How to Achieve More by Focusing on Less

Rabbi Ezra Max

As you leap into the new calendar year, it’s natural to feel a rush of energy to set goals and make plans. But here’s a question to ask yourself: how many goals can you truly focus on and achieve in one year?

The Power of Singular Focus

When you have too many goals, your attention becomes scattered, and the results often fall short. The key to success is simplicity and focus. By honing in on one or two (maximum 3) major goals, you ensure that your energy is directed toward what matters most.

Having a singular focus does not just help you accomplish more, it ensures that the actions you take are in alignment with your broader vision. You’re not just working harder; you’re working smarter.

Set Aligned Goals for Yourself
and Your Team

For your goals to succeed, they must be aligned with the people who matter most to you–whether that’s your family, your team, or other key relationships. If a work goal is going to consume all your time, is your spouse and family on board? Will they feel neglected, or will they be supporting you along the way?

Similarly, if you have a significant professional goal, is your team aligned and motivated to help you get there? A well-aligned team knows exactly how they fit into your vision and how their efforts contribute to the goal. Without this clarity, progress can feel fragmented, and energy gets lost in distractions.

Reflecting on Alignment and Success

Last December, I was invited to guest on the Excelsior Journeys podcast and speak about goal setting. The timing was tricky, as it was on a Saturday night when I usually don’t work, so I had to communicate with my family and adjust my schedule. Everyone at home was aligned and supported me in making it happen.

Fast forward to last week, when I saw two LinkedIn posts highlighting this episode as being the most listened-to episode of the year. This reminded me how much alignment and support can amplify success. When the key people in your life are on board with your goals, it makes everything easier to achieve.

Measuring Progress: Small Wins Matter

The key to hitting ambitious goals is to consistently measure your progress. It’s easy to lose sight of where you’re headed if you’re not tracking results. That’s why I encourage clients to break their goals down into smaller, actionable steps with trackable metrics. By evaluating progress quarterly, monthly, and even weekly, you can stay on course. This process keeps you and your team accountable, helps adjust your strategies as needed before emergencies happen, and gives you the opportunity to celebrate the small wins along the way.

Applying Singular Focus to Your Personal and Professional Growth

Taking time to reflect on your leadership journey is crucial. You can get caught up in the rush of daily tasks, but stepping back to evaluate your progress ensures that you’re on track. Ask yourself: what’s the one focus, action, relationship, that will have the biggest impact on your future?

Last December’s podcast appearance was a clear example of how focus, communication, and alignment made all the difference. With the support of my family and the alignment of my goals, I was able to leverage the opportunity for the benefit of my audience and my work.

Planning and Evaluating:
Strengthening Your Leadership

“Eizehu Chacham, HaRoeh Et HaNolad” – “Who is wise? The one who foresees the consequences of their actions.” (Pirkei Avot 4:1). This wisdom underscores the importance of good planning and understanding the impact of your decisions. Leaders who take the time to plan strategically and also constantly reflect to adjust their approach in real-time, will lead their teams to greater success, even in the face of obstacles.

Conclusion: Focused Growth and Alignment Lead to Success

As we move into the new calendar year, it’s essential to simplify your goals. Focus on one big goal and make sure it aligns with the key people in your life. Track your progress regularly, and take action every day, week, and month to stay on course.

When we work with business owners and leadership teams, we always offer and strongly encourage a facilitated goal-setting experience. This helps ensure you and your team are aligned, focused, and ready to achieve your goals faster.

Remember, Hashem loves you and has unlimited abundance available for you. Together, with the right focus, you can reach higher, move further, get there faster, and achieve more than you ever thought possible. q

Rabbi Ezra Max, PCC, MHMP, Xchange Guide & Creator of “The Max Method” assists businesses and professionals deal with stress and achieve success. Rabbi Max has witnessed 20 years of results helping executives, parents and teens overcome struggles, improve communication and thrive. He lives in New York with his wife and five children.

