THE SBH LORRAINE AND LOUIS A”H SHAMIE SENIOR DIVISION WAS HONORED AND HUMBLED TO LAUNCH CONNECT, DAILY PROGRAMMING FOR THE SENIORS OF OUR COMMUNITY. ON DECEMBER 15 SBH WELCOMED OVER 100 SENIORS TO THEIR BROOKLYN HEADQUARTERS WHERE THEY OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED THE LONG-AWAITED PROGRAM TO SUPPORT THE PILLARS OF OUR COMMUNITY.

The day began with a delicious hot catered lunch and continued with speeches of welcome and gratitude by staff and volunteers. Entertainment by Steven Chera followed, and a special project involving all of our incredible seniors. Mona Saad was invited to design a mosaic with our seniors that will one day hang in the new senior recreational space in the future SBH building. Everyone loved creating the mosaic.

The day was an emotional and exciting look at what lies ahead for the future of the Senior Division as a hub for senior services in our community. SBH looks forward to daily programming for seniors every Monday to Thursday. From Arabic music to classic film screenings, there will be something for everyone!

HANUKKAH IS A JOYOUS HOLIDAY FOR JEWS AROUND THE WORLD. THIS PAST HANUKKAH, NEW YORK’S HONORABLE JUDGE BRUCE BALTER AND RABBI DR. ELIE ABADIE CELEBRATED IN SPECIAL WAYS. JUDGE BALTER WAS INVITED BY THE PORT AUTHORITY POLICE SHROMIN SOCIETY TO LIGHT THE MENORAH AT WORLD TRADE CENTER GROUND ZERO. “IT WAS MY GREAT HONOR TO ONCE AGAIN HAVE THE ZECHUT TO LIGHT THE MENORAH AT GROUND ZERO. IT WAS SUCH A HUMBLING EXPERIENCE TO REPRESENT AM YISRAEL,” SAID JUDGE BALTER.

A little over a year ago, Rabbi Dr. Abadie left our community to serve as the Senior Rabbi of the Jewish Council of the Emirates, in Dubai. We checked in with him to find out how he spent the holiday. He said, “Hanukkah in the UAE was eight days of miracles. The Jewish community celebrated each night in a different place with pride of being Jewish and living in the UAE.” Here’s a look at Judge Balter’s and Rabbi Abadie’s celebrations as well as celebrations around the world.

HANUKKAH BINGO NIGHT AT DSN IS ONE OF THE MOST HIGHLY ACCLAIMED YEARLY EVENTS IN THE JERSEY COMMUNITY. BOTH CHILDREN AND ADULTS LOOK FORWARD TO THIS NIGHT FILLED WITH DELICIOUS FOOD AND EXHILARATING FAMILY FUN.

On Monday, November 29th, DSN welcomed 600 community members into its building for a Hanukkah celebration. As guests entered, they heard lively Hanukkah songs and marveled at a huge balloon arch displayed at the entrance.

After taking pictures under the balloon arch, everyone made their way to the dinner buffet stations. Nicole’s Kitchen provided the full dinner and dessert. As usual, it was delicious!

DSN member and mother Lillian Manopla stated, “My family looks forward to the DSN Hanukkah party every year. The food was so appetizing, plus the entertainment was wonderful. We are so lucky to have DSN to host this special night!”

Upon entering the gymnasium, guests were asked to guess the number of dreidels packed into a large jar. The person who guessed closest to the correct number of dreidels would receive an Amazon gift card. The winner was young Samuel Sasson! Guests also enjoyed taking pictures in the special photo booth that was set up with Hanukkah-themed props.

This special night personifies community building at its finest, bringing everyone together in a positive way. As everyone settled into their seats, Rabbi Joseph Dana started off the night with a Dvar Torah, speaking to the crowd about the meaning of the Hanukkah holiday. Then, Jack Savdie, a 7th grade Hillel Yeshiva student, recited the blessings on the menorah and lit the candles, followed by the crowd singing Ma’Ozur together. It was beautiful!

Finally, the time came for Bingo! DSN’s Executive Director Sammy Sitt resumed his treasured position as Master of Ceremonies. Several bingo iterations were played such as getting a straight line, an X and the fan-favorite “stand up, sit down.” Sammy doesn’t just call a game of Bingo. He is able to get the crowd screaming in elation as he calls each number. The entire DSN gymnasium roared with excitement, laughter and heart-pounding, energy.

Alison Maymie, a DSN mother, said, “It is simply an amazing night. It is done professionally with the stage, big screen, great prizes and fantastic food! That’s why there is always a huge turnout!”

Frieda Shammah, DSN’s Youth Director, stated, “It is so nice to see our hard work pay off when the kids are thrilled and the parents are smiling. Hanukkah Bingo night is my favorite night of the year. The kids go nuts at the chance to win amazing prizes, including an Xbox, a Nintendo Switch, smart watches, Kindles, Barbie toys, American Girl dolls, wireless headphones, iHomes and scooters to satisfy all age groups. What’s not to love?”

Mother Jacqueline Musry was delighted. “My kids would not leave until the last number of the night was called. It was the best night!” There is a high intensity that remains until the last prize is won. It is an accumulation of happiness, hopefulness, excitement, and fun, all of which make DSN the pillar of the Jersey Shore community.

Sammy Sitt put the night into perspective. “On Hanukkah, we are reminded how the Greeks wanted to tear down the religious and social fabric of the Jewish community. DSN is modern day proof of the Maccabean victory as we unite in our beautiful Community Center with the menorah front and center. Bringing the community together for fun and entertainment is in the DNA of DSN, especially with all the new families who have joined the community. We must provide an opportunity for everyone to meet each other and feel at home. We have the best community in the world, and they deserve the best!”

RABBI EZRA MAX

DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU WANT? IT’S ESSENTIAL TO KNOW WHAT YOU WANT BECAUSE EVERYTHING YOU HAVE BEGAN WITH AN IDEA. IF YOU DON’T KNOW, THEN YOU ALREADY HAVE WHAT YOU’VE GOT AND DON’T EXPECT MORE.

The start of a new secular year is the perfect time to envision, set goals, plan, and begin to manifest what you want. Are you ready? Let’s dive in. The best way to get what you want is to identify it and stay focused on getting it. Simple? Yes, but not always easy. This is where having a goal helps.

STEP 1: EMBRACE GRATITUDE TO FIND CLARITY
Begin by giving yourself a little time and space. Open up a notebook, and list the things you’re grateful for. Think of someone you appreciate and write a thank you note. Reflect on something that went well that you accomplished that you’re proud of. Celebrate the idea that you’re alive and that you’re healthy, and that you have a roof over your head. Enjoy that you can see, feel and hear—that you exist in this world. Revel in all of your relationships, mundane to extraordinary. Acknowledge yourself and acknowledge others, including G-d, for all the good you have in life. Infuse your heart with all of this gratitude and speak out loud, “thank you.”

STEP 2: SET YOUR SMARTER GOALS
My clients do a goal setting exercise at least once a year. Some do it quarterly. Using this process, a client generated almost 30% more profit over the following year. Another client, working in real estate, went from being frustrated, unfocused and getting nowhere to doing four deals in less than three months.

