After multiple practice sessions, the girls came together under the direction of Morah Lilly Hayat and Morah Shirli Amzaleg to perform quite a memorable program for their mothers and fellow students. Rahel Imenu was special because she completely embodied the trait of tzniut, which is commonly translated as modesty and yet goes much deeper and further than just clothing choices.

As the uplifting voices of four world-class Hazzanim reverberated with selihot (special prayers) throughout Hillel Yeshiva High School, all those in attendance experienced a most stirring and inspirational Erev Yom Kippur. Hazzanim David Saliah, Ram Mizrahi, Shlomo Teherani and Yishai Teherani were asked to share their gift of Tefilla with the students. The prayers helped prepare both students and faculty for the upcoming holiday.

Our community, the entire Sephardic community and world Jewry have all sustained a monumental loss. Most will agree that Hacham Ovadia zt”l is irreplaceable. He was yahid bedoro (unique in his generation). The Rabbi’s ability to marshal sources and solve complex halachic issues simply and straightforwardly was a rare talent indeed. But truth to tell, his towering personality transcends even his great halachic accomplishments.

Sephardic Link orchestrated a truly wonderful event geared to the parents, families, and friends of our community’s singles. They had a multipurpose aim: to educate and inspire with extremely knowledgeable speakers, to raise awareness about what needs to be done, to get more of our singles to meet, and to raise funds in order to create many more singles events year round.

In June 1989, Police Officer Jeff Herman gave his life in the line of duty. A quarter of a century later, Magen David Yeshivah (MDY) honored his memory and legacy at a special dedication ceremony attended by his family, fellow officers from the 71st Precinct, and friends. The public park, directly across from the elementary school, was dedicated to Officer Herman in 1990. Bebe and Irene Herman, Officer Herman’s mother and widow, chose that playground as the one to be dedicated in his honor in 1990, because he loved to play baseball there with his fellow officers and also because he was raised nearby. Just before you walk in, there is a plaque stating that this park, where MDY students enjoy recess every day, is dedicated to his memory.

Being the editor of IMAGE Magazine has been the precursor to many incredible experiences. I have traveled; met many influential people, heads of state, governors, senators, congressmen and a few Israeli and international politicians. I had the merit to meet and be blessed by many important rabbis, both in the US and in Israel. Yet, these experiences, while very exciting and memorable, did not hold a candle to the awe I felt the day my husband, Ben-Gurion, and I had the honor of visiting Rabbi Ovadia Yosef in his home.