THE 8TH ANNUAL HATZALAH CARNIVAL WAS BIGGER AND BETTER THAN EVER BEFORE. IT WAS A DAY OF FUN FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY. NOT ONLY WERE THERE RIDES, GAMES AND PRIZES, THERE WAS A PETTING ZOO, A DUNK TANK, FACE PAINTING AND SO MUCH MORE. EVERYWHERE YOU LOOKED THERE WERE SMILING FACES. AS ALWAYS, THERE WAS DELICIOUS FOOD WHICH INCLUDED BBQ, POPCORN, ICES AND COTTON CANDY. ALL PROCEEDS WENT TO HATZALAH OF THE JERSEY SHORE.

ON JULY 7TH, MORE THAN 150 WOMEN GATHERED AT THE KASSIN BEACH CLUB IN LOCH ARBOUR TO ENJOY A DAY FOCUSED ON HEALTH AND WELLNESS. THE COMPLETE MIND-BODY EXPERIENCE, SPEARHEADED BY LIAT KASSIN AND DSN ADULT CHAIRPERSON SONIA COHEN, INCLUDED COMPLIMENTARY CLASSES AND SERVICES, AS WELL AS A DELICIOUS LUNCH.

When it was over, Liat was super-thrilled at its success. “The turnout was amazing. It was a truly special day,” she enthused.

Among the highlights of the sensational day were wellness classes which took place every half hour. Some were movement classes, while others were informative, but all were interactive and inspiring. At eleven o’clock, Nomi Simhon kicked things off with a yoga class, followed by Sally Franco, CPC ELI-MP, who spoke about embodying confidence, fulfillment and joy. Rena Shaab, NTP, then made a hydration cocktail to taste, and shared the many benefits of proper hydration. Sarah Kassin, RD, discussed the secrets to longevity through food. Fortune Abadi, fitness instructor and doula, along with Dr. Allison Ankeiwicz, DPT, gave a meaningful talk on core strength. Sari Dana shared her enthusiasm and fitness with high energy movement, music and mantras. Allegra Mamiye, CPCC, ACC, performed visualization exercises with her participants, and Andree Braha spoke about the health benefits of flowers and gardening.

Participants also had an opportunity to feel both invigorated and pampered with a variety of services such as facials, massages, eyebrow services, dermaplaning, and the CHI machine (a passive aerobic exercise device). Juice Theory provided a gourmet lunch with healthy alternatives such as lettuce salads, pasta salads, quinoa salads, wraps, juices, and smoothies. There were also Healthy Whatever bites by Tunie Deutsch and Rook coffee.

To round out the day’s enjoyment, vendors were on hand to offer wellness products for purchase. Roots and Remedies displayed products for a cleaner and easier life. Naturally by Grace offered natural beauty products. Drip Heal presented discounted IV “Hot Shots.” Essentially Everything displayed Doterra Products. USO Original Jewelry sold handmade jewelry, and Garden to Table Flowers put out magnificent bouquets for Shabbat.

The afternoon was simultaneously tranquil and exhilarating. Caleigh Silvera, DSN Adult Program Director, received many messages in response. “People called, talking about the quality of the event, calling it an A+, and asking DSN to do it again.” Jaclyn Bailey shared, “This was the best day ever. Is there a DSN suggestion box? If so, I am suggesting we do this every summer! I wish I could suggest that we do it every week!” Sylia Aboudi remarked, “The day exceeded my expectations. I walked away so zen and peaceful.” Suzy Kishk scored the day a “ten out of ten,” while instructor Sally Franco felt that it was “a blessing to be part of it.” Elana Ades summed it up well. “DSN did a perfect job and no stone was left unturned. This is the DSN standard.”

VICTOR COHEN

MORESHET, THE WORD IS LOOSELY TRANSLATED INTO ENGLISH AS HERITAGE. ON JULY 6TH, AFTER SIX YEARS OF BUILDING, YESHIVAT MORESHET YERUSHALAYIM LIVED UP TO ITS NAME, CELEBRATING ITS OWN MORESHET WITH A SHOW-STOPPING ALUMNI DINNER.

Yeshivat Moreshet Yerushalayim recently turned six. Since it opened, each year has built upon the last in terms of quality and attendance, and now Moreshet has skyrocketed to over 120 alumni. For a new Yeshiva, exclusive to the Sephardic communities of Brooklyn and Deal, 120 alumni over six years is a momentous achievement.

