ANTI-SEMITIC CRIMES OF ALL KINDS ARE ON THE RISE, JEWS ARE BEING TARGETED REGULARLY ON THE STREETS OF NEW YORK, YET BRINGING THE CRIMINALS WHO COMMIT THESE ACTS TO JUSTICE HAS BECOME INCREASINGLY CHALLENGING.

As the courts and the NYPD deal with frustrating bail reform laws, they are left essentially with a revolving door criminal justice system that allows hate crime perpetrators to be released back onto the streets within 24 to 48 hours.

Bigotry and intolerance must be stamped out. Tangible steps must be taken to combat all hate crimes. It’s time to further expand our efforts in the fight against these crimes through the civil court system.

Gerstman Schwartz LLP, a NYC-based law firm, is prepared to fight for hate-crime victims through the civil courts. The law firm will file civil lawsuits on behalf of any hate-crime victim based on a wide range of civil causes of action including assault and battery, property damage, trespassing, infliction of emotional distress, civil rights actions, and more.

If a case is won on behalf of the plaintiff, as is expected, Gerstman Schwartz LLP will have the power to garnish the wages of the defendants or put a lien on their bank accounts. The law firm is committed to exposing those who commit these heinous crimes, and will work with civil rights attorneys to ensure that the promise of civil rights and equal justice applies to all, including the American Jewish community. Gerstman Schwartz LLP will also expend resources to track and expose the activities of hate groups and domestic anti-Semitic extremists.

Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein will join them in this effort. Assemblyman Eichenstein is publicizing this new lawsuit initiative as a viable resource for victims to fight back against anti-Semitic attacks, physical attacks, and attacks on property.

“I urge all victims of anti-Semitic hate crimes to step forward and begin the process of filing suits against their attackers,” Eichenstein stated. “As all other avenues of justice are being stymied and perpetrators are not being prosecuted as they should be, filing a civil lawsuit is an additional tool that can be used to ensure that justice is served. We must be sure that hate crime perpetrators, who are driven by irrepressible inner hate, do not act again and that others will be deterred from doing the same. Due to this new initiative, victims of hate crimes will no longer have to suffer while their attackers get released with a slap on the wrist. Now they can fight back and sue their attackers in the civil court system. Justice must be served.”

“This issue is very personal to our firm,” said Bradley Gerstman, Esq, Founding Partner of Gerstman Schwartz LLP, “and we will not rest until we seek out and legally destroy every enemy of the Jewish people in the court of law. The best defense is an aggressive offense. Our ancestors came to the United States to escape the pain and suffering they endured in other parts of the world. We will not allow anti-Semites and thugs to brutalize and terrorize our people here in this country. Our firm will be relentless in seeking out these thugs with a team of private investigators who will use advanced technology to bring them to justice.”

“Our lawsuit campaign,” said David Schwartz, Esq, Founding Partner of Gerstman Schwartz LLP, “will bring a barrage of lawsuits against those who commit hateful and violent anti-Semitic crimes. We will make them answer for their crimes. Our goal is to win as many cases as we can and to start a movement. As we get judgments against these defendants, we will garnish their wages, freeze their bank accounts, put liens on their properties, have their cars repossessed, contact their business associates, and find any and all means to legally pursue them so that they will regret having targeted the Jewish people.”

FRESH HERBS, RIPE TOMATOES & LUXURIOUS SWEET CORN

SARINA ROFFE

Pesto alla Genovese is a Genoan sauce traditionally made from basil, crushed garlic, pine nuts, coarse salt and Parmesan cheese, all blended with olive oil. Basil has a flavor between cloves and licorice. It is popular to prepare basil pesto in the summer because it grows well and has a delightful fragrance. I go into my summer herb garden and grab whatever is there, merging the flavors into an exciting herb pesto that stands out. I typically leave out the cheese, for a parve recipe.

Give me my fresh herbs and send me to heaven. My go-to fresh herbs are basil, mint, parsley, oregano rosemary, thyme and dill. I almost always have these in the fridge. Mint? I am a Mediterranean cook, need I say more? The flavor is fairly intense, and I love it in soups and salads and also in my pesto.