On Friday, November 22, the students and faculty were privileged to receive a visit from the esteemed Rabbi Grossman, the Chief Rabbi of Migdal HaEmek in Israel. The Rabbi was welcomed to our yeshivah by our kindergartners, first, and second graders. The third and fourth graders lined the lobby as Rabbi Mustacchi’s MDY Boys’ Choir sang a warm and beautiful rendition of Yahid El Dagul. The hacham (rabbi) was then led by Rabbinic Leader Rabbi Eli J. Mansour, Principal Rabbi Ezra Cohen-Saban, and faculty members to the stage in our auditorium.

Rabbi Eli J. Mansour stated that Rabbi Grossman is the Abraham Avinu of our time, and just looking at the Rabbi is akin to a mikveh (ritual bath) for the eyes.

Grades 5-8 filled the auditorium, where the Rabbi’s message reached over 400 students and faculty. His message emphasized the importance of tefillah (prayer) and how much of an impact it has on Israel during these challenging times.

At the end of his address to the Elementary School students, Rabbi Grossman was joined on stage by the faculty of our school to receive a beracha (blessing) from the Rabbi during this historic moment.

Bar mitzvah of Abraham Abadi with his grandfather Moises Abadi

From the Eretz Israel to Panama, Colombia, and Israel, then back to Colombia, onward to New York, Panama, Guatemala, and finally returning to New York

Sarina Roffé

The family life we have, our exposure to religion, the different cultural experiences of the places and countries where we lived, are what determines who we are today. Gladys Mandalaoui was born in Guatemala to Syrian parents. Her sister Fortuna Debbah and brothers Moises and Abraham were born in Panama. Her family history of living in different countries as well as the values taught by her traditional parents shaped the person she became, full of pride in her heritage.

The story began in or about 1913 when Abraham Zafrani, a young man born in Aleppo, left his family in Jerusalem. He was looking for a better life and to help his family survive. The Turkish government was conscripting young men and many young men left. He had a kitab (school) education and spoke Arabic.

Abraham traveled to Panama where he met his cousin and other friends. They were selling material to the workers of the Panama Canal. They organized the first Sephardic Synagogue in Panama.

In1923 Abraham met and married Alegre Zayat, who also had a Syrian background and had just arrived in Panama from Egypt. Their daughter Esther was born in 1924 in Panama. Six months later Abraham was offered a better business in Barranquilla, Colombia, so they moved. The business did well and the family was wealthy. They had four more children and sent their children to private secular schools.

They kept the Syrian Jewish traditions. Abraham taught his children Friday night prayers and helped build up the Sephardic synagogue there. He always yearned for his homeland and in 1935 he tried to relocate the family to Israel where the last child was born. They stayed in Eretz Israel a few months and there were rumors of another war. The Arab kids were using words that were offensive. Abraham was disappointed in life in Tel Aviv and decided to bring his family back to Barranquilla, Colombia.

In1940, Abraham sent his son Isaac Zafrani to a boarding school in New York. After seeing the Brooklyn community, he decided to move the family here. He also felt his daughters would meet and marry Syrian men, so they moved to Bensonhurst in Brooklyn, NY in 1942. But in 1944, many Syrian men were serving in the U.S. Army, defending our country during World War II. There were few candidates for Esther to marry. So, her father decided to take Esther to visit Panama, where she had been born. That’s where Esther met Leon Abadi, who was also born in Panama, and they married in October 1944, where she had Fortuna in 1945, Moises in 1947, and Abraham in 1950 in Panama. Gladys was born in Guatemala in 1955. They had a store called La Fortuna in Panama.

From Panama to Guatemala

Business in Panama was not so good. Leon’s brother-in-law offered him an opportunity to work in a rice plantation in a town in Guatemala. The idea seemed great, but neither of them knew anything about growing rice. Leon was supposed to be sending money to Esther, but the money wasn’t coming.

In 1952, Esther moved to Guatemala with the three children and settled there with her husband. Within a few years, it was clear that the rice business was not going to support them and they needed to look for another business.

Another of Leon’s sisters had moved to Guatemala and married. Her husband was a good businessman, and helped Leon identify a small store called El Panameño where he sold textiles. Esther was pregnant with Gladys, so they stayed in Guatemala. Other Jewish community members who owned factories produced fabrics that helped him. By 1957, his inventory was so large that he opened another store where Esther worked.

