FAMOUS FOR STORIES OF MIRACLES

MOUSA SAAD

HACHAM ELIYAHU GREW UP AMONG GEDOLIM (GIANTS OF TORAH) AT THE TIME WHEN THE STUDY OF KABALLAH FLOURISHED IN DAMASCUS UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF HIS GRANDFATHER HACHAM NISSIM INDIBO. HE NEVER LEFT HACHAM NISSIM’S SIDE, LEARNING FROM HIS WISDOM AND BEING DRAWN TO KEDUSHA (HOLINESS) AT A VERY YOUNG AGE.

Hacham Eliyahu would become not only a giant in halacha (jewish law) and gemara (talmud), but he also studied Torah hasod (kaballah) heavily, at a very young age. He was known for his greatness and as a young teenager, he became a talmid hacham (Torah scholar) among giants. He would learn and pray daily from midnight till early morning and continue his day as a community rabbi, mohel, shohet, teacher at the talmud torah and was the head of a synagogue.

Hacham Ellie stated that when he started learning, he realized he was changing and he could no longer behave in the manner of a regular person. He not only learned a tremendous amount of Torah, the hidden meanings revealed itself to him, which affected how he behaved, and conducted himself—the Torah embodied him.

Hacham Ellie stated that when he started learning, he realized he was changing and he could no longer behave in the manner of a regular person. He not only learned a tremendous amount of Torah, the hidden meanings revealed itself to him, which affected how he behaved, and conducted himself—the Torah embodied him.

When Hacham Nissim Indibo passed on, Hacham Ellie filled his position in the community over at synagogue Kitab El Dewer (the midrash of el Dewer family), where he would be the rabbi, hazan, baal koreh (read the Sefer Torah), blew the shofar and taught classes.

There is nothing in kedusha the Rabbi was not interested in. He learned shehitaa (kosher ritual slaughter) from Hacham Yishak Assa. He performed countless brit milot for the entire community, not only in Damascus. He would travel to Aleppo on a commercial bus for five hours, leaving his wife and children. When he arrived, he would perform the ceremony, refusing payment for his work. Then he traveled back home the same night, arriving at dawn—all for the sake of mitzvah. In Aleppo, Chief Rabbi Hacham Yom Tob Yedid valued Rabbi Eliyahu greatly and they enjoyed a warm friendship.

The Rabbi also traveled to Kamishle, a 12 hour ride, on the border of Turkey—again to serve the community there—all le shem shamayim (for the sake of Heaven).

I had the zechot (merit) to have him as my mohel and my rebbe, praying in his shul on Shabbat. He would teach all the boys for free.

Many rabbis, cantor and Torah readers watched and learned from him. He inspired them as they watched his love for performing each mitzvah, his kavana (purpose), and how he would be hazan on Shabbat, in the most joyous way. This was felt by the congregation.

Shabbat prayers would start early. The Rabbi would arrive an hour and half before to prepare for the tefilah, before the congregation arrived. I was among just a few boys who realized what an amazing opportunity we had, earning from the Rabbi. We had the zechot (worthiness) to study with the rabbi who would teach us with so much passion, asking nothing in return.

Rabbi Eliyahu became well-known, even among non-Jews, including higher ups in the government who flocked to this house for guidance and blessings. In 1992, when Rabbi Eliyahu wanted to leave Syria, the government refused to let him go, even though other Jews were allowed to leave at that time. The Syrian government knew the Rabbi’s value to the Jews and to the country.

When he came to America, his wife, who was a humble women of kindness, passed away. After that, for years, he would mention her in his prayers.

Always remaining humble; he refused to dress differently than everyone else, despite his greatness. He would ride a bicycle going place to place to serve the community. He loved the simple things in life and didn’t care about anything materialistic.

He was a big baal hesed (a man of loving kindness). He had a list of needy families, and widows, whom he would bring food, funds, and would do anything he could to help them. Wherever he went, he had a smile on his face and his energy could be felt.

He never wanted any honor. He was known for his love of the Jewish people—of all levels—he didn’t care how religious or non-religious a person was. Here, in Brooklyn, he attracted Hasidim, Israelis, Syrians, Ashkenazim, and Moroccans. They all flocked to the Rabbi’s house and the effects were positive.

He was known and loved for his blessings after shul. He would open his tallit and the entire kahal (congregation) would go under it for a blessing. People saw miracles from his blessings—and whatever he said, despite medical doctors, no matter how difficult the situation was—Rabbi Eliyahu prayed and Hashem listened. As it says, “a sadik makes a decree and Hashem makes it happen.”

When people would come to his house crying and thanking him after seeing a miracle, he would strongly raise his voice, point his finger to heaven and say, “The thanks only belongs to the Almighty. It’s Hashem who helped you.”

So many miracles happened because of Rabbi Eliyahu. The year he left Syria, he got up before everyone and said he dreamed of a decree against us and decided that if everyone fasted, they would be allowed to leave Syria. The news made its way to government officials, and he told them “This is what Hashem asked of me. If you want to stop it, go ahead.” Fearing his greatness, they allowed it to happen.

Rabbi Eliyahu made miracles for people who could not have children, and for those who were sick, or in desperate situations. He prayed for them, and Hashem listened. People from near and far would visit him asking for help and would receive life-changing benefits.

The rabbi loved all Jews, saw a spark in each of them and he made them see that spark as well. At his funeral in Brooklyn, where 3,000 people attended, Rabbi Duvi Ben Shoshan explained why while giving a blessing, the Rabbi would put his hand on your head and push it down. He said, “In order to receive the blessing, a person must be humble. So, he would lower their heads to be able to receive the beracha. This was tikunim for that person without the person knowing.”

He never took a day off, never went on vacation, and did not leave the community in the summer. His only interested was learning Torah, which made him happy.

Despite suffering with failing health and losing his wife, the Rabbi never complained. Even when he was in pain, he always said “It’s all for the best.”

He left behind talmide hachamim (Torah scholars) who, like their father, study Torah day and night with barely any sleep, following in his foot steps in abodat hakodesh (holy work).

Our community and am Israel lost a father. It’s not by accident the daf yomi of the day of his passing was the story of how Eliyahu Hanabi went up to heaven and his student Elisha Ben Shafat shouted, “My father, my father, our shepherd.”

Mousa Saad was among the Syrian Jews who were rescued in 1992. After moving to Brooklyn, he attended and graduated from Flatbush Yeshivah. Today he involves himself in many community organizations, but his passion is preserving Syrian Sephardic history and heritage.

