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.

A SHINING LIGHT EXTINGUISHED

SOMETIME IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT OR EARLY MORNING OF JUNE 24, HALF OF THE CHAMPLAIN TOWERS CONDOMINIUM, LOCATED IN SURFSIDE, FLORIDA COLLAPSED, LEAVING MORE THAN A HUNDRED PEOPLE MISSING. ONE OF THOSE UNACCOUNTED FOR WAS BELOVED COMMUNITY MEMBER ESTELLE HEDAYA A”H, DAUGHTER OF LINDA AND ABIE HEDAYA AND SIBLING TO IKEY AND JILL. THUS BEGAN A NIGHTMARE FOR HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND EVERYONE WHO HAD CONNECTIONS TO PEOPLE RESIDING IN THE BUILDING.

Rescue crews worked around the clock in difficult conditions and an Israeli team was brought in to aid the rescue mission. The search lasted almost a month and Estelle was the last person to be found. A friend of hers said, “Of course, she was. She had to make sure everyone got out before she’d leave.”

Her mother described her as “fearless. She would take on any adventure and try anything. She was optimistic and had a love for life. She was happy, funny and always laughing, from the time she was a baby. She was also honest, trustworthy, and had a great work ethic. After 30 years working in the jewelry business, she moved to Miami six years ago, to accept a job with Continental Buying Group and Preferred Jewelers International, where she excelled beyond anyone’s expectations.” Her mom continued, “she was a wonderful daughter, sister, and friend. Everyone loved her.”

There’s a Facebook page “Estelle Hedaya Remembered,” where family members and friends wrote about their favorite memories of Estelle, also known as Stella, and ChaCha, due to her love of dancing. It’s amazing how everyone remembered her exactly the same way—fun, funny, caring, and loving. One person said, “she always saw the glass half full.” Another said, “she never had a lemon, she always had lemonade.” When issues arose, Estelle sought solutions never dwelling on the negative. During the height of the pandemic she initiated a Friday afternoon happy hour on Zoom where many of her friends would meet with their own drink and snacks. They would talk and laugh; it was Estelle’s way to help them overcome the isolation. She saw the good in everything. She never judged anyone. Many people looked to her for advice, and several of them mentioned that now they have to ask themselves, WWED—what would Estelle do?

A man from our community, who was an acquaintance of Estelle’s, said he was sorry that they hadn’t been better friends, but he enjoyed following her online. He felt that “her life was good and the best was yet to come. She was the symbol of determination, optimism and hope.” He added, “All lives are precious, but hers was unique. Few people are as beloved as she was and we see it every day through her friends. Her tragic loss is among the hardest things any of us have ever gone through. We should all aspire to be like her.”

Always a trailblazer, at Estelle’s arayat (traditionally where only men speak), with the blessing of community rabbis, a room was provided for women where female family and friends gave moving speeches. It was mentioned that she was proud to be a member of this community. She loved her heritage and she’d always come home to spend the holidays with her parents. A friend pointed out, “Estelle was a single Syrian girl, grounded in her Syrianess, grounded in her Judaism, and attached to Hashem. She did nothing without Him.”

“It has been devastating to all of us,” her aunt, Regina Elo said. “Estelle was our shining star. She was the joy of all of our lives and we’re going to miss her terribly.”

Her mom concluded, “Estelle was 54, and it’s hard to be single after a certain age, but she accepted it and she was happy. There should be a place where single girls can go to gain the confidence that my daughter had, in order to live life to the fullest. That I feel would be a fitting legacy.”

It’s no surprise that her funeral at Magen David Synagogue in Bensonhurst was overflowing with those who loved her.

DO I NEED POSTPARTUM PHYSICAL THERAPY?

