ANNOUNCING A HISTORIC OCCASION FOR OUR GREATER SEPHARDIC COMMUNITY: THE STANLEY I. CHERA SAM SCHOOL (FORMERLY SEPHARDIC ACADEMY OF MANHATTAN) HAS JUST MOVED INTO THE BRAND NEW MOISE AND CHELLA SAFRA BUILDING, IN THE HEART OF THE UPPER EAST SIDE.
The school’s relocation to East 74th Street and Lexington Avenue represents the culmination of a seven-year journey, marking a pivotal moment for the Manhattan Sephardic community. The building opening solidifies the school’s presence on the Upper East Side, anchoring a critical corner of our community’s ever-growing geography.
The new facility features 12 classrooms, a sensory gym, and gardens in their three outdoor spaces, providing an ideal environment for learning and building community. Founded by Rabbi Elie Abadie, MD in 2010, the SAM School currently serves over 150 students from toddlers through third grade. Looking to an exciting future, within 24 months the SAM School plans to expand into a full elementary and middle school. This growth reflects the school’s commitment to providing stellar Jewish education in Manhattan.
“We are the first and only Orthodox Sephardic yeshivah in Manhattan,” said Trustee Haim Chera, his enthusiasm palpable. “This is the most important event in our community since the opening of Magen David Yeshivah in Brooklyn over 50 years ago.”
Standing behind this remarkable achievement are a dedicated board and parent body, with countless individuals who have made this possible. Rabbi Ariel Mizrahi (Rabbinical Leader), Chary Fox (Early Childhood Director), Michelle Dayan (Executive Director), Mary Peldman (Co-Head of Elementary School), and Dr. Rachel Harari (Co-Head of Elementary School) have been instrumental in making the dream of a central, community-focused school a reality.
As The SAM School opens its doors to its new home, it stands as a commitment to educating the future leaders of our community for generations to come.