The family was successful in Guatemala and actively participated in the Jewish community and Magen David Synagogue. They were all well accepted by the community.

From 1952 until 1959, the family lived close to the Sephardic synagogue. Leon liked to go to synagogue on Friday nights and Saturday. The community had 500 families, about half of whom were Ashkenazic, and the rest were Sephardic. A few wealthy men supported the synagogue.

In 1959, the family bought a plot of land to build a home. Leon’s brother was an engineer in Panama. He designed the house using drawings sent by Leon that showed the position of the plot, the angles of the sun and other details. Leon was his own contractor. Overseeing the building of the house. Houses in Guatemala did not have basements but Leon insisted on a basement. Gladys and Fortuna shared a room, as did their brothers. It was a ranch style house with a large terrace on the roof.

The family had a housekeeper, gardener and a person who came weekly to do the wash, since they had no washing machine. They had a nice home with big gardens. They raised chickens and got eggs from the chickens. Esther cooked Syrian foods but also learned to make some local foods so the family learned to eat black beans and tortillas. Because Leon was Ambassador of Panama in Guatemala, they entertained often, and Esther served them.

There was one synagogue in the north and another in the south. The house was in the middle so they had to drive to synagogue. The rabbis lived in the synagogue and were all friends of the family. Leon helped the rabbis adjust to life in Guatemala. He helped with fundraising, and helped the synagogue run smoothly.

Kashrut was hard. “My grandfather was a shokhet and taught my father how to kill chickens. Most of time we ate chicken, killed by my parents, plucked and everything,” said Gladys. “Rabbi Moises Zaccai, came from Panama. He was trained at Mirrer Yeshiva and was a rabbi, shokhet and mohel. He killed the cows and chickens. We were among the most religious there. A lot were not religious. Still, Rabbi Zaccai would not eat in our house except for boiled eggs and fruit or uncooked vegetables. When rabbis came, they came to us.”

While Esther helped Leon in his business, she stayed home Sundays and cooked food for the week, always cooking the same Syrian foods that we eat today.

The family had two cars and often went for rides in the car. Esther drove and they shopped for food.

While there were no Jewish schools, the four children had good Jewish role models in their parents. The children attended private schools. Gladys attended an English American school. Fortuna attended a Catholic school. The school was strict and Fortuna had difficulty there. At age 12, for one year, she attended school in New York where she lived with her aunt. Then she returned to Guatemala and attended the Austrian school, where they taught her German. Tuition was about $15 a month.

Guatemala was a Catholic country. “No one understood why we wouldn’t pray the way they did. We had mass in school and when they said stand, we stood while the kids said Hail Mary,” said Gladys, “We were respectful and didn’t talk when they prayed. We knew it was their religion. We never kneeled. Nothing happened to us, we respected them and they left us alone.

“I never had a play date with them. We knew those are people from the country and we knew we were different. We only associated with them when we had to. We didn’t mix with them or mingle. We never invited them to our home. The school had a boys and girls section. At the end of the year, when we celebrated Guatemalan Independence Day, the school brought the boys and girls together to practice for a parade. That’s the only time we saw them. They were not Jewish, so my parents would not allow us to mingle with them either.”

Gladys remembers having many Jewish friends. They used to socialize at a Jewish club on Saturday afternoons, where they learned Zionism, Jewish culture, Israeli songs and dances.

Some people had summer homes, where the Abadi children would visit. For fun, they went to fairs, the movies, picnics at a nearby lake, or visited farms. Leon liked the latest equipment. They had a color TV and he was a ham radio operator in Guatemala using the handle TG9AE. Often Israelis would come to try and convince them to make Aliyah to Israel, plant trees and sell Israel bonds.

In 1964, the Abadis sent Fortuna to Brooklyn as she was of marrying age. In 1965 she married Jaime Debbah, where she settled and raised her family.

By 1972, many were leaving Guatemala because they wanted a better education for their children so went to the United States. There was also the issue of safety as there were kidnappings and people couldn’t go out at night. As a diplomat, Leon had many parties at his home.