Like any achievement, it needed to be celebrated. And it was, last month. All the alumni of Moreshet gathered together to celebrate how far they had come as a Yeshiva and to orient themselves towards the future in a more unified, proactive manner.

The air was electrifying, as the current of Moreshet coursed through all the alumni present. People with no connection at all, welded together through the glue of Moreshet, coming out of the night as a family.

Moreshet, to these young men of our community, is a family. Everyone could feel the unity connecting them all, a unification exemplified through an alum from the most recent year, Jacob Mosseri. Jacob was the host of the night; the alumni dinner took place in his backyard. He felt comfortable inviting people to his home, who he did not know, all because they went to the same Yeshiva a few years before he did.

Jacob and his family made the alumni dinner as elegant and celebratory as possible, with spectacular food and poignant decorations. Themes of blue and white, reminiscent of their time in Israel, permeated the scenery through the tables, chairs, and even the napkins. It was a high-quality event. the purpose to why they were all there weaving its way through each and every attendee.

Several speakers, some alumni, some rabbis, others community leaders, highlighted just how impactful the past six years have been. Moreshet anchored itself to every level of our community. The speeches by the alumni focused on both looking back and looking forward. They looked back, praising those who built up Moreshet Yerushalayim over the years. Then they looked forward, placing emphasis on their newest mission—positively impacting the community they all grew up in.

Jacob Mosseri put it best, “I believe that as the alumni of Moreshet, we have a mission. Our mission is to guide our community in the direction Moreshet has guided us—living a life of Torah, while also providing for our families.”

He later reiterated this point, “I think it’s time for us to apply the values that were instilled in us when we were in Israel and take action.” Action seemed to be the second theme of the night, the other purpose as to why the alumni gathered together.

The rabbis gave brilliant speeches as well. Hacham Shimon Alouf eloquently laid out the challenges and contradictions of today’s society, insisting that these young men have the tools to truly right some of the wrongs of today.

Rabbi Harold Sutton heartfeltly expressed how Moreshet Yerushalayim exceeded all of his expectations, and how he was so proud of each and every one of the alumni who graduated from his Yeshiva.

Rabbi Shaul Kassin touched on the bigger picture. He had this to say about how Moreshet changed people’s perceptions of what it means to go to Israel, “When they hear it from young men who are accomplishing, from beautiful young men, it has an impact.”

Finally, larger-than-life leaders of the community spoke, including Ezra Ashkenazi and Harry Adjmi. Mr. Ashkenazi spoke of the Yeshiva’s beginnings and how Rabbi Harold Sutton, against all odds, persuaded everyone to join his vision. The message was clear—if you have a dream, if you have a vision—go for it.

Mr. Adjmi’s thoughts about defining a leader in this community was particularly inspiring. He stressed that the greatest leaders should actually be called ‘doers,’ and praised the rabbis of Moreshet for doing what they set out to do, even exceeding their own expectations.

The Moreshet Yerushalayim Alumni Dinner was filled to the brim with inspiration, excitement, and moving words of unity, as a group of community boys connected through a budding Yeshiva in Israel are currently blossoming into something more, something greater. I for one am grateful to watch that metamorphosis, and cannot wait to see how Yeshivat Moreshet Yerushalayim evolves in the years to come.

Victor Cohen is a graduate of Hillel Yeshiva Class of 2021, Moreshet Yerushalayim 2022, and he is currently enrolled in Baruch College.

IT WAS A SEASON THAT BEGAN WITH MORE QUESTIONS THAN ANSWERS FOR THE SCC CYCLONES. WITH ONLY THREE PLAYERS RETURNING FROM THE 2021 CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM, NO ANALYST OR EXPERT WOULD BE ABLE TO FORECAST HOW THIS TEAM WOULD FARE IN A TOUGH KINGSBAY LEAGUE. HOWEVER, BY THE SEASON’S END, THIS GROUP OF 12-YEAR-OLDS LEFT NO DOUBT AS TO WHICH TEAM SHOULD BE CONSIDERED THE BOROUGH’S BEST.

Having played pivotal roles on last season’s championship team, veteran starters Abie Antar and Eddie Braha, along with lefty slugger Stephen Zekaria, knew what it would take to get this team title ready.

“We want to accomplish something no community team has ever accomplished—back-to-back championships,” said Antar. Braha added “We know what it takes to win, and we are going to set a good example for our new teammates.” Each of the newcomers, badly wanting to continue the championship pedigree of the Cyclones, worked tirelessly and within a few weeks the team had the look of a contender.

