Anti-Semitism reared its ugly head when a terrible man opened fire on the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, on October 27. This senseless and horrific act took the lives of eleven people and wounded six others. After the shooting, Jews around the world showed their support by holding vigils and visiting the synagogue. Many community members, organizations, and students from Magen David Yeshivah went to Pennsylvania to comfort the families of those who were murdered, and to voice in person their support and love.

Magen David Yeshivah Brings Love & Support to Pittsburgh
On Thursday, November 8, a group of (about 45) Magen David Yeshivah elementary and high school students, alumni, and faculty traveled for six hours to visit and show support for, and solidarity with, the people of Squirrel Hill, Pennsylvania.
When they arrived, the MDY family visited the Yeshiva Girls & Boys School, The Community Day School, The Pittsburgh Police Department Zone 4 Unit (which had four officers injured in the atrocity) and The Tree of Life Synagogue where they created their own memorial using 11 New York State Flags, each with the name of one of the victims.

At the schools, the MDY students tried to uplift the spirits of the Pittsburgh students, and left feeling inspired by the community’s strength and warm hospitality. At the Police Station, MDY Chief of Security Al Nunez, a former NYPD officer, praised the heroism of all the police officers and offered his good wishes to those who were injured.

MDY Alumni Jack Mavorah presented the Commander of Pittsburgh Police Zone 4 with a menorah, and said, “Today, we celebrate the start of the Jewish month of Kislev. During this month we celebrate Hanukkah—The Festival of Lights. With this menorah, we offer our heartfelt prayers that this month and the many months and years ahead bring only light and joy to you, your families, and to the entire community of Squirrel Hill.”
The day concluded with Minha and an emotional memorial service for the victims, where students spoke about the victims, and Rabbi Noah Leavitt, from Cleveland, joined the MDY group to show his solidarity and support for the community and to deliver moving divrei Torah. The service concluded with heartfelt renditions of Hatikvah and the US National Anthem

One Young Community Member’s Experience

On Thursday, November 1, Jack Dweck, a student at the Yeshivah of Flatbush, joined community members from various organizations as they traveled to Pittsburgh. He said they were doing their duty as American citizens and as Jews, and added, “What started out as a journey to try to console others, evolved into an experience which provoked introspection into every aspect of my life.”
The day they arrived, Jack and the others met police officers and the following day, they were introduced to the four officers who were injured in the attack.
“Next, we visited the family.” of Joyce Fienberg. Right before we left, we prayed Minha at their home. Being able to hear firsthand, the Kaddish of a mourner, who suffered the loss of a loved one due to the massacre, was overwhelming.”

Their next stop was The Tree of Life Synagogue. “It looked like any other shul in the country,” stated Jack. “People were praying, and community members were interacting. However, this wasn’t just any shul, this congregation fell victim to the wrath of an anti-Semitic monster—it could have happened to any of us.”
He continued, “The last home we visited had a sign which read,‘Please no visitors.’ As we turned to leave, a friend of victim Richard Gottfried’s wife asked why we were there. We told her that we were fellow Jews from the Sephardic community in Brooklyn, who felt the need to pay our respects in person. Upon hearing that we came from Brooklyn, she immediately ushered us into the home. The wife, siblings, and children of Mr. Gottfried were so overwhelmed and appreciative that we had come to visit them, they embraced us and cried in our arms.

“The stories I heard about the people who perished were beautiful. They were special people. I am thankful for being chosen to represent my school. It changed my life.”
Jack’s parents and YoF should be very proud. The empathy this young man showed, and the deep introspection about his life are remarkable for an adult, let alone a teen. t

Ezra Saff’s Experiences In Pittsburgh

Ezra Saff and other community members met Rabbi Azancot in Pittsburgh. The Rabbi had gone earlier to set up meetings with the community.
Their first stop was police headquarters. Before they went in Rabbi Azancot reminded them that they were not there for publicity or fame, they were there to show gratitude to the police department, to comfort the mourners, and to show Pittsburgh that they stand by them.

