LEAVING NO STONE UNTURNED

SOPHIA FRANCO

IT’S A RANDOM TUESDAY, AND A LUMP APPEARS WHERE IT SHOULDN’T BE, A BRUISE, OR TWO, A HEADACHE THAT JUST WON’T DISAPPEAR. WITH HASHEM’S HELP THAT DAY WILL NEVER COME AND WE WILL NEVER HEAR THE WORD CANCER SPOKEN AGAIN OUT LOUD, BUT IF IT DOES, G-D FORBID, KNOW THAT HELP IS JUST A PHONE CALL AWAY.

Nancy Sutton, founder and president of the Morris I. Franco Cancer and Referral Center, has been guiding community members through the medical maze for over 28 years, providing endless support, hope and understanding. It started with referrals and help for patients trying to choose the right doctors, hospitals and treatments. She followed up that work—more than a decade ago—with the founding of the Cancer Center, a haven that provides every patient with whatever they might need, before they even know they need it.

Compassionate and nurturing, Nancy and her team’s experience is vast and unmatched. Years of invaluable connections helped garner their relationships with both hospitals and medical professionals, leaving the Cancer Center with a data bank that is complete with the names, and often cell numbers of thousands of doctors, and is constantly updated. This knowledge provides a clear path to success for patients who are probably at the most vulnerable point of their lives.

Renee Zarif, a recipient of that care, explained, “From the point a patient gets diagnosed until the point they find an oncologist, the fear that overtakes them is incomprehensible. I was just 30 years old when I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma; married nine years. You can just imagine what was going through our minds. There are many medical referral organizations and individuals, but when we got to Nancy, everything changed. The knowledge she has, the doctors on speed-dial, and the personal way in which she shared her thoughts—she was certain, when we were so uncertain. She actually found a way to put us at ease.”

A HAND TO HOLD
Nancy not only guided the Zarifs, but also sat right by their side at the first appointment. Renee continued, “We were so serious and nervous, and she was just calm. When we walked in, she said, ‘let’s get oatmeal and coffee,’ like it was a breakfast date. I was a wreck, and she brought comfort; making everything more tolerable. We talked with the doctor, and once he said that I was going to lose my hair, I tuned out. I couldn’t even hear the rest of what he was saying. Nancy was there, thank G-d, to ask all the right questions; She is the expert, and that doctor was Hashem’s gift to me.

“Nancy and her wonderful staff took care of everything, from transferring files from one hospital to another, to finding the right insurance, to getting a wig ready for me, and getting meals cooked for our family, Nancy’s mind is like a computer. She knows which doctor and which hospital is right for each patient. She’s ten steps ahead, and when you can’t think straight, that’s more valuable than you can ever know.”

Rabbi David Ozeri
“When a community member reaches out to me about a cancer diagnosis, the first person I tell them to call is Nancy Sutton at the MIFCC. I know that they will be getting the best medical guidance and have all their needs taken care of throughout their illness.“

Rabbi Joey Haber
“When someone is sick, there are two parts to their disease, the physical ailment and the emotional pain. The beauty of the Morris I Franco Cancer Center is that you feel like you are in the best hands in the world with both!“

Herbert Pardes M.D.
Executive Vice Chairman of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital

“On the one hand you can give surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. But if you pay full attention to the emotional and psychological needs of the individual like you do here at the Morris I Franco Cancer Center, you can expect a 20-30% improvement in the medical outcome.”

Joey Shamie ringing the bell at Sloan Kettering, symbolizing the end of treatment and the beginning of the road to recovery.

Ralph Tawil is another fighter, one who is just beginning his journey. On the second day of Passover, he told his wife Tami that he was having trouble formulating his words. After the CAT scan, the doctor came to their room with a chair in hand. They knew the news could not be good.

Tami recalled, “The ER doctor sent us to NYU, where a new doctor recommended surgery within a day or two. I did not say the word ‘petrified’ even once. I couldn’t go there. I just put one foot in front of another. But surgery? Is this the right doctor? I knew I needed the expertise only the Cancer Center could offer. Nancy picked up my call while with her grandkids at Universal Studios in Florida. She settled them, and sat down. ‘I’m all yours,’” she said.

“Once I told her the story, she said, ‘This is brain surgery! We need to research this! Give me some time.’ But when she called me back twenty minutes later, she was sure. This is the guy. Do it. Afterwards, Nancy and I were talking twice a day at least. This was the right doctor for the surgery, but we needed a course of action going forward. Nancy told me to come in to the Cancer Center and see dedicated staff member Margie Mathews to collect copies of the scans to send out. I used to volunteer there, so to walk in, and be on the other side as a patient advocate, was surreal. I expected to get the scans and a list of doctors. Instead, Nancy was standing there with a big smile on her face, a hug ready and a muffin in hand. I am good at many things, but doctors—definitely not my forte. Nancy sent our records all over America, and later on, she would usher us into Duke, in North Carolina. ‘Do you need a charter? We can arrange it,’ she asked. ‘What’s a charter?’ I answered. She would have been on the plane with us, if not for COVID. Instead, she joined us via Zoom. The whole time she acted as if we were doing her a favor, by allowing her to help us,”

Joey Shamie explained the magic of the Cancer Center and the love, concern and expertise that they provided when he needed it most. “When Adrienne and I faced the reality of my diagnosis, the first “911” call we made was to Nancy. She was in Israel on vacation, but of course, that didn’t stop her. She treated me like family—a brother—and gave 100% of herself. She made me feel like I had my own personal advisor and confidant, helping me to think things through to the best solution. Aside from that, she showed me first hand that we all love and care about each other in this community.”

