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.

We all have bad days. Whether you’re having trouble at work, you’re unhappy at home, your bills are overflowing, you’ve gained 10 pounds or your kids are not doing well at school, you’re not alone. The question this raises is, what do you do about it? Do you reach for alcohol, marijuana, coke or pills to temporarily whisk your insecurity and worries away? If so, you probably know that these substances do nothing to resolve problems. In fact, they’ll most likely lead to more problems, like addiction.

Turning to substances lowers your productivity, thus it will take longer to achieve your goals. Rather than drinking, smoking or pill-popping your life into oblivion, there are effective types of stress relief that can lead you to a happier and more productive path.

You have probably been told to seek healthy stress-relief, like getting a massage, going for a jog or finding a scenic spot to relax. These are good ideas, and SAFE has more suggestions:

Make a goal journal. Take a piece of paper and list all of your long term aspirations. Fold this paper vertically, and use it as a bookmark in an empty notebook. Whenever you have time, read your bookmark/wish-list and write down what you’ve done to get closer to achieving your goals.

Write down the things that are upsetting you. Take a piece of paper, that you will be destroying once this activity is done, and write down your problems. Be honest. Once you write down your thoughts, you’ll feel like you have less to hide and a weight has been lifted. Just putting your thoughts into writing will help relieve some inner angst. It will also help you define what you want to change about your life.

Talk with a therapist. In some communities, there is more shame placed on seeking help for problems than there is for getting drunk. It’s time for those who seek help to be very proud that they are working toward solutions. No one is immune to difficulty. Those who seek therapy are among the brave who are trying to improve. If you don’t know a therapist, talk to a rabbi, parent, sister, brother, cousin or friend. There are people all around you who are willing to help. All you have to do is ask. Turn to an older relative or rabbi, and ask him to share his wisdom. Talking to someone who cares is a much better solution than getting drunk.

Think of your life like a computer game that challenges you to save innocents from monsters or stop meteors from crashing into buildings. Problems in life are like opponents in video games. If you stay alert and sincerely try, you will win a very fulfilling future.

If you or someone you know needs help, please call SAFE’s confidential, toll-free hotline, 24/7 at 1-866-569-SAFE (1-866-569-7233) or email: ask@thesafefoundation.org. For more information visit TheSafeFoundation.org.

Faith Edeson

Hesed was in the air when the Yeshivah of Flatbush Joel Braverman High School held its First Annual Community Service and Hesed Fair. The fair was the idea of YOF parent Mrs. Gladys Haddad, and was organized by Freshman Supervisor Mrs. Sara Ovadia and Sophmore/Junior Supervisor Rabbi Moses Haber. Its aim was to excite the students about volunteering and to show them that volunteering is not only beneficial to the community, but enjoyable as well. YOF’s Hesed and Community Service program ensures that students are sensitive to the needs of the community.

With organizations whose activities range from distributing food at soup kitchens, to encouraging random acts of kindness, there was something at the fair to pique every

Max Cohen

What started out 20 years ago as a simple tournament, turned into a grand event that every one looks forward to each summer. It has gone from just another basketball tournament to the basketball tournament of the summer. Many people thought that the era of TopGun being the season’s top tournament was coming to an end. This year, TopGun made a 360? turn and once again brought the community together for an even bigger and better event.  

Ralph Mizrahi and I put together a committee dedicated to bringing TopGun back to its glory. Last winter, this new committee had a meeting in the SBH building. For a few hours we sat and brainstormed. After much discussion, our blueprints for TopGun’s future were mapped out and as we walked out of the meeting, excited and anxious to finally get working, I heard someone whisper, “TopGun is back!”

Calls were made for sponsorships, tournament captains were chosen and individual jobs were given to each committee member. Then summer came and our anxiety grew, as we prepared for the event.

Our advertising team worked diligently on promoting our tournament. They handed out frisbees and beach balls and got local restaurants involved. Much thanks goes to Sol Dayan for his efforts, because on tournament day we saw the results of months of planning! However, I’m getting ahead of myself.

A few days before the tournament, committee members and volunteers met at the SBH warehouse to pack 1,000 beautiful drawstring bags, containing sweatshirts, beach towels generously donated by Joey Franco, water bottles from Bank Ha’poalim, socks by Ikey Ash, hats by Concept One Accessories, and very sleek iPhone cases by Lifeworks. This project took 6 hours.

Two days later, we started setting up. We moved, we carried, we dragged, we ran, we drove. Tables were put out and so much more. After long hours of hard work, sleepless days, countless weeks, and many months of planning, we headed home at 2 am to nap before our 6 am roll call. It was a night we’ll all remember. We had planned an unforgettable tournament.

Tournament day was a success. Beginning at 6 am, calls were being made to the committee, equipment was delivered, and we set up for our first ever TopGun 5k.

By 9 am, 250 people had gathered for some training and music by DJ Guindi. At 9:15, sneakers hit the ground and the countdown began. Cheers were chanted, smiles were exchanged and runners were soon on their way. As a runner, I can tell you that it was a sensational, unifying, and exhilarating race that I wanted to keep running forever, but I knew that compared to TopGun’s next events, the race was just a morning run in the park.

As players arrived, they claimed their TopGun bags and marched off to their sport. An intense 4 on 4 men’s sand volleyball game was played under Morris Kassin’s leadership.

Girl’s basketball was exciting with unbelievable passing and swishing hoops. At the ping pong tables, players proved to be extremely talented. Fans watched with mouth dropping expressions during some of the intense rallies and slams.

The tennis competition was fierce. Extremely talented players doubled up and hit the clay. There were unbelievable match ups, but nothing compared to the intensity of the playoffs.

Back at the main court, Leon Betesh, the coordinator of the young men’s tournament, and his team earned the title of champions.

