The Anidjar Family’s Torah Dedication at B’nai Sephardim in Florida

Along time dream became reality for the Anidjar family when brothers Isaac, Shalom and Samuel and their wives Reina, Mercedes and Miriam recently presented a magnificent Torah to B’nai Sephardim Shaare Shalom Congregation in Hollywood, Florida, which they dedicated to the loving memory of their parents, Sini and Elias Anidjar and their sister Sarah Benebou.

B’nai Sephardim Shaare Shalom was founded in 1970 in North Miami Beach. After merging with another Sephardic congregation and purchasing 2 1/2 acres of land in Hollywood Florida on Stirling Road, the synagogue began construction on a new sanctuary, which was inaugurated on May 16, 1999. Since then, B’nai Sephardim has become a dynamic congregation with over 250 families, including persons from Spain, Africa, the Middle East, Central and South America. Their active sisterhood plans social and educational activities throughout the year as well as youth activities, lectures, and singles events.  

Spiritual leader Rabbi Yehuda Benhamu was born in Melilla, Spain in 1961. In 1976, he received his rabbinical ordination from the London Kollel and learned to be a shochet and mohel. Over the years he served as rabbi in Colon, Panama and in addition as a rabbi, shochet and mohel in Bogota, Columbia’s active Sephardic community. In 1986, he accepted the position of rabbi at B’nai Sephardim Shaare Shalom and was recently certified as a Dayan from the Rabba nut Harashit in Jerusalem.

On the day of the dedication, Rabbi Benhamu remarked, “writing a Torah in memory of one’s parents is a great mitzvah and the perfect honor for Sini and Elias Anidjar.” He praised them for raising such honorable sons and daughters who have carried on family traditions with their own children.

Excitement filled the air on the warm, sunny day when the beautiful Torah and the magnificent silver case which were both acquired in Israel, finally arrived in Florida. As Sephardic music filled the air, both outside and inside the shul, congregants danced joyfully while the Torah was passed from one happy guest to another.

After dancing outside, everyone moved into the shul where poignant speeches were given. Then the last few words of the Torah were written in honor of the congregants and the family. Afterwards, everyone was invited to partake in a delicious, festive dinner.

The synagogue’s new President Steven Levy, formerly from Brooklyn and a graduate of Yeshivah of Flatbush, who recently took over from past President Sam Anidjar, commended the family for their long term dedication to the B’nai Sephardim Shaare Shalom Congregation, where the brothers have served on the board of directors in many positions throughout the years.

The Anidjar family would like to thank the congregation, family and friends who shared in their celebration by participating in the Torah dedication.
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Rachelle Matsas is the Editor-in-Chief of IMAGE Magazine.