The technology sector offers record-level employment opportunities. Tech jobs in New York City are opening up at a pace four times as fast as overall private job growth. The obvious question begging to be asked is, Why don’t more women in our community pursue a career in technology?

There are three primary reasons, but they often can be softened to the point where they no longer appear as impediments.

Many people have misconceptions about technology or possess a narrow understanding of what technology careers exist. Contrary to common knowledge, tech is not limited to software development. Every industry now offers technology jobs because technology is erupting into every single industry. Furthermore, the skills you need today are different than what was needed for the previous fifty years. The next five or ten years will see increased tech skills as a prerequisite to entry as well as a requirement for advancement.

You can be a software developer, a cybersecurity specialist, a web designer, digital marketer, social media marketer, data scientist, systems analyst, and the list goes on. Every type of designer today must design using software. Nothing is done by hand. You may work in a corporate setting with a high powered job, or work for a smaller agency with more flexible hours. Propel discusses the reality of what these jobs entail so that each woman knows what kind of a commitment is necessary and whether or not it is something she chooses to pursue.

We’re here to help if you’re interested in a tech career, but you don’t know how to begin. If you would like to test the waters and see if the subject matter is for you, we may suggest resources that offer free courses. We can discuss the merits and shortcomings of online versus on-campus programs. It is possible that you did your own research and want to discuss your findings with us. Regardless of your area of curiosity, we will help you clarify choices and put together a step-by-step plan that makes sense for your life.

It seems unattainable, however we’ve proven that it’s not. PROPEL has placed three women into full-time tech careers: two as software developers and one as a project manager. Not one of them had considered entering technology as a career until they spoke with us. We supported them during their decision-making process because it is a big step.

When finding a job became challenging, we provided direction, as well. You have to work hard for an opportunity and when you get that opportunity you have to deliver. One of PROPEL’s graduates became pregnant with her second child during her studies. Her husband and family rallied to take care of her two-year-old, so she could power through the full-time, three-month coding boot camp. Having children definitely affected her choice of employers because she needed flexibility. Today, she is expecting her third child and continues to work for a small company that understands the realities of raising children. The point is, a career in tech is attainable if you really want it.

It’s true you can major in technology specialties while in college. These major subjects include, but are not limited to computer science and artificial intelligence, and other emerging areas of expertise. While this strategy does advance you faster, it is not necessary or possible for someone who has no intention of attending college, or for someone who has already graduated with a concentration in another field. The good news is that specialized programs can be completed in as little as three months (full-time) or as long as two years (part-time) by getting certified through continuing education programs.

As an example, opportunities to learn about software engineering are endless. There are free online courses that anyone can access. Khan Academy, Skillshare, edX, Alison, Audacity and Code Academy are just a sample of the schools that offer free learning. These are especially helpful if you want to try out the material before you commit to a more rigorous learning commitment.

New York City is emerging as the East Coast technology hub. It is anticipated that numerous jobs will be opening up in addition to the ones already available. New Jersey has its own tech hub that pulses with life as well.

Call PROPEL today to explore how you might take advantage of the best opportunities available.

If you are interested in a career, please reach out to PROPEL. We can help you fulfil your professional goal. Call (646)494-0822 or email info@thepropelnetwork.org.

Follow PROPEL on Instagram @PropelNetwork to find out information about upcoming programs and events.

The DSN Community Center recently put together a fantastic Toy Scavenger Hunt at a local Target store to benefit children whose families could not afford to buy toys this Hanukkah season. Forty fifth graders collected over $300 worth of toys to give out on Hanukkah, and they had a blast doing it!

The youth arrived to DSN at 6 pm, excited and ready to roll. First all the rules of the hunt were explained to them, then teams were randomly picked by DSN. They were ready to work together to set a perfect example of what teamwork is about. They were loaded onto their buses, and taken to Target a few miles away.

The hunt began at 7 pm. Each team of six players took a wagon and a packet of clues and began their journey. The clues, which led them to the toys, included riddles, such as “Red and orange, green and blue, shiny yellow purple too, all the colors that we know. Find a rainbow in a box and _ my Eggo.” Some kids were tricked into thinking we wanted Eggo waffles but others realized we meant Legos!