CARING CONNECTIONS
Rabbi David Ozeri recalled his first experience with the Cancer Center, ten years ago. “I brought in a patient truly traumatized by her diagnosis and Nancy took her by the hand, introduced her to the staff, and calmed her, in a way I never thought possible. I was amazed that something so complicated could be made so simple, and I never looked back. The patient received the best medical guidance and care available throughout her illness and she understood she was not alone; there was a light at the end of that dark tunnel. This is why the Cancer Center is always my first phone call in these situations.”

Nancy works in Brooklyn with her partners Sonia Didia, and Debbie Rahmey, and Gerrie Bamira heads up the Deal division. Together, with so many amazing volunteers, they have learned that healing comes not only from top quality medicine, but from people. From the very first meeting they are thinking of what the patient needs now, and later on. Is it counseling? A babysitter? A wig? A manicure or massage? Yoga? Meals for their family? Most helpful seems to be a connection that is made early on with other patients who have had similar experiences.

When Ralph was invited to a men’s group, and dinner, Tami was surprised he was open to it. “He’s so private,” she explained, “but Nancy managed to make him feel he was a part of something, and that she cared. It made him comfortable. I was also invited to a caregiver’s chat and get-together. Am I the caregiver, I asked myself? It’s an odd feeling to be part of a club I didn’t choose, but it’s comforting; it’s about showing you that somebody wants you to smile. It’s knowing we are in this together.”

Joey Shamie agreed, “We all love and care about each other, and have similar issues. We meet and talk on a regular basis. The Cancer Center treats us to beautiful meals, and the finest accommodations. It’s like they have an aerial view of what’s going on; because of their experience and dedication to the cause, they know how important it is for us to feel good. It’s a fantastic way of being able to heal, and help others to heal.”

When Nancy called Renee and said, “We’re doing a mosaics class, I want you to come,” she scoffed. Renee is a physical therapist, and like Tami, had been on the other side of the equation, working at the Cancer Center helping patients. Nancy begged, and she showed up. “I came, because I wanted to show my appreciation for all the Cancer Center was doing for me and my family. Meanwhile, it ended up being an incredible experience. I didn’t know anyone there, but quickly I became very comfortable. Who else could I talk to about the tricks to get through chemo? I laughed because I knew that Nancy had tailored that class to us, so we would lean on each other. It was a support group, incognito. We understood each other perfectly, and that helped.”

THE RED-CARPET TREATMENT
While of course, the Cancer Center is focused on providing the best medical treatment, both physical and mental, there is another facet of care that is tremendously appreciated by the patients and their families. Zarif continued, “Nancy called me a few days before I was supposed to start chemo, and said, ‘I booked a Broadway show for you tonight, and dinner at La Marais.’ My husband was reluctant to accept the extravagance, but I knew it was a treat we could not refuse. That night was the first time in months that we did not talk about my disease, the chemo, or our problems. There were more dinners to follow, on a beach, by a pool, and even hotel stays, but that night was the first, and it had tremendous impact. We reflect on it often.”

Tami recalled a similar story, “At the end of April, Nancy invited Ralph and me to have a five-course dinner set in a lovely backyard in Manhattan Beach—just us and the waiter. She wouldn’t take no for an answer, and it was really magnificent. My husband is a quiet guy; he doesn’t like a fuss to be made, but this was nice. We got a cheesecake on Shavuot, flowers on Shabbat. There’s always something special, and it’s nice to know someone is thinking of us.”

Zarif continued, “Throughout my treatment, I kept asking Nancy, ‘What if it doesn’t work?’ and she would answer, ‘What if it does?’ When I was in the hospital for a month the Cancer Center helped get me a nurse, sent meals to my home every day, and delivered gifts to my kids—which really distracted them, and helped. When I finally came home, they set up a lunch for my husband and me by someone’s pool, and later on, a dinner on the beach. I had many food restrictions then, because of the treatment, but they paid attention to the details. It is a beautiful form of hesed, and it forced us to forget about everything for a little while. I can’t justify how much she helped me. It’s the medical part, yes, and they are unsurpassed; But more so, afterwards, emotionally. I’m self-sufficient, organized, and in control. I’ve been working most of my married life. To say I need help is hard for me. But Nancy and her team understood. They might be the only ones who did.”

YOUR FIRST PHONE CALL
Joey Shamie continued, “Confidentiality is a burden that a cancer patient does not need. I encourage anyone that is going through these issues to open up and share, and accept the warmth and love that is around us. I am blessed with the amazing volunteers at the Cancer Center, my family, friends, and especially my wife Adrienne, who keeps me positive and helps me concentrate on my amazing life. Of course, I wish I never had it, but if I am honest, my experience over the last year has been the most rewarding of my life. Every person, gesture, doctor, nurse and technician has helped steer me towards recovery. From the head of the hospital to the young ladies who take my blood, I cannot thank them enough. Know that everyone is going through it with you. And that everything you put out there in the world, comes right back to you.”

Tami continued, “Ralph said that knowing that I had Nancy to hold my hand, was making his journey easier. Obviously, everyone’s taking care of him; but he was glad to know that someone was tending to me, too. From the beginning Nancy treated us like she had nothing better to do and no one else to worry about, no matter how busy she was. At a time when you’re so vulnerable, it feels good to have someone in your corner who is so experienced and knowledgeable. She continuously makes us feel like she is fully in charge of our care. It’s hard, but she makes it all a little easier.”

Adrienne Shamie said, “We sat in the doctor’s office calmly, awaiting a routine answer of ‘all is well.’ When the doctor gave us the news that my husband had stage 4 prostate cancer, we were shocked. ‘This is the kind of cancer you can die from, not the kind you live with,’ he said. I was sweating, and the whole room began to spin; we did not understand. We spoke with our children, and the next call I made was to Nancy Sutton. She picked up on one ring, from Israel. It was 2 am there. ‘What do you need,’ she asked. I was hysterical. The next day she had us in the very best doctor’s office, in Sloan Kettering. Nancy was by our side 24/7 and held my hand every step of the way. There were many complications, one after the other, but she was our guardian angel. Her expertise, connections and advice helped save my husband’s life.”

