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.

NATALIE GREENBERG

THERE IS NO BETTER WAY TO SPEND A COLD AFTERNOON THAN VISITING A MUSEUM, AND WE ARE SO FORTUNATE AS NEW YORKERS TO HAVE SEVERAL WORLD-CLASS MUSEUMS IN OUR CITY! IF YOU WANT TO SEE MODERN ART, THE BEST MUSEUM TO VISIT IS MOMA—THE MUSEUM OF MODERN ART, LOCATED IN THE HEART OF MIDTOWN MANHATTAN AT 11 WEST 53RD STREET.

MoMA concentrates its collection on only modern and contemporary art, from the 1870’s until the present. You will not find any Renaissance or Old Master paintings there.

In the middle of the 19th century, artists began to move away from the subjects of religion, history and mythology and began to paint what they saw in everyday life, especially scenes of how middle class Parisians spent their leisure time. This may seem mundane to us, but it was quite radical at the time, and crowds would flock to the exhibits to poke fun at and critique this new type of art. Realism (1860s) and Impressionism (1870s) were revolutionary to the development of modern art, and much of what we love about modern and contemporary art is looked at through the lens of these two movements.

MoMA begins its permanent collection with French Impressionism and Post-Impressionism (1870-1880’s) and that is how I would suggest you begin your visit to MoMA.Take the elevator to the fifth floor to begin your journey through modern art.

Before you enter through the doors, you will see a group of sculptures by artist Constantin Brancusi (Gallery 500). Brancusi’s simplified forms are fun to look at, especially for kids. Try to guess what he was sculpting before you look at the wall text. The simplified forms push towards abstraction and this gallery sets up the visitor for what they will see next. Abstraction is the absence of any representation of form. In modern art, much of the earlier artwork still has forms we can understand until there is a point where artists stopped thinking that representational forms needed to be there to understand the art. As you move through the museum, try to look for the point where true abstraction began.

In the first gallery (gallery 501), you will begin with the Post-Impresionists; Seurat, Van Gogh and Cezanne. These painters worked in the 1880’s and were interested in painting in a new way. Their techniques are all quite different than their predecessors.

Look at Seurat’s brushstrokes. He took a scientific approach to painting, and used a system of dots. When looking at his paintings very closely the colors are broken up, but when viewed from a distance they appear to show shading and shadowing. This is similar to the contemporary idea of pixilation.

Don’t miss Vincent Van Gogh’s Starry Night. There is usually a crowd of people around it. If you can get close to the painting, note the thickness and the expressionist movement in Van Gogh’s brushstrokes. This was painted while Van Gogh was spending time at an asylum. He woke up early, looked out his window and this is what he saw. You can almost feel his emotion while looking at this wondrous scene of nature, with it’s swirling stars and cypress trees moving in the wind.

Walk through to the other galleries. MoMA used to arrange their artworks in chronological order with the earliest ones displayed first, but recently they have added more contemporary works sprinkled among the older ones.

Stop in the gallery displaying works by Picasso (gallery 503) and look at his masterpiece Demoiselles de Avignon. Picasso was 25 years old when he painted this groundbreaking work of art. This painting makes a radical break from traditional composition and perspective in painting. It depicts five women composed of flat, splintered planes whose faces were inspired by Iberian sculpture and African masks. Many consider this painting the beginning of the cubist movement and one of the most important contributions to modern art.

As you continue to move through the fifth floor, take in the paintings of other modern masters; of particular note (gallery 506) Henri Matisse. Matisse used color to push his idea of modern art. Look at The Red Studio, where he paints his work-space filled with paintings and sculptures. He uses color, not perspective to show us his studio.

Keep going until you reach gallery 517. This room is filled with Surrealist works. Surrealism is based on the idea of dreams and psychology. Many of the works are dreamlike, eerie or nightmarish. Look for the tiny masterpiece by Surrealist artist Salvador Dali, The Persistence of Memory. Many of you might be familiar with this dreamscape of melting clocks and decaying forms. Time is the subject here, and in this painting Dali is grappling with time, death and decay.

