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The ALYN Hosp
Abe Shalom
LYN Hospital in Jerusalem is one of the world's
leading specialists in the active and intensive
rehabilitation of children with a broad range of
physical disabilities. ALYN is a non-profit
organization treating babies, children, adolescents and
young adults. The hospital receives minimal funding
from the government of Israel and depends on donations and proceeds from events such as the Wheels of
Love charity bike ride.
Wheels of Love is Israel's largest sports charity
event. Bicyclists began in Tiberias and ended in
Jerusalem. The route for 2007 included scenery up
north, including the Golan, the Galilee, the valleys, and
a ride down the coast to Tel Aviv. The final day, riders
entered Jerusalem as a large group and ending with a
festive end-of-the-ride ceremony.
Here is a day-by-day account of the ride.
A
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Day 1
Wow! The first day finally came and we survived.
The scenery was absolutely gorgeous! The ride was a
little tough. We climbed about 3,300 feet and the downhills were insane. We had to have our hands on our
brakes the entire way down. Saying they were steep is
a huge understatement.
The camaraderie between all the riders was great.
We were like one big family.There were about 500 riders from 13 countries. It was so nice to be part of this.
The ride was hard, but it was well worth it when I
think about all the scenery I saw and the accomplishment I felt at the end of the day.
Abe Shalom with a patient from ALYN Hospital
Abe Shalom
I’m going to sleep now to rest up for tomorrow’s
ride.
Day 2
Awesome! What a rush today! It was totally amazing. We started the day heading to the Golan Heights,
which is a mountain that borders Syria. After a short rest
at the foothill of the mountain, we climbed 2,600 feet (it
was steep) up to the top of the Golan Heights. The
scenery was beautiful and picturesque. We all felt very
accomplished once we reached the top.
After a short rest, we continued across the Golan
Heights where we saw tanks, the Syrian border and
some army bases as we rode. Then we went down for
a 1,500 feet decent down all the way back to where we
started. The thrill of going downhill at about 30 to 35
miles per hour, not pedaling, was a really great feeling
after climbing so much earlier in the day.
Tomorrow we begin our three day ride to
Jerusalem, where we will ride right up to the ALYN
Hospital and the children will be waiting to see us with
flags and music. I think it will really put a big smile on
their faces when they see all of us and what we did for
them.
In fact, there were many times as I was climbing the
mountain that I told myself just to think about the children—they are living with their disabilities, doing the
best they can as they have no choice, so my choice
should be to stay on my bike and not take the easy way
out by getting off.
I know I made the right choice.
Days 3 and 4
On the third day of the ride, we started the morning
leaving Tiberias and climbing the same hill that we
came down on Sunday at about 50 miles per hour. So
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ital Charity Ride
Abe Shalom, Sesar Malah, David Tarica, David Shaul and
Morris Tabush
Sesar Malah
because we will ride up to the hospital where the children at the ALYN Hospital and their parents will be waiting to greet us with flags and party favors. It will be a
great day for them. I am so touched by it that, I have
tears in my eyes as I think about it.
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Days 5
The bike ride today was hard. In fact, it was
extremely hard. But we did it! We climbed more than
4,000 feet uphill. It was like riding up a wall.
We arrived at the ALYN Hospital at 3 pm and all the
children were waiting for us with flags, there was a band
and guys blowing the shofar. All the riders came in
singing “Hevenu Shalom Alechem” (We bring you
peace) and there were people on both sides of the
street cheering us on. It was like a parade and they felt
we were the heroes. But I believe most of the riders feel
the true heroes are the children. They are amazing!
What we did was nothing.
This week I gave all the strength in my body for
these children and I feel very good right now.
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you can imagine how steep it was to get up it. But,
somehow we did. It was a tough struggle, but now we
can laugh about it. By the time we finished that hill
(mountain), we rode about 39 miles. We stopped for
lunch and I was feeling a bit tired and a little weak, so I
gave them my bike to put on the truck and rode the bus
for 10 miles until the next rest area. I missed a big hill
(my bad). I slept on the bus for about 30 minutes and
when we finally reached the next area I jumped off the
bus energetically and got back on my bike and rode the
next 20 miles to a town called Zichron Yaakov (it was
one of the first modern settlements in Israel founded by
the Rothschild family).