Besides summer tomatoes and basil, my most cherished summer vegetable is that silky, luxurious sweet corn that appears in farmers markets in August. Sweet Silver Queen corn (grown in the Northeast) delivers a mouthful of succulence in each bite.

The unusual sweetness occurs because the Silver Queen does not turn the sugar into starch during growth. In one serving of corn on the cob, there are 7.5 grams of carbohydrates and 1.5 grams of protein. The total fat in corn on the cob is 0.8 gram, and there is also 0.8 gram of dietary fiber per serving. Corn on the cob consists mostly of carbohydrates in comparison to fat and protein. There are 44 calories per serving of corn on the cob.

When I grew up, there was only one way to make corn. Boil water, add the corn, bring water back to a boil, and cook for 5 minutes. We always ate the corn with our barbecue by brushing it with butter or margarine and sprinkling it with salt. It was corn in its most natural form and as kids, we could never get enough of its delicious sweetness!

Lately, I have become a lover of grilled corn. There are so many ways to prepare it. Some recipes for grilling corn on the cob involve grilling it in the husk, inside heavy duty aluminum foil or without the husk on the grill. The primary difference between using the husk or foil and leaving the corn unwrapped has to do with the texture of the corn. Grilling corn on the cob in aluminum foil requires wrapping the corn in the foil and grilling it for approximately 20 minutes on medium heat.

Grilling the corn without the husks takes less time, about 10-12 minutes. Basically, you brush the corn with a dressing, such as butter, salt and pepper, and grill, turning it every 2-3 minutes until tender and slightly charred.

Following is my recipe for herb pesto as well as two variations on grilled corn, one with and one without the husks. I encourage you to experiment with toppings and spices. Parsley, basil and mint are great fresh spices. You can add these after grilling or mix with butter or mayonnaise dressing. I also love rolling the corn in parmesan cheese, when eating with grilled salmon. There are so many ways to grill the corn and each has its own tangy flavor.

Of course, you can enjoy the corn, just by boiling it, as my mom did! For corn salad recipes, please see my cookbook Backyard Kitchen: Mediterranean Salads, available on Amazon. I particularly love tomatoes and corn, with just a taste of red onion and a simple oil and lemon dressing. Other recipes can be found on my website sarinassephardiccuisine.com.

HOME-GROWN SUMMER HERB PESTO

Ingredients
• Bunch of fresh basil leaves
• 6-8 cloves of fresh garlic
• Bunch of fresh parsley leaves
• 4 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
• Bunch of mint leaves
• ½ cup pine or walnuts (optional)
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ cup olive oil

Directions
Place basil, garlic, parsley, mint, and thyme in food processor. Add salt and pepper and nuts, if adding. Turn on high and when herbs are chopped, slowly drizzle in olive oil. Store in tightly sealed jar in refrigerator up to 2 weeks. To freeze, pour into jar, top with olive oil, and seal tightly. Freezes for up to three months.

MUSTARD GARLIC AND HERB GRILLED CORN IN HUSKS

Ingredients
• 4 ears corn on the cob
• 2 tablespoons margarine or butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon each of basil, oregano and thyme

Directions
Heat grill to medium heat. Pull back husks of corn, being careful to leave husks attached at bottom of each ear. Remove and discard corn silk. Rinse corn.
Combine margarine, mustard, garlic and seasonings. Spread about 1 tablespoon of the mustard mixture onto each ear of corn. Rewrap husks around corn. Grill 15 to 20 minutes or until corn is tender, turning frequently to prevent husks from burning. Serve warm.

NO HUSK GRILLED MEXICAN CORN

Ingredients
• 4 ears sweet corn
• ¼ cup onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper

Directions
Heat grill to medium heat. Pull husks off corn and rinse. Combine remaining ingredients. Brush about 1 tablespoon of the mixture onto each ear of corn. Grill 10 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes until corn is tender and slightly charred. Serve warm.

