ADAR IS KNOWN AS THE MONTH OF CELEBRATION AND HAPPINESS. THE TALMUD SAYS, “WHEN THE MONTH OF ADAR ARRIVES, WE INCREASE IN JOY” TO WELCOME A SEASON OF MIRACLES. AT THE SBH TAWIL FAMILY JERSEY BRANCH, WE TAKE THE MEANING OF THE MONTH ADAR — OR INCREASING JOY — VERY SERIOUSLY!
For starters, our seniors celebrated Purim throughout the month! The joint SBH and Hillel program “Better Together” kicked off the month of celebrations. Hillel’s 8th grade girls planned a wonderful Purim program, where they danced along with their senior partners, and painted beautiful ceramic clowns and masks together to fun, lively music. There were smiles galore!
And the joy only increased from there! SBH’s joint Purim party with DSN brought together nearly 100 seniors to celebrate with live music, dance, a delicious lunch and of course hamentashen aplenty. The afternoon was made even more special with the girls from both Ilan and Hillel High Schools in attendance. Their infectious energy and joyfulness left a lasting impression on our seniors.
Our homebound seniors were not left out of the celebrations, thanks to our community’s wonderful volunteers who are truly the lifeline of SBH! Homebound seniors delighted in listening to the megillah in the privacy of their own homes, fulfilling the mitzvah of hearing the words of the megillah. They reveled in being acknowledged and honored.
For our New Jersey families, SBH orchestrated an amazing Purim carnival spearheaded by lead volunteer Marsha Tobias and family. This fun-filled afternoon had close to 1,000 people enjoying the festivities, which included inflatable rides, carnival games and prizes. While children were enjoying themselves in their colorful costumes and everyone was celebrating, the needs of our community members were not forgotten. Hesed opportunities for the young and old were available, including hesed booths for making hamentashen and mishloach manot for the SBH Sarah Sutton A”H Food Pantry. What a special way to celebrate Purim and create fond memories for children, parents and grandparents!
As in the story of Esther, many things are hidden only to be unmasked to reveal good. The Client Services Division of SBH respects the confidentiality and the personal struggles that some of our community members contend with. Various people face food insecurity and financial struggles. In that light, honoring the mitzvah of matanot laevyonim, or giving money to the poor, generous donations from near and far were contributed to help the needy in our area. This Purim, SBH NJ spearheaded a beautiful initiative that raised over $200k that was directly distributed to close to 250 families in NY and NJ. In addition, our NJ client families were given a beautiful mishloach manot graciously donated by the Michael Kameo A”H foundation. Families with children were also provided with gift cards to purchase costumes.
Increasing the joy to those in need is not limited to the month of Adar but it is one of the essential pillars of the SBH mission: to imbue families and individuals with a sense of pride and dignity. We run beautiful programming throughout the year that serves both those seeking our help and those looking to give back. To learn more about the SBH Tawil Jersey Branch, follow @sbh_jersey on Instagram or email info@sbhonline.org to be added to the email list. We look forward to many more times of joy together.
Lori Shafrir is the Senior Division Coordinator of the SBH Tawil Family Jersey Branch.
GROWING UP IN THE BEDFORD AREA, TOBY SHACALO WATCHED AS HIS FATHER DAVID CARED DEEPLY ABOUT CONGREGATION KOL ISRAEL. TOBY SAW HIS FATHER’S COMMITMENT TO THE SYNAGOGUE AND ITS OPERATIONS. FOR EXAMPLE, THERE WAS A FIRE IN THE SYNAGOGUE IN JUNE 1994 AND DAVID SHACALO A”H HAD THE ONLY KEY. RUNNING TO THE SYNAGOGUE, HE WOULDN’T LET THE FIREMEN START THEIR HOSES UNTIL ALL THE SEFER TORAHS HAD BEEN SAFELY REMOVED AND COUNTED.
Then, he took two months off from work as the synagogue was rebuilt to get it ready for the High Holidays. David’s commitment to safety and the community deeply impacted Toby, who has been a volunteer for Flatbush Shomrim for 19 years. He grew within the organization and has been a coordinator for the past six years, helping to manage some 90 volunteers, each of whom volunteers about four to eight hours a week.
How did he get involved? “As someone was breaking into my house, a bunch of guys stopped him. I asked who they were and that’s how I found out about Flatbush Shomrim,” said Toby. “I became the first Sephardic member; they all thought I was bananas.”
“Toby is very levelheaded and an asset to the organization. He is very connected to many of the police precincts and that is a huge help. He knows how to reach out to them,” said Executive Coordinator of Flatbush Shomrim Robert Moscovitz. The depth and breadth of the organization’s activities are staggering. They saved hundreds during Covid with their oxygen concentrators. They not only patrol the community and answer calls, but they also take on crime prevention, domestic violence, counter terrorism and a myriad of other tasks related to safety.
Flatbush Shomrim has between eight and 12 volunteers patrolling the community at any one time. Anyone out after midnight is watched carefully. As coordinator, Toby Shacalo said they field about 300 calls a week on their 24/7 hotline at 718.338.9797.
Using a radio communication system, those on and off duty stay in touch with each other. Flatbush Shomrim essentially covers the entire community, from McDonald Avenue to Marine Park and Manhattan Beach. At night, their response time to calls is one to three minutes. They are responsible for hundreds of arrests a year in the Flatbush area.
“We are in our own community; we know it better than anyone else. Our dedicated members will leave their place of business to answer a call. We know who belongs and who doesn’t belong,” he said.
Each volunteer is heavily vetted and must attend the Citizens Police Academy of the New York Police Department. The course is four hours a week for 16 weeks. The training includes things to know about the law, how to deal with and defuse situations, counterterrorism, tactical training and martial arts.
“In addition, Toby provides independent field training to new volunteers, teaching them important tactics and strategies to keep them and the community safe,” said Moskovitz.
Flatbush Shomrim is certified by the Department of Homeland Security and the New York City Office of Emergency Management. In cases of emergency, they also do search and rescue in coordination with local law enforcement.