Since I got back on the bike, I was in the front
behind the pace car, pumping away at the pedals. I was
the first one to make it to the hotel that day. (I did have
an advantage of resting).
On day four, we left Zichron Yaakov and started our
ride to Tel Aviv. We rode until lunch (a nice cruising
ride). Then a few of us decided the day was too nice to
be on our bikes all day, so we had them take our bikes
on the truck and we took a couple of cabs to Tel Aviv,
went to the beach, enjoyed the ocean and had lunch (it
was a perfect day). When the people found out later,
they were not too happy, but we were. Hey, sometimes
you need to break the rules.
Anyway, tonight they had a party in a night club for
all the riders. It was amazing. They showed us videos of
the ride. They gave out jackets to the people who had
been riding for the past five years with them and had a
live band that was great. Everyone had a blast.
Then at about 11:45 pm I was hungry, so we went
out for a falafel sandwich. It was delicious. I guess what
I am trying to say is that I took 1/2 of the day off and we
enjoyed ourselves.
Tomorrow is day five (we will have an additional
100 riders who will join us). It will be the hardest day as
we will climb to Jerusalem (about 4,000 feet up).
However, it is anticipated to be the most meaningful day
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Maimonides:
Setting Standards
for Surgical Care
N
atients from around the region and the country
come to Maimonides Medical Center seeking
the experience and skill of the hospital's cardiac and vascular surgeons, orthopedists,
spine surgeons, pediatric surgeons and numerous other
surgical specialists. They come because the
Departments of Surgery and Orthopedics at
Maimonides have for decades set the standards for outstanding surgical care.
When a physical condition or injury requires surgery, Maimonides rises to the call. It has developed
centers of excellence in surgical care and augmented
them with outstanding pre-operative and post-operative
services to ensure the best possible recovery for
patients.
As Chairman of the Department of Surgery, Joseph
N. Cunningham, Jr., MD, oversees and helps maintain
high standards of care in each of the department's 12
divisions: Cardiothoracic Surgery, Colorectal Surgery,
Dentistry, General Surgery, Head and Neck,
Neurosurgery,
Ophthalmology,
Otolaryngology,
Pediatric Surgery, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery,
Urology and Vascular Surgery.
Each of these divisions is led by experienced
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physicians who are widely respected by peers in their
specialties. They routinely appear on published lists of
best doctors. They are repeatedly invited to be guest
lecturers, present seminars and host presentations at
national and international meetings; and their research
and development of innovative surgical procedures
has been covered in many prestigious medical journals.
These surgeons are lured to Maimonides in part by
the availability of high-tech equipment and modern facilities. The medical center is currently building new operating rooms as well as a new Surgical Intensive Care
Unit (SICU), where acutely ill patients benefit from constant and close monitoring from physicians specially
trained in critical care medicine. The unit is equipped
with advanced technology, including telemetry monitors
at the bedside as well as at nursing stations so that
each patient is under 24-hour observation.
The SICU offers a team approach to critical care
which involves collaboration among physicians, unit
directors, residents, nurses and other professionals.
The goal is to help patients and families through lifethreatening events and to help patients recover so that
they can resume their lives outside the hospital.
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SBH’s
Big Move
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C O M M U N I T Y
SBH Helping
Those in
Need
he Sephardic Bikur Holim (SBH) was issued an
Article 31 license by the New York State
Department of Mental Hygiene. The new
license allows SBH to expand its mental health
services to individuals and families who want to consult
with a mental health professional in a confidential setting. Because SBH is now a licensed mental health
provider, individuals who receive services from SBH will
be able to seek reimbursement from their insurance
company for the costs incurred for their care. SBH's
license is the first such license issued by the state to
any health care facility in several years.
"SBH's new state certification is a validation of all
the vital programs and services that it offers to the community," said David G. Greenfield, Executive Director of
The Sephardic Community Federation, “Although there
are many people in need of help, SBH has always been
there to answer the call.”
SBH, which is one of New York's premier social
welfare agencies, offers such programs and services
such as direct financial aid for the indigent population,
employment opportunities, and respite programs for
parents of special needs children.
“This is truly a historic day for SBH, SCF, and the
entire community,” said SCF President and former SBH
President Sam A. Sutton, “Getting this license took a
great deal of hard work on the part of many dedicated
individuals and we owe them a tremendous debt of gratitude for their extraordinary efforts.”