MILLIE SCHWEKY PT, DPT, CPT

CONGRATULATIONS! YOU HAD A BABY. YOU READ ALL OF THE BOOKS ABOUT WHAT TO EXPECT WHILE YOU WERE PREGNANT, YOU WENT DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE OF YOUTUBE VIDEOS PREPARING YOU FOR LABOR AND DELIVERY, AND PERHAPS YOU EVEN TOOK CLASSES WITH A DOULA. NOW YOU ARE MOVING ON TO BABY BOOKS AND PREPARING YOURSELF FOR THE EXCITING CHALLENGE OF PARENTING. THIS IS ALL AMAZING AND YOU ARE GOING TO BE THE BEST PARENT FOR YOUR CHILD.

While many women take the initiative to educate themselves on these topics, it is less common that we learn about what to expect during the postpartum period, commonly categorized as the first year after giving birth. Due to the shortfall in postpartum education, most women have questions about what feels normal after giving birth. We go to our six-week check-up and get the “all clear” for activities such as exercise and intimacy, not knowing that things are probably going to feel a bit different.

The female body can take up to eighteen months to fully heal from the miraculous trauma that is pregnancy and childbirth. Growing a mini human is taxing, and can change the body, permanently in some cases. This is where a pelvic floor physical therapist can help. What most people don’t know is that there are physical therapists who specialize in treating the pelvic floor, a muscle group located inside of our hip bones, which have a lot of different functions. These include bowel and bladder control, core stability, organ support, circulation, and sexual function. This muscle group is very important because it is the bridge between the muscles of our hips, core, and back, and has a direct impact on how our bodies perform. Pelvic floor muscles are just like any other muscle in the body. They can be weak, tight, injured, or overused. This means they should be treated just like any other muscles, with proper care and attention.

While pelvic floor therapists can treat a wide variety of diagnoses, one patient population that we commonly treat are women who are pregnant and in the postpartum period. Have you ever had one of the following thoughts?

“I was taking an exercise class and I completely leaked through my leggings, I’m embarrassed to go back.”

“My core feels so weak and my stomach is pooching out. No matter how hard I work out and eat right, it will not change. I feel like my body is broken.”

“When I do my errands I feel like there is something falling out of my pelvis, and it gets worse when I use the restroom.”

“My husband and I are frustrated because we can’t be together the way we used to before we had kids. I wish this pain would just go away.”

While these issues are common, it does not mean that they are normal. Because the female body was designed to carry and give birth to babies, it is easy to assume that the aches and pains that come along with it are just a part of the process. Oftentimes, these common complaints and discomforts can be resolved through a series of pelvic floor therapy visits.

Let’s focus on my patient, Sophia. Sophia came into the office five months after having her second child. She was experiencing leaking urine every time she coughed, sneezed, laughed, or jumped. She was also concerned about the bottom of her belly which seemed to cone when she did exercises, resulting in a “mom pooch.” After evaluating her, we found what we needed to work on in order to get rid of her symptoms. Sophia was dealing with stress urinary incontinence (urinating during certain activities) and diastasis recti (a separation between her abdominal muscles) since she had her first child, and was finally getting the help she needed. After six weeks of consistent visits, Sophia learned how to breathe in an optimal pattern, she improved her posture and muscle strength, we worked on stretching and relaxing the muscles that were tight, and she adapted to doing core exercises with proper form. Sophia is no longer scared to laugh with her friends in case of a leak, is starting to go back to dance cardio classes, and is able to wear fitted clothing without worrying about her belly sticking out.

It is important to know that there is help available and that there are many women who have been able to resolve their symptoms through working with a pelvic floor specialist. When it comes to these conditions, you may be embarrassed to talk about them. It is very common for people to be disconnected from this part of the body as it is an extremely personal area. Because of this, pain and dysfunction in this region can be easier to ignore than to focus on. We owe it to ourselves to get the help we deserve. Patients have a lot to gain from trying pelvic floor PT, as it poses less risk than surgery or other medical treatments.