Toby gave an example of an incident. “One time a guy from Hatzolah saw someone leaving a driveway and called us about a suspicious male. We couldn’t find him and then two minutes later, we heard a scream. The guy had broken into a house and assaulted the husband and wife. When he ran out of the house, we got him and arrested him in front of the location.”
He continued, “We often deal with house break-ins, missing persons — child or adult — and a lot of crazy stuff. There is an autistic child in the community who went missing more than once. We know he liked to ride the trains. So we had to shut down the entire subway system, a few times, to find him. Sometimes it’s an Alzheimer’s patient who wanders off, and we must find him/her. Maybe it is a house fire or a domestic violence case. With domestic violence, we get help for the victim. Right now, teenagers using drugs is a pandemic of sorts in the community. We have a well-trained team who know how to speak to the children and the parents. They have a good approach and advise them on facilities. Essentially when the community needs us, we are there.”
Toby went on, “We work closely with the commanding officers in the local precincts in the community. We have weekly meetings to discuss the high crime areas which we call the hot zones. One time there were about 30 burglaries in a short period of time. We had numerous confirmed break-ins in one night. The victims got in touch with us right away. We spotted the perpetrators and identified them to the police, who arrested them. We also follow up with our contacts in the District Attorney’s office to make sure they don’t get released back to the community and repeat their crimes.”
Security has always been front and center in Toby’s volunteer life. For 10 years he chaired the security committee at Shaare Shalom. With nine synagogues in the immediate area of his home, he has learned a lot about soft and easy targets. “I wanted to make sure people in the synagogue were safe, so we developed a team and started to train. I take the safety of the community personally.”
Hesed has been part of Toby’s life since childhood. He is deeply committed to helping the Special Children’s Center and Sephardic Bikur Holim, due to their amazing work. In addition to his father’s volunteer work at Kol Israel Congregation, he saw his mother Valerie volunteer at his school, Magen David Yeshivah and later Shaare Torah High School. The example was set by his parents and he followed it.
Community members are urged to call Flatbush Shomrim’s 24/7 hotline at 718.338.9797, as well as 911 if they see something suspicious.
A journalist, genealogist and historian, Sarina Roffé is the author of Branching Out from Sepharad (Sephardic Heritage Project, 2017), Sarina holds a BA in Journalism.
“WITH HUMOR, INSIGHT, AND GRACE, CORIE ADJMI EXAMINES THE PLIGHT OF A SPIT-FIRE TEENAGER WHO STRUGGLES TO FIND WHERE SHE FITS IN THE WORLD. AS CASEY COHEN JOURNEYS FROM WILD TEEN TO MARRIED WOMAN, SHE WILL WIN EVERY READER’S HEART WITH HER WITTY COMMENTARY, DOWN-TO-EARTH ATTITUDE, AND COURAGEOUS SPUNK. AN UNQUESTIONABLE JOYRIDE FROM START TO FINISH. THIS BOOK IS A MUST-READ!” THESE WORDS WERE WRITTEN ABOUT A BRAND NEW BOOK TITLED THE MARRIAGE BOX.
This entertaining book tells the story of Casey Cohen, a sixteen-year-old Middle Eastern Jew, in New Orleans in the 1970s. When she starts hanging out with the wrong crowd and gets in trouble, her parents turn her whole world upside down by deciding to return to their roots, the Orthodox Syrian Jewish community in Brooklyn.
In this new and foreign world, families gather weekly for Shabbat dinner; parties are extravagant events at the Museum of Natural History; and the Marriage Box is a real place, a pool deck designated for teenage girls to put themselves on display for potential husbands. Casey is at first shocked by this unfamiliar culture, but after she meets Michael, she’s enticed by it. Looking for love and a place to belong, she marries him at eighteen, believing she can adjust to Syrian ways. But she begins to question her decision when she discovers that Michael doesn’t want her to go to college; he wants her to have a baby instead.
Can Casey integrate these two opposing worlds, or will she have to leave one behind in order to find her way? It’s a coming of age story from an award-winning author brimming with Jewish family drama to fascinate and make readers laugh out loud. Audiences interested in a fresh behind-the-scenes look at Orthodox Jewish culture won’t be able to put this book down!
Readers will find relevant elements given society’s interest in Jewish culture, as well as timely themes close to Corie Adjmi’s heart, like female empowerment, identity, and the Syrian Jewish community.
“The Marriage Box Is a work of fiction but it’s based on my real life,” said Corie. “I grew up in New Orleans and moved to the Syrian community in Brooklyn when I was sixteen. To say I experienced culture shock is an understatement. Moving to New York was difficult and I had a lot to learn. Writing has been a way for me to process many events in my life and THE MARRIAGE BOX is part of that journey. Using satire, humor and good old-fashioned storytelling, I’ve created a narrative that makes me laugh. And I hope it will make readers laugh too.” The Marriage Box will be on sale May 2nd.
WHEN WE WERE YOUNGER, WE DIDN’T PUT TOO MUCH THOUGHT INTO SPEAKING. WE JUST HAD THOUGHTS — AND THEN WORDS. TODAY, IT’S DIFFERENT. TECHNOLOGY HAS CREATED A GENERATION OF PEOPLE WHO ONLY KNOW HOW TO PUT THEIR THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS INTO TEXT AND EMAIL — NOT INTO SPEECH. WE’VE GOT A BIG PROBLEM. WE HAVE TO RETRAIN PEOPLE INTO SPEECH-FIRST BEINGS. LIKE MUSCLES THAT NEED TO BE STRENGTHENED, OUR SPEAKING SKILLS DO, TOO. AND LIKE MUSCLES, IF YOU DON’T KEEP YOUR TALKING SKILLS STRONG, THEY’LL WEAKEN TO THE POINT OF BEING INEFFECTIVE.
Radio Host and professional speaker Judi Franco has introduced a new and innovative program that goes beyond public speaking. It’s called Talk Theory: The theory being that “word wellness” is a thing.