Here is the process we walked through. First, review your desired outcomes that were discovered in Step 1. Now, let’s craft them into SMARTER goals.

SMARTER stands for:
S: Specific
M: Measurable
A: Achievable
R: Realistic
T: Time Specific
E: Exciting
R: Reward

Success Tips
Visible: Print your goals out in color and place them somewhere you will see them often. Then, look at your goals every single day.

Artifact: Choose a physical item as your artifact, to represent your goals. Keep it with you and carry it daily to remind you of your goals and why you want to achieve them.

Prayer: Pray for success. Making a genuine request for success from the Almighty will generate results. Prayer always positively influences my goals. So, let’s pray.

STEP 3: REQUEST ACCOUNTABILITY
Prepare a plan of action towards your goals. Establish an accountability partner to support you in maintaining your commitments. This can be a friend or a coach. Find a great coach who will not only help you figure out your goals but will hold you accountable and support you in achieving them. Most importantly, take daily action towards achieving what you want.

Goal Hack
Contract with yourself. Write your name, followed by “I will be celebrating the achievement of — on — date.” Sign it. Bonus if you share a copy of this contract with your coach or accountability partner.

Double Bonus
The gift of your presence is the greatest present. A SMARTER way to get what you want, be it time or money, is to contribute—in celebration of your SMARTER year!

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.

SACRIFICING ALL FOR THOSE HE LOVED

MICHAEL AINI

ABRAHAM WAS TOLD BY HASHEM TO SACRIFICE ISAAC HIS ONLY SON. THE FIRST JEW WAS ABOUT TO SACRIFICE THE ONLY SECOND JEW IN EXISTENCE. THIS SCRIPTURE IS SO IMPORTANT BECAUSE IT DEFINES WHAT IT IS TO BE A JEW, A GREAT FATHER AND TO LEAVE BEHIND A TRUE LEGACY. SACRIFICE, HONESTY, HONOR, HUMILITY, LOYALTY, DEVOTION, COURAGE, COMMITMENT AND CHARITY ARE ALL QUALITIES MY FATHER HAD BUT THE GLUE WHICH BOUND THEM TOGETHER WAS SACRIFICE, AS EVIDENT IN HIS STORY AND IN HIS FAMILY.

They say we are the chosen ones, and I believe that to be true, because we are chosen to sacrifice our today for a better tomorrow. It takes seeds of sacrifice that we have to plant with blood, sweat and tears in our present time, so our children and children’s children can reap and sow the rewards that we will never see—that is exactly what my father did. Chaoul Aini was born on March 15, 1933, the eldest son of Jacob and Victoria Aini. Being the eldest of his siblings (Laura, Joe, Sellie, Nina and Albert) he knew what sacrifice meant at an early age.

Victoria, their mother, died at an early age leaving the children to grow up quickly and to help one another get by. My Grandmother Rachel Abed (from my mother’s side who had 10 children of her own to raise) helped them by cooking, cleaning and doing other chores. She shared her knowledge and motherly advice with all the young children.

My father literally married “the girl next door,” my Mom, Samira. Then there was the expulsion of Jews from Lebanon during 1967, he and my mother then sacrificed everything they had in Lebanon, as did all my aunts and uncles (Ainis and Abeds), as well as all the other Jewish families living there to leave for a better tomorrow for all their children.

When he arrived in NYC, he was a stranger in a strange land, doing menial work and hard labor to get by. He toiled the land in blood, sweat and tears, planting seeds, though he would never reap the rewards. He and Mother worked hard to give us a Jewish education so we could become the people we are today.

My father worked long hours and shunned the spotlight in all its forms, he was humble, honest and never spoke ill of anyone. He was a gentleman’s gentlemen in every sense of the word.

My brother Harry spoke about his integrity and how he returned a bag full of money that he found to the bank in the early 70s, at our fathers funeral.

In my brother Jacob’s eulogy he spoke about my father’s honesty and his motto “A good name is worth more than money in the bank.”

Both of my brothers share those qualities, among a multitude of others too numerous to mention, yet the glue which bound all of those qualities together was sacrifice, which my brothers continue to do in their lives.

As I was sitting shiva, I noticed that the entire family stopped whatever schedule they had and took time to pay their respects and share their warmth—our children, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, acquaintances all helped ease the process of sitting shiva.

Laurie, my brother Harry’s wife, opened her home twice (once for my Mom’s shiva), made the shiva easier for us to bear, due to all her beautiful qualities, kindness, thoughtfulness, humility and empathy.

Rachel, my brother Jacob’s wife, was like a daughter to both my parents, and a sister to us. She was there when my mother or father needed anything—no matter the circumstance, or the task—she always went above and beyond, in this world and even in the next, by making sure to keep them together in their grave site.

The legacy that my father leaves behind is in us—all of us—everyone he helped and those he met along his journey. His memory and legacy shall always be alive in his brothers, in his sisters, in his children, in his grandchildren and in his great grandchildren.

Michael Aini is a community member.

THERE IS NOTHING MORE IMPORTANT THAN A JEWISH EDUCATION

SARINA ROFFÉ

“WITHOUT CHILDREN LEARNING TORAH THERE WILL BE FEWER JEWS IN AMERICA IN 20 YEARS. WE HAVE TO PROVIDE THEM WITH A TORAH EDUCATION,” SAID SAM DOMB, HOTELIER, VOLUNTEER AND PHILANTHROPIST. “INTERMARRIAGE INCREASES EACH YEAR, SO I DO WHAT I CAN TO HELP SCHOOLS AND YESHIVAHS SO CHILDREN CAN LEARN TORAH. MANY PARENTS CANNOT AFFORD TO PAY $20-30,000 FOR THEIR CHILD’S JEWISH EDUCATION.”

A Holocaust survivor, Sam narrowly escaped death at the hands of the Nazis during World War II. He spent his formative years wandering through the forests of Eastern Europe to Russia, lived in Siberia and other places until the end of the war. His story is one no child should have to endure.

On September 26, 1939, the family was awoken in the early morning hours, had to leave everything behind and were forced to begin marching with the rest of the community, many still in their night clothing. Sam’s mother was holding him in her arms when she tripped and fell and was subsequently shot by the Nazis as Sam and the rest of the family watched.

They continued to march and during a break, Sam’s father tried to hide the five-year-old with a Polish friend, as they were leaving Poland. But the friend turned Sam and other hiding children over to the Germans. Sam, who was courageous even at age five, saw the Germans begin killing the others in groups of 10. He ran deep into the forest with another boy only a few years older than he, whom he called “my angel.” Sam and his friend wandered through the forests until they passed into Russian territory. They walked along arduous paths, starving and thirsty, they hid in basements and crevices, in forests, beneath bridges and between corn stalks, utterly destitute and sometimes freezing.

The author of He Hath No Let Me Die! From Ashes To Life, Sam did not have the luxury of a formal education. As a child, he saw evil and destruction in its most ugly form and survived against all odds. After the war, he was 11 when he first attended a school and received some Jewish education. Later he moved to Israel where he lived on a kibbutz and served in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). In Israel he married his wife Sara, a Yemenite Jew, and the granddaughter of the Chief Rabbi of Yemen, and they moved to New York.