BERTHA SABBAGH

IT WAS IN 1975. I WAS 4 OR 5 YEARS OLD WHEN MY FATHER MADE THE IMPULSIVE DECISION TO GET US OUT OF BEIRUT. HE SAID THE GUNFIRE WAS GETTING TOO CLOSE TO HOME AND THE WAR WAS TOO BIG TO IGNORE. MY MOM, MY BROTHER, SISTER AND I, DID WHAT HE SAID, WE ALWAYS DID WHAT HE SAID.

He packed us up in the car and drove us upstate to Bhamdoon. My sister remembers him stopping the car as we left home, walking right up to the soldiers, face-to-face and literally asking them to hold fire so he could get his family through. They did, and we did. Many people know how the story ends. That night a bomb fell on our house, destroying everything in it.

That was the first time that my father saved my life. We stayed in Bhamdoon for weeks, maybe months, I have no idea. During that time, the cast that I had on my arm from a playground accident weeks before, needed to be removed. My dad took a saw, and sawed it off. No doctor, no X-ray, no consultation; just his confidence to do it, and my wholehearted trust in him. He did it. Then, we played a game. He stacked coins on my elbow and asked me to try to catch them with my hand. Primitive physical therapy I assume, but to me it was a game. He’d stack coins and I would try with futility to catch them. We both laughed. My arm healed just fine.

It is literally the only memory I have of ever playing a game with my father. It’s the only memory I have of laughing with him. At that time and ever since, he was always in survival mode. Surviving the war, the challenges to build his life over again, and the obstacles of life as a refugee. His survivor instincts were always on high alert. It was how he was able to save us so many times since, including the time he convinced someone at the airport to make us a passport, on the spot, so we could board a plane to Egypt—just hours before the airport shut down in 1976.

When we finally got to America and for years and years after, my father had no time for love or fun. The game of physical therapy he played to heal my broken arm was a distant memory. He was obsessed with securing our future. The fear of losing everything again consumed him. He didn’t understand work–life balance, and made providing for us his priority—above everything else—sometimes to a fault, to his detriment and to ours. I remember when he started buying merchandise from China for his wholesale business. He did everything the hard way in an effort to save every penny. For example, he sold plastic headbands and calculated that it was cheaper to ship them to America if he bought them flat without packaging. For years, this was a weekly activity—he would boil a pot of water on the stove, and then one by one he would dip the flat plastic headbands into water to make them malleable and then shape them into headbands. The four of us waited in an assembly line. One would pack the headband into a clear poly bag, two would attach the header card with staples and the last would pack it into cartons by the dozen. I could not have been more than 10 years old. Until today, I don’t know if I am really proud to tell that story or really ashamed of it, but it was the reality of my childhood.

Ironically, his obsession with making money was never about buying fancy things. He lived a modest life and had zero interest in expensive cars or fancy homes. He never bought or wanted gifts and never indulged in anything. He was a deep rooted bargain hunter. His drive wasn’t about money ever. It was a vow to secure us financially. This was the fear that motivated him.

After years of hard work in America he was, in fact, able to build and provide for his children and grandchildren. When he and my mom bought their apartment in Florida, he felt he had grasped the American dream. He was so proud of it. It was everything immigrant dreams were made of. Retiring in Florida just like “real Americans” do. At that time we started to see a tiny glimpse of him putting his guard down, maybe for the first time enjoying what he had built but then, only a few years in, my mother, the love of his life died. It’s impossible to talk about my father’s death without speaking about my mother’s. Her death threw my father right back into survival mode. It was the place he was most familiar with and where he went when he was lost. Survival mode was his comfort zone. It was an ugly and stressful place, but that is where he knew how to live.

When he fulfilled his mission of putting my mother’s name on the front of the Magen David Yeshivah building, we thought for sure he’d be satisfied. It was documented proof that he made it in America. Less than 50 years before that, my mom rode her bike to Magen David, because we didn’t have a car, and begged Rabbi Greenstein to give her children a chance in this American school. Even though we didn’t speak English and couldn’t afford to pay tuition, she begged him to trust her and believe they would make him proud. Less than 50 years later, her name was on that building.

Survivor mode made my father stubborn and paranoid and difficult at times. It took wisdom to understand that who he was, was formed by his story and it took patience to not react personally. It took love and sympathy to understand where his fear came from. He needed that from all of us.

If I had another day with my father, I would ask for forgiveness. Forgiveness for the times I didn’t have enough patience and forgiveness for the moments I didn’t have the wisdom. I’m grateful for the people in his life who always had those things for him. He was shown tremendous respect by the neighbors on the block where he lived—neighbors who cooked for him, brought him flowers, and played sheshbesh with him on the porch. He received visits from men and women half his age, who felt a connection to him and tenants who called to ask about him and cried when they heard of his passing. He definitely had his people. I’m thankful to all who were able to see through his hard exterior, and have sympathy and respect for a man with a tremendous story. Rest in Peace Papi.

Bertha Sabbagh is a community member.

A FUN & HEALTHY WAY TO GET AROUND TOWN

ADAM LEVINE IS OWNER AND OPERATOR OF ONE OF THE FIRST COMPLETELY ELECTRIC BICYCLE DEALERSHIPS IN MONMOUTH COUNTY. OVER 6 YEARS AGO, HE VISITED A PEDEGO ELECTRIC BIKES DEALERSHIP IN COLORADO, FELL IN LOVE WITH THE CONCEPT AND THE BRAND, AND OPENED A STORE OF HIS OWN, ALONG THE JERSEY SHORE IN SPRING LAKE, THREE MONTHS LATER.

Since then, he has seen an electric bicycle wave sweep across the country, with ebikes becoming the fastest growing segment within the bike industry. The health benefits of bike riding are universally known, and electric bikes are simply making these benefits more accessible for everyone. From being an excellent form of exercise, to being an environmentally, traffic-friendly way of commuting, to having something fun to do with friends and family, there is no wonder ebikes have become so popular.

So, what is an electric bike? It’s simply a bicycle with a small motor and a battery (usually lithium ion) which assists the rider while they pedal. In many cases, these bikes also offer a throttle option which allows the rider to not have to pedal at all.

Every customer has a story, and with six years in business, Adam has heard just about every reason why someone would buy an electric bike. “The feel-good stories never get old. You are seeing people who haven’t been able to get on a bike in years due to some physical ailment, get on a Pedego and start riding like they’re a little kid again. People are also buying these bikes to simply level the playing field and keep up with other stronger riders, or maybe they live in a beach community and don’t want to deal with traffic or parking. The bottom line is that these bikes allow you to go beyond your normal limits and make riding more fun!”