A genealogist and historian, Sarina Roffé is the author of Backyard Kitchen: The Main Course, Backyard Kitchen: Mediterranean Salads, and the cooking app, Sarina’s Sephardic Cuisine. She also wrote Branching Out from Sepharad (Sephardic Heritage Project, 2017), and is the editor of Dorot, Sarina holds a BA in Journalism, and MA in Jewish Studies and an MBA. Sarina is President of the Sephardic Heritage Project, Co-Chair of the Brooklyn Jewish Historical Initiative and Chair of the Sephardic Research Division of JewishGen.

SARINA ROFFE

Gemillut Hasadim (giving to others) isn’t something a person does—It’s who he/she is.

FROM THE TIME HE WAS A CHILD, RICKY COHEN WATCHED AND LEARNED FROM THE EFFORTS OF HIS FATHER ABE COHEN A”H, ON BEHALF OF THE COMMUNITY, AS WELL AS THE EFFORTS OF OTHER COMMUNITY LEADERS. ABE AND HIS CONTEMPORARIES WERE VISIONARIES; LEADING, INSPIRING AND BUILDING OUR COMMUNITY AND ITS MEMBERS.

Ricky remembers, “I was fortunate, from time to time, to be in the room when my father, along with the congregation’s lay leaders, Chief Rabbi Jacob Kassin zt’l, and later, Hacham Baruch zt’l, discussed complex community issues, many of which would shape the community with an impact for decades to come.”

For 60 years, from the time Abe Cohen was 34 years old, he was involved in the leadership at Shaare Zion Congregation. As Chairman of the Building Committee in the 1950’s, he built our cherished Shaare Zion, a several year project, against a backdrop of extraordinary challenges. He doubled the synagogue in size in the early 90’s. At that point, he was 80 years old and faced substantial opposition on the new and ambitious project. The project was completed in four years and paid for in full a handful of years later. At the age of 94, before he became ill, Abe was walking around with the plans to expand the synagogue further.

“Dad built us. He taught how to embrace the needs of the community. He got stronger as he got older,” Ricky describes. “Decisions were based on what was best for the long term for the community. Leadership means you don’t look at today or tomorrow to frame a decision. Instead, you look at today, tomorrow and 25 years from now and that shapes the decision-making process.”

Geri, A”H, Ricky’s mom, was her husband’s strength, standing with him, side-by-side and providing him with unlimited love and support. She was a humble powerhouse in her own right. Quietly working with many Sephardic Bikur Holim (SBH) cases, day after day, with zero fanfare. When the latest waves of Syrian Jews arrived, she spent months taking people back and forth to government offices, doctors and helped them with whatever they needed to do in a country where they had no experience. Her warmth, beauty and fluent Arabic were a source of immeasurable comfort.

“I also learned from Joseph Beyda A”H, who was President of SBH. At that time, SBH was very successful, primarily focused on visiting the sick and helping the poor. Joseph promoted the vision of SBH as a mental health organization, which he felt would address a widespread and deep-felt need and transform the community for the better. Although he received little support for this major refocus, he persevered and within a short time his dream was realized. Today SBH is first and foremost, a multi-faceted mental health organization, while providing other services as well.”

In 1977, Ricky went to Israel after high school to learn in yeshivah. While there, he was struck by idealistic Israelis, people who sacrificed for their country and its people, and by an attitude taken from Israel’s founding father, David Ben-Gurion, that framed his thinking. The difficult we do first; the impossible takes a little longer.

While in Israel, Ricky became committed to Torah learning and when he returned to Brooklyn, he began teaching Torah insights to teens. His words enabled their individual growth and ultimately provided them with a love for Torah and Torah learning, and the tools for personal and career success. The popular informal gatherings also resulted in several couples meeting and getting married.

He soon became an advisor for Yeshiva University seminar and later, led the program. The emotional well-being of the student was the first priority providing a platform for building a relationship with Hashem and building a lifestyle committed to giving and growing. A request from Rabbi Avner Taler from the Yeshivah of Flatbush to teach a small group of senior boys became the genesis for a curriculum on personal and career leadership based in Torah. From there, other volunteer teaching opportunities abounded at Magen David Yeshivah and Sephardic High School, as well as a course at Baruch College in business ethics and social responsibility.

