I recently had the honor of taking part in a life-changing trip to Africa, facilitated by the dedicated staff at the Sephardic Community Center. I was part of a group of young adults who raised funds to provide clean water for the village of Bumayi, Uganda. In conjunction with the Israeli charity, Innovation Africa, we worked to install a solar powered pump to extract water from aquifers beneath the ground, so the people who live there could enjoy clean water.
We were greeted by hundreds of men, women and children with bare feet and big smiles, singing Mwene dala asangala khubakeni basangale, which translates to ālet the happiness our guests came with stay with them when they exit.ā This reminded me of Debarim 28:6, āYou shall be blessed when you come, and you shall be blessed when you depart.ā
On our mission, we visited three towns. The first, Tororo, had an abysmal water supply, and nearly no aid. The second, Bumayi, was where we were bringing the technologyāit also had a horrific water sourceāthat they would never have to use again, and the third, Bukalikha, has had a clean water supply for some time. Each of these towns greeted us with cheers and songs.
While walking in the first town, I was exposed to the bareness of sub-Saharan Africa. The ground was covered with stems and branches, and the heat of the sun must have made it scorching hot. My Reeboks protected my feet, but next to me people walked barefoot. This made me thankful for shoes.
After seeing the contamination and dangerous water source of the first town, we saw the same at the second. The difference being, we brought a solution to Bumayi. Thanks to miraculous Israeli technology, we brought life-saving, thirst-quenching, sanitary water. The villagers could not have been more thankful.
Our first stop in Bumayi was their former water source; it was oozing algae. Three women were elected to tell us about it. One woman described how scorpions and snakes lurking in the water would scare her off, and she would often go home without water. Another woman told us that her husband was always angry that she would take so long to get the water, however it was the third woman who moved me. On her back was her child. After affirming everything the other two women said, she turned her child around and showed us his back. Sadly, it was covered in boils, pimples, and rashes, which came from being washed with the contaminated water. She then fell to her knees. A sign of maximum thanks, according to our translator, and praised us for bringing clean water.
In front of us was this woman, on her knees, grateful to us. Sure, bringing a village in need of clean water the technology they so badly needed, was nice, but to the point of kneeling before us? I didnāt know what to think. Was she overestimating the gravity of what we brought? Was I underestimating the same? The truth was that I underestimated how our water project would help the villagers. This woman would be able to wash her children with clean water, which would make them healthier. Our help would better her childrenās lives, which is priceless.
Later, we celebrated and turned on the water pump. There was more singing and dancing. I showed a little boy that he could drink directly from the new water source, an idea that was clearly foreign to him. For the first time he drank running water.
The following day we visited Lwaboba Day School. The walls of the classrooms were deteriorating, much like the books and paper they had. So, they were thrilled to learn that we brought them desks, and we helped install solar panels to provide the school with power. We brought them light, which illuminated more than the classroomsāevery face in the room was lit up with joy.
Leading up to my trip, and even following it, people asked me, why Uganda? Joey Tawil, the Centerās CEO, explained: āCharity begins at home, but it doesnāt end there.ā I had a more personal reason. In my graduation address at the Yeshivah of Flatbush, I wished for my fellow graduates to go out and change their world. When a unique opportunity to change the world came along, I seized it. I did my best to improve the impoverished lives of the villagers in Uganda.
Our words are never chosen lightly. Children who need extra attention, help and love are known worldwide as āspecial,ā but this does not only refer to their requirements and needs. We call them special because they are. Each smile, belly laugh, hug and achievement, no matter how large or small, touches our hearts, and is, yesātruly special.
The morning of July 7th was beautiful for the Special Childrenās Center event at Rina and Ely Cohenās home in Deal, NJ. The stage was set for these incredible children to danceāstrong and proudāfor a fashion show showcasing not clothing, but the joy inside each childās heart. The kids were excited! They chose any outfit from any store they wanted. They had hair and makeup done, picked their favorite songs, and received gifts at the end of the runway, like a cherry on a sundae.
I moderated, as the crowd cheered them on, one after another, but when beautiful Joyce spontaneously broke away from her dance to hug me with more love and gratitude than Iāve ever felt, I knew why I agreed to this. Everything the Special Childrenās Center does is worthwhile and necessary, in more ways than we understand.
The amazing Yaakov Shwekey powerfully kicked off the event singing our new song, āI am Alive,ā recorded in Times Square and dedicated to DJ Cohen AāH, a true hero, gone way too soon. It was a day to be grateful, and to thank Hashem. Being alive is a gift; itās all in the way we look at things. Music from The Greatest Showman filled the yard with magnificent energy, and the show began.
The beautiful Emily did back bends and splits for the crowd, little Jack danced to āBaby Shark,ā and Chezky blew out candles on a giant three tier birthday cake made especially for him by DJ Cohenās wife, Alexis. Lovely Joyce got crowned a real princess and Oliviaāonce a camper but now a staff member (hooray!)āreceived a plaque for all her efforts.
Ana looked sweet and stunning, melting our hearts with every turn, and for the finale, Miri, red-headed and gorgeous, announced her wish to go to Disney World. As the Center is often in the business of making dreams come true, Mickey and Minnie appeared on-stage with a giant check, sparking magical excitement and bringing the entire audience to their feet.
Rabbi Eli Mansour then introduced Harry Adjmi to begin the fundraising, and reminded us that the real heroes are the super moms and dads that are dealing with this challenge. He said, āBehind every special child there are very special parents.ā
I met Jenine, Chaya and Richie Dweck years ago, when the Special Childrenās Center was just a seedling. Today, the Center hosts over 400 children across three locations, including Lakewoodās state-of-the-art campus, covering six square miles, generously donated by the town to these kids. The Center is an essential respite for these families, bringing fun into the kidsā lives and sending them home bathed and fed.
Chaya Bender explained, āToday, kids who shared early beginnings with the Center are getting older. Elliot Tawil has led the charge to prepare them for the future, and Hashem sent Stanley Chera to make these new dreams possible. Stanley envisioned a brand new campus with room for it all, and G-d bless our donors, and Alex Adjmi for his building expertise, weāll soon have 30,000 square feet of new space, being designed by the amazing Margalit Lankry Designs.