Upon meeting the officers who had been taken down the shooter, Ezra said, “These men are truly amazing, and dedicated to what they do,”
Rabbi Azancot gave a few words of thanks for their heroic acts. To which they replied if they had to, they would do it all over again. The group then presented the police captain and all of the officers with plaques, showing the appreciation of the Syrian Jewish community in Brooklyn.
All of the policemen were amazing, but one stood out to Ezra. He was only 19 years old, he was the first on the scene, and the first person who went inside the Synagogue. When asked what he was thinking at the time, he responded, “I just didn’t want to get shot, and then the adrenaline took over.”

During the meeting, the group learned that when rookies are trained, they’re taught about the Holocaust and told that the police in Germany did nothing to help. Then they’re told, “that’s not the way this department does things.”
After meeting with the police, they went to pay shiva calls. Then went to a funeral for one of the victims, but there were over 1,000 people there, and they didn’t get in.
Their next stop was The Tree of Life Synagogue. “It’s hard to put into words what it felt like being there,” said Ezra.
They also went to a Chabad where they prayed Arbit with the daughter of another person who was murdered

“During the day, you could feel the sorrow of the people of Pittsburgh. While we stood on a street corner, people in cars would roll down heir windows, and express their condolences to us. These were people were from all different religions, and races,” stated Ezra.
Ezra also wanted to point out, “When we were planning the trip, people told us not to go, to leave the people alone to mourn, and not to disrupt them. But, we went with our guts, and went anyway.” He’s happy they did, because there was not one person, from the police to the families of the deceased, that wasn’t glad to see them, to hear their condolences and to witness that the entire Jewish world is sharing their pain and suffering.
“I would like to express our gratitude to Rabbi Azancot, for putting this special day together. Also, a special thanks to Adam Cohen who helped secure a meeting with the police department, as well as Alan Dweck who took care of our travel arrangements.”

Over the past few years, the DSN Community Center, servicing the New Jersey community, has been offering an array of exercise programs geared toward still active adults—mothers, fathers, and grandparents. A popular class, Chair Yoga, meets three times a week within view of children, as they walk into the Center’s entrance. It’s an incredible lesson for them to see that as they get older, adults still exercise and enjoy it.

“The days of segmenting groups of people by age is over,” said Sammy Sitt, DSN’s Executive Director. “We believe in building community, and what better way than to bring all of the generations together under one roof, to participate in age-specific activities, as well as interact, learn and feed off of each other.”

DSN has expanded its offerings to active adult community members in an effort to create a community town square environment. The emphasis on multi-generational interaction has historically made our community unique. “We learn from each other about life and all sorts of things when the generations are together,” said one DSN member. “I was raised by my parents, grandparents, uncles and aunts, as well as an entire block of neighbors of every age. I am glad to see that we are combining all of the generations together under one roof,” said another.

In addition to the specially focused fitness classes, some of the other programs being offered include group lunches, a knitting circle, cooking for the food pantry, and technology lessons. These expanded programs are designed to foster communication and participation, and to create purposeful socialization for all of our community’s generations under one roof.

“They’ve earned their right to be a part of Community Center programming,” said Sitt. “It’s great to see our community’s most respected age group staying active, healthy and social, right in the middle of the community.”

PROPEL went on the road in October and visited the Holiday House on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. The Holiday House showcases a variety of interior designers who transform a brownstone into a true work of art. Proceeds from this event go to benefit breast cancer research and awareness.

Before proceeding to a lunch with writers from Architectural Digest, Natalie Kraiem, a talented designer who was born in Buenos Aires, gave PROPEL an opportunity to look at her contribution to Holiday House, and tell us her story. As we admired the beautiful master bedroom that was Natalie’s creation, we heard an incredible story of professional determination and success.

Design was not Natalie’s first career choice, despite admiring her mother’s work as a professional designer in Argentina. Natalie and her family first moved to Florida, where Natalie went to college. Always realizing her passion for the creative arts, Natalie also loved business and finance. Her professional journey included assisting an attorney and eventually after hard work and determination Natalie received an offer from UBS Bank and started a career in private banking in New York. No matter what career you decide to pursue, Natalie recommends “mastering the process.” She notes the importance of going on many interviews, building your resume, and keeping your eye on the goal.