Sutton noted that the vision of obtaining this coveted license was hatched by Joseph D. Beyda, of blessed
memory. During his 57 years, Joseph Beyda was the
embodiment of charity, good deeds, and kind acts to
others. He was a past president of SBH and was largely responsible for the remarkable success that SBH has
achieved to date.
“My dear friend Joseph Beyda used to believe that
any goal is achievable and any dream is attainable,”
Sutton said, “Getting this license for SBH proves that
dreams can become reality. This license is a fitting tribute to the memory of Joseph Beyda, because it enables
SBH to help even more people in need, which is something that Joseph worked hard to achieve each and
every day.”
T
s we counted down to the year 2000,
Sephardic Bikur Holim had a countdown of its
own—toward moving into its new building. Late
SBH president Joseph Beyda A"H asked the
board members at a meeting in 1993 to think about SBH
and the year 2000. He had them think of goals, of
visions, and of the imminent future; something no other
organization was doing at the time. The idea of a new
building was mentioned then, for the first time. In June,
2000, that dream became a reality.
Since 1993, our community has grown by leaps and
bounds and SBH has grown tremendously along with it.
Their programs, support groups, staff, volunteers and
youth have flourished as more and more people are
being helped, served and nourished by this wonderful
organization.
With the completion of its new building, SBH
became poised to both better serve the current needs of
the community as well as accomplish many of the
dreams and ideas they have for the future. Whether it
be an extensive library related to each program and
support group, or more social workers, psychologists
and therapists, the new building made it possible to further improve the quality of life in our community. SBH
has the most dedicated and hard working volunteers in
the community.
T H E
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Dawn and David Green
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Newly engaged Rachel Adjmi and
Lawrence Pahushkin
Just a Cli
Sephardic Link Celebrates its One Year Anniversary
Yvonne Harari
Featuring photos of couples who met through the Link
n agent sat for over an hour with her client, discussing possible options and a plan for her client's
future. They discussed the client's past experiences to assess what would be in her best interests. The client was thrilled with the personal attention
she was receiving, and couldn't believe the service was
free. The best part was that she didn't have to go to
Hollywood for star treatment.
Here in the heart of Brooklyn, a new not-for-profit
website providing such treatment is celebrating its oneyear anniversary. Stretching across expanses of areas
including NJ, Florida, Canada, Panama, and yes,
maybe even Hollywood, Sephardic Link is getting bigger
and better. Open for registration only in February 2006
and officially open in July 2006, it's already had seven
weddings, one engagements, and many more on the
way.
The site works with a large variety of singles ranging in age from 18-80 and carefully separates them into
different appropriate categories. While agents primarily
deal with ages 18-40, they are beginning to pick up
steam with the 40 to 80-year-olds. A huge incentive for
so many to join is that the site is entirely free of charge
and members will never have to worry about any costs,
other than the actual date. It began as a labor of love
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financed by Joe Cayre and his family, and now receives
donations from numerous community members.
Most of the Brooklyn Sephardic community is familiar with the high-tech website, which is more than your
average matchmaking site. As stated on its website,
“SephardicLink.com is a private Sephardic Jewish
online dating site whose objective is to provide singles
with a new alternative to meeting, and ultimately dating,
others.” It's using the advance of computer technology
and the Internet in the safest manner and hopes to add
all 10,000 community singles to its database.
Many people ask why they should join if they
already know everyone. Firstly, there are people on the
Link from all over and chances of knowing everyone are
slim. “Despite our community's large growth, all I hear
from kids is that they know everyone,” said Charles
Mizrahi, one of Sephardic Link’s founders. “Over half of
our marriages consist of couples who didn't know each
other and that's the exact reason for Sephardic Link.”
Secondly, two people who are familiar with each other
could make a great match without even knowing it. As
another founder put it, the Link physically puts people
together and cuts through the chase.
That's how it worked for Renee Shalom and Bobby
Husney. The couple was recently married after meeting
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that happened in this community,” said Agent Shirley
Mansour. “We should all be proud of this great undertaking that is immensely needed for our singles.”