Jenine Shwekey added, āWe are constantly amazed at what these kids are capable of. So many are musically inclined. With this in mind, we introduce the Adele Hanover Music Center. The main goal at all times is to make sure every Center child feels loved and accepted. They have so much goodness inside them. Days on-stage, like these, help them remember that they are beautiful, inside and out.ā
As a community weāre unique. Weāre there for each other unapologetically, the hesed we perform knows no bounds, and the volunteers that line up for every cause are endless. Weād like to thank our hosts, Rina and Ely Cohen and their amazing daughter Nancy Haddad. Of course, the incredible Norma Cohen, Norma Safdieh, Audrey Dweck, and Ricky Esses Music, among so many others. Yvette Cohen, for spearheading the fashion show, Alice Hedaya and Reisa Betesh; Coquette Kids, Lilā Swimmas, Vanilla Sky and My Getup for clothing; Ronit Maleh and Carolyn Dayon: makeup, Aimee Barnathan and Evelyn Anteby: hair, and of course, our donors, volunteers and everyone who cheered us on for a fashion show featuring laughter and smiles, and everything that makes the Center special.
To donate or volunteer please call Chaya Bender (732) 367-0099.
If this event is like last yearās, fans and supporters are in for a great night of music and Izzyās Smokehouse BBQ, as rapper-turned Chassidic star, Nissim Black, performs on the Jersey Shore, on Thursday July 18th, to raise money for Jerusalem-based charity: Pantry Packers. The organization offers a popular volunteer experience, which has become one of the most talked about volunteer activities, especially for bar/bat mitzvah projects. Itās run by Colel Chabad, the oldest continuously operating network of social services in Israel, established in 1788. Hundreds of families, who want to help those in need, have partnered with the organization.
To celebrate his bar mitzvah, Jack Hamui ran an online food drive through Pantry Packers for the needy, and raised over $700 for the Jerusalem charity (giveback.pantrypackers.org). The family was welcomed to Pantry Packers on a recent trip to Israel, where Jack was honored to hang his plaque of recognition on the simcha wall, joining the growing list of bar and bat mitzvah celebration partners.
The family also packed 250 bags of food, distributed to the needy all around the country. The volunteer experience has become a must on Israel itineraries, with family members of all ages able to help give back to others in a fun and meaningful way.
Bar and Bat Mitzvahs are a very special time in the lives of young adults, but can be emotional and challenging for those who have lost a loved one. Thatās why Colel Chabad and the Chessed Menachem Mendel program work tirelessly, and spare no expense, when they make their annual simcha, for over a hundred bar-mitzvah aged orphans, one full of joy and love.
āWhen it comes to celebrating happy occasions, it is a challenge for those who have lost a parent, and it is often a comfort to be alongside others who have experienced similar loss,ā explained Rabbi Sholom Duchman, Director of Colel Chabad.
At the recent celebration in Jerusalem, David Edelstein, David Shaab and Joey Savdie were among the honored guests, as 120 boys, most of whom had lost their fathers, received their tallit and tefillin and aliya lātorah at the Kotel, followed by a gala celebration.
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āIt feels good to do something for these kids who have lost so much,ā said David Edelstein. āThey are our brothers and sisters and we have to take care of them.ā
Joey Savdie marveled at all the help that Colel Chabad offers, including day care centers, schools, hospitals, and social workers. āItās amazing,ā he said, adding, āItās not a small little charity; Colel Chabad does so many things.ā
āThe breadth of what Colel Chabad does, not just for these boys, but for their families and the community is inspiring,ā said Maurice Ades, who attended with his 13 yea old son, Ness. āI think it is so important for children to see what it means to give to others.ā
Colel Chabad works year-round to help more than 10,800 needy families in 48 municipalities through a series of projects designed to provide nutritious food and staples.
Partnering with Israelās Ministry of Welfare, Colel Chabad manages Israelās National Food Security Program, helping families with not only food and basic necessities, but also with health and budgeting programs to help dig themselves out of poverty.
A visit to the Beis Finger Rehabilitation Center was one of the highlights of the recent Chesed Mission lead by Rabbi Naftali Besser of Yeshivah of Flatbush. Located in the center of Jerusalem, the facility is home to 35 young residents suffering from multiple sclerosis and other neurological disorders, offering them a place to thrive and contribute to the betterment of their lives and the community.
āIt means so much to see how Pantry Packers isnāt just a one-time experience for the global Jewish community, and especially for our supporters in New York,ā said Director of Volunteering, Rabbi Menachem Traxler. āAll of our volunteers have dedicated themselves to the cause of helping others and feeding the poor, and itās a testament to the values of this community. We look forward to seeing them back with Nissim at the Jersey Shore this summer!ā
To find out more about Pantry Packers and for tickets to the concert visit pantrypackers.org/deal.
Sam saved his brotherās life. It was a typical Friday night. As Samās family sat around their Shabbat table, none of them could have expected what was to come.
The meal was enjoyable, with good laughs, great conversation and even better food. After a long week of work and school, it was great to be able to relax together and catch up.
As the night progressed, the younger boys went to the basement to play while Sam and his parents moved over to the den for dessert. Suddenly, as the cake plates were being passed around, one of the boys burst into the den. With a look of panic in his eyes, and a tremor in his voice, he managed to get out two words: āLouieās choking.ā
For a split second, everyone froze, both shocked and confused. They raced downstairs, and there was Louie, their 7 year old son, hunched over, beet red, and totally unable to breathe. Panic filled the room. Louieās parents were hysterical.
Thatās when Sam stepped in. Upon entering the room, and comprehending within the chaos what was going, he immediately stepped behind his younger brother and began to perform the Heimlich Maneuver. Continually thrusting on Louieās stomach with all of his strength, Sam prayed for a miracle.
A few seconds later, though it seemed like light years for everyone present, a bright white sucking candy shot out of Louieās mouth, across the room. He quickly regained his breathing, and soon after, the color returned to his face.
