staff to make more appointments for our patients.

How long have you been practicing, and how long have you been serving the community?
Dr. Lichter: I have been practicing for 20 years overall. The last 10 years I have spent in this practice serving the community. It is rewarding to have a practice within a community.

I am sure you have built a foundation of trust with your patients over the years.

Do you think this is important?
Dr. Lichter: Building a foundation of trust, by treating our patients as special individuals, is vital to our success. We understand how uneasy some patients may feel about their dental visits. We can make a difference. We provide a relaxing and positive experience. Our entire team is dedicated to providing you with excellent, personalized care and service. We try to make your visits as comfortable and pleasant as possible.

Do you treat both adults and children?
Dr. Lichter: Yes, we focus on serving the whole family. Our entire team is dedicated to providing you and your family with the personalized, gentle care that you deserve.

What are some procedures that you provide?
Dr. Lichter: We offer many different services to our patients, including teeth whitening, crowns and bridges, veneers, composite fillings, root canal therapy, wisdom tooth extractions, cosmetic dentistry and more. We are a dental practice devoted to restoring and enhancing the natural beauty of your smile using conservative, state-of-the-art procedures that will result in beautiful, long lasting smiles.

What is your top priority?
Dr. Lichter: Your smile is our top priority. Part of our commitment to serving our patients includes providing information that helps them make more informed decisions about their oral health needs.

In a medical world that is constantly advancing with new procedures, can your patients feel confident that your office is up-to-date with the latest techniques?
Dr. Lichter: As your dental health professionals, we want you to be confident knowing that we are a team of highly trained and skilled clinicians. We pride ourselves in providing the care you need to keep your smile healthy. To give you the best possible service and results, we are committed to continual education and learning. We attend dental lectures, meetings, and dental conventions to stay informed of new techniques, the latest products, and the newest equipment that a modern dental office can utilize to provide state-of-the-art dental care. Also, being members of various professional dental associations helps us to stay abreast of the changes and recommendations for our profession.

Does your office offer flexible hours for patients?
Dr. Lichter: We have office hours Monday through Friday and every other Sunday, with late nights on Tuesday and Thursday. Should a dental emergency occur, we make every effort to see and care for you as soon as possible.

Does your office accept health insurance?
Dr. Lichter: We accept many health insurance companies, and we try make dental work affordable. A long term relationship with our patients is our goal.

Can patients email your office?
Dr. Lichter: Yes, you can email our office and we will work out the best appointment for you. We focus on convenience for our patients.

Do you have a website?
Dr. Lichter: We have a website and I encourage everyone to visit our patient education videos which provide valuable information on dental procedures and treatment options. This website is a resource we hope youll find both useful and interesting.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Joseph Lichter, please call (718) 339-7878. Dr. Lichters office is located at 1420 Avenue P, on the 2nd floor. Questions can be emailed to jlichterdds@gmail.com. For more information visit: josephlichterdds.com.

The Ocean Park chapter of ORT America recently took a bus trip to Atlantic City, as they do every year.  ORT is a Jewish organization committed to strengthening communities throughout the world by educating people to beat all odds and conquer all obstacles. The cutting-edge educational skills acquired at ORT schools, colleges, and international programs enable over 300,000 students annually to attain successful careers, become community leaders and live independently.

ORT is a non-profit, not-political organization that serves many by meeting the educational and competitive needs of todays society. It was founded in 1880 to provide employable skills for Russias impoverished Jewish people. Since that time ORT has evolved to service the global community. ORT programs operate in nearly every corner of the globe.

The purpose of the trip to Atlantic City was to help support  the ORT schools while having fun. Ort teaches students a trade so that they dont have to depend on charity. They believe If you give a man a fish, he will eat for one day, but if you teach him how to fish, he will eat for a lifetime.

The Ocean Park chapter is the first Sephardic chapter of ORT America. The SY women get together and raise funds for the ORT program. Our president is Freida Kassin, our treasurer is Sally Shamah, her sister Louise Zalayet helps, and Joyce Dwek is the special chairman who runs all our trips.

On the busses, we play games, give out prizes, sell raffles, sing songs and have lots of fun. We thank all the men and women who joined us.

We look forward to next year for more of the same. I would like to wish a happy and healthy New Year to all.

Put Together By Four Caring Young Girls

The traits of giving and hesed are usually passed down from parents to children. On a magical day, recently, the roles were reversed, when four girls, ages 11 and 12, ran a Chinese Auction/bake sale for Chai Lifeline and saw the fruits of their labor become a reality.