Dr. Herbert Pardes, vice chairman of NY Presbyterian Hospital explained, “On the one hand, you can give surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. But if you pay full attention to the emotional and psychological needs of the individual like they do at the Cancer Center, you can expect better overall results. It is all interconnected.” The Morris I. Franco Cancer and Referral Center helps their patients with anything and everything imaginable, going above and beyond, over and over again. Leaving no stone unturned, they are one of a kind; Their goal is to get their patients well, and they are very, very good at it.“

For more information about the Cancer Center and medical referrals, call (718) 787-1800 or visit us at nycancercenter.org.

Sophia Franco has been feeding her love of reading and writing for as long as she can remember through poetry, community journalism, and songwriting. She has written many songs.

NATALIE SENIOR GREENBERG

THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART (OR THE MET) IS ONE OF THE WORLD’S GREATEST ART MUSEUMS. ITS COLLECTION SPANS 6,000 YEARS AND THE ENTIRE GLOBE. VISITORS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD COME TO SEE ITS TREASURES. WHERE ELSE CAN YOU SEE THE INSIDE OF AN EGYPTIAN TOMB, A FULL SET OF JAPANESE ARMOR AND A ROOM OF RENAISSANCE PAINTINGS ALL IN ONE DAY?

As New Yorkers we are fortunate to call the Met our own, and New York City residents can “pay what they wish” to enter the museum, instead of the hefty $25 fee for tourists. I love to take advantage of this policy, and whenever I am on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, I pop into the Met for an hour to enjoy.

Planning a visit to the Met can be overwhelming, and I know that the thought of spending hours trudging around the museum may sound boring and tiresome. However, if you plan correctly, your visit will be very enjoyable.

The Met has 16 departments or collection areas, and each department can and should be treated as its own mini-museum. I recommend choosing only one or two areas per visit. A newcomer’s mistake (or the mistake of many tourists) is trying to cram in as much as they can in one day. Do not do this! It will leave you feeling tired, bored and overwhelmed; you will not want to return anytime soon. As a New Yorker, you can pay a small amount (even $1.00!) and return as often as you wish. Spending just an hour or two in one or two areas will give you a better understanding and appreciation of the area you are visiting and will leave you wanting more! Following are some recommendations (some, but not all of my favorites) for a great Met Museum visit.

EGYPTIAN ART
While wandering through the galleries of the Egyptian Art Wing of the museum, you will encounter statues of pharaohs, goddesses, animals and mummies. You will also see jewelry and tomb paintings. The highlight of the Egyptian collection is the Temple of Dendur, located in gallery 131. It is the only complete Egyptian Temple in the Western Hemisphere. A beautiful soaring gallery was built specifically to accommodate the temple. It is one of the most popular rooms in the museum and a must see.

GREEK AND ROMAN ART
The Greek and Roman Sculpture Court, located in gallery 162, is an exquisite two-story hall filled with objects from the Roman and Greek civilizations and the entire Mediterranean area. Many of the statues on display were intended to fill ancient gardens to create delight and comfort. There is a sense of calm in this space and you can sit on a bench and think about what it might have been like to be a wealthy Roman in ancient times. Look for the statue of the Three Graces, who represent beauty, charm and abundance. Be sure to check out the mezzanine above the sculpture court (gallery 170) to see an ancient Etruscan chariot.

EUROPEAN PAINTINGS
The Met’s collection of European paintings dates from the days of the early Renaissance to the present time. While I love to wander through the Renaissance portion, my favorite areas are the galleries of 19th and early 20th century art. Here you will find some of the Met’s greatest works by Impressionist master Claude Monet. The Impressionists were most interested in portraying the effects of light and air as well as an interest in the urbanization of Paris in the late 19th century. Look for the light effects as well as city paintings showing how Parisians liked to spend their leisure time.

Vincent Van Gogh’s paintings are displayed in galleries 822 and 825. His style changed rapidly during his short career, and you can see the transformation clearly. His early paintings are quite gloomy, but his later works are lighter and brighter with the thick brushstrokes that he became famous for. One of my favorites is Wheat Fields with Cypresses, which I consider to be the daytime version of The Starry Night (which is located at MoMA).

Check out the rooms nearby for paintings by Manet, Degas, Cezanne, Pissarro, Picasso and more; all masters of late 19th and early 20th century painting.

Here is a listing of all the departments at the Met Museum. My suggestions should get you off to a good start, but feel free to check out some of the other areas. Remember to keep your visit to less than two hours, and try to stick to only two areas to explore. Go back and visit often! There is always something new to see, as well as special exhibits. Have a wonderful time!

Metropolitan Museum of Art Departments

African Art
American Art
Ancient Near Eastern Art
Arms and Armor
Asian Art
Costume Institute
Drawings and Prints
Egyptian Art
European Paintings
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Greek and Roman Art
Islamic art
Medieval Art
Modern and Contemporary Art
Oceanic Art
Photography

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is located at 1000 Fifth Avenue (entrance at 84th Street) New York City. Bring proof of residency (like your driver’s license), so you can pay what you wish.

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

GOING INTO SUMMER 2021, WE AT SYC WERE NOT SURE WHAT TO EXPECT. WE KNEW WE WANTED TO CONTINUE TO MAKE EVENTS FOR OUR SINGLES, BUT WE DIDN’T KNOW IF IT WOULD BE POSSIBLE. LOOKING BACK, WE CAN GLADLY REPORT THAT THIS PAST SUMMER WAS ONE OF OUR MOST SUCCESSFUL YET!

We kicked off the summer with a collaboration with Jeffrey Sitt. Together, we planned a party for singles of the ages 25 and up. We had music, food, dancing and an awesome crowd of people all ready to meet someone. We are happy to report that at that very event a couple found each other and is now engaged.