Sam’s story is one of rags to riches. He washed dishes, operated an elevator and did many menial jobs before a few breaks helped him enter the hotel industry. Through hard work and dedication, Sam was able to develop his business and help the Jewish community in many ways. And it is that generosity, that commitment to helping others for the future of Klal Israel, that makes him the focus of this month’s profile.

“We were born Jewish, we have to continue and remain strong and powerful,” said Sam. “In the Diaspora, it is easy to intermarry. If we send children to learn Torah, if a father says kiddush on Friday night, then his son will say it, and the tradition continues.”

While many Holocaust survivors began to question G-d’s role after the war, Sam said, “an inner voice instructed me not to abandon the faith of our forefathers.” Over the years, Sam’s devotion to Jewish causes grew, as did his observance. Among them the National Jewish Outreach Program, which sponsors programs like Shabbat Across America and heritage projects, as well as Hebrew instruction.

Indeed, Sam is the angel for many schools and synagogues. Manhattan Day School, Ramaz, Ohel Moshe and Ahi Ezer Yeshiva are just a few of the schools that he generously supports.

“He lives his life to put children in yeshivahs. He supports many yeshivahs in a very big way every year. He makes sure children get educated,” said Bunny Escava, the president of Ahi Ezer.

“I personally view Jewish education as a key factor in our nation’s struggle for survival. I have established a one-man enterprise in which I invest all my energies in supporting educational institutions and Jewish schools,” said Sam. “Jewish education is the best guarantee of Jewish survival, and it is that which will protect us from assimilation.”

He has also rescued several synagogues from disrepair, including the Carlebach Shul, Ramath Orah, West Side Institutional Synagogue, and Congregation Ohev Sholom in Manhattan, as well as synagogues in Israel.

“I just felt obligated in my heart because of the darkness of my past. I had to do something to light the future. It’s a great spiritual feeling sitting in a synagogue that has been restored. That is when I feel G-d smiles at me.”

Sam is the founder of Young Israel of Jamaica Estates and Tifereth Israel, a Yemenite Synagogue in Manhattan that his children Ronnie, Jay and Michele attend. After his wife Sara died in 1992, Sam established the Sara Domb Youth Center in Queens to offer educational activities for Jewish youth and the Sara Domb Scholarship Fund for Jewish studies.

Today, Sam is a business mogul, supporting the State of Israel and is a passionate advocate for Jewish issues around the world. He remained involved with Israeli politics most of his life and developed friendships with the Chief Rabbis

“Sam took me to see President Clinton in 1992, just the two of us,” said Bunny Escava. “We stood in line and when it was our turn, he spoke to President Clinton for 10 minutes about what he wanted him to do for Israel and he kept the whole line waiting.”

Sam has spoken at many events and has been outspoken about the importance of Israel and Jewish education to the continuity of the Jewish people. Bunny noted that on Friday nights in Florida, Sam and his life partner, Orly Gal, who has become an important part of his family life and his philanthropic endeavors, make a lavish dinner and always invite people for Shabbat to his apartment. It’s really special.

“Always generous and welcoming, Sam and Orly are the perfect hosts, plus Orly is a wonderful cook, which makes for the most memorable and delicious Shabbat dinners. You never know who you’ll meet at their dinners, because their guests are the most interesting and diverse people from around the world. The dinner conversations are always riveting and often reveal Sam’s insight on a variety of subjects. I feel blessed to count Sam and Orly as my friends and to be included in their spectacular Shabbat dinners,” said Rachelle Matsas.

One of the greatest joys of Sam’s life was the recent birth of his great-granddaughter Stella Sara Mazal, daughter of Adam and Anna.

Sam wrote “For me, the Land of Israel and Jerusalem comprise one complete unit. This unity can never be surrendered because Israel and Jerusalem are bound together. Forever.”

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 an MA in Jewish Studies.

SEPHARDIC COMMUNITY CYCLISTS RAISE MONEY FOR ISRAELI AMPUTEES

Aura Lagnado

It’s been a while now, but somewhere in my cycling journey I grew a soft spot in my heart for amputees. Maybe it was the fact that I met a few amputee cyclists riding strong and inspiring me to go further, push stronger, ride faster, and give it my all.

At first they were just like all the other cyclists, enjoying life while riding around in circles in Prospect Park, but as cycling became a bigger part of my life, and I was spending more and more time on my bike in the park, I got to know a few of these amputee cyclists. I began to ride with them and open up conversations with them. I got close enough to a few of them to feel comfortable asking about the stories behind their missing limbs. A strong connection formed for me. I started reading up about amputations and the life, struggles, and phantom pain with which they suffer.

I am not exactly sure how and when I heard about The Next Ride (TNR). But when I did I had this strong desire, want, and need to be part of it.

The Next Ride is a subdivision of an Israeli non-profit organization called The Next Step. The Next Step is more than just any non-profit, it is community, it is family, it is the force that gives strength to amputees. It gives them the strength to stand tall, stand straight, and stand with pride. It gives them the strength to take their Next Step—to move forward and journey through life with a smile on their faces knowing they can do anything they ever dreamt of.

November 2020, due to covid and the changes that came with it, I was not going into work as often as I would normally, and so when someone posted on a WhatsApp group chat that there were six openings for TNR, I saw it as my chance—one that may not come again if I didn’t jump on it. So, needless to say, I signed up. It was just two and a half weeks before the ride through the Dubai deserts with a dozen or more amputees.

During the short time I spent with the TNR family, I got to know a number of the amputees that benefit from The Next Step. On bus rides, we discussed their challenges of adapting to a new life, the stories behind their amputations, the downs, the ups, and how grateful they are for the Next Step, and their American family, who are there to help them through it all.

To me, this trip was very much about the amputees. I tried to spend as much time as possible with them, with their doctor, and with their families, getting to know as much as I could about them. It is amazing to see how happy they are on a daily basis—how they see the good in everything around them. But then when they speak of their stories, the sadness, the hard times, the feelings of depression that they fight off, it’s all so real, it’s a harsh reminder of why we do this, of why we ride, of why The Next Ride came about.

As one young woman told the story of her depression, of her three attempts at suicide, her doctor sat quietly listening to her speak, tearing up while reliving it all with her. I tried to be strong, holding the tears at bay, but hearing her speak her story, seeing her doctor start crying, and understanding the difficulties these amazing people overcome, it was too emotional to hold back my tears.

One amputee said it took him three years to find himself and come out of his depressed state. For him, it was sports, cycling, adventures and thrills which reminded him of the life he loved and can still live.

On the outside we see these amputees smiling, we see them running, jumping, cycling and living a life just like any other, but like everything, there is a story, a journey, and a community of great people to help each and every one of them get to that place of happiness and pride, the place we see them in today.