The season began with the team’s pitching, buoyed by righties Antar and Braha, consistently keeping the Cyclones in each game. The burden would fall on the bats and gloves to ensure their success. As the weather began heating up, so did the team’s hitting. The regular season saw five games where the Cyclones would win by a margin of four runs or more, but also six games that were decided by two or less runs. Having the experience of playing in those tight games proved to be an important factor in the squad’s post season success.

Clutch, Gold Glove caliber late game defensive plays by David Antar, Jack Swaid, and Max Shalom were needed to close out some of the tight contests, while two well hit balls off the bat of Zekaria provided dramatic walk-off wins in those nail-biters. With those standout plays receiving accolades, it was the season-long steady play by the key contributors of the team that had the Cyclones considered to be a tough team to beat. The lineup was a threat from top to bottom. Isaac Mizrahi and Mark Antar would be among the league leaders in on base percentage setting the table for the big bats of Jesse Setton, Swaid, Braha, Zekaria, and “Bash Brothers” Marshall and Jacob Levy who provided hard-hit balls—game in and game out—on the offensive side. It was signal caller Jesse Setton who set the defensive tone behind the plate, leading the league by a wide margin in runners thrown out while attempting to steal.

“I take tremendous pride in making opposing runners think twice before trying to steal,” noted Setton. “Abie and Eddie keep the ball in the zone most of the time, so it kind of makes my job easy.” Indeed, it was that same team first approach that helped propel the Cyclones to an undefeated regular season, and the World Series game.

The Cyclones knew they were in for a battle, because in their three regular season matchups vs. their World Series opponent, the games were decided by a total of just four runs! Abe Antar took the mound that June evening knowing that this championship game would prove no different. The game saw both teams manufacture early runs, but it was a go-ahead shot in the 5th inning by Jack Swaid scoring Mark Antar that proved to be the deciding run. The Cyclones would tack on an additional run in the top of the 6th inning to bring the score to 3-1. With steady team defense, stellar pitching by Antar, and a key pick-off of yet another base-runner by the catcher Jesse Setton, the Cyclones would not allow a run to be scored. Antar would strike out the final batter of the game—his 15th strikeout—securing the championship for the Cyclones!

The Cyclones would like to thank the entire SCC team, especially Harry Chazanoff for coordinating the league games, as well as their coach Eddie Antar who was a guiding force in the dugout. They would also like to thank all the parents who sacrificed their time to get to the games. The Cyclones can’t wait to triple down and go for an unprecedented three-peat next season!

SARINA ROFFÉ

MAURICE HEDAYA WAS BEST KNOWN FOR HIS OBSESSION WITH REGISTERING PEOPLE IN OUR COMMUNITY TO VOTE. IN THE LATE 1980S, OUR COMMUNITY BARELY EXERCISED OUR RIGHT TO VOTE AND HAD NO VOICE. MAURICE REALIZED THAT ELECTED OFFICIALS WERE NOT PAYING ATTENTION TO OUR COMMUNITY FOR THIS REASON.

Maurice understood the importance of voting and its connection to our ability to leverage elected officials for the benefit of the community. It was as simple as that.

According to Sam Sutton, president of Sephardic Community Federation, “Maurice was one of the earliest guys to understand the voice of the community cannot be heard without voting. Only civil engagement can convince government officials to make significant changes that benefit us. No one registered more people to vote than Maurice Hedaya. He was a pioneer and a visionary. He was indefatigable worker on behalf of our community and the Jewish world at large.”

His grandson, Morris Hedaya said, “One time he brought voter registration cards to my sister’s dance recital. He showed us what dedication truly means and more importantly, we listened and followed what he taught us. There was never a shortage of voter registration forms in his pockets. He even took them to weddings at Shaare Zion. My grandfather was a leader with selfless devotion to so many others. He was a proponent of positive change.”

“We would go out to dinner, and we didn’t want him to bring the voter registration forms and bother people during their evening out,” said his daughter, Sarah Dabah. “He would say ‘Frisk me’ and we searched him and didn’t find any forms. Then we found out that he had them stashed under his shirt. My father set his eyes on a goal and never gave up. That’s what he taught us. It applied to everything we did. He told us to try our best and he raised the bar.”