Over the years, Judi Franco has coached students, business people and professionals, as well as people in the non-working world to communicate well and use words effectively — even with anxiety. Let her customize a coaching session for you.
To find out if Talk Theory coaching is right for you, ask yourself these questions: Are you or are your adult children ever hesitant to speak directly to people? Do you prefer text and email to direct conversations? Do you want to sound more fluid in conversation? Do you dread phone calls? Is it hard to look people in the eyes while speaking to them? Do you find yourself at a loss for words? Would you like to make your conversation more lively and interesting? Do you have a speech coming up and need help with writing and/or execution? Do you have an important meeting, presentation or job interview coming up? Do you want to sound more professional in your career? Is an uncomfortable conversation you need to have with someone looming over you? If you said “yes” to any of these questions, you need Talk Theory Coaching.
Talk Theory has the “hacks” to help you, the wrong and right words to choose — and trade secrets, too. Learn words that are often mispronounced, which ones make you sound smarter than you are, (and which do the opposite!) And, you’ll learn how general tone, pacing, cadence, and modulation affect how you communicate.
Like public speaking courses, Talk Theory Coaching addresses the anxiety of speaking to crowds, and prepares you for speeches. (They even have a speech writing service.)But unlike public speaking class, conversational skills are addressed, too, like those for social situations, business interactions, phone calls, customer service, interviews, difficult personal conversations and more.
Words matter. And using them well is essential. Let Judi Franco help you understand the mistakes you’re making in your verbal communication skills and how to fix them. She pinpoints and strengthens weaknesses you didn’t even know you had! (Oh, and learn the real secret to dealing with anxiety.)
Contact Talk Theory coaching for a free consult and tell Judi what your issues are. It’ll be a quick assessment — kind of a talk “check up.”She’ll customize an in-person or virtual coaching session for you, either one-on-one or with a group, where you’ll pinpoint and strengthen weaknesses you didn’t even know you had!
We’re all concerned with wellness today — physical, financial, spiritual and emotional. Considering that we humans are the only species who have the gift of communicating through talk, shouldn’t your word wellness be a priority too? Be the strong, confident speaker you want and need to be with Judi Franco’s Talk Theory. Email Talk Theory Coaching at judi@thetalktheory.com, text or call 848-844-5989.
ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, MAGEN DAVID YESHIVAH HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF WELCOMING WORLD-RENOWNED RECORDING ARTIST YAAKOV SHWEKEY TO ITS STAGE IN THE AUDITORIUM. SHWEKEY PERFORMED TO A CROWD OF APPROXIMATELY 1,000 ENTHUSIASTIC STUDENTS, PARENTS, STAFF MEMBERS, AND FANS.
The audience clapped and sang along to such well-known hits as Aish, Baruch Hashem It’s Shabbos, and I Can Be. The crowd was energized and engaged throughout the entire 90 minute performance, dancing in their seats and waving light-up glow sticks and sparkling batons. The band played behind him on a stage that was bathed in colorful lights.
Assistant Principal Rabbi Abe Cohen and 8th grader Jack Franco danced in the aisle as the band played on. MDY’s Elementary School Principal Rabbi Ezra Cohen-Saban, joined the band on stage and accompanied Shwekey on a rendition of Vehee Sheh’amdah and Im Eshkachech. Seventh grader Alan Cohen, a nephew of Yaakov Shwekey, was invited on stage and was treated to a personal performance of Cry No More Yerushalayim in honor of his recent bar mitzvah. Camille Sakkal remarked, “I really enjoyed this memorable, heartwarming night with friends and family.”
Shwekey has built a long and illustrious career spanning three decades. His first album, Shomati, was released in 2001 and immediately enjoyed international success. Four songs from the album charted in Israel and quickly became well-known hits, including Shomati and Shehechiyonu. In 2022 he collaborated with other Jewish recording artists on a new album titled Elevate, the 25th recorded album that features his voice. He has performed in many locations all over the world to countless adoring fans, including a fundraiser for former president Trump. He has been praised for his ability to work well with other musicians, spreading a positive message of joy.
We would like to thank our sponsors for the event, Oved and Oved Attorneys and Mr. Eli Cohen. We would also like to thank our PTA and its presidents, Lorraine Sherr, Linda Sutton, and Gloria Chabbott, for putting the concert together. Lastly, the night wouldn’t have been complete without all of the volunteers managing the concessions and admission. Thank you to everyone for creating a night that we will never forget.
Frank Morgano is a 6th & 8th grade ELA teacher and staff reporter for Magen David. He has been a teacher for over 23 years and enjoys reading, playing guitar, hockey and Korean sword fighting.
ON MARCH 13TH, OVER 70 COMMUNITY YOUNG ADULTS STUDYING IN ISRAEL JOINED THE SCA “BRIDGE THE GAP” PROGRAM. THIS PROGRAM IS THE BRAINCHILD OF SCA PRESIDENT JEFFREY BEYDA, A TRUE VISIONARY WHO IS ALWAYS FINDING INNOVATIVE WAYS TO INSPIRE AND EMPOWER THE NEXT GENERATION.
The goals of the event were to bring our youth together — from the variety of seminaries and yeshivot in Israel — to reconnect, bond and to discuss issues that are important to them going into the next stage of adulthood. SCA board member Rabbi Joey Soffer said, “The SCA hit another grand slam, gathering our gap year Israel students together to discuss building on the growth they achieved this year, and ways to continue to build and give back to our community when they return. The future of our community looks bright as these young adults showed a deep desire to get involved.”
The day began with prayers and breakfast at the Inbal Hotel, followed by three remarkable sessions that were appreciated by all. SCA Young Adult Program Director Aaron Shasha held a workshop addressing students’ concerns about adjusting to life back at home after a year in Israel. Eli Esses, who is studying in Ortayta, said “we were given the opportunity to reflect on how much we’ve all grown this year, and strategize ways to maintain and augment the growth we’ve experienced once we get back home.”
