ON OCTOBER 21ST, THE YOF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TOOK PART IN A DISTINCTIVE OPPORTUNITY TO PERFORM A REENACTMENT OF THE MITZVAH OF HAKHEL, WHEN ALL OF BNEI ISRAEL GATHERED IN THE BEIT MIKDASH. THE EVENT OCCURRED ONCE EVERY SEVEN YEARS AFTER A SH’MITA YEAR, ON THE FIRST DAY OF CHOL HA’MOED SUKKOT.

YOF was proud to offer this mitzvah to our students and faculty right in front of the school on East 10th Street. “Hakhel is a unique mitzvah not just in reference to the infrequent nature of its performance, but because it is the only mitzvah that requires all of Am Yisrael, fathers, mothers and children, to come together to hear the shofar and words of Torah read out loud by the King of Israel,” explained YOF Elementary Head of School Rabbi Yahel Tsaidi.

All parents, faculty and students—from early childhood through middle school—were invited to take part in the festivities. Middle school leaders worked to recreate the Biblical scene of Hakhel by erecting a stage that had a symbol of the Beit Hamikdash. Rabbi Tsaidi, Middle School Principal Rabbi Dr. David Hertzberg, Middle School Principal and Director of Academic Development Rabbi Alan Berkowitz, Middle School Co-Principal Rabbi Ronn Yaish and Mashgiach Ruchani Rabbi Ikey Tawil led prayers and songs. Both Rabbi Yaish, who represented the King of Israel, and Rabbi Tawil, who represented the Kohen Gadol (High Priest), wore priestly vestments similar to those worn in Biblical times.

The children looked on in awe as the kohanim (specific students), king and Kohen Gadol took the stage to read from the Torah. Then they heard the blasts of the shofar, led by Middle School Judaic Studies Chairman Rabbi Abraham Benhamu. Leaders read the verses from the beginning of Devarim, the Ten Commandments, Sh’ma Yisrael, and passages about being obedient to Hashem no matter what the scenario. Noting the diversity of all YOF students, passages were read in three different styles of reading: Teymani, Sepharadi, and Ashkenazi.

Students made blessings on special snacks that were handed out to the crowd. Several rounds of spirited dancing and celebrating ensued once the Torah reading had been completed. Many of the youngest students swayed to the songs while holding lollipops, while lower and middle school students gathered in circles to dance along and sing aloud to the tunes of “Tov Le’hodot La’Hashem,” “Ya’ale Ve’Yabo,” “Tati My King” and “David Melekh Yisrael.”

A highlight of the event was the students getting to see the sefer Torah taken out in front of everyone. “Performing the mitzvah of Hakhel was a learning experience for the entire school. It was an event that the students will remember and reference for the rest of their lives,” shared Rabbi Tawil.

“Hakhel is described in the Torah as a very emotional reading of the text that would often elicit crying and happiness, deep reflection and commitment to observance moving forward. Seeing our student body, from toddlers through 8th graders, along with our faculty and parents, truly elicited more emotions than I anticipated. I was moved and inspired in a way that could only be achieved through the uplifting nature of achdut (harmony), the depth of togetherness, and placing Torah at the center of all of our lives,” added Rabbi Tsaidi.

Freddy Zalta

THE EXCITEMENT WAS PALPABLE ON SUNDAY OCTOBER 30TH, 2022, AS THE KOL ISRAEL COMMUNITY ENTERED THE TENT TO CELEBRATE A HUGE MILESTONE FOR THEIR CONGREGATION. KOL ISRAEL, LOCATED ON BEDFORD AVENUE AND AVENUE K, HELD A GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY TO COMMEMORATE THE BUILDING OF THEIR EXTENSION. THE WEATHER WAS PERFECT AND THE COMMUNITY SHOWED UP TO SUPPORT THEIR SHUL.

Along with the rabbis from Kol Israel, Rabbi Ikey Tawil, Rabbi Nathan Zaboulani, and Rabbi Charles Safdieh; the ceremony was also blessed with the attendance of Chief Rabbi Saul Kassin, Rabbis Raymond Harari, Naftali Besser, Moses Haber, Richard Tobias, Joey Beyda, Yahel Tsaidi, Jack Savdie, Abraham Hayyoun and Joey Haber.

Eliyahu Zion, the hazan of the shul, opened the ceremony with beautiful renditions of Hatikvah and the national anthem.

President Steven Haim was the first speaker. He spoke about the “largest project the shul had undertaken in 35 years.” He went on to explain how the expansion would be able to, “accommodate our expanding youth programs as well as give our members a much-needed new midrash that will contain 120 fixed seats, a kitchen and a beautifully well-lit breakfast area. Most importantly, this expansion building will contain a 2,000 square-foot ballroom on the main level, with a multifunctional social space that will seat up to 300 people.

President Haim finished by saying, “It gives me great pride and joy to be standing before you today on this very special and happy occasion. Today, we are all sitting on this empty lot which stands for our future—the future of our shul, the future of our children and grandchildren and the future for our community.”

Beautiful and inspiring speeches followed by Former President (current Vice President) Lee Greenberg, Architect Dutch Osbourne, Interior Designer Eli Dweck, and Bobby Salame. Rabbi Nathan Zaboulani closed out the ceremony.

Perhaps the most telling and inspiring words were spoken by Head Rabbi Ikey Tawil, when he stated, “If you invested in Bitcoin when they first started and you check to see the worth today, you will see tremendous value. It’s even more so when an investment is made on expanding a community shul. Looking down the road you will find that you were responsible for tremendous spiritual growth which is something invaluable. It is said that when one turns 120 and ascends to Shamayim, they receive a reward for all the tefilot, learning Torah, Kaddish, that were said in that building. They will be stunned and tell Hashem, ‘that wasn’t me! I had nothing to do with it,’ and then Hashem will say, ‘Yes you did! You helped build the shul!’ What more can one ask for?”

