ON JANUARY 29 OF THIS YEAR, SIMHA (SEPHARDIC INITIATIVE FOR MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS) CELEBRATED THE GRADUATION OF ITS FIRST COHORT OF SEVEN RABBIS, ALL OF WHOM WERE AWARDED CERTIFICATIONS OF COMPLETION IN SIMHA’S INAUGURAL, SIX-MONTH RABBINICAL CLINICAL TRAINING PROGRAM.

SIMHA, a mental health organization based in Brooklyn, provides white-glove, expert mental health services, including clinical assessments, expedited referrals, case management, crisis intervention, and support groups, to those within Sephardic communities who are struggling with any and all mental health matters. SIMHA’s founding support group — for mothers of adolescent and adult children struggling with mental illness — is run by group therapist Elisheva Parry, LCSW.

What further separates SIMHA from so many other organizations is its investment in, and focus on, prevention. Its Education and Awareness division, overseen by SIMHA’s founder/director, Rabbi David Sutton and Chief Clinical Officer, Dr. David Katzenstein, DSW, LCSW-R, have offered to those on the frontlines of the community at no cost, myriad seminars, courses, and professional development workshops, given by experts and specialists in the field.

“Our community educators, rabbis, shadchanim, and hattan/kallah teachers, are often the very first to encounter mental health-related concerns among those with whom they work closely, and it is vital that they be readily equipped with the know-how to address these concerns,” said Rabbi Sutton.

The Rabbinical Clinical Training Program evolved from a vision into reality after a series of ten workshops given by experts on a variety of mental health topics left many of the rabbis wanting and requesting more.

SIMHA’s co-founders and prominent community leaders, Mr. Mark Adjmi and Mr. Nathan Hoffman, together with Rabbi Sutton, tapped renowned psychologist and speaker/author, Dr. Shloimie Zimmerman, Psy.D, to spearhead, develop, and lead the program. Dr. Zimmerman is a leading authority within Jewish communities across the globe on the issues of sexual abuse, community education, and spirituality. SIMHA’s Director of Operations, Shlomo Brecher, LMHC, coordinated all the administrative and logistical components required to help the program run smoothly.

The seven community rabbis: Rabbi Alex Mizrahi of the Yad Yosef Congregation and Kesher organization, Rabbi David Mansour of Yeshivat Shaare Torah and Khal Kol Yaakov, Rabbi David Nakash of YDE and Shaare Zion, Rabbi David Nakash of Khal Bnei Aliyah, Rabbi Joey Dana of the West Deal Synagogue and Hillel Yeshiva, Rabbi Joseph Sultan of the Deal Synagogue and Rabbi Diamond’s Yeshiva, and Rabbi Mourad Sardar of Khal Darchei Noam, and Yeshivat Mekor Haim gathered each Tuesday in SIMHA’s conference room and participated in a weekly three-hour lecture that focused on their integral roles as pastoral counselors. More than providing an extensive course in mental health, Dr. Zimmerman expertly trained the rabbis on the therapeutic nuances of active listening, reflection, validation, empathy, and the many additional skills needed to deal with the multitude of issues that are often presented to them by their congregants.

The objective of the course was not to turn rabbis into clinicians, but rather to equip them with the requisite tools to provide knowledgeable and compassionate spiritual care and guidance. Rabbi Joseph Dana, Assistant Rosh Yeshiva at Hillel, strongly concurred that this objective has been well-realized. “The information and hands-on knowledge that we discuss have armed me with what is most crucial: the ability to help those in our community who need it most. As a participant in the cohort, I feel confident that I have the tools to properly discuss even the most sensitive issues with my congregants and students.”

Concurrent with the lectures, the rabbis received bi-monthly individual case supervision from Dr. Zimmerman on cases and issues with which they were actively dealing. Most of the course graduates are continuing their training with ongoing weekly supervision, meeting together in a group led by Dr. Katzenstein.

“The fact that these rabbis, with their hectic schedules and busy lives, have voluntarily enrolled in this program in order to improve their skills and knowledge within the complex world of mental health, speaks to their commitment and dedication to the people who need them most,” Dr. Katzenstein noted. “It is awe-inspiring.”

Thanks to the incredible success of the first cohort, another twelve community rabbis have signed on for the next six-month course, already underway. They are Rabbi Avi Shmueli of Rabbi Diamond’s Kollel, Rabbi David Beyda of Meor Yeshiva High School, Rabbi David Maslaton of Bet Yaakov Orot Sarah and Congregation Shaare Zion, Rabbi Joe Mizrahi of Yeshivat Magen David and Congregation Bnai Yitzchak, Rabbi Joe Srour of Congregation Shaare Zion, Rabbi Meir Barnathan of Yeshivat Magen David and Congregation Ahava V’Achva, Rabbi Mordechai Sultan, Rabbi Ralph Gindi of YDE, Rabbi Raymond Azrak of Congregation Ahi Ezer and YDE, Rabbi Raymond Shamah of YDE, Rabbi Shelomo Haber of Congregation Magen Abraham and Yeshivat Shaare Torah.

To meet the needs of the community’s women, SIMHA co-founder Nathan Hoffman understands that an investment in clinical training programs for women leaders fits perfectly within SIMHA’s mission. “Our goal is to help every single individual in our community,” he stated. “So many women and girls seek out help or guidance for mental health struggles, and it is important that the women they turn to be properly trained, just as the rabbis have been.”

Among the programming already offered were a six-week kallah teacher course given by Mrs. Shevi Samet, the associate director of CORE’s Kallah Conversations Community of Practice and a well-known specialist who coaches brides with mental health issues, as well as a multi-day workshop for shadchanim, presented by Dr. Avi Muschel, Psy.D, an expert on dating and premarital relationships. The most recent experiential workshop SIMHA offered for kallah teachers was led by Dr. Sarah Miller, PhD, both a clinical psychologist and rebbetzin, on knowing how to differentiate between typical bride angst and real clinical anxiety.

Though SIMHA has opened its doors only a mere twelve months ago, the need for its launch is increasingly evident by the sheer number of cases it has accepted since its inception. Over six hundred members of the community have walked through its doors to receive clinical services. Each client is assessed and subsequently receives a custom-tailored treatment plan that is followed closely by SIMHA’s clinical coordination team, who ensure that services are provided with evidenced-based care and as expediently as possible.

Due to the increasing number of ongoing cases needing clinical expertise and oversight, SIMHA has hired noted psychologist Dr. Eli Mandelbaum, PsyD, to serve as its Director of Clinical Coordination. Dr Mandelbaum, who maintains a private practice in Monsey, New York, serves as a consulting psychologist for well-known organizations ATime (for infertility) and Ray of Hope (for survivors of sexual abuse), will additionally direct the recently developed Psychology Training Program — the first of its kind within the Sephardic community.