Do not miss Gallery 515 with Claude Monet’s Water Lillies! This entire room contains only the 3-panel triptych, Water Lillies, which is a beautiful example of French Impressionism. Monet and his fellow Impressionists wanted to be able to paint the effects of air and light. This was painted late in Monet’s life, when his eyesight was failing. The paintings are inspired by Monet’s gardens in Giverny. At the center of this composition there is a pool of greens and blues with lilies blooming. There are areas of sky, clouds, water and flowers. The entire composition is very close to abstraction and leaves the viewer with the feeling of being totally immersed in the garden.

At this point in your tour, you might feel that you are completely saturated with modern art, so perhaps it is time for a break. A wonderful place to sit is the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden.

The entire museum, newly renovated, is in itself a work of modern architecture. The sculpture garden is a lovely place to contemplate the juxtaposition of modern sculpture and the busy city. You can relax here and decide what you would like to view next. Do you want to see artist’s works from the 1940s to 1970s, such as Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko and Andy Warhol or would you prefer to see some of the architecture and design exhibits? Perhaps you would be interested in some modern photography exhibits? These are all part of MoMA’s permanent collection.

MoMA always has some temporary exhibits on display, and it is usually worthwhile to check those out as well. Currently there is a show called Automania, which is great for kids! Automania brings together cars, car parts, models drawings and films dedicated to the automobile. In keeping with the MoMA theme, the show addresses the automobile’s impact on design in America.

It is best to secure your ticket to MoMA ahead of your arrival with a timed ticket, so you should check their website for advanced ticket sales.

Enjoy your visit to MoMA!

Natalie Senior Greenberg is a Brooklyn College Art History professor, and the founder, curator and owner of an online art gallery.

WHAT IS MISASKIM? ASK ANY PERSON ON THE STREET AND YOU WILL HEAR ABOUT THE SHIVA DELIVERIES THAT SO MANY IN OUR COMMUNITY HAVE UTILIZED. HOWEVER, FIND AND ASK A MISASKIM VOLUNTEER WHAT MISASKIM DOES, AND THEIR ANSWER WILL KNOCK YOU OFF YOUR FEET.

Misaskim is well-known for their disaster recovery services as well as the service provided to those grieving a loss. But there is so much more that goes on and people have absolutely no idea about it. For years, the volunteers at Misaskim have shied away from the public eye, preferring instead to do much of their holy work secretly and without anyone knowing about it. But now for the first time, in this exclusive piece on the organization, we are going to uncover some of that mystery.

MOURNER’S NEEDS
When a loved one passes, Misaskim is at the forefront in providing for the family during the week of shiva. Beyond the shiva necessities such as delivering the chairs, water and prayer books, an additional incredible act of kindness is what the team of volunteers does to the shiva home come Shabbat, when there are young children sitting shiva for a parent. When a family is mourning, going into Shabbat with the mirrors covered and the furniture moved out of the way makes a difficult time feel even more so. Volunteers come into the home on Erev Shabbat to pack all the paraphernalia away and then put it all back out on Saturday night. It is a small kindness that goes a long way, bringing many families to tears.

Misaskim’s volunteers are trained to look around the shiva house they are servicing, and to take note of anything that might be missing that would be needed. Whether it is a light bulb that needs to be changed, or a fridge that needs to be stocked or laundry that needs to be washed, the volunteers will go above and beyond to do what is needed.

When there are young children in the shiva home, volunteers will show up with toys that are age appropriate to keep the kids busy. Master storytellers and entertainers are also sent to the home to bring some joy to these young neshamot. Misaskim stores all their toys in a warehouse to ensure they have supplies whenever they may be needed.

Misaskim goes above and beyond to help those sitting shiva, but their work begins before and extends way beyond the shiva.

There are families who cannot afford to bury their loved one. There are families who do not care to bring the deceased to a Jewish burial at all and would rather go the cremation route.

And then there are those who pass away with no family at all, r”l. Who will hold a funeral for this person and ensure he receives proper kevura (burial)?

Misaskim has helped thousands in all of the aforementioned scenarios, over and over.