A month since the groundbreaking—the construction has been progressing faster than anticipated. The foundation has been laid and the beams are being positioned. With help from Hashem the annex is scheduled to open in March of 2024.

Freddy Zalta is a biographer for hire.

ON FRIDAY OCTOBER 28TH, MAGEN DAVID YESHIVAH HIGH SCHOOL HAD THE ZECHUT AND HONOR TO HAVE CHIEF RABBI SHLOMO AMAR, THE FORMER SEPHARDIC CHIEF RABBI OF ISRAEL, ADDRESS THE YESHIVAH.

The Rabbi began by greeting the rabbis, teachers, and student body and telling them how happy he was to see the continued Torah growth of the community. He went on to speak about the importance of striving ever higher in terms of spiritual, Torah growth, and to never be satisfied with one’s current level. At the same time in terms of physical, material growth, one should work at being satisfied and appreciative, always remembering that there are those lower than themselves. He quoted from the Alenu prayer, “BaShamayim meema’al, ve’al ha’aretz meetachat….” (In matters of Shamayim, spirituality, one should always look up and strive, in matters of ha’aretz, physicality, one should look down and be satisfied.)

The Rabbi then tied that lesson into the greatness of Chacham Ovadiah Yosef zt’l, whose yahrzeit was that day, the 3rd of Cheshvan. He mentioned how Hacham Ovadiah began his life in extreme poverty, yet always strove to raise himself up higher and higher on the ladder of Torah, mitzvot, and yirat shamayim. Torah itself is what elevates the person, bringing out their true potential and greatness.

Rabbi Amar closed by giving the entire student body, rabbis, and staff a most beautiful, detailed, and heartfelt beracha, which was answered with a resounding Amen!

SARINA ROFFÉ

“LOU JEROME LIKED TO WAKE UP EARLY. HE LIKED TO RISE BEFORE THE SUN AND GET A JUMP ON THE DAY. BUT ULTIMATELY HIS MOTIVATION WAS SINGULAR. HE WOULD HARNESS HIS INNER STRENGTH, HIS UNIQUE TALENTS, AND THE CIRCUMSTANCES HE WAS DEALT IN LIFE, AND HE DID IT ALL FOR THE SAKE OF HIS FAMILY. HE AND HIS DEVOTED WIFE RUTH COULD NOT HAVE KNOWN THE IMPACT THIS SIMPLE APPROACH TO LIFE WOULD HAVE ON THOSE AROUND HIM,” SAID HIS GRANDSON AND NAMESAKE LOUIS J. JEROME.

Kings Highway on East 2nd Street was co-named Lou’s Deli Way on November 13, 2022, in honor of Lou’s Deli, a community icon for nearly half a century. The small business, opened on Memorial Day, 1960 by Lou A”H and Ruth A”H Jerome. Running a deli was in Lou’s blood, as his father also owned a deli called Meyer’s Wurst on Mermaid Avenue in Coney Island.

“Today we stand on that very corner not simply to commemorate Lou but also to awaken and inspire within all of us what he stood for, and what we ourselves can stand for,” said Louis.

The co-naming was the idea of Mayor Eric Adams, and it was unanimously approved by Brooklyn Community Board 15, most of whom fondly remembered their own time at Lou’s Deli.

When it opened, everyone in Ruth’s extended Missry family came to help. They filled ketchup and mustard bottles, set up chairs and tables, helped with meal preparation and anything else that was needed. Together, Ruth and Lou worked side-by-side, almost 24/7, from the early morning lunch preparation, to the late night after dinner clean up. As soon as their children—Abe, Joseph and Esther were old enough, they helped in the family business.

Born in 1925, Lou was delivered above a butcher’s shop in Brooklyn. He answered the call to service for our country during World War II, served voluntarily in the Navy after getting special permission to enlist at the age of 16. Then he established a local deli on Kings Highway that became one of the first local community small businesses, which grew into a significant establishment that served the community for over 40 years. Various families throughout the Brooklyn neighborhood, both Jewish and non-Jewish, fondly remember Lou and Lou’s Deli as the place they went to with their families, especially on Sunday nights. Lou’s Deli is a reminder to all of us where our community humbly came from.

“I am delighted to celebrate the life of WW II veteran and generous community leader Lou Jerome,” said Councilman Ari Kagan. “I was happy to sponsor the street co-naming in his honor, together with my colleague Kalman Yeger. Lou was a man whose life acted as a bridge across four generations of growth for the vibrant Sephardic community of Brooklyn.”

“Lou and Ruth Jerome were pioneers in our community, building a business, a loving family and a lifelong devotion to hesed,” said Councilman Yeger. “They left a legacy of children and grandchildren continuing in their pathway with great devotion to serving our community. It befits their memory that the street they walked every day for so many years now bears an everlasting enshrinement of what Lou and Ruth meant to our community.”

“It’s phenomenal to honor someone who was one of the first to open a small business on Kings Highway,” said Theresa Scavo, Chairperson of Community Board 15. “I grew up here, and I remember, on Sundays my family went to get pastrami and corned beef sandwiches from Lou’s. Everyone was so cordial and friendly. I am glad we have the opportunity to honor someone like this in our community. We need more family-oriented people.”