These precious girls, Shirley and Vivian Farca, Gabrielle Harari and Marlenn Sabbagh, were happy to see the fruits of their labor become to reality. What started out as a gesture or kindness, to give something back to this wonderful organization,  became a fun filled day, with great prizes, food, games, face painting, music and big smiles.

The UJA-Federation of New York recently held their Annual Sephardic Event at the magnificent ocean front home of Ester and Joey Jerome. The event was held in honor of their father, Morris Bailey, an active philanthropist and a pillar of the Sephardic community who was given the Sephardic Leadership Award.

Joey Jerome opened the evenings program thanking Harry Adjmi, Ben Askhenazy, Joseph Cayre, Jojo Chehebar, Stanley Chera and Eli Gindi who put forth a tremendous effort to raise funds and develop an incredible commemorative journal. Joey thanked his sons, Louis and Morris Jerome, who chaired the event and also thanked the event committee, Norma Cohen, Micki Horovits and Ester Jerome.

Joey Jerome acknowledged David J. Hidary and presented him with an award for his unprecedented tenure from 2000-2012. Jerome also acknowledged Morris D. Matalon, co-chair of the Sephardic campaign from 2010-2012.

The evening unfolded with exceptional tributes from Louis J. Jerome and Morris B. Jerome about their grandfathers integrity, honesty, leadership and legacy. The audience was deeply moved by their profound respect and admiration.

The keynote speaker Dr. John Ruskay, Executive Vice President and CEO of UJA-Federation of New York spoke about the UJA-Federations three-pronged mission to care for people in need, to strengthen Jewish communities, and to inspire a passion for Jewish life and learning. Since 1948, with UJAs support, the Jewish Agency has brought more than 3 million men and women from every conceivable nation to Israelenabling them to establish new lives in Israel. UJA-Federation impacts 4.5 million people every year.

After several video tributes from Morris family members and business associates, Ruskay recognized Morris Baileys outstanding communal service as the founder of the Sephardic Community Center in Brooklyn, as chairman of the Sephardic Community Alliance, an organization that reinforces and preserves the traditional Sephardic way of life, and as former chairman of the board of Magen David Yeshivah.
I am so proud to announce that UJA-Federations Sephardic Leadership Award will now be known as the Morris Bailey Leadership Award, said Ruskay. Morris has provided an example of what we can all aspire to become. He is a  leader, a visionary and an inspiration to us alla leader who takes responsibility seriously.

Joining Ruskay on the podium to accept his award, Bailey said, I am deeply honored and profoundly humbled to be receiving this meaningful award from UJA-Federation. It is an organization that commands my utmost respect and admiration. The reason I accepted this honor was to inspire our communitys leaders and members to become involved and participate with this incredible organization that has been a part of my life for over 30 years.

Bailey spoke about the growing relationship between UJA-Federation and the Sephardic community and cited a few examples, UJA-Federation has always aided our community in its greatest time of need. From the planning stages and building of the SCC, to rescuing 4,000 Syrian Jews in 1992 to providing leadership development for our youth today, they continue to help us build a vibrant community for our children and their future. I feel incredibly privileged to speak on behalf of UJA-Federation and I graciously accept this award with deep humility.

Over 200 guests were inspired by the evening, and gained a deeper understanding of UJA-Federations role and commitment in the Syrian community and the broader Jewish community.q

In 2006, a group of neighborhood residents and shop owners formed the Kings Highway Beautification Association (KHBA). Their mission was to improve the quality of life on Kings Highway, from Ocean Parkway to McDonald Avenueand it still is.  
Sadly, six years later, sidewalks are dirty, weeds and grass are overgrown and there garbage cans are still overflowing.

The KHBA recently met with Department of Sanitation Community Affairs Officer Iggy Terranova to discuss what can be done about these  problems. It has gotten to the point where the association is considering removing trash cans, because people are dumping their personal garbage in them, which makes for a huge mess. Mr. Terranova is now working with them to help educate and work with the community to solve these problems. Those who are caught dumping personal garbage in street trash cans will be fined.

Mr. Terranova explained that every resident and store owner is responsible for cleaning their sidewalk and 18 inches into the street, including garbage and gardening. Many people are unaware of this law. There is one store owner who cares and is doing his part. We would like to thank Sal Foresta, the owner of IDA Cleaners, at 579 Kings Highway, who recently took it upon himself to mulch the property in front of his store, removing unsightly weeds.