BEYOND THE WEEK OF SHIVA
One of the most closely guarded and beloved secrets of Misaskim operations is the work they do for the almonot (widows) and yetomim (orphans) of the community. There is a whole world of hesed performed that is completely under the radar. Part of the reason for this is the humility and secrecy in which the volunteers operate. Much of the hesed is done quietly, and while the acts may seem small, they make a world of a difference to a family suffering a recent loss.

It’s changing the light bulbs for a family who lost a small child and the parent says, “I’ve been meaning to get to that for 18 months, but life was—you know.”

It’s putting up the basketball hoop for the boys who lost their father, with their mother standing in the doorway watching with a sad smile.

It’s the call from the new almanah (widow) whose husband just died because she needs a ride home from the medical examiner’s office.

These are the details that make Misaskim great. Indeed, it is these acts of kindness that will remain as a child’s core memory, even after time has passed and the volunteers have long forgotten it. Misaskim wastes no time assisting those in need and they do not turn away or give up, even when the situation seems daunting. Long after shiva has ended and others have moved on with their lives, Misaskim volunteers receive call after call from almonot or families for assistance in a variety of matters, and they never turn anyone away.

When a person calls Misaskim, they know that their requests will be handled with their dignity intact, and with the utmost privacy. Both are essential aspects that every volunteer within the organization is trained in, and it makes all the difference.

COMMUNITY AWARENESS
The official mission of Misaskim is to alleviate tragedy and coordinate crises. One may begin to wonder why is Misaskim always in the forefront of news when it comes to community awareness? Why has Misaskim become the organization that other organizations call when they need assistance in dealing with local agencies? It all began decades ago, with Yanky Meyer, the founder and director of Misaskim. In the event of an unusual or tragic death, there is a process that needs to be followed. Local police are called, and then the body is sent to the medical examiner’s office for further investigation. Meyer would observe grieving families waiting hours to get the niftar (dead person)released by the medical examiner’s office. In his effort to help the community, Meyer spent endless hours over a span of months establishing connections with local law enforcement and government agencies to educate them on the Jewish custom of not delaying funerals or burial. They worked together on a solution that would help expedite the process of releasing a body. There is a reason that this system is set in place, and in no way does Misaskim stand in the way. Rather, after realizing that this was a process that took anywhere between 8 and12 hours, and that families were going through so much anguish due to the delayed levaya (funeral), Yanky Meyer worked for many months to streamline the process. Nowadays, instead of 8 to12 hours, it can take as little as two hours for the medical examiner to release a body.

Misaskim services the greater Jewish community in the tri-state area, with warehouses and garages in 11 neighborhoods to date, including Deal. The van used in Deal was donated this summer by Eli and Isaac Eddi in memory of their father Simon Eddi.

NECHAMA SPERO

FREE TIME IS TIME THAT IS NOT SCHEDULED WITH ANY OBLIGATIONS OR RESPONSIBILITIES—TIME THAT IS YOURS TO SPEND PURSUING WHATEVER IS IMPORTANT TO YOU, MAKES YOU FEEL HAPPY, AND SUPPORTS YOUR PERSONAL GOALS. THE STUDENTS AT MAGEN DAVID YESHIVAH ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOLS ARE CHOOSING TO SPEND THEIR FREE TIME LEARNING TORAH! THAT STATEMENT ALONE SPEAKS VOLUMES ABOUT THE PRIORITIES AND PASSIONS OF OUR STUDENT BODY.

Over 200 students from grades 4 to 8, and 25 staff members gather together on Sunday mornings between the hours of 9 and 11 a.m. to participate in our extraordinary Torah Hayim program. During these two meaningful hours, both boys and girls pray and learn Torah with their rabbis and teachers.

Fathers join their sons to pray Shaharit together and share in a deluxe breakfast. Afterwards, the boys sit with rabbis from our school and learn Torah through inspiring and thought provoking discussions and activities. Each week includes a special Halacha presentation and highlights of the Parasha. The girls enjoy their delicious breakfast first and then are led by one of their most cherished morot (teachers) and pray together. Next, the girls will have their learning sessions with their teacher about a variety of Torah topics. Some content revolves around the Parasha, as well as fundamental concepts and values. Our teachers are utilizing their classroom skills to create small groups and develop hands-on activities to drive home the big ideas while establishing a fun and exciting environment.