SIMHA’s board of directors, among them Mr. Ike Tawil, is keenly aware that so much more work still needs to be done. “Our ultimate aim is to alleviate much of the pain and subsequent confusion surrounding mental illness within our community and eradicate any associated stigma,” he said.

SIMHA’s president, Mr. Adjmi, concluded, “Our community is known to be there for one another when times are challenging, and this is especially true when dealing with mental health matters.”

As Mr. Adjmi succinctly put it, “We are just getting started.”

FINDING YOUR FREEDOM

RABBI EZRA MAX

DO YOU EVER FEEL LIKE YOU’RE LIVING IN BONDAGE — GOING THROUGH THE MOTIONS OF LIFE, BUT FEELING UNFULFILLED AND PURPOSELESS? IT’S TIME TO BREAK FREE AND FIND TRUE FREEDOM IN CONNECTION AND SPIRITUALITY.

Many people spend their days working tirelessly, chasing after material possessions or simply passing the time without a sense of direction. Perhaps, there is a better way to live. Please ask yourself this question honestly and without judgment. Why are you working so hard? Is it to distract, stay busy, get more stuff, or is there a deeper purpose that inspires you?

Purposeless work can feel like slavery, but work with a clear purpose and mission can be empowering and fulfilling. As I learned while running an ambulance company, the volunteers donated their time because they believed in the mission and valued the culture within the organization. They found a sense of purpose, respect and belonging that they didn’t experience at their paid jobs. Hence, they were willing to do the same work for free.

Human beings have the freedom of choice. Yet, too many choices can be overwhelming. This is true in business and at home. Design constraints or boundaries, help speed up the creative process and lead to productivity. Embracing constraints helps us be our best selves and enhance our lives. Your family, community and mitzvot provide such constraints, allowing you to expand your individuality while grounding you in connection and belonging.

Despite our hyper-connected world, people are more miserable than ever, and suffering in a profound sense of loneliness. Social media and technology can’t replace genuine human connection with family, friends, and community. We must free ourselves from the slavery of social media, algorithms, and artificial intelligence by connecting authentically within ourselves and with other real people.

As Jews, we understand the power of constraints and boundaries. Hashem freed us from slavery in Mitzrayim, chose us as His nation, and we accepted the “yolk of Heaven.” We are eternally grateful and indebted to the Almighty. Leaning into this connection and living our lives within the confines of Torah true freedom, leads to a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment. Without this connection, we are lost, figuratively and literally. This might very likely be why good people behave like addicts, without control or direction. Don’t let this be you.

This Passover, release the habits, actions, and beliefs that hold you back from realizing your potential. Declare your freedom to live your best lives, using your gifts, talents, and abilities to focus on your G-d given mission. Let us be unified as one nation, with one heart, dedicated to living our lives in service to and fulfillment of Torah ideals. This is true freedom from bondage into bonding — shifting yourself, from slavery of the spirit to the freedom of spirituality.

As you celebrate Passover, please remember the power of freedom in connection, and the importance of purpose and connection with yourself, your family, community and Hashem. Have a kosher and happy Passover.

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.

SBH NJ “BETTER TOGETHER” UNITES HILLEL’S 8TH GRADE STUDENTS WITH SENIORS

MEREDITH COHEN

“TELL ME AND I MAY FORGET, TEACH ME AND I MAY REMEMBER, BUT INVOLVE ME AND I WILL LEARN.” THIS IS A BEAUTIFUL MESSAGE THAT IS THE ESSENCE OF THE BETTER TOGETHER PROGRAM. THE PROGRAM’S MISSION IS TO BUILD MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS BETWEEN OUR YOUTH AND COMMUNITY SENIORS.

This wonderful initiative was put together by the eighth-grade girls of Hillel Yeshiva and run by their assistant principal, Mrs. Rivky Edelman.

Every student is paired with a senior ‘partner.’ As the months go on, the students form a deep-rooted friendship. The students get to learn about their senior’s life, their family, and what they’ve accomplished throughout the years.

To make the program even more unique, each session is made up of a different theme and project, created by the students. For example, during our November session, the seniors got to enjoy a Thanksgiving play presented by the 4th grade students. Following the play, the 8th graders and their seniors discussed the importance of the holiday, how they used to celebrate when they were younger, and even made cranberry and apple pies together! For Purim, the students are planning a big celebration for the seniors, complete with costumes, music, and hamentaschen. Other programs planned by the students include a trip to Hillel’s Sephardic Heritage Fair, a Shavout-themed party and a year-end celebration.

By the end of the year, each senior will receive a book containing the interviews, photos and projects. The girls also make it their business to visit their seniors before Shabbat and holidays, securing their special relationships.

Throughout this program, the girls are learning so much about our community seniors while having fun. “We get to do hesed with the seniors, while benefiting ourselves by learning from them and having a good time,” said Hillel student Shelly Kassin.

Each month two students are picked to lead the program. This job and experience for them is so rewarding and fun they are all planning what they want to do for their month. “Last night my senior called just to tell me that she is excited for the next program,” said Sophia Goldschmidt. “It made me feel good to know that she thinks about me every day.”

As for the seniors, these moments have become exciting and something they really look forward to. It provides a sense of purpose and drive that is greatly beneficial to them. “Seeing the students every month brings me such joy, and to be able to talk to them and be a part of their lives is truly special,” said Pearl Mamiye.

Many seniors were so moved by the efforts of the students, that they independently composed letters expressing their heartfelt appreciation and words of advice to last a lifetime.

The stories and life journeys that are shared by the seniors will be etched in these students’ hearts forever and provide them with vital skills for life. They have all learned a new feeling of respect and love for our seniors.

Along with developing immense respect for elders, the girls have learned to be humble and kind.

May Hashem continue to shower our cherished seniors with blessings of health and love, and always continue to give our girls the feeling of growth and nourishment from this flourishing program.

To learn more about this program, contact Nina Safdieh at nhsafdieh@sbhonline.org.

Meredith Cohen is the Assistant Director of The Well in memory of the Sassoon children and a volunteer writer for SBH.

THE MDY WARRIORS JV TEAM TRAVELED TO CANADA ON THE WEEKEND OF FEBRUARY 3RD TO REPRESENT MAGEN DAVID YESHIVAH HIGH SCHOOL AT THE 26TH ANNUAL OREN GRUNBAUM – HEBREW ACADEMY OF MONTREAL INVITATIONAL BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT.

MDY opened up Thursday afternoon against Toronto and quickly put the tournament on notice that they were there to compete with a 20 point victory.