A few families made Aliyah to Israel. In 1972, Leon was appointed as a Delegate of Panama to the United Nations and he moved the family to Brooklyn. Gladys attended and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1972.

Both Moises and Abraham went to Panama and married women from Barranquilla. Moises married Rina Gateno in 1980. Abraham married Miriam Birbragher in 1981. Abraham worked in the consulate of Panama in New York when he married Miriam. Then he became Vice Counsel of Panama in Bogota.

Gladys met Sol Mandalaoui, who was born in 1950 in Egypt and came to New York in 1962. They were married in January 1975 and had three children – Ikey, David and Paulette–and they all married in the community. Gladys and Sol have ten grandchildren ranging from ages 23 to 10 years old.

Leon passed away in 1990 and Esther passed away in November 2024 at the age of 100. Baruch dayan emet (blessed is the judge of truth). q

A genealogist and historian, Sarina Roffé is the author of Branching Out from Sepharad (Sephardic Heritage Project, 2017). She is researching a new book: Syria – Paths to Freedom. Sarina holds a BA in Journalism, and MA in Jewish Studies and an MBA.

Magen David Yeshivah Warriors Assist
Habayit in Making a Difference

Many sports teams often spend hours practicing together to build unity and enhance their skills, but it’s also important for teams to take their sense of unity and make an impact off the court. As Coach Ike Spike Dweck is known to say, “At MDY, we get young men ready for life, not just basketball”! And so, on a Sunday afternoon in December, the Magen David Yeshivah Varsity Basketball team demonstrated what it truly means to be a team by coming together to do an act of hesed (kindness). Partnering with Habayit, the community organization that provides short term apartments for people who come to NY for medical treatment, they set out to help families in need by moving heavy furniture and belongings from one home to another.

Known for having skills and determination on the basketball court, these Magen David Warriors showed that their dedication extends far beyond their athletic performance. Recognizing the challenges some families in the community face during their transitions, the team decided to step in and lend a helping hand. With rented moving trucks and a desire to make an impact, the players spent their Sunday hauling beds, couches, boxes, and other household items, making the moving process easier for a struggling family.

Teamwork on and off the Court

The values that make a great basketball team—communication, trust, and a shared goal—are the same qualities that contributed to the success of this hesed project. “On the court, we always rely on each other. Whether it’s moving the ball or supporting a teammate during a tough game, we know we are stronger together,” said team captain Philip Sherr. “Off the court, it’s no different. Helping others is a way for us to practice those same values—working together as a team to make a difference.”

The experience demonstrated the depth of the team’s bond, with players coordinating their efforts as if they were executing a play. They divided up the work, communicated effectively, and worked with precision to get each item moved quickly and safely. The boys learned firsthand how teamwork can change lives—not just through sports, but through the simple, meaningful acts of kindness that strengthen the fabric of a community.

The Importance of Hesed in the Community

For the players, the experience was also a valuable reminder of why doing good for others is so important. The concept of hesed teaches that kindness should flow freely and selflessly, without expectation of reward. The basketball team took this lesson to heart, understanding that service to others is an essential part of being responsible community members. “Our team has always believed that our purpose is bigger than just playing basketball. We strive to be leaders and role models, both on and off the court,” said captain Joshua Chabbott. “Doing hesed is about helping people in ways that truly matter, and it made me feel good while doing it too.”

Looking to the Future

As the season continues, the team is excited to carry the lessons of hesed into their future games and beyond. They’re committed to putting in the work and making an impact, whether they are on the court competing or off it, contributing to the well-being of others. As the basketball season progresses, this act of charity serves as a reminder of the importance of teamwork, not just in sport, but in the larger game of life. The team has shown that their commitment to working together doesn’t end when the final whistle blows—it’s a mentality that extends to every part of their lives, proving that hesed and hard work go hand in hand, on and off the court.

“A decade ago, on December 1, 2014, we opened the doors to the DSN Community Center with the dream of transforming community life on the Jersey Shore. Today, we can proudly say that dream has come true!” That is how DSN’s Executive Director Sammy Sitt, who has been leading the Community Center from day one, summed up his feelings. Sammy credits the Community Center’s success over the years to his staff, whom he calls the “DSN Dream Team”.