As the day was slowly coming to an end, everyone grabbed burgers and hotdogs provided by Prime Cut along with the delicious salads and pastas generously made by our hosts. They ate, then quickly made their way towards the court for the championship gamethe men’s basketball finals. The level of play was above expectations. Every pass drew the crowd closer. Every dribble made their eyes grow bigger and the intensity was beyond the norm.

A spectacular day was coming to an end, as the clock read 9:30 pm. I felt as though I was finishing up that last few feet in a marathon, bursting with energy, much like I felt earlier that morning during the 5k. It was a feeling shared by the entire committee. As we finished cleaning and left, I heard someone whisper, “TopGun is back!”

I would like to thank Charles Anteby, who gave us the leadership and guidance that made this tournament possible. A huge thank you must go to the committee: Rosie Cohen, Alfonse Missry, Sol Dayan, Isaac Sasson, Joey Sasson, Abie Cohen, Ralph Mizrahi, Gabrielle Sabbagh, and Sammy Uziel. The committee worked tirelessly for months, making sure that the event was a success. And finally, I must thank our hosts, Amy and Steven Sasson and Adelaide and Ralph Khezrie. I can’t even begin to describe their generosity and kindness. They graciously opened their homes and helped us the whole way through. Thank you!

Lisa Elo

Over the past 60 years Magen David Yeshivah has become the symbol of education and success in the Sephardic community. As the center for Sephardic tradition and a high level of education, Magen David has produced thousands of community leaders, doctors, lawyers, teachers, rabbis, and businessmen. Now, MDY is embarking on a mission beyond the classroom. The newly formed alumni committee is working to create the first ever MDY Alumni Family.

Magen David is reaching out to every graduate in an effort to unite all the graduating classes under the umbrella of the Magen David Almuni Family. This is part of an endeavor which will provide a means for graduates to express their Magen David pride and reconnect with the institution that was once their home.
All MDY graduates are being asked to fill out a survey online. The data will be collected and used to build a database. This will be the beginning of a journey that will include alumni dinners, hesed missions, family Shabbat programs, events for single alumni, seminars on contemporary matters, lectures, access to MDY alumni services, and much more.
Everyone who takes the survey will be entered into a vacation sweepstakes. We are looking forward to hearing from all Magen David alumni. Visit www.surveymonkey.com/s/mdyalumni to let your MDY family know what youre doing now.

The Deal Sephardic Network’s 5K Race was bigger, better and had more impact than last year’s. Everyone, including the 400 runners, 50 volunteers and the policemen who were there to protect our community, felt the power and emotion of the race, which was run in memory of Ezra Cornman A’H, a boy from our community who passed away this summer.

The race started at Monmouth University’s Wilson Hall, where participants began gathering at 8 am, fired up and ready to go. After checking in, putting on our bibs, stretching a little, and listening to a powerful pep talk from DSN Executive Director Sammy Sitt, we assembled near the starting line.

I could feel the adrenaline coursing from the crowd and through my body, as I stood among the multitude of runners. It was when I looked to my right and saw the Cornman family that the excitement gave way to more complex emotions. They were standing right next to me in the crowd, getting ready to run as I was, and I felt as though they were saying, “Whether we are family, friends or community members who never met Ezra, we are all running together with matching shirts and matching hopes that our efforts will send love and bring Ezra closer to Hashem. The sublimity of that moment was unparalleled.

Although I was one of those who never met Ezra, I was privileged to sit with his family while I helped plan the 5K race. They showed me some of his writing, as well as his math summer homework packet, which had been finished in July, (and was completed perfectly). Through looking at photos of him, and listening to his family’s stories, I developed a connection with Ezra that gave an emotional purpose to the race. I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate his life and remember his special qualities than by running as a community; interlacing those members from Brooklyn, Manhattan and Deal.

Another theme of the race was mitzvot. The Cornman family wished to communicate to the runners and spectators that they should perform mitzvot in memory of Ezra, to carry on his legacy. The children who participated, including Ezra’s friends from school, camp, and synagogue, received cards with different mitzvot written on them. Each child was asked to fulfill the mitzvah on his or her card and then bring the card to Igloo for free ices. The owner of Igloo posted the cards in the store, where they hang as a testimony to Ezra’s legacy. Additionally, teens and adults could sign up for an infant/child CPR class, which was held the following day at Congregation Magen David. There was a Berachot Station at the end of the race, with drinks, fruits, bagels and potato chips, Ezra’s favorite snacks.

As we ran, our desire to perpetuate Ezra’s legacy echoed through the streets of Oakhurst, and West Long Branch. When we ran by the Cornman house, there was a sign that said, “Smile and Wave,” which we all did. There were other signs propelling us forward, telling us we were “lookin’ good,” and what mile we had passed. Friendly high fives and loud cheers from fellow runners and spectators added to the fun and excitement.

Thanks to DSN Race Director Joe Benun, who worked tirelessly for months to organize and execute every phase of the race. One notable aspect of the professionalism was that all runners were tracked by timing chips linked through the laces of their sneakers. Of course, there was an abundance and water to keep us all hydrated, because safety is always DSN’s priority. There were medical attendants available in case of an emergency.

DSN is known for being an organization through which community members can come together to participate in great programs and events. The annual 5K race was the epitome of DSN’s mission to bring the community together and to teach our children the importance of health and athleticism.

As I crossed the finish line, I felt a tangible pride. Thank you to everyone who planned, participated and sponsored the run. And thank you to Ezra Cornman A”H for leaving a symbolic imprint on our lives.

______________________

Dyan Levy is a DSN volunteer and mother of three. She is a certified math teacher with a bachelor’s degree from t hUniversity of Maryland. She currently tutors many of our community youth.