Next, “For the Sake of Argument,” led an engaging discussion on tools and skills to use when talking to those you disagree with. Students were left with a new perspective on tough conversations they may encounter in college or beyond. Finally, Avi Posen from Jewish Unpacked, spoke about how to reconcile with difficult topics in Israel’s past. Of that final session, Eli Esses continued, “we learned about the complexity of the situations at hand, while still strengthening our Zionist pride.” Ruthy Derzie, who is studying in Midreshet Moriah, added “Knowing about these events gives you the ability to speak about them if you ever need to defend Israel back home.”
After a delicious lunch and a break for minha, the real fun began! Participants rode into the dessert where Rabbi David Zeit spoke about the relevance of their location in the Tanach. The students broke up into teams and played an exciting game of laser tag in the desert. There, they had to strategize and use their team building and leadership skills to secure a victory! It was a special opportunity for the young adults to connect and bond. Lynn Franco, who is attending Midreshet Torah Chessed, said “We had an amazing opportunity to have all the community members studying in Israel for the year in one room. It was a jam packed, fun and informative day! It was so nice to be with everyone and such a special experience.”
The Bridge the Gap program ended with a BBQ celebration in the desert! A sunset evening hike brought the young men and women to a surprise final destination where they prayed arbit, enjoyed incredible food and a lively party.
Aaron Shasha, who spearheaded this amazing event said, “The SCA’s Bridge the Gap program is an essential program for our community’s young adults. Listening to their questions and thoughts about life post Eres Yisrael, it’s clear that they have grown tremendously over the year and have a strong conviction to maintain that growth. It was an honor to spend the day with them and we are thrilled for the potential programs that will be created as a result of the day’s reflections. In my visits throughout the different yeshivot and seminaries, school personnel relayed to us how they have never seen any community receive such a special program and they have no doubt that this program is a helpful tool to fortify their growth and prepare them for the next chapter of their lives.”
Thank you to Issac Chabot, Sruli Jacobson, Betty Hidary, Aaron Shasha, Rabbi Joey Soffer, Sarah Weitzman and Rabbi David Zeit for ensuring the success of this unique program. SCA Bridge the Gap 2023 was generously sponsored by Ronny & Toby Hersh in honor of the Israel Gap Year students.
WITH AN INFLUX OF NEW FAMILIES TO THE JERSEY SHORE, DSN PUT TOGETHER A SPECIAL GET-TOGETHER EVENT THAT WAS EXCITING AND FUN FOR ALL 200 GUESTS.
On the evening of Saturday, March 4th, adults came together to celebrate at a special event “Morocco On Park Ave.” In honoring DSN’s core value of bringing the community together, this was surely one of the most successful nights of the year. It was resplendent in creativity, style and spirit — and perfect weather crowned the night.
With a special events committee planning the evening, the charming home of Morris and Stephanie Levy was selected as the host location. The Levys helped make the evening unforgettable. The aesthetics of their beautiful home was an extension of the event’s vision, allowing for a memorable Moroccan evening.
The theme of the event was an exciting and unique choice that helped set the tone for the evening. Attendees were encouraged to dress in Moroccan-inspired clothing, and the waitstaff wore traditional garb with kaftans, further immersing guests in the theme. The decorations, food, and entertainment were also carefully curated to create an authentic and memorable Moroccan experience.
The event featured a range of activities and experiences, including a fully catered dinner by Nicole’s Kitchen, a Candy Treat Truck, desserts, tea bar, and socializing.
The preparations were extensive, with DSN’s Adult Chairperson Sonia Cohen commenting on how much she loved it. “Every year seems to get better than the last! The attention to detail and hard work that went into the planning was evident throughout the night.”
Adult Program Director Caleigh Silvera noted “I was so happy to see everyone enthusiastic, eating, smiling, laughing, and socializing! That equates to success.“
Hostess Stephanie Levy was overjoyed. “It was truly a pleasure to host this event. Life on the Jersey Shore is made vibrant by this great organization. Caleigh and her team were tremendous from beginning to end, with every detail done to perfection. We were so honored to enjoy the night with everyone!”
Overall, the “Morocco On Park Ave” event was a big success for DSN. Everyone enjoyed the festivities, and the attention to detail, hard work, and execution helped create an unforgettable experience. The rave reviews from attendees, such as Zoe Benun, demonstrate how much of a positive impact events like this can have on the community. “It was beautiful seeing people together for a night of fun and excitement while also supporting a good cause.”
DSN’s President Lee Zekaria referred to the evening as “a grand-slam.” He continued, “There is nothing like getting people together for a special night like this in the middle of winter. I’m looking forward to many more, G-d willing!”
A DAY OF MAGIC AND MEMORIES FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS AND THEIR FAMILIES
THE CHILDREN OF CARE ARE SOME OF THE BRAVEST AND COOLEST KIDS IN OUR COMMUNITY. VOLUNTEERS, SUPPORTERS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS, SHOWED CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS AND THEIR SIBLINGS INCREDIBLE LOVE AND SUPPORT AT THE CARE PURIM CARNIVAL.
The carnival is one of the most memorable CARE events that provides a fun-filled day where hundreds of families leave their troubles behind and celebrate the holiday with true happiness!
“Being the mom of a special needs daughter, any time there’s an opportunity for her to try something new or attend a CARE event, I’m all in. These interactions positively change a child’s social skills,” said a CARE mom. “Standing and watching my daughter create a snow globe with her little hands while volunteers cheered her on is an amazing thing. It’s a reminder for my husband and I that she isn’t limited by her disability. As a parent, there is no greater blessing than watching your child be treated like a rock star.”
“It’s heartwarming to watch the community come out to support and celebrate the children with special needs in our community,” said Meyer and Victoria Safdieh, founders of CARE. “Not only is it special for the kids and their families but also every volunteer that is part of the day walks away with a new perspective on children with disabilities.”