Being newly married and wanting to start her own family, the desire for a more balanced lifestyle inspired Natalie to pursue her creative passion through interior design. She received a certification from Parsons School of Design while going to classes in the evening and continuing to work in private banking during the day. Her first “project” was decorating her own apartment. Upon leaving her position at UBS Bank, Natalie partnered with her sister-in-law, Jennifer Ghatan, who later moved to London. Natalie then assumed the challenge of starting her own business in interior design and formed her own company, Natalie Kraiem Interiors. To date, she has completed projects in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Florida, and New Jersey. Her work has not only received recognition from her community clients, Natalie has been featured in decorating magazines and, as a result, she has built a tremendous network of resources and vendors.

Natalie is happy to share her career experience with others. “Look for opportunity and be confident in whatever you choose,” were her words of advice.
Our next stop was to meet with Joyce Silverman, a talented, community interior designer who has been in the business for over 20 years. Known as a visual storyteller, Joyce designed the downstairs laundry room space in the Holiday House. Beautiful and laundry are generally not words placed in the same sentence. Not so in the case of Joyce’s incredible, creative design. Joyce selected this project —the townhouse laundry room—to demonstrate her unique ability to transform a typically mundane space into something absolutely fabulous.

Joyce acknowledged that her greatest talents were not fostered in high school. There was no outlet for her creative talents, and she found herself often disobeying the rules. This all changed when she moved to Sephardic High School and was encouraged by one of her teachers and her mother to take courses at the Parsons School of Design and Fashion Institute of Technology. Joyce was accepted to the Bachelor of Fine Arts program at Parsons.

She began building her portfolio and started designing for her family. She realized that this talent was in her blood, as she fondly remembers her British grandmothers’ attention to design detail. Joyce began her formal training under designer Nicholas Calder. Under Calder, Joyce learned the business of design. She notes the great importance of building trustworthy, client relationships to become successful in the industry.

Joyce’s husband, and love-of-her-life since age 14, encouraged her to start her own design business. Joyce decorated her own home in the year 2000 and that led to an impressive career of both commercial and residential design work in Brooklyn, Manhattan, New Jersey, Miami and Panama. Her business now encompasses a staff of five. She and her company, Joyce D. Silverman Interiors, have been featured in several prestigious magazines, including Architectural Digest, Design New Jersey and Woman’s Wear Daily. In 2017, she was awarded the Best Interior Designer award for “Innovation in Design” by NY Cottages and Garden magazine.

Joyce emphasized her mother’s and father’s tradition of giving back. She was inspired to pursue her charitable endeavor, The Nest Fund, a nonprofit organization that distributes gently used furniture to the less fortunate. In addition, she teaches continuing education courses in the community.
Joyce gives sound advice to future generations of designers. She advises, “Don’t give up and be confident, responsible, responsive, respectful and honest. Your reputation and name are extremely important.”
At the Holiday House, we also met with Sarah, a PROPEL client, design student and apprentice.

After attending a PROPEL Vision Mapping event with Alice Chera this summer, Sarah contacted PROPEL and met with career coach Ellen Ades. A recent graduate from Binghamton University, Sarah always had a creative passion for design. At college, she studied graphic design, but found herself inclined to use her artistic talents toward decor.

Sarah had a rewarding meeting with Ellen, who quickly recommended a certificate in design from Parsons School of Design. Sarah is currently enrolled at Parsons where she is learning the techniques required to become a successful designer.

Sarah was introduced to community designer Natalie Kraiem by her mother and an instant relationship was formed. Natalie has empowered Sarah as her assistant and Sarah is currently learning and involved in various aspects of the trade, including ordering fabric, attending trade shows and photo shoots, and interacting with clients. Her involvement in the Holiday House project has been extremely exciting. Sarah exclaims, “Doing what she loves for a charitable cause is incredible!”

Sarah acknowledges that PROPEL gave her the confidence to pursue her dreams. She was a bit nervous making that initial call to PROPEL, but now she is procuring a career that she loves. Sarah’s message to other women thinking about contacting PROPEL, “Don’t be afraid to get started and pursue what you really enjoy.”
If you are interested in a career, please reach out to PROPEL and we can help you fulfill your professional goal.
PROPEL 646-494-0822 | info@thepropelnetwork.org

Sephardic Bikur Holim officially opened the doors to the Karen Mizrahi Bridal Boutique, recently. The boutique, which is centrally located on Avenue U in Brooklyn offers brides and their mothers a beautiful location to rent the dresses of their dreams.