Pedego Electric Bikes is currently open for sales, service, and rentals out of their Spring Lake location, and will be opening a second location in Marlboro, NJ this month. “We also do house calls, deliveries and pick-ups for those who are unable to transport their bikes on their own.” As a brand, Pedego has been around for over 15 years with almost 200 dealerships throughout the country and more abroad. Beyond the years of experience that this brand has, along with its industry leading five year warranty, it’s the local support system behind it that makes Pedego most unique. “While people are becoming more knowledgeable on the concept of ebikes, most are still unaware that the service and support required to keep them running smoothly may not be readily available. That is why it is so important that there is a dealership like Pedego, which services and stands behind the product.

We are here for our customers for the initial sale/test rides, tune-ups, service, questions, etc. You become part of the Pedego family when you buy a bike from us. Local support is a big deal.”

Pedego Electric Bicycles Spring Lake
217 Jersey Ave, Spring Lake, NJ 07762
(732) 201-4117 www.PedegoSpringLake.com

Pedego Marlboro
239 Hwy 79 Morganville, NJ 07751
(732) 946-9080 www.pedegomarlboro.com

RABBI EZRA MAX

LIFE CAN AND WILL BE STRESSFUL AT TIMES. EVEN WHEN FACING INSURMOUNTABLE ODDS, THE LESSONS OF PURIM PROVE THAT G-D IS ON YOUR SIDE. THERE ARE HIDDEN MIRACLES, THE INNER WORKINGS OF THE WORLD, AND HOW THE STORY UNFOLDS IS BEING ORCHESTRATED BY THE ALMIGHTY.

One of the reasons people dress up on Purim, in costume and wear masks, is to acknowledge and highlight the significance of seemingly mysterious events taking place in plain sight. What appears to be an inevitable reality may end differently than anticipated; in the Purim story, what seemed to be a disastrous reality was overturned and became a celebration.

The story of Esther is about a powerful king who had an advisor named Haman who wanted to eradicate and annihilate the Jews from the world. A law was passed instructing people everywhere throughout the far-flung Kingdom to kill any Jew they could find, men, women and children. There was seemingly no hope, only disaster. A series of miraculous, heavenly, ordained events lead to Esther becoming the queen. She overturned the decree and eliminated the wicked Haman, who was then hanged. The Jews celebrate this victory by recommitting and rededicating themselves to loving, learning, and living a Torah based lifestyle.

The Purim story we read in the megillah is not only a historical event; it is an ongoing story and a lesson that we relive and learn year after year.

Currently there is disarray in the world order. There are stressors and fractures in societies and countries. The social, economic, spiritual, mental, and emotional challenges have created upheaval in the world and have become the new normal.

Lesson of Purim: When life looks and feels terrible with no obvious path forward, and you’re feeling hopeless, pray and maintain your faith within the struggle. Know that the Almighty has a plan and is looking out for you.

THE 4 MITZVOT OF PURIM DAY:
• Read Megillat Esther.
• Matanot L’evyonim – Give charity to the needy.
• Mishte V’simcha – Have a Purim feast with meat
and wine.
• Send Mishloach Manot − Gifts of food to friends.

The Talmud says, “To be Marbe Reyut,” increase friendship. We send food gifts to our friends to promote peace and harmony. Purim is a super spiritual day that we celebrate in a very human way. We eat, drink, and rejoice together. When people are getting along and appreciate the miracles of existence, the Almighty is happy.

The halacha is “Kol haposhet yad, notnim lo” whomever sticks out their hand in request you provide something for them without question.

The rabbis teach us that this same rule applies in the heavenly spheres. If you “reach out your hand” in a request for Divine assistance, your request, or prayer, will be answered and you will be “given something.”

Another reason for wearing masks on Purim is because people might be embarrassed asking for money or support. Since the Purim rule is that everyone who sticks out their hand is rewarded, everyone who asks you for a donation will be given something. People wear masks and costumes to hide their identity, enabling anyone to ask for assistance without being ashamed or afraid of ruining their reputations.

We take prosperity for granted. We live in a country with safety and security and significant material success. This is beyond nature; it is a miracle to be appreciated. A good practice is sharing your abundance and being a gracious giver to those in need.

Success is a gift and not a guarantee. The obligation is to make histadlut – minimum viable effort, creating a vessel for G-d’s blessing. There are many obstacles, the odds are stacked against you, many people strive and do not succeed. Realize that your successes are a gift and not generated by the strength of your hand.

Every little bit of effort goes a long way: pray, put your hand out, send someone a food gift basket, feast with friends. This will upgrade your relationship with your community and the Almighty.

BUSINESS LESSONS WE CAN LEARN FROM PURIM:
• Always be giving.
• Pray and ask for what you want.
• Be joyous. Celebrate the process and the wins.
• Remember, relationships and community are superpowers.
• Have a plan and execute but let go and let G-d.
• When things look bad and seem hopeless, remember the Almighty loves you and can be relied upon to provide.

Purim inspires faith and restores our souls from hopelessness. Affirming that joy and prosperity deepens humanity’s connection with the Almighty.
Simchat Purim

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.

SERVING THE COMMUNITY FOR THE PAST 13 YEARS, MIDRESHET ESHEL IS THE ONLY SEPHARDIC POST HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM FOR GIRLS IN ISRAEL. STUDENTS LIVE AND LEARN IN THE HEART OF JERUSALEM JUST A FEW STEPS FROM THE KOTEL. INTENSE LEARNING OF A VARIETY OF JUDAIC STUDIES CLASSES TAUGHT BY TOP EDUCATORS, COUPLED WITH INDIVIDUALIZED ATTENTION, AFFORD STUDENTS THE UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO ACTUALIZE THEIR POTENTIAL BOTH SPIRITUALLY AND PERSONALLY.

Alumni continue to gain from the experience years later. Some have gone on to careers in Jewish education. Here are what a few of them had to say.

Teera Ades 2019
Hillel Yeshiva High School located in Ocean Township, New Jersey, is where I grew. As my four years there were coming to a close, I thought the ideal and expected situation for me was to go straight to college to get a degree post-high school. A bunch of my friends were going to Eshel for the year, and I decided I wanted to go too. First, I had to convince my parents to let me go to Israel. It wasn’t easy for them to let me go, but they did. And in September, I was about to live in Jerusalem for the next few months.

If I’m being honest, I didn’t know what to expect. Would I like being away from home? Would I make new friends? Would I change in any way as a person? Would this experience be worth it? It turned out, my experience at Eshel was life changing. To start off, the group of friends I met turned into family. These girls all came in with a similar mindset to mine, to learn and work on themselves. Through this, we all became very close and my best friends were made through my experience in Israel. The laughs and memories we shared in the dorms and classrooms will forever be remembered and continued.

The trips and the Shabbatons will never be forgotten. I would have never imagined that I would go on such amazing hikes, see bright pink sunsets, and float in the sparkly waters of Israel’s oceans. We truly got to see the beauty of Israel—in Tzfat, Mitzpe Ramon, and Kochav Hashachar.