Over the years, Ricky inspired the minds of thousands of men and women and provided them with the skills needed for individual and career success. His “Risk to Succeed” workshop was implemented by community organizations and industry leaders, such as Chase Bank and the United States Navy. His “Risk to Succeed” book has been read by thousands and translated into other languages.

Ricky’s success as a young entrepreneur was a result of the emphasis that he placed on risk taking and personal leadership. He infused company employees with an entrepreneurial spirit and the tools to achieve on unprecedented levels.

In 1988, Maurice Hedaya introduced Ricky and his close friend Ezra Ashkenazi to a small group of Syrian immigrants who shared information about the plight of the Jews in Syria, their suffering and persecution. Even though they were only 28 years old, Ezra and Ricky sprang into action helping Dr. Mayer Ballas and Albert Ayal create a greater level of structure and organization for SOSJ (Save Our Syrian Jews). It later became the Council for the Rescue of Syrian Jews (CRSJ) with an expanded committee filled with professionals such as Alice Sardell, Marcos Zalta, lobbyist Suri Kasirer, amongst other community volunteers. From an office based in Conway Stores (which Ricky’s father founded), with a concentrated effort of political mobilization and multi-point, international pressure, in 1992, 3,500 Syrian Jews were successfully airlifted to New York.

“Arevut (responsibility to one’s community and responsibility to the world) defines us, empowers us and obligates us,” said Ricky. “We have a collective destiny and responsibility. Borei Olam designed our Jewish people that way, and each community with its respective level of obligation and opportunity.”

Ricky focuses his volunteerism on the community. “I am hardwired to give, and I love people and learning. I wanted to focus on my own community. Informal education with a strong emphasis on Torah learning and sharing ideas helps people amass knowledge, be inspired and acquire the tools to grow.”

Ricky’s approach to hesed is to establish ambitious, long term, goals realized over time through a rigorous day-to-day plan.

In 2008, Barkai Yeshiva was struggling. It was a difficult time for Ricky—his father had recently died, his mother was very sick, and his business had been adversely affected by the financial crisis. Community leader Morris Bailey turned to Ricky and asked him to become president of the yeshiva. The institution, like most in our community, was a jewel in need of the right care, sense of purpose, and resolve. Today, Barkai remains a premier institution, graduating young men and women with outstanding middot (values) and excellent academic achievement. Approximately half of the Barkai graduating students get into the class of the high school of their choice; each and every year.

Over the last three decades, the home of Jamie and Ricky Cohen, on Jerome Avenue in Deal has hosted tens of community related events from Chai Lifeline to Elliot’s Legacy, from minyanim when needed to classes, plays, concerts, singles events, and more.

“Throughout our lives together, Jamie has been a partner and initiator of the hesed efforts in which we’ve been involved. We’re incredibly proud of our children and young adult grandchildren, who have built on the foundation given to them and their family legacy, to be initiators of new community efforts to help others, here, in the broader Jewish community, and in Israel,” said Ricky.

“In Judaism we pay it forward. Giving with your time is a primary expression of gemilut hasadim (acts of loving kindness). In Judaism we become, we come into our own, by giving to others. We become happier and more complete. The primary beneficiary of hesed is invariably the giver.”

A genealogist and historian, Sarina Roffé is the author of Branching Out from Sepharad (Sephardic Heritage Project, 2017), Backyard Kitchen: The Main Course, Backyard Kitchen: Mediterranean Salads, and the cooking app, Sarina’s Sephardic Cuisine. She is the editor of Dorot, and holds a BA in Journalism, and MA in Jewish Studies and an MBA. Sarina is President of the Sephardic Heritage Project, Co-Chair of the Brooklyn Jewish Historical Initiative and Chair of the Sephardic Research Division of JewishGen.

ON THURSDAY EVENING, JULY 8TH, THE JUDAIC STUDIES TEACHERS-IN-TRAINING AT MELAMEDET HAD AN INCREDIBLE OPPORTUNITY TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY. UP UNTIL THIS POINT, THEY HAD BEEN WORKING HARD THROUGHOUT THE PREVIOUS YEARS OF THE PROGRAM, TAKING COURSES RANGING FROM “TEACHING NAVI” TO ”TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM.”