Meeting with each other weekly and working as a
team, agents understand that their clients are their priority and individualize each case. “What keeps the site
going are the agents and the continuous sign up of new
and exciting singles from every religious level, age
group, and social group,” said Kelly. “The more people
that join, the more matches to choose from.”
Agents don't match just to match, but rather think
carefully about each candidate before linking people.
“One of the many things we loved about Sephardic Link
was that agents don't just set you up with someone
because you and the other guy/girl just so happen to be
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on the Link, and actually knew each other from beforehand but didn't think of dating. “It's quite ironic that
Bobby and I have crossed paths many times in our lives
but never stopped and took notice until Sephardic Link
came around,” said Renee. “In fact, we were in college
together for four years with the same major.” She
acknowledged how strenuous the dating process is and
thanked Sephardic Link for all its help. “Unfortunately,
the singles scene is all over the place and dates are
replaced with hang-outs, texting, and e-mails instead of
traditional phone calls, and it's really hard,” she said.
Sephardic Link founders couldn't agree more.
Founders Joe Cayre, Steven Cayre, Charles Mizrahi,
Executive Director Kelly Yedid, and Visionary Partner
Hymie Dweck believe that agents are becoming mentors to singles, and are there for dating advice if the singles wish to hear it. However, agents also know when to
take a step back if their client desires to handle everything on his or her own.
Agents work on a one-on-one basis with clients and
volunteer all of their time. There is a screening process
and rigorous training they must pass in order to qualify
as an agent, and experts are brought in on a regular
basis to speak with them. “I have been matching singles for many years and this link has been the best thing
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Just a Click...
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Lillian and Marc Zekaria
single,” said David Green, a newlywed who met his wife
Dawn Guber through the Link. “You can actually sense
why Sephardic Link thought the match would work out.
It took the Link just one try with us and we couldn't be
happier.”
Sephardic Link alleviates some of the pressures of
dating and agents could go through the post-date conversation without embarrassing either party. “I am so
thankful for Sephardic Link and my agent for introducing me to someone who I never would have met on my
own and for putting in the effort to follow up,” said Lillian
Grossman, recently engaged to Marc Zakaria. “I am
especially thankful to the community for realizing how
important it is for singles to meet the right one and I
hope there are many more matches to come.”
And so there are, but that is undisclosed information, privy only to the dating couples and their agents.
Some matches do not even consist of both members
being on the Link, another advantage to joining. An
agent could match a client with someone off-site, a big
plus for many. Agents solely work for clients and if they
find a good match, whether he or she is on the site,
they'll go for it for their clients' benefit. Such were the
successful cases of newlyweds Crystal Green and Joey
Levy, and Kelly Jemal and Morris Massry. Even though
only one of each pair was on the Link, his or her profile
was in the database, serving as a constant reminder for
the agent. The agent thought of her client so often that
when she didn't find a match on site, she went elsewhere to find it.
“If not at least partly for Sephardic Link's efforts, we
never would have found each other,” said Kelly Jemal
Massry. “The time and consideration they took in
matching us shows in how well we complement each
other and how much we have in common.”
Before you find the right match, you must find the
right agent. If your agent isn't working for you, don't be
embarrassed to switch to another. It's been done and
will continue to happen. Agents understand how clients
feel and only want the best for them.
With so many safeguards, it's extremely difficult to
abuse the system, so pranksters beware. Word from
the wise: don't even try it. Even though people are
screened before becoming members, everyone follows
their own ways and it's up to individuals to do their own
research on matches.
The Link works with over 150 rabbinical authorities
who are happy with the site's aims and anticipate more
success. “You can be confident that everything is on the
up and up from a kashrut standpoint,” said Rabbi Eli
Mansour, a member of the Link team. “The Sephardic
Link is a volcano that is beginning to erupt and will soon
explode.” Rabbi Raymond Harari, also affiliated with the
team, addressed the void that the website fulfills.
“Sephardic Link has already begun to respond to the
very real needs of the Syrian community in progressive
and effective ways,” he said. “It is a pleasure to see it
grow as a vital organization in our community.”