When I signed up in 2020, I thought it would be a one time shot for me. I would do my part, contribute, raise money for a cause I hold dear, ride, and check it off my bucket list. However, the strong connections that were formed over the week had me coming back for more. As tough as it was for me to raise the funds, missing every fundraising deadline, I refused to back-down and quit, I had to go back, I had to see these special souls, and so, I joined 30+ Syrian Sephardic community members and took a flight out to Morocco to do it all again this year! To ride with the TNR family and strengthen the bonds created! Whenever there is a genuine need for help you will find the Syrian Sephardic community taking part.

This year, right before Shabbat, TNR heard of a special case that was considered hopeless. After many calls and research, they found a glimpse of hope. A glimpse of hope that came with enormous costs. At our Shabbat lunch in Morocco, it was the Sephardic community that jumped into action and started collecting money for this case, collecting money as they would do for an aliya in shul. I cannot say how much was collected, but it was heart warming to see the goodness of our community in action, at a spontaneous moment.

A month ago, I would have said TNR 2021 is my final year, but once again, after spending the week with this special community and family that has been formed, I find myself thinking of ways to go back, ways to help these individuals, ways to bring their dreams to life! TNR 2022—let’s do this—bigger and better! All the money we raise is going to a great cause!

Aura Lagnado earned a Master of Science in Oriental Medicine, specializing in acupuncture and herbs. She achieved the Valedictorian Award in 2018 when she graduated Pacific College while also working full-time. Aura flew to Taiwan to learn and intern under the doctors in the China Medical University of Taichung, right after graduating with her Master’s degree. Upon returning to the States she took no time before starting her Doctorate program at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. She is currently a Doctor of Oriental Medicine and a NYS licensed acupuncturist.

AN ICON OF RABBINIC LEADERSHIP

GAIL PELTZER

IF ONE WERE TO THINK OF A STERLING EXAMPLE OF A RABBI, ROSH YESHIVA, MENTOR, SPIRITUAL GUIDE, ORATOR AND TEACHER, ONE INDIVIDUAL COMES TO MIND—RABBI DR. ZVULUN LIEBERMAN ZT’L. NINE YEARS AGO, WE BADE FAREWELL TO OUR BELOVED RABBI. THE LOSS OF THIS TZADIK AND TALMID HAKHAM RESURFACES WITH GREATER INTENSITY EACH YEAR. IT TRANSCENDS THE PASSAGE OF TIME.

As we commemorate his ninth yahrzeit, we remember the depth of his outreach, wisdom and sensitivity toward his fellow Jew, and the profundity of Torah substance, and luminosity which he embodied and radiated both in Eretz Yisrael and in the diaspora.

It is most fitting that I convey my heartfelt gratitude to Hashem for having allowed me to immerse myself in his teachings. I was a beneficiary of his support and guidance. The Rabbi established a strong foundation in Torah learning. He stressed the efficacy of tefilah, hesed, and love for Eretz Yisrael and Am Yisrael. His inextricable bond with his family, students, congregants, and colleagues have remained deeply embedded and will never be severed.

Let us begin with the Rabbi’s childhood in the Bronx. His first language was Yiddish. His mother Yehudith and father Hillel natured and nurtured him in a monetarily strapped environment. The paucity of material resources was overshadowed by unconditional parental love, derech HaTorah and the necessity to uphold the tradition of our rich Jewish heritage. The primacy of receiving and internalizing Hashem’s directives remained with him from childhood through adulthood.

Rabbi Lieberman formed an idyllic partnership with his brother Paul Lieberman, who eventually became a judge. The Rabbi always strove to give honor to his parents. He was an exemplary student who excelled scholastically in a myriad of disciplines, leading to his candidacy and acceptance into the Semicha program at Yeshiva University. He was admired and highly respected by his professors, including Rabbi Dr. Joseph Ber Soloveitchik zt’l, Rabbi Shatzkes zt’l, Rabbi Dr. Belkin, zt’l, Rabbi Dovid Lifschitz, zt’l and HaRav Ovadia Yosef, Rishon Lezion zt’l and Ha Rav Mordechai Elyahu, Rishon Lezion, zt’l, all of whom signed his Semicha.

When the Rabbi was seventeen years of age, a tidal wave came crashing down on his family. He suddenly came face-to-face with a harsh reality which he had never before encountered. His father was suddenly taken from his midst leaving the family in dire circumstances. With the inner fortitude to persevere, he obtained part time employment. His G-d given inner voice opened up a new vista of understanding. He brought healing and great consolation to his mother and brother. He proved himself beyond the shadow of a doubt more than capable of providing assistance, lending a strong hand and taking upon himself the mantle of leadership. The Rabbi never recoiled in despair but conditioned himself to confront and overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges.

In 1955, Rabbi Lieberman married Rebbetzin Bracha, a very special woman. He mentioned to his colleague Rabbi Meir Goldwicht, she is not only a good wife she is a great team partner. The zechut he had to marry Rebbetzin Bracha carried over into their offspring Tehila, Elyorah Chaya and Hillel Elyahu, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

The Rabbi’s fervor for spiritual growth and Talmudic studies was manifest in the lofty heights he reached. We marvel at the plethora of his achievements. He ultimately reached the pinnacle of success, Yoreh Yoreh Yadin Yadin, Rosh Yeshiva of Sephardic Studies at Reits, Av Beth Din of Syrian Beth Din, Dayan, Principal of Yeshivah of Flatbush, Ramaz upper school, Maybaum Chair Professor of Sephardic Studies Talmud and Halacha at YU Azrielli Graduate School and Professor of Education at the Teachers Institute for Women.

In October 2000, a second tidal wave gripped the Lieberman family, the brutal murder of Hillel Elyahu. Years earlier he met his future wife Yael in Israel. Their trajectory took them to Elon Moreh in the Shomron. As strong advocates and residents of Elon Moreh, they had established a loving family and a non-negotiable foothold in Eretz Yisrael, ensuring that the legacy of our Avot and Emahot would not pass into oblivion. They reinforce the unshakable connection of our homeland to its people. The apocalyptic act of evil committed by the Arabs turned their world upside down. Un etre vous manque et tout est depeuple. (Sometimes, only one person is missing, and the whole world seems depopulated.)

The Rabbi had been leading the Yom Kippur service when he received this news. Solitary in his lamentation he nevertheless kept his emotions in check. The news did not derail him from his Rabbinic responsibility, a true testimony to the grandeur and humility of an exemplary Rabbinic leader. Today the courage and strength of his character is manifest in his two grandsons, Moshe Yair who is currently serving in the Paratroopers and Yosef Yisrael who is serving in the Golani Brigade division of the Israel Defense Forces.

I wish to express my gratitude to the following interviewees who have willingly shared their personal connection to Rabbi Dr. Zvulun Lieberman zt’l, Rabbi Meir Goldwicht shlita. In Mesechta Avot it is written, “One who is rich is satisfied with his lot.” Rabbi Dr. Lieberman gave an alternate explication and expounded on this. “One is also happy when he sees the success of others.”

MEMORIES OF RABBI LIEBERMAN Z’TL

I met Rabbi Lieberman zt’l at Yeshiva University. He encouraged his students to check and investigate what was happening in Eretz Yisrael. “We need to feel that the diaspora is temporary, and understand that the real life is in Eretz Yisrael. If people internalize this message, they will develop the power and motivation to go to Israel in the future.”