Thursday night the Warriors played another yeshivah from Montreal in a tough battle that was close throughout before they pulled away thanks to Joshua Chabbott’s 37 points. Later that night, MDYHS and cross town rivals Hillel Heat put aside the fact that they would be competing against each other the next day and enjoyed a friendly dinner together!

Friday afternoon the Warriors battled the Hillel Heat. This game was over early as the Warriors defeated their friends from Deal 62-36 to finish the regular season 3-0 and get top seed.

Friday afternoon the Warriors battled the Hillel Heat. This game was over early as the Warriors defeated their friends from Deal 62-36 to finish the regular season 3-0 and get top seed.

Saturday night it was MDY vs the entire city of Montreal in an intense game vs the host team Hebrew Academy of Montreal. The game went back and forth and ended up in overtime. MDY was down by 3 points with 1 minute left when Meyer Sakkal made a huge steal for a layup to cut the lead to 1 and then Philip Sherr hit two free throws for the win.

Sunday morning was a finals match-up with fellow 10-0 Yeshivah League team TABC in a battle of the unbeaten. Philip Sherr started off with a bang scoring 11 points in the first quarter. Max Abed hit three 3 pointers and Alfonse Shiloach made timely hoops to keep MDY ahead all game. Solly Hara anchored the entire defense and came up clutch yet again in a tournament finals for the Warriors as they took home the championship with a 60-54 victory.

Joshua Chabbott was tournament MVP shooting 70% from the field, Philip Sherr was named tournament all star for controlling the games and scoring 19 points in the finals, Alfonse Shiloach was named all star for his amazing offensive contributions.

The entire roster represented MDY with class and respect across the border and for that we are all all stars and champions.

Thank you coaches Harold Sherr and Morris Dweck and chaperone “Uncle” Morris Chabbott!

THE BEGINNING OF CHAOS IN MY LIFE

CLEMENT SOFFER

TO COINCIDE WITH PASSOVER, WHEN THE JEWISH PEOPLE LEFT EGYPT, WE ASKED COMMUNITY MEMBER CLEMENT SOFFER TO WRITE ABOUT HIS FAMILY’S EXODUS FROM EGYPT. WE DID NOT EXPECT THE GRAND OPUS THAT HE SENT US, BUT WE WERE HAPPY TO RECEIVE IT. FOR THE NEXT SEVERAL MONTHS, WE’LL BE SHARING HIS HARROWING STORY WITH YOU.

Sunday, October 28,1956
Every Sunday I would hang out with my friends, a group of 30 to 40 teenage boys and girls who belonged to our local country club, the Heliopolis Sporting Club. We would meet at the country club very early, then divide into car pools and be driven by our chauffeurs to the Pyramids of Giza. The trip took 45 minutes, since there was no traffic that early on Sunday mornings. From there, we would rent Arabian horses, and ride into the desert to Sakkara, which is another pyramid located in an opulent area known only by the local people.

Once there, we would visit a wonderful restaurant and order a full Egyptian breakfast, which would consist of fried falafel, foul medames which is made of fava beans, hard-boiled eggs, tahini, green scallions, pickles, and herring, and for dessert we’d have, lokomadis, a Greek pastry, or mille feuille, a French pastry, and Italian pastries. There was also always rice pudding, white Jello with nuts and raisins, and various fruits. We’d drink juices like mango, coconut, sugar cane juice, or Coca Cola. Such a feast we enjoyed.

We would sit on the terrace while we ate this marvelous breakfast and gazed out at the pyramids in the tranquil Arabian Desert, and we would chat about whatever it is that teenagers talk about.

The ride back to the club took longer, because the drivers were no longer in a hurry. We relaxed and dreamt about jumping into the pool at the club.

On Sunday afternoons, from 5 to 9 P.M., the club provided a live music band, and we would dance to American tunes and French songs. This particular evening, we enjoyed our dancing and our friendship to the fullest.

And so, on this Sunday, October 28, 1956, when the music ended, we all hugged and kissed, and said goodbye to each other; and promised to meet again the following Sunday, as was our usual routine.

But that was not to be.

Monday, October 29, 1956 chaos occurs
The day began like every other October day, bright and sunny with a slight breeze, the temperature was 70 degrees. That morning I got onto the metro after saying my prayers at the synagogue. In the metro, as usual, I met a few of my comrades going to the College of the Holy Family secondary school called the Khoronfish, located in Daher, a suburb of Cairo. The trip took about 45 minutes by metro from my home. We were in class by 8:30 A.M. as usual. Then, at 10 the alarm bell started ringing, and several brothers came running through the classrooms dismissing everyone, and sending us out of the school in a tremendous hurry, with instructions to get home as fast as possible.

You can imagine the faces of all my friends, “Wow a day off, maybe we can play hooky, or shampa as we called it!” We thought we were getting a surprise holiday! Freedom for the day! We thought we might go to the gardens of Ezbakieh, a landscaped paradise of flowers by the Nile, or take a felucca on the Nile river. What a great day to play hooky from school.

I walked out of school with my friends Rayess, Victor, Ezzat, and Micho, all from Heliopolis. We decided to look for a taxi to go have some fun in the city, but there weren’t any to be found. Instead, there was an eerie silence on what were normally the bustling streets of Cairo.

Then, the sirens started ringing all over the city. I remembered hearing these same sirens before. First, when I was very young in 1943, and again in 1948 when the Egyptians declared war on Israel. I could not believe my ears. All of a sudden we heard bombs falling in the direction of our hometown and anti-aircraft guns were shooting in the sky towards the airplanes flying overhead, that we could not see, but could hear. We rushed to get to the metro, but it was shut down, as were the buses.

There was no car traffic in the streets, no taxis were running. We were left to fend for ourselves with no choice but to walk home to Heliopolis, towards the sound of the bombs, but then decided to walk back to our school hoping to take shelter there, but the large metal entry doors were bolted shut. Little did I know that this day was to mark the end of my formal education—at the age of 15, and from this day on, my survival would depend on my own resolve!

Bombs continued to fall everywhere. We dodged them and the shrapnel coming from the bombs, and the fallout from anti-aircraft guns that the Egyptians were using, trying to shoot down the airplanes that were dropping the bombs. It was a scene of madness not to be believed. We saw a lot of people hurt and bleeding around us, as we ran from building to building, looking for cover, while trying to reach our homes and the safety of our families. Never had I been so frightened.

We could see that the men shooting the anti-aircraft guns had no idea what they were doing, or where they were aiming. We could see the shrapnel fall from these guns, and we realized that we were in a very dangerous situation. There were no bomb shelters in Egypt, or if there had been, we had no idea where to find one.

In 1956 there were no telephones available in the streets, and most stores had their shutters down. A lot of people were scurrying to take shelter. We had no place to hide, so our goal was to get home the fastest way possible. We were walking, hearing and seeing bombs falling in the distance. As we got closer to Heliopolis, we could see the damage from the bombs. As we got closer to the city, the bombs were falling too close for comfort, yet we had to get home.