Some of the clues required them to be creative, with teams taking pictures in sunglasses, wearing cozy winter hats and even placing buckets on their heads! The creativity and fun they put into the night was captivating.
Of course, DSN staff made sure that all teams respected store customers and staff.

Sandra Sutton, DSN board member and chairperson remarked, “My son had the best night! He loved being out late at Target and they all had a great time working together to find what they needed!”

Ruth Gindi, a DSN mother, commented on Instagram, “Best night!!!! Kids had so much fun!” Another mother, Jessica Esses, added, “They had the best time!!”

At the end of the hunt, they had carts full of awesome games and toys which DSN then purchased to donate to less fortunate children. Having fun while helping others, that’s what DSN is all about. It was a special night for everyone!q

How do we get our kids to put their phones down? It’s a good question, however are they the only ones that need to take a break from the Internet? The reality is that we are all attached to our devices. Our kids are not the only guilty parties. Social media, and other websites have become a way of life, and to many of us, even an addiction. While acknowledging that technology is our future and that it enhances our lives in so many ways, a healthy balance must be established.

Managing that fine line between too much usage and adequate/safe usage is what led a group of Magen David Yeshivah mothers—along with the PTA, faculty, and administration—to tackle this issue head on.

The students were overusing their devices, completely hooked on gaming, Instagram and Snapchat. The team decided that the time had come to take a community-wide stance. If we work together as a community, we can form healthy relationships with our devices and channel our tech use in a positive way.

And thus WeConnect was born. The tech awareness initiative officially launched on September 23rd with a special program for parents and students in grades 6 to 8. There was not an empty seat in the room—it was clear that this was important to everyone.

Famed psychologist and Ted Talk speaker Adam Alter PhD began the program by explaining the dangers of technology overuse and how rapidly the usage statistics have changed. (TED Talks are influential videos from expert speakers on education, business, science, tech, and more.) He spoke of the strategic ways that large tech companies like Netflix and Instagram use to keep us hooked (think auto play, and infinite scroll).

They make it exceedingly difficult to prioritize our white space. (White space represents the part of our day that’s left after we’ve spent time working, sleeping, and eating.) Our white space is what defines us as people, it’s where creativity thrives, hobbies are developed, and individuality is formed. He went on to offer tips and tools to help the audience develop a safer relationship with technology. He mentioned setting time limits, keeping devices tucked away at mealtimes and charging our phones outside of the bedroom.

The presentation was eye-opening. Afterwards, the WeConnect committee, led by Vicky Bawabeh, Shirley Feldman, and faculty advisor Helene Palacci, felt it critical to put these steps and tools to use right away with a parent-child workshop led by trained Magen David teachers. The goal was not only to help students become aware of their device use, but also to motivate them to come up with their own ideas to help strike the perfect balance.

The students clearly understood that both their family and their school would support them in this mission, and were eager to take the next steps. Magen David, in collaboration with SAFE, has already implemented WeConnect programming into the children’s curriculum, and the response has been phenomenal. The children are taking initiative, and motivating each other to disconnect more often.

The WeConnect team is currently working on new student-driven programming, and is already seeing some impressive first steps towards tackling this ever present challenge.

I was recently introduced to a spectacular organization called The Israel Medical Fund (IMF), by Jewish IMAGE Magazine’s Managing Editor Steven Matsas. We are both avid cyclists and IMF was having a cycling event in Brooklyn, which Steven invited me to take part in. How could I refuse such an offer? I thought it would be a nice day of cycling and a great event, but it turns out Steven had an ulterior motive. He knew I would be drawn to the organization once I got acquainted with it, and that I would want to participate in the upcoming cycling event—in Israel.

IMF has a program called The Next Step (TNS) which helps Israeli amputees get state-of-the-art prosthetic limbs, which the Israeli Health Ministry doesn’t provide. Israel’s socialized heath system doesn’t allocate much funding for amputees. They provide the equivalent of $7,000 for a prosthetic, but the cost can be 10 times that. The average price tag is over $50,000 and can even cost over $100,000. That’s where The Next Step comes in. TNS helps the amputees, many of whom had suffered through dramatic events, such as terrorist attacks, accidents, cancer, and some were wounded in the IDF—get the prosthetics and care they need to regain some sense of normalcy.