“Having a place where the brides of the community can come together was important to my family,” said Marshall Mizrahi, whose family dedicated the Boutique in memory of his mother, Karen Mizrahi A”H.
“My mother was known for her elegance and fine qualities, and she would be proud to see many brides march down the aisle with the same beautiful stature she held herself.”

Over 100 people gathered to celebrate the launch and get a sneak peek at the collection of gowns. Dozens of dresses hung from the walls for attendees to admire, along with veils and tiaras. The space is meant to offer brides a luxurious and special experience while shopping for their wedding dress without the crazy price tag.

SBH President Jack A. Aini delivered opening remarks, followed by Rabbi Richard Tobias who eloquently showed how strongly the Torah values a bride on her wedding day. Karen Mizrahi Sutton, the namesake of the woman who inspired the boutique, spoke about her recent wedding and explained how her grandmother always added that extra special something into everything she did.

There are many new dresses to choose from, and more important there are gowns that have been donated by other community brides, which added another special layer to the boutique.

“How special is it to share your gown with another bride in this community,” exclaimed Marshall Mizrahi. “Each time a gown is worn we will send a note to the original owner so they can know that the perpetuation of this amazing community can continue due to their generosity”.

To learn more about borrowing or donating a wedding dress, contact kmbridal@sbhonline.org

On November 11th, the Yeshivah of Flatbush Joel Braverman High School (JBHS) had an open house for 8th graders and their parents. An abundance of families from Brooklyn and the entire metropolitan area were greeted by current high school student volunteers and given Flatbush materials emblazoned with the yeshivah’s logo.

The volunteers guided the prospective students and their parents on tours of the new state-of-the-art North building, which includes the Stein Student Commons, the Library, and the BenHaim Bet Midrash, as they happily shared their experiences and the many reasons why they love attending JBHS.

The guests enjoyed coffee and refreshments in the cafe area, while mingling with principals and faculty. The main program began in the Khezrie Auditorium, where the yeshivah’s administration addressed a standing-room-only crowd. Head of School Rabbi Dr. Raymond Harari offered a d’var Torah that explained how the Yeshivah of Flatbush follows the example of Yaakov Avinu, who was a spiritual student of Torah, as well as an active member of society. Rabbi Harari pointed out that YoF students, too, are deeply committed Jews who engage in high level secular studies.

Principal Rabbi Joseph Beyda reflected on the yeshivah’s mission to inspire, challenge, and support its students so each and every one of them will grow into an adult with Torah values, good character, compassion, scholarship, and commitment to Israel, the Jewish people, and people everywhere. He also discussed how YoF empowers its graduates to be world changers.

Dean of Students Rabbi Naftali Besser introduced an exciting video that gave everyone a glimpse into what makes the school unique. It opened with scenes of students enjoying the new building, illustrating how the space enhances the way students explore their passions and pursue educational goals. It also included testimony from students, parents, and faculty that emphasized how JBHS teaches students about careers and leads them to career opportunities, how it encourages them to continue their educations throughout their lives, and to contribute in every way they can.

Associate Principal Sari Bacon highlighted the distinctive energy of Flatbush academic and extracurricular programs and introduced alumnus Michael Franco (HS 2013), a current medical student. Michael recalled how he immediately felt at home at YoF, despite the fact that he came from another school. He also described how the school gave him the intellectual and academic tools to succeed in college, yeshivah in Israel, and medical school.

Assistant Principal and Director of Admissions Esther Hidary spoke about all the ways students participate in meaningful programs and projects. She noted that JBHS students are encouraged to become leaders.
The open house continued in the classrooms; prospective students and their parents chose two mini-lessons from a range of subjects including general studies, Judaic studies, STEM, art and hesed.

Students then proceeded to the Laniado Auxiliary Gym where they explored the Student Activities Fair and athletic teams. High school commissioners of various extracurricular programs discussed their activities and answered questions. A video showcasing the school’s sports teams displayed what a Flatbush Falcon looks like in action. At the same time, parents learned about the Pathfinders Career Program, the high school guidance department, the SAFE program, as well as college guidance.

The open house concluded with a lavish, abundant and delicious meal, over which prospective students and parents talked with administrators, faculty, and YoF students to learn more about the diversity of Flatbush life—in and out of the classroom. They gained a greater understanding of why the school’s motto is “Four Years for the Rest of Your Life.”