“Every time I was there, we sat at a table in the back to the left—I think of it as the family table,” said one of Lou and Ruth’s nieces.

“Sunday night was routinely Lou’s Deli night,” said community member David Hidary. “The whole community went there to eat. Every Sunday evening I would go to pick up our dinner order. The food was delicious, and while we waited we socialized with other community members who were waiting for their orders.”

The Jerome’s were extremely generous. Often when people needed a job, Lou would hire them. Many of his nieces and nephews worked in the deli over the years, either behind to counter, as busboys, or as wait staff.

“I worked there in the spring of 1963 in the evening and Sundays for $1 an hour, the going rate. It was a formative experience, and the food was great,” said a nephew.

Joey Jerome, Lou and Ruth’s son, said that while they were not wealthy people, they took care of people, providing food, jobs, and a surrogate home away from home for many individuals and families.

Lou and Ruth provided an example to emulate. “By living up to our best selves we naturally awaken the same traits we see in the lives we commemorate,” said Louis. “We remember by action. And by so doing we resurrect within us that very source that inspired us to begin with. It is not just the story of Ruth and Lou’s lives but also of our community. The Syrian Sephardic community was still laying their roots down in Brooklyn. Along with many of that generation, Grandma and Grandpa’s life’s work helped blaze a path.”

“The naming of King’s Highway between E 2nd and E 3rd Streets, “Lou’s Deli Way” is a testament to my father and mother, who lived the American dream,” said Joseph Jerome. “Through their life’s journey at Lou’s Deli, they showed an entire community how a family could come together, work hard and survive in most any situation. Our family would like to thank the Mayor, the Community Board and City Council members who made this possible.”

“It was so nice to see the impact Lou’s Deli had on the community at large,” said Abe Jerome. “Everyone who lived in our area was a customer of Lou’s and all have fond memories of their favorite menu item. One of my friends said she has never gotten to the corner and not thought about the Deli and a hot dog with mustard and sauerkraut! Eighteen years after they closed, people still want another steak sandwich or egg roll. The sign is forever a reminder of a store that brought so many diverse groups together in a pleasant and welcoming environment.”

A genealogist and historian, Sarina Roffé is the author of Branching Out from Sepharad (Sephardic Heritage Project, 2017), Sarina holds a BA in Journalism, and MA in Jewish Studies and an MBA.

THREE HUNDRED MEMBERS OF THE BROOKLYN SEPHARDIC COMMUNITY GATHERED TO HONOR THE MEMORY OF GADOL HADOR HACHAM OVADIA YOSEF WITH A NIGHT OF LEARNING AND INSPIRATION, ON THE 9TH ANNIVERSARY OF HIS PASSING.

T he night began with everyone participating in a group learning experience. They had gathered together to read, learn, and complete one entire book of Hacham Ovadia’s halachic works. With everyone’s participation they accomplished their goal. Reading the entire book of Hazon Ovadia Halakhot Shabbat Volume 1 in one night was a wonderful achievement.

Rabbi Yochai Cohen had recently finished a 9 year study of all six books of Hazon Ovadia Halakhot Shabbat. Once group learning had ended, he did a suyum. The attendees moved into the main dining room where a lavish dinner was served. Rabbi Eli Mansour, Rabbi Ouri Lati, Rabbi Yaakov Mizrahi, and Rabbi Yochai Cohen spoke about Hacham Ovadia’s legacy and his love for the Sephardic community of Brooklyn. Then they shared some of their personal experiences with Hacham Ovadia. After the speeches a traditional Hilula ensued with Sephardic pizmonim and other traditional songs, to the delight of the crowd.

The evening would not have been possible without the help of the World Zionist Movement Department of Hebrew and Culture and the many donors who helped fund the event. May the zechut of learning, and the memory of Hacham Ovadia be a blessing to our entire community.

ANSWER: THE MITZVAH MAN

We received a call at 4 P.M. on a Friday afternoon from a panicked woman. It was just 45 minutes before Shabbat would begin.
She said, “I know it’s last minute, but my mom lives in Lower Manhattan and I live in Brooklyn, and she has no food for Shabbat.”

She went on to say that her mother usually had meals delivered to her apartment on Fridays. Yet, it was already 4:00 and no food had arrived. This woman was very concerned that her mother wouldn’t have any challah, grape juice, or delicious Shabbat food.

The Mitzvah Man was on the case! A message was sent out to Manhattan volunteers saying, “There’s a woman living in downtown Manhattan who doesn’t have food for Shabbat. I know it’s last minute, and Shabbat is soon.”

Immediately calls started coming in from volunteers. One said they’re sending food over in an Uber. Another volunteer said that she lives in Midtown, so she’s going to take a car service there to drop off a meal, but by the time she would get there it would be so close to Shabbat that she would just walk home. Such a tremendous hesed! A third volunteer said she would send a car service with some food. Not only that, she planned to take her family to visit the woman the following day on Shabbat afternoon—simply to keep her company.

Within 45 minutes, this mother had full Shabbat meals and special company.

Who else could you call last minute in Manhattan?

Every day the Mitzvah Man and his team receive calls requesting all kinds of help. On another occasion, he received a call from a woman who was on her way to the airport to pick up her 16 year old son with special needs. She had an hour to get there, when she got a flat tire. She frantically called the Mitzvah Man, not knowing who else to call. She explained that her son would be nervous when he got off the plane and wouldn’t know where to go or who to go to. To make matters more worrisome, she wasn’t able to reach him on his phone.