They had heard from many leaders and teachers in the field of Jewish Education, observed a variety of classes, and practiced creating and giving their own classes to one another. On this meaningful night of Torah classes for the girls of our community, it was time to take everything that they had learned and start giving it all back.

The teachers-in-training were ready with detailed source sheets, positivity, love, and the desire to inspire and be true role models. Over 70 students from 5th grade all the way to high school came with enthusiasm, curiosity, and excitement, but what they left with was even more special. The Melamedet students gave meaningful, interesting, and vibrant Torah classes. They captured the hearts and minds of every student, keeping them engaged, involved, asking questions, and requesting that the Melamedet students offer more classes in the future. The Melamedet students left that night feeling grateful for the opportunity to give back. The community girls left with a deeper love of Torah and a beautiful connection to amazing community role models. Melamedet is blessed to be a part of the next generation of community educators in Jewish Education. We are looking forward to another amazing semester this fall!

WHAT OUR STUDENTS HAD TO SAY ABOUT THE NIGHT

“The Torah classes that we had the opportunity to give made the transition from student to teacher seamless! We observed amazing teachers at work and then got the chance to give back in a beautiful and meaningful way.” Sally Choueka

“It was such an amazing night. I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did! I felt so prepared, and it’s because of the personal attention Melamedet shows to each girl. It honestly got me so excited to do this more often.” Judy Sitt

“It was empowering and exciting to stand up in front of a large group of girls who were the age that I hope to teach one day. I was able to apply everything I learned from Melamedet about preparing and presenting content. I loved being in a room with all of my peers teaching with me. The mentorship and support I received throughout the whole process was unparalleled, and I’m so thankful to be a student at Melamedet.” Eileen Dweck

“It was such a pleasure and an honor to be able to teach the girls. Melamedet’s courses honed the skills I needed to hold their attention, gain their respect, and respond to their questions. We’re so lucky to be able to connect with the youth of our community over our holy Torah and its valuable lessons.” Mary Jajati

A special thank you to Bet Rachel Synagogue for hosting the event, and Rabbi David Tawil and the community morot for helping to make the night a success.

To learn more visit Melamedet.org.

AN EXCITING DAY OF TOURNAMENTS

YOU COULD FEEL THE EXCITEMENT IN THE AIR AT THE HOME OF OUR GRACIOUS HOSTS RACHEL AND JEFF SUTTON DURING THE MAGEN DAVID YESHIVAH HIGH HEAT EVENT. AROUND ROOSEVELT AVENUE, CARS WERE PARKED FOR MILES, AS OVER 750 COMPETITORS AND FOUR THOUSAND SPECTATORS, YOUNG AND OLD, GATHERED FOR A GUARANTEED DAY OF FUN AND EXCITEMENT. SOME WERE THERE TO PARTICIPATE AND SOME TO WATCH THE MANY DIFFERENT COMPETITIONS, SUCH AS BACKGAMMON, BASKETBALL, TENNIS, DODGEBALL, AND SPIKEBALL.

Aside from the various tournaments, in alignment with the core values of Magen David Yeshivah, everyone congregated around the basketball court to hear inspiring words from Rabbi Joey Haber, Director of Religious Life at MDYHS. He reflected in awe at the way our community comes together in support of each other, especially after the past year when we were separated by COVID. Following his special speech, the men prayed Minha, and then it was back to the action.

The competition was fierce, with everyone giving their all, but at the end of a long day and hours of effort, the victors emerged. Congratulations to the tournament winners.

It takes very special people to make a day like this happen. We are grateful for the tremendous investment of time and effort from the event coordinators Joseph J. Sutton, Eric Setton, and Solly Spigel. The heart and soul they put into this program, attending to every detail, is immeasurable. We are also thankful for the Deal Police, Hatzalah of the Jersey Shore, and Shomrim for coming out and protecting us. Our community is truly blessed to have their unwavering support.