The room was silent. Everyone just stared at Sam and Louie, in utter disbelief. His parents were in shock. No one was able to get a word out, except for Sam, who simply stated, āI knew what to do thanks to Blink.ā
A few days later, in front of an auditorium full of seniors in Flatbush High School, preparing to take Blinkās two hour CPR course, Sam shared this story with them. He said, āNo one warned us that this was going to happen on Friday night. No one told us that Louie was going to choke. It just happened. And thank G-d I knew what to do because of this program that youāre about to take. I was sitting in your chair two years ago, contemplating whether to take this course seriously or not, along with the rest of my classmates. Thank G-d I made the right decision, because it saved my brotherās life.ā
Samās story is Blinkās 43rd save story since its inception in 2014. Parents have saved their infants, children have saved their aging parents, and countless years have been added to the lives of the people who were savedāall thanks to some simple life-saving knowledge, and basic training.
In just 5 years, Blink has trained over 8,000 community members to save lives, using CPR, and the results have been incredible.
This summer, Blink will hold its 5th Annual Blink Week, a string of standalone CPR classes open to the community for free, in Brooklyn and Deal. These classes are extremely intimate, theyāre broken down into small groups with dedicated instructors to ensure that everyone leaves with full confidence. All of the night classes are open to men and women, fully separate with gender-appropriate instructors. The day classes are open to women only.
All you need to do is come to one 90 minute class. If youāve taken the class before, come againāit never hurts to take a refresher course to practice your skills. If youāve yet to take a class, what are you waiting for?
We pray that weāll never need to use these skills, but itās much better to know how to perform CPR and never need to use it, than to be there when someone needs CPR and not know how to do it.
Hatzalah can generally get where they need to be within 2 minutes, however, those first 120 seconds before they arrive are often the difference between life and death.
Whether itās a heart attack, someone choking, or lifted from the bottom of a pool, resuscitation must begin immediately.
If itās your brother or sister, an aunt or uncle, a father or mother, or your very own child, those few seconds feel like a lifetimeāespecially when youāre waiting helplessly for assistance to arrive.
Thanks to Blink there are so many stories that are similar to Samās. Hereās Vivianās story.
Vivianās Story
Vivian saved her baby nephew. Her nine month old nephew was sitting in his highchair in her kitchen. His baby-sitter was feeding him rice and beans. Everything seemed fine. A few minutes passed, then Vivian heard her nephew let out a slight cough. She had a feeling that something wasnāt right, so she unstrapped the baby from the highchair. Suddenly, his face started turning purpleāhe was choking on his lunch.
Vivian laid him across her arm and started giving him back blows. With every blow, she became increasingly fearful that her nephew had tried to swallow way too much. His face was getting more purple by the second. As tears rolled down her face, Vivian continued to give it her all, fearing the worst but praying for the best. Finally, a full clump of rice and beans came shooting out of his mouth and he began to breathe again.
Vivian had taken one of Blinkās summer classes two years earlier, and that afternoon she used the training to save her nephewās life.
Daveās Story
David was watching his campers in the pool as they splashed around. A few of them were racing from end to end, while others were trying to see how long they could hold their breath underwater. Benny (his name has been changed for anonymity) was excellent at that game, and David knew it, so he watched to see if he could top his own record. David waited for Benny to pop up and take a breath, but he didnāt. He was underwater for a long time. He wasnāt that good!
David realized something was wrong, and as he was ready to jump in, he noticed Bennyās body begin to float to the top of the water, his face pale, lips purple, still as can be.
David immediately jumped in, dragged Benny out, and began CPR. He pounded his fists into Bennyās chest and tried his hardest to breathe life into his lifeless camper. Within two minutes, David felt Bennyās body begin to move again and he started to spit up water. Hatzalah soon arrived and took over from there.
That night at the hospital, the paramedics asked David what had transpired in those few minutes before they arrived. After describing the traumatic events, the paramedic said, āYou saved the boyās life. Had you not done what you did, he most likely would not have made it.ā Thank G-d, Benny made a full recovery, and was back in camp just a few days later.
David called Blink the next day to say, āThank you. I saved a boy yesterday with the training you gave meājust one week ago.ā
Saving someoneās life is one of the greatest things you can do. Should someone stop breathing in front of you, be like Sam, Vivian and David. Have a happy story to tell afterwards. Had they not taken the time to learn CPR, those stories could have ended very differently.
Cheers to the champions! In addition to our academic accolades, this year, Ilan students joined numerous extra-curricular clubs and competitions, and came out on top, carrying home multiple awards! A number of students participated in a nationwide writing contest sponsored by the Better Together organization, a program that focuses on engendering relationships between students and senior citizens. Throughout the year, students in our Better Together Club have been cultivating bonds with their adopted seniors, visiting them weekly and hosting them in Ilan each month for an afternoon of friendship, food and fun. The competitionāa culmination of this year long projectāencouraged high school students to write about their experiences visiting the elderly and how their lives were enriched from the experience.
Our very own Lana Kishk, junior, won first place nationally! She wrote an incredibly moving piece, entitled āTo Give is To Get,ā in which she describes the relationship she built with a neighbor, who is also a survivor of the Holocaust. She credits this connection as her inspiration and impetus to open an interstate medical supply gemach, enabling seniors to access medical equipment that may have otherwise been inaccessible for them. At our final Better Together luncheon, Lana received her medal and award, and read her essay to the crowd. She encouraged her peers to believe in their ability to make a difference and change the world, one step at a time. Lana is using her prize to participate in a summer program in Israel, while Ilan hopes to further expand our Better Together program, enabling us to continue giving back to the seniors in our community.
Another area where Ilan talent was incredibly evident was in the nationwide Fritz Ascher Society High School Competition. Students were invited to submit an essay, poem or artwork that reflected the life of Fritz Ascher, a German Jewish poet and artist, as well as a survivor of the Holocaust.
Michal Braha, a Junior at Ilan, took home the second place prize with her magnificent drawing that depicted a young girl in Nazi Germany. The picture symbolizes both the persecution of the Jews throughout history, as well as their eternal strength and resilience. The opened book above the girlās head represents the Torah that empowers us, and enables us to triumph over suffering. The shadow that crosses the girlās face divides the light and dark, conveying the idea that itās up to each individual to search for the light or succumb to the dark. The swastika is on the darkened side of her face, but the girl has the ability to turn and get a glimpse of the light behind it, signifying her rising hope. Last, the colorful shirt she wears expresses her anticipation of a brighter future.