It’s very important that they stay active, for both their physical and mental states. So, in addition to the physical therapy and support TNS provides, they have a cycling club, a surfing club, a hiking and climbing club, running and walking clinics and tons of other programs.
Getting back to cycling, it turns out, Steven was right. Once I learned about IMF and TNS, I wanted to participate in the Israeli cycling event—and I’m so happy I did. It was one of the most moving experiences of my life. I joined about 70 cyclist from the USA, including a handful of community members, and rode 200 miles throughout Israel, alongside the incredible amputees.

We started on Sunday, when we arrived, with a 4 mile ride at night through the Old City. Monday morning we set out from Jerusalem to Latrun and back, which was about 53 miles. We ended the day with a great dinner at the Menachem Begin Museum, where each of us received a gift—a coin from the time of Hasmonean rule and the Second Temple. Tuesday we woke up to the news that the IDF killed the leader of the Islamic Jihad, and as a result, terrorists fired over 150 missiles into Israel. We were not sure if we would be able to continue the ride. In the end, because our route was not where there were any air raid sirens going off, the IDF and other authorities gave us the green light to ride, but under extremely strict guidelines. Before the Mayor of Jerusalem cut the ribbon to signal the start, we were given instructions on what to do should the sirens sound.

The people who were there to ride with the amputees set out first, followed by the amputees. For their safety, the amputees are accompanied by a team of professional coaches and cyclists, including members of The Israel Cycling Academy who will compete in the Tour de France for the first time in 2020.

Both Steven Matsas and Stephen Shamosh rode with the amputees. Steven explained that because the amputees can’t handle some of the very big hills, they travel by bus, on and off throughout the day. He added that I was welcome to join them. I decided to join them on the bus, and it turned out to be the best day of the whole trip. Spending time with the amputees and helping them was why I was there. We got to bond and know each other very well.

On day three, we took a thrilling downhill ride from Jerusalem to the Dead Sea. After the ride, some participants opted to go on an ATV ride in the desert. I’m not going to lie, riding my bike through the Old City and down to the Dead Sea was extremely thrilling, but the entire trip was so much more than just another charity ride. I’ve done a few charity rides and all of the organizations are great, but what made this event so unique and special was the interaction with the amputees. We got to spend a week with them, riding, dining, drinking and getting to know them. To see the resolve that they have to move on, after experiencing such trauma, is so very inspiring. I got close to a number of them, and we will remain friends for life.

I got to know three of the amputees especially well, Noa, Shlomie and Chaya. All of their stories were heart-wrenching. Noa, who was barely a teenager, lost her leg when she was run over by a terrorist, while waiting for her school bus. Thanks to the generosity of our community and the hard work of Stephen Shamosh, Noa who turned 13 while we were in Israel, recently received a sparkling, pink, new, state-of-the-art prosthetic leg. Although she faces many challenges, she is full of joy and life.

One night, after dinner, I walked almost a mile back to the hotel with Shlomie Ager who is an amputee, and the grandson of the great Rabbi Akiva Ager. Shlomie was just 9 years old when he stumbled on some ammunition that a solider stole from the army. He and his friend starting playing with the weapons when an RPG detonated and blew his leg off.

One of the most amazing people I met is Chaya, who is 17, and was born with many health issues (that no one should know from). She rides a custom hand cycle that was donated by members of our community. She is so full of energy you would never believe she is disabled. Although in a wheelchair since birth, she wants to—and I can almost guarantee that she will—become a doctor.

Witnessing the perseverance of all the amputees and their love for life has inspired me to help them even more. I am looking forward to seeing all my new friends on my next trip to Israel and raising more money for this beautiful organization. For more information or to donate visit www.israelmedicalfund.org.

Author: Morris Beyda

PROPEL is excited to be offering a six-week intensive program for female artists starting in February—OPTIMIZE YOUR ART BUSINESS—with Artist and Business Consultant Lauren Altman.