“My father realized the Syrian community needed a voice in politics,” said his son Solomon Hedaya. “We gave so much in tax dollars, we needed to be heard and get government funding for tuition. He set out aggressively on Saturday mornings trekking from synagogue to synagogue and speaking in each. All the rabbi’s and committee members in each synagogue knew him well. They weren’t always happy to see him, but they always gave him the platform to speak. His speech was always the same. ‘In order to have a voice, we must register and vote—we as Jews have an obligation to vote and be heard.’”

EARLY YEARS, MARRIAGE AND FAMILY
Born in 1929, Maurice was a 1950 graduate of Massachusetts institute of Technology, completing a degree in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering. Very few people in the community went to college back then, much less to a prestigious Ivy League university in Boston.

He got a job in the engineering management of Martin Marietta (later known as Lockheed Martin). He was quickly promoted to financial control of a single $50 million atomic powered seaplane.

He met Gladys in the summer of 1951 in Bradley Beach. The love of his life, they were inseparable for the nearly seven decades they were married.

Maurice was drafted into the US Army during the Korean conflict. “They didn’t make him carry a gun. They gave him a pencil to work in weapons development and design rocket launchers,” said his son Ezra Hedaya. Maurice went on to work for three aircraft companies over a 10-year period.

Ezra said “My father was my hero. He always pushed us. If we had a question, he would make us look it up in the dictionary or the encyclopedia. He challenged me to move forward. He created new limits for us, and we had to go past them.”

A LOVING FATHER
The father of four: Betty Hazan, Sarah Dabah, Ezra Hedaya and Solomon Hedaya, saw to it that his children had memorable life experiences. He took them horseback riding, skiing, sailing, and to the Jewish Community House on Bay Parkway.

When his children were teenagers, Maurice organized Friday night dessert get-togethers for them, so they could meet and socialize with others.

“Those were the days before we had the center and regular young adult gatherings. My father felt an obligation to the teens and young adults of our community to give them a safe place to meet and spend Shabbat with each other,” said Solomon. “He dragged us to the young adult minyan at Shaare Zion each week. The goal was to get as many young people as possible there so they could get to know each other.”

Maurice taught his children respect for their elders, with weekly visits to their grandparents each Saturday after synagogue services.

A few years ago, he decided he needed to spend more time with his daughters, so they began taking annual road trips. One of these trips was to Boston for the 65th Reunion of his class at MIT.

“My father was very humble,” said his Betty. “He never, ever spoke lashon hora about anyone, and he taught that to the four of us. He did everything from his heart. He was in a category of his own. No one did what he did. No one understood how important voting was for our future. He spoke to congressman and senators about school choice, another issue he was passionate about. And he never stopped.”

“My family and I always admired my Grandpa and Grandma’s marriage,” said his great-grandson Joseph Balassiano. “They always spoke to each other with kindness, respect, love, admiration, and nothing less. They always pushed each other to do their best. They supported each other to do what they felt was right. They had a tremendously deep love for each other.”

SAVING THE SYRIAN JEWS
The plight of Jews in Syria was dire, and it was Maurice who enlightened a few community members to act and help them, long before people were aware of the situation.

In 1988, Maurice asked 28-year-old Ezra S. Ashkenazi “Do you know we have 3 to 4,000 Syrian Jews, our brethren, that cannot leave and they don’t have freedom?”

“We were in the dark and he literally begged me to get involved and help put Syrian Jewry on the map and to bring it out to the forefront,” said Ezra, who advised him to talk to men in their 50s and 60s who could network. “He explained to me a few of the problems and challenges that the people were going through in Syria, and I said to him, ‘Let me sleep on it.’”

Ezra continued, “Actually, I didn’t sleep too well the following few nights and that Saturday he came to my home, and asked me if I had made a decision.” Ezra told him that he was willing to go to the first meeting. Ezra recruited Ricky Cohen, and a meeting was held with Dr. Mayer Ballas, Clem Soffer, Alice Sardell, Albert Ayal, Janet Zalta, and Marcos Zalta.

“It was amazing that we were completely ignorant of our brethren. Even the names were foreign to us. At the meeting we were shown pictures of individuals who were physically abused. And of course, Ricky and I were very shaken up. We were pampered in America. The community did not recognize the horrible life going on in Syria and was told it was propaganda. But it wasn’t,” Ezra concluded.

The team raised awareness in the community as well as funds to hire a professional lobbyist to get Congress to negotiate the release of thousands of Syrians. This ultimately resulted in the 1992 airlift and the release of nearly 4,000 Syrian Jews who moved into our community. After they arrived in New York, Sephardic Bikur Holim and volunteers helped them settle. Maurice worked with authorities to help the new immigrants become citizens.