In Michalās words, āAt the suggestion of my AP art teacher, I submitted my painting to the expressionist competition, never expecting to win, but life is full of surprises and miracles! Itās so gratifying and liberating to share a message through art. I encourage everyone to look inside themselves and share their G-d-given gifts with the people they love!ā
Ilan continued their winning streak, at the 2019 CIJE Innovation Day, where our STEM students were granted the opportunity to showcase the skills, knowledge, and creativity that they had learned and developed this past year, by designing and creating a solution to an everyday problem. More than 1,300 students from 41 schools joined, displaying a total of 478 projects.
From the three innovations that Ilan debuted at the event, the Boiler Bot caught the eye of the judges. The Boiler Bot is a reconstructed boiler room with a water sensor. If a pipe begins to leak, the sensor detects the water and sets off a buzzer alerting the homeowner in a timely manner. This project, created by freshmen Sarah Esses and Jessica Shabayev, won second place for The CIJE Award for Excellence in Eco-Innovation!
Mrs. Leah Freifeld, STEM teacher at Ilan, attributes the win to the girlsā āexcellent teamwork, constant positivity, and ambitious effort, which met with remarkable success.ā
We could have been content with these awards, but Ilan wasnāt ready to stop just yet! After months of preparation, Ilanās debate team was finally ready to put their skills to the test. Our girls headed to Elizabeth, NJ, to debate whether or not the US Federal Government should remove all references to G-d from government property and literature. The girls were separated into pairs, and placed on either the affirmative or negative side. Despite the fierce competition among the twenty four participating schools, Ilan took home the third place prize for best team and captain, Jessica Zemble, senior, was awarded third place for best debater! She credits Ilan for her win, expressing, āI am so grateful to Ilan for providing me with the opportunity to lead my team to victory. I have gained confidence from both preparing and presenting my arguments, as well as leadership skills, and learning what it means to be a real team player.ā
We are proud of our students who continue to hone their talents and make their mark on the world around them, sharing their gifts with others, and giving back to the community. Our girls gain so much in the process, as it is indeed true, āTo give is to get.”
Afew weeks ago, I had the privilege and opportunity to accompany the Young Sephardic Leadership Club of Magen David Yeshivah High School to Washington DC. We have visited the capital on several lobbying missions; this time we were there to get a first-hand, behind-the-scenes look at how our country is run!
Our first stop of the day was the White House, where we were met by our friend, Journalist Jake Turx, who gave us a comprehensive, guided tour of the East Wing. He works in the West Wing, as a White House correspondent, so he knows the layout of the building well. The boys were very excited to learn about the fascinating history of the White House, and to see the magnificent ornate rooms.
After the tour, we went right next door to the Treasury Building, where we had a meeting with Mitchell Silk, the Deputy Treasury Secretary, who is a religious Jew! Heās fluent in Chinese and leads the administrationās trade talks with China. He took us around the building, and showed us the old vault where they used to keep much of the US treasury money. It was fascinating, you could feel the history. Having a religious Jew work at such a high position in the prestigious Treasury department made a big impression on all of us.
Our group proceeded to the Senate, via an underground train which few people ever get to ride in. When we arrived, we had a delicious kosher lunch catered by Freundās Catering from NY. The senators were honoring Mr. Harley Lippman, who is involved in many Jewish causes, including Holocaust restoration, combating anti-Semitism, as well as many pro-Israel causes. The senators spoke about their connection to the Jewish community. Also in attendance, was the United Arab Emirates Ambassador to the US, who spoke about establishing pro-Israel ties and the new shul that opened there.
Senator Robert Menandez of New Jersey spoke out against Iranās terror activities. We listened to his important words before heading to a meeting in the Eisenhower Building, with Mr. Alan Barell, who is the Deputy National Security Adviser to my friend, NSA Director Mr. John Bolton. Mr. Barell is a religious Jew, as well. He invited us into his office, where he discussed the threat which Iran, as well as North Korea, pose to the United States. He also discussed what itās like for a religious Jew to work in such a high level position in Washington, and how he balances religion and work. He works until 11 pm every night, except Shabbat, which is the highlight of his week! Mr. Berell is from Brooklyn, but lives in Potomac, Maryland, and sends his kids to the Berman Hebrew Academy.
In the evening, we went to dinner at Char Bar, the only glatt kosher restaurant in Washington, where we ran into Mr. Barell! He was happy to sit with us and join us while we prayed mincha at the restaurant. We discussed more informal issues over dinner, and he was very impressed with the boys. He invited us to visit him again.
The Young Sephardic Leadership Club had a wonderful, action packed, full day of adventure, and wonderful life experience. All the boys said that it was one of the best trips of their lives.
Last month, PROPEL had the pleasure of cosponsoring a contemporary Latin American Art showcase with RBK Art Advisory, founded in 2019 by Rachel Khafif. After graduating in 2018 from Sothebyās Institute of Art with a Masterās in Contemporary Art, Rachel founded RBK with the encouragement of her mother, Robin Braka, who is the senior art consultant for RBK and also serves as a PROPEL board member and sponsor of PROPELās Robin Braka School of Art. Together, mother and daughter hosted this event with PROPEL as part of RBKās forthcoming series entitled Living With Art. The series aims to build community around art education, and to expose both art lovers and emerging collectors to the work of female artists within unique art venues.
This Living With Art kickoff 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 Brodaās Chelsea townhouse, approximately 30 women gathered around the living room sofaāwith exotic iced teas and edible flowers crafted by Mariel Tawil Eventsāto 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, and Rachel Khafif, while interviewing Barranguet, described the artistās abstract compositions as āsymphonic canvases.ā
These are anything but typical canvases. Barraguet paints lengthy scrolls, bursting with color and crescendo, and allows her patrons to select and cut portions of the scroll that most speak to them. She also described how her scrolls can be exhibited in their entirety, and spoke of a recent art commission for a 150 meter (almost 5 feet ) long painting that is going to be wrapped around the inner hallways of The Galleria Vik Milano, a hotel in Italy.
One of the most interesting moments of the afternoon was when Barranguet described a lack of female artistic mentorship, as abstract expressionism is commonly stereotyped as a male-dominated medium. This underscored the importance of RBK Art Advisoryās focus on female artists and building community for women through the arts, as well as PROPELās commitment to supporting and helping women find their professional passions.