Finally, the rabbis and teachers forever changed my life. My spirituality and faith grew tremendously, and they gave me guidance for my life going forward. Now, two years later, I am still in touch with the rabbis and teachers and know they are always there for me to give advice whenever needed. Currently, I am in Hunter College and learning to take my experience and integrate what I learned into my everyday life. Eshel helped me grow my relationships with the people in my life and with Hashem. I learned that happiness and joy come from the simple moments and to cherish every waking minute of this crazy lifetime. My advice to people that are considering going to Eshel is don’t think, just go. You only get to do this once, and when you start college or your job, this experience to learn for the year will not be there anymore. Don’t let this opportunity slip away, go to Eshel!

Judy Sitt 2019
Deciding to go to Midreshet Eshel was the best decision I ever made. Coming from Ilan I always had a strong connection to Judaism and learning, but Eshel brought out a love that I never knew I had. Whether it was learning about the beauty of Shabbat, how Yosef can be compared to Moshe, or learning Lashon Tov with Mrs. Tawil, I found I was getting to know more about myself and what’s important to me.

Currently, I am studying for my Masters in Rutgers University in Math Education, while simultaneously being a part of Melamedet, a wonderful program that trains girls in the community to become Judaic Studies teachers. Having the unbelievable experience in Eshel not only gave me knowledge, but skills that I continue to use both in college, in Melamedet, and in my recent marriage.

Anyone who asks me about the seminary, and if they should go, my immediate reaction is “Yes yes yes!” The experience in Eshel is created in a unique and personal way; one that caters to every single girl individually. The point is not to produce a cookie cutter student. It’s to take each girl’s individual strengths and teach her to thrive and become all that she is meant to be.

Alicia Matsas 2020 – Present
I went to Scheck Hillel High school in Miami, Florida. When I was in my senior year of high school, I decided I wanted to spend a year in Israel to build my Jewish foundation and become more self-aware.

I decided to go to Midreshet Eshel and it was the best decision I’ve ever made. It gave me so much vitality and meaning in my life. There’s so much to say about this phenomenal experience. One thing I want to specifically highlight is Eshel’s incredible staff. I feel so privileged to be learning every day from the most amazing, diverse set of educators who each teach Torah in ways that are so relevant and practical in your everyday life. I leave every class with a new tool to practically implement in my life in order to improve my character. My teachers have helped shape me into the person I am today. They have become my role models and the people I reach out to for advice at any given moment. They have made it so clear that they are always there for us and show us unconditional love, care, and warmth.

A year and a half later, I am still learning and growing at Midreshet Eshel, along with inspiring and teaching the current Shana Aleph students. I am so beyond grateful to Midreshet Eshel for helping me on my path to self-discovery, giving me amazing friends for life, loving support and education from my astounding teachers, a strong Jewish foundation, inspiring Shabbatons, and providing me with all the tools I need to live my best life.

Sophie Shabot 2020
I always had this idea of going to Israel for the year. I didn’t really know what that meant, I just knew that it was a year of learning Torah and connecting to Hashem. I went to Magen David Yeshivah High School. I always had difficulty following and connecting to the Torah classes and was never fully able to appreciate the amazing classes that they offered. There was something about a year in Israel that was just a given for me. When I got to Eshel it was something so unexpected. What I thought would be a year full of boring Tanach classes that I wouldn’t understand, turned out to be an endless world of depth, opportunities, and growth. The rabbis and teachers are beyond incredible and so dedicated to each and every student. They gave us the tools to really move forward and until this day maintain close relationships with us. I was completely blown away by the subjects we were learning and how they were even related to Torah. We had a class dedicated to self-esteem and self-image. We learned so much about our middot, both the good and the bad. We learned the essence of the prayers we say every day and the spiritual meanings of the holidays and Shabbat. Every teacher, every class, every friend that I made, impacted my experience and shaped who I am today. Eshel truly changed my life. I learned so much about myself, how I want to present myself, and what I truly value. It changed the way I view things and helped me develop into a more confident and self-aware individual. I learned to put meaning behind everything I do and to be grateful for everything Hashem hands me. Although this experience was exciting and awakening, many people don’t touch upon the hardships and bumps along the road. For me, this was a journey that was definitely difficult and mentally challenging. Recognizing that Hashem is holding my hand every step of the way guided me to a mindset of tranquility. Nothing ever comes easy but trusting Hashem is part of the process. I think this is such an important year and opportunity to build a person’s character and sense of self. I’m so grateful that I was able to develop a life of passion and meaning.

Sylvia Cohen 2020-21
To put Eshel into words is nearly impossible, words do not do it justice. I came to Eshel last year to experience a year in a Sephardic seminary near the Kotel in Eretz Yisrael, but little did I know this year long experience would turn into a lifelong journey and the start of a new mindset. Besides the fact that something about Eshel is magnetic in bringing girls closer to Hashem, the school itself is connected to every student that attends and has an attraction that brings alum back all the time, including myself. There’s something indescribable in the air of our building in the Old City of Jerusalem that makes it so hard to leave.

Midreshet Eshel gave me the love and passion for Judaism that I so desperately wanted all my life. The Torah learning and personal growth experienced at Eshel is on another spiritual level that is unique to learning in our beautiful classroom overlooking Har Habayit. Attending Midreshet Eshel helped me develop a strong passion for Torah that I never had before, and made me sure that I want to be a Judaic Studies teacher. I am currently studying at Allegra Franco. Investing in Midreshet Eshel will not only reinforce your love for Sephardic tradition, but it will give you connections to Sephardic Jews from all over the world. Relationships between students and teachers last a lifetime, as do the values instilled within us including having a strong Jewish identity, dedication to Torah and mitzvot and an intense love for the land of Israel. Attending Midreshet Eshel will help you discover yourself, your true purpose, and the presence of Hashem in your daily life.

Sarah Frastai 2020
Before Eshel, I attended Yeshivah of Flatbush High School. Most of my life before Eshel included going to school, hanging out with my friends, doing my homework and going to sleep. I never really thought too deeply about my life or the things I did. I decided to go to Eshel mostly from the reviews it got from previous students. Anytime I asked an alum how their experience was, their immediate response was “It’s indescribable. You have to go. It was the best year of my life!”

Despite the little knowledge I received about the school, I was intrigued to see for myself. I wanted to know what Eshel was really about, and I can say with certainty that going was the best decision I’ve ever made. Eshel changed who I am and how I think. The rabbis are always there for you. They help guide you in your midot and they always want to help you to succeed in any way they can. In Eshel, they are not only your teachers, but your role models and mentors in every sense. The classes are growth oriented and they helped change my perspectives on Torah and Judaism. They made me shift my judgments of Torah being a pointless academic course to an enjoyable deep concept. The person I’ve become after Eshel knows her purpose and understands the concept of being a Jew, not only in practice, but in spirit. Because of the deep love and connection I formed with Torah in Eshel, I decided to pursue a degree in Jewish Education. I am currently studying at Melamedet. I want to give to the future leaders of the community what I experienced in Eshel. I would recommend Eshel to anyone who wants to have the most life changing experience. It’s just something you have to see for yourself.