It took four and a half hours for us to get back to Heliopolis. We knew that Heliopolis had a military airport and a base, and a commercial airport which was named Almaza. It was easy to figure out that this was why the planes were bombing the area around Heliopolis. And even though it was almost 10 miles from our homes, in 1956, the accuracy of bombs being dropped was not very good, with many landing in the center of our town.

My biggest fear was arriving home and finding it destroyed. We had no bomb shelter, and as much as I feared for my own life, my greatest fear was that I would arrive home and find it destroyed, and my family hurt or worse!

As we finally got closer to our homes, I could see my poor mother on the balcony very agitated, making signs for me to hurry home. I am sure all the other mothers of my friends were doing the same.

Finally, I got home to the comfort of my walls. My mother burst into tears, hugging me and holding me in her arms. She explained that my younger sister and brother, who both went to a school nearer to our home, were safe with her, and my father, who worked in Cairo, was able to find refuge with a family member. I was the only one she could not get in touch with. She had called the school many times, but was told we were discharged and on our own. She and my dad were hoping that someone would pick us up, or that the metro or buses were running. She had no idea that all cars were forbidden to travel on the streets, and all of Cairo and its suburbs were on lockdown.

The Egyptian radio station was singing marching songs for the soldiers, and encouraging them to defend the country. They were claiming that the Egyptian army was on the perimeter of Tel Aviv, and the Israeli army was defeated and retreating towards Israel, and not to worry.

But we had a big Telefunken German radio at home that brought us radio stations from around the world. And we were hearing that the British and the French air forces were attacking Egypt, and had eliminated most of Egypt’s air force. The radio announcer said that the Israeli army had come through the Sinai and was occupying the Suez Canal, and that the Egyptian army was in disarray and running back to Egypt to hide.

That day was the end of my life as a carefree teenager in Heliopolis, the beautiful city of my birth, and the beginning of my very chaotic life to come.

After his family’s expulsion from Egypt when he was 16, Clement Soffer came to the US and went to Mirrer Yeshiva. He founded Ahava ve Ahva Congregation and Chabad of Port Washington. He helped rescue Syrian Jews and saved hundreds of Jewish cemeteries. He received a congressional award in 1993 and was honored by Yeshiva University. He founded Beit Edmond Safra Synagogue of Aventura and Chabad of West Boynton Beach.

SARINA ROFFÉ

ALLAN LEVY IMPRESSES OTHERS WITH HIS CHARM, OBJECTIVITY, ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS, AND HIS UNIQUE TALENT FOR UNITING PEOPLE. OVER THE YEARS, HE ORGANIZED PROJECTS, SERVED ON BOARDS, AND ADVISED AND MENTORED FELLOW BUSINESS OWNERS. ALWAYS THE SOFT-SPOKEN VOICE OF REASON, ALLAN HAS VOLUNTEERED HIS SKILLS AT EXCEED NETWORK, YESHIVAH OF FLATBUSH, PROJECT EDUCATION AND UNITED JEWISH APPEAL. HIS COMMITMENT TO HESED (ACTS OF LOVING KINDNESS) AND THE EXAMPLE HE SETS IS SO INSPIRING, IT RAISES THE BAR ON VOLUNTEERISM AND MOTIVATES OTHERS TO GET INVOLVED AND DO MORE.

Allan is even tempered, understated and avoids bringing attention to himself. He doesn’t need or want attention for helping others. He is the type of person you confide in, you trust, and look to for unbiased advice and wisdom. When he speaks, the room seems to stop, as those around him lean in to listen to his sage advice.

Allan believes that building trust is a critical element to success in work and volunteer relationships. “In nonprofit work, if you prove yourself competent and do the work, you can get further faster than in the business world where you need to prove your success. In life, things get done much easier and faster amongst people who trust each other.

“If you sit down at a nonprofit meeting and establish a sense of trust, there is a high likelihood you will find a benefit that is ultimately reflected in other parts of your life, such as your family or your business. A problem will be solved, or you may get a new client or business relationship—all because you established yourself as a person of trust.”

Allan’s drive to do hesed came because of a confluence of factors—his parents Sandy and Joseph Levy; experiences as a young adult, speeches he heard in synagogue, his wife Michele, and his work experience. For Allan and Michele, volunteering is simply part of their family’s lifestyle, and that they hope others will emulate.

As a child, Allan saw his mother, Sandy Levy, spend her time volunteering and found her example to be very inspirational. There were few community organizations she was not involved in. The organizations she was involved in included ORT, United Jewish Appeal, her synagogue and the PTA where her three sons attended yeshivah. She did all this while working full time in the family retail business in New Haven, Connecticut.

Allan’s even nature comes from working closely with his father Joseph Levy. “He didn’t just tell me what to do, he taught me to think,” said Allan. “He helped me work through the logic and come to my own conclusions. It enabled me to grow. I was able to go into organizations and help people by teaching them the same skill, giving them the tools to accomplish their goals.”

The Levys moved to Brooklyn in 1980, just after Allan finished high school. He joined CCY, the community youth group at that time, they produced plays, organized parties and social events. In a short time, he became part of the organization’s committees.

He attended Brooklyn College and worked in wholesale. “I was fortunate to be at a company that allowed me to thrive at a young age.” Because Allan was trusted, he was given responsibility, became a manager and thrived as a team player. At just 25 he was promoted to senior management and helped launch the brand internationally.

Speeches at his synagogue also influenced him. Many synagogues have financial appeals on the holidays. Allan listened to those speeches, often given by more established community members, but sometimes the speeches were given by his peers. He heard their messages and was inspired by how someone his age could be so effective in helping others. This was a major inspiration for him. “I was so impressed. My friends were giving their time to critical organizations. It stuck in my mind,” he said.

According to Allan “In 2000, a friend of mine, who knew I wanted to give back, suggested that I help the Sephardic Angel Fund.” This was a new organization started by Ikey Sutton. The Angel Fund’s mission was to help small community businesses with funding and advice.

“Allan is very humble,” said Ikey Sutton. “He doesn’t look for accolades and he genuinely wants to help. He is sensitive to people’s needs, an excellent listener and has a very charming way of speaking to people. He is also very talented. His business is in the technology space and he has a world of knowledge most people don’t have, which is very useful.”

Married to Michele, Allan saw her commitment to volunteering from the time their sons were in preschool. Michele, who was on the Yeshivah of Flatbush’s Ladies Auxiliary, became its president and then became involved in Sephardic Bikur Holim (SBH). She was so driven that she went back to school and earned an MS in nonprofit management from Columbia University. At SBH, Michele became executive vice president.

