Why Do We Celebrate Sukkot?
Sukkot is a holiday rich in tradition and meaning. From the holding of the lulav and etrog to the sitting in a sukkah, the holiday is filled with symbolism to express our relationship to G-d.
SAFE’s 9th Annual Dinner
The 9th Annual SAFE Foundation Dinner will be marked in history for the nearly 400 people who gathered at the home of Cookie and Stanley Chera to participate. This event ironically fell four days after the death of Betty Ford, an iconic woman who fought to change the stigma associated with addiction. SAFE, in its 9th year of operation, is fighting to do the same.
Hineni, Changing Lives One By One
Founded in 1973 by Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis, the Hineni outreach organization has evolved into the most influential and internationally recognized Jewish educational network in the modern era. Inspired by the wisdom of the Torah as imparted by Rebbetzin Jungreis, alienated Jews from around the globe have flocked to her weekly classes for decades and it is there that the pintele yid (the Jewish spark) ignites into a flame. Some attend to seek guidance from the Rebbetzin about the challenges that life represents and others are not precisely sure what to expect. One thing is certain; no one departs unaffected.
Raoul Wallenberg to Receive Congressional Medal of Honor
August 4, 2011 marked the 99th birthday of Raoul Wallenberg, the Swedish diplomat whose heroism saved the remnants of Hungarian Jews during waning days of the Holocaust. Wallenberg produced protective passports and provided shelter to Jews that remained in Budapest. He is credited with saving an estimated 100,000 lives in a six month period. As the world gears up for the centennial of Wallenberg’s birth next year, the Raoul Wallenberg Centennial Celebration Commission (RWCCC) was established and has announced that they plan to honor him with a Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor the US Congress can bestow.
Jews and Shoes
Shoes have always played a role in history and culture. Language is littered with references to shoes. For example, we “wait for the other shoe to drop,” or try to experience life in “another person’s shoes.” One has “big shoes to fill” when he takes on a new challenge; and there is the phrase, “if the shoe fits, wear it.”
Alfred’s Secrets
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
Truth and Responsibility
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.
SEPTEMBER: A Month of Reflection and Promise
September is a month of reflection, repentance and forgiveness. It’s an exciting time, when we get to start over with a clean slate.
Many important events in Jewish history took place in September. On a sad note, World War II began. And on a happier note, World War II ended. Jews arrived in New York, and the communities they began have not stopped growing. Here are some historical highlights.
The 1st Annual Mitzvah Man Auction & Bake Sale
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.
Gesher Yehuda’s 7th Annual High Heat Tournaments
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 Yeshivah of Flatbush Tennis and Canasta Tournaments
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.
MDY PTA’s Tennis and Mah-Jongg Tournament
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.
Saul Betesh’s Nobeh Party for Seniors
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.
Seniors View Sephardic Heritage Film At Ohel Yaacob Synagogue
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.