The goal of this art boot camp program will be to guide women to kick-start a sustainable business within the art industry.

The program will feature Lauren’s unique, three-pillar method OPTIMIZE, APPLY, IMPACT™, which combines: personal well-being, marketing, relationship building, leadership, influencing, pricing art, productivity tools, how to sell your skills, and funding and exhibiting your work.

Lauren’s interdisciplinary practice explores psychology through video, installation, photography, writing, and mixed-media. She has led talks and workshops at ICA Philadelphia, Arthur Ross Gallery at the University of Pennsylvania, and the Chelsea, New York-based David Nolan Gallery.

Further, Lauren co-chairs the Sotheby’s Institute of Art. New York Alumni Committee and serves on an art history lecture committee at Smith College Museum of Art. Her recent exhibitions include participation in “Cine Experimental,” a film screening curated by Dustin Dill at Escuela de Artes de Yucatán in Mérida, Mexico, and “DISARM,” an exhibition and benefit supporting anti-gun violence curated by Renee Valenti in Brooklyn.

Lauren completed her BFA in Communication Design at Parsons School of Design in New York, 2010; her MA in Contemporary Art at Sotheby’s Institute of Art in New York, 2011; and her MFA in Interdisciplinary Studio Art at the University of Pennsylvania in 2018.

You can read more about Lauren’s business at laurenaltmanstudio.com, and see her art at laurenirmaaltman.com.

In the summer of 2019, in collaboration with PROPEL board member Robin Braka and her daughter Rachel Khafif of RBK Art Advisory, PROPEL hosted an event with Lauren that was attended by many community women in the art business.

Earlier in 2019, PROPEL had the pleasure of co-sponsoring a contemporary Latin American Art showcase with RBK Art Advisory. This event featured a Q&A with Uragyuan Artist Vicky Barranguet, inside Artemisa Gallery, a contemporary Latin American art space which is not only an exhibition gallery but also the home of its Gallerist, Mariana Broda. In the intimate setting of Broda’s Chelsea townhouse, approximately 30 women gathered around the living room sofa—with exotic iced teas and edible flowers crafted by Mariel Tawil Events—to hear Barranguet narrate her artistic journey. She described the challenges of balancing her career as an artist and raising two children, alongside her musician husband, Gustavo Casenave. She recalled how her creative process thrived when her husband played jazz or classical music.

PROPEL is committed to helping women seeking a career in the art industry.

Please reach out to PROPEL at info@thepropelnetwork.org to find out more information about this upcoming workshop.

Bayit V’Tikvah is a girls’ home which cares for children who have been removed from their homes by social welfare services due to serious abuse and neglect. Many of our girls come to our home already lagging behind in their educational and social development, in poor physical and mental health.

The devoted staff, led by our managing director Rabbi Mendy Schwartz, our educational director, our professional psychiatrists, psychologists, our social workers and therapists give their all to provide our girls with the necessary support not just to get by, but to truly succeed.

We are functioning on a shoe string budget. Yet, we will never turn a girl away. However, as the girls turn 18, they “tap out” of the system and are required to fend for themselves. Without the required skills to get jobs or the resources necessary to “make it,” our girls won’t be able to stay off the streets. If not properly nurtured our girls run the risk of becoming perpetrators of the same crimes of which they fell victims (i.e. physical, sexual and drug abuse).

All too often, Israeli girls leave their homes and are unprepared for the reality of the outside world. Some sell their bodies to make money; others are forced to become prisoners of Muslim men in their villages.

It is imperative that while the girls are in our loving and warm environment, we prepare them for college and help them develop job skills to ensure they can survive on their own. Currently, we have two of our graduates attending medical school, while others are in nursing school, in the field of social work and education. With your support, we can provide programs that will enable them to leave our home with the power to not just survive but to thrive.

Rabbi Brian Thau, the Executive Vice President of Bayit V’Tikvah/House of Hope, will be vising the Sephardic community December 20-22 to raise money for their new building, for the girls Hankukah celebrations, and other programs not covered by child welfare services.