“Do you have someone who could pick him up?” she asked. The Mitzvah Man was on the case! Immediately, word was sent out, and a young man offered to pick the son up. The volunteer met him at the airport and helped him call his mother. His mother explained everything to him, and told him to trust the Mitzvah Man volunteer. The son was able to calmly go with the volunteer, who brought him home to a very grateful mother.

LIVE TO GIVE

SARINA ROFFÉ

AJ GINDI’S PATH TO LEADERSHIP AND VOLUNTEERISM WAS LAID IN STONE FROM THE TIME HE WAS A CHILD. HIS PARENTS, IRVING A”H AND TOOTSI GINDI, ALWAYS PROVIDED THE EXAMPLE OF DOING FOR OTHERS.

Irving “lived to give,” according to AJ, which stands for Aaron Jay. “My father always said life is not about you, it’s about what you can do for others.”

While most people associate AJ with Renewal, the organization dedicated to facilitating kidney transplants in the community and around the world, AJ’s path to helping others began in 1983, when he was a newly married, young man, who had just moved to the Deal, New Jersey area.

Ralph Hazan, then president of Congregation Magen Abraham on Monmouth Road, asked AJ to be on the shul’s committee. Having just moved to the area, AJ was surprised and hesitant. So Ralph asked him to handle only three tasks and he would be done. They needed a home for the rabbi closer to the synagogue, approval to put in a sidewalk, and funds to build a nice new Hechal. A year later those items were accomplished, and AJ was appointed president, a job he kept for two decades. Together with Rabbi Semah and Charlie Gammal, they built a beautiful synagogue in West Long Branch. Today the synagogue building is thriving through the leadership of Lee Cohen, and AJ is proud that he had the opportunity to help.

Soon after, he became involved in the New Jersey committee for Sephardic Bikur Holim. AJ was invited to a meeting with Rabbi Michael Haber by the then president, David Bibi. Suddenly David Bibi announced that AJ was the new president of SBH NJ division, a term he had for six years from 2002 to 2008. He continued as a board member until 2018.

In 2013 something dramatic happened that changed AJ forever. Seven-year-old Stella Laniado needed a bone marrow transplant and unfortunately passed away. Tragically, the Laniado’s lost their youngest child. Those who visit their ancestors at the cemetery each year, pass Stella’s grave, filled with fresh flowers and toys, as such a young life was lost.

As an outcome, the Stella Laniado Foundation was formed and each summer, swabs are taken at the fundraising events for a bone marrow registry. One day, AJ had a swab taken and a few years later, he was notified that he was a match! Unfortunately, the recipient fell ill and the bone marrow donation did not happen.

Several months later, AJ was called as a match for a kidney transplant by Renewal, an organization that began in 2006. Without hesitation he graciously agreed to give his kidney. AJ had forgotten he had also expressed interest in kidney donations when Joey Barnathan needed a kidney years before.

“A person only needs 25% of one kidney to live a healthy life, so if I am healthy and have two, why not help save a life. When you give a kidney, you get the best physical ever. There are a multitude of tests and a psychological exam. They try to talk you out of it, because they want to be sure you are giving for the right reason, and that you know what you are getting into,” said AJ, the father of six.

“The psychologist asked me ‘How much are you getting paid?’ I said I’m not getting paid. There is a man whose life is on the line and I am helping him survive. The psychologist said ‘If you donate your kidney, you put your kids in danger.’ I asked how they were involved. She said, ‘If your kids need a kidney one day, you won’t be able to give it to them.’ I told her that I believe that Hashem will protect my children from ever needing one. Then she asked about my wife. And this went on.”

He continued, “My wife Joy stepped in and said, ‘I want him to do it.’ Their job is to try and test you and convince you not to do it. They want to break you and make sure you really want to do it.”

On the day of the surgery, AJ went to the hospital. He had not met, nor did he know who the recipient was. Recipients are warned that the donor can choose to back out even up to the last second before the surgery without any obligation.

AJ saw a man who looked like a rabbi come in and asked the rabbi if he came to give him a blessing. The man was from Renewal, who came to spend the day with him.

“Giving my kidney to save a life was a great feeling and has very little if any effect on the donor. I am fortunate to live my life the way I always did with no limits,” said AJ.

When he went home a couple of days after the transplant, his friend Ralph Hanan visited, got inspired, and said he wanted to do it as well—and sure enough a few months later he did. Today, over 40 of AJ’s friends and relatives have donated their kidneys in order to save lives.

In 2014, Renewal asked him to join their team to promote kidney transplants. In 2013 the organization facilitated and found matches for 40 successful transplants. In 2014 that number went to 48, then 65 then 78 and then over 100. And the number keeps growing each year. Kidney donors receive tremendous rewards for their acts of kindness and giving the gift of life.

“At one time it was taboo to even speak about kidney donations and now it is very accepted,” said AJ.

In March 2014, AJ was contacted by Renewal founder Mendy Reiner, the president Sendy Orenstein, and transplant coordinator Menachem Friedman, who asked AJ to join the Renewal team as a community advocate.

At the time, Renewal was limited to helping people in the New York, New Jersey area. But this became difficult at times for the donor or recipient, who had to remain near the hospital for extended periods of time.

To make the transplant process less stressful and relieve some of the anxiety, Renewal established relationships out of New York with hospitals in Los Angeles, Tampa, Minnesota and Atlanta, all areas where there was enough activity for these relationships to thrive.

Each year, AJ speaks at the Safra Synagogue in Aventura, which has a large number of South American attendees, most of whom never knew kidney transplants were an option. Rabbi Yosef Galimidi from Safra Synagogue is a liaison to potential donors and recipients from South America. Renewal has facilitated quite a few international transplants, including from Panama, Argentina, Brazil and Mexico.