Frieda Braha, a young contemporary artist, connected with Barranguetās career trajectory. She noted, āMeeting Vicky was a huge inspiration for me. Being able to see her techniques and hearing how she grew her business, widened my perspective as an artist.ā Echoing these sentiments, interior designer Elizabeth Braha expressed, āThe event gave attendees an uncensored look into the world of art sales with access to artists, advisors, and collectors. āWhat I appreciated most is that PROPEL is always open to giving people interested in the field genuine, unfiltered guidance.ā
Indeed, this unique partnership between RBK and PROPEL spoke to PROPEL Cofounder Rebecca Harary. She explained, āRobin and Rachel brought together what the mission of PROPEL is all aboutā that working women can be it all and do it all for their families, and their careers were spotlighted today.ā
A special thank you to Robin Braka & Rachel Khafif (@rbkartadvisory), Mariana Broda (@artemisagallery), Mariel Tawil (@mtevents.co), and Vicky Barranguet (@vickybarranguet) for helping to coordinate such an inspiring event.
If you are interested in a career, please reach out to PROPEL. We can help you fulfill your professional goal.
Contact PROPEL at 646-494-0822 or email info@thepropelnetwork.org. Follow PROPEL on Instagram @PropelNetwork to find out about upcoming programs and events.
ABA is short for applied behavioral analysis, a type of therapy that focuses on improving specific behaviors such as social skills, communication, reading, academics, as well as adaptive learning skills, which include fine motor, hygiene, grooming, domestic capabilities, punctuality, job competence, and decreasing targeted behaviors.
ABA is effective for children and adults with autism, or psychological disorders. It has also been proven that consistent ABA can significantly improve behaviors and skills, and decrease the need for special services. It can also help control transitional challenges that can arise, minimizing or controlling the negative behaviors all together. Itās most successful when intensely applied for 20 hours a week or more.
ABA is based on theories which state that desired behavior can be taught through a system of rewards and consequences. It can be thought of as applying behavioral principals with behavioral goals and carefully measuring the results.
While the idea of using reward and consequences to teach behavior is probably as old as human civilization, the idea of carefully applying rewards and consequences to achieve specific measurable goals is a relatively new concept. The idea is that autism is a set of behavioral symptoms, which can be modified or extinguished. Most of the time ABA is intended to extinguish undesirable behaviors and teach desired behaviors and skills, for example; it may be used to reduce outburst and tantrums, or to teach a child to sit quietly use words to make requests, or wait their turn when playing a game. ABA can also teach simple and complex skills, for example: it can be used to reward a child for sharing a toy with a friend, or putting their plate in the sink after dinner. The goal of any ABA program is to help each person become more independent and successful.
Its not one-size-fits-all, each program is written to meet the needs of each unique person. Treatment goals are written based on the age and ability level of the person and can be provided in many different locationsāhome, school, clinic, and out in the community. ABA teaches skills that are useful in everyday life. It can be done one-on-one or in a group setting.
A Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) oversees the program. Each analyst customizes the program to each individualās skills, needs, interests, preferences, and family situation. The BCBA will evaluate the individual and come up with treatment goals and family goals and how to implement them. Then the trained therapist, referred to as either a behavioral therapist, para, or behavior tech, supervised by the BCBA, works directly with the individual to practice skills and work toward the goals written by the BCBA. Goals can include many different skill areas such as communication, social skills, self-care (showering, dressing) play, motor skills, learning, and academic skills. The plan breaks down each of these skills into small steps. The therapist teaches each step one-by-one. The BCBA and therapist measure the progress by collecting data. The BCBA meets regularly with the family and therapists to review information about the progress, and then plans and adjusts goals as needed. Parents, family members, and care givers receive training so they can carry over what is being taught throughout the day, so there is consistency.
How It Works
Positive reinforcement is one of the main strategies used in ABA. When a behavior is followed by something that is valued (a reward), a person is more likely to repeat that behavior, and over time this encourages positive behavior change. For example, the therapist will say, āDavid, please put your plate in the sink.ā If David complies, he is given a reinforcer or reward, if he doesnāt, he doesnāt receive the reward, and the exercise is repeated.
Reinforcement (items, timing, and activities) are likely to vary widely, and should be something that is motivating to that individual. With very young children, it will appear as play therapy, and as they master the behaviors the therapist will take them into real world settings where they can incorporate them into ordinary social experiences.
Parental involvement is key. It doesnāt have to be time consuming or difficult, but follow through is very important for success and progress. If the behaviors that the therapist teaches the individual are not generalized or reinforced and maintained by the family, then one of two things will happen. He will lose the skill, or he will only display the skill for the therapist, which is not real success at all.
Many types of private health insurance cover ABA services, with a prescription from your doctor and an autistic diagnosis. Unfortunately, Medicaid does not yet cover ABA therapy, but it is being worked on, so hopefully it will be covered in the future.
It is important to find an ABA provider and therapist who are a good fit for your family. Not every individual responds well to behavioral therapy. As with many approaches to autism or negative behaviors, ABA is certainly worth a try. The first step is for the therapist to establish a good relationship with the individual. If he/she trusts the therapist and enjoys spending time with him/her, therapy will be more successful and fun!
Is he excited when he āgets toā work with the therapist? Is he responding to the therapist with smiles? Is he learning skills that are helping him in his daily life? If the answer is yes, to most of the questions, you are moving in the right direction. If not, itās time to move on and change either the therapist, the BCBA, or agency. For guidance or help finding an ABA agency call the C.A.R.E. for special childrenās office.
Bridge Linx is a community organization that caters to school aged childrenātwo and upāwho attend mainstream community schools and need extra help in specific areas of development.
Bridge Linx Therapy Center offers speech and occupational therapy in a state-of-the-art facility.
Our mission is to service children with specific challenges including OT, PT, speech, social and behavior therapy in all schools in our community. We assist mainstream children so that they will receive the support they need to succeed and thrive in their every day lives and activities.
Bridge Linx is unique in its non- profit therapy model offering scholarships for those in need.
Our experienced professional team offers a high quality individualized therapy program, both during the school year and throughout the summer.