If you are experiencing any of a following, you may benefit from pelvic floor physical therapy:

• Urinary, fecal, or gas leakage while laughing, coughing, sneezing, or jumping.
• The sudden urge to use the restroom.
• A visible separation between the abdominal muscles, or “mom pooch.”
• Pain during intimacy.
• The feeling of something falling out of your pelvis.
• Scar pain after a C-section or vaginal birth.

There is no need to suffer in silence. You can take charge of your health and well being, and live the life you deserve. Pelvic floor PT can help you transform into your best self and improve quality of life. Reach out to a pelvic floor specialist to help you get back to feeling and looking like the best version of yourself.

Millie Schweky, PT, DPT, CPT is a doctor of physical therapy specializing in pelvic health for women. She practices at Forward Physical Therapy in Brooklyn, NY. As a runner, strength trainer and mother, Millie understands what it takes to return to safe exercise after giving birth and is passionate about helping her patients return to their favorite activities as quickly and safely as possible.

DSN HAS BECOME THE PERFECT PLAYGROUND FOR LIVING, LEARNING AND LOVING LIFE! CALEIGH SILVERA, DSN’S ADULT DIRECTOR, EXCITEDLY EXPLAINED, “THIS SUMMER SET THE STANDARD FOR WELL-RUN, AND INFORMATIVE EXPERIENCES FOR OUR COMMUNITY WOMEN.”

The impeccable detailing of DSN’s activities ensured a knowledgeable and gratifying experience for all participants. It started with the wealth of varied activities and culminated into a fabulous summer of everlasting memories.

Our community women love their art. Two separate series of pottery-making took place with instructor Jill Levy Greenberg—one with a kiln and one without. Boasting 24 participants, everyone enjoyed learning and creating, with beautiful pieces to show for it.

Then, a lovely backyard watercolor class with Sylia Aboudi took place using the New Jersey landscape, flowers, or whatever else inspired the painter. For those who are busy during the day, DSN hosted a night class with Jill teaching watercolor and painting in a relaxed environment. DSN member Vicki Lesser rejoiced, “Jill is a teacher with patience and her classes are fun. I had the most relaxing experience at her nighttime watercolor class!”

For the summer’s first book club, members read “Last Summer at the Golden Hotel.” Salads and riveting discussion, led by Jennifer Aboudi, made for a wonderful daytime activity. Allison Safdieh and her daughter, Sophie Safdieh Waingort, attended the book club together. Allison stated, “We had the best time! It was so relaxing, pleasant and intellectually satisfying. We look forward to the coming events.”

DSN’s Short Story Class was a popular event. Seventeen participants showed up for an incredible morning of learning and intellectual entertainment. DSN member Jenny Tawil raved, “It is one of the highlights of my year when DSN comes out with their seasonal list of adult classes. When Sally Taylor Tawil and her short story classes are on the schedule, I’m ecstatic! Sally brings her expertise to life with every short story she reviews at a graduate school level, even for us undergrads. In every class, we are given the background of the author and the context of the piece written. With her gentleness and grace, Sally allows each member of the group to express her own thoughts and emotions and there are always several ‘aha’ moments. It is a true honor to play a part in Sally’s DSN story.”

Julie Botton stated, “I wait all year for Sally’s short story classes. No one quite captures the nuances and depth of a short story like she does. Her class is enlightening, inspiring and interesting every single time!“

Instructors Suzy Haber and Margalit Romano dove into the holistic world of gemstone and mineral healing as certified therapists. They explained the natural and unique healing properties that gemstones offer through traditional and scientific sources. A variety of different emotional and physical symptoms can be improved with this therapeutic practice, including ADD, stress, bone and joint issues, organ issues, kidney stones and many others.

Lesley Kassin’s Stationery Class was called “addicting” by participant Lynn Setyon. Everyone enjoyed learning techniques while listening to music. They gained confidence and made small booklets to take home with them. Each participant said they could have stayed for hours longer and requested more stationery classes in the future.

The winning combination of summer activities continued with an essential oils class given by Liat Kassin and a Persuasive Writing Series with Shelly Forman.