Parents and their kids laughed while they made silly faces and took family selfies at the photo booth. They munched on fluffy cotton candy while playing carnival games and jumped in bounce houses. Whether it was snow globe making, creating their own canvas bag, receiving a twisted balloon from the clown, or tasting a sizzling slice of pizza there was endless fun and entertainment for the entire family! And just when they thought it was over, each family was handed a beautifully wrapped mishloach manot.
Many parents related that their other children understand that the only reason they’re able to participate in CARE events is because of their sibling with special needs. This creates an appreciation and love toward the special sibling.
The carnival brought so much positive energy and joy to hundreds of CARE families thanks to the CARE staff, dedicated volunteers and supporters. Many new friendships formed as the carnival created a warm and welcoming space for families to connect with others who understand the unique challenges they face.
CARE’s dedication to creating memorable events for families of children with special needs is truly inspiring and its impact on our community is immeasurable.
THE CARE DIFFERENCE The CARE Purim Carnival stands as yet another example of CARE’s exceptional ability to create tremendously successful events for the special needs families in our community.
What is it that draws hundreds of parents to CARE? What makes CARE so unique? What differentiates it from other community organizations that cater in specific ways to children with special needs? What is the CARE difference? To understand the answer is to learn about the need.
Driven by parents who understand the challenges and impacts of a special child, CARE supports and provides programs for special children as well as guidance and support to the entire family as they navigate life with a special needs child. CARE for Special Children empowers parents as they cope with their struggle, and CARE advisors are by their side along their journey, so they never feel alone. Connecting them with vital services, therapies, schools and specialists, CARE has become a lifeline to the special needs community.
In addition, CARE organizes special events for parents and families so they can connect with others and feel understood as well as providing in house social workers and housing a therapy clinic to support parents and children. CARE combines compassion with advocacy, bridges love with services and provides hope because every child deserves a beautiful life. CARE has become the center of the special needs world in our community and the one place for them to turn for comprehensive, overall help and support.
THANKS TO THE GENEROSITY OF SHARYN AND EZRA S. ASHKENAZI, PROPEL LAUNCHED A NEW DIVISION DESIGNED TO SUPPORT THE WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS OF THE COMMUNITY. THE DIVISION WAS NAMED IN HONOR OF PROPEL SUPPORTER MRS. CHELLA SAFRA, AND REBECCA HARARY, CO-FOUNDER OF PROPEL.
On February 1st, the new division hosted an impressive event at The Club showcasing remarkable working women who were all professionally successful and relatable to other community women aspiring to launch their own entrepreneurial dreams. The audience was filled, and included in the room were many PROPEL Ambassadors — there to support the next cohort of working women. Among them, Joyce Silverman of Joyce D. Silverman Interiors, Evet Balas of Light Lab, Julie Maleh of Jus by Julie, Joy Bijou of Hydrangeas & Co, Interior Designer Stacy Ayash, Barbara Kroub of Peace of Cake, Shelly Shmool of By Shelly, Nicole Cohen of Sketch Forty Two, Alexis Cohen, designer of custom cakes and desserts, Karen Sabbagh, CBC Counselor, Celia Naomi, an artist, and Celia Beyda of On Reserve Events.
PROPEL’s all women professional team, alongside its Board of Directors led by Dr. Gayle Krost, inaugurated PROPEL Entrepreneurs with an all-star panel that included Batya Cohen, founder of Floorplay, Julie Danziger, co-founder of Embark Travel, Jennifer Nisan, founder of Front Row Live, and Sonia Mosseri, founder of Still Here in New York.
The female talent that evening included our moderators, three of PROPEL’s Board Members, Gitta Kaplan, attorney for Mamiye Brothers, Elaine Parker, Director of Business Development and Marketing Solutions at Promoshop, and Heleyne Mishan Tamir, co-founder and executive at luxury makeup brand, Surratt Beauty, as well as the owner of Bloom Bar Flower Market.
The questions asked drew the audience into the personal stories of how each of these panelists came to originate and grow their businesses.
Julie’s honest, engaging and humorous style kicked off the panel where we learned of her professional story, and how she came to head up Embark Beyond, a luxury travel company which boasts several hundred employees. Julie generously offered an incredible opportunity to a woman interested in becoming a travel advisor and agent, as Embark has its own training program.
Sonia, always artistic and creative, shared her remarkable experiences as she built her fashion jean business and beyond. The audience was touched by the story of how her father came to this country from Egypt with not much, but had a pair of jeans which eventually became old and worn. These jeans became a symbol to Sonia, and eventually along with her husband, Sonia capitalized on this idea and has grown a business which sells to major retail stores, as well as opening their own storefront in downtown Manhattan.
Batya was confident from a young age that she wanted to study to become an architect. While attending Pratt Institute, she acquired the training and gained experience interning for several architectural firms. Batya began her business by consulting on furniture layouts, which quickly scaled to a one-stop-shop for Architectural & Interior Design services. She presented as incredibly professional and confident. She credited her husband with supporting her dream of building her own business, and today she heads up Floorplay, a growing business that employs a team of designers that work alongside Batya.
Jennifer, in describing her professional journey, revealed that she started with acquiring a degree in social work. She explained that she always, however, had a passion for fashion. Her business of sourcing and acquiring luxury goods for clients began when she noticed it was somewhat difficult to obtain designer items, and realized there was a market for consumers to pay her to find these items. Jennifer has grown an incredible business and has expanded her reach into this industry allowing her to be successful in her market.
Each panelist was incredibly honest about balancing home life and work commitments. Many thank-yous were given to husbands and mothers! Strategies in the kitchen to ensure Shabbat dinner and beyond were shared, and stories of being present at family functions while simultaneously attending work-related functions and meetings were acknowledged. The audience was in awe!
PROPEL has begun to receive many calls from burgeoning women entrepreneurs inspired that evening and hoping to build their own brands and businesses.