On Sunday mornings, all our students interact with Torah concepts through many dynamic and creative activities. The rabbis and morot have created game shows, technological presentations, and arranged SBH and community museum events. Students are enthusiastic and eager to join together in this remarkable program. The bonus of earning prizes, raffle tickets, and spending time with friends are secondary to the spiritual heights they soar during this uplifting path to start their week!

Our MDY Torah Center is busy with learning programs three evenings a week. Girls in grades 4 through 8 meet up on Tuesday evenings to spend special time with their morot and peers to learn Torah from 7 to 8 p.m. and highschool girls learn from 8 to 9 that same night. Mondays and Wednesdays are boys’ evenings which include praying Arbit. Each week we have over 500 students volunteering to enter the school building and learning Torah during their free time. Besides the beauty and kedusha (holiness) of Torah, we offer the children treats such as pastries, mazza, sushi and drinks, as well as raffles and prizes. Again, these physical incentives are only the surface while deep down in their neshamot (souls) the students are reaping the greatest rewards possible.

Here again, our precious ones are choosing Torah when there are many other activities available. Our engaging and loving rabbis and morot are using these rare opportunities to build meaningful relationships and foster connections to instill a true love of Torah and mitzvot with their students. The students leave each evening feeling a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction in knowing they have spent their time in the most positive and holy way possible. These moments they share will have an everlasting impact on their lives and provide a healthy and strong foundation to last them through their coming challenges.

Through participating in our Magen David Yeshivah Torat Hayim and Torah Center programs, the students are gaining a true understanding of how Torah is life and learning, it is not simply a subject in school, but an essential way of life.

Mrs. Nechama Spero has been teaching at Magen David Elementary school for 21 years and was recently appointed Assistant Principal for General Studies of the Middle School. She is a lifelong Brooklyn resident and graduate of a yeshivah education. She holds multiple college degrees, and is a mother of five children.

MRS. MIRIAM TAWIL

NOW IN ITS 13TH YEAR, MIDRESHET ESHEL IS LITERALLY BURSTING AT THE SEAMS! WE BEGAN THE YEAR WITH 40 STUDENTS JOINING US FROM NY, NJ, MIAMI, LOS ANGELES, DALLAS AS WELL AS LONDON, GIBRALTAR, MEXICO, BRAZIL, VENEZUELA, AND OTHER PLACES AROUND THE WORLD. WHILE THE STUDENTS COME FROM A VARIETY OF PLACES THEY SHARE A COMMON GOAL: TO LEARN, GROW AND DEVELOP INTO THEIR BEST SELVES!

Tucked away in the picturesque alleyways of the Old City, just a few minutes walk from the Kotel, stands the impressive Midrasha building with breathtaking views overlooking Har HaBayit, Har HaZeitim and Midbar Yehuda. Through the generosity of community members Ezra Ashkenazi, Harry Adjmi, Harold Shamah and Stanley Chera A”H, the Midrasha was able to purchase the building they have called home for the last 11 years.

“So far my experience at Eshel has been full of growth, new friendships and a stronger connection with Hashem,” said Ruthy Dwek, graduate of Flatbush. “In just two months I already feel the impact Eshel has had on me.”

Students challenge themselves on a daily basis to explore, clarify, and solidify their understanding of—and commitment to—Torah and mitzvot. Subjects such as Tanakh, Tefila, Halacha and Jewish Philosophy are complemented by classes on Character Development and Healthy Communication. “All classes in the Midrasha are based on three fundamental relationships,” explained Miriam Tawil Founder and Director of the Midrasha. “The relationship the student has with G-d, with others, and with herself.”

Rita Scaba, another Flatbush graduate described her experience there, “Eshel is helping me grow so much as a person and as a Jew. I feel like I’ve already come so far in such a short time and can’t wait to continue!”