“Renewal is a community advocacy organization; it’s not just Sephardic. If you are in need of a kidney, we will help,” said AJ.

The organization has about 4,000 swabs in its database with almost half of those as very active. There is currently a waiting list of 350 patients who they are assisting. The average wait in the United States is seven to nine years and most of those people will get the kidney from a deceased donor. Patients will live three times longer with a live donor than a cadaver kidney.

Long gone are the times when people desperately in need of a transplant needed to go overseas to procure one. Renewal is saving lives every day by matching donors to recipients.

Renewal has streamlined the process by working together with transplant centers to make the experience more efficient. Please note that Renewal believes in a zero-pressure approach. This means that nobody will guilt you into this and that you are free to back out at any time. To inquire further about becoming a kidney donor please email info@renewal.org or call 718-431-9831 ext. 209. All information provided will be kept strictly confidential.

AJ is there to help you along, a living example of a kidney donor.

A genealogist and historian, Sarina Roffé is the author of Branching Out from Sepharad (Sephardic Heritage Project, 2017), Sarina holds a BA in Journalism, and MA in Jewish Studies and an MBA.

IF ANYONE WAS WONDERING WHERE CHILDREN AND PARENTS WERE ON SUNDAYS THIS FALL, YOU COULD FIND THEM AT DSN’S OUTDOOR SPORTS FIELDS, WHERE OVER 500 PLAYERS PLUS HUNDREDS OF SPECTATORS CAME TOGETHER FOR COMPETITIVE FUN AND EXCITEMENT.

DSN’s Executive Director Sammy Sitt believes the real winners are every family on the Jersey Shore. “Since DSN’s founding over 15 years ago, our Girls Soccer and Boys Flag Football Leagues have been an integral part of life in our Deal community. The leagues are vital for children to learn discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Plus, there is no better feeling for a child than seeing their family gracing the sidelines, cheering and rooting for them. This is how we build community.”

The Football League caters to boys from kindergarten through high school and the Soccer League attracts girls from 1st through 8th grades. The leagues have professional referees and volunteer parent head coaches.

Marc Braha, a football head coach, put his role in perspective. “Coaching is not always about winning. It’s about finding each player’s strengths and weaknesses and maximizing their potential. It’s about instilling confidence in each player to see real progress as a united team.”

Irving Betesh, a parent head coach, had as much fun as the kids. “I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a coach this season. The interaction with the kids and parents was something to look forward to each week. DSN and Sports Director Jon Entel did an outstanding job making things run smoothly. The league gets better and better every year!”

Entel has been directing both the football and soccer leagues for six years. He sees the difference time has made. “Each year the competition gets better, the coaching progresses and the overall quality of the league improves.“ His colleague, DSN’s Girls Sports Coordinator Danielle Shemueli is the Jersey Shore’s biggest advocate for girls sports. She takes immense pride in the soccer program which continues to expand.

Parents were elated, including Joseph Silvera, father of a 1st grade soccer player. “These young girls are only beginning to learn soccer skills along with the life skills that go with it. I see my daughter’s team hustling, playing with their hearts, and feeling confident when the parents cheer them on. My daughter lost in the semi-finals this year and learned the hard lesson that winning isn’t everything, but we were still so proud of her. I am grateful to DSN for making learning so enjoyable for her.” Another parent, Karen Kameo, loved the league. “My daughter had the most wonderful experience. The practices helped her learn the rules as well as how to pass and kick. She scored lots of goals! I also had so much fun watching her.”

Having everyone play at the same time and the same location every Sunday created an amazing community atmosphere. Sammy Sitt continues to stress the big picture. “Yes, certainly DSN has been providing exceptional sports league experiences so that our children can reap the health benefits of being active. But more than that, our leagues bring our community together. Children and families from different schools and different shuls meet on our fields and build friendships. With Hashem’s help, DSN will continue to build and strengthen the best community in the world.”

MELANIE KISHK

NEWS THAT THE FEDERAL RESERVE BANK (THE FED) RAISED THE PRIME LENDING RATE AGAIN HAS LEFT MANY HOMEOWNERS ASKING HOW THIS WILL AFFECT MORTGAGE RATES IN THE NEAR TERM. MANY PEOPLE MISTAKENLY BELIEVE THERE IS A DIRECT CORRELATION BETWEEN THE TWO, BUT THAT’S NOT NECESSARILY TRUE. SO LET’S EXAMINE THE FACTS.

The FED meets several times yearly to address the country’s economic picture and raise or lower interest rates if necessary. Rates may go up or down depending on inflation or the overall outlook for the economy. With inflation on the rise, rates have steadily adjusted throughout this year.

When interest rates go up, some types of loans are immediately affected. Unlike other types of loans—such as credit cards, home equity lines of credit, and car loans—mortgage rates do not automatically increase. This is because mortgage rates are generally calculated by forecasting economic trends and predicting whether more people can afford a home. The prime lending rate is just one of the factors accounted for, so it takes a while for the market to react to the FED’s announcements.

The spike in mortgage rates this year has primarily been the result of the FED increasing the rate of interest banks use to lend to each other. When these rates go up, the rise tends to drive up the rate of the 10 year treasury note, a better gauge for how mortgage rates react.

What does this mean for people who would like to buy or sell a home in the current market? First, it leaves them with two basic options: wait and see what happens in the future, or continue their plans to buy or sell a house. Since no one, not even economic forecasters, knows what the future holds, waiting until just the right moment may mean waiting forever. The best approach is to pay attention to the news and long-range forecasts, but don’t let the information keep you from following through with your plans, particularly if you’re ready to find your next home.