A Parentās Point of View
Before getting connected to Bridge Linx, I wanted to avoid my sonās parent/teacher conferences. It didnāt matter that there were new teachers every year, the message was always the same. They told me, āSammy is a bright boy, but he struggles in class. He appears to listen, but when asked to respond to a question, his answers are incorrect and his notes are disorganized or in disarray.ā
Sammy was leaving out important information and therefore, not performing well on tests. I remember turning to my husband with a flow of tears streaming down my face, and asking, āWhat are we doing wrong? No amount of studying seems to help our son.ā
I saw the disappointment in Sammyās eyes every time he came home with a bad grade. When he would cry in frustration, I sometimes cried with him. Bridge Linx was able to give him the proper support that he so desperately needed.
After the first phone call with Bridge Linx, I was put at ease. They immediately set up a meeting to have Sammy evaluated. The Bridge team of therapists sent me to an audiologist to get further information. Finally, we had a diagnosis. My son had difficulty with auditory processing. Within a few short weeks, he was able to implement the strategies taught to him by his speech therapist to actively listen. He showed a major improvement in his notes. In therapy, they worked on following directions, responding to questions, listening and retelling stories. I canāt begin to tell you what a difference it has made. I will never forget the day Sammy came home with the highest grade on his test! Tears, once again filled my eyes. This time they were tears of happiness and joy. My son was on his way to academic success!
Partnering with Bridge Linx The Teacherās Point of View
As a teacher of mainstream classes, students present many different challenges in the classroom. As an instructor, taking into account the number of students I teach, and my limited resources, I do my best to help each child do his or her best. That has its own challenges. Partnering with Bridge Linx Therapy Center has made a tremendous difference in my ability to help. Bridge Linx evaluates the students to assess the source of their issues. They then make recommendations that I can immediately implement in the classroom. I have seen amazing results from the therapy they have recommended. Most of all, I feel empowered, having a resource of professionals to turn to for help and advice.
A Therapistās Point of View
Working as an occupational therapist for Bridge Linx in our community school and at the center, it is so gratifying and inspiring to see the progress and growth coming from our students. It is clear that there is a team approach, which includes input from the teachers, speech therapists, OTs and PTs. Creating and implementing goals makes a real impact on the students. The quality of the therapists and the treatment delivery model truly help create a well-rounded student.
Bridge Linx Weāre Here For Your Community
We provide speech, occupational and physical therapy, as well as social behavior therapy. Listed below are examples of some specific goals that each therapy targets. Speech ā¢ Auditory processing ā¢ Expressive language ā¢ Articulation ā¢ Following directions ā¢ Listening comprehension skills ā¢ Language skills Occupational Therapy ā¢ Sensory integration ā¢ Fine motor strengthening ā¢ Motor coordination ā¢ Hand-eye coordination ā¢ Core strengthening ā¢ Body awareness Physical Therapy ā¢ Gross motor coordination ā¢ Body muscle strengthening ā¢ Balance and coordination ā¢ Motor Planning Social Work ā¢ Positive self image ā¢ Communication skills, emotional regulation, executive function skills At Bridge Linx, we believe in the potential of every child. Please help us help them realize their dreams.
Please call our office to see how Bridge Linx can help you, at. (732) 493-3670
It was the late 1990ās and I was running myself ragged on a hamster wheel. Almost broke, barely making it, every day Iād wake up, put on a suit, and head to a job with no joy, no potential for growth, and no future. Do you relate?
It was soul sucking, but I kept at it because I was running my life under the same misconception many people haveāthat in order to be who I wanted to be, I had to have money and things. And that in order to have said money, I had to do more.
In fact, I was so focused and driven to work harder and do more, I lost sight of who I truly wanted to be.
Then, one day I woke up to a paradigm shift. I realized that, if I wanted to build a future for myself, first and foremost I had to be real, authentic, and focus on who I could be. Only then would I have what I truly wanted out of life. With this clarity, I gave my current boss notice.
It was terrifying. I didnāt have a plan, or another position lined up. I had nothing but the knowledge and clarity that I not only wanted more, but that in order to get my life where I wanted it to go, I needed to be more. What happened next was nothing short of miraculous, and it taught me some important life lessons.
Be Present & Get Real
Every one of us faces challenges on a daily basis. Some of them are minor nuisances, while others are full scale crises. In the moment, when weāre facing a challenge, what really matters is how we deal with it. Do we curl up in a ball and hide? Do we freeze up or can we somehow find the courage to be real, to be present, and face the challenge head on? After all, courage is not the absence of fear. Rather, itās taking action despite the fear.
Perception Is Key
Iām currently working with a young entrepreneur. Heās on his third business, and struggling. Heās so hard on himself, bemoaning āIām a loser, a failure,ā and yet heās just 26 years old, and heās overcome the odds so many times, worked, sweated and built businesses from scratch!
Heās learned what works, and what doesnāt. Heās learned how to manage a team, how to speak to clients, how to negotiate and operate. His first businesses may not have been sustainable or profitable, yet as a person and entrepreneur heās grown tremendously. Heās well on his way to success.
I like to think of Thomas Edison, who tried and failed to invent the light bulb many times. Each time he failed, he said, āI found another way a light bulb wonāt work.ā In coaching, we talk about structure of interpretation (SOI), the language we use to describe a situation and/or the lens through which we view it. Changing your language or your lens changes everything.
Reframe: Leverage StrugglesTo Your Benefit
Often, the solution to our struggles is staring us straight in the face. Sometimes we only get to the solution through the struggle itself.
Another one of my clients works in real estate. When he was first starting out, he struggled for a bit until he closed a few good deals. He then upped his game and took on greater risks. All it took was a little more debt and bang, he was in trouble. He was overleveraged and really struggling. His initial investors and funding sources were tapped out. This challenge forced him to find new methods and resources, which ultimately opened doors to even greater funding, bigger deals and profits.
Back to my personal miracle. Six months prior to leaving my job, I had worked a sales lead. I put my heart and soul into this deal, meeting and negotiating with their entire executive team. When this deal fell apart, I remember feeling crushed and saying out loud I may not understand, but itās what G-d wants. Little did I know how impressed they were with me. As soon as they heard I left my job, they reached out immediately to recruit me with a generous offer.