If you would like more information about Midreshet Eshel, email office@midresheteshel.org.

ON FEBRUARY 17TH AT CITY HALL, MAYOR ADAMS SPOKE STRONGLY ABOUT FIGHTING HATE CRIMES AND MAKING EDUCATION AND ENFORCEMENT A TOP PRIORITY. HE ASKED EDUCATION CHANCELLOR DAVID BANKS TO ATTEND THE MEETING “AS A CALL TO ACTION,” AND SAID HE WANTS TO ADD SCHOOL CURRICULUM WHICH EDUCATES STUDENTS ABOUT RESPECT AND SENSITIVITY TO THE MANY DIVERSE COMMUNITIES OF NYC.

City officials joining Mayor Adams included Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Phil Banks, Chief of Staff to the Mayor Frank Carone, Chief Advisor to the Mayor Ingrid Lewis-Martin, Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell, Senior Advisor to the Mayor Joel Eisdorfer, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Mayor Menashe Shapiro, Education Chancellor David Banks, NYPD First Deputy Commissioner Edward Caban, NYPD Chief of Detectives James Essig, NYPD Community Affairs Commanding Officer Inspector Richie Taylor, and Commissioner of the Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit Fred Kreizman.

Also in attendance was City Council Jewish Caucus Chairman Eric Dinowitz along with Council members Kalman Yeger, Inna Vernikov, Ari Kagan, Lincoln Restler, Lynn Schulman and Julie Menin.

Community leaders who participated included Agudath Israel of America Executive Vice President Rabbi Dovid Zwiebel, Met Council CEO David Greenfield, Sephardic Community Leader David Heskiel, Rabbinical Alliance of America/Igud Executive Vice President Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, Hatzalah CEO Yehiel Kalish, UJA-Federation CEO Eric Goldstein, Williamsburg Community Leader Moshe Indig, UJO Executive Director Rabbi Dovid Niederman, Williamsburg Community Leader Isaac Werzberger, NYPD Hate Crimes Review Panel Chair Honorary Commissioner Devorah Halberstam, Crown Heighs Jewish Community Council Executive Vice President Chanina Sperlin, NY Board of Rabbis Executive Vice President Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, Flatbush Jewish Community Coalition Chairman Josh Mehlman, Boro Park Community Leader Rabbi Bernard Freilich, Misaskim CEO Yanky Meyer, Jewish Community Relations Council CEO Gideon Taylor, Jewish Community Relations Council CEO Emeritus Rabbi Michael Miller, Crown Heights Community Leader Yaacov Behrman and Simon Wiesenthal Center Eastern Director Michael Cohen.

Mayor Adams personally pledged that “no one is going to work harder, no one is going to be more committed, no one is going to be more dedicated in the next few years to turn this city around in the right direction.”

Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell stated, “We take these crimes seriously, we value the partnership we have in the community and we hope to enhance that going forward.”

NYPD Inspector Richie Taylor spoke about the hate crime assault which occurred on recently on Avenue L and East 32 Street and the hate crime menacing incident which occurred a few minutes later on Nostrand Avenue and Kings Highway. He spoke about how the mayor was personally involved in directing the investigative response to these incidents and with intelligent detective work the perpetrator was arrested.

“Mayor Adams’ immediate response speaks volumes,” said Inspector Taylor, who said as soon as the hate crimes took place, Mayor Adams “got the ball rolling to start the investigation, and that is something I have never seen a mayor do before.”

“NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell spoke beautifully about the continued positive strong relationship between New York City’s Jewish community and the police department,” Inspector Taylor recounted. “She said that we will always be laser focused and take swift, investigative action to ensure that no one in the city can commit a hate crime and get away with it.”

“It’s refreshing to see the mayor’s office working hand-in-hand with the NYPD to keep New Yorkers safe,” said NYPD Clergy Liaison David Heskiel, who attended the meeting as a representative of New York City’s Sephardic community.

Anyone who has information about criminal activity is urged to call the NYPD Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 800-577-TIPS. In addition, if anyone has information or sees suspicious terrorism activity is urged to call the NYPD Terrorism Tip Line at 888-NYC-SAFE.

ESTHER BETESH

I REMEMBER IT WELL. IT WAS ALMOST 10 YEARS AGO ON A BEAUTIFUL AND SUNNY SUMMER DAY. I WALKED OUT OF A QUICK CONVERSATION WITH A FELLOW COMMUNITY MEMBER ABOUT A HALAKHA THAT SHE HAD RECENTLY TAKEN UPON HERSELF.

I had not yet taken the same step that she had. It was an aspect of halakha that many people find quite difficult to take on, and I had never really thought of it as something that I would include in my own religious observance. However, after that small conversation, I began taking steps to learn more about it and incorporate it in my own life. I remember immediately thinking: “If she can do it, so can I!” And that was the catalyst that I needed to help me grow in that specific way. A short exchange with an acquaintance led to a beautiful change in the way I chose to live my life.

Recently I found myself wondering why that small moment was able to make such a big impact, one that dozens of inspiring teachers and mentors had yet to bring on. There were a few reasons that came to mind, but one that stood out to me was the fact that the person who inspired me was someone I was able to identify with, a community member who shared many of my own life experiences and understood where I came from. Knowing that I could relate to the person I was talking to, knowing that she was making life decisions while living in the same community as myself, empowered me to make a change.

The idea that community and relatability matter when it comes to creating lasting impact is one of the foundational reasons for why we began Melamedet, an online learning platform with the goal of developing young community women into high level Judaic Studies educators and bringing them into our community schools. We wanted to recreate that small exchange that I had all those years ago on a grander scale, creating teachers that students could relate to, not only on a religious level, but on a personal one. We wanted specifically to help train community women to become Judaic Studies teachers, so that when their students walked out of their classrooms, they would see Torah not just as another subject in school, but as a way of life.

The courses at Melamedet range from In Depth Analysis and Pedagogy in Halakha and Tanakh, to Positive Psychology and Incorporating Technology in the Classroom, ensuring that we create teachers equipped not only with content and pedagogy, but social emotional skills as well.

Our staff includes top community rabbis and educators, who are there to guide and mentor each step of the way.