DSN clearly savors creating everlasting memories of summer activities for their members, as is exquisitely reflected in their programs and their members’ responses.

Caleigh Silvera, who coordinated all of the programs, summarized, “It makes all of us at DSN happy and fulfilled to see the community women coming out and connecting. We are confident that we created a winning combination of activities, and will continue to do so for our future DSN endeavors.“

BROOKLYN’S HEALTHCARE LEADER CELEBRATES 110 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE WITH STELLAR VIRTUAL GALA; HONORS ALICE ADJMI AS WOMAN OF THE CENTURY

BAILA FEUERSTEIN

ON SEPTEMBER 14TH, MAIMONIDES MEDICAL CENTER WILL MARK ITS MILESTONE 110TH BIRTHDAY WITH A SPECTACULAR, STAR-STUDDED VIRTUAL GALA THAT WILL HONOR THE PAST, CELEBRATE THE PRESENT, AND RECOGNIZE INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE SHAPING THE FUTURE. THE IMPRESSIVE SLATE OF HONOREES INCLUDES MAIMONIDES BOARD CHAIRMAN EUGENE KEILIN AND WIFE JOANNE WITTY; BARCLAYS CENTER AND BROOKLYN NETS CEO JOHN ABBAMONDI; AND RENOWNED COMMUNITY HESED ACTIVIST ALICE ADJMI. ADDING CACHE AND CHARISMA TO THE BROADCAST ARE THE EVENING’S VIRTUAL HOSTS: EMMY AWARD-WINNING BROADCAST PERSONALITY RITA COSBY, AND BROOKLYN-BORN LATE-NIGHT TALK SHOW LUMINARY JIMMY KIMMEL. ACTRESS MARISA TOMEI, WHO WAS BORN AT MAIMONIDES AND WON AN ACADEMY AWARD FOR HER PORTRAYAL OF A QUIRKY BROOKLYN ARCHETYPE IN THE MOVIE MY COUSIN VINNIE, WILL DELIVER BIRTHDAY GREETINGS.

In 1911, history was made when a women’s Bikur Holim group came together in South Brooklyn to open a small dispensary. Their goal was to provide local immigrant communities with qualified medical care, and education on modern health and sanitary practices. Through the years, their vision and initiative lived on. The small dispensary expanded and merged, changing its name from the New Utrecht Dispensary to Israel Hospital to Israel Zion Hospital, until it grew into the state-of-the-art medical center ultimately renamed Maimonides.

Like those intrepid women of the last century, and Jewish mothers since time immemorial, Gala Honoree Alice Adjmi exemplifies her community’s grand tradition of hesed. Alice is all about helping people. Whether it’s health, social services, education, civics, Torah causes or worthy tzedaka projects of any kind, public or private, Alice’s leadership and tireless efforts improve people’s lives and have a far-reaching impact on the future. This includes her long-standing advocacy and support for the life-saving work of Maimonides.

In 2016, the year she and husband Harry dedicated Maimonides’ emergency waiting room, Alice literally took a tour of Wonderland. First, she suited up in the surgical “bunny suit” to visit the hospital’s innovative hybrid operating rooms—New York City’s first and still Brooklyn’s only hybrid operating rooms for multi-disciplinary surgery, offering the most advanced imaging technology with virtual reality software. Following her tour of the Heart & Vascular Institute, she visited the world-class Breast Center and Breast Imaging Center of Excellence. Both experiences moved her profoundly, and inspired her to continue her promotion and support. “All of our families have been touched by the heartache of illness and disease. How can we stand by and not do something to try and make it a little easier, a little better, for the next family facing these challenges?”

