Afew moments in life stand-out as encapsulating all of the greatness of our community at once. One of those moments recently occurred as an enthused group of community members and Barkai Yeshivah parents and administrators gathered at the home of Marjorie and Isaac G. Gindi in support of Barkai Yeshivah, specifically, to establish the Al & Sonny Gindi Scholarship Fund. This stunning initiative by Al and Sonny Gindi (may they see merit for years to come) will insure that no student will be prevented from attending Barkai. The beauty of the setting and presentation was trumped only by the sentiment of the gathering and the support of the crowd.
The morning’s program began with an introduction by the host, Isaac G. (I.G.) Gindi. In consummate Gindi fashion, I.G. thanked his wife for her generosity and graciousness, highlighted the importance of supporting Barkai Yeshivah and introduced the guest speaker and his close friend and mentor, Rabbi Shabtai Sabato, the spiritual leader of Barkai Yeshivah and Rosh Yeshivat Netivot Yosef in Mispeh Yeriho.
In his live address to the audience via satellite, Rabbi Sabato focused his message on the kerubim that were perched above the aron in the Kodesh HaKodashim in the Bet HaMikdash. He highlighted that the kerubim, which had the faces of children, were positioned above the most holy place on earth. Rabbi Sabato compared the kerubim to the children of Barkai Yeshivah—holy, close to Torah and happy, from their love of learning.
Next, Rabbi Harold Sutton, a Barkai parent, expressed the vision of Barkai Yeshivah, which emphasizes the importance of aspiring to accomplishment, embracing and succeeding in conquering the secular world and, concurrently, remaining true to tradition. Similarly, Barkai Yeshivah endeavors to achieve excellence in both Judaic and secular studies with a strong and explicit commitment to community traditions, love of learning and Israel. Rabbi Sutton concluded with the very telling point of how many community rabbis are parents of Barkai Yeshivah students.
Following the spiritual leaders, Ricky Rudy, a member of Barkai’s Board of Trustees, chairman of the Barkai Yeshivah Board of Education and a pioneer and current Barkai parent, addressed the audience on the current and future financial state of Barkai Yeshivah. Ricky stressed the issues of scale that face all growth-phase institutions and explained the strategy for reaching capacity and balance. After explaining the numbers and the strategy, Ricky asked for the community’s help for Barkai’s transition from a ‘new’ school, that until now has received the bulk of its financial support from a small group of committed board members, to an ‘established’ school, that is worthy of broader community support.
Sammy Salem, a founder of Barkai Yeshivah, the Vice President of the Board of Trustees and a Barkai parent highlighted the importance of giving tzedakah and performing hesed, because, he explained, that is all that a person can take with himself when he leaves this world.
In the last of the formal remarks, Mr. Joe Cayre, an early, continual and profound supporter of Barkai Yeshivah addressed the audience. As Mr. Cayre approached the podium and prepared to speak and the audience applauded, Mr. Al Gindi began to chant “Joe Cayre! Joe Cayre! Joe Cayre!” Even after the applause had ceased, Mr. Gindi had his fist pumping in the air and he was still chanting “Joe Cayre! Joe Cayre!” That was amazing. Two titans of business, two luminaries of our community, two men that have the justification and license to seize the stage, accolades and applause whenever each would like, could not give each other enough respect. That moment touched the core of all those present. It is those moments that inspire. To Mr. Cayre and Mr. Gindi—Thank you.
Mr. Cayre stressed the effect of spending a half-hour visiting Barkai Yeshivah and witnessing the wonders occurring inside its walls. He noted that Barkai is a special place that has a profound effect on everyone touched by the school.
The morning’s program was concluded with an outpouring of support from the audience that was commissioned by Mr. Harry Adjimi. The support from previous supporters of the Yeshivah, who rededicated themselves to Barkai, and fresh, new donors to the school was extraordinary; it assured a successful beginning to the Al and Sonny Gindi Scholarship Fund. Thanks to the hosts, Marjorie and Isaac G. Gindi, speakers, participants and attendees, the cold and white December morning was a success for Barkai Yeshivah.