Every year, towards the end of the summer, there’s a trip that lots of people look forward to. It begins in Deal, where approximately 100 men and women board a bus—but they know, even before they get on the road that it’s not going to be a boring bus ride. They know there will be people telling jokes and lots of laughter. Then, before they know it, they’ll arrive in Atlantic City.

While going to AC is fun, there’s a better reason for this trip than gambling. The participants do it to raise funds for ORT, an organization that began in Russia in 1880 to help lift Russia’s five million Jews out of crushing poverty. They called it the Organization for Rehabilitation through Training (ORT). The trip to AC was through ORT America, the leading fundraising organization for World ORT.

Thanks to Joyce Dwek for coordinating the fun fund-raising trip with the assistance of Sally Shamah, Louise Zalayet, and bus helpers Norma Rezak and Florence Schneider.

Grandparents anticipate the arrival of grandchildren, and to a lesser extent, aunts and uncles look forward to the arrival of nieces and nephews. Perhaps for that reason, a special needs diagnosis can be devastating and painful for grandparents and other family members.

For grandparents, the birth of a grandchild with special needs, may also be the death of a dream of the perfect grandchild. Before you recoil in horror at these words, think of the parents who eagerly count their newborns fingers and toes only to be dealt the blow that their children are anything but normal. Think of the average person bragging “my son the doctor” or “my granddaughter the singer.”
We pray for healthy children, but that’s not always the reality, and it’s the new reality that parents and grandparents must learn how to adjust to. For these parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other family members to grasp the joys and difficulties of raising a child with special needs, they must let go of their subconscious or conscious plans for the child’s life.

It is normal to feel sad or angry, as we are filled with love for this tiny baby. Acknowledging one’s feelings, and grieving for the loss of that dream, may make it easier to cope with the reality of being the extended family of a child with special needs. Grandparents, aunts and uncles should be there to support the baby’s parents in every way.
Learn—one of the most important things that family members can do is learn about the child’s disability, or special needs. The Internet is a great source of information, as well as misinformation, so be careful, because it may not be as accurate as you think.
Begin with sources like hospitals, doctors, and advocacy organizations such as C.A.R.E. for Special Children. Go with the child to his/her doctors’ appointments, and listen carefully to what the doctor says, and ask questions. You and the parents are now learning a very specialized language. The more you know, the easier it will be to converse. Learning is important for emotional health as well, the more you know, the more confident you will feel in your ability to help.Listen—even the most discreet family members sometimes find it difficult to keep from offering unsolicited opinions and advice, but therapists and social workers agree that listening to your children, the child’s parents, and validating what they feel is more important than offering advice. Grandparents and well-meaning family members need to take their cues from the child’s parents. You may not always agree with their decisions, but they are theirs to make.

Support from grandparents and other family’s members is crucial for helping the parents cope. By listening and ascertaining the needs of the child, the grandparents can learn where to place themselves in the care/decision making and discussions.
Family members who want to be involved in the child’s care and life, can and should make the effort, by offering non-judgmental assistance, or by not saying or doing anything at all, but just being there for the child and parents. While there is no “how to” list for grandparents or parents, there are several tried and true approaches. They have the potential to add positively to the parents and special child’s life.

Spend time with the child. If the baby needs special care, ask how to help. As the parents feel comfortable, try to care for this child the same way that you would care for your other grandchildren, nieces, and nephews,

Offer to babysit or take care of the child. Parents need time for themselves. Once you are comfortable and your children are comfortable with your care for the child, offer to help out. Just offering will make them happy, knowing that they aren’t alone to deal with this challenge.

Do something special with the child. Every child benefits from special time with grandparents and others who love them. Maybe this will be the young person who loves to bake with you or go shopping.

If you can, offer to help financially. Even if your children have financial means, a little extra cash or financial help in this situation can be greatly appreciated. Copays and other expenses add up quickly. It doesn’t have to be a lot, but every little bit helps. Offer to buy takeout dinner for your children’s family or pay a babysitter so the parents can go out themselves and get a break. Whatever it is, it will also help them feel supported.

Consult with an attorney or advocacy organization before putting money in the child’s name. Some children will need expensive care for their entire lives. Before putting money in the child’s name, consult with someone who understands the financial and legal implications of providing significant amounts of money for the child’s care. While you may be trying to do a good thing, you might jeopardize his/her benefits.