Bayit V’Tikvah/American Friends of House of Hope Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charity. Please help us help these girls. For more information please visit our website: bayitvtikvah.org or facebook: Bayit Vtikvah House of Hope.

Please send donations to American Friends of House of Hope 176-25 Union Turnpike, Suite 336, Fresh Meadows, NY 11366 or call our office at 929-900-HOPE (4673). You can also donate online at bayitvtikvah.org.

The SAFE Foundation recently hosted a day of special programs and visits from New York State Senator Andrew Gounardes and NYS Senator Peter Harckham for community middle schools and for our honored guests to immerse themselves in our vital work treating and preventing addiction and teaching important social and emotional skills.

The day began in Magen David Yeshivah, where Dr. Norman Blumenthal discussed essential Internet safety topics. The presentation shared how children can protect themselves against online risks, keep their personal information private, and prevent online bullying. He provided the students with several “fire alarm” tools, or red flags that should be noticed and reported if something online feels suspicious. Dr. Blumenthal also reminded the children that they should always act in a considerate manner, especially because whatever goes online remains permanent. He encouraged the students to trust their guts and use their lessons from Project SAFE to make healthy decisions in the online world.

The second stop of the day was the SAFE clinic where Senator Andrew Gounardes and Senator Peter Harckham were met by Ike Dweck (SAFE CEO & Founder), Charlie Tebele (SAFE Board Chair), and Sam Sutton of the Sephardic Community Federation. Senator Gounardes is a friend and champion to the community. He secured $100,000 in general operating dollars for SAFE and crucial STEM funding for community schools! Senator Harckham represents is the Chair of the NYS Senate Committee on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse. We are thankful for the continued support of our Senators and for their interest in our efforts.

The Senators toured our clinic where they saw the invaluable work that SAFE does. They learned about our highly personalized client treatment plans, which help those struggling, and their loved ones, achieve lives of recovery and wellbeing.

After the clinic tour the Senators, their staff members, and Ike Dweck, Charlie Tebele, and Sam Sutton shared an intimate lunch hosted by Lorayne and Gabriel Shehebar at their home. Other guests included Michelle Haddad (board member), Corie Adjmi (board member), and Cynthia Kassin (Director of Community Education for SAFE). Lorayne Shehebar (board member) planned a beautiful lunch with delicious food catered by Eats by Marjorie & Lauren.

There the Senators were updated on the groundbreaking initiatives undertaken to broaden the scope of services and education for the community. Lorayne discussed her role co-leading, with SAFE Event Planner Ruthie Terzi, Stoop Talks where community members tell their stories about addiction and how the number of confidential calls to the clinic rise after each event inspires those who need help to ask for it. Lorayne also leads the mentoring program in our High Schools where parent volunteers come in to talk to the students about what life really looks like after graduation.

Corie Adjmi discussed the work of the Parenting Education Volunteer Committee that she chairs to raise awareness of parenting techniques that build self-esteem and confidence in children from a young age. She explained how it is crucial to teach healthy parenting behaviors and approaches, since research has shown that a positive approach to parenting can help our children avoid risky and addictive behavior later in life.

After lunch it was on to the last activity of the day at the Yeshivah of Flatbush Elementary School, where the middle school was holding a reception for the winners of the Project SAFE Poster Contest! The 6th, 7th and 8th graders had created posters that depicted what they learned in their SAFE class. Themes ranged from friendships, anti-bullying and healthy eating habits to vaping, substances and alcohol. Winners and their parents were at the reception where all the posters were on display.

Senators Gounardes and Harckham spoke to the children about the meaning behind their posters and the students responded enthusiastically. Students and parents were very excited, some even took selfies with the Senators. When the time came for the award presentation, Rabbi David Hertzberg opened with welcoming remarks. Ruth Waide of the YoF guidance team warmed up the crowd and thanked all for such a special day, and then Charlie Tebele introduced the Senators and explained how integral their work has been in aiding our community, our schools, and the State of Israel.