You might ask yourself how the recent change in housing inventory affects all of this. It is true that in some markets around the country, housing inventory is down from last year. As a result, some people are holding on to properties, waiting to see what happens, while others are renovating houses and hoping for higher prices when the time comes to sell. Inventories are not down across the board, however. On the contrary, some markets have seen an increase in the number of homes available, making it an excellent time to start looking.

So, here’s the bottom line: In a fluctuating market, don’t allow yourself to get trapped between panic and paralysis. Instead, keep moving forward with your plans. Talk to your local realtor about market trends and inventories. Listen to their advice and keep doing your research, as well.

Remember, inventories and market forecasts have always been, and will continue to be moving targets. Qualified realtors and lenders know this and will help guide you in the right direction. Work with the professionals you know and trust, because one day you will find your dream home. When you do, be ready to make your move.

Century 21’s Melanie Kishk is a full-time Broker/Owner. Her team consists of top performing real estate agents serving Brooklyn, New York and the surrounding communities.

ACROSS THE UNITED STATES, MILLIONS OF MIDDLE-AGED ADULTS STRUGGLE WITH THE DUAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF RAISING A CHILD AND CARING FOR AN AGING PARENT. THEY ARE MEMBERS OF WHAT IS COMMONLY CALLED THE SANDWICH GENERATION.

In fact, a 2020 report by New York Life found that 48% of the sandwich generation are expected to be in a caregiving position in some capacity for six or more years.

The rise of the sandwich generation is a byproduct of two powerful trends: (1) women giving birth later in life, and (2) the increasing longevity of the US population. When you combine these factors with a growing number of young adults living with their parents, it’s easy to see why so many middle-aged Americans are concerned about the future. If you are one of them, here are a few steps you can take to protect your loved ones and prepare for the financial responsibilities ahead.

Have a plan for eldercare
Talk to your parents about the kind of care they’d prefer, and discuss it with your siblings. See which, if any, family members have the capacity to help provide care and which home would be the most accessible. In case external help is needed, research local resources to see what is available—and at what cost. Most importantly, consult an attorney and make sure you have all the legal documents needed to make sudden medical and financial decisions if the need arises.

Evaluate your resources
Before determining a course of action, make sure you know what resources are available. Can your parents pay for care on their own? Do they have long-term care insurance? Do they own any whole life insurance policies with living benefits that they may be able to use to pay for care? Can other family members contribute financially? Is public assistance a viable option?

Protect your children’s lifestyle and future
While caring for a parent is a huge responsibility, it’s important to make sure your children’s needs and your own retirement needs are also met. If you haven’t done so already, set up a college fund and make funding it a priority. If your place of employment offers a 401(k), try to contribute the maximum amount allowable, and make sure you contribute at least enough to get the full company match. Also, consider purchasing a term or whole life insurance policy that can help to protect your family’s future in case anything tragic happens to you.

Caring for children and aging relatives at the same time is never easy, but with the right planning and resources, it is possible to do both. With so many people joining the ranks of the sandwich generation, now’s the time to start planning for the future.

This educational third-party article is provided as a courtesy by David Hoory, CLF®, LUTCF®, Managing Partner, Brooklyn General Office, New York Life Insurance Company. To learn more about the information or topics discussed, please contact David Hoory at (718) 486-4601 or dhoory@newyorklife.com to get in touch with the agents in your area.

ARI BAUM CFP®

ARE YOU WORRIED ABOUT A MAJOR RECESSION? DO YOU THINK THE MARKETS ARE ABOUT TO COME TO A STANDSTILL ANY DAY NOW? “YES,” IS THE ANSWER FROM MOST FOLKS THESE DAYS AND MOST SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS AGREE, AS DO LOTS OF SO-CALLED ECONOMIC EXPERTS AND TALKING HEADS ON THE NEWS.

Still, no one really knows when the next recession will happen—or how severe it’s going to be. And worrying about it isn’t helpful or good for you. In fact, it’s more challenging to make money moves when your judgment is clouded by recession anxiety.

So, how can you cope? What can you do to set your recession fears aside, make confident decisions, and weather the slowdowns better?

6 STEPS TO BRAVING RECESSIONS WITH A COOL HEAD, CALM NERVES & CLARITY

1: DON’T BUY INTO THE HEADLINES

Strategy

Limit your news intake. Headlines are designed to scare us and attract as many eyeballs as possible. That clickbait can be toxic for anyone who takes in too much.

Put it in action
Stick to one (or a few) news sources you trust. Limit the time you spend checking the headlines. Also, do not take the news as gospel, especially when making significant financial decisions.

2: RESIST IMPULSIVE ACTIONS

Strategy
Think twice (or more) before making big money moves. Panic can snowball, especially when it feels like the bottom is falling out. Resist the urge to act immediately because it can lead to mistakes, not sound financial decisions.

Put it in action
Ask yourself, “Why am I doing this?” and “Is now really the right time to make this move?” Give yourself time, like days or weeks, to consider significant decisions carefully and think how they’ll affect you now and in the long-term.

3: RUN A WORST-CASE SCENARIO

Strategy
Think about your biggest recession fears and what the worst-case scenario would look like for you. Then, troubleshoot it.

Put it in action
Ask yourself, “Worst case, what could I lose in this or the next recession? What would I do if that happened?”

Running worst-case scenarios can help you see possible solutions—and maybe even some silver linings. That can put some of your bigger fears about a recession in a new light. It may even show you that your fears aren’t as bad as you’ve built them up to be.