Part of my decision to give notice that day was because I calculated my income requirement and realized it would not happen where I was. Incredibly, BH, their offer matched this number precisely.
When we strategically think about who we want to be, truly, and where we want to go, weāll be able to take the right steps in order to do, and ultimately have the life we always dreamed of.
Letās stop the focus on ādoingā and start becoming! Give it a try. And if you need a little extra support, give me a call at 718.377.3900, or email yes@themaxmethod.net.
These women are our modern day heroines. PROPEL graduates marched into the auditorium to share and celebrate individual and collective accomplishments. Each graduate completed a certificate course of her choice after being coached by PROPEL.
Today, each graduate can be counted as an income producer in her family. Moreover, each graduate is a role model for her own children, as well as for other women aspiring to step into the workforce. Hosting the event on the eve of Holocaust Remembrance Day, Yom Hashoah, allowed us to memorialize six heroines of the Holocaust. PROPEL graduates Frieda Schweky, Elana Ades, Aimee Barnathan, Atara Schweky, Michelle Saad and Rena Shaab lit candles to honor Anne Frank, Vitka Kempner, Hannah Senesh, Hadassah Bimko, Zivia Lubetkin and Nancy Wake, respectively. A seventh candle was lit by Bonnie Shams in memory of Lori Gilbert-Kayeāa 60 year old woman who was tragically shot and killed while attending Passover services at Chabad of Poway in Californiaāto remind us of recent acts of anti-Semitism and to memorialize its latest victim.
We heard inspiring speeches from two recent graduates. Orit Haddad, a graduate of the Allegra Franco School of Educational Leadership is beginning her new role as a Judaic Studies teacher this coming September. Lily Ades completed her certificate course in photography and successfully launched her own business.
Each woman described a positive experience at PROPEL and the value of being mentored by career coach Ellen Ades. They beautifully highlighted the balance achieved between aspiring to obtain a career and devoting attention to family.
A video montage recapped our year at PROPEL and celebrated each graduate to a resounding, āWe are the Championsā soundtrack.
Our Keynote speaker, community occupational therapist Bonnie Shams, delivered a heartfelt address describing her family background. She took inspiration early in life from her working grandmother and mother, and began her career journey on the wings of these role models. Bonnie was honored at the graduation with the āSupport Inspires Successā award, as she supports countless children in the community, encouraging them to be the best they can be. Similarly, PROPEL invests in coaching and guiding women to be the best they can be, by finding suitable careers that generate income, and also make sense, and honor the traditional values of our community. Women are heroines, and are balancing professional and family life successfully.
A special message from the Israeli army appeared on the video screens from Phyllis, Bonnieās daughter, congratulating her mom. Emotions ran high in the room that night!
The finale was a presentation of diplomas to our graduates by members of the PROPEL Board of Directors, including Co-president Jacqueline Harary, Co-founder Rebecca Harary, Vice President Gayle Krost, Marketing Director Marlene Mamiye, Elliot Tamir, and sponsors of our School of Wellness, Nellie and David Haddad. A special thank you to board member Ezra Ashkenazi for providing electronic gifts to each graduate.
Many women who attended the graduation were inspired to contact PROPEL. Count yourself in that group, and call PROPEL today!
If you are excited to enter the workforce, PROPEL is here to support you and help you fulfill your professional goal. Call (646) 494-0822, or email info@thepropelnetwork.org. Follow us on Instagram @PropelNetwork for info about upcoming programs and events.
This has been a groundbreaking year for SAFE. Through a series of remarkable events and initiatives the agency has embarked on a campaign to change the way we think about addiction and substance abuse. We are shining a light on this important issue thatās touching all corners of our community by raising public awareness with a new look, important volunteer initiatives, innovative events, and expanding our critical therapy services and educational programming.
The goal for this next generation of SAFEās work is to destigmatize addiction, so those who need help receive the support and acceptance necessary to achieve a life full of health, family, and success. We need to change the message because receiving help for substance abuse can no longer be a story of shame; rather, itās a story of strength, resilience, and of family caring for each other. Whether youāor a loved oneāare experiencing addiction, or you simply want to educate yourself on this pressing topic, SAFE has the information you need. By being the leaders in challenging this stigma, we are securing the present and future wellbeing of our community. Addiction is a problem that can affect anyone regardless of who they are. So, letās talk about it!
Under the leadership of Board President Charlie Tebele, and Founder and CEO Ike Dweck, SAFE is strengthening our community engagement work and growing its operations from the ground up. Even though we are already a leader in the field of substance abuse and addiction and have some of the highest success rates in New York, we donāt stop there. We are committed to constant innovation of our successful treatment model through strategic hiring and expansion, and staying ahead of trends in the field. This means that our treatment team is staffed with experts who are proactive in responding to new issues in addiction, and our services are at the cutting edge of treatment. Along with a new look and logo, SAFEās internal operations are expanding to comprehensively meet our communityās growing needs. In addition to our highly qualified team of doctors, therapists, and staff, we have hired new directors and created positions to update the Project SAFE school program and drive our community engagement work with tremendous success. As a result of the boardās dedication and vision, we now also have volunteers bringing awareness of the SAFE approach to all parts of the community. Thanks to these efforts more community members are getting the help they need than ever before! Together the SAFE board and staff, along with volunteers of all ages (singles, marrieds, and parents alike), are taking part in the process of shaping a safe future for those they love and the generations to come. Bringing Light & Hope To A Sensitive Subject.
Recently, two key events were hosted by SAFE where several brave individuals broke the isolation and shame inherent in addiction and took the stage to share their stories and their journeys to recovery. By breaking their silence, they were able to connect the dots for us on how addiction can slip into oneās life without oneās knowledge. Their stories were a powerful example of both heartache and hope, yet in the telling of them they created a legacy of change
At the annual summer fundraiser, graciously held last year at the home of Ricci and James Haddad (board member), and honoring former Board President Isaac Chera, we heard the powerful story of a young woman who battled with a drug and alcohol dependency, despite having a supportive family and good friends. The audience was riveted as this young woman spoke about the insecurities that lead her to use, bringing forth the humanity that lives behind the hard wall of addiction.