Away from the familiar comforts of home, Dr. Hila Aboody nurtures and supports students as their Em Bayit (house mother) while stimulating them intellectually with classes such as Mishlei, Living Inspired, and Marriage. “Both inside and outside the classroom it is truly wonderful seeing how these young women transform from high school students to independent young women. They have learned so much about themselves and how to positively impact their families and communities,” Dr. Aboody observed.

Alongside the rigorous learning schedule which runs Sunday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., students are given the opportunity to volunteer to do various hesed projects. “I’m so grateful for the opportunity to volunteer at the One Family Fund,“ stated Sarita Esses. She continued, “The kids are amazing and so excited when we come. I love seeing the smiles on their faces when we get there.”

The program at Midreshet Eshel would not be complete without the many hikes and day trips taken throughout the country. Students have enjoyed hiking in Yad Kennedy, Ein Gedi and swimming in Nachal Hakibbutzim. Community expert tour guides Adele (Chabot) Tawil and Rabbi David Zeit have led walking tours in the Jewish Quarter, The City of David, and Hebron. Monthly Shabbatonim spent with teachers in cities all over the country such as Sefat, Teveria, Mizpe Ramon and the Golan are a definite highlight of the program.

This year, a shana bet (second year) program for returning students, has been created to take our students to a whole new level. Students in the first year program benefit from the experiences of second year students, while second year students begin to actualize their leadership skills, as they learn one-on-one and in small groups. They are able to initiate and lead student activities. Alicia Matsas enthused, “My first year at Eshel was so meaningful I decided to return for shana bet. The learning and deep friendships I have formed with first year students have been so inspiring and mutually impactful.”

Alumni feel the impact of their experience long after it is over. According to Sarah Frastai, “Being in Eshel taught me that my life has a purpose. Eshel was the biggest life changing experience for me—and I will never forget it.” Mazal Zami of Ilan continues to maintain her deep connection to the Midrasha, stating, “Eshel is my home in Israel.”

Recruitment for September 2022 is well underway as applications have started amassing. One Israeli advisor already warned, “It’s time to expand again!”

It is our hope that more students from the community, as well as from Sephardic communities around the world, come and discover “the magic of Eshel.”

For more information please visit www.sephardicseminary.org.

Experienced educator, administrator, wife and mother. Mrs. Miriam Tawil is a caring and passionate educator. MS Jewish Philosophy, Revel Yeshiva University. MS Jewish Education Azrieli, Yeshiva University. Past Chair Jewish Philosophy Dept. Magen David Yeshivah H.S. and Executive Director of Barkai Yeshivah.

WOMB OF DIAMONDS IS A MUST READ

HAD YOU SEEN LUCIE CHOUEKE FROM ALEPPO, SYRIA ENTERTAINING THOUSANDS OF JAPANESE GUESTS ON A TYPICAL SUNDAY IN KOBE, SHE WOULDN’T HAVE APPEARED OUT OF PLACE. IN FACT, AFTER 84 YEARS IN JAPAN, MANY OF HER STRONGEST FRIENDSHIPS WITH PEOPLE OF DIFFERENT NATIONALITIES AND FAITHS BEGAN THERE BEFORE WORLD WAR TWO. WOMB OF DIAMONDS: A TRUE ADVENTURE FROM CHILD BRIDE OF SYRIA TO CELEBRITY BUSINESSWOMAN OF JAPAN TELLS THE STORY OF A UNIQUE PERSON SHAPED BY MANY CULTURES.

According to Lucie’s grandson, Ezra Choueke, he didn’t write this book to alleviate boredom or to assuage feelings of guilt. Lucie was in her mid-eighties and he was in his early thirties but they actually had a lot in common. She was operating three very profitable businesses and even Tony Soprano would have called her a “good earner.” Ezra was in China, working in manufacturing, and was incredibly stressed after a few years of 90 plus hour work weeks. As he barely had time for vacations, the short trip between Shenzhen and Kobe was a welcome distraction. She could tell Ezra had a lot on his mind. Therefore, after her usual questions confirming the health of the company, she changed the subject.