Rabbi Dr. Lieberman made each of his students feel unique. They gleaned so much from his lectures. I admired his patience in listening to individuals. When the opportunity availed itself, I sought sagacious advice from my beloved colleague. He integrated the parashat into everyday mundane situations. We all miss him. His passing is a tremendous loss.”

Rabbi Ezra and Schifra Hanon remember, ”Ours was the first wedding in Congregation Beth Torah. The Rabbi was the Misadar Kedushin on Sept. 12, 1971. Our children prayed in Congregation Beth Torah. It received many awards for architectural beauty.”

Rabbi Ezra continued, “Rabbi Dr. Lieberman zt’l taught me how to endear children. His son Hillel Eliyahu came to Bet Knesset. I can recall Hillel at age 5 or 6 frolicking. He sat on the Rabbi’s lap for 15 minutes. This was his favorite introspection spot. Hillel was quite active.

We were guests at the Rabbi’s home several times. He taught my children at the Azrelli graduate school. He was truly a master teacher. He also cemented the relationship between my wife Schifra and me. Schifra was firmly planted in Ashkenazi traditions and mine are Syrian. Rabbi Dr. Lieberman fused the two families and societies. He emphasized the love of Jew for Jew.”

“The Rabbi was a Renaissance man, powerfully erudite in many fields. He integrated Sephardic traditions into Congregation Beth Torah and the committee abided by his decisions.”

“The Rabbi was a Renaissance man, powerfully erudite in many fields. He integrated Sephardic traditions into Congregation Beth Torah and the committee abided by his decisions.”

“Following the six-day war in 1967, he asked the following question. What do you think a normal warring victorious nation does after defeating its enemy? Israel sent milk into the Old City, Yehudah and Shomron for Arab babies. This shows the heightened moral conscience and integrity of the Israelis.”

“My siblings were so inspired by Rabbi Dr. Lieberman. My sister boarded the Zion ship departing from the US, destination Tel Aviv. She credits Rabbi Lieberman for giving her inspiration and love of Eretz Yisrael.”

Rabbi Ezra Hanon is the Health Care chaplain at NYU Coney Island Hospital. Schifra Hanon is Director of Pathfinders at the Yeshivah of Flatbush.

”Everyone was enamored by the Rabbi’s countenance. He ingratiated himself and inspired people—5 through 95 years old. He engaged the students and every morning he would get on the PA system. May his memory be a blessing.”

Mr. David Dweck, one of the founders of Congregation Beth Torah said, “I moved in 1968 to the Avenue J area. We were praying in the basement of Club 100 with a small minyan. From its inception, Rabbi Dr. Lieberman was the Rabbi of Congregation Beth Torah. Abie Tawil was getting bar mitzvahed. I marvel at the fact that the Rabbi, Ashkenazi from birth, had to think outside of the box. He adjusted so masterfully to the Sephardic customs and rituals. People sought his counsel. On holiday evenings he invited people from the block to an intimate reception for a Sefer Torah reading after synagogue services. I purchased permanent seats for my family. The congregation grew by leaps and bounds under his leadership. The aura of ongoing Torah classes and minyanim created such a spirit of congeniality, thanks to the Rabbi’s initiative and toil.”

David continued, “He was such a template. Whenever I asked a question, I received an answer on the spot. The congregation honored him. They always gave him the respect he deserved. They escorted him up to the podium. The Rabbi was so lovable. His passing has left an inexplicable void within us.”

“Beloved Rabbi Dr. Zvulun Lieberman zt’l, it has been nine years since your passing. You transformed the month of Tevet into tovot. You gave us the courage to access the sparks of G-dliness within us. You celebrated our successes and your humility generated such charisma. I can recall when I visited you at NYU Hospital, the Haitian nurse remarked “I want to adopt the Rabbi as my father. He is the best patient ever.”

“When I gaze at your portrait in Congregation Beth Torah I am reminded of your inimitable smile, heartfelt compassion and Torah words of Emet. You shepherded your family, congregants and students for over six decades. You fled from honor, never seeking the limelight, no special privileges. You were the candle that ignited thousands of neshamot. You saw the intrinsic beauty in every Jew. In the zechut of your self-sacrifice may we be zocheh to witness the ultimate geula and once again be in your presence.”

Rabbi Dr. Zvulun Lieberman is survived by his wife Rebbetzin Bracha, his brother Judge Paul, Esq., his daughters Tehila and Elyorah, his daughter in-law Yael, grandchildren and great grandchildren both in Eretz Yisrael and in the diaspora. Yehi Zichro Baruch.

I wish to thank Rabbi Azancot for preserving the legacy of Rabbi Dr. Zvulun Lieberman zt’l. May the Rabbi be blessed.

Gail Peltzer is a community member.

ARI BAUM, CFP®

HAVE YOU EVER LOOKED AT YOUR FINANCIAL PORTFOLIO AND, TO YOUR DISMAY, DISCOVERED THAT YOU’RE INVESTING IN A COMPANY WHOSE PRACTICES MAKE YOU CRINGE? DO YOU HAVE STRONG BELIEFS ABOUT HOW THE WORLD COULD BE BETTER?

Maybe you support the work of some nonprofit organizations, or you’re involved in taking direct action to make the planet a better place to live. Wouldn’t it be great if you could align the way you manage your wealth with the values that you hold closest to your heart?

Believe it or not, it is possible to make money and still manage it in a way that supports your purpose. In fact, in certain circumstances, ethical investments may potentially outperform their peers.

With so many options now available, strategies that align with your personal values and beliefs can satisfy investing with integrity while still maintaining a diversified portfolio.

However, sometimes it can be difficult to find the right investments. Investment companies may take very different approaches to what might seem like the same value system.

When you want to make sure that your money only supports organizations that you approve of, it’s critical that you know what your purpose is. Do you want to specifically invest only in something that you believe in, or do you want to screen out the ideas that don’t serve your beliefs? Or both?

If you dread finding out that something you disapprove of is in your investment portfolio, you’ve come to the right place. This step-by-step guide is specifically designed for ethical people with strongly held beliefs just like you who are searching for a way to manage their money without losing integrity. While you want to invest with purpose, you also need to make sure that your portfolio can help you reach your financial goals.

As a values-driven investor, you may be asking yourself questions like these:

• Does my current portfolio align with my beliefs, and if not, how can I change it?
• Where can I find investments that get me to my goals, but that I can also feel good about?
• Is there anything I’ve overlooked in my search for ethical finances?
• How can I make sense of all the choices available to me?
If any of these questions had an impact on you, keep reading.

STEP 1: ALIGN YOUR BELIEFS AND VALUE SYSTEM WITH YOUR FINANCIAL GOALS

In your eyes, what constitutes a company with ethics and integrity? Think of a couple of businesses that you would be happy to invest in. Are there certain industries you want to avoid because the entire field is harmful to the world in some way? What are their characteristics?