We would like to thank Rachel and Jeff Sutton for selflessly opening their home to our community in support of our school. Thank you also to the event sponsor OP Al Hayam, and our many corporate sponsors for their generosity: Royal Abstract, Flushing Bank, Meridian Capital Group, Signature, J.P. Morgan, Ovadia Design Group, MNC+Sons Contractors, Ouri’s, Lori Kassin Fine Jewels, Prime Cut, NASCO Stone and Tile, Parci Parla, Ziani, Cathy Ades Real Estate, T/SHirt Shoppe, Eli Cohen Insurance Agency, Inc. Vanilla Sky, Handcraft, F•A•B Starpoint, Jack Adjmi Family Foundation, and Raymond and Lauren Dayan. Thousands of children and the future of our community are indebted to your kindness.

DSN EXERCISE IS UNDOUBTEDLY ONE OF THE SUMMER’S BIGGEST ATTRACTIONS. DSN’S PROGRAM STAYS CURRENT WITH EXHILARATING CLASSES AS WELL AS POSITIVE, MOTIVATING INSTRUCTORS. SIMPLY PUT, OUR COMMUNITY WOMEN RAVE OVER DSN’S EXERCISE PROGRAM.

Joy Assoulin, a DSN member who attends classes year-round, stated “DSN offers the most amazing classes with outrageous instructors who have not only become my friends but have helped me get into the best shape of my life. I am truly blessed and forever grateful to DSN for their remarkable fitness program.”

DSN kicked off the summer season with an open house on Memorial Day weekend, offering 15 minute sample classes to members and prospective members to introduce new DSN instructors. Sarah Ashkenazi, a DSN fitness enthusiast, summed it up, “The vibe at DSN is just so great!” Those who attended felt the sample classes were just the right level of challenging and got hyped up for what was to come for the months ahead.

One huge highlight this summer is the additional location of yoga classes under the large tent at the DSN Beach Club. Plus, three local studio instructors are offering classes at DSN: Dani Rubin, owner of Pilates Blast, Victoria Bond of Perspirology and Jackie Atkins, owner of Gleason’s Gym.

Cleanliness is a strong suit at DSN. With a full maintenance team routinely sanitizing the exercise studios, members appreciate that this means a healthy environment. Aura Franco stated “DSN is so clean, so nice and I love being here.”

DSN summer exercise has the ball rolling, literally and figuratively. There is no time to spare with 60 classes offered per week, starting at 7 a.m. Members feel blessed that they can always find a conveniently timed class. Sharon Carlstrom, DSN’s Fitness Director, continues to go above and beyond to ensure there is something for anyone who likes exercise or to move their body! Large classes with up to 100 participants are held in the DSN gymnasium. Those classes include the popular FeeLEEing It with Lee Zebede, 305 Fitness with Sari Abraham, BURN with Brenda Mamiye and Toning Classes with Kathleen Dunckley, Sherry Adjmi and Sarah Faks.

Studio classes are constantly at full capacity and include strength classes taught by Arielle Mishan, Esther Epstein, Mollie Sasson, Sari Valentino and Sharon Carlstrom. Cardio dance classes are always popular and taught by Liza Terzi and the latest rising star, Sara Mizrahi. Do not be mistaken, full capacity is no deterrent, as the community loves to be together to get their sweat on! Barre, Pilates and stability ball classes continue to be in high demand. Instructors Meghan Angello, Jenny Assouline, and Fortune Abadi offer varied level classes as well.

Oh, you thought that was it? That’s not all! There is no slacking when one speaks of DSN! Small boutique style workouts exist and are popular, such as: Fitness Center Circuits with Sharon Carlstrom, Wall Works Yoga class with Jacquie Tammam and indoor/outdoor Yoga with Sonja Cohen, Eleanora Zampatti and Jacqueline Oved. There is also All Cycle and Rhythm Ride classes taught by Ralph Tawil, Shirley Granger, Sherry Adjmi, Mollie Sasson and Jen Shaw.

In addition to DSN’s extremely full schedule, members are also enjoying pop-up classes with Michal Cheney, Raquel Mizrahi, Joyce Franco, Paulette Safdieh and Barbara Abraham. Kelly Shrem called the classes and instructors “top notch” and “five stars,” adding “I have a problem every day choosing what class to take!”