Another successful event worth mentioning is our Mexican-themed dinner party. We arranged an intimate evening with Chef Vivian Saade Gartenberg of Vivian’s Cocina. The event was co-sponsored by Nissim Metta in honor of his wife, Frieda. We planned this event differently than a regular party. We carefully chose eight young ladies, and eight young men who we thought might make good matches. We set the table lavishly and meticulously. We then planned a cooking class. The singles had a great time learning how to make fresh tortillas, salsa, guacamole, and tetelas.

After the delicious dinner and cooking demonstration, everyone roasted marshmallows around a fire pit and ate desserts. It was a beautiful night and the atmosphere was relaxed. Our singles had fun while meeting some new people. BH we have a few couples dating from this event as well!

SYC is now in the process of planning more original events, including Shabbat dinners and theme nights. If you are single and looking for your match, we invite you to join us and see what all the talk is about! You really never know who is out there waiting for you.

Follow us on Instagram @syc.events for all our upcoming events.

HONORS 4 NYPD OFFICIALS

THE IGUD HARABANIM (RABBINICAL ALLIANCE OF AMERICA, RAA) RECENTLY HELD THEIR ANNUAL ELUL SIYUM HASHAS AND HONORED FOUR NYPD OFFICIALS FOR THEIR DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE CITIZENS OF NEW YORK. THE RECIPIENTS OF THE RAA’S PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS WERE POLICE COMMISSIONER DERMOT SHEA, CHIEF OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS JEFFREY MADDREY, DEPUTY INSPECTOR RICHIE TAYLOR, AND CHAPLAIN IMAM DR. TAHIR.

The ceremony was held at Rabbi Eliyahu Elbaz’s Shul, the Sephardic Lebanese Congregation on Avenue T in Brooklyn. The Rabbinical Alliance of America was founded in 1942 and has over 800 members across North America. It also operates its own binding bet din.

Elected officials in attendance included Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein, Councilman Kalman Yeger, representing Mayor Bill de Blasio was Assistant Commissioner Pinny Ringel, representing US Congresswoman Yvette Clarke was Gabriel Torres. Eli Slavin presented Congressional Proclamations to the honorees. Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, Vice President of the Igud served as MC, Rabbi Michael Melnicke served as Dinner Chair and NYPD Clergy Liaison David Heskiel served as Chair of the Organizing Committee. The siyum was made by Rabbi Shaul Kassin, and the Hascholas Hashas by Rabbi Leibel Wulliger, Rosh HaKollel, Nachas Dovid, Yeshiva Torah Vodaath in Brooklyn. Rabbi Yaakov Klass serves as the Presidium member of the RAA, Rabbi Yehoshua Hecht serves as Convocation Chairman.

Commissioner Dermot Shea said, “we are going to get New York City back to where we want it to be. We need everyone’s help. We need help from our clergy, we need help from the private sector, we need help from elected officials, and we’re getting it. We’ve seen terrible things in this city before, and we’ve gotten to incredible heights. I’ll say to Jeff, to Richie, to Imam Tahir, we couldn’t do it without you and congratulations on your recognition. We are going to take this city back to those incredible heights, I have no doubt. In the spirit of togetherness, and where do you know the spirit of togetherness better than in Brooklyn. If there’s a hate crime against an Asian individual it’s a hate crime against us all. If there is a hate crime against a Jewish individual it’s a hate crime against us all. If there’s a hate crime against a Muslim individual it’s a hate crime against us all. And in the spirit of what we have seen this year, New Yorkers standing up together, is why I have no doubt that we will get New York City back to where we want it to be.”

Chief of Community Affairs Jeffrey Maddrey stated, “It’s an honor to be recognized by the Rabbinical Alliance of America, an organization that builds the community through its love of G-d and its love of people. The NYPD and the Jewish community enjoy a strong relationship.Here’s to many more years of friendship.”

Deputy Inspector Richie Taylor spoke about Hakarat Hatov (appreciation for good). “When I was a regular police officer studying for the sergeants exam in 2008, I evaluated many instructors, but one instructor stood out. At the time, he held the rank I currently hold, Deputy Inspector. Commissioner Dermot Shea was that instructor and I used to travel over an hour each way to attend his classes. He taught from the heart and he ensured that his students were prepared, because even back then he cared immensely about the future of his students, the police department, and New York City. When the four shuls in Riverdale had bricks thrown through their windows a few months ago, Commissioner Shea was hands-on, calling me and visiting the shuls. When we saw violent hate crimes against Jewish individuals, just a couple months ago in Flatbush and Boro Park, I was constantly on the phone with Commissioner Shea and Chief Maddrey who came to the community to ensure that community members were safe, and felt safe.”

DI Taylor also stated that he worked for Chief Jeffrey Maddrey as a sergeant, lieutenant, captain and now deputy inspector and credits Chief Maddrey for his hands-on leadership and for mentoring him in the best way possible. He further acknowledged his wife Miri, who attended just a week after giving birth to their fifth child, for her unwavering support.

NYPD Chaplain Imam Dr. Tahir stated “when I came from Egypt to the United States, the first community that welcomed me and gave me a microphone to speak to an American audience was the Jewish community and I am honored to be here. We love New York and we love our Jewish brothers and sisters. Happy and blessed Rosh Hashanah.”

NYPD Clergy Liaison David Heskiel said “I’ve worked closely with both, the Rabbinical Alliance of America and each of the four honorees and I stand here proudly as we join together for the betterment of our city and our future generations. Even during the toughest of times, in unity we will always prevail.”

A ROLE MODEL WHO LEADS BY EXAMPLE

SARINA ROFFÉ

DR. GAYLE KROST’S BEAMING SMILE GREETS THE CROWD OF STUDENTS AS SHE ENTERS THE HILLEL SCHOOL BUILDING ALMOST EVERY DAY. WHETHER IT’S VOLUNTEERING AT HILLEL YESHIVA, HER WORK GUIDING WOMEN AT PROPEL, OR HOSTING SPECIAL EVENTS FOR THE MORRIS I FRANCO CANCER CENTER OR THE SPECIAL CHILDREN’S CENTER, GAYLE IS A DYNAMO IN ACTION.