RELENTLESS COMMITMENT TO OUR COMMUNITY
Multiple people spoke of the fact that Maurice was strong willed and never stopped when he had a goal.

“Maurice had tenacity and his love for our community was boundless,” said Ezra Ashkenazi. “He didn’t care if he came across pushy. He had one goal—to give the Jews in America a better quality of life. He encouraged us to vote before it was popular.”

Rabbi Sam Kassin, of Shehebar Sephardic Center, said “Maurice was the conscious or our community. He saw what needed to be done for the benefit of the community before others did. And his opinions were not always popular. He was a true leader in that respect.”

Today the community is better off due to Maurice’s relentless commitment. As a result of his lifetime of work, our community receives government grants and funding that provide youth and senior programming, security, senior citizen housing, mental health services and a long list of other government benefits. Our voice is heard in government because we vote!

Correction: Last month, Freddy Zalta should have been credited for some of the research and quotes in articles about Charles Saka and Lou Jerome.

A journalist, genealogist and historian, Sarina Roffé is the author of Branching Out from Sepharad (Sephardic Heritage Project, 2017), Sarina holds a BA in Journalism, MA in Jewish Studies and an MBA.

ELLEN ADES

RAQUEL’S STORY IS INSPIRATIONAL, BUT, MORE IMPORTANTLY, IT IS A LESSON ABOUT NEVER GIVING UP HOPE AND WORKING HARD TO ACHIEVE A GOAL. IN 2019, RAQUEL GADELOFF WORKED PART TIME IN A REAL ESTATE OFFICE. ALTHOUGH SHE HAD HER LICENSE, SHE WAS EARNING NEXT TO NOTHING. SHE NEEDED A STEADY PAYCHECK.

The pressure on Raquel was enormous because her husband, David, was just diagnosed with late stage cancer. He needed major surgery and would be unable to work for months. Raquel had a heavy heart when she first spoke with her career coach at PROPEL. She had no idea what we could do to help her but she was open to ideas.

We suggested she achieve proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite to become a more valuable asset in her office and possibly get additional job offers. She began a comprehensive course in January 2020. Her father died in March. After sitting shiva, COVID hit. Classes went to ZOOM. From July through December 2020, her husband, David, had three additional surgeries. Raquel kept trying to finish her course, work at her job in real estate, and study for her Microsoft Office exam.

All this time her husband remained very ill and yet Raquel prevailed. “I always trusted the idea that you have to work hard in life; your body will achieve what your mind believes.”

Raquel completed her studies and became proficient in using Microsoft Office and other computer programs. Her newly acquired skills allowed her to process her own contracts and provide her own back office support for closed sales. She no longer had to wait for help from others. This changed the trajectory of her life as a realtor.

Today, Raquel is one of the top realtors in the State of New Jersey having earned the New Jersey Realtor Gold Circle of Excellence and proudly points out that she was only one sale away from winning platinum.

Fluent in Hebrew, Spanish and conversational Arabic, she shared her thoughts in a recent conversation. “My husband sold accessories in New York City until he became ill. I never believed I would be able to support my family. PROPEL knew what I needed and provided it. They are the reason I am able to take advantage of opportunities today. PROPEL helped me get the skills needed to succeed.”

Not everyone goes through the challenges that Raquel did, but everyone has challenges to overcome; if those challenges include finding a career or earning money, PROPEL is here to provide information, support your journey, and inspire your decisions.

Women searching for a path forward, please contact PROPEL.

In the words of Raquel Gadeloff, “Women can earn significant money. We can be resilient and get through anything.”

If you are interested in a career or in need of career guidance, please reach out to PROPEL to help you take the steps to fulfill your professional goals and dreams.
PROPEL 646-494-0822.
Info@thepropelnetwork.org
Instagram @PropelNetwork

Ellen Ades is a PROPEL career coach.

THE NEW FUTURE HOME OF THE SPECIAL CHILDREN’S CENTER OF BROOKLYN

EVERY DAY AT THE SPECIAL CHILDREN’S CENTER IS FULL OF LAUGHTER, LEARNING, AND LOVE. THE CENTER, AS IT IS AFFECTIONATELY KNOWN, WAS FOUNDED BY CHAYA BENDER AND JENINE SHWEKEY IN 1996. IT HAS GROWN TO BECOME A NUCLEUS OF SUPPORT AND A LIFELINE FOR OVER 750 SPECIAL CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES THROUGHOUT BROOKLYN, THE FIVE TOWNS, AND NEW JERSEY.