4: DO A TEMPERATURE CHECK

Strategy
Now may be the time to make some shifts, or take a new approach. And you won’t know that if you just keep things on autopilot.

Put it in action
Carefully consider your risk tolerance, your investments, and how diversified your portfolio is. While you may want to make some changes now, it can also be smart to check in on your finances more frequently as markets shift. That will keep your finger on the pulse of things, so you can keep your expectations and reactions in check.

5: MAKE TIME TO RELAX

Strategy
Carve out time in your schedule to do activities that help you relax. Make that relaxation time part of your daily or weekly routine, even if it can’t be on the same day every week or at the same time every day.

Put it in action
Start simple with breathing exercises for 10 to 20 minutes a day. Of course, you could do anything you enjoy that helps you unwind and relax. That could mean exercising, reading, cooking, crafting, or learning new hobbies. Whatever you do, taking the time to relax can calm your brain and clear your head. This can help you think a little more clearly, even when you start to feel recession anxiety set in.

6: EXPAND YOUR OUTLOOK

Strategy
Extend your perspective—start looking past the next year or two. Opening up your outlook to the long-term can put current market conditions in context.

Put it in action
Ask yourself, “Will I still have these recession worries 10 or 15 years from now?” Remember that recessions are part of healthy market cycles and that over the long-term, market gains have historically outperformed their losses.

Since 1926, the S&P 500 has risen about 72% of the time, year-after-year. So, play the long game and keep an eye on the horizon, as well as on your next step.

WHAT RECESSION PANIC REALLY COSTS
& HOW TO TRULY BEAT IT
Are you surprised by any of these strategies? Do you already use some of them to deal with recession anxiety—or stress in general?

No matter how many recessions you’ve lived through, another one may rattle you. If that happens, you can get hung up on the things that you can’t control, like when the next recession will strike or how long it’s going to last.

That mindset does not help us make prudent decisions. When we give in to recession anxiety, it can cost us, both financially and psychologically.

On the financial side, any of us—even the savviest folks—can abandon their investments and strategies, losing sight of long-term goals and what it takes to reach them.

The anxiety can mean we focus on the negative and our mental health suffers. We are more likely to experience these effects if we’re feeling alone or out of options.

We can break free of that mindset! The truth is that when we focus on what we do control—like our outlook and our financial choices—we start seeing past the doom and gloom of recessions. Then we can start to make a plan for how to respond and make adjustments as circumstances change.

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. Consult your financial professional before making any investment decision. Investing involves risk including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Ari Baum, CFP® is the founder and CEO of Endurance Wealth Partners. With over 25 years of experience in the Financial Services industry, he brings his in-depth experience to Conceive, Believe, Achieve, for his clients.
Securities and Advisory services offered through Prospera Financial Services Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC.
Brokerage and Advisory accounts carried by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC.

ELLEN ADES

READING IS THE GATEWAY TO LEARNING IN SCHOOL AND LIFE. IN MANY INSTANCES READING SPECIALISTS HAVE BECOME THE SECRET SAUCE UNLOCKING THE UNLIMITED POTENTIAL OF YOUNG MINDS—AND THEN THERE IS CAROL MISSRY.

Carol studied for her Bachelor of Science at New York University. She worked as a certified special education teacher for over twenty years in the most challenging public schools New Jersey has to offer. She eventually focused on becoming a reading specialist trained in Orton-Gillingham, but currently savvy enough to use other methods as she sees fit. Carol knows how to focus on each unique client to yield optimal outcomes. She has been successfully teaching private clients for the past ten years and takes particular pride in having helped children struggling in math and language arts reach fluency level.

Carol shared, “When I came to PROPEL, I was advised to brush up on my computer skills by signing up for classes through SBH Career Services Division. That advice led me to acquire skills that help me manage and market my business more efficiently. PROPEL is a great resource for every woman no matter where she is on her journey to earn.”

The unique thing about Carol is her talent for connecting with students. When asked about this she replied, “The students enjoy the sessions because I create a fun and inviting learning environment.”

When I asked Carol to share a success story she harkened back to her public school experiences. “I remember one 9th grader who could not read any of the letters of the alphabet. He was not interested in Shakespeare so I had to identify what did interest him. We began focusing on song lyrics. After two years he was able to read and write.”

Carol’s strengths as a teacher allow her to meet students wherever they are academically. She knows what it takes to engage pupils—and she does fully engage them. This ability to adjust teaching methods and be creative with learning tools has given her students the opportunity to achieve. She has taken unmotivated children who don’t do homework and helped them through a metamorphosis to emerge as fully participating members of the classroom.

With all her student success stories and decades of experience, Carol believes parents are the best advocates for their children and they must become involved.

I asked her for two pieces of advice. Regarding students she said, “All children want to do well. We must develop skills and strategies that remove obstacles to learning.”

When I asked her what advice she might offer parents, she said, “Reading can be fun. Education can be fun. Make it enjoyable.”

If you are interested in a career or career advice, please reach out to PROPEL. We can help you take the steps to fulfill your professional goals and dreams.

Call 646-494-0822 | Email info@thepropelnetwork.org| Instagram @PropelNetwork

Ellen Ades is a PROPEL career coach.

SBH Mental Health Division

Sandy Eller

With a dozen divisions in place to meet the many needs of the local community, it should come as no surprise that Sephardic Bikur Holim, more commonly known as SBH, has a dedicated mental health department to help those who are struggling with emotional wellness.

Founded in 1974 on foundations of altruism and responsibility, SBH rapidly expanded from its initial mission of visiting the sick when it became clear that patients who had been discharged from the hospital were often facing significant obstacles that couldn’t always be resolved by kind-hearted volunteers.