The take charge mother of four grew up in Oakhurst, attended Hillel Yeshiva and lived among the community her entire life—all while managing a professional career.

“You can have a family, be a professional and volunteer—you can have it all. If I can do it, so can you,” said Gayle. Her husband, Dr. Brian Krost is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. He wholeheartedly and unequivocally supports and encourages Gayle in all of her philanthropic work.

Motivated into a life of volunteerism and hesed by a community she grew to love and cherish, Gayle says that volunteerism was ‘in the air’ as she was growing up. Gayle’s father, Dr. Barry Elbaum, is a Holocaust survivor who came to America from Poland, mastered English and became an oral surgeon. Her mother, Libbie Elbaum, is a Certified Public Accountant.

“My parents were always doing the right thing and taking care of people. My mother was on the Hillel board and worked on their scholarship committee. I grew up with that. They led by example, helping everyone around them, and were wonderful role models,” she said. “My parents graciously opened their home and hosted fundraising events for a variety of charities whose work was meaningful to them.”

An endodontist (root canal specialist) by profession, Gayle received her undergraduate degree from Rutgers University, earned a DDS from New York University College of Dentistry, and then finished her endodontics training at The University of Medicine and Dentistry of NJ (now part of Rutgers University).

“Many of my values came from being entrenched in this fabulous community. The community has so much to offer. Our traditions and values and charity,” she stated.

Multi-tasking her professional life with her family obligations and volunteering is in her DNA. Married while in dental school, Gayle was pregnant and taking care of children as she studied. Her amazing parents helped with childcare while she was in school, allowing her to pursue her career.

When the Krosts enrolled their children in Hillel, Gayle was immediately invited to be on its Board of Education. Her parents instilled in her and her siblings that education was the foundation for the future, a principle she brought with her when she joined the Board of Education in 1994. Almost three decades later, she sits on the Board of Education (she was chair for 13 years). She is currently vice president of the Board of Directors and the Executive Board of Hillel Yeshiva and is actively involved in the school, bringing her positive energy with her. Her contributions to the school are immeasurable, She spearheaded the school’s Middle States Accreditation.

“When you love what you do it’s not work. I get true joy by talking to people and am lucky I can help with their problems.” Gayle’s professional career ended when she injured her hand. She viewed it as a gift from Hashem that she should give more time to her family and hesed work, something her husband and family completely support.

“Hillel Yeshiva has been blessed with Gayle’s warmth, compassion and positive energy over the last 27 years,” said Sammy Saka, Chairman of the Board.

In the 2019 Hillel Journal it said “Gayle’s most lasting legacy would certainly be the Follow Your Dreams program that she created ten years ago with the aim of inspiring and motivating students to reach their full potential professionally and as leaders of the community. Each year, through this program, various alumni and other community trailblazers share with high school students the paths they took towards realizing career success.” She also created a Career Track program to inspire and expose high school students to the many career options available.

Ezra Ashkenazi said, “Truly, there is no one like Gayle. She is professional and an excellent listener who evaluates the issues at hand and comes to a sound solution for all parties. She is usually my first pick when preparing a list of board members for any community organization. She does not like drama. She’s a pro, a go-to person with a great attitude and one you can trust.”

“I grew up in a highly educated household. It was assumed you would go to college,” she said. “In today’s world, a higher education is essential for career success. Rebecca Harary recruited me when she had the vision to start PROPEL, a community organization to help women get into the workforce. Women in the community needed jobs to help pay the bills. A one income home was not enough to meet their financial obligations.”

Six years later, PROPEL is sending young women to many different types of programs, as well as college and graduate school, to learn and expand their horizons in different career paths. “The determination and tenacity of today’s women is so different from when I was growing up, and I am so proud of where these community women are today,” she said with a smile.

According to Rebecca Harary, “Gayle has demonstrated an incredible capacity for leadership for many years in our community. I am both thrilled and excited to see the new heights Gayle will bring us to as our new President at PROPEL.”

Each summer, Gayle hosts the Morris I. Franco Cancer spa day. The clients receive a catered lunch and swim in the pool, do arts and crafts, plant herbs, and for one nice day, they forget about their illness and enjoy themselves, along with volunteers.

“Gayle and Brian have graciously hosted our Cancer Center‘s annual Day at the Shore event for the past few years,” said Gerrie Bamira, Jersey Shore coordinator for the Cancer Center. “It’s a day of respite and fun for all. They not only open their home but open their hearts to our Brooklyn and Jersey clients and their families. We are very grateful to their commitment and generosity.”

Fifteen years ago, Gayle became involved with The Special Children’s Center, a respite for families with over 400 special needs children. The Center slogan is Special Needs Never Take A Break, Neither Do We.” The Center runs on love and provides gentle loving care in its after school and summer programs for children with specialized needs and multiple disabilities. The respite program provides programming, feeds the children snacks and dinner, bathes them and sends the children home ready for bed. All with the care and nurturing they would find in their homes.

Gayle works with them to organize a huge fundraising event that supports the Center’s year round and summer camp programs, which are staffed entirely by volunteers. At the end of the summer, she hosts a BBQ and pool party for the volunteers to thank them for all they do for the children.

“You get so much more from helping others than what you give; to me life is so much more fulfilling when you give back and help people. As Jews, we take care of each other. So, I want to help in any way I can, with whatever talents Hashem gave me,” she concluded.

Gayle’s parents had an influence on her and her volunteer work. Not only is she an extraordinary leader and role model, her unparalleled commitment is both elegant and compassionate. Now her four children are helping others and giving back with their involvement in many community organizations—and her grandchildren are Hillel students!