Senator Gounardes then took the podium and talked about the Flatbush Five (respect, honesty, kindness, responsibility and humility) and the importance of doing acts of service for others, including his “Three for the Community” initiative where he encourages neighbors to take three actions (big or small) each week to improve their community. He called on all students to take part and help contribute to over a million acts of service each year. Next, Senator Harckham spoke about how meaningful the day had been and encouraged students to value the friendships they are making now because these relationships will carry them through the rest of their lives.

The Senators announced that Jacob Nussbaum was the winner of the boys contest. Jacob excitedly went up to receive his award, a grand prize of Airpods, and to have his picture taken with the Senators. Next, the winners from the girls contest, Fortune Zeitoune, Kelly Fatiha and Rebecca Spira were called up one by one to receive their awards, prizes, and a picture.

Rabbi Yahel Tsaidi, Head of School, then closed the assembly with a thank you to the SAFE teachers and guidance team at the YoF who worked very hard to bring the event together. After the award presentations, Senators Harckham and Gounardes joined Project SAFE teachers and the guidance team to discuss challenges that today’s youth face. They discussed the importance of teaching about the realities of vaping, the importance of healthy body image and healthy eating, as well as emotional awareness and recognition. The Senators, the SAFE team, the board, school leaders and teachers could not have been prouder of the amazing work of SAFE and the meaningful partnership Project SAFE has with our community schools.

If you or a loved one need help call us confidentially at (718) GET-SAFE.

On a mild Tuesday night in August, amid bright pink roses, matching tablecloths and white umbrellas brightly contrasting a dark sky, over one thousand people excitedly gathered at Ester and Joseph Jerome’s home in Deal, NJ to honor Joey Shamie with the first-ever Sephardic Community Center Humanitarian of the Year Award.

Off to the side, rippling slightly with the breeze, stood a white fabric wall decorated with the logos of multiple organizations to which Joey has contributed over the years. AIPAC, The Sephardic Community Federation, Delivering Good, Teach NYS, Sephardic Bikur Holim, Operation Homefront, and The Center joined together on August 20th as never before.

After enjoying dinner around a pool shimmering with their colorful reflections, guests focused their attention on the huge screen to watch a short film titled Where’s Joey? The film highlighted the almost superhero qualities of one man making a tremendous difference in our world.

In Where’s Joey? a quick-footed cameraman along with the voice of Alice Adjmi travels in search of Joey Shamie. In one day, this pair keeps missing him, as they check various locations and ask a multitude of people where he could be. From his house in Loch Arbor to his shul down the block to Times Square and the UN in Manhattan to Fort Dix in New Jersey and then all the way to China and back to The Center in Brooklyn—the exasperated crew cannot catch up with Joey’s pace! To help solve the mystery, they approach family members, exercise buddies, rabbis, pals, work staff, business associates, politicians, the chief of the NYPD, and the oh-so-many people Joey works with on oh-so-many charitable organizations. In the end, he is found at this very event, enmeshed within the excited and applauding crowd.

From the podium, Joseph Jerome welcomed all and stated, “No one deserves the night’s accolades more than Joey Shamie.”

Ricky Novick, one of the chair people added, “Joey is a man of action for those rich or poor, civilian or military, old or young, Jewish or non-Jewish. He is truly dedicated to Tikun Olam—to bettering the ‘community of man.’” Ricky then informed the crowd that Joey selflessly donates his time and money to over two dozen not-for-profit organizations.

Ricky’s co-chair Gladys Haddad beamed with admiration as she compared Joey to Abraham Avinu, who was a kind and honest visionary and pioneer dedicated to sharing his treasure with all humanity.

Lisa Baum of IDB Bank contributed to this mountain of praise by saying, “Joey is the warmest, kindest, most gentle and soft-spoken person you can ever meet. He is universally beloved in business and in life.”

Joey is the co-owner of Delta Cribs with his wonderful brother Sammy. In this professional sphere too, together, they display tremendous care. With the comfort and confidence that comes from having a solid and supportive partner, Joey often flies from California to Vegas to Harlem to military bases to personally donate and distribute cribs, strollers, and other products to those in need.

Just when everyone was wondering how Joey achieves as much as he does, his son Louis shared a cleverly composed list instructing the audience how to live like his dad. He said, “Root for the underdog, be persistent, smile, socialize, learn from everyone, and focus on others!”

