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.

Estee and Chaya were very happy when they had their sons within weeks of each other. As the boys second birthday approached, the mothers got them together for a play date.

When it was time to eat, Estee asked Avi, Do you want pasta? Without looking up, Avi shook his head no.
Okay, would you like a cream cheese and jelly sandwich? she asked. This time, Avi looked up and licked his lips vigorously. He then reached out his hand impatiently to let her know he was ready.
David was playing with a small truck. Chaya asked, What about you, David? Would you like pasta? David looked up, but did not respond. A cream cheese and jelly sandwich? Again, he looked at his mother, but then returned to playing with his truck.
Maybe he isnt hungry, Estee suggested.

If you had not seen the words Hillel Yeshiva on the building when you drove up, you might have thought that you were actually approaching New York Harbor! Fifth grade students and their parents were greeted with Caribbean music. As they entered the building ready for the evening cruise, they were welcomed by the staff of the USS M.A.S.T. (Math and Science Together).
The evening was designed to give 5th grade students and their parents an opportunity to experience hands-on math and science activities. The building was decorated in a nautical theme, with ships, captains wheels, life preservers, palm trees, and shells. Each student was given a passport with his/her picture and an itinerary for the evening. Additionally, students were given a captains hat and a captains wheel necklace listing all the ports that they would be visiting.

The man sitting on the train focusing intently on his iPhone might be playing a game, or he may be studying Talmud, Skyping with a partner in Israel or even teaching Hebrew.

Mobile technologies help people practice Judaism, said Barry Schwartz, CEO of Rusty Brick, a software company that has created more than 30 Jewish mobile apps. It is the future. Wherever you gothe airport, synagoguepeople are looking up information and praying.
Mobile technologies are augmenting traditional learning and how people fill their free time, said Rabbi Jack Kalla of Aish HaTorah, which has been at the forefront of digital Jewish outreach, for many years, with videos, podcasts and an extensive website. Aish recently released its first mobile app, which reproduces content from its website for mobile devices.
The Internet is where people are, and it is the means to reach people today. Jewish organizations across the spectrum are taking advantage of developing mobile and digital technologies to reach new people.
Its not going to be the new modelit already is the new model, said Rabbi Simcha Backman, director of Chabads AskMoses.com. This is the new way and we should embrace it.
Created to reach people who dont have access to rabbis, AskMoses offers live chats with scholars on its website. Earlier this year, the site began a text-messaging program. The website recently unveiled its first mobile app, part of a larger strategy to continue reaching people wherever they are.
Social media is a whole new world for Jews and Judaism. The options are limitless. The ArtScroll Schottenstein Talmud was recently released in an app for the iPhone and iPad. It allows users to get instant translations; highlight specific passages, and to jump quickly from one section to another.
This opens up the whole world of Jewish literature for the past 2,000 years, Rabbi Zlotowitz said, putting it literally at our fingertips. When youre able to actually interact with the words on the page, it changes how you understand what youre learning.
With technology advancing at a rapid pace, just what Jewish education will look like in 20 years, or even in five years, is unclear, but the Jewish world appears ready for the challenge.
All of these things are enabling us to realize our tradition and Judaism in ways that were simply unimaginable a few years ago, said Rabbi Backman. I dont know where its going, but its going to be phenomenal, he concluded.

When my alarm rang at 6 am, I anxiously rolled out of bed. The weather was a cool 70? and mostly sunnyperfect for tournament day. I was ecstatic because I knew it would be one of the best days of the summerThe Sephardic Food Funds Second Annual Top Spin Tournament.
What began last year as a small tennis tournament, run by a couple of high school kids, has expanded into a mens doubles tennis tournament and a volleyball tournament, featuring over 100 participants.
At about 10 am, the players, kids and young adults ranging in age from 12 to 25, begin to roll into Samantha and Bobby Hararys home. They grabbed something to eat and collected their bags, which included a dri-fit shirt, sweatpants and a towel. They were then sent to the courts to play their regular season games. The competition was fierce, but only eight teams from volleyball and eight teams from tennis advanced to the playoffs.