Our students are young community women with strong leadership skills, who are looking to become role models and mentors, teaching, guiding, and setting a positive example for the next generation. B”H They have already started giving back to the community through amazing opportunities provided by Melamedet, including after school classes and summer programming in partnership with community schools and shuls.

Our semesters are designed to be flexible and cater to everyone, from full time college students to working mothers, with the ability to take all courses online and receive full scholarship awards.

Currently, we have been blessed with an incredible cohort of students, and are now accepting applications for students who would like to join us for the fall semester of 2022.

You can apply today at Melamedet.org.

HEAR WHAT SOME CURRENT STUDENTS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THEIR EXPERIENCE AT MELAMEDET

Joining the Melamedet program has opened the door for me to learn how to teach Judaic Studies with the same, if not greater seriousness and depth, as a Master’s program. It has been a privilege to study closely with community rabbis and teachers, who encouraged and supported me even while working as a new mother. I look forward to, G-d willing, having the great privilege and opportunity to become a teacher of Torah. -Sally Choueka

I recently joined Melamedet and have been truly loving it! I enjoy learning how to teach Judaic Studies in ways that I wouldn’t have learned from a conventional college education. I can remain a full time college student while taking Melamedet courses online in a flexible way, with amazing teachers and mentors. I can’t wait to become a teacher of Jewish education and share my passion for Jewish values, as well as my admiration for all the incredible sources we have to learn from. I am grateful I joined this program! -Mary Jajati

The individualized attention for each student guarantees her success. I look forward to continuing and passing forward the knowledge that Melamedet has taught and will continue to teach me. -Judy Elmann

Esther Betesh is currently a third year Doctoral student at Yeshiva University’s Azrieli Graduate School for Jewish Education and Administration. She runs the website TorahExchange.com and teaches Judaic Studies at several community institutions. She now serves as Director at Melamedet, and feels very blessed to have the opportunity to help bring more community women to serve as role models and excellent teachers of Judaic Studies into our community schools and institutions.

WITH AN INFLUX OF NEW FAMILIES TO THE JERSEY SHORE, DSN PUT TOGETHER A SPECIAL GET-TOGETHER EVENT THAT WAS EXCITING AND FUN FOR ALL 200 GUESTS.

On the evening of Saturday, February 12th, adults came together to celebrate at a special event, “Texas on the Lake.” In honoring DSN’s core value of bringing the community together, this was surely one of the most successful nights of the year. It was resplendent in creativity, style and spirit—and perfect weather crowned the event.

Nobody wanted to miss out. Liat Kassin stated, “After having a baby, and with it being winter, I feel like I haven’t left the house in three months. It took DSN having an event like this to get me out, because I knew I’d want to be there.” Shoshana Nehmad shared a similar sentiment, “I knew it would be a great time. I loved being able to dress up. It exceeded my expectations.”

DSN created a Texas-themed night. With a special events committee planning the evening, the charming home of Cynthia and Michael Stein was selected as the host location. The aesthetics of their beautiful home was an extension of the event’s vision, allowing for a memorable country evening.

Adding to their home’s naturally fitting ambience, DSN brought in leather, Aztec pillows, fur throws, a horse saddle, steer heads and dry flowers from Deal Flower Shop. Cynthia Stein noted, “The evening was flawless. Working with DSN and, especially with Caleigh Silvera, DSN’s Adult Director, was an absolute pleasure!”

The event started after 8 p.m. With a full valet staff for car parking, and a golf cart to bring guests to the main entrance, everyone arrived dressed for the west. Outfits did not disappoint with fringe, Aztec prints, cowboy boots, hats and much more. People were greeted, coats were taken, all were checked in and the fun began. The party boasted over 200 people in attendance. The whole evening was a show-stopper.

The Texas-themed meal was catered by Grace Sitt, with a full waitstaff. Food offerings included roasted corn and black bean salads, Pico de Gallo, guacamole, sliders, tacos, salsas, empanadas, quesadillas, jalapeno poppers, chicken drumettes, burritos, chili and more. Fruit and yummy goods by Yaffa Aharoni, such as smore pops, mini fudge pies, cupcakes, and cookies were extra sweet. Sasha Salamon, a committee member for the event, had a blast. “The food and desserts were delicious. The venue was perfect. My husband and I had so much fun! No stone was left unturned,” she said.

DSN hired an authentic Country 5 piece band for entertainment, and they did not disappoint. Smiles and laughter were in abundance, as songs from the past were heard throughout the house. Guests had the option to stay inside or venture outside where the area consisted of haystacks, cowhides, seating and a fire pit.

Esther Silvera exclaimed, “My husband and I loved it! When and where is the next event? I can’t wait for it!”

DSN’s President Lee Zekaria referred to the evening as “a grand-slam.” He continued, “There is nothing like getting people together for a special night like this in the middle of winter. I’m looking forward to many more, G-d willing!”

ARI BAUM CFP®

OWNING A PROFITABLE BUSINESS IS LIKE BEING A PROFESSIONAL RACE CAR DRIVER. YOU’RE CONTINUALLY TUNING YOUR CAR, STUDYING THE COURSE, AND COMPETING WITH SOME OF THE HIGHEST STAKES POSSIBLE. IF YOU SLOW DOWN, YOU FAIL, SO YOU GET COMFORTABLE MAKING STRATEGIC DECISIONS AT 200+ MPH. AS THE DRIVER, YOU’VE GOT THE SELF-CONFIDENCE TO ACCEPT THE RISKS AND DRIVE YOUR CAR TO THE LIMIT.

BIG MOVES REQUIRE MORE THAN A DRIVER IN THE SEAT.
All pro drivers have a dedicated crew that helps them build winning strategies, keeps their car in optimized condition and communicates with them during every race. To win, the driver relies on the team to call out the turns, monitor the competition, and keep an eagle eye-view of the course. The team leaves the driver free to focus on synthesizing the information and making split-second decisions with life-or-death consequences. Decisions like how to burn ahead of a competitor, or when to swap tires as conditions change, or which line to take around a treacherous curve.

SOUNDS LIKE RUNNING A HIGH GROWTH BUSINESS, RIGHT?
But are you getting the most out of your business? Is it a clunker or a supercar? Are you racing at peak performance or idling in the pit?

The next step requires coordination and strategic decisions that are hard to make when you’re stuck in the pit instead of in the driver’s seat.

Imagine a future where:
• Your financial “pit crew” meets together and your advice is fully integrated, allowing you to focus on your business and personal time.
• You feel in control at the wheel and confident that you’ve got the information you need to make the right calls.
• You have confidence and clarity in your vision for the future and the steps to get there.
• You enjoy life and take advantage of more freedom from day-to-day.

FUEL YOUR NEXT BIG MOVE BY UNDERSTANDING THESE KEY DRIVERS
Being a business owner means your financial landscape is more complex than the average W-2 wage earner. Each piece of your strategy has implications for the rest, and you have to keep the whole picture in mind when making your next big move.