Staff and volunteers go above and beyond to give each child opportunities to be treated like typical children and to know that they are loved. As Jenine often says, “These are my children.”

The summer has been full of exciting events and developments for the whole Center family.

A NEW BUILDING FOR THE BROOKLYN CENTER
Previously, space constraints in Brooklyn have limited The Center from providing much-needed services to those in need. We are proud and grateful to announce that we have secured a new Brooklyn facility that will enable us to greatly expand our services for over 200 special needs children and adults.

We plan to offer programs for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and through each child’s school age years, teenage and adulthood. These programs offer support and guidance for parents from the day a child with special needs is born. We will be able to offer full day and half day programs, after school hours, Sundays, and legal holidays. These programs offer vital respite for families so they can function effectively and lead normal day-to-day lives.

The new building will feature updated amenities including a lobby, nine spacious specialty rooms, a fitness room, a kitchen and bakery, a two-story jungle gym, an outdoor playground, an enclosed Aquatic Therapy Pool center, a music performance center, and a recording studio.

THE DEAL BREAKFAST
Our annual breakfast in Deal was graciously hosted by Mariel and Jack Cayre. This year’s breakfast celebrated the purchase of the new Brooklyn Special Children’s Center. Harry Adjmi offered welcoming remarks and presented an award to Richie Dweck and a gift to the Cayre family.

The most emotional moment was when Yehuda Newman, a member of The Center family, spoke about how The Center has positively impacted his life. He has even inspired other individuals with special needs to become more independent. He wrote the popular motivational song “Fighter,” and was joined by Yaakov Shwekey who sang it for the crowd.

THE SPECIAL RIDE
Jane and Sam Sutton and their devoted children organized an amazing bike ride event with nearly 70 participants. The riders started out from the Deal Shul on Sherman Avenue and rode to the Special Children’s Center’s new campus! They were accompanied by many special children for the last mile into the most incredible finish line ever! In unity, they rode through a huge banner and ran through the music-filled halls of The Center greeted by the smiling children who were lining the hallways, waving flags, dancing, and cheering on the riders for their great accomplishment. The event culminated in the brand-new, state-of-the-art Adele Hanover Music Center with singing and dancing by Yaakov Shwekey, who presented the Sutton family with a well-deserved award.

CAMP AFTER CAMP
When most camps are over and typical children have some unscheduled time before school starts, special needs children still require full-time supervision and structure. The Center staff and volunteers provide a full day of exciting activities for the students and send them home clean and happy to parents and siblings who are so glad to see them and can give them the love they deserve and attention they need.

ELECTRIC CONCERT
Get ready for the most incredible Yaakov Shwekey Concert you have never seen! Light up the Night, A Guy Ben-Gad production, is a show that will blow your mind! Brand new mixes, medleys and songs created for this event! Every year The Special Children’s Center Yaakov Shwekey Electric Concert is sold out, so get your tickets quickly at www.thecenternj.org

MADE OUR COMMUNITY A BETTER PLACE

JOYCE ZEKARIAIT IS MY PRIVILEGE AND HONOR TO HAVE LEARNED ABOUT THE LEADER OF THE SYRIAN SEPHARDIC COMMUNITY, HAKHAM SHAUL RACHAMIM KASSIN, WHO DEDICATED HIS TIME, LOVE AND LIFE’S WORK TO MAKE OUR COMMUNITY A BETTER PLACE.

Hakham Shaul Kassin was born in 1921 and spent his early years in Israel. At the age of 12, he came to America and enrolled in public school. After just one day, he quickly ran off to his father demanding that he attend a yeshivah. The Hakham attended Yeshiva Ohel Moshe and soon went on to graduate Yeshiva University with the highest honors. There, he achieved his semicha to become a Rabbi. This was the beginning of the next chapter for our community.

After college, the Hakham became the right hand to his father Chief Rabbi Jacob Kassin, for 80 years. All decisions for the community were made by each other’s side, and Hakham Shaul documented all the declarations that were made during that time.

In 1935, Chief Rabbi Jacob Kassin established the famous edict stating that there were to be no converts allowed in our community. Rabbi Shaul Kassin then re-established and enforced the edict again in 1985. He made sure that a written version of this edict with the support and signatures of relevant rabbis was present in every shul and institution in our community.