There is a strict confidentiality policy on the site, and
Sephardic Link plans to help that through the advent of
a new home. Founders are looking to create a
Sephardic Link office where agents could privately meet
with clients and people could go to hang out. They're
open to all ideas and anticipate feedback to help equip
singles with necessary skills to venture out in the dating
world. “I believe that what we are doing is providing an
objective forum for singles of all ages to make better
decisions about what they want out of life by presenting
them with a wide range of options and opportunities to
meet other great singles in our community,” said Hymie
Dweck. There are many events in progress as well, and
a one-year anniversary DVD they're releasing to keep
donors in the loop and to post on their site.
The site was originally established after a few of the
founders came up with the concept to begin a matchmaking site for Sephardic singles. Other Jewish websites
don't follow the same customs as Sephardic Jews and
are not as strict in their policies. There's no reason for
people to feel intimidated to join because it's just another
tool to meet people in today's world of cyberspace. A
safe tool that even your grandparents would approve of.
“We urge all singles to overcome their hesitation
and join the Link,” said Kelly Jemal Massry. “You never
know what could happen.”
So, what are you waiting for?
Yvonne Harari is a graduate of Brooklyn College and Allegra Franco
Sephardic Women’s Teachers College.
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SAFE in Our Schools
roject SAFE is a life skills program currently
being taught in five elementary and high
schools in our community. Their goal is to
increase positive, healthy coping skills so that
we can decrease unhealthy addictive behavior.
This past school year has certainly proved that
Project SAFE was both needed and welcomed. There is
a definite partnership and collaboration between the
Project SAFE professionals and each school’s administration and faculty.
SAFE classes have been instituted as part of the
weekly curriculum for girls and boys in grades 5 through
12. During the spring term. The SAFE classes are trying to increase positive, healthy coping skills so that our
children learn to deal with stress and pressures before
they happen. The healthier they are, the less chance
there is of them doing unhealthy things.
Project SAFE also presents many special programs on substances and pressures throughout the
school year for various grades at different times. The
program given to 12th graders at Magen David on
career goals was a positive experience. They learned
about job choices available in the business world. In a
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gambling seminar for 10th graders, the boys sat spellbound listening to what could happen if a life was ruined
by gambling debts.
SAFE is doing its job according to a few remarks
from students who attended its community schools.
Do You Think Project SAFE Was Useful?
Eighth grade girl’s response: “I think Project
SAFE was useful because it gave the students a
chance to have a close relationship with a teacher. It
was a class where we felt comfortable enough to say
whatever we felt, and at the same time, we learned
how to deal with common pressures such as peer
pressure, stress, friendships, school, gambling and
body image.”
Twelfth grade boy’s response: “Project SAFE was
very helpful to me. When I had a question, I would write
it down in my SAFE notebook and once it came time for
class I would approach the teachers, ask my questions
and I received satisfactory answers.”
What Did You Gain From
The Project SAFE Program?
Tenth grade girl’s response: “From the SAFE class
I gained the ability to have a healthy friendship and to
understand when someone is not for me. I learned how
to deal with stress and what to do if one of my friends is
having a problem.”
Eighth grade girl’s response: “Through SAFE, I
learned how to deal with stress, pressure and how to
deal with comments that are hurtful to me. SAFE prepared me for life and taught me lessons that I wouldn't
have learned on my own.”
Do You Think Schools Should Continue To Have
Project SAFE in The Future? Why?
Eighth grade girl’s response: “I think the schools
should definitely continue to have the SAFE programs.
There are a lot of drugs, drinking, gambling, and
anorexia problems in the community. SAFE is a way to
stop these problems before they start. I think that they
have helped many teenagers, and probably even
changed their lives. As eighth graders, we are going
through major changes, and our SAFE teacher was
there to help us step by step.”
Twelfth grade boy’s response: “I feel they must continue the SAFE program. Kids should be aware of gambling and drug dangers first-hand and not too late. So
many times, kids pick up problems; but if they knew the
unhealthy after-effects, they probably wouldn't have
done it in the first place.”
Do You Think Having SAFE Classes In School Was
Helpful To The Community As a Whole? How?
Eighth grade girl’s response: “I think that starting
SAFE programs for children in school is a great way to
avoid problems. SAFE brought the community together,
and gave us somewhere to go if problems occur. At
SAFE you are not judged, and it is the same in the
classroom. Starting us with SAFE classes at such a
young age has put a boulder in front of many problems.
It is very important for our generation and for the generations to come.”