Inspired by Michele, Allan became more involved, helping many small business owners get on their feet. He became president in 2006. At Exceed Network many companies needed mentoring to help their businesses grow. The organization focused on guiding business owners to help them succeed. Allan grew within the organization into a position of vetting new client cases. Each case was assigned to a three-person volunteer team by Allan. Sometimes the business ideas were not yet developed enough to put together a team of businessmen who were volunteering their time and had busy schedules,” he said. “I created a process to help them put together a business plan. This way, when they met with the team, the volunteers were able to really help them grow their business. This insured we maximized the volunteers’ time and kept them coming back to help more people.” The organization helped over 200 businesses each year.

Irwin Dayan, past Executive Director of Exceed Network worked with Allan for 16 years. “Allan helped launch and guide many companies. He knows how to follow trends and grow a company. He has an infinite network that he leveraged on behalf of our clients. Allan always added a new twist and value to what we were doing.”

“Allan was not just a board member; he was and still is a natural leader,” said Alan Jemal. “He comes to every meeting and is the first to volunteer to chair projects. He brings the projects to another level because he thinks outside the box. And he is very generous. At Exceed he worked one-on-one with many people, always advising them. He gave office space to a person starting a business. He is an incredible guy.”

An anecdote shared by Allan involved an entrepreneur who had started a business out of his mother’s garage, grew it to over $30 million in revenue and sold it. In another case, Exceed matched a heating repair company and an air conditioning repair company, and they merged. Now the combined companies have a huge HVAC company serving major office and apartment buildings with a fleet of trucks and a large team of employees. “The two companies took our collective advice and grew,” he said. “Working with Exceed Network was hands-on. We saw businesses flourish and watched them thrive,” said Allan.

In 2004, he was recruited to revamp the internal communication system at Yeshivah of Flatbush, where his children attended. Allan’s business is digital marketing, giving him the background needed to bring the school’s processes from analog to digital. Report cards, fundraising and all communication between parents and teachers were moved online.

Over the next 15 years, Allan volunteered on the Yeshivah of Flatbush board, the Board of Education, and was executive vice president. There were many projects he worked on. He led a team to negotiate salaries and build relationships. They rolled out iPads in the classroom, becoming one of the early high schools in the nation to leverage technology for the benefit of the students. They worked directly with Apple and Google.

According to Alan Shamah, fellow board member and treasurer at Yeshivah of Flatbush, “Allan was always willing to dive into projects and committees. He was always effective. If he took on a job, it got done quickly. Most importantly, he was dependable, reliable and trustworthy. Technology was his wheelhouse and it was something most of the board didn’t know enough about. Allan’s knowledge about technology and the opportunities available, his professionalism, and his experience were invaluable in making the yeshivah a leader in using technology.”

Allan currently serves on the Sephardic Leadership Committee at United Jewish Appeal. “There was initially an overlap with Exceed Network, this allowed us to get well known entrepreneurial figures to give talks that packed a room. Working with more than one organization allowed us to cross pollinate contacts and leverage them to the advantage of the community. “

Albert Laboz, co-chair of the Sephardic Leadership Committee with Ray Chalme, said “Allan is an unsung hero; He leads the fundraising effort for our annual synagogue appeal during the High Holidays. And he is amazing at it. He is thoughtful, smart and has great ideas and energy.”

Allan’s advice to young people? “Get involved at a young age and you will have a seat at the table with people who are much more experienced than you, yet share a common goal. As long as you present your findings in a respectful way and have data to support your position, you will be heard. You may have more expertise in a specific area than they do and they will respect that. You will quickly become part of the decision-making process and really make a difference in the life of others.”

He concluded, “I found volunteering to be so fulfilling. The return is so much greater than investment because the work you do is meaningful and can really improve someone’s life.”

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.

JOYCE BAILEY CHABBOTT

My daughter tells me: “It’s very easy to shop online, Ma. Just scroll through until you see something you want.” But I don’t want to spend my days scrolling through. I want to stroll through the aisles! So it’s scroll vs. stroll.

“Let’s go to Target on Erskin,” I say to my daughter, Sophia. Right away she takes out the computer. “What do you want?” She asks as she goes on the Target app. My reply, “I want to go to the store!” Eyes rolling, she shut down her computer and off we go to Erskin. I’m thrilled.

Trouble started when I parked in a space that said something like, parking for parent with child. “Ma, you can’t park there. It’s for mothers with babies.” “Yep, and you’re my child. Let’s go.” Again, her eyes roll.

So, there I was strolling through Target, happy as a lark! I needed some health and beauty aids, Dove Softsoap to be exact. I finally found it, but mysteriously, it was locked in a glass showcase. I stared at the glass trying to figure out how to open it. I tried to slide the glass to one side, nope. I tried to slide it up, nope. I looked for a handle, nothing. I was totally perplexed. Then my daughter came strolling into the aisle. “Ma, what are you doing?”

“I’m trying to figure out how to get the Softsoap out of this showcase.” Again with the eyes.

“Turn around. See that button the on wall? Press it,” she says. So I press the button.

The showcase didn’t open. “It didn’t open,” I tell her. “Ma, it’s not going to open. An employee will come with the key to open it up.” Sure enough a young man came with a key to open the showcase. OMG, and I thought the computer was confusing!

Next, we go to the checkout. It’s self checkout. Do you want a bag? It says on the screen. “Yes!” “That’s $1.00.” Thankfully Sophia was an expert and I just stood by looking like I came from another planet; from another time for sure—a time when you could stroll up and down the aisles filling up your shopping cart without pressing buttons, a time when you could unload your purchases on the conveyer and the cashier would helpfully bag your items, without asking if you needed a bag. Truth be told, I have so many bags, I could probably sell them! They’re always left in the trunk of my car until I realize, at checkout, that I forgot them there. There’s just too much to remember these days.

Do I have my cell? My keys? And now, do I have my bags? I think it’s a conspiracy to drive us crazy.

When did shopping become so confusing?
Buttons, keys, self check out, do you want a bag? Ugh!!
Scroll vs Stroll—I think I’ll go with scroll.

Joyce Chabbott is a creative writer who sees the world through a comedic lens. Her motto: you could either laugh or cry. It’s better to laugh.

SBH AND ITS TEAM OF STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS HAVE ALWAYS RISEN TO THE CALL OF DUTY, MEETING THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY AS IT CONTINUES TO GROW. MOST RECENTLY, ONE THAT HAS COME TO THE FOREFRONT IS THE NEED TO ADDRESS CASES OF SEXUAL ABUSE, A SILENT CRISIS AFFECTING CHILDREN AND ADULTS.

It is this need that has led to the expansion of Courage to Heal (CTH), SBH’s comprehensive program focused on providing therapeutic intervention to support survivors and abuse prevention through education.