In 1975, Hakham Shaul Kassin established the first mikvah on Avenue S, in Brooklyn. He had received criticism, and people stated publicly that they were against this new addition, however, he feared nobody. He then went ahead and established an eruv in Brooklyn for the whole community. The eruv brought such significance to our community, as it allowed Shabbat to be more enjoyable, and easier for people to visit one another. Again, he faced some opposition and criticism, but proceeded to do what he believed was right. Until today, that is one of the most commendable attributes of our former Chief Rabbi and one of his many additions that helped make our community what it is today.

The Rabbi always stood strongly by what he thought was right. When Hakham Shaul heard there were inappropriate bachelor parties going on, he prohibited rabbis from performing their weddings, in order to discourage the bad behavior. In addition, and together with the Rabbinical Council, the Rabbi emphasized the importance of modesty, and urged women to dress properly at weddings and occasions. If modesty wasn’t achieved, the rabbis wouldn’t come to the occasion or perform the wedding.

Hakham Shaul also expressed that he didn’t like the idea of Arab musicians playing for our community, due to their internal hatred of Jews. From these few examples, we see a pattern of an individual who feared nobody but Hashem, and who had a passion to do what was best for everyone in our community. He always aimed to do the correct thing, and did not let the criticism of others get in the way.

Hakham Shaul decided to share his wisdom and intelligent thoughts with our community, and wrote two books; The Light of the Law and Mitzvot Hashem. Hakham had a certain motto that had to do with fruit. If you were to ask a Jew, “How do you eat fruit?,” their answer would most probably be, “I make a blessing first and then eat the fruit.” However, Hakham Shaul would answer that this approach is somewhat incorrect. He would explain that if you have an orange or apple, you first begin to peel away the covering of the fruit. He compared the peel of a fruit to the flaws of a Jew. When dealing with a person, one should start by peeling away the flaws and seeking the good in all the Jews in every way, much like the good is revealed in the fruit once the covering is peeled away.

It is often said about the Rabbi that “he was beholden to nobody, and everybody to him was somebody.” Regardless of one’s social or financial status, he treated everyone equally.

Most importantly, Hakham Shaul was extremely sensitive to women’s feelings. In order to help the women in our community, he permitted those who needed to go to the mikveh on Friday evenings to instead go on Friday afternoons, on the condition that they would not be with their husbands until sundown. As a result, women who otherwise would not be pure by Friday night because of plans to be with guests or eat with others would be able to purify themselves for Shabbat.

Being that he comes from a long lineage of influential rabbis, he had international connections with kings, presidents, and prime ministers of foreign countries. He leveraged these relationships to communicate to the foreign leaders—including the kings of Morocco and Jordan, and the President of Syria—the importance of keeping the peace and protection for all of the Jews in their kingdoms.

After witnessing all the love and care Hakham Shaul had for this community, his father, Rabbi Jacob Kassin, appointed him the next Chief Rabbi, in his will, which took effect upon his passing. During this period, Hakham Shaul was able to help thousands of charitable organizations around the world while making our community a more religious and cohesive unit.

For 90 years, the Hakham’s routine was to get up at midnight and sit on the floor while reading tikkun chatzot, which is the midnight prayer for the destruction of the two temples. He would cry heavily, every single night, and pour his heart and soul into these prayers. Hakham Shaul really cared and felt for the Jewish people, and yearned for us to be able to live in the direct presence of Hashem’s shechina like we did thousands of years ago.

The main thing that I took away from the actions and mindset of Hakham Shaul Kassin was his fearlessness and principles. His passion and his drive to do what was best and right for our community stands as an inspiration to us all. He was determined to make a difference in this world, specifically the Syrian community. He had such a unique care and love for our community and did everything he could to make religion as easy and as beautiful as it should be. I feel so fortunate to have gotten to know the most special stories about the Hakham and to be able to learn from his outstanding character traits. What I will take away most is not allowing criticism to stop me from doing the right thing.

Joyce Zekaria is a graduate of Hillel Yeshiva of New Jersey. She works with Special Children’s Center and is engaged to Sonny Jack Cayre.

DURING 2020, AS MANY MINYANIM NEEDED TO HOLD SERVICES OUTDOORS, CONGREGATION MAGEN DAVID OF MADISON GAINED ENORMOUS POPULARITY WITHIN THE MADISON AREA. THE CHARACTER OF THE SHUL, WHICH IS BASED ON OUR TRADITIONAL CUSTOMS OF ARAM SOBA, HAS CREATED A DEFINITE BUZZ IN THE AREA.