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SAFE
in Our Schools
Yeshiva Rambam
Opens High School
Zvi Dov Roth Academy
Tenth grade girl’s response: “I think the program
helped me as well as other students to gain confidence
and deal with many future problems.”
Tenth grade boy’s response: “Yes, the SAFE classes were definitely helpful to the community as a whole.
We, being the youth of the community, are also the
future of the community. Without the knowledge we are
gaining in class, curious, uneducated and anxious kids
would not be able to face daily situations. Without SAFE
there would be no place to talk about life. After the
SAFE classes, it's sort of like we know about life's situations and what could happen from them.”
SAFE's “Life Skills Program” teaches our children
that “the more you know the better off you will be.” If a
teenager has learned what the first signs of pressure
are, and how to deal with them before they escalate,
SAFE is doing its job. If a teenager learns the effect of
any drugs, they will know to stay away from them and
SAFE is doing its job. If a teenager learns the effect of
gambling before he starts, he will know to stay away
from the casino tables; Safe is doing its job.
Here are just a few tips parents can follow at home
to help their kids avoid drugs, gambling or other addictive experimentation:
1. Evaluate your own use of tobacco, alcohol and
drugs. If you walk in the door at night and grab a beer,
or light up a cigarette every time you get tense, what are
you conveying to your child about how to cope with life
and its stresses?
2. Foster strong family bonds to help challenge
powerful peer influences. If kids have a sense of
belonging within their own families, they will be less likely to seek it elsewhere.
3. Set clear expectations for behavior. In a major survey, thousands of teens reported that their biggest reason for choosing not to drink—or drinking less than they
would have—is that their parents would be upset by it.
4. Let your kids know they can talk to you about
anything, without harsh judgment or lectures. And be on
the look-out for “teachable moments,” like when your
child raises the subject of drugs, or when an anti-drug
commercial comes on TV.
5. Teach your child to make independent decisions.
Allow your kids to make some of their own decisions, so
that, when faced with offers of drugs or alcohol, they
can resist pressure.
6. Teach your child to cope with frustration and
stress. When your child is upset, help him or her to learn
ways to feel better—like talking about it, taking a walk,
or relaxation techniques.
Together, parents, teachers, and SAFE can make a
difference. Our Future depends on it.
he Zvi Dov Roth Academy of Yeshiva
Rambam (ZDR) was created in 1997 to
respond to the emergence of a pressing need
in the Brooklyn community for a new and innovative yeshiva high school. Initiated by Dr. Don Well,
the principal of Yeshiva Rambam Elementary School,
the educators, directors and parents of Rambam
decided the time had come to create a secondary
school, building on their established 50-year reputation for Jewish education in the Brooklyn community.
Named after Mr. Zvi Dov Roth, of blessed memory, the grandfather of Yeshiva Rambam's beloved and
dedicated Co-President of the board, Mr. Alex Rovt, the
school settled into its temporary home in the Young
Israel of Midwood building. Mrs. Chana Schwarz, an
experienced educator and administrator was brought
aboard to develop and manage the enterprise. As principal of the new school, she hand-picked and recruited
a remarkably talented staff of top-notch and experienced faculty, dedicated to Jewish children and Jewish
education. The new school balances traditional Torah
study with the pursuit of secular academic excellence,
stressing Jewish observance, a love for the Jewish
people, the State of Israel and the Hebrew language.
ZDR offers both a girls' division and a boys' division.
According to Rabbi Elliot Bienenstock, Executive Director,
a large percentage of the student population is of
Sephardic descent. The school boasts a full enrollment
and has expanded to both ninth and tenth grades, and
added an eleventh grade in 1999-2000. The program was
enhanced by the appointment of a new Manhig Ruchani
(spiritual advisor) for the Boys' division, Rabbi Daniel
Cohen, a noted educator and rabbi in the Sephardic community, formerly of Hillel Yeshiva, Deal, N.J.
In addition to its advanced computer and science
laboratories, ZDR is particularly proud of its
Hesed/Community Service Program and issue-oriented seminars. Mrs. Schwarz firmly believes that educational success is measured not only by what students
learn but also by how that knowledge is put into practice. Toward this end, special assemblies are held to
explore issues that affect the lives of Jewish teens and
the Jewish community at large. Through this program,
every student at ZDR is encouraged to become
involved in the broader Jewish community, developing
a caring feeling by helping the physically or spiritually
needy. They have developed an especially close
involvement in the activities of Sephardic Bikur Holim.