By seeking support from SBH, survivors will not only receive professional support, but also a comprehensive plan of care utilizing the many programs and services we offer to create a holistic plan of recovery. “We at SBH have done extensive research to build a team of best-in-class professionals with which to offer a full, 360-degree solution to deal with prevention, education, training and awareness, as well as offering therapeutic support from highly-trained clinicians along with highly-trained community volunteers,” said SBH President David J. Beyda, who has made the expansion of CTH one of the organization’s top priorities.

CTH offers support to survivors of sexual abuse through our counseling center, which is staffed by a cohort of trained trauma-informed clinicians under the supervision of Certified Clinical Trauma Professional Dr. Gavriel Fagin, an expert in the treatment of sexual abuse. “I feel privileged and honored to be part of a team that is helping to train and prepare the next generation of therapists to address sexual abuse in our community,” said Dr. Fagin, who serves as Clinical Consultant for Courage to Heal.

Our preventive approach offers extensive educational training to the community and its institutions. Through our partnership with Magen Yeladim, a program created by internationally-recognized trauma professional Debbie Fox, LCSW, CTH will educate teachers, school and camp administrators, parents, students, and rabbis on ways to prevent cases from occurring and how to empower survivors to ask for help. “Developing comprehensive prevention services, trauma-focused intervention for children, teens and adults, community awareness programs for camps, schools, shuls and rabbinic leadership are all facets of a comprehensive program that many have dreamed of for years,” continued Dr. Fagin. “And now, SBH is actualizing this dream.”

SBH is working with the support of SIMHA and SAFE to offer this level of education, guidance and resources to our community. “It was truly encouraging to see how SBH took the lead on this sensitive subject, enlisting the best people in this field, looking for the best practices and building on the experience of other communities that have been successful in this area,” said Rabbi David Sutton, Director and Co-Founder of SIMHA. Many of our community’s rabbinical leaders have endorsed the program, demonstrating their understanding of the sensitivity and urgency of this silent crisis. “The ability for them to galvanize many community rabbis around this cause was very heartening and I am sure with this communal force we will be able to alleviate some of the pain and prevent it from happening in the future,” said Rabbi Sutton.

In addition, Dr. Shloimie Zimmerman, clinical psychologist and Director of the Rabbinic Clinical Training Program for SIMHA, is consulting for the SBH CTH team to help implement the best preventative and clinical training for the community. “Research and experience clearly demonstrate that the most efficient way to enhance a community’s safety and prevent abuse is to unite all of the stakeholders in their mission to address these critical issues,” said Dr. Zimmerman. “It is incredibly heartening and inspiring to see the Syrian community mobilizing and uniting in this effort; Rabbinic, organizational professional, and lay leadership are working in tandem, with SBH at the helm, to bring the best prevention and intervention professionals and methods to aid the community.”

It is our hope that survivors will see our collaborative efforts as a unified front as encouragement to reach out for help, echoed SAFE founder and CEO Ike Dweck. “SAFE is proud to be a part of this groundbreaking initiative, working together to provide our community with much needed support for victims and preventative programs to protect our children,” he said. “Together we can destigmatize abuse and help community members rebuild their lives.”

With the support of our team of professionals, including Shlomo Lieberman, LCSW, director of the Mental Health Division, Dr. Susan Schmool, director of the Mental Health Resource, Dr. Ayla Sitt, CTH chair, and Cara M. R. London, LMSW, trauma therapist and CTH coordinator, SBH is fully-equipped to serve as a trusted resource to protect our community. “Courage to Heal is not the type of program we ever want to believe is necessary, but in the event that it is, SBH is ready to help,” said Beyda.

To get help for yourself or someone you know, or to schedule a training for your community institution, contact Courage to Heal at 718-787-0009 or cth@sbhonline.org. All calls and emails are kept strictly confidential.

DSN’S BIGGER-THAN-EVER INTERSESSION PROGRAMS ARE A TESTAMENT TO THE COMMUNITY’S GROWTH AND, BY EXTENSION, DSN’S GROWTH—DISPELLING THE MYTH THAT EVERYONE GOES AWAY DURING WINTER BREAK. NOT ONLY WAS DSN OPEN, BUT IT OFFERED A FULL ARRAY OF TRIPS AND PROGRAMS THAT KEPT 150 CHILDREN LAUGHING AND SMILING.

Lily Ades, a DSN mother, sent her children David and Isaac, on DSN’s Trip to Slimeworld and they had so much fun. “I feel like I send my kids to every single DSN program offered. There is nothing more rewarding as a mom than having your kids able to play together in a safe and fun environment. I trust DSN entirely to give my kids a great time and keep them safe and happy. We love being a part of this wonderful organization.”

The intersession trips were designed to be wholesome and thrilling. Climbzone, for example, taught an important life lesson, that when you fall you get back up again. Skyzone had trampolines, a foam pit, climbing walls, and a playground center area to ensure a fantastic time. Slimeworld was a big hit, as children were allowed to make slime, pick their own colors and even bring it home. Plus, there was a slew of in-house programming for the younger grades, including the popular Lego Day.

Simcha Debbah sent her daughter Hannah to the programs. She was happy to report that “Hannah came home very happy. Slimeworld was particularly cool. I just recently had a baby, but wanted her to get out, have fun, be with other kids and experience new environments. It was a big deal to send my 4 year old on a trip, but I felt comfortable sending her because the DSN staff are always on top of everything,”

Intersession programs are a huge relief to parents, since school is closed. It was a lifesaver for so many of them. Nicole Schloss sent her son on the trip to Skyzone. “He had a great time and it was so nice for him to have this during intersession. It was necessary. I am so happy because I don’t know what I would have done otherwise!”

The program was run by the newest addition to the DSN dream team staff, DSN’s Assistant Youth Director Renee Tawil. She had already been a part of DSN for several years, working as a summer camp morah for 3 year olds. Her hard-working nature and kind demeanor was recognized as a perfect fit, culminating in a promotion to her current role. DSN’s Youth Program Director, Frieda Shamah, works very closely with her. “Renee has been a tremendous addition to our DSN family. She ran the intersession programs with perfect execution. We are fortunate to have her!”

Renee said she is enjoying her work with the community and specifically at DSN. “I truly love everything I do, working at DSN. I am learning so much. The intersession programs were very successful, thank G-d. I saw lots of friends coming together, as well as new friendships forming. They had a blast!”

DSN’s Executive Director Sammy Sitt summarized, “DSN is so fortunate to have the ability to entertain and educate our children. Intersession programs provided them with trips and programs without them having to leave the state. Now, with the addition of the amazing Renee Tawil to the Youth Department, DSN can offer superior and expanded programming to service our community the only way we know how—the best way. May Hashem continue to bless DSN and our wonderful dream team staff to do more and more for the best community in the world!”