DRIVER #1: YOUR BUSINESS FUNDAMENTALS
How much time are you spending “in” the business versus “on” business strategy?
Is your answer:
10%–20% “in”
30%–40% “in”
50%+ “in”

Is your business generating enough profit for you to accomplish your dreams?

What would be the next level for your business? (write it down on a piece of paper.)

If you’re targeting growth, how will you fund it?
Cash
Credit or Debt Financing
Outside Investment
Personal Loan
Other

Do you have a benefits strategy to hire and retain talent in today’s competitive labor market?

Do you have incentives to align your team around your growth?

Do you understand the true market value of your business?

Have you identified all the exits for your business and how to achieve the most value when it’s time to go?

DRIVER #2: CASH “FUEL” STRATEGY
Are you a big spender or frugal with your cash?

Do you have your cash flow forecasted to keep your business healthy for the next 12 months?

Have you identified any “hidden” cash flow in your assets, inventories, receivables, or prepaid expenses?

Have you built a cash “war chest” to take advantage of opportunities and get through any lean times?

Do you have a plan for any seasonal factors in your business, so you can cover payroll and other fixed expenses?

Do you have adequate credit available?

Is your payroll optimized so you get paid before you pay your employees?

Have you negotiated “pay slow” payment terms with your vendors?

Do you have “invoice fast” processes in place?

Does someone in your business own receivables and collections?

DRIVER #3: YOUR PERSONAL FINANCIAL STRATEGY
Are you taking enough profits from the business to build your personal wealth?

Are you balancing reinvesting in the business and drawing profits for yourself?

Are you taking your income the right way (to help minimize taxes while still showing enough to qualify for financing)?

Are you taking full advantage of your investment opportunities as an owner and employee?

Are you leveraging the advanced investing strategies only available to successful entrepreneurs to diversify your wealth?

Are you keeping your investments in the right kind of accounts (taxable, tax-deferred, tax-free) to help minimize your taxes now and potentially maximize your income later (even if you retire before age 55)?

Are you fully leveraging the 1,000+ pages of tax code written specifically for you (especially the 2017 tax reform rules that are highly beneficial to businesses)?

Do you have enough insurance on yourself (and your spouse) to protect your family?

ARE YOU READY TO CLIMB OUT OF THE PIT AND GET BACK IN THE DRIVER’S SEAT?

As the owner of a successful business, you’ve proven that you have the unique ability to identify opportunities and use your competitive edge potentially to turn them into prosperity. You’ve turned a scrappy idea into a finely tuned profit-making machine.

• But are you getting enough out of your business to achieve your big audacious dreams?

• Are you leveraging your financials and unique strengths to make the most of your next big move?

Making a big move in your business—whether it’s taking on a new market, acquiring a competitor, transitioning out of the day-to-day, or exiting—requires the coordination and strategy of a pro racing team with you in the driver’s seat. You can’t drive the car if you’re stuck in the pit instead of the driver’s seat. As a business owner, your job is to assemble the best “pit crew” and trust them to feed you the data, help you navigate the course, and outsmart the competition. If you want to move faster, be more profitable, and build your personal wealth, everything you want to accomplish in business and life starts with the right strategy and the right team to help you execute.

This content is developed from sources believed to be reliable; no warranty, expressed or implied, is made regarding accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability, or usefulness of any information. Consult your financial professional before making any decision. Investing involves risk including the potential loss of principal. No strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against a loss in periods of declining value. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Ari Baum, CFP® is the founder and CEO of Endurance Wealth Partners, with over a quarter of a century of experience in the Financial Services industry. He brings his in-depth experience to Conceive. Believe. Achieve. for his clients.

Brokerage and Advisory accounts carried by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. Securities and Advisory services offered through Prospera Financial Services Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC.

A MUSICAL EXPERIENCE FOR JEWISH CHILDREN & TEENS WHO HAVE LOST A PARENT

RIKI GOLDSTEIN

A POWERFUL VORTEX OF ENERGY SEEMS TO WHIRL AROUND ELI GERSTNER, AS MARCH 13TH AND THE HEART CONCERT DRAW NEAR. THE EG PRODUCTIONS TEAM IS IMMERSED IN PREPARATIONS FOR AN ADVANCED, MULTI-FACETED, MUSICAL EXPERIENCE PROMISED TO BE AS HEARTWARMING AS IT IS MIND BLOWING.

HEART will benefit children and teens who have lost a parent. The unique beauty of the beneficiary organization is reflected in its discretion and sensitivity. Staying beneath the radar is part of the mission of Links & Shlomie’s Club, who aim to be there for support, therapy, Shabbatons, and a shoulder to lean on, without compromising their clients’ dignity and privacy one iota.

Despite this low profile, though, they have won the deep respect of those in the know. “I did not have to do any convincing,” Eli confided. “When performers, vendors, and sponsors heard that the organization will be singing our hearts out for its Links & Shlomie’s Club, the reaction was immediate. The reputation that Links & Shlomie’s Club has earned meant everyone jumped to be counted in, from concert headliners to our venue. Hashem paved the way for this concert to raise the roof, literally bringing a new level to the music scene.”

Eli’s six year odyssey of working for Camp HASC (A Time For Music) included producing ten shows on a level perhaps higher than anything the Jewish music world had seen. For the last concert, Winter 2021 (ATFM 34), his team grappled with constantly-changing Covid regulations which could easily have seen the grand fundraiser cancelled, yet they produced an unprecedentedly glorious event on the ice rink of the American Dream Mall, watched by over 150,000 people on computer screens worldwide, and making over 3 million dollars.

Yet this year, it was time to move on. From the harrowing earliest days of the Covid pandemic, it became clear that there would be families faced by the bitter loss of a parent. Jews united in prayer, then in pain, as friends, neighbors, and acquaintances had their lives changed forever. The losses were immense, and everyone yearned to help. Eli knew he wanted to do something for these families in the way he knew best, to stretch out a hand in support and assistance, through music.

In simple math, the Links & Shlomie’s Club clientele has tripled since the pandemic. Thousands more families have been left fatherless or motherless since 2020, and Links & Shlomie’s Club has served as an anchor for these bereaved children in all our neighborhoods.

“Klal Yisrael has organizations for every need,” Eli said. “The one I have chosen to work with has really captured my heart like never before. And the event we are working on will also be like nothing I have ever done before.

For more information about the Heart concert visit LinksConcert.com or call (347) 445-1231.

Riki Goldstein is a music columnist and an author who savors the color, strength, and richness of real-life stories. She is also a memoir writer who creates family heirloom books.