A genealogist and historian, Sarina Roffé is the author of Branching Out from Sepharad, cookbooks and the app, Sarina’s Sephardic Cuisine. Editor of Dorot, Sarina holds a BA in Journalism, an MA in Jewish Studies and an MBA. She is president of the Sephardic Heritage Project, Co-Chair of the Brooklyn Jewish Historical Initiative and Chair of the Sephardic Research Division of JewishGen.

ARI BAUM, CFP®

HOW OFTEN DO YOU THINK ABOUT RETIREMENT? MOST OF US THINK ABOUT IT A LOT—AT LEAST FOUR TIMES A WEEK. WE THINK ABOUT WHEN WE’LL RETIRE AND HOW WE’LL SPEND OUR TIME IN RETIREMENT. AS EXCITING AS THAT CAN BE, IT CAN ALSO BE NERVE-RACKING TO THINK ABOUT TRYING TO FILL UP ALL OF THAT FREE TIME. NO MATTER WHAT WE DREAM OF, THE REALITY OF RETIREMENT DOESN’T ALWAYS MATCH OUR EXPECTATIONS.

In fact, nearly half of us miss the mark on when we expect to retire. Most folks who get it wrong end up retiring years earlier than they expected. And that’s just one miscalculation. We also tend to underestimate our psychological needs and our options for enjoying our retirement. That can make it more difficult to adjust. It can also leave us feeling unhappy and dissatisfied with the retired life we worked so hard for.

So, how can we make better plans and enjoy a truly rewarding retirement? We can start by stepping outside of the box of convention and considering some alternatives to traditional retirement. These novel approaches can open up new paths to growth, happiness, and deeper satisfaction in our next phase of life. Lets look at creative paths to retiring on our own terms.

PHASED RETIREMENT
Ease into life as a retiree instead of abruptly ending your career. With phased retirement, you can scale back your hours, limit your work, or work as a consultant. You can also become a mentor and pass on your knowledge to the next generation. Not all employers offer phased retirement options. However, more and more are considering it because they’re enjoying benefits such as lower training costs.

Is it right for you?
Phased retirement can be ideal if you are passionate about your career and you want to stay connected to an industry or business. You may also want to consider this alternative if you want to keep earning some income or retain certain benefits from an employer while transitioning into retirement.

PART-TIME OR SEASONAL WORK IN RETIREMENT
Pick up a part-time job to explore new interests and learn new skills. Like phased retirement, part-time retirement gives you the chance to continue earning while releasing you from the stress of the 9 to 5 grind. It can involve gig work, seasonal jobs, and even consulting work. Part-time retirement is popular these days, and there are plenty of opportunities for older workers to pick up part-time jobs. In fact, more than two in five folks say they plan to work part-time when they retire.

Is it right for you?
If you want to get out of the house or earn a little money doing something you enjoy, part-time retirement could be a good fit for you. This is also a nice alternative when an employer doesn’t offer phased retirement, but you still want to work a bit while easing into full retirement.

SABBATICALS & MINI-RETIREMENTS
Take a sabbatical from your career to test out retirement. Give yourself a few months or even a few years to step away from your job and totally immerse yourself in something new and exciting. Whether you try it once or several times during your career, a sabbatical can give you the chance to get some healthy distance from the day-to-day of your job while nourishing other interests.

Is it right for you?
If you’re looking for new adventures and opportunities in retirement, a sabbatical can give you a taste of what’s to come. In fact, this route can offer a preview of what a new career, business, or educational experience could be like when you retire.

PASSION PROJECTS IN RETIREMENT
Embrace the pursuits you deeply care about by taking up passion projects in retirement. You can volunteer to support causes or organizations. You can also learn new skills or join social groups related to the things you care most about. With this alternative, your personal interests replace your career, and they can keep your time filled with purpose. Most retirees can start a passion project as soon as they know what they want to do or turn a hobby into a full-time activity. There aren’t any rules, and you may only be limited by your imagination.

Is it right for you?
Any retiree can focus some of their time on activities or projects they’re passionate about. The great thing about passion projects is that they can be as active, social, or personal as you want.

ENCORE CAREER IN RETIREMENT
Not ready to leave full-time work? Stage the next act of your career by leaving your old job behind for something totally new. With an encore career, you can focus on work that gives you a true sense of purpose, instead of just a paycheck. You may also want to start your own business. Some fields are better suited for encore careers than others. In fact, it’s usually easier to start a new career when you choose something related to your skill set or you find an option with a fast-tracked training program.

Is it right for you?
An encore career can be a smart choice if you love to learn or if there’s something you’ve always wanted to do but never had the chance. This route may also be good for folks who want to keep working but not necessarily in the same way or in the same industry as they did previously.

SCHOOL DREAMS IN RETIREMENT
Enroll in college, a university, or a trade school and take classes that excite you. You can go the traditional education route, but there are also programs fully dedicated to learners over 50. Plus, you can explore in-person and online courses, and you don’t have to commit to semester- or year-long options. Going to seminars and taking fast-track courses can also be options for living out your school dreams in retirement.

Is it right for you?
You may want to live out your school dreams in your golden years if you love to learn, you want to earn a new degree, or you want to take a step towards an encore career. This is also a good option for folks who never got the chance to experience or finish college.

FINANCIAL LESSON
Tailor Your Retirement & Live Out Your Dreams
Retiring is a goal most folks share. It’s baked into the American dream, and most of us dream about it for years, maybe even decades. As common as that goal is, it doesn’t necessarily mean we have to share the same vision for retirement.

The truth is retirement isn’t about crossing some imaginary finish line or closing the door on work for the rest of your life.

It doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing venture. And it doesn’t have to follow the same path as anyone else. In fact, you don’t even have to go with the same program year after year. It can be easy to forget that and get tunnel vision with conventional thinking about retirement.

