To accept those with whom I differ, to respect those against whom I strive. To wish for them to be the people they hope to be.
TOLERANCE

The key to allow me to live with others, to be given unconditionally, and to never be withdrawn.
RESPECT

In front of me stood two children… One of whom I knew; she was a relative of mine. Next to her stood another child, beautiful and in pain as well, but a stranger to me; someone I had never seen before and would never see again. The child I knew sat immediately to my right.

What began five years ago as one man’s mission to provide hesed to those in need, culminated in this year’s First Annual Mitzvah Man Auction and Bake Sale, held at the home of Marcy and Harris Gindi in Allenhurst, NJ. They graciously opened their home to help raise funds and to spread the word about this amazing organization.

It was clear by the tremendous turnout for the Gesher Yehudah 7th Annual High Heat Tournament in Deal, NJ, that the community is happy to raise money for Gesher Yehuda, an important and vital school in our community.

The Third Annual Ladies Tennis and Canasta Tournament began perfectly. It was one of the most magnificent days this summer, and a dazzling venue only added to a spectacular event. Gracious hosts Samantha and Bobby Harary opened their home in support of the Yeshivah of Flatbush mission, welcoming a record turnout of community members to a day filled with exciting tennis prowess, fitness activities, relaxation and pure fun.

The summertime gives us all a chance to take a step back and enjoy the warm weather. The Magen David Yeshivah PTA Tennis and Mah-Jongg Tournament provided an uplifting and pleasurable afternoon that embodied the serenity of summer.

August 16th, 2011 will remain in my heart forever, as if I had won the mega millions lottery. Celebrating my 40th anniversary of giving true hesed to our elders was amazing. This has been “my thing” since I started out in the terrace room (basement) of Shaare Zion in 1971. Mr. Bechor Shwekey A”H, president at the time, had asked me to perform for the seniors and play nobeh. I was young, hopeful, and completely ignorant of the path that was beginning to unfold—a path of hesed which would guide me, protect me, and open many hearts, minds and souls. Giving pure pleasure and comfort with my music was a cure all for any ailment the seniors were going though.

These are the people of our community. They came  here in the 1900’s. On July 21st Betty and Joe Sitt, G-d bless them, brought their film to these community members because many were unable to travel to New York to see it at Lincoln Center in October.

The appreciation and happiness that the seniors felt was visible and incredible. While they watched, there was a palpable electricity and excitement in the air. They sat in rapt attention and remained transfixed as they watched the poignant stories of their relatives and other Syrian Jews discussing their childhood experiences and those of their parents, grandparents, siblings, uncles and aunts.

The nine days and actual fast of Tisha B’av leave a large amount of time in which to commemorate and lament upon the loss of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. How each individual may spend that time varies; though among all there is a definite sense of defeat. There is the difficult fact to deal with that a huge chunk of our culture was destroyed due to sinat hienam (a hatred of our fellows), our inability to treat other Jews with equality and respect. Most years, some may resolve to do so, though somehow Tisha B’av comes around again and we find ourselves in the same place. This year, however, an anonymous Jewish Syrian community member followed through on those resolutions, and managed to bring the rest of the community along with her.

Assemblyman Steven Cymbrowitz, Chairman of the Assembly’s Committee on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, brought Arlene González-Sánchez, Commissioner of the NYS Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services to see firsthand how SAFE achieves its impressive record of successes.