Throughout the proceedings, organizers of the program showered Joey with awards, plaques, and Judaica. When Gladys Haddad presented Joey with a menorah, she stated, “Just as the hanukkiah brings hope and light to the world, so too do you bring hope and light to all of us.”

Said Talia Toussie, one of the main chairs of the event, “This program unified our community in such a special way. By celebrating the work of one special person, we inspired so many people to do hesed in any form and to realize that there are opportunities everywhere. We are all lucky to have Joey as our friend and mentor. Everybody in attendance had a personal connection with him and considers him their own special friend. It was amazing!”

Testifying to the truth of her words are the hundreds of joyous photographs taken of Joey with leaders of the community; committee after committee; almost every guest in attendance, his extended family, and with his dear wife Adrienne and their children.

In his closing speech, with a tear glistening in each eye, Joey thanked the organizers of the tribute; the attendees, Adrienne and his entire family, plus his parents and mentors—who influenced him so positively. He then strongly encouraged each person to get involved in some way. He urged, “Get out there and do. You can do it!” Spreading his arms wide open, he exclaimed, “Just look at me. Any average Joe who puts their heart into it will succeed!”

Twenty three year-old Charles Chakkalo, who made Joey’s acquaintance this year, took these words to heart and wanted to hear more. He spent much time speaking with Joey this summer about community matters, politics, and business, and wanted to give his peers an opportunity to experience Joey’s passion and wisdom as well. And so, he, with Jojo Tawil, Elliot Dweck, and other volunteers, organized Mazza and Conversation with Joey Shamie, moderated by Ezra Ashkenazie for young adults by Ezra and Sharyn Ashkenazie’s beach. Charles helped plan the gathering in just 48 hours, and was pleased at the easy turnout of 150 people!

In a true chain reaction, Charles’ friend, Samantha Chabot, along with those same volunteers, followed his lead and created the next young adult event focusing on hesed and involvement. This took place at the end of October at The Center and featured a Q&A with Joey Shamie and two of his role models: Nancy and Sam Sutton, a true dynamic duo.

Grace Sutton, The Center’s Volunteer Coordinator is currently working on other like initiatives. It seems there are many from all age groups who continue to be motivated by one very magical night and one very special man.

Contact grace@scclive.org to get involved. Organizers of the event included Gladys Haddad, Joseph Jerome, Ricky Novick, Steven Hidary, Talia Toussie, Joey Tawil, Sari Setton, Adrienne Shamie, Loraine Gold, Jack Anzarouth, Norma Cohen, Renee Braha, and Rochelle Dweck.

The Sephardic community was deeply honored by the recent visit of Israel’s Sephardic Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef. He came to Brooklyn and New Jersey, spoke to students at Magen David Yeshivah, the Yeshivah of Flatbush, Hillel Yeshiva, and others. In New Jersey, community members gathered at Congregation Magen David of West Deal to hear him speak and he met with seniors at DSN. His words of wisdom and the blessings he bestowed on our community, wherever he visited, were cherished.

It had been three years since his last visit to DSN. Executive Director Sammy Sitt greeted him outside the building and led him into a room where 40 seniors were awaiting his visit. He was introduced by Rabbi Saul Kassin, who told the Chief Rabbi, “I want you to meet these seniors, because they are the people who built the Sephardic community in America.” The Chief Rabbi proceeded to speak words of Torah, and finished with a blessing. It was a great day.

Students and teachers at Magen David Yeshivah and The Yeshivah of Flatbush were honored to host the Rishon Lesiyon, Chief Rabbi of Israel. At Magen David, the children sat in awe as he spoke about the challenges that face them in the world today, and related that to what Abraham went through in the week’s parashah. At Yeshivah of Flatbush, students sang songs and pizmonim, then Chief Rabbi Yosef spoke and blessed them. It was a memorable morning for everyone. His words will resonate with all the children for years to come.