Sammy Sitt, DSN’s Executive Director, summarized, “After living through a pandemic, everyone now realizes that our personal health must be a priority. Hashem gives us the gift of a body—let’s take care of that gift. Our goal is to improve our community’s physical health, which research shows leads to mental and emotional health as well. I am very proud of our entire fitness staff for their passionate and hard work. They have made this an amazingly successful summer for DSN and the entire community.”

THE SCC’S ANNUAL RUTH JEROME A”H GARDEN & POOL TOUR

SOPHIA FRANCO, PHOTOS BY CAROL SEROUYA

OVER THE LAST THREE DECADES ABE JEROME HAS MADE HIS MARK ON THE DESIGN WORLD, SHAPING COUNTLESS MASTERPIECES, BOTH INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE HOME. HIS BELIEF IN THE UNBREAKABLE BOND BETWEEN THE KEY ELEMENTS OF LANDSCAPE, ARCHITECTURE AND INTERIOR DESIGN GUIDES HIM, AS DOES A LOVE FOR TIMELESS ELEGANCE AND BEAUTY. MANY SAY THAT HE KNOWS WHAT HIS CLIENTS NEED BEFORE THEY DO. HE IS THAT GOOD.

Since he was a child, Abe traveled extensively alongside his parents, Ruth A”H, and Lou Jerome. At his mother’s insistence, these trips almost always included visits to the most spectacular gardens, including the Sissinghurst Castle Gardens in England, Floriade in Holland, and the Vizcaya Gardens in Miami, among so many others.

Abe reflects, “Every week, from when I was in my twenties, I filled her house with flowers each Shabbat. It made me happy because it made her happy. My mom was convinced that there was no problem that couldn’t be cured with a bit of fresh air and a walk outside. ‘It will change your mood,’ she would say. Because of my mom, I fell in love with nature. I was drawn to landscape architecture way before I ever designed a single room. Everything else stemmed from that gift she gave me.”

When Ruth Jerome passed away in January 2019, Abe knew he would honor her memory through flowers, but could not think of exactly how. In July 2020, when he got a call from Linda Eber, director of social services at the Sephardic Community Center, he found his answer. Abe loved everything about the Center; how they reach every age group, cover every interest and are constantly creating new programming for its members. With Covid in full swing, and indoor activities out of bounds, Linda asked Abe if he could organize a garden tour of some of the interesting projects he did in Deal, New Jersey. He was super busy at the time, but his curiosity was piqued, and in just a few days he sent her a list of some of the most beautiful spots on the Jersey shore.

Sonja Cabasso, Abe’s senior designer, recalls, “Abe and his mom were so close; he was so happy to have found the perfect way to keep her memory alive. To do it for the SCC, was the cherry on the sundae. Not only is his family embedded in the very foundation of the Center, but his father, Lou, enjoys the facilities and activities offered there, to this day. It was perfect.”

Julie Sherr runs the SCC Women’s Culture Club, and has been involved in the Center’s programming for many years. This was a brand-new idea, never before tried. She posted a flyer on Instagram for the upcoming garden and pool tour in the hopes that she would get a nice response. She could never have imagined that they’d be sold out within a couple of hours. 60 people! How many could walk through a garden at once, anyway?

Michelle Safdieh, Abe’s managing director, reflects on the many years spent learning anything and everything about the design business at his side, “I had worked on fundraisers in the past, but to raise money for this event was effortless. Abe is so giving; the people and companies I reached out to said ‘yes’ before I finished the question! I truly love working with Abe. No wonder they were banging down the door to get onto the tour—it’s like dinner and a show with him. He’s truly entertaining.”

There was a fee for entrance, but Abe wanted to do more for the Center. He began to call on different vendors who worked with him on the gardens—the landscapers, lighting companies, railing people, outdoor furniture firms, and more. Very quickly Abe started a spectacular drive for his favorite cause, while encouraging a love for his favorite pastime. “Pretty gardens would always put a smile on my mother’s face,” Abe recalls. “Flowers, plants and vegetables were always part of our summers at the Shore. Mom loved her herb pot by the kitchen door and always remarked about the beauty of the lacecap hydrangeas and the Casablanca lilies growing in our garden. I could not have chosen a more fitting way to honor her.”

