Recently, Sammy and Poopa Dweck celebrated the annual Jesse Dweck bike-a-thon in memory of their son, Jesse A”H, along with family and friends. The Bike-a-thon raised funds for The Jesse Dweck City Learning Center, an organization that provides Torah classes for community members working or living in New York City and Deal, New Jersey. The Center serves an important and unique purpose by directly enhancing our community’s growth in Torah and providing students with a sense of belonging and community. Event volunteer, Rachel Sabbagh said, “I admire the family for all their hard work and broadening our community’s spiritual scope.”
In its 7th year, the Center has recognized the growing Sephardic community in New York City and offers year-round classes for both men and women. With mid-day and after-work classes at two different locations, the Center makes it easily accessible for all to attend. The classes provide women with the opportunity to strengthen their relationship with Hashem, their husbands, and families. The learning is made available to all levels of students and draws a socially diverse group of university students, business people, and home-makers.
Enthusiastic bikers and supporters of all ages arrived as early as 8 am at the Dweck home where they would complete either 10, 18, or 36-mile rides. On return from their exhilarating rides, each biker was greeted with applause and cheers from their excited peers. Children, supervised by Margo Chabot, biked the 10-mile ride, and were embraced with the biggest applause upon their return. Eleven-year olds Morris Zarif and Joseph Shabot proudly stated, “The ride was amazing, and even though it was tiring, we survived and have great memories.”
After an 18-mile ride, Yaron Shayo breathlessly explained, “I had a lot of fun. It was definitely worth it and something to look forward to next year.” The morning was sentimental but encouraging for Jesse’s friends and family. as they sensed his presence. Jesse’s sister Sheri Shabot, confided that as she rode in her blue t-shirt, the color of Jesse’s eyes, she felt Jesse’s spirit among them. Victor Kraiem, a family friend, shared Sheri’s sentiment saying, “the bike-a-thon is a very good way to keep Jesse’s name alive.”
Two wonderful yoga classes added to the day’s theme of serenity and spirituality. Beautiful bracelets were sold with proceeds donated directly to the Center. Sandy Dweck, loved the yoga. She said, “It’s very inspiring to see everyone working together for a good cause.” Florence and Benjamin Tebele expressed, “Sammy and Poopa, with their great warmth and hospitality, hosted a beautiful morning spent with friends and family for an amazing cause.”
Several people worked together to make the day a success. Thank you to Sara Hedaya and Sari Sitt for refreshing us with yoga and Benny Tebele for fantastic bike shirts. Thank you to Raquel Falack for donating the proceeds from her jewelry and Marc Dwek of Legend Leasing for sponsoring water bottles. A special thanks is due to all the volunteers who worked tirelessly to make this event possible: Margo Chabot, Jaclyn Oved, Mourad Shehebar, Sheri Shabot, Sarine Tebele, David Paige, Jakob Mehani, Rachel Sabbagh, and Millie Marcus.
The Dweck family thanks the community for its support and invites all to participate in sponsoring a class for a loved one in memory of, in honor of, for refuah shelemah, (for healing), etc. To make a donation to the Center or sponsor a class, please contact Poopa Dweck at (732) 672-7775 or via e-mail at askpoopa@aol.com.
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Raquel Laniado is a graduate of Hunter College with a B.A. in Sociology and a double minor in Hebrew and Music. She is a frequent writer for IMAGE as well as a singer and performer.