WHAT IF YOU COULD GIVE YOUR CHILDREN A BRIGHTER FINANCIAL FUTURE WITHOUT SPENDING A SINGLE PENNY? WHAT IF IT ONLY TOOK THE RIGHT WORDS? BELIEVE IT OR NOT, THAT IS POSSIBLE. TALKING TO CHILDREN ABOUT MONEY NOW CAN PAY OFF IN A BIG WAY LATER.
That’s true for children of any age — from kiddos in elementary school to adult children who have kids of their own. Why? Because talking about money is a way of sharing what you know about it. These talks can help children understand how money works and what can come up when it’s time to spend money — or earn it, invest it, or save it.
Yet, those talks aren’t happening as often as they could be. That’s true despite the fact that most folks say parents should teach their kids about finance.
In fact, when it comes down to it, most parents rarely discuss money with their kids. Many folks say they never talk money with their children.
Maybe that’s why most millennials and Gen Z-ers turn to social media for advice about money. But they won’t find your money wisdom there.
It’s easy enough to start a meaningful conversation about finance and share what you know if you know where to begin.
So, here are some simple, thought-provoking conversation starters to use with anyone age eight and older. If you have these in your back pocket — ready to go — you can easily kickstart a talk about money the next time you have the chance. You could end up sharing some enlightening pearls of money wisdom in the process.
7 INSPIRED WAYS TO START TALKING ABOUT MONEY & KEEP THE CONVERSATION GOING
#1 SAVING MONEY HAS ALLOWED ME TO…
What have you accomplished because you’ve been able to save money? What challenges did you face along the way and how did you overcome them?
Saving up for a life-changing purchase can be just one answer here, but it’s not the only one. Retiring early or being able to give more to charity are also wins that can come from successful saving. Sharing these accomplishments can inspire younger generations to stay on track with their own savings goals.
#2 WHEN I’M DECIDING WHETHER TOBUY SOMETHING OR SAVE THE MONEY, I…
What do you consider and weigh out when you’re not sure whether to buy or save? Who do you talk to and how much time do you give yourself to make the decision?
Everyone’s different, so explaining how you make these decisions can help others figure out new ways to handle them. That can be especially true when it comes to high-stakes purchases and challenging money choices.
#3 IF SOMEONE ASKS TO BORROW MONEY FROM ME, I…
What’s your go-to reaction when someone hits you up for a sizable loan? And what have you learned from lending out money in the past? What factors sway or dissuade you from lending your hard-earned money?
Whether it’s family, friends, or business, lending money can be tricky. And you may have more insights to share than you realize from your past experiences — good and bad.
#4 IF I COULD GO BACK IN TIME, I WOULD TELL MY YOUNGER SELF…
What piece of money advice do you wish you had 10, 20, or even 30+ years ago? How would that knowledge have changed your outlook, your choices, or your life?
As you dig into what you didn’t know, you can open up about money mistakes and how your views or behaviors have changed since then. That you can create a far more engaging dialogue and make a lasting impression.
#5 ONE THING I REGRET BUYING IS…
Which expenditures have stood out as mistakes and why? How has your regret for those purchases changed the way you buy things now?
Most of us end up with buyer’s remorse at some time in our lives. Shining some light on that may help your kids or grandkids take a thoughtful pause the next time they feel the urge to make a purchase they could regret.
#6 ONE THING I’M SAVING UP TO PURCHASE IS…
What big-ticket item or experience do you want to invest in next? Why?
Sharing these goals can dial the conversation out to the long term. That can be motivating, and it may even help younger generations stop and think before their next impulse buy. This opener can also touch on your values and show how you spend money to support those values.
#7 I AM GRATEFUL FOR…
What truly enriches your life? Which people, experiences, or tangible objects bring you joy? How do they make your life better?
Money is important, but so are a lot of other parts of your life. Taking time to think about what you’re grateful for — beyond finances — can be extremely grounding. It can also put things in better perspective, especially when life hands us bigger challenges.
FINANCIAL LESSON
Have you used any of these conversation starters yet? Which one will you try next (or first)?
The truth is that it doesn’t really matter whether you dive into a money talk using these openers or others. What matters much more is getting that discussion about finance started in the first place. After all, talking about money can be hard for any of us, even when we’re talking to the folks we care about the most — including our children.
Still, these discussions don’t have to be painful, and they don’t have to create anxiety for anyone involved. Even if they’re sensitive or challenging, remember, money talks can be incredibly valuable.
Talking about finance doesn’t just give you the chance to pass along hard-earned wisdom. It can also inspire children — young and older — to make more prudent choices and pick up better financial habits. In the big picture, these money talks can contribute to financial well-being and a much brighter future. But it probably won’t happen after just one talk with your kids.
The discussion about finance has to keep going to really make a difference. And one of the ways to keep that conversation going is with the help of someone you trust.
Risk Disclosure: The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. Consult your financial professional before making any investment decision.
Ari Baum, CFP® is the founder and CEO of Endurance Wealth Partners, with over 25 years 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.
AS I WRITE THIS IN EARLY MARCH, MY COLLEAGUES IN THE NEW YORK STATE LEGISLATURE AND I ARE CURRENTLY NEGOTIATING THE STATE BUDGET — A DOCUMENT OUTLINING ROUGHLY $227 BILLION OF SPENDING PRIORITIES THAT REFLECT OUR VALUES. I’M FIGHTING HARD TO MAKE SURE THE BUDGET INCLUDES THE HEALTHY SCHOOL MEALS FOR ALL PROGRAM, WHICH WOULD PROVIDE ALL STUDENTS ACROSS OUR STATE — IN EVERY SCHOOL SETTING — WITH FREE SCHOOL MEALS EACH DAY.
Hunger is a daily problem for nearly a million of New York’s students across the state — and we know that students experiencing hunger struggle to focus, have lower attendance rates than their peers, and are at significantly higher risk of developing mental and physical health problems. In New York City alone, statistics have shown that providing free school meals to all students improved math and reading test scores. Providing free universal school meals to all students at a school also decreases the stigma of receiving free school meals by equalizing the lunchroom dynamics. This can also decrease bullying, and improve students’ relationships and self-esteem: two crucial factors in childhood development.
