Rabbi Dweck was emcee at graduation

Rabbi Joseph Dweck, a member of the Barkai Yeshivah staff since 2003, recently became Principal of Judaic Studies. I had the pleasure of sitting down with him to discuss his introduction to, and history with, the yeshivah, his current thoughts on the yeshivah, and his goals and hopes for the future.

Most recently, Rabbi Dweck served as the Rav Yeshivah and administrator of the Barkai middle division. A shining star of the Barkai faculty, he was trained at the Hazon Ovadia Yeshivah (under the direct tutelage of Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef, author of the Yalkut Yosef series and son of Rishon LeSiyon Rabbi Ovadiah Yosef). He is a graduate of the community’s own Sephardic Rabbinical College and is currently a student in Columbia Business School’s Institute for Day School Management.

Kindergarten presentation

Recently, Hillel Yeshiva celebrated a truly monumental day in the history of our yeshiva. Our new (Early Learning Center) ELC outdoor playground was finally here!

As I think back to last year, I am reminded of three things that led to this dream. First, Sally Tawil was invited to a Board of Directors meeting to discuss a proposed alumni event. She shared her thoughts about earmarking the funds toward the building of a new playground. Little did I know that Sally would end up playing a major role in the planning and building of this magnificent new ELC playground.

Steven has been banging on tables with forks and spoons ever since anyone can remember. But it took his astute parents to realize that, despite this annoying habit, he seemed to have pretty good rhythm. So they bought him a bongo which he practiced on regularly and eventually a set of drums and regular lessons. Now Steven is a teen with a talent that he is proud of. He has a sense of self-esteem because of the passion that he has developed.

Sarah loved puttering around in the kitchen while her mother was baking. She enjoyed carefully measuring the ingredients and waiting for the finished cakes to emerge from the oven. As she got older, Sarah’s mother let her experiment with recipes and create her own cookies and frostings. Today she is an accomplished baker who makes beautiful pastries which she shares with family and friends.

Aron Waide and Revital Snaider show off their healthy treats

Whether it is fresh peaches, juicy watermelon slices, or skewers packed with veggies, students in the Yeshivah of Flatbush Elementary School are delighted with the nutritious snacks being provided for them by the new YOF Nutrition Program. Thanks to the tremendous efforts of YOF mother Julie Betesh, gracious sponsors, and the enthusiastic support of Lower Division General Studies Principal Leonard Zeplin, a truck from Edible Arrangements pulls up to the school daily providing students with cold, fresh and nourishing snacks. Judging from the way the two assigned students from each class eagerly run down to the main foyer to collect their tins, it is evident that this program is greatly appreciated.

The summer may have come to an end, but Hillel Yeshiva still knows how to take advantage of the great outdoors! Recently, our nursery children were treated to a beautiful morning at Wemrock Orchards. Their plan was to pick apples for the upcoming Jewish New Year. By the end of the morning, their experience was so much more than that.

Steven and Adrienne Shalom

School leaders, high school students and faculty joined with Steve and Adrienne Shalom, and their friends and family, to dedicate the Seymour Shalom A”H Student Activities Lounge at Hillel Yeshiva High School.

Ezra Safdieh making a move

The Goals for Israel Soccer Tournament took place recently in Elberon, New Jersey. The goal of the tournament was to provide a fun day, while helping out the sick and needy in Israel. The tournament set teams against each other in an all-day race to enter into the playoffs and eventually become the champions, receiving professional trophies.

Committee members Sam Anzaroot, Lauren Betesh, Steven Beyda, Doris Dweck, Ralph Mizrahi, Victor Mosseri, Debbie Nitka, Claire Rahmey and Charles Safdieh planned the day.

Sari Kassin, Gladys Haddad, Jessica Seinfeld and Sari and Cynthia Haddad

The Sephardic Community Center’s Early Childhood department recently held its annual bake sale, focusing on “Getting Your Kids Back on Track.” This year’s bake sale was graciously hosted by Gladys and Richard Haddad.

The entire day was enjoyable and the main attraction was Jessica Seinfeld, wife of comedian Jerry Seinfeld, who spoke about her famous cookbook, Deceptively Delicious, which contains simple secrets to get your kids to eat healthy food. Warmly displaying simple recipes with healthy solutions, she was genuinely down-to- earth and took time to give tips and autograph copies of her cookbook.

Ninety-nine years have passed since the passing of the famous Torah giant Hacham Yoseph Hayyim A”H, known as the Ben Ish Hai. Midrash Ben Ish Hai, under the leadership of Hacham Ya’aqob Menashe, commemorated the passing of Hacham Yoseph Hayyim recently at the Edmond J. Safra synagogue in Manahattan.

At the event, Rabbi Menashe announced the opening of project Ben Ish Hai 100, a year-long celebration of community events and activities to commemorate the 100th year of the passing of the Ben Ish Hai.

The main attraction: Arthur Shweky and Company

Thirty musicians played theirhearts out to a near-capacity audience at Stingers Bar and Grill in Long Branch, at Guitar Night 2008. The musical menu included alternative, blues, country, folk, jazz, Jewish, Middle-Eastern and rock.

What was special about the performances was that the crowd was able to appreciate the individual talents of the players. The goals of the event were to uncover new talent in the community as well as feature some of the better-known musicians in a pleasant atmosphere.

The Master of Ceremonies, David J. Sutton, entertained with his charming personality and lively piano-playing. The highlight of the night was a six-minute, Arabic-style jam titled “Yesalam,” which demonstrated Arthur Shweky’s vast abilities. Julian Tawil performed his unique interpretations of classic Sephardic tunes woven beautifully with his raw playing style. Guitar-playing dynamic duo Richie Chalme and Joe Gindi mesmerized the spectators with deep lyrics, sweet harmonies and rhythmic strumming.

Rabbi Amnon Yitzchak recently said, “If a million Jews each resolve to bring at least one of Hashem’s children back to Torah within the next year, we will be redeemed!” The response from the crowd was wild cheering. This took place at a “Let’s All Get Together” event held at the Nassau Coliseum.

True to its name, the gathering attracted close to 10,000 Jewish men, women and children of all ages and backgrounds—from Sephardic to Ashkenazi, Hasidic, Mizrahi, newly-observant and not-yet-observant. For some, the evening would be a first time experience; others had been drawn by Rabbi Yitzchak’s reputation for revealing truths and debunking myths about Torah Judaism—and doing so with inimitable style and wit.

Eddie and Sara Gindi

On a warm, sunny afternoon, Lara and Jason Laboz opened their hearts and home in loving memory of Jack Laboz A’’H to benefit Imagine Academy. Imagine Academy is an educational center committed to helping autistic children and their families. The Laboz family is passionately and generously committed to Imagine’s cause. They were taught at a young age, from their beloved father, to understand the needs of the community and to help support meaningful causes.

Imagine a child trapped in his or her own world, unable to communicate, relate, and feel love or empathy—that is a brief description of a child with autism. Autism is the fastest growing developmental disorder, afflicting one in every 150 children today.

Sol Betesh and Albert Chehebar

Marlene and Alan Maleh, and Celia Sutton

Inside the Sukkah

Recently at Beit Edmond Jacob Safra Synagogue, we welcomed the arrival of Rabbi Galimidi, our new rabbi, who uplifted the spirits of the local community. We also welcomed a new cantor, Yonathan Hen, who has enhanced the sounds of our prayers.

This year, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur were exceptional in Florida despite the fact that our state has been hit the hardest, not by a hurricane, but by the real estate debacle. Yet our synagogue was totally sold out.