The next event was our first ever SAFE TALK. The event, Iām Fine: Why We Say We Are When We Arenāt, was spearheaded by our next generation volunteer committee and hosted by Ruthie and Jeffrey Terzi in memory of Ronnie Terzi AāH. In what turned out to be a groundbreaking night, over 200 young adults single and newly married, came to mingle, enjoy a delicious dinner, and hear inspirational stories from their peers. The crowd heard from two young men and one young woman, who had found recovery from drugs and, for one, from gambling. Their talks were followed by an informative lecture with a psychologist who specializes in working with addicts and their families. The evening closed with a Q & A session, so audience members could ask Charlie Tebele, Ike Dweck, and the speakers a host of questions. This event was made successful in no small part due to the help and promotion of the members of our next generation volunteer committee: Jaclyn and Richard Adjmi, Margo Adjmi, Isaac Ashkenazi, Frances Cohen, Morris Franco, Ginette Gammal, Arlette Kassin, SAFE Board Member Joseph J. Sutton, Joseph A. Sutton, and of course, the hosts Ruthie and Jeffrey Terzi.
This event was so successful that by early Fall two more SAFE TALKS were under way. Inspired by the poignant sharing, the influx of people wanting to volunteer and get involved with promoting our mission skyrocketed. Planning committees came together, and more people were contacting SAFE to ask questions about helping a friend or loved one. Missing The Signs: When A Loved One Is Struggling was held at the home of Ginette and Isaac Gammal, where daughters, sons and siblings shared their stories. Some had lost their loved ones while others told stories of living with family members who were lost and disconnected. This was followed by a compelling clinical recap by Laura Mizrahi, primary therapist at SAFE, who tied together these experiences with an understanding of our holistic treatment approach.
The Ripple Effect: The True Impact of Addiction, another powerful evening, held in the home of Lorayne and Gabriel Shehebar, drew a standing room only crowd. Put together by the parents volunteer committee chaired by SAFE Board Member Joseph Cabasso, with the volunteer efforts of Serene Azar, Marilyn Cabasso, Nicole Dweck, Simone Dweck, Sheila Gindi, Lorayne Shehebar, Zudy Shehebar, Beatrice Sutton, and Elana Wahba, the event was geared towards people in their 30s and 40s. Here, a wife told her story of how her spouseās addiction took her down a long, dark road of loneliness and confusion. A young man, now married and in recovery, shared his gratitude for the gift of reclaiming his self-esteem and his life. The night dedicated to David Dushey AāH, was a poignant reminder of the hurts and loss that can come along with watching the deadly progression through addiction of someone you love.
Defining The Future
Today, the accessibility of drugs and alcohol, and addictive behaviors, are reaching epidemic proportions. Thanks to the Internet, the legalization of marijuana and the trend of juuling, our youth are experimenting at a much younger age. Today the whole family system must be educated and fortunately we specialize in working with the family as a whole. Cynthia Kassin has been hired as the new Director of Community Education to collaborate with community schools and to further develop the Project SAFE school curriculum. This already popular curriculum is building skills in our children so they will know how to take care of themselves when faced with everyday challenges. Every week, students are not only learning about the dangers of addiction and addictive behaviors, but they are also being taught life skills such as confidence building, how not to succumb to peer pressure, and what to do about bullying. They now have a forum within their schools to openly discuss these and other important topics. They are asking valuable questions and participating in healthy dialogues about the struggles they face together as teens.
In terms of family education, we are not stopping there. SAFE volunteer Corie Adjmi is leading her own committee working to bring parenting workshops and specialists in the field of child psychology to teach the most up-to-date information on raising healthy, well-adjusted children. Just this past April, this committee presented a Conscious Parenting Workshop, hosted by Joyce Ashkenazi and facilitated by Dr. Tamar Perlman, where mothers learned new ways to communicate with their children to empower them from within. Another informative night happened last November when Michelle and Jack Haddad hosted Born to Be Wild, where parents heard author, professor and child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Jess Shatkin speak about why teenagers take risks.
Whatās Next?
Looking ahead, SAFE has plenty more in store for the community. All of our beautiful events to date have been planned through the generosity of Norma Cohen of Norma Cohen Productionsāan amazing and inspiring friend and partner to us, whose gorgeous designs have made these events truly unique and safe spaces to share these journeys. Keep an eye out for more of these groundbreaking events, programs and peer advocacy trainings, or reach out to host a program in your home!
This summer SAFE will be sponsoring its annual FARM event, led by Isaac Ashkenazi, which is a night of art, creativity, and good quality fun. Community members up to 30 will be showing their art, shopping at community vendors, and performing poetry, comedy, music and more. SAFE trained mentors, led by Lorayne Shehebar and Marilyn Cabasso, will be visiting community schools to listen to, coach, and support the girls in small classroom settings. Serene and David Azar will be hosting an evening of Empowered Parenting at their home on June 4th.
While we have a new logo, which was created with the guidance of our board member, Marlene Mamiye, itās not our only new look! Our lobby will also be undergoing renovations, thanks to Joyce Silverman of Joyce D. Silverman Interiors. In collaboration with board member, Michelle Haddad, and volunteer, Mikki Terzi, Joyce has volunteered her time and efforts to redesign our lobby to be an even warmer, welcoming place for those who come through our doors. There are peer advocacy training groups in the works, as well, and we are always looking for volunteers to host these important small group workshops where we send one of our staff to answer your questions.
Stay tuned for more parenting workshops and classes geared towards improving relationships, understanding parenting techniques, and individual wellness. Everything from prevention to intervention to education is being planned.
Most importantly, we want to hear from you! We are inviting all community members to get involved by either joining a committee, sending requests for event topics, reaching out to ask questions or offering suggestions, hosting a training event, or workshop in your home, and more. Lastly, but most importantly, SAFE is here to protect the confidentiality and anonymity of everyone who reaches out for help. Our main mission is to save lives and restore families, because weāre not just about treatment, weāre about hope. All calls and visits are confidential and SAFE is here to help 24/7. If you, or someone you love, needs help or has questions about treatment please call us at (718) GET-SAFE. For more information on volunteering or events email us at ask@thesafefoundation.org or follow us on Instagram @thesafefoundation.