NO PUN INTENDED, WELL, MAYBE A LITTLE

MELANIE KISHK

FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO RECEIVED YOUR REAL ESTATE LICENSE IN THE PAST FEW YEARS, TRY TO IMAGINE SELLING A HOUSE WITHOUT USING YOUR CELL PHONE, THE INTERNET, INSTAGRAM, GOOGLE MAPS, EMAIL, DOCU-SIGN OR ZOOM. IF THAT SEEMS LIKE AN INCONCEIVABLE CONCEPT, BEAR WITH ME. AS FEW AS 20 YEARS AGO, LIFE AS A REAL ESTATE AGENT WAS EVEN MORE OF AN ADVENTURE.

When I started selling houses in the ‘90s, I tried to be as open and honest with my customers as possible, because they relied on me for information they could not readily attain. They couldn’t just go online and find out everything there was to know about a house. If they wanted to see property records, they drove to the courthouse. If they wanted to see a house, they had to drive by it. If they wanted to see inside, they waited their turn!

I still remember my first day as a realtor. I drove for 15 minutes to my office to wait in line to use one of the three computers I shared with 30 other people. As the multiple listing service released information, we took turns looking up houses. If we found something we liked, we waited in line to use a printer to physically print out all of the information. Without easily accessible data bases, I printed out copies and put them into color-coordinated folders lined up by street names and numbers.

Now, everyone carries a camera in their pocket, but back then I kept a camera handy in the car so I could drive past a house, take photos (weather permitting), drive to the pharmacy to drop off the film and hopefully have actual photos in my hands by the weekend. I carried the photos with me, in case I met anyone who might be interested in a house. I even wrote individual letters to potential home buyers, hoping for a call back. If you think this sounds like something out of an episode of The Flintstones, bear in mind it was just a few years ago!

I remember waiting all week for the local newspaper to come out so I could actually see the advertisement I ran for a house listing. Half the time I was calling prospective buyers and the other half I was sitting looking at the phone, hoping it would ring. Inevitably, the minute I left for a meeting someone called. When I finally got back home, I listened to all the messages and started returning phone calls, taking notes and hoping I wasn’t trying to sell someone the wrong house. After that I compiled a list of questions from clients and drove back to the house to find answers. Without digital photography or Google Maps, I couldn’t answer questions without another drive by. Is there a detached shed? Is the driveway in good shape? Can the neighbors see into my bedroom windows?

Armed with information, I could finally go back to the office and schedule showings. Without cell phones, I was often at the mercy of clients or other realtors showing up when they said they would, because I had no way to reach them if they didn’t. I can remember wasting an hour waiting for another agent who never showed. I can still remember every detail of that house! The agent finally called me that night to tell me she had an emergency. Trust me, I will never complain about text messaging, again!

Without Google Maps or Waze, I often stopped to ask for directions, hoping someone knew which house I wanted to see. I’ve been lost in more neighborhoods than I can count. On the plus side, though, I stumbled across some really nice listings that way.

When it was time to make an offer, I drove the offer sheet from my home to the office, photocopied it, drove back to present it and then, if there was an accepted offer, I physically carried the deal sheet and paperwork over to the attorney’s office. The deals had to manually be chased and there was no reaching my lawyer on weekends.

Selling houses in the pre-electronic age was not easy, but the crazy thing is that it was a lot of fun! I would never want to return to those days, but the experience of scrambling and reaching out and waiting turned out to be a fantastic education about the real estate business. I wouldn’t trade that knowledge for all the conveniences we now have.

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.

ON JANUARY 3RD, 2022, MIKDASH ELIYAHU CONGREGATION CELEBRATED A SIYUM OF MASEKHET ROSH HASHANAH. OVER 20 PEOPLE (OUT OF THE CLOSE TO 40 PARTICIPANTS) CAME TO TRASTEVERE FOR WORDS OF TORAH, DELICIOUS FOOD AND A NIGHT TO BOND WITH ONE ANOTHER. THIS MARKED THE CULMINATION OF LEARNING GEMARA EVERY MORNING WITH RABBI AVI HARARI FOR SEVERAL MONTHS.

The night began with a speech from Rabbi Avi Harari, about what Rosh Hashahah is really all about. “If you think about it, the words Rosh and Hashanah are an oxymoron,” he said. “Shanah, in the simplest sense of the word, means to repeat something. If something is repeating itself, it has neither a beginning nor an end. It’s cyclical in nature. If this is the case, how can it have a “Rosh,” a head? Instead of envisioning the year as time that just repeats itself, without any change—from the very first Mishnah in the book we learn that you must inject within the cyclical nature of life something different on a consistent basis.” Meaning, instead of just going to class, reading the words and going through the motions, one should try to find new Torah insights. His speech encouraged the attendees to think about how they can make their mark on Torah.

Following Rabbi Avi Harari, his father, Rabbi Dr. Raymond Harari spoke, reflecting on the growth of the synagogue over the past year since his son (Rabbi Avi) had joined. “It’s remarkable to look around the room and see just how many people have joined our synagogue. It’s thrilling to know that our synagogue is really taking its place as a center of learning, which is always what our vision was.” He exclaimed, “This is what we dreamt about.”

Mikdash Eliyahu President Eli Dweck then spoke briefly about the impact this class has on the synagogue as a whole. “When Rabbi Avi Harari joined the Mikdash Eliyahu family, one of our goals was to build upon our daily learning and to establish a daily Gemara class. As the Rabbi said, we expected it to need time to take off, but all you have to do is look around the table to see how many congregants quickly joined the daily learning at Mikdash Eliyahu. It’s a testament to the success of Rabbi Avi Harari and his leadership.”

Jeffrey Gindi, who sponsored the night in memory of his father Ralph S. Gindi A”H, said he felt Hashem blessed Mikdash Eliyahu with both Rabbi Raymond Harari, and more recently, Rabbi Avi Harari. He also discussed the impact that they have had on his personal life, and the exciting future he sees for the congregation. He expressed his sincere gratitude to all the participants of the class and credited them for being an inspiration for him to learn each morning.

After a delicious dinner, Morris Catton taught the last passage of the Gemara and read the final prayers on behalf of all. The group then presented Rabbi Avi Harari and his wife Zahava with gifts as a token of their appreciation for everything they do for the class, the synagogue and the community as a whole. “We know how much time you put into preparing lessons for us every morning. This is just a small token of our appreciation. Use it in good health and success,” said one of the participants as the gift was being presented.

For those who would like to join this Gemara group, they recently began Masekhet Sanhedrin. Classes are Monday through Friday at 6:30 a.m. in the social hall of the synagogue located at 400 Avenue U, followed by Shahrit at 7:10 a.m. Congratulations to all those who finished and may we see many more siyumim in the future!