Connect with what’s deeply important to you. What are you on this planet to do—what is your purpose? What matters most about the impact you want to have on the world? Identify your priorities so you can determine more easily what you want to include and what you prefer to exclude.

Once you’ve harnessed the power of your own purpose, consider your financial goals, too. One of them is likely building a nest egg for retirement, but you may have others as well. You want your investments to do well (in terms of performance) and to do good (in terms of ethics). But don’t worry, those two categories are not always mutually exclusive!

STEP 2: TRANSFORM YOUR CURRENT PLAN INTO A PURPOSE-DRIVEN SRATEGY

It’s pretty common for people to save for retirement without really having a concrete plan for their nest egg. Often, they decide to save “as much as they can.” Many times they invest in securities that people they know have recommended. Saving and investing in something is better than nothing, but this isn’t a plan that’s likely to get you to where you need to go.

Think of a couple of businesses that you would be happy to invest in.

On the other hand, you might have someone who’s knowledgeable about money helping you with a financial strategy. But while they understand the stock market, they don’t understand your value system. Or they may not understand how to invest specifically in alignment with your beliefs.

You might have a strategy, but your heart isn’t in it.

Either way, you don’t have an approach that unites your values with your financial goals. Aligning your beliefs and your investments requires some forethought on your part. It’s critical to develop a framework with the timelines for your goals as well as the plan to get you to those goals and ensure that all the tools you’re using line up with your values.

That way you can reimagine your plan to account for both financial and non-financial desires, without giving up either. You’ll need to understand what’s currently in your portfolio, and what might need to change so that you can finally feel good about your investments.

STEP 3: MAKE AN IMPACT WHILE BUILDING YOUR WEALTH

You can help build a better world for your family and your community, and also pursue your financial goals.

Many folks are content to invest without considering their values and simply donate to the charities of their choice. But by investing in ways that you can ethically support; you’re living your values every day.

STEP 4: VET YOUR INVESTMENTS

Many companies include purpose and values in their mission statements and many of them don’t live up to their own hype. But how can you tell which is which?

Investing with integrity means results matter. It’s not just about claiming that the company is doing good in the world, it’s about the company actually making a meaningful impact. As a result, examining these companies is key for ethical investors.

STEP 5: FIND ALIGNED INVESTMENTS

You might be wondering where all these wonderful opportunities are hiding. Maybe you’re already aware that there are certain mutual fund families and ETFs whose values are like yours. But you want to make sure you’re not missing out on anything.

You may not want to spend time wading through the thicket of opportunities to find the ones that are just right for you and your family. Even if you’d like to, you may simply not have the availability. You want to spot these investments quickly, ensure that they’re up to your standards, and start investing in them as soon as you can.

Who wants to waste any more time supporting companies you really don’t care for, when you could have an entire portfolio that’s aligned with your ethics? Screening for industries, companies, and investment managers that share your values will help you bring your portfolio into alignment.

TRANSFORM YOUR PLAN TO A HEART-DRIVEN STRATEGY

Imagine knowing that every day that you’re not trading performance for integrity and you’re only supporting companies who align with your ethics. You’re actively making the world a better place with your money.

Because you have a strategy that combines your ethics, your beliefs, and your heart with your financial goals.

The purpose-driven investment world is wide, which means that you have plenty of opportunity to ensure your investment options align with your values.

You’ve already made a wise decision to read through this step-by-step guide. Your next smart move is to schedule a Heart-Driven Planning Session with a financial professional so you can get started with ethical investing.

This material is for informational purposes only. It has been compiled from data considered to be reliable, but we do not make any guarantees regarding accuracy, adequacy, or completeness. Investing involves risk including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Consult your financial professional before making any investment decision.

Ari Baum, CFP® is the founder and CEO of Endurance Wealth Partners, with over two decades 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.

Above photo by GIFTERPHOTOS, all other photos by David Heskiel

THE INCREDIBLE ORGANIZATION C.A.R.E. (COMMUNITY. ADVOCACY. RESOURCES. ENCOURAGEMENT.) HOSTED A TREMENDOUS HANUKKAH TOY GIVEAWAY FOR OVER 400 FAMILIES WITH SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN. THE EVENT WAS HOSTED BY TOYS 2 DISCOVER ON CONEY ISLAND AVENUE AND AVENUE K. THE BEAUTY OF THE EVENT WAS THAT TOYS WERE NOT ONLY GIVEN TO CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS BUT WERE ALSO GIVEN TO THEIR SIBLINGS ON THEIR BEHALF.

This created thankfulness to the special needs sibling for ensuring all their siblings received a special high-quality Hanukkah gift.

C.A.R.E. was founded by Meyer and Victoria Safdieh who led the toy giveaway event with dozens of volunteers. Also in attendance, to support this meaningful community event, were NYPD Clergy Liaison David Heskiel, NYPD Deputy Inspector Richie Taylor, Community Leader Linda Sedaka, and Flatbush Fund Executive Director Yitzy Weinberg.

A special acknowledgement to the following dedicated and respected elected officials who came to the event is deserved as well: Senator Simcha Felder, Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein and Councilman Kalman Yeger. Their leadership and tremendous support is invaluable.

Thanks to a few anonymous donors, the kids walked into the fully stocked toy store and were given vouchers which were used to purchase whatever toys they chose. To sweeten the night, each child received Hanukkah gelt chocolates on their way out.

May the Festival of Lights brighten up these dark, tough times and may everyone involved in this loving hesed be blessed to continue doing great things for the community.

Families that were unable to attend were not forgotten. They received toys at home, from generous congregants of Shaare Torah.

ELLEN ADES

NOTHING FEELS BETTER THAN USING ONE’S KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCES AND TALENTS TO SUPPORT ANOTHER WOMAN’S QUEST FOR SUCCESS. NOBODY KNOWS THIS BETTER THAN LOIS SUTTON, ESQ., AND SANDRA NASSER MAXWELL. SANDY PROGRESSED FROM BEING A PART-TIME ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT IN LOIS’ LAW OFFICE (LOIS D. SUTTON LLC) TO HAVING A FULL-TIME POSITION AS A CERTIFIED PARALEGAL WITH THE FIRM IN JUST TWO-AND-A-HALF YEARS. THIS IS THEIR PROPEL MENTORSHIP SUCCESS STORY.

After getting divorced in 2018, Sandra moved to New Jersey. Although she had an Associates degree in music from Kingsborough Community College, Sandy never had the opportunity to use her training professionally. In 2019, Lois D. Sutton hired Sandy as a part-time administrative assistant for her law office, handling the front desk and performing other secretarial tasks.

“Last month, I completed my paralegal certificate program with honors as a member of Phi Beta Kappa, having maintained a position on the Dean’s list for the duration of my studies at Brookdale Community College,” gushed Sandra when asked about her journey.

The magic ingredient in this story is the power of mentorship and the role it played and continues to play. You never know when an opportunity will arise. Sandy began working at the offices of Lois D. Sutton, Esq., two-and-a-half years ago. If she hadn’t taken the part-time receptionist/secretarial job at the firm, she never would have experienced this chance to change her life.