Many congregants have said that the Shul has a spiritual camaraderie that is really heartfelt. It reminds them of their childhood, when their parents and grandparents had a yearning to be totally involved in the betterment of their synagogue, on an everyday basis.

Whether a person is contributing monetarily or just likes going shopping every Friday to fill the refrigerator for seudah shelishit, or Shabbat breakfast, the atmosphere is fun and energetic.

The founding members Elliot Betesh, Isaac Hamway, Joey Chabot, Morris Betesh, Marc Schmool, Adam Shrem, Elliot Bar David and several others remember the first High Holiday services of 2021 which were held in the driveway, on the side of Elliot Betesh’s house, outside—rain or shine—before the Shul moved to its current location on East 24th Street.

Magen David of Madison now has over 100 regular members for Shabbat, with weekly classes, guest lecturers and meals donated by generous supporters each week. Plus holiday prayers are in full swing. Magen David will also be instituting a youth program soon, and there have already been two beautiful Sefer Torah dedications, most recently by Mike and Gloria Masri.

The actual location of the Shul is the corner of Avenue P and East 24th, which is also a central connection point for the Madison area, as it is within easy walking distance for many young families on either side of Kings Highway or Bedford Avenue.

The Shul is quickly selling seats and becoming very popular in the neighborhood. Please come and pray at Magen David of Madison and experience something new which is inspired by the old glorious ways of our founding community members.

RAPHAEL POCH

ON A RECENT TUESDAY EVENING AT PIER 60, IN CHELSEA PIERS, OVER 1,000 PEOPLE GATHERED IN SUPPORT OF FRIENDS OF UNITED HATZALAH, ISRAEL’S PREMIER FULLY VOLUNTEER EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE ORGANIZATION. OVER 400 OF THOSE IN ATTENDANCE WERE YOUNG PROFESSIONALS UNDER THE AGE OF 35.

The crowd was there to attend the 3rd Annual Gala held by Friends of United Hatzalah of Israel, in support of the work done by the organization’s network of 6,200 emergency medical volunteers in Israel. Throughout the night supporters made donations which will go to support Hatazalah’s lifesaving efforts.

At the heart of the event, the organization featured Dr. Zevi Neuwirth, a Miami physician who volunteers with the organization during international crises. He conducted dozens of black-ops rescue missions inside Ukraine, over the first two months of the Russia-Ukraine war, as part of the organization’s relief efforts.

The event was chaired by supporter Alex Blavatnik, who flew in especially to support Hatazalah’s efforts in Israel and Ukraine. He was honored by the President and Founder of United Hatzalah, Eli Beer, as well as Chairman, Mark Gerson. Also honored were Cathy and Allan Weiss and Chantal and Al Gindi, for their continued support of Israel and the emergency services organization.

Al Gindi is a third-generation donor to many Jewish causes, both in the US and in Israel, among them is United Hatzalah. “I am grateful to have learned everything from the most amazing role models, my father Raymond Gindi, Uncle Isaac “IG” Gindi, and my grandfather Al Gindi A”H, the patriarch of our family. They taught me the importance of steadfastly upholding Jewish values, such as integrity, humility, and generosity,” AI said.

Eli Beer spoke about the qualities that he respects so much in Chantal, Al, and their family: charity, integrity, love, and kindness. “Most people give either annually, or only after their businesses make a profit. Chantal and Al take a different approach. They created a unique and thoughtful tradition. They make a donation whenever they close a new business deal, before any profits are realized, and they have encouraged their family and friends to give back to both their community and to Israel, as well. I can say that many lives have been saved because of their efforts and generous donations. They are a shining light in the Syrian community of New York.”

The event marked the third time that such a gala has been hosted in New York by Friends of United Hatzalah, and the first time since COVID began.

Beer concluded, “The Gindi family, as well as other members of the Syrian community who came out tonight, supported our efforts in Operation Orange Wings, which we undertook to provide humanitarian aid and medical care for refugees in Ukraine and Moldova. They even flew nearly 3,000 refugees to Israel. Now, they are here showing their support once again and donating to help us continue our work saving lives in Israel. I am grateful that we had the opportunity to honor Chantal and Al at this event, and I am simply in awe of how caring a community this truly is. Thank you.”

Raphael Poch is a volunteer EMT with United Hatzalah. He is the team leader for the Efrat region. In addition to his volunteer work, he serves as the International Media Spokesperson. He lives in the city of Efrat with his wife and two children and originally hails from Toronto, Canada.