Last year, the garden tour was a tremendous success, even with masks on and the temperature in the high 90’s. Abe was thrilled with both the response and the support from his friends in the design industry. This year, attendance doubled, and the waiting list was an arm’s length long. The donations from the event sponsors also grew, and the money will go towards new programming in art, music and discussion groups for both the seniors and the Center Culture Club. Finally, out of Zoom and working toward in-person activities, the SCC is looking forward to a banner year!

I was lucky enough to join the tour this year, and it did not disappoint. Each garden was uniquely beautiful, and reflected the needs of the homeowners and their guests. The integration of the colors of nature and the colors of design were incredible, and it was clear that we have more than a few hidden gems behind the shrubbery that lines our little enclave here in Deal. Abe, as the day’s conductor, was funny and engaging, and gave us not only a floral guide, but some history and architectural lessons as well. He and the Center, do everything in a big way, so there was lunch, snacks, and, of course, goody bags designed especially for the occasion from Scalamandre, filled with flowers and chocolate! The whole day had a warm and inviting feeling, reminding us that Ruth Jerome A”H, was present for every moment.

Sophia Franco, 53, is a mom and grandmother who has been feeding her love of reading and writing for as long as she can remember through poetry, community journalism, and songwriting. She has written many songs with Yaakov Shwekey but the first, I Can Be, has become an anthem for the Special Children’s Center and the community at large.

THE JERUSALEM-BASED PANTRY PACKERS ONCE AGAIN HOSTED A FANTASTIC FUNDRAISING EVENT AT PHILLIPS BEACH CLUB IN DEAL FEATURING MUSIC BY CHASSIDIC RAP PHENOM NISSIM BLACK, NECHEMIA KATZ, RJ2 AND A STAND-UP PERFORMANCE BY MODI.

Pantry Packers is the volunteer food packaging facility of Colel Chabad, Israel’s longest running social services organization, since 1788. While Pantry Packers has been unable to welcome international tourists this past year, the annual fundraiser for the Jersey Shore community gave their volunteers and supporters a chance to give back to Israel’s needy and vulnerable while enjoying a fantastic night out.

“It was a great night all around,” said Fortune and David Edelstein who were among the events hosts and sponsors. “We are very proud of our team and teamwork of the committee who worked in unison, tirelessly to put everything together that helped make the night a tremendous success.”

Rabbi Sholom Duchman, Director of Colel Chabad said, “Our supporters around the world, and especially our friends in the Deal community have helped us continue to provide life-saving food, supplies and support to hundreds of thousands of families around Israel. We thank you for helping us help our brothers and sisters in Israel during these difficult times.”

“This event was spectacular in every way,” said Ricky Cohen from Deal. “It was uplifting and inspiring, bringing together a beautiful group of people from different parts of our community and other communities. Kol Hakavod to Colel Chabad and may they continue to grow and have success in everything they do.”

“What a great way to bring everyone together for a night of music and comedy while at the same time raising money for such a great cause,” said event host Raymond Zaytoune. “We are very thankful for the performers, donors and volunteers that made this a very successful event.”

Richie Chalme, who together with Joe Gindi form the Brooklyn-based musical duo of RJ2, said “We could not have dreamt that the event would have been like this. It was such a beautiful night and such a zechut to be part of it. We thank Hashem for this gift of music and for this opportunity to share it with you.”

Colel Chabad supporter Lenore Ades described it as, “Such a beautiful night. All our friends and family who came said that this is their favorite event of the summer.” Shula Abadi was proud to be part of “a beautiful event which brought people together for a beautiful cause.”

“The Holocaust Survivors Project was proud to act as a sponsor to increase Holocaust awareness in the world,” said Doug Roberts from Deal. “My late son Alex created this as his Eagle Scout project to use as an important tool to combat Holocaust denial. We are proud to partner with Colel Chabad on this important mission.”

“Even from across the globe, we feel the support of this wonderful community of supporters,” said Pantry Packer’s Director of Volunteering Rabbi Menachem Traxler. “When the time is right for all of us, we look forward to having you back with us in Jerusalem, in your Pantry Packers aprons and hairnets, packing and distributing food for the less fortunate.”