Offer specific help. Daily routines are much more complex for a child with special needs. Maybe you can alleviate some of the burden the parents feel by picking up the child’s siblings after school, or simply making dinner once a week. Again, every gesture is a big help.

Finally, no matter how difficult the situation, try not to give into despair. Whatever you are feeling, the child’s parents are feeling much more intensely. Let go of the things you can’t control, and focus on what you can do.q

On a crystal-clear Friday morning, Congregation Magen David of West Deal revealed what some believe is the crowning jewel in its ever-expanding complex—the Gladys Kassin Mikveh/Stephanie Jemal Sultan Building.
Due to an overwhelming influx of new residents over the past several years, the demand for another mikveh at the Jersey Shore could no longer be ignored. The Board of Congregation Magen David, led by its chairman, Charlie Saka and his wife, Brenda, rose to the challenge. With the assistance of Jack and Asaf Tamir, who headed the construction, they created a magnificent venue in which myriads of women will perform a most central mitzvah for decades to come. The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was a perfect tribute to the building, and to all those involved in its completion. Hundreds of community members attended the first-class brunch donated by Benny Azizov of NYK Caterers. The synagogue’s social hall looked magnificent thanks to Doris Dwek Events and Anna’s Flowers. Gift bags containing hallot for Shabbat, celebratory labbas, and women’s siddurim were distributed to all who attended.

A dais running the entire width of the room was filled with most of the community’s rabbis in a splendid show of unity. Harry Adjmi emceed, as awards were given to various donors, including Mr. & Mrs. Jack A. Kassin and family, who dedicated the mikveh in honor of their mother, and Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Jemal and family, who dedicated the building in memory of their daughter. Mr. & Mrs. Jacob S. Kassin and family, and the Chehebar family were honored, as well, for their generosity. Rabbi Saul J. Kassin was presented with an award for his instrumental role in the project. He consulted with rabbinical experts to ensure that the mikveh would be built to the highest standards of halakha. He spoke about the importance of shalom bayit and family purity, which are integrally connected to the mitzvah of mikveh.
Other speakers included Rabbi Yosef Galimidi, Rabbi Eli Mansour, Rabbi Edmond Nahum, Rabbi Shlomo Diamond and Rabbi Michael Haber. A video was shown of Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef, the Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi Shlomo Amar, the Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem, and Rabbi Meir Mazuz, all speaking about the importance of the new mikveh.

Charlie Saka spoke about the evolution of the project, after which he and his family were given the final award of the morning. After seeing the building itself, however, many would agree that the award was truly deserved by Brenda, for it was her meticulous eye for detail that made it what it is today.

Following the award ceremony, people were guided towards the mikveh building for the big reveal. Rabbi Shemuel Pinchasi gave a special beracha. As Hazan Shlomo Teherani sang pizmonim, the founding families, led by Gladys Kassin, cut the ribbon, and then pulled down curtains, revealing the exterior of the building. After Rabbi Azriel Mansour installed the front door mezuzah, the crowds were led through the building room by room, each of which is named for a different flower and decorated as such. The facility is state-of-the-art, complimented by a serene, spa-like décor. It includes four luxury preparation suites, plus a special bridal suite, spacious foyer and a dedicated make-up room. The multiple prep rooms allow for an efficient and seamless experience for the community’s women, who will soon be able to conveniently book their appointments via a cell phone app. Strategically located for geographic convenience, especially on Friday and holiday nights, it allows for a safe and private option. The foyer houses the Rachel Tawil A”H Eshet Hayil wall in tribute to the wives and mothers of our community, as well as a founders wall in appreciation of the generous donors who enabled the completion of this holy project. In addition, the Joe & Trina Cayre bridal wall has been dedicated to honor all the women who use the bridal suite. Decorative floor to ceiling etched privacy windows adorn the front of the building and are visible from the parking lot.

The Gladys Kassin Mikveh/ Stephanie Jemal Sultan Building, is now part of the Magen David complex, which stands in the heart of our vital and growing community. No doubt it will see further growth in the future, as the Jersey Shore community continues to grow and flourish!q

Our support, which includes one-on-one career guidance, has made women feel confident about entering the workforce and has changed the financial realities of many community families.

