People have asked, “What does the Social Services Department at the Sephardic Community Center (SCC)  do?” The SCC Social Services Department is a doorway to services, especially for people who may be faced with difficult life challenges but would not consider walking into a social services agency or seeking help from a therapist. Many people know the Center as the place to exercise and swim, watch children play in sports, go to summer camp, attend a social function, hear a speaker, bring their little ones to early childhood programs, or participate in trips. While involved in these activities, they also find supportive staff who lend a hand, provide a sympathetic ear and an understanding heart.

Presented by the Shehebar Sephardic Center

A wedding performed by Rabbi Khalili

Since Shehebar Sephardic Center’s inception more than 25 years ago, they have evolved into a remarkable and significant global outreach program. The program’s main goal is to ensure Jewish continuity through education, made possible through the work and devotion of Rabbi Sam Kassin and Rabbi Eli Shamoula. This dynamic international network trains and sends rabbinical leaders to the four corners of the earth, from Hong Kong, to California, to New Zealand. This program helps revive dying communities by instilling Jewish values and practices, educating Jews about their history, preventing assimilation and assuring continuity.

During a recent visit to Mexico, I spent three days in Mexico City, where I had a chance to visit the institutions of the Aleppan Jewish community. My host was Dr. Liz Hamui, a professor at the National University of Mexico, whom I met at the International Conference on Syrian Jewry held in May at Bar Ilan University.