And there are millions of families across New York State right now whose lives would be changed by knowing their children could eat a healthy, nutritious breakfast and lunch at school each day for free. I know — because I’ve spoken with them at length about how they’re feeling a pinch in their pockets each day as they work hard to make ends meet, and because there is clear evidence that more New York children are in unpaid lunch debt than ever before. Our proposal would save families, on average, $140 per school-aged child per month: that’s over $3,000 per school year for a family with two school-aged children. That’s a significant amount of money that could go towards healthcare, buying groceries, paying rent, refilling MetroCards, and more.
With just a tiny fraction of the state’s $227 billion budget, we could make a huge difference in working families’ lives this year. Just $280 million — 0.01% of the state budget — would fully fund free school meals for all students across New York State, regardless of their meal debt, their application status, or their family’s income.
Up in Albany, it’s one of a number of measures to ease families’ financial burdens that I’m fighting hard to include in the state budget. From our Healthy School Meals for All program to my NYS Working Families Tax Credit bill — which would give working families across the state up to $1,500 per child to help make ends meet — fighting to make life more affordable on an everyday basis is my top priority this year, and I’m committed to seeing it through.
I am committed to doing everything I can to fully fund the Healthy School Meals For All program in this year’s budget. It has the chance to change the daily realities and the future possibilities for children all across New York, because no matter how engaging the lesson or how experienced the teacher, students can’t learn if they’re starving. It’s as simple as that.
“State Senator Andrew Gounardes represents New York’s 26th State Senate District, which includes the neighborhoods of Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Sunset Park, Red Hook, Park Slope, Gowanus, Carroll Gardens, Boerum Hill, Cobble Hill, Downtown Brooklyn, Fort Greene, Brooklyn Heights, Vinegar Hill, and DUMBO. He was elected in November 2018.
ON JANUARY 29 OF THIS YEAR, SIMHA (SEPHARDIC INITIATIVE FOR MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS) CELEBRATED THE GRADUATION OF ITS FIRST COHORT OF SEVEN RABBIS, ALL OF WHOM WERE AWARDED CERTIFICATIONS OF COMPLETION IN SIMHA’S INAUGURAL, SIX-MONTH RABBINICAL CLINICAL TRAINING PROGRAM.
SIMHA, a mental health organization based in Brooklyn, provides white-glove, expert mental health services, including clinical assessments, expedited referrals, case management, crisis intervention, and support groups, to those within Sephardic communities who are struggling with any and all mental health matters. SIMHA’s founding support group — for mothers of adolescent and adult children struggling with mental illness — is run by group therapist Elisheva Parry, LCSW.
What further separates SIMHA from so many other organizations is its investment in, and focus on, prevention. Its Education and Awareness division, overseen by SIMHA’s founder/director, Rabbi David Sutton and Chief Clinical Officer, Dr. David Katzenstein, DSW, LCSW-R, have offered to those on the frontlines of the community at no cost, myriad seminars, courses, and professional development workshops, given by experts and specialists in the field.
“Our community educators, rabbis, shadchanim, and hattan/kallah teachers, are often the very first to encounter mental health-related concerns among those with whom they work closely, and it is vital that they be readily equipped with the know-how to address these concerns,” said Rabbi Sutton.
The Rabbinical Clinical Training Program evolved from a vision into reality after a series of ten workshops given by experts on a variety of mental health topics left many of the rabbis wanting and requesting more.
SIMHA’s co-founders and prominent community leaders, Mr. Mark Adjmi and Mr. Nathan Hoffman, together with Rabbi Sutton, tapped renowned psychologist and speaker/author, Dr. Shloimie Zimmerman, Psy.D, to spearhead, develop, and lead the program. Dr. Zimmerman is a leading authority within Jewish communities across the globe on the issues of sexual abuse, community education, and spirituality. SIMHA’s Director of Operations, Shlomo Brecher, LMHC, coordinated all the administrative and logistical components required to help the program run smoothly.
The seven community rabbis: Rabbi Alex Mizrahi of the Yad Yosef Congregation and Kesher organization, Rabbi David Mansour of Yeshivat Shaare Torah and Khal Kol Yaakov, Rabbi David Nakash of YDE and Shaare Zion, Rabbi David Nakash of Khal Bnei Aliyah, Rabbi Joey Dana of the West Deal Synagogue and Hillel Yeshiva, Rabbi Joseph Sultan of the Deal Synagogue and Rabbi Diamond’s Yeshiva, and Rabbi Mourad Sardar of Khal Darchei Noam, and Yeshivat Mekor Haim gathered each Tuesday in SIMHA’s conference room and participated in a weekly three-hour lecture that focused on their integral roles as pastoral counselors. More than providing an extensive course in mental health, Dr. Zimmerman expertly trained the rabbis on the therapeutic nuances of active listening, reflection, validation, empathy, and the many additional skills needed to deal with the multitude of issues that are often presented to them by their congregants.
The objective of the course was not to turn rabbis into clinicians, but rather to equip them with the requisite tools to provide knowledgeable and compassionate spiritual care and guidance. Rabbi Joseph Dana, Assistant Rosh Yeshiva at Hillel, strongly concurred that this objective has been well-realized. “The information and hands-on knowledge that we discuss have armed me with what is most crucial: the ability to help those in our community who need it most. As a participant in the cohort, I feel confident that I have the tools to properly discuss even the most sensitive issues with my congregants and students.”
Concurrent with the lectures, the rabbis received bi-monthly individual case supervision from Dr. Zimmerman on cases and issues with which they were actively dealing. Most of the course graduates are continuing their training with ongoing weekly supervision, meeting together in a group led by Dr. Katzenstein.
“The fact that these rabbis, with their hectic schedules and busy lives, have voluntarily enrolled in this program in order to improve their skills and knowledge within the complex world of mental health, speaks to their commitment and dedication to the people who need them most,” Dr. Katzenstein noted. “It is awe-inspiring.”