Everyone should follow his example.Early on, the KHBA reached out to our political leaders for assistance. Councilman Domenic Recchia, Jr., taught them how to interact with city agencies. He is still working closely with them. Assemblyman Steven Cymbrowitz secured a grant for over $200,000 to replace the existing lights with antique lamp posts. Unfortunately, Kings Highway is not yet beautiful, but the KHBA is  working on it and would appreciate your help.

If you have questions or complaints about a sanitation situation, call 311

Three-year-old twin brothers, David and Michael, were identical in almost every way. Both liked toy trucks and playing in the park. They even had their own special language. Their sweet bond became more special when David was diagnosed with metastatic liver cancer that eventually spread to his brain and lungs.

Constantly being hospitalized for lengthy stays took its toll on David and his family. Stressed and emotionally vulnerable, his parents also worried about the effect of David’s terminal illness on Michael.

To address the family’s concerns, the hospital’s attending pediatrician recommended MJHS Hospice and Palliative Care because of their impressive pediatric expertise and ability to provide services at home. David’s parents agreed with the plan.

At home, David was cared for by MJHS Hospice pediatricians and nurses who are board certified in pain and symptom management. A social worker, rabbi and volunteer made regular visits. Home health aides gave the parents much-needed breaks and a chance to focus on Michael. And age-appropriate conversations were facilitated by members of the MJHS Hospice team, including a music therapist.

As the twins’ 4th birthday approached, the parents grew concerned about Michael. He neededand deservedattention, too. They could admit David to a hospital, but that would devastate everyone. It was not an option. David remained at home, able to act like a kid not a patient. And the MJHS Hospice team helped both parents figure out how to create more special one-on-one time with Michael. This helped the family feel less conflicted. And an art therapist helped the family create a legacy storybook and photo albumgiving them wonderful, lasting memories.

A month later, surrounded by his parents and brother, and with a MJHS music therapist softly playing in the background, David said his final goodbyes.

No parent ever expects to outlive a child, but David’s parents credit MJHS with helping their entire family prepare for that moment. Had the planned MJHS Hospice Inpatient Residence for children been available at the time, David could have received the specialized, compassionate pediatric hospice care in a beautiful, home-away-from-home that respected the family’s Jewish values. His family could have stayed with him around-the-clock and everyone would have had peace of mind.

MJHS Hospice is determined to fill this critical void. With your generous support, the $10.3 million Sixteen Lights Capital Campaign will bring the concept of hospice into the 21st century.

For the families and friends of hospice patients, the Sixteen Lights Campaign means the creation of two very special residences: The MJHS Hospice Inpatient Residence at Menorah Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing Care in Brooklyn, which just broke ground, and The MJHS Hospice, Muriel and Harold Block Residence, at Jewish Home Lifecare in the Bronx. Both offer spacious, private, home-like surroundings where families can be together, eat together, even stay overnight with their loved one if they wish. And these phenomenal residences will be staffed with the finest board-certified health care professionals, and offer the most effective medications for symptom management and equipment to help improve quality of life.

The centerpiece of the Sixteen Lights Campaign will be our innovative MJHS Hospice Inpatient Residence at Menorah Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing Care. This unique oceanfront residence will be the first in New York City to care for vulnerable children like little David, as well as adults.

Your support is critical to raising the $10.3 million needed to make it happen. So please donate today. Naming and dedication opportunities are available.

Donations to the Sixteen Lights Capital Campaign can be made at mjhsfoundation.org. Please call (212) 356-5300 for more information on naming and dedication opportunities.

MJHS was founded in 1907 by the Four Brooklyn Ladies. Generous charitable support from their community enabled them to establish the Brooklyn Ladies Hebrew Home for the Aged. Rooted in the core Jewish values of compassion, dignity and respect, the home offered frail, elderly members of the community quality health care and a safe place to live in their time of greatest need. Today, those same core values continue to guide us. From the small building among the tenements, we’ve become one of the most expansive health systems in the region.

Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur fall in September, the month of festivals. Sukkot is in October this year.

Rosh Hashanah
It is customary to sound the shofar and blow trumpets at the coronation of a king. Similarly, on Rosh Hashanah, we crown G-d as king over the universe and over each of us in particular.
The shofar is also sounded to awaken people to repent and return to G-d. The shofar represents a simple outcry of a person who recognized his spiritual poverty and whose feelings cannot be contained in words.
It can be compared to a forlorn child in a distant country who has forgotten the language of his people and his father, the king. When he returns to his father, his only means of communication is his simple cry, which his father recognizes. The he lifts the child up to be close to him.