PROPEL’s board of directors is comprised of men and women who are extremely committed to the mission of the organization. They have professional experience in many areas, including marketing, medicine, finance, retail, real estate, and fashion, enabling them to actively promote innovative and relevant ideas for PROPEL.

Over 100 women participated in PROPEL’s summer programs in Deal, New Jersey. The programming encompassed Vision Mapping with Alice Chera (workshops designed to delve into personal interests), Finding the Teacher in You (a panel discussion focusing on female Judaic Studies educators in our community) and Finding Your Sweet Spot (a young leadership event). As a result of those events, women in our community took that initial step—they called PROPEL.The organization helps place women in certificate programs that teach them to become software developers, nutritionists, medical assistants, paralegals, Judaic Studies teachers, cosmetologists, yoga instructors, photographers, interior designers and many more professions.

Ellen Ades, PROPEL’s career coach explained, “It is common for graduates to say, ‘I never could have imagined doing this, thank you for believing in me.’ Whether you are searching for clarity or you simply want to discuss career possibilities, contact PROPEL. We are here for you.”

PROPEL recently expanded its professional staff to accommodate the growing needs of our clients. While a majority of women graduating from high school in our community are attending college, PROPEL is aware that some of these women need career guidance while they are in college or even after they graduate. PROPEL is excited that Raquel Shalam has joined the PROPEL team. As a trained life coach, Raquel is able to connect with young women and support them in collaborative efforts to move toward their professional goals.
Many PROPEL graduates recount that the most difficult thing that they did was to make that initial phone call to PROPEL. It is scary doing something new, but PROPEL provides personal support along the way. PROPEL graduates are now community women with careers that they enjoy and they are helping to make a financial difference for their families.PROPEL provides personal support every step of the way. Our graduates are now community women with careers—in professions that they chose, working the hours that they want to work, so that they and their families live balanced lives and maintain traditional values in their homes. Plus, they enjoy what they’re doing and they are helping to make a financial difference for their families.

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

Back-to-school and High Holiday shopping took on a whole new look at Bnai Zion Foundation’s Fall Forward event at Shella and Jack Sitt’s magnificent summer home, in Deal, NJ.
Hundreds of women showed up to shop at ten local vendors’ booths and to hear seven professional speakers give talks and demonstrations revolving around the fall season. Highlights included a delicious holiday cooking demonstration by Chef Poopa Dweck, the renowned author of “Aromas of Aleppo,” and a parenting class with child psychologist Dr. Simone Hidary, which inspired every mom in attendance. Lauren Ancona demonstrated High Holiday flower arranging, interior designer Natalie Kraiem spoke about the latest trends in home decorating, Glam Girl by Shirl’s Shirley Granger showed everyone the secret to the no-makeup look, and Michelle Gindi of Buddha Bowls and Burpees gave us “A Little Dose of Wellness” when she spoke about how to stay healthy with better food choices during the holidays.

The event, which was in loving memory of Ralph and Rachel Tawil A”H, Barry Sitt A:H, and Alice Nakash A”H, featured an exquisite Chinese auction filled with gift packages that promised to take each winner into the fall season with style. A raffle featuring a black 2018 Hermes Birkin Bag added to the excitement, and kept everyone anxiously awaiting the announcement of the winners.
Throughout the day, senior vice president Rebecca Harary spoke about Bnai Zion Foundation’s important work—building a more inclusive, healthy, and vibrant Israel, and its rich, 110 year-long history. CEO Cheryl Bier spent the afternoon meeting with attendees and speaking about Bnai Zion’s many capital projects currently in progress in Israel.

Fall Forward was organized by event chair Shella Sitt and a ten member event committee, which included Joy Bijou, Danielle Dabah, Kimberly Dabah, Ruthie Gindi, Lauren Levy, Sarina Palacci, Meredith Rishty, Joyce Saad, and Manuela Yedid. Together, these incredible women devised and planned the event, including choosing the day’s beneficiary: Bnai Zion Foundation’s Fortified Emergency Room project, which will be built at the Bnai Zion Medical Center in Haifa, which is at risk of rocket attacks due to its proximity to the border with Lebanon. In recognition of the committee’s tremendous efforts, a beautiful plaque bearing each of their names will be displayed on the wall of the Bnai Zion Medical Center.q