Evolving organically, SBH launched divisions to meet communal needs, focusing on areas including fertility, senior citizens, careers, food, clothing and more. While SBH initially began offering mental health care through its social services arm, the Mickey Kairey Mental Health Division was formed as a standalone unit to provide free treatment and referrals while also shattering the stigmas that left those in pain suffering in silence, fearful that seeking treatment could lead to repercussions.

Dr. David Sitt, co-chair of SBH’s Mental Health Division and an SBH board member, believes the fact that anyone reaching out to the Mental Health Division also has access to more than 150 other free programs offered by SBH at no charge is a game changer.

“Someone who comes in for therapy may have other needs, whether they are financial burdens, medical issues or needing help with a job search,” said Dr. Sitt. “What makes SBH stand out is that we have multiple divisions to treat the whole person and the whole family and if someone starts out in a different division and it turns out that they need mental health support, we are ready to receive them as well.”

The MHD’s counseling center employs over 30 clinicians, two psychiatric nurse practitioners and a psychiatrist who treats patients of all ages. The counseling center recently streamlined its intake process so that even patients with multiple issues can get the help they need with a single call.

A tenured professor at Baruch College, Dr. Sitt earned his PsyD from Yeshiva University, with a clinical specialty in adult ADHD, which has become increasingly prevalent in recent years, particularly through the pandemic. SBH saw its numbers skyrocketing during COVID, providing 20,000 counseling sessions to over 500 families in 2020.

“There was a very real uptick in mental health crises, whether it was anxiety, depression or substance abuse disorders,” said Dr. Sitt. “We are still feeling the impact of the destruction of the school and work environments.”

“Kids are really, really struggling,” added Dr. Susan Schmool, director of SBH’s Mental Health Resource, known as the MHR. “We are seeing a rise in bullying, more disruptive behavior and a lack of socials skills, boundaries and communication skills, all due to COVID.”

Dr. Schmool also has a prior history with SBH, having volunteered with its Medical Division and its Sephardic Educational Advocacy and Resources for Children program, known as SEARCH, 25 years ago. Inspired by her time at SBH, she decided to pursue a degree and earned a PhD in educational psychology, ultimately paving the way for her return to SBH last year to head up the MHR, a program that encompasses a referral line and offers preventive and educational programming to promote emotional wellness. This program gives Dr. Schmool the ability to keep her finger on the communal pulse, with offering targeted lectures, support groups and other services as particular needs arise.

“Sometimes I have clinicians telling me that they have several clients who would benefit from participating in a particular support group, or we could have a program about respect, going into community high schools to teach them about relationships,” said Dr. Schmool. “Our Courage to Heal program in schools raises awareness about sexual abuse and we do staff trainings and parent training as well.”

That willingness to continue broadening its scope of operations is what turned SBH into the multi-faceted entity that it is today, one that has prioritized excellence and compassion for close to 50 years. That same sense of responsibility and commitment are the underlying foundations of the Mental Health Division, which prides itself on being an all-in-one resource for emotional and mental wellness for children, adolescents, couples and families.

“We are excited to get the word out about what we have to offer,” said Dr. David Sitt. “SBH was founded on helping people in distress and we are proud to be carrying on that tradition in the Mental Health Division, treating the whole person in order to ensure their mental and emotional wellness.”

“We try to get people the help they need, whether it is relationship issues, depression, anxiety or trauma,” added Shlomo Lieberman, LCSW, director of SBH’s Mental Health Division. “Whatever the issue, we are here to treat people with the right care.”

Lieberman began working with SBH in 1991 as a social work student, returning again in 2000 after a two year stint in Israel. He left SBH in 2005 to open a private practice, rejoining the SBH family once again in 2021. As director of the MHD, ensuring that all of SBH’s many divisions are readily available to those seeking mental health treatment through either the counseling center or MHR has become Lieberman’s top priority.

“We want people to understand that it takes just one call to get the right treatment,” explained Lieberman. “We have concierge services to make sure that people are directed to the right divisions, so if someone calls us for a mental health issue we can work on the other pieces of the puzzle as well.”

MHD committee member Dr. Ayla Sitt co-chairs SBH’s Courage to Heal, which runs a confidential, anonymous hotline providing support to victims of domestic, sexual and emotional abuse as well as preventative training programs. A senior psychologist and dialectical behavior therapy specialist at NYCBT who specializes in peri and post-natal therapy, Dr. Ayla Sitt credited the counseling center’s administrative and clinical directors, Rhonda Chabbott, LMHC and Tziporah Langer, LCSW, for their joint efforts, which have impacted the community far and wide.

“They are role models for all, bringing dedication, skill and heart to SBH’s counseling center,” said Dr. Ayla Sitt. “Their efforts will help SBH continue providing top-level care for the community.”

Despite its growing size, SBH’s Mental Health Division remains an initiative whose heart and soul is the close-knit community, one that goes all out to take care of its own.

“While our division is staffed by incredible mental health professionals, what makes it extra unique is the dedication of our volunteers,” noted SBH president David J. Beyda. “Community leaders like Steven Balasiano, Ronnie Tawil and Rena Ashear dedicate so much of their time to ensuring that our Mental Health Division—and SBH as a whole—can support the growing needs of our community.”

SBH Mental Health can be reached at 718-787-1300, mentalhealth@sbhonline.org, or by visiting sbhonline.org/mental-health-referral. All calls and emails are strictly confidential.

Sandy Eller is a freelance writer who writes for websites, newspapers, magazines and private clients.