Rabbi Itzchak (Zaki) Sardar, Eli Levy and Aslan Bawabeh

Mattan Basseter and its three principal members, Aslan Bawabeh, Elias (Eli) Levy and Itzchak (Zaki) Sardar were recently honored with the Keter Shem Tov Award by The Yeshiva of Manhattan Beach.

Mattan Basseter, which literally translates as “gift giving in secrecy,” is a fitting description for this charitable organization, which works tirelessly and without fanfare to help needy Sephardic families. Donors and recipients are concealed from one another, said by our Sages to be the highest level of charitable giving.

If your mother is anything like mine, she probably told you weeks ago not to get her anything for Mother’s Day. “Since when did Mother’s Day become a Jewish holiday? Don’t bother yourself over me.”

Of course we know to ignore such self-defacing comments. But she may have a point. Isn’t every day supposed to be Mother’s Day? The Torah tells us to honor and revere our mothers at all times. So why go out of your way to show her your gratitude on Mother’s Day?

A little over 10 years ago we were orphaned by the loss of our esteemed and honorable Chief Rabbi Hacham Yaakov Shaul Kassin. In his infinite foresight, Hacham Yaakov saw the frenzy we would be in. He left our new father, patriarch, educator, and his right-hand man, Hacham Shaul Yaakov Kassin, as his replacement. Many years have gone by with many accomplishments both known and unknown to the community by this great leader. I just thought a tribute of words were necessary as a small token of my appreciation and admiration for our Chief Rabbi Hacham Shaul Kassin, Shlita.

Recently, the Brooklyn Sephardic community was honored to have as its special guest Rabbi David Messas, Chief Rabbi of Paris, France. The rabbi, who had spent that weekend visiting various Sephardic synagogues, had come to New York by special invitation for a meeting of the Orthodox Union regarding kosher products and kosher supervision worldwide. Rabbi Messas is the son of former Chief Sephardic Rabbi of Jerusalem Rabbi Shalom Messas, A”H, who passed away earlier this year. Rabbi David Messas is not merely the highest rabbinical authority in Paris; he is known as the rabbi to whom important French politicians often turn for advice.

Born in Morocco in 1948, Sephardic Chief Rabbi Shlomo Amar, Shlita immigrated to Israel in 1962. As a close associate of former Chief Sephardic Rabbi Hacham Ovadia Yosef,  Rabbi Amar served as head of the Petah Tikva Rabbinical Court. In March 2002, he was elected as the first sole Chief Rabbi of Tel Aviv. In 2003, Rabbi Amar was appointed Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Israel.

Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, a great scholar and daring legislator, Chief Rabbi of Israel (1972-1983), spiritual teacher and political leader to hundreds of thousands, never ceases to surprise. He surprised everyone in the rabbinical arena when he rose in amazing speed from office to office and was elected Chief Rabbi, the Rishon le Zion, even though he presented his candidacy only two weeks prior to the elections.

He was born in Baghdad in 1920, a first-born son who was named after his grandfather, Rabbi Abdullah Yosef, later changed to Ovadia. When he was four years old his family emigrated to Israel and little Ovadia was sent to the Bnei-Zion religious school, in the Bucharian neighborhood in Jerusalem.

I was working for the Young Magen David Congregation on 67th Street before the beginning of the Magen David Yeshivah. Mr. Joe Kassin and Mr. Joe Tawil A”H took me aside and convinced me that the most important work in the community was educating our children in Talmud Torah and not just working for the congregation. I took their advice, and joined them in running the Talmud Torah on 67th Street.

Our community was deeply saddened when community leader Abraham Sultan passed away. At his eulogy, he was called a visionary. Over 60 years ago he understood the need our young people had for a center. He not only understood the need, he was the driving force behind the idea and the fund- raising effort. When the new center evolved into Magen David Yeshivah, it was Abe, the modern thinker, who insisted that girls be admitted as students to facilitate their opportunity for an equal education. He was at the forefront of many innovative, forward-thinking ideas and actions of his time.

Lena Cymbrowitz was a beloved community member. After her passing, her husband, Assemblyman Steven Cymbrowitz wrote this: Lena knew that her passing would be particularly hard for me. We were more than husband and wife. We were best friends, partners, and soulmates. Whenever I would begin to cry she would say, “Hey, you have to be strong, you have to hold everybody together for me!” She knew that she needed to make sure I didn’t wallow in my grief, as she knew I would want to do. Lena and I discussed her wish that I run for her Assembly seat several times. She knew that she had made an impact and wanted me to continue what she started and made me promise that I wouldn’t let her down.

The Jewish world suffered a great loss with the passing of Mr. Gabriel Shehebar. Publicly, he was known as the patriarch of a successful family business in ladies wear and a philanthropist. A rabbinical college, yeshivot and many synagogues in Israel and around the world were named after him. He also supported many orphanages and old age homes.

The memory of Joseph Beyda was honored in the manner in which he lived his life, with elegance and passion. Over 800 enthusiastic community members came to honor Joseph’s memory and listen to excerpts from the book, “Joseph, How One Man Can Make A Difference,” written by Jack Doueck.