As part of the unit on community, the third grade girls, led by Morah Sharon Esses, focused on cultures around the world. The class discussed the many special features of the Jewish/Sephardic culture, including music, food, language, holidays, religion and clothing.
On a recent Sunday, Nachas Health and Family Network, Inc. hosted their Inaugural Legislative Breakfast.
Hundreds of religious leaders, community philanthropists and politicians came together to pay tribute to a number of elected officials and community leaders whose leadership is instrumental in allowing Nachas to fulfill its mission: to ensure that every child, family and senior access quality health care and social services through direct services, referral entitlement navigation and advocacy.
Magen David Yeshivah’s PTA has held three exciting events this year that were both uplifting and enjoyable.
First, the PTA hosted its annual book fair, held over three days. Jeannie Zalta and Karen Heffez chaired the event with ease, and were pleased to have an incredible group of volunteers to lend a hand. With full selections of books to choose from, it was a major success!
As Jewish communities throughout the world celebrated the festive holiday of Sukkot with family and friends, the Sephardic community in Brooklyn had the opportunity to celebrate with a very special and important friend. Mayor Michael Bloomberg attended the Sephardic Community Federation’s (SCF) annual Sukkot leadership gathering. He joined over 100 Sephardic community leaders for this annual event, which was hosted in the Sukkah of renowned community leaders Mr. Jack and Mrs. Sari Avital.
Recently, a sensational singles event was held at Café Hadar, called, simply, The Event. Under the guidance of Rabbi Abraham Ben Hamu, this new, innovative singles event attracted about 80 singles, who thoroughly enjoyed themselves in a relaxing atmosphere.
Convenitonal wisdom says, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Assuming this is true, the fact still remains that even if it’s not broken, you’d better maintain it properly otherwise it will undoubtedly break. Our yeshivah system, the backbone of education in our community for nearly three generations, is in a crisis. The current economic woes are not the cause of the crisis, but may very well be the blow that could shatter the camel’s back if we don’t take it seriously and act now.
Reading this, you’re probably unlikely to be moved by the seemingly exaggerated use of the word ‘crisis’ to describe what many believe to be an age-old complaint; unfortunately, it is by no means an overstatement of the severity of the situation. In the current school year, with tuition assistance growing, nearly all of the mainstream yeshivahs, that cumulatively serve more than 6,000 children in our community, have suffered from a payroll emergency of one kind or another. To fully appreciate the depth of the problem, you need to first understand some popular myths about our day schools.
With Jewish communities emerging throughout the US and across the globe, the need for qualified rabbis and educators has grown. Often, searching for a suitable rabbi can be a daunting task.
Serving as the community arm of Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS), Yeshiva University’s (YU) Center for the Jewish Future (CJF) assists congregations, schools, organizations and communities in their search for rabbis. For over a century, RIETS, the Western Hemisphere’s leading center for Torah learning, has trained over 2,700 of the world’s most distinguished Orthodox rabbis, scholars and teachers.
When the event was planned, no one on the organizing committee knew what to expect. It was a first for the Shaare Zion Torah Center.
Rebecca Harary met with a small group of Torah Center supporters to decide what would be an appropriate fund raising event for the foremost Torah Learning Center in our community.
Classes are held seven days a week—morning, afternoon and night at Shaare Zion. Participants are mainstream men, women and children from all areas of Brooklyn. They come together and fill every available classroom, learning at all levels from beginner to advanced.
Some of our community’s best chefs went all out to claim the honor of “Top Bun” at an innovative and refreshing cook off. On Tuesday November 11th, Barkai Yeshivah held its 2nd annual “Top Bun” contest. Judging by its successful turnout, this evening offered an unparalleled and delectable time for all involved.
First introduced last year by Barkai Yeshivah’s board member Albert Dweck, the concept quickly grew throughout the close-knit Barkai family, with the result producing a sensational and entirely different concept. Last year’s event was extremely successful and this year’s contest reached an even higher level of excitement. Each group of cooks presented a mazza dish, a dish to be served over rice, a main course and a dessert. Expert judges from within the community went around taste testing. Prizes were awarded per category and were awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place overall winners.
Being a part of the team that participated in the first Yeshivah of Flatbush Hesed Travel Day was a very fulfilling and inspiring experience. Over 30 Joel Braverman High School students spent a recent Sunday giving back to their community. This hesed day, organized by Dean of Students Rabbi Naftali Besser, included visits to Coney Island and Maimonides Hospitals, the Haym Salomon Rehabilitation Center, a Bait Ezra/Ohel residence and Masbia glatt kosher restaurant/soup kitchen.
On a crisp fall Sunday, under a clear blue sky, the Big Brothers and Sisters of Deal kicked off this year with an action-packed BBQ. Our own Mr. Z was there to help organize games, sports and other events. The children got to know each other, and the big brothers and sisters became acquainted with their younger brothers and sisters. The abundance of BBQ burgers and hot dogs was outdone by cotton candy, popcorn and snow cones from our very own machines! There was face painting, crafts and lots of smiles! The wonderful chemistry amongst everyone was clearly visible, assuring that it would be a great year for all.
Gesher Yehuda is the only school of its kind. For the past 16 years, it has been serving the needs of students with learning challenges and helping them gain self-esteem and confidence. With a staff trained in special education, the school has been used by colleges as a site for students and teachers who want to learn more about children who need that extra helping hand. Gesher Yehuda’s students go on to high school and college.
“The education that children receive at Gesher is so valuable. Each child is taught on his/her own level and is given the skills to succeed in school and in life. Gesher Yehuda is a place where miracles happen every day and thank G-d there is such a place in the community where our kids can feel a part of something so special,” said Frieda Tawil.
Every Monday night throughout the year in Brooklyn, there is fun in the air at Shell Lanes, where the SBL (Sal and Bags’ League) takes place.
A few years ago, two members of the now defunct EBL (Egyptian Bowling League) missed the competitive action they had enjoyed, so they started up their own league. Solly Elmann and Joey Baghdadi began with just a handful of friends, and through word of mouth, the league has grown from just six teams to 16 teams.
Each team consists of three members whose averages vary anywhere from 90 to 200. In order to aide all skill levels, an 85% team handicap is added in to make the playing field equal for all.
On a gorgeous, warm Sunday morning, a Torah dedication and reception were held at the home of Beatrice and Robert Dweck. The Sefer Torah was dedicated in memory of Doris Dweck A”H and Edward M. Dweck A”H. It was also dedicated in honor of Rabbi Raymond Harari, the Rabbi of Kol Israel Synagogue and Dr. Joel Wolowelsky, a family friend and teacher at Yeshivah of Flatbush.
The reception was attended by many members of the synagogue, friends and family. Everyone then walked the Torah to Kol Israel Synagogue on Bedford and Avenue K, singing and embracing the Torah the entire time. It might have been only five blocks from the Dweck’s home to the synagogue, but everyone present took their time, lingering, holding on to every moment that accompanied the special event.