But that just offers one option, and it’s not always the ideal path to fulfillment. When we’re able to look past convention, we can start to see some better alternatives. They could help us transition into retirement more easily and adjust to it better.

And may even help us discover more meaningful ways to invest our time and stay connected to the things we love when we retire. If we can do that, our next phase can be deeply enriching and far more satisfying than we may have ever imagined.

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.

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

YMSL (THE YOUNG MENS SOFTBALL LEAGUE) IS TRULY THE LEAGUE OF THE COMMUNITY, CONJURING EXCITEMENT FOR PLAYERS AND FANS SPANNING ACROSS GENERATIONS OF FRIENDS AND FAMILY. THE 45TH SEASON OF YMSL, A LEAGUE NOW INCORPORATED UNDER DSN, WAS ONE FOR THE AGES! CAPTAINED BY JOE ASHKENAZIE, THE ‘KNIGHTS’ TOOK A CIRCUITOUS ROUTE TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP.

They entered the final week of the regular season as a team that appeared ready to go home—but they suddenly caught fire at exactly the right time and led their way into the postseason.

Due to their low seeding, the Knights were forced to play a one-game playoff against the red hot To The Moon squad, and they prevailed by the minimal margin, 3-2. That game was marked by the very emotional pregame ceremony in which the entire league came together to honor the legacy of their recently deceased umpire, Kenny O’Donnell. Kenny was a mainstay in the Deal community, as he refereed, umpired, taught and coached in every sport for decades. It shows how much more YMSL is than a regular league. It embodies the DSN value of unity within the community.

Having survived their one-game first round playoff game, the Knights were tasked with facing the best team in the league, Threat Level Midnight, in a two-of-three second round playoff series. The Knights refused to go quietly. There was marathon-style drama, the likes of which have never been seen before, with extra innings and a full three games.

Next, the Knights went to the World Series against Jack Abady and the Kekambas for a best of five game series. The pinnacle game 5 was attended by a record unimaginable crowd of 500 fans due to all the hype, and got quite a show. Rabbi Raymond Beyda threw out the ceremonial first pitch and Charles Saka sang the anthems—and with that, magic was in the air from the very start! League historian Sandy Shalom called the game, “one of the greatest punch-counterpunch contests I’ve witnessed in recent memory. The Knights, these comeback kids, refused to lose and were ultimately crowned champions of the YMSL.“

“I have played in leagues and tournaments my whole life, but nothing compared to winning the YMSL,” said championship captain Joe Ashkenazie. “In my career, I was involved in four different game 5s. They’re so hard to win. But when it finally happens, you realize why we work so hard all year and dedicate our springs to the YMSL,” said right-fielder Abe J Cohen. “People said I couldn’t do it, but my team believed in me, and I believed in them,” said a jubilant Leo Kassin. Kassin has won two championships in the last three years.

At the end of the season, DSN provided a great night to remember with dinner, drinks, entertainment, and awards. The star-studded awards ceremony was packed with players to celebrate the Knights, and to honor the late, great, Robert ‘Red’ Nesser, who posthumously became the first player in 12 years to enter the Hall of Fame. He was inducted by Jack Haddad, and was celebrated by league greats Eddie Beda, Eli Gindi, Marty Gemal, and countless others. Red holds the record for having won a remarkable eight championships, and countless MVP, Cy Young, and batting title awards.

At the ceremony, Commissioner Norman Jemal was asked what makes the YMSL such an integral part of the community?

He replied, “The history is unparalleled, and what the players will do to win this league, is what separates the YMSL from all other leagues. It is the league of the community, and we have a responsibility to protect that. With the league being powered by the great DSN organization, we have the ability to maintain the league’s history, and continue to grow its competition level to greater heights!”

WE ARE EXCITED TO WELCOME OUR NEW PRESIDENT, DR. GAYLE KROST! GAYLE HAS SERVED AS VICE PRESIDENT ON THE PROPEL BOARD FROM ITS INCEPTION AND IS A LEADER WHO HAS DONE SO MUCH FOR OUR COMMUNITY. GAYLE ROLE MODELS THE ORGANIZATION’S MISSION OF ENCOURAGING WOMEN TO PURSUE HIGHER EDUCATIONS THAT LEAD TO FANTASTIC CAREERS AND DUAL HOUSEHOLD INCOMES.

Jacqueline Harary and Haim Dabah (Co-Presidents Emeritus) note, “As we enter our sixth year serving and leading PROPEL, we know that change in leadership is critical for every organization in order to grow and to stay relevant. Each leadership team brings its own skills and enthusiasm to the entity. That said, we are both committed to staying with PROPEL to support Gayle in every way we can.”

Rosh Hashanah represents the beginning of a New Year, and with our new president, we hope that the PROPEL mission of inspiring women to enter the workforce continues to improve the lives of our community families.

If you are interested in a career, please reach out to PROPEL and we can help you take the steps to fulfill your professional goals and dreams. PROPEL 646-494-0822 | info@thepropelnetwork.org | Instagram @PropelNetwork

CIVIL COURT JUDGE & NYS SUPREME COURT NOMINEE

SARI J. SETTON

ORTHODOX SEPHARDIC FEMALE MAKES HISTORY!
JUDGES MUST POSSESS EXCELLENT LOGICAL REASONING, ANALYTICAL, AND DECISION MAKING SKILLS. THEY MUST BE ABLE TO ANALYZE COMPLEX CASE AND STATUTORY LAW, AND RENDER FAIR AND SOUND LEGAL DECISIONS. THEY MUST BE ETHICAL AND COMPETENT, AND ACT WITH INTEGRITY AND INDEPENDENCE.

They must be impervious to corruption and endure immense pressure. Judges enter their careers knowing that they will initially earn far less than if they had gone into private law practice, or worked with a large firm. They often feel a greater calling, wanting to serve their communities and help shape the law.