The milestone anniversary celebration began on Monday, December 2, with a heartfelt acknowledgment of the staff. A special “Happy Anniversary” cake was presented from the DSN Seniors to the DSN staff, in recognition of their unwavering commitment. Next, Sammy introduced each of the staff leaders to the Seniors. “I want you to meet the heart and soul of our Center, the people who work every day to build our community.” The staff, many of whom have been at DSN since it opened, were overwhelmed. Each of them spoke to the gathering of nearly 100 people.

David Belhassen, DSN’s Building & Facilities Director, working with DSN for nearly 15 years explained, “Working at DSN doesn’t feel like work. It feels like being with family. Watching DSN evolve has been the most beautiful experience, and I’m grateful to contribute to the smiles we bring every day.”

Marcella Missry, DSN’s Finance Director, also with DSN for nearly 15 years, reflected on the journey. “It’s been an honor to see the incredible growth of both DSN and the community. First with my very own children and now with my grandchildren, I’m proud to be a part of it and excited for what’s next.”

Sharon Carlstrom, DSN’s Fitness Director, shared her sentiments about the occasion, remarking “I am so happy to be celebrating DSN’s 10-year milestone! The fitness and group exercise program has grown tremendously since its establishment, and we couldn’t have done it without the commitment of members and the hard work of our team.”

Other leading staff who spoke at the gathering included Frieda Betesh, DSN’s Membership Director, Jon Entel, DSN’s Sports Director and Frieda Shamah, DSN’s Youth Director.

The DSN Community Center building was decorated to honor the anniversary. Visitors were greeted by a festive balloon arch at the entrance and a walk-through history. A stunning display of 10 posters lined the hallways. These posters illustrated key moments from the building’s history, from its groundbreaking construction to cherished memories of the first programs and events. A continuous slideshow played in the lobby, offering a nostalgic look back at a decade of achievements.

DSN’s Youth Department brought their trademark creativity to the festivities. Children in after-school programs received custom cupcakes, while Club Friday featured a special session with Sara Chehebar, where kids decorated 10th-anniversary cupcakes and crafted snow globes featuring the DSN logo in art class. The activities highlighted the importance of engaging and nurturing the next generation.

The DSN organization was born in 2007, seven years before the Community Center opened. It came about from a collective need identified by young parents to provide extra-curricular and Sunday activities for the community’s children. Before DSN existed, parents sought to enroll their children in after-school programs and sports leagues, but options only existed outside the community and on dates that conflicted with the Jewish holiday calendar. DSN was envisioned as a solution: an organization where everyone could come together within our own community, protected and secure, while being true to our traditions. However, without its own building, DSN relied on renting local facilities to provide its programming. Eventually, the demand from the community for more programming necessitated DSN finding its own building, which it did in 2013. One year later, the Community Center opened.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony, a decade ago, attended by esteemed community Rabbis and led by Chief Rabbi Saul Kassin A”H, symbolized the beginning of a new chapter. That chapter has since unfolded into a story of resilience, connection, and growth. Since then, the Community Center layered on programming, so that it currently caters to all ages from little infants to our most-respected Seniors.

“DSN is a pillar of community growth. Without DSN, we wouldn’t be where we are today,” said DSN’s Adult Director, Caleigh Silvera. “It’s easy to see that DSN is not just a center; it’s a cornerstone of our identity and lifestyle.”

As the DSN Community Center celebrates its 10th anniversary, the focus remains forward-looking. DSN continues to innovate, expanding with programs and opportunities that bring people together and foster Jewish pride. It has become a beacon of community, inspiring all who walk through its doors.

Sammy puts the past 10 years in perspective. “Talk about growth. Before we opened our building, we were a startup company with 4 full-time employees and a vision. Today, we have nearly 100 employees at our Community Center, all who have contributed to get us where we are today. This 10-year anniversary is a testament to their passion, as well as the dedication of our amazing executive board, and of course our countless volunteers. With Hashem’s continued help, the future is very bright for DSN and the entire Jersey Shore!”