Most have questions about their grandparents and Ezra was no different. But in his case, there were a few glaring questions that even the most apathetic grandchild would have a difficult time ignoring. Why wasn’t Tetta (grandmother) a Syrian or Japanese citizen? Since Japan was a member of the Tri-Partite pact during World War Two, why wasn’t she killed? Why did thousands of people visit Tetta every week and why was she in those magazines? As the questions continued, the answers got more circuitous. They discussed much more than the obvious, like how to efficiently remove bugs from rationed rice, how to run a profitable black market enterprise, how expats honorably left their cheating spouses or untangled friends from difficult relationships, how only a woman can really appreciate an eight millimeter pearl, and the real reason many young bachelors were sent to Japan.

Lucie discussed how she came of age in the 1930s Jewish community of Aleppo, and at thirteen years old worked beside Muslims, Armenian Christians, and the French military. She fondly related how chickpeas were used instead of wedding invitations, where their pistachios were dried, indiscreet tales of the bathhouse, the magical properties of the souk, and tests for her marriage value involving goats and other barometers. She explained how she was tricked into an engagement with a 29 year-old man, as well as all the drama and emotional scarring that accompanied it.

Lucie detailed her introduction to Japanese culture in 1936, while she excelled as a partner in a dynamic international trading business. Soon however, with the arrival of World War II, everything she had built was threatened by American bombs, clever spies, Nazi sympathizers, food shortages, and snakes. She was unable to withdraw from the pressures though, as the Jewish community of Kobe needed to work together to save thousands of refugees from Europe.

Later in her life, Lucie became a very successful businesswoman and loved nothing more than to help others start their own enterprises. She doesn’t communicate this knowledge with the vaguery of a hedge fund manager on CNBC. Rather, she tells you how “roasting a chicken in its own fat” applies to property management. She uses humorous stories from Syria and Japan to explain how things get done.

While this book is about Lucie’s adventures, it is also the story of many Sephardic grandmothers born around this time period. It touches on the difficulties of being a woman in Arab cultures, the joys of the simplicity of life, and the amazing transformations many women underwent after their migrations to more open societies.

The appendices of the book follow the story of the Jews of Japan for the last ninety years. Lucie, as the last remaining Japan resident of the former Sephardi community of Kobe, adds her remembrances to the written record.

As for Ezra, the 15 years of Sundays they worked on this book, gave him a new appreciation of her strength. There were many times he was skeptical of what he was hearing. At one point, he took a break from their interviews and researched various historical subjects to fact check the details of their discussions. Ezra’s research only confirmed her stories.

Eventually, it came time for them to take separate journeys, but the anecdotes, lessons, history, and laughter are recorded in this book. They hope it reminds readers of the days Jews loved Aleppo. They hope it communicates the good intentions of their Japanese friends, but most of all, they hope it helps a few understand where they came from. As for Ezra, after writing this book, he understands why he was so drawn to Lucie’s story, why thousands of people visited her each week, and he cherishes every moment they spent together.

THE AMAZING PEOPLE BEHIND THE SCENES
HELPING SINGLES MEET

SARINA ROFFÉ

“MATCHMAKER, MATCHMAKER MAKE ME A MATCH, FIND ME A FIND…” THE WORDS FROM THE FIDDLER ON THE ROOF SONG, ALTHOUGH BRILLIANT, PROJECT THE FEELING THAT MATCHMAKING IS AN OLD-FASHIONED, OUT-OF-SYNC WAY FOR SINGLES TO MEET. THE STEREOTYPE IS FAR FROM THE TRUTH.

An army of about 70 volunteer matchmakers in the community, empowered by Instagram posts that have made matchmaking cool not only among the more religious, but for everyone, are unsung heroes toiling to help people meet. People—young, old, single or divorced, religious or modern—are using the skills of trained matchmakers in the community.

This public stance about matchmaking—helping people who want to be married find their soulmates—has given Odette Rishty and others like her, more couples to help. With each matchmaker handling hundreds of cases, there has been overwhelming demand.

Now working behind the scenes for about 25 years, Odette’s hesed has helped more than 40 couples meet and marry. She connects with people on her Instagram account @itsallagift, on the phone and in person. Singles reach out to Odette and the other matchmakers by emailing shaarezionconnect@gmail.com.