At 59 years old, Sandy continues to work hard to improve herself every day. She truly believes that her maturity and life experience brings value to her employer. “I’ve learned to go out of my comfort zone to succeed in life. For me, it meant adding school to an already busy schedule.” She is happy that throughout this journey she made sure to be there for her family, although she did have to minimize her social life.

“I was working two jobs and going to school. I was driven to reach my goal because I knew once I finished my training and could begin working in a professional capacity, I would be able to support myself and continue to be there for my two grown sons and daughter-in-law.” In other words, the hard work was well worth the sacrifice. Sandy contrasts her vision of the future with what it felt like to be newly divorced and financially vulnerable. “It was a constant struggle, juggling jobs and trying to make ends meet. Today, I feel accomplished. I’m a professional and I love the security of knowing I can support myself,” she said.

“I cannot commend Sandy enough for her diligence and persistence in reaching her goal,” said Lois, her employer and mentor. “I am grateful to PROPEL for enabling and empowering her to do it. I am proud of Sandy and look forward to her continued growth in the paralegal field,” continued Lois.

Lois Sutton is a sole practitioner in New Jersey who brings four decades of solid experience to her legal practice, both academically and professionally. She specializes in wills, trusts, estate planning, probate, real estate and business law. She earned her Bachelor of Science at Brooklyn College and graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Rutgers School of Law–Newark, after she married and had her first two children. She held positions as in-house counsel for what is now Wells Fargo Bank, Endowment Director for the Jewish Federation of Monmouth County, and has worked as an attorney for several well-established law firms before opening her own practice eleven years ago. Her experience has allowed her to successfully represent the interests of generations of community families with a wide scope of legal needs. Lois acknowledges the support of her husband and family throughout.

“I’ve been trying to steer community women into the paralegal profession for years because it’s a lucrative, very rewarding career and it can often be structured with flexibility in mind,” she added.

Paralegals are in high demand in New Jersey, New York and elsewhere. It is a dynamic profession. A paralegal can work part-time, full-time, or per diem, in an office or remotely. The paralegal is typically the first person a new client speaks with, maintaining this relationship, often meeting with the client and making sure the client is kept informed and the file is moved forward expeditiously. A paralegal has many responsibilities, including handling the court and appointment calendar and deadlines, maintaining files, and reviewing and preparing documents and other materials under the supervision of an attorney. “If Sandy doesn’t do her job, I can’t do mine,” said Lois.

An experienced paralegal can build her own practice or service providing support for other law offices and even supervise other paralegals. As Lois further explained, “A paralegal can also specialize in the type of law and office that interests her most, including fast-paced litigation in a large firm, real estate and contracts for a solo practitioner, and everything in between.”

So, how did Sandy go from getting hired as a part-time receptionist/secretary to a full-time paralegal? Mentoring is absolutely the answer. Lois said that when she first hired Sandy, she immediately recognized her aptitude. “She was intelligent, inquisitive, conscientious, had a great phone manner and client rapport, and she was eager to learn and acquire new skills. With the retirement of the office’s long-time paralegal, Sandy was positioned to make the move,” said Lois.

Lois truly enjoys being a mentor. Over the years, she has met with and guided many community members interested in becoming lawyers, paralegals and legal assistants. She finds immense gratification helping a person move forward. Therefore, it was natural for Lois to encourage Sandy to engage with PROPEL. The rest, as the saying goes, is history.

For her part, Sandy is thankful and appreciative. She describes her mentor as being generous and informative, sharing in-depth context that helps her understand what is behind the tasks she is asked to perform. “I come to the office every day with a smile on my face, ready to proceed with the work at hand,” said Sandy, adding, “it is never routine, which keeps the work interesting.” It fulfills her desire to keep learning new things. She especially enjoys assisting clients, building rapport and keeping them updated. Mentorship plays a continual role in this relationship because Sandy is new to the profession. As a matter of fact, a portion of their daily interactions as lawyer and paralegal is specifically and intentionally dedicated to mentorship.

Thanks to a grant that PROPEL received from the UJA Federation of New York, PROPEL’s Weaving a Network: Women Helping Women mentorship program was established. The goal of the program is to help women in a variety of professions support each other, and expand their career opportunities. Supervised by PROPEL’s educational consultant, Gitta Neufeld, the first groups are actively engaged in team-building and mentoring.

Lois believes that this new mentorship program will have an enormous impact on our community. “The hardest thing about identifying and traveling down a career path is finding a mentor,” said the attorney. “PROPEL’ s mentorship program is a game changer. I am very excited to be part of this initiative and look forward to using my experience and contacts in the legal world to benefit our mentees,” stated Lois. And as for Sandy, she said “Bless PROPEL and the new mentorship program. PROPEL made this positive change possible.”

If you are interested in joining PROPEL’s cohort of mentors in PROPEL’s Weaving a Network: Women Helping Women program or being paired with a mentor, please email PROPEL at Info@thePropelNetwork.org.

Ellen Ades is PROPEL’s certified career coach.

ADAM ESSES

WE ARE VERY HAPPY AND EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THE PUBLICATION OF OUR CHIEF RABBI SHAUL J. KASSIN’S ZT’L SEFER, MITZVAT HASHEM WHICH COINCIDES WITH THE THIRD ARAYAT OF THE RABBI. THE SEFER BREAKS DOWN THE MITZVOT THAT ARE APPLICABLE IN THE DIASPORA BY PARASHAH, WITH BEAUTIFUL ADDITIONS AND COMMENTARIES. IT ALSO INCLUDES ARTICLES PERTAINING TO THE JEWISH HOLIDAYS AND A COLLECTION OF LETTERS ON TORAH TOPICS.

THERE ARE BEAUTIFUL INTRODUCTIONS WRITTEN BY OUR FORMER CHIEF RABBI JACOB S. KASSIN ZT’L, HACHAM OVADIA YOSEF ZT’L AND HACHAM SHELOMO KASSIN ZT’L. THE SEFER WAS A TWO YEAR PROJECT THAT WAS COMPLETED WITH THE METICULOUS WORK OF RABBI PINCHAS SHELBY SHLITA. THIS PROJECT IS DEDICATED BY THE ESSES BROTHERS VICTOR, ADAM AND RABBI DAVID ESSES IN MEMORY OF THE RABBI, THEIR PARENTS AND IN HONOR OF DANNY SROUR.

When my siblings and I were growing up, our mother would wake us up early on Shabbat mornings to make sure we got to k’nis on time. Our weekly Shabbat morning ritual included a visit to Shaare Zion’s “dome,” where we would receive a blessing from our father, who would then send us up to the stage to receive a blessing from Hacham Shaul Kassin zt’l and the other rabbis. Only afterward would we attend our youth minyan.

When we got older, we began to appreciate Hacham Shaul’s piety and humility. We noticed how he would always enter the synagogue from a side entrance so that the congregation wouldn’t stand in his honor. We observed how he walked quickly, with his head down, attempting to avoid the spotlight as much as possible. Our father would often remark that Hacham Shaul was the humblest person he had ever encountered.