Thanks to the incredible success of the first cohort, another twelve community rabbis have signed on for the next six-month course, already underway. They are Rabbi Avi Shmueli of Rabbi Diamond’s Kollel, Rabbi David Beyda of Meor Yeshiva High School, Rabbi David Maslaton of Bet Yaakov Orot Sarah and Congregation Shaare Zion, Rabbi Joe Mizrahi of Yeshivat Magen David and Congregation Bnai Yitzchak, Rabbi Joe Srour of Congregation Shaare Zion, Rabbi Meir Barnathan of Yeshivat Magen David and Congregation Ahava V’Achva, Rabbi Mordechai Sultan, Rabbi Ralph Gindi of YDE, Rabbi Raymond Azrak of Congregation Ahi Ezer and YDE, Rabbi Raymond Shamah of YDE, Rabbi Shelomo Haber of Congregation Magen Abraham and Yeshivat Shaare Torah.
To meet the needs of the community’s women, SIMHA co-founder Nathan Hoffman understands that an investment in clinical training programs for women leaders fits perfectly within SIMHA’s mission. “Our goal is to help every single individual in our community,” he stated. “So many women and girls seek out help or guidance for mental health struggles, and it is important that the women they turn to be properly trained, just as the rabbis have been.”
Among the programming already offered were a six-week kallah teacher course given by Mrs. Shevi Samet, the associate director of CORE’s Kallah Conversations Community of Practice and a well-known specialist who coaches brides with mental health issues, as well as a multi-day workshop for shadchanim, presented by Dr. Avi Muschel, Psy.D, an expert on dating and premarital relationships. The most recent experiential workshop SIMHA offered for kallah teachers was led by Dr. Sarah Miller, PhD, both a clinical psychologist and rebbetzin, on knowing how to differentiate between typical bride angst and real clinical anxiety.
Though SIMHA has opened its doors only a mere twelve months ago, the need for its launch is increasingly evident by the sheer number of cases it has accepted since its inception. Over six hundred members of the community have walked through its doors to receive clinical services. Each client is assessed and subsequently receives a custom-tailored treatment plan that is followed closely by SIMHA’s clinical coordination team, who ensure that services are provided with evidenced-based care and as expediently as possible.
Due to the increasing number of ongoing cases needing clinical expertise and oversight, SIMHA has hired noted psychologist Dr. Eli Mandelbaum, PsyD, to serve as its Director of Clinical Coordination. Dr Mandelbaum, who maintains a private practice in Monsey, New York, serves as a consulting psychologist for well-known organizations ATime (for infertility) and Ray of Hope (for survivors of sexual abuse), will additionally direct the recently developed Psychology Training Program — the first of its kind within the Sephardic community.
SIMHA’s board of directors, among them Mr. Ike Tawil, is keenly aware that so much more work still needs to be done. “Our ultimate aim is to alleviate much of the pain and subsequent confusion surrounding mental illness within our community and eradicate any associated stigma,” he said.
SIMHA’s president, Mr. Adjmi, concluded, “Our community is known to be there for one another when times are challenging, and this is especially true when dealing with mental health matters.”
As Mr. Adjmi succinctly put it, “We are just getting started.”
DO YOU EVER FEEL LIKE YOU’RE LIVING IN BONDAGE — GOING THROUGH THE MOTIONS OF LIFE, BUT FEELING UNFULFILLED AND PURPOSELESS? IT’S TIME TO BREAK FREE AND FIND TRUE FREEDOM IN CONNECTION AND SPIRITUALITY.
Many people spend their days working tirelessly, chasing after material possessions or simply passing the time without a sense of direction. Perhaps, there is a better way to live. Please ask yourself this question honestly and without judgment. Why are you working so hard? Is it to distract, stay busy, get more stuff, or is there a deeper purpose that inspires you?
Purposeless work can feel like slavery, but work with a clear purpose and mission can be empowering and fulfilling. As I learned while running an ambulance company, the volunteers donated their time because they believed in the mission and valued the culture within the organization. They found a sense of purpose, respect and belonging that they didn’t experience at their paid jobs. Hence, they were willing to do the same work for free.
Human beings have the freedom of choice. Yet, too many choices can be overwhelming. This is true in business and at home. Design constraints or boundaries, help speed up the creative process and lead to productivity. Embracing constraints helps us be our best selves and enhance our lives. Your family, community and mitzvot provide such constraints, allowing you to expand your individuality while grounding you in connection and belonging.
Despite our hyper-connected world, people are more miserable than ever, and suffering in a profound sense of loneliness. Social media and technology can’t replace genuine human connection with family, friends, and community. We must free ourselves from the slavery of social media, algorithms, and artificial intelligence by connecting authentically within ourselves and with other real people.
As Jews, we understand the power of constraints and boundaries. Hashem freed us from slavery in Mitzrayim, chose us as His nation, and we accepted the “yolk of Heaven.” We are eternally grateful and indebted to the Almighty. Leaning into this connection and living our lives within the confines of Torah true freedom, leads to a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment. Without this connection, we are lost, figuratively and literally. This might very likely be why good people behave like addicts, without control or direction. Don’t let this be you.
This Passover, release the habits, actions, and beliefs that hold you back from realizing your potential. Declare your freedom to live your best lives, using your gifts, talents, and abilities to focus on your G-d given mission. Let us be unified as one nation, with one heart, dedicated to living our lives in service to and fulfillment of Torah ideals. This is true freedom from bondage into bonding — shifting yourself, from slavery of the spirit to the freedom of spirituality.
As you celebrate Passover, please remember the power of freedom in connection, and the importance of purpose and connection with yourself, your family, community and Hashem. Have a kosher and happy Passover.
Rabbi Ezra Max, PCC, MHMP, Xchange Guide & Creator of “The Max Method” assists businesses and professionals deal with stress and achieve success. Rabbi Max has witnessed 20 years of results helping executives, parents and teens overcome struggles, improve communication and thrive. He lives in New York with his wife and five children.