Odette described one couple she interviewed and helped. “These were two modern Orthodox 22-year-olds in jeans and leather jackets. Joe (fictitious name) wanted my help and his friend said he only came along for moral support, but asked to be interviewed once he saw Odette’s style of welcome and getting to know them. It took a few introductions, and Joe met his nasseeb (soulmate).

”As it turned out Joe’s friend let’s call him B said he had someone he was interested in. Months went by and suddenly Odette found out that B had broken it off with the girl over a religious infraction. Odette realized B had a more serious side to his personality than was visible through the intake interview. She got a call from another matchmaker about an intelligent educated girl. She called B, to ask if he would meet her and he agreed. Before she knew it, they married. You never know!

“I think of it as gourmet dating,” said Odette, who is an excellent listener, gets to know each person well, and comes to understand what they are looking for in a life partner. She even makes date suggestions. Ultimately the match is coming from Hashem and sometimes Odette gets some insight that allows her to be a partner in the process of helping two people find each other.

“There are many singles in the community who want to be married. We are here for them, and it is the only reason I do what I do,” she said. “There are thousands more singles than there are matchmakers. We work with each individual no matter what is going on in our own lives. We don’t tell the person we are answering their call from a hospital bed, or from a family vacation, or while spending time with our own children.”

Odette’s style developed under the guidance of several rabbis who influenced her life—Rabbi David Cohen, Rabbi Shlomo Churba, Rabbi David Ozeri, Rabbi Moshe Kuessous A”H, Rabbis Max and David Maslaton. “The continuing guidance of community rabbis is needed to understand the needs of some couples,” she said. “The rabbis including Hakham Baruch A”H and Rabbi Shaul Kassin A”H always extended themselves above and beyond to me personally for the singles. This impressed upon me early on the chashivoot (importance) of the matter.”

Relationships can best flourish when they are based on shared values and vision. The matchmakers help people identify their values and meet a like-minded soulmate. Sometimes the person has a personal issue that hinders the process, and the matchmakers help the person identify and overcome the issue. The more open the person is, the easier it is to help them find a match.

The community matchmakers have their own network. They meet, they speak on the phone, they keep a database of singles, of their likes, their dislikes, and information about them that will help other matchmakers put people together. Each of them is a volunteer, helping couples in their spare time. They each have families and some also work full time.

Odette began matchmaking by accident when she was married with two children. Then in her mid-20s, she had a single friend. “In those days no one went to a matchmaker, except the more religious.” She heard about a meeting for matchmakers and went, towing her son along in his car seat. All she wanted to do was describe her friend and get her on their radar.

“As I sat there, I heard them describing people and then I realized I knew a guy for one of the girls they were speaking about. They had a list, but they didn’t know the people I knew. At the time, I was more modern so the people I knew were not on their radar,” said Odette. “I knew people who would never go to a matchmaker. So, they told me I had to keep coming.”

That couple got married and then the other matchmakers ‘trained’ her on how to interview people and other nuances, such as not setting up a Cohen with a divorced girl. “There was a lot to think about,” she said. “It took time. They were patient and loved that I had names of people they didn’t have. A new name is exciting to someone who is single. Before I knew it, I was making match after match.”

Odette, like the other matchmakers in the community, spends hours on the phone, interviewing potential mates and trying to find the right fit for each person. They want to give people hope that when they call, tthey will have a date that takes into account at least some of their ‘wants.’

“When I meet a person, I listen to them and make sure they know I hear everything they say, it validates what is on their list and encourages them. The client needs to think that I want for them what I want for my own child,” she said. “I want people to know I am thinking of them and not to give up, no matter how old they are. I’ve literally matched many in the older age groups who had felt like it was never going to happen.”

Respect for them is important to me, and I always work from that point of view. If I begin a communication in a text, I always ask how they are, if they are seeing someone and then speak to them. I don’t give them another suggestion if they are seeing someone because that really could cause confusion,’’ she said.

Some of the matchmakers deal with specific age groups, or religious levels; some have a bigger list, while others are younger and in training. Sometimes Odette might host a mixer for people to meet. Odette even found matches for two of her four children!