With time, I grew closer to the Rabbi and started going to his Wednesday night shiurim in Shaare Zion’s library. These classes delivered a wide range of topics including Gemara, Mishnayot, Halachah and Parashah. Interspersed throughout his classes were stories and vignettes from his youth among the saintly rabbis of Yerushalayim of old. He would also deliver a shiur on Friday nights after Arbit. These classes invariably concluded with a riddle from his father, Chief Rabbi Yaakob Kassin zt’l, in his work, P’ri Etz Hagan. (We would call him all week with our answers; he would smile and give us berachot, and rejoice when we were able to answer the riddles quickly.)

Hacham Shaul once gave me an earlier printing of this sefer, Mitzvat Hashem, as a gift. In his classic thoughtful way, he inscribed in it the verse alluding to my name so that I could recite it at the end of the Amidah each day. He performed gestures like these hundreds of times throughout his life.

He was uniquely approachable. With his soft-spoken and humble demeanor, he made it so easy for us to fulfill our Sages’ dictum: Make for yourself a rabbi. Indeed, with him, one often felt as if he had fulfilled the next command as well: Acquire for yourself a friend. With every question or issue we encountered, we knew that we could ask him and receive an immediate answer without feeling that we were burdening him, regardless of what time we were calling. Whenever there was a happy occasion or family tragedy, he was there for us. And he did the same for countless others. One can only guess at how many shidduchim he arranged and weddings he officiated.

Hacham Shaul personified zerizut, alacrity. He never let a moment go to waste, and he was exceedingly quick to perform every mitzvah that came his way. (When walking with him to tashlich, it took all of our energy not to fall behind in a few seconds!)

In his later years, I often had the opportunity to pick him up and bring him to Minha. Whenever I arrived at his home, he would be waiting for me by the window. Rain or snow, nothing could ever stop him from coming. There were days when we tried to dissuade him: “It’s pouring outside, perhaps you should stay home.” But the rabbi would not hear of it. “I don’t want you to get wet, so maybe you should stay home, but I am going,“ was always his ready response.

As we reflect on our beloved Rabbi and his lifetime of devotion and piety, we are humbled to have merited to take part in the publication of his work. May it serve as a fitting tribute, and an elevation for his pure neshamah. Yehi zichro baruch (May his memory be a blessing).

Adam Esses and Family

CHIEF RABBI OF DAMASCUS

MOE SAAD

HACHAM NISSIM INDIBO, CHIEF RABBI OF DAMASCUS AND A DISTINGUISHED LEADER OF THE BET DIN, WAS A STUDENT OF HACHAM YISHAK ALBUAFIA. HE LIVED A LONG LIFE AND HIS MIND WAS TOTALLY CLEAR UNTIL HIS LAST DAY. HACHAM NISSIM, SENSING THE DAY HIS PASSING CALLED HIS STUDENT HACHAM YISHAK ASSA TO HIS BEDSIDE.

Hacham Nissim’s children and grandchildren, all kohanim, were at his bedside as well. When the family was ready to leave, Hacham Assa was going to leave with them, but Hacham Nissim asked him to stay longer. The two men prayed together and after saying the Shema, Hacham Nissim passed away silently. He is buried right outside the room where Rabbi Haim Vital A”H is buried. On his stone it says “The Greatest Rabbi.”

Hacham Yom Tob Yedid A”H would send his best students to get blessings from Hacham Nissim Indibo, one of whom was Rabbi Edmond Nahum. Hacham Yedid only eulogized one person in his lifetime, that person was Hacham Indibo. In his eulogy he stated, “The passing of such a giant is as difficult as watching a Torah scroll get burned.”

Hacham Nissim was indeed a giant of the Torah world and kabballah, as well as head of the Bet Din. He always had smile on his face and greeted everyone nicely. He was very empathetic when it came to people’s feelings. He was known for his patience and as Chief Rabbi, he treated everyone—children and adults—with a great deal of respect. Whenever he was seen walking in the Jewish Quarter, everyone would gather around him, even other rabbis, and escort him wherever he was going.

Hacham Nissim was given rare permission by the Syrian government in the most difficult time for the Jews in Syria. When the famous Israeli Spy, Eli Cohen, was given a death sentence, his last request was to see a rabbi. Hacham Nissim was allowed to go to Cohen’s cell. Once he was with Cohen, he helped him write a heart-wrenching letter to his wife Nadia and his children. Everyone who saw the two men together, even the Syrians, noticed the affection and the pain they felt. Moments before Eli Cohen was hung, he and Rabbi Nissim recited the Viddui (a prayer of atonement) and the Shema.

Hacham Nissim lived next to Kneset Shebet Ahim and every single night, without fail, from midnight until morning he would teach and learn with all his students. They would work from midnight until it was time for Shahrit. After that, he would go to his shop in the Jewish Quarter where he sold wheat and oil, because he did not want any benefit from being a rabbi.

Hacham Nissim officiated many religion ceremonies without accepting anything for his time. He wanted to do everything in honor of Hashem. He wrote books and a preface to Hacham Obadiah Haday’s 8 volume “Yiskil Abdi.” Hacham Hadaya A”H appreciated Hacham Nissim, who had a great deal of knowledge about halacha and the bet din. Rabbis would travel from far away to ask him questions, even Ashkenazi rabbis. Ashkenazi Rabbi Eliezer Rublin traveled from Yershalayim to Damascus to meet Rabbi Nissim and wrote about the visit, stating that he was very impressed by Hacham Nissim’s massive knowledge on Torah. He wrote how Rabbi Nissim studied all night and only slept for a few hours, and that he was incredibly impressed with all the books Rabbi Nissim had, calling it “a massive library.” He added that he had never seen anything like it.

Jews and non-Jews went to Hacham Nissim for blessings, advice and to ask him to pray for them, when they were in need of salvation. Rabbi Nissim’s blessings came true for many people.

He reminded the Jews that in every generation someone wants to wipe the Jews off the planet and Hashem always saves us from their hands.

When the government tried to move the grave of Rabbi Haim Vital (Marhu) A”H, who is buried in Damascus, to make way for new a highway, those who objected went to Hacham Nissim for help. After that, any time the government tried to dig up the area around Rabbi Vital’s grave, they would be faced with fire and snakes. But it was a difficult time for Jews in Syria and Hacham Nissim knew that if Rabbi Vital’s grave was not moved the Jews’ lives would become even more difficult. So, he moved Rabbi Vital’s grave, twice. Once across the highway, but the government went after him again, so Hacham Nissim moved the grave to the Jewish Cemetery, and thus when Hacham Nissim passed, he merited to be buried right outside Rabbi Vital’s place of burial.

Hacham Nissim would leave to go to the Rabbi Rafael Halevi Synagogue on Friday nights, two hours before Shabbat, because as he made his way to synagogue in his long and distinguished gown, people would line up to kiss his hand and receive a blessing. His picture was hung in almost every Jewish shop in Damascus, and many non-Jewish shops as well.

Every Erev Yom Kippur the Jews of Damascus had a tradition to visit the Jewish cemetery and the grave of Rabbi Haim Vital, where Rabbi Nissim was buried as well. May his memory be a blessing.