Hanukkah

Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, is a celebration of a great miracle—the victory of a small, beleaguered nation over her powerful oppressors. In lighting the menorah, we rejoice in the triumph of freedom over tyranny, goodness over evil, right over might, and light over darkness. Each year as we celebrate this holiday and kindle our menorahs, we add more light to the world.

Redemption, Against All Odds

In the time of King Antiochus, the fate of the Jewish people seemed grim, indeed. The vastly outnumbered Maccabees were up against the world’s most sophisticated military machine. They faced opposition from within, as well. Many of their brethren were meek, complacent, and all too willing to forsake their heritage and assimilate into the Hellenistic culture. It was the proverbial “darkest hour before the dawn.” Yet, sure enough, with the dawn came the miraculous, unprecedented victory. With G-d’s help and against all odds, the Maccabees were able to reclaim the Holy Land and rededicate the Holy Temple.

Throughout the ages, Hanukkah has signified the miraculous triumph of the weak over the strong, the pure over the impure and the righteous over the wicked. Whenever the integrity of the Jewish people is under siege, no matter how dark the night, the Hanukkah lights proclaim with confidence that the dawn of deliverance is near.

Spreading the Light

The menorah is lit either in the doorway, or in a front window, so that it can be seen outside in the street. It is not enough to bring light into our own homes, we must spread the light and warmth of Torah to the outer environment as well, as far as our influence can reach.
Light the Menorah with the whole family! Use olive oil or candles large enough to burn until half an hour after nightfall.

Brighter and Brighter

Each night of Hanukkah, we add another light to the menorah, until all eight lamps shine on the eighth night. This signifies that in matters of holiness, we must always increase. With every added flame, we deepen our commitment to the values and traditions of our Jewish way of life.

Illuminating the Darkness

A great rabbi once remarked that “you cannot chase away darkness with a stick—you have to turn on the light.” The way to eliminate darkness—to rid the world of ignorance, negativity, hatred and greed—is to kindle the lights of knowledge, generosity, hope, and love.

Hanukkah reminds us that even in our darkest moments, the light of knowledge can shine brightly, and that redemption is at hand—if we will kindle just one more lamp.

Fun Customs

Hanukkah gelt for the kids! Reward your children and grandchildren with Hanukkah gelt for exemplary behavior such as diligence in their studies and acts of charity. Of course, this beautiful custom adds to the children’s happiness and festive spirit. Whether it’s money or chocolate it will put a smile on their little faces.

Play Dreidel! The dreidel is a four-sided spinning top, also called a s’vivon, in Hebrew. On each side is a Hebrew letter: Nun, Gimmel, Hay, and Shin. The letters stand for the phrase Nes Gadol Hayah Sham—a great miracle happened there. It is traditionally used to play a lively game.

Eat donuts and latkes and other foods fried in oil, to remember the miracle of the oil lasting for eight days!

Wishing you a Happy Hanukkah. May this Festival of Lights bring blessings upon you and all your loved ones for happiness and for health, peace and security in Israel, and usher in a better world for all of human kind.

This past summer we took three one-day bus trips from Deal to Atlantic City. Each trip was to a different hotel— Resorts, Caesar’s and Tropicana—and all three days were terrific! On the bus, we raffled off prizes, told jokes, played Arabic music, and relaxed. In Atlantic City, we walked the beautiful boardwalk, saw an amazing military air show, and musical show, ate lunch, shopped and of course gambled. Everyone had a wonderful time.

ORT stands for Organization for Rehabilitation through Training. It is a network of vocational schools, which focus on teaching skills that are in demand in today’s world. There are ORT schools in Israel, New York and many other countries. ORT programs are guided by the spirit of tikkun olam (repairing the world and making it a better place). They believe in the saying, “If you give a man a fish, he eats for a day. If you teach him to fish, he eats for a lifetime.”

Many thanks to Joyce Dwek, for coordinating the fun fundraising trips. We couldn’t have had this experience without all of Joyce’s hard work, with the assistance of Sally Shamah, Louise Zalayet and bus helpers Norma Rezak, Joy Assoulin, and Frieda Lubin. The President of our chapter is Mrs. Freida Kassin. The ORT chapter was brought to our community by Estelle Marcus. We look forward to more great trips next summer.