ENTREPRENEUR SPOTLIGHT

ELLEN ADES

DEBORAH HADDAD SHICHAT IS AN IMPRESSIVE ENTREPRENEUR. SHE CREATED A UNIQUE BEAUTY SERVICE, CATERS TO A GLOBAL CLIENTELE AND ACHIEVES 100% CLIENT SATISFACTION. ALTHOUGH SHE IS ORIGINALLY FROM NEW JERSEY, HER FAMILY MADE ALIYAH.

Deborah finished her education, married and is raising her two girls with her husband in Israel. Anyone who lives there knows it is not easy building a successful business in Israel.

Her achievement warranted a closer look. When I asked her how she came up with the idea and launched her skin care consultancy business, she explained that it started organically. ‘‘One day I looked in the mirror and didn’t like the way my skin appeared,” she said. After the great attention and money spent caring for her face it didn’t make sense. At the time she thought, “Either skin care products are a scam or I’ve been doing something wrong.”

That thought propelled her into extensive research, reading, following respected chemists, dermatologists as well as skin care product formulators. Then, using what she learned, she began putting together a different regimen for her own face which resulted in great looking skin. At that point, Deborah began to put together regimens for family and friends and they were amazed by the improvements. Buoyed by the consistent results achieved, she began putting together care programs for anyone who asked. She was not charging people for her service.
You might say Deborah doesn’t rush into anything. She is analytical and methodical. Therefore, she proceeded to enroll in a two year program at one of Israel’s finest academies to become a licensed paramedical esthetician. Then, after 628 hours of rigorous training, she received her license. GLO with Deb was born out of her desire to show all women everywhere how to use everyday products to maintain their skin so it looks great. Then, she began charging clients for her expertise.

In her first year, Deborah acquired over fifty clients. Most were women who noticed their skin wasn’t looking quite as good as it did previously. Women might not want to initiate surgical interventions especially when they are younger, but they do want to take care of their skin in the best way possible. Another but smaller category are women who have skin conditions that require them to seek out unique beauty regimens. Men also care about their skin and do seek skin care regimens as well.

Her business is virtual. She sells no products and does not earn a cent from any company or product line. She continually researches all the off-the-shelf formulations available in the client’s country, respects the client’s budget, and puts together a winning regimen every time.

Her clients are primarily located in Europe, the United States and Israel, but she has catered to clientele from countries outside of these areas as well.

People who engage Deborah see improvements. They tend to return after one year. Sometimes there are changes to a client’s environment, weather, diet or the products themselves. Any of these changes might affect the skin’s appearance. Sometimes a woman just wants to freshen up her regimen. The important thing is that they return because they got results the first time and want to keep their skin looking great.

Deborah said, “In business, a professional appearance is essential. The first thing people see is your face. If your skin looks great, you feel more confident, you make a better impression, you are more successful.” It was this thinking that moved her to expand her offerings. She caters to individuals but has recently introduced several corporate programs as well. When I asked what surprised her most, she said it was that women enthusiastically accepted a virtual skin care service.

Deborah’s biggest challenge was product availability. Some Asian products are not available in some countries, and sometimes there are shipping limits on certain brands and products. She has met these issues by identifying equally good products that are available in the client’s country. She related, “I remember having a client in Europe who needed to be able to find all her recommended products locally. I did the research and identified the items she needed that she could buy off-the-shelf in her local municipality.”

That’s why Deborah and her consultancy business are unique. There are so many products and companies out there vying to earn your dollars. Deborah studies her client’s skin and researches the products; by virtue of her training, experience and client input, she distills the information to deliver results, every time.

To learn more, you can visit @GLOwithdeb or GLOwithdeb.com.

If you want to discuss your business,
please contact PROPEL.
Call: 646-494-0822
Email: info@thepropelnetwork.org
DM on Instagram: @PropelNetwork.

Ellen Ades is a PROPEL career coach.

TO LOCK IN BEFORE YOU FILE

Ari Baum, CFP®

ARE YOU PAYING MORE THAN YOUR FAIR SHARE OF TAXES? MANY AMERICANS PAY TOO MUCH WITHOUT EVEN REALIZING IT. DESPITE THESE HEADWINDS AFFECTING YOUR MONEY, YOU KNOW YOU MUST PAY YOUR TAXES. THERE COULD BE SIGNIFICANT WEALTH-BUILDING OPPORTUNITIES “HIDING” INSIDE YOUR TAXES. All YOU NEED TO KNOW IS WHERE TO START DIGGING.

3 ways you can profit from rising inflation
As the cost of everything from groceries to gas goes up, many Americans are feeling the pressure of rising inflation. But there’s good news. You may be able to profit from rising inflation.

1. Your Social Security Increase
   The Social Security Administration is increasing cost of living adjustment (COLA) payments by 8.7% in 2023 to move with current inflation.
2. Better Deductions For Everyone
   The IRS has increased the amount of the standard deduction and expanded the tax brackets. This means you could potentially pay the same tax rate even if you make more money this year. The income for exemption from Alternative Minimum Tax is higher and phases out at a higher income too.
3. Increased Contribution Room
   The IRS has also increased the amount you can contribute to your retirement plans, as well as the income phase-out for Roth IRAs.
   Are you ready to take advantage of these inflation-adjusted benefits?
   Act fast to tap into extra after-tax money (while you can). As a high-income earner, the tax deduction for your retirement contributions is extremely valuable in helping you lower your taxes every year. But this money is fully taxable on withdrawal, so what happens when you start taking it out after retirement?
   Given all the uncertainty, 2023 could be a great year for converting some of your pretax retirement money in a 401(k) or IRA into a Roth. Conversion makes sense when:
4. Your income drops during the year.
5. You believe taxes will be higher by the time you retire.
6. You want to “fill up” your expanded tax bracket because you think your taxes will be higher in the future.
   If your 401(k) or similar employer retirement plan allows, you could even be eligible for a “backdoor Roth” where you add after-tax money to your pretax plan and immediately convert it to a Roth. Between your salary deferrals, employer match, catch-up contributions, and after-tax money, you’re allowed to contribute up to $66,000.