Odette does other volunteer work as well. She was a captain for Sephardic Bikur Holim, taking on a family in need and working side-by-side with the social worker to be sure they got what they needed to get on their feet. She is also a Mitzvah Man volunteer, visiting Holocaust survivors and the sick. Working with David Assis in the new community organization, Osehshalom.world, Odette tries to make peace between people who are not speaking to each other.

When she was asked where her drive to help others came from, she said “My parents, Ezra and Adela Tebele A”H, who were giving people and taught us to look out for others’ needs and help people. “Many times, when I was a child, and walking with my father in Manhattan, we saw a homeless guy on the street. My father would buy him a hot chocolate and a sandwich and put it next to him. It made a big impression on me and taught me not to fear people who were different from me. My mother had the warmest personality; everyone who came close to her was mothered. I learned from their example that giving was everything!

Odette’s biggest cheerleader is her husband of three decades, Elliot Rishty. Along the way Elliot made his own match! One night, he watched Odette interview a girl and after she left, said she’d be perfect for the brother of someone at his synagogue. The rest was history!

Odette helps Elliot and his partner in their jewelry and gift business. One of her tasks is handling the Instagram posts which she says isn’t such a task but more a labor of love. Because connecting with people in a heartfelt way is a part of her. Instagram has helped forge many more warm connections.

“I guess it’s important to tell Image readers that I have matched every religious level and type but I connect especially well with mainstream singles or ones who grew religiously more recently, because I grew up just like them and understand how difficult it is to even fathom needing a matchmaker’s help,” she said.

“It’s a nice feeling to be appreciated for what we do or when we make a match, but the best feeling is when I watch our community’s young and mature adults walk down the aisle with that beaming smile.”

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

LUCKILY, A BEAUTIFUL DAY DAWNED ON SUNDAY OCTOBER 3, 2021, WHICH WAS JUST PERFECT FOR THE NEW AND INNOVATIVE HILLEL YESHIVA CARNIVAL ON THE BOARDWALK. THE PTA WANTED TO BEGIN THE YEAR WITH AN ACTIVITY THAT WOULD BE EXCITING AND FUN. THE PLANNERS BRAINSTORMED AND CREATED A BOARDWALK DAY. OVER 250 FAMILIES FROM DEAL, BROOKLYN AND OTHER SHORE COMMUNITIES JOINED THE FESTIVITIES AT THE JCC OF THE JERSEY SHORE.

The atmosphere was electric as more and more families arrived to participate in the games and crafts. There was an activity for every age from trampoline bungee jumping, bouncy obstacle courses, a blow-up soccer field, velcro kickball, a mini train, face painting, sand art, carnival games and more. A DJ kept the crowd jumping with upbeat music.

A Hillel Yeshiva Middle School Knockout Basketball Tournament preceded the event. The winners were excited to receive prizes and all the students were thrilled to be able to enjoy the boardwalk activities before the crowds arrived.

The PTA would like to thank Rena Golden of Bashes By Rena for organizing the event, Rabbi Avi Bodlander, Assistant Principal of Hillel Yeshiva Elementary and Middle School, who acted as DJ, for making sure the music was electrifying, and the JCC for their generosity in donating their facility.

Hillel Yeshiva’s PTA is known for creating friendly and exciting programming that brings parents together as active participants in the school. As defined by the PTA President, Nina Safdieh, “the main goal of PTA is to build strong relationships among parents, teachers and the community in support of our students.” They achieve this goal by planning creative programs and events that encourage school spirit.

Their programs are well-attended and have included parenting classes, summer color war organized by Lynda Levy, and monthly challah baking with the delicious baked loaves donated to the SBH Food Pantry. Of course it would be remiss to omit the wonderful, highly anticipated Mishloach Manot Purim Project. Planning for this project begins a year in advance and the result is highly anticipated and definitely worth the effort.

Thank you to PTA President Nina Safdieh and Vice Presidents Tunie Deutsch and Aileen Nasar for their outstanding dedication and leadership. What a great way to start the year! Everyone is looking forward to all the exciting programming ahead.