Gina Levy Abadi was elected to Kings County Civil Court in 2018. She is up for election this November to The New York State Supreme Court. Not only does she embody the characteristics mentioned above, but she is a fantastic daughter, sister, wife, mother, friend, and mentor. Rounding it all out, she is grounded and humble—a truly inspiring woman.

Sari J. Setton (SS): State Supreme Court Justice nomination! So well deserved, any opening remarks?
Gina Levy Abadi (GLA): Yes, I do want to first thank all the individuals within government who helped secure my nomination. Kings County Democratic Chair Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, Councilman Mark Treyger, and District Leader David Schwartz secured wide reaching party support. Major community organizations such as the SCF, and Jewish leaders throughout Brooklyn advocated for, and supported, my advancement.

SS: What was your personal journey like?
GLA: I attended Magen David Yeshivah for high school, where—believe it or not, I wasn’t a great student. I had maybe a “B” average. I then attended Brooklyn College where I majored in philosophy. I have to say that coming from yeshivah, college was a very easy experience. I graduated college with high honors. After I graduated, I met the man who would later become my husband, Joey Abadi. I applied to Brooklyn Law School and received a merit based scholarship. I entered law school in the summer of 1998, and was married in the summer of 1999. I sat for the Bar Exam in July of 2001, and started work the next day, clerking for a judge.

SS: Why work for a judge and not a law firm, where you could have made more money?
GLA: I succeeded in law school. When it came time to interview for jobs, I wanted a 9 to 5 schedule so I could still be home for my family. I decided on a government job because it afforded me all of that. I clerked for my judge for 18 years. Through working as a clerk, I watched my judge render decisions and felt confident that I could serve in that capacity. I knew I was in the right place when I was needed at home during a work day and my judge—my boss—said to me “family comes first.”

SS: What can you tell me about your work-home balance dynamic?
GLA: For the first ten years of my marriage, I lived next door to my parents. It was harder when my children were little. B”H the community instills a strong family support system on which we can hopefully lean. It’s that support that enabled me to achieve success. My mother sometimes cooked and helped in caring for my children. My mother is such a fantastic cook. Everyone wanted to be in my law school study groups because she fed us! My father taught my sons Hebrew and the weekly parashah. My sister also provided immeasurable support. I feel blessed in so many ways.

SS: What is an example of how you apply your career in helping to raise your children?
GLA: I feel like I am very fortunate in that regard. I have brought my children to court where they watch me rule on drunk driver cases, drug cases, and other cases where people made very poor choices. I then spoke candidly to them about the perils of life and how to avoid them. Because my children have seen women as well as men, in positions of power, I believe that it has shaped them and instilled in them a positive way.

SS: Are you elected or appointed?
GLA: I am elected, which means I must raise money and spend my own money to run a campaign, much like elected politicians. My term as a Civil Court Judge is for 10 years. This November I hope to be elected to the New York State Supreme Court where my term will be for 14 years.

SS: You won your election in 2018 by a large margin. What were some of your take-aways from that election and the process itself?
GLA: Community involvement is extremely important. Having run a campaign and seeing first-hand how many people actually vote, I was surprised at the number of registered voters vs how many people actually vote. We as a community need to have our voices heard by going to the polls.

SS: If elected, how do you plan to use your position aside from adjudicating cases?
GLA: For 20 years I have been coaching (as a volunteer) the Magen David Yeshivah Mock Trial Team. I do it to educate and inspire youth—to show them what is possible. Many of my students have gone to law school and graduated under my mentorship. Outside of that, I will continue educating the public on laws and accepting speaking engagements when invited.

SS: You mentor the students of Magen David Yeshivah. What is your mentoring style?
GLA: I encourage my students to come to court and see what a lawyer does, see what I do, and watch court proceedings. I answer questions, and I’ve also had fellow judges speak to them and answer questions too.

SS: What key challenge do you face regularly in your line of work?
GLA: Judges are human. We must often listen to irrational arguments, while trying to maintain a calm and even demeanor—listening impartially even when nature would force otherwise.

SS: Judges are regular people who live in our neighborhoods. Crime affects us all. How do judges understand the ripple effects of both the crimes committed and the punishments served on the criminals?
GLA: Judges who sit in criminal court are required to tour the jails—and it happens periodically. It is necessary for judges to understand where they are sending a defendant if they cannot post bail. I remember a difficult decision I had to make once. I let a young woman out on bail. The newspapers wrote criticizing me, criticizing that decision—but the decision was based on whether she was going to return to court for her hearing, not whether she had committed the crime. Bail law doesn’t always allow you to put someone away. Judges are not permitted to have a view publicly. We take an oath and follow the law, we don’t always have to agree with it, we must uphold it.

SS: You are a Democratic candidate. You believe strongly in family values, the values of our community. We are in a heated political climate all around the country, over so many issues. What would you say to both Democrats and Republicans?
GLA: There are good people on both sides of the political aisle. You may not agree with everything, but I believe in bringing people together, working on solutions to create a better society. When people choose to work together on issues of quality of life and crime prevention, great things can be achieved.

SS: What message would you want to impart to the girls, young women, and women of our community?
GLA: You can have everything. You can balance work and career. Don’t be afraid to ask for help along the way, you would be surprised how many people, both friends and family, are there to support you. Have positive mentors and surround yourself with people who are encouraging.

Judge Gina Levy Abadi is running for New York State Supreme Court Judge on all party lines this November, which means she is listed on the Democrat, Republican, and Conservative lines on the ballot. When elected, she will continue to work hard to execute the duties of her position with integrity. She realizes the uniqueness of her position, and the responsibilities that it carries, and will continue to mentor and inspire the young adults of the community.
The SCF encourages all registered voters to vote in the Tuesday, November 2nd general election in NYC.

Sari J. Setton is the SCF’s executive director.