DISCOVER BURIED TAX SAVINGS BY BUNDLING YOUR DEDUCTIONS
It’s tax season outside. Tax deductions that wealthy people have relied on for years such as state and local tax deductions, including mortgage interest and charitable deductions, were seriously cut back through the TCJA of 2017.
Depending on your financial and portfolio situation, it might make sense to accelerate your mortgage payments. You might even consider paying off more of your mortgage and retiring the debt now that the tax deduction for mortgage interest is capped.
Now that the standard deduction is higher for 2023 ($27,700 if you’re married and filing jointly), you’ll need to be thoughtful about deductions that you can bundle to be able to itemize, like:

1. Charitable deductions: Pack several years of donations together and make sure you get receipts.
2. Prepaid property taxes: As long as your local taxing authority bills your 2024 property taxes before December 31, 2023, and you pay them before the end of 2023, you can claim the deduction in 2023.
3. Unreimbursed medical expenses: Consider accelerating or grouping medical procedures to help get over the 7.5% AGI floor in the same tax year.
   Not only does this have to be done before you file, you need to take care of it before December 31st.
   Amplify your tax savings with strategic investment decisions
   Some types of assets perform better in one type of account over another. Investing your assets with purpose can potentially help you lower your tax bill.
   Here are some examples of what this tax-saving strategy can look like:
4. If you have an employer retirement plan: If your plan allows, why not max out after-tax contributions?
5. If you’re self-employed or own your own business, make sure you have the right retirement plan. 401(k)s, SEP, and SIMPLE IRAs have different tax-deductible options.
6. 529 college savings plans: They’re not just for college kids, and you can be the beneficiary and the owner to capture tax-free withdrawals.
7. If you have a high deductible health care plan, you can leverage HSAs to cover medical expenses and invest for the future.
   It’s critical to extract as many tax deferral opportunities as possible from your investments before you file AND before lawmakers eliminate the tax advantages of each strategy.

CONSIDER THESE ADVANCED MOVES BEFORE YOU FILE
These tips are advanced and complex techniques that could help you wring every opportunity out of this tax year, but you need to be careful and coordinate your tax strategies in the context of your overall financial plan.
Here are some examples of what this tax-saving strategy can look like:

1. Take some of your capital gains off the table: If your portfolio strategy supports it, you may want to consider selling assets that have gained value to lock in your gains.
2. Realize capital losses: If you have assets in your portfolio that no longer fit your goals, selling them and realizing the losses will allow you to offset some or all of your gains. Details matter a lot here, so be sure to get advice on matching short– and long-term gains and losses.
3. Convert Traditional retirement money to Roth: Roth conversions reduce the amount of Traditional money that you’re forced to take RMDs on, plus the money comes out tax-free on withdrawal as long as you play by the rules.
4. Characterize income as capital gains: Take advantage of current low capital gains tax rates, especially with things like employer stock options.
   These hidden tax-saving opportunities can help you build wealth but be conscientious. You could create an explosive financial disaster if they aren’t carried out with awareness of the parameters and laws surrounding them. I strongly recommend you seek the help of a financial professional before jumping in.

The content aterial 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.

ROCHEL GROSZ

IN THE WEE HOURS OF THE MORNING, THE TRUCKS START ROLLING IN. ONE TRUCK IS FROM SDEROT, ANOTHER FROM THE NORTH AND SEVERAL FROM COMPANIES IN JERUSALEM. THE WAREHOUSE BEGINS TO FILL UP WITH TONS OF PRODUCE, LITERALLY TONS. BASIC FOOD PRODUCTS PILED HIGH READY TO BE SORTED, SO BY WEDNESDAY THE SYMPHONY BEGINS.

It is a symphony of logistics, where hundreds of volunteers seamlessly gather, pack and distribute food for over 300,000 people. What could easily be a nightmare is genius organization in action.

How is this possible?

“I’ve been volunteering for Yad Ezra V’Shulamit for over 10 years now. I feel great helping people get the basic food they need. It’s the highlight of my week,” stated Avi Shalom.

Avi is one of hundreds of volunteers that come out every week to make a difference in the lives of the over 2,000,000 poor people in Israel. “We couldn’t get food to people for Pesach without our volunteers,” said CEO Eli Kafif.

He continued, “The army sends troops to pack, people volunteer to deliver food packages to those who can’t pick them up, seminary students, tourists and everyday people all go the extra nine yards and make this work.”

The organization usually delivers 12,000 food baskets weekly so the infrastructure is a well-oiled system. Still, getting all the baskets and vouchers into the right hands is a logistical feat. Scheduling deliveries and pickups and keeping track of recipients requires a cadre of helpers and equipment. All must work in perfectly-coordinated tandem to get food to needy people on time for the Passover Seder.

Today, with more than one-third of all Israeli children living under the poverty line, Yad Ezra V’Shulamit has their hands full. In fact, thousands of people are on a waiting list for additional food baskets.

The world views Israel as an affluent nation, but according to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Israel is 36th out of 37 countries with the most hungry children, only ahead of Costa Rica. With high taxes due to high security needs, even middle-class families are barely making it—especially with the price hikes over the past year.

“We don’t make ends meet in a normal month. How on earth can we make Pesach, which requires so much more,” one recipient exclaimed, “Yad Ezra V’Shulamit gives us a basket every week, but the Pesach basket really saves the holiday.”

With prices skyrocketing, and the number of poor growing daily, it seems the judicial crisis and politics should pale in comparison to our children going hungry. And yet, those other news stories overshadow the real problems facing Israel’s poor.

“I want to be part of the solution. I remember when I didn’t have enough to eat and now that I’m better off, I want to help those who aren’t making it. I know what it is like. I feel like this is my way of paying back what people did for me,” said Joseph Sultan, a volunteer for decades.

POVERTY IS REAL IN ISRAEL
So what does poverty mean in real terms to poor families? It means children go to bed hungry. Kids go to school without lunch. They can’t learn properly. Many act out inappropriately because of their hunger.

Families under the poverty line are eating pasta and white bread as their meals. Sisters go to school on alternate days because they share a coat. Children wear sandals all year, or shoes that are torn, or too tight, because they can’t afford new ones.

Yael, a widow who cleans houses to support her children and is a recipient of a food basket, said, “If not for the weekly food box we receive from Yad Ezra V’Shulamit, I would not have anything to put on the table.”

This hurts all of us. Is this our responsibility? Yes. We need to step up to the plate and help get food to the poor in Israel—especially the children.

WHAT CAN WE DO?
Yad Ezra V’Shulamit, distributes more food baskets than any other organization in Israel. Take a look at their website and see where you can help. The government needs to do much more, but we also need to do more.

This is a call to every person who cares about Israel, and her future. Are these not our children? Do something to feed Israel’s hungry children—especially for Pesach.To help visit www.yadezra.net/food.

Rochel Grosz is a Los Angeles native who made Aliyah in 2021. She profiles non-profits who make a difference.

Rabbis from 25 countries on five continents attended the Annual Shehebar Sephardic Center (SSC) Rabbinical Conference, which focused on the life and teachings of the late Hakham Ovadia Yosef zt”l. Held in the SSC’s new building in the Old City, the current and past chief rabbis of Israel came to pay respect to the memory of Rabbi Yosef.