Alice champions Maimonides as the community’s unsung hero and is quick to debrief the notion that anything located in Manhattan is somehow superior. “Anyone who has ever had an unsatisfactory experience at a Manhattan hospital can tell you, location is no guarantee of outcome,” she asserts. “When the unthinkable happens, it’s not the location of the hospital that matters but our proximity to it that makes all the difference. When injury or illness strikes, we don’t waste precious time in traffic to get across the river. We go to Maimonides, the life-saving resource that we are fortunate to have right here, in our own backyard.”

Nationally recognized for clinical excellence and world-class physicians, Maimonides serves as the tertiary care hub for patients across the borough, including the Brooklyn Sephardic community. It serves the community in every stage of life with compassion for its needs and unique respect for its laws and traditions. In fact, it is the only hospital in the city to employ a full-time team of Sephardic patient representatives to care for and expedite the needs of community patients in the emergency room and on the wards. The team members, Isaac Sabbagh, Gabe Haber, Albert Levy, Jack Azar and Morris Rahmey, constantly go above and beyond to help every patient they encounter. They are true healthcare heroes.

“This is an exciting time to be part of Maimonides,” says Rabbi Heshy Augenbaum, the hospital’s seasoned Chief Development Officer, who works closely with community leadership and has consulted on countless projects and organizational initiatives that have benefited the Sephardic community—and Jewish communities worldwide. “The healthcare landscape is changing and we are changing with it, transforming from a ‘medical center’ into a comprehensive ‘system of care’ with multiple campuses, physician practices across Brooklyn, and a virtual care offering. Our vision is still to provide the best care available anywhere, and growth plays a key role in that.”

Maimonides just completed its affiliation with New York Community Hospital in Midwood. Its new Doctors Pavilion on Ninth Avenue and 48th Street—a project overseen by Trustee Jack A. Hidary—brings more than 130 providers and 35 specialty and primary care practices together under one roof. The construction of a separate new pediatric emergency room on the main campus will increase the existing ER by 47,000 square feet. And it continues to implement programs that keep people healthy and out of the hospital, including health outreach initiatives with strategic partners like the Brooklyn Nets and the Brooklyn Cyclones. “Although the COVID-19 pandemic is still with us and we’re not out of the woods yet, our birthday gala is a meaningful celebration of hope and promise for the future,” says Rabbi Augenbaum. “We’re 110 years young, it’s the party of the century, and what better way to mark the occasion than by appreciating Mrs. Alice Adjmi as our Woman of the Century and recognizing her among the visionary individuals securing the future of healthcare in Brooklyn for the next 110 years.”

To learn more about Maimonides’ 110th Birthday Virtual Gala, make a sponsorship gift, put an ad in the digital journal, and watch the gala broadcast, visit the event website, www.110Birthday.org.

HOUSEWIVES AND HEALTHCARE HEROES GO TO BAT FOR MAIMONDIES

This summer, Maimonides renewed its commitment to the borough of Brooklyn and to promoting the health and well-being of the community at large by naming the iconic Cyclones Stadium in Coney Island, now known as Maimonides Park. Events and festivities at the park throughout the season were focused on health education and engaging the public in the celebration of the hospital’s 110th birthday. On August 12th, cheering fans packed the stands as Maimonides’ second-annual Battle for Brooklyn celebrity softball game saw the cast of Bravo’s Real Housewives of New Jersey, led by team captain Dolores Catania, go head-to-head with the Maimonides All Stars team, led by Chair of Surgery and Director of the Breast Center, Dr. Patrick Borgen. The Housewives and Husbands, along with 77 WABC Radio’s Sid Rosenberg, and former New York Giant Tiki Barber, trounced the All Stars 10-6, but it was nevertheless a victory for Maimonides as proceeds of the charitable event benefited the Breast Center, and a sensational time was had by all. Fans and players sang a rousing chorus of Happy Birthday to Maimonides as fireworks lit up the sky. Radio legend “Brooklyn’s Own” Joe Causi emceed the fun, and Cross River Bank was the magnanimous sponsor of the game.

Baila Feuerstein is the Director of Donor Communications/Development at Maimonides Medical Center.