Mrs. Schwarz feels that ZDR's orientation toward
community involvement strengthens a student’s
development into a well-rounded individual within a
Torah way of life.
T
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Ilan High School Offers New and
Improved Approach to Studying
Rabbi Avraham Goldhar
t sounds too good to be true. The less you study, the
better your grades will be. Yet this is exactly what
Rabbi Avraham Goldhar, developer of the Goldhar
Learning System, says will happen if you are faithful to his revolutionary new study techniques. His claims
seem fantastic, amazing, outrageous, yet educators
claim that this system actually does work. And it's being
introduced at Ilan High School.during the current
semester.
The staff and administration at Ilan High School are
committed to the enhancement of the curriculum for
their student body. Ilan is at the forefront of education in
both the Brooklyn and Deal communities, and beyond.
The school has achieved outstanding standards of
excellence in both the Judaic and secular studies
departments. It provides a balanced and enriched curriculum, combining academic excellence, spiritual
growth, and both social and emotional development. Its
excellent curriculum has achieved distinction among the
Torah institutions in our community. And it is making a
dramatic impact on the lives of all of its students.
When this revolutionary learning system was introduced to the administration at Ilan, they were eager to
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see how it worked. When the program was described
and presented to them with real-life success stories
from other institutions, they knew they had to try it. The
program is currently being offered to Ilan students of all
grades, with an introductory orientation program for all
parents and students. It is an after school program,
which the girls attend during their free time. Yet a substantial number of students felt that this would be crucial to their academic progress and decided to sign on.
Rabbi Goldhar worked for 15 years with Aish
Hatorah in New York, where his specialty was teaching
crash courses in Judaism. He developed a system,
which helped thousands memorize key elements of the
entire Chumash in an hour, or the essence of Jewish
history in three hours. When renowned educators saw
what he was doing, they suggested that he teach these
study skills and learning techniques to middle and high
school students. He then developed “The Goldhar
Learning System,” and has been teaching it in student
workshops for the past three years.
Rabbi Goldhar told the Ilan staff that many students
are bright and capable but they don't know how to study
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The Sephardic Food Fund
Helping Families in Need
s we embark upon this milestone anniversary for Image
Magazine and the Matsas family, The Sephardic Food Fund
is happy to be amongst the many
community organizations that are
joining in their celebration, and
extending them our congratulations.
While we recognize their history
of service to our people, we also
pause to reflect upon our own. The
Sephardic Food Fund (SFF) is now
entering its seventh year of existence, very grateful to have participated in easing the sufferings and
minimizing the struggles for hundreds of our community's families.
The initial sparks, the combination of catalysts that were responsible for our origins and later development, were an assortment of varying
components we were fortunate to
have fall into place. Originally, there
were a handful of households that
were getting minimal support each
week, after a series of problems had
occurred in the stores.
Through an awkward early dialogue and extensive research on the
part of the SFF founders, it was
learned that certain mainstream
community members were in an
uncomfortable and desperate pattern, when seeking to purchase groceries for their homes and families.
There were the requests for
store charges and the more urgent
requests for additional store
charges piled on top of the previous
ones, which had gone unpaid. There
were the bounced checks and the
attempted credit card charges that
were declined at the register. It was
harder to determine what was
worse; the lack of food, or the
shame and humiliation.
After a great deal of serious
thought and planning, and by using
what was considered at the time to
be groundbreaking technologies,
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were familiar with, at the same
stores that they were accustomed to
shopping in, without the stigma of
any lists, coupons, nods and awkward approvals. They simply used
their new credit card, and paid for
their purchases, just like the person
in front of them and the one behind
them.
Fruits and vegetables, meats,
poultry, and fish, basics, snacks,
and baked goods all came pouring
into these homes. Parents were
relieved, and children immediately
sensed the difference in their
homes, as well. Students’ grades
improved, along their health and
attendance. Adults were able to
focus on rebuilding their situations,
too.
In order to begin addressing the
rapidly rising costs associated with
this process, the SFF went public
with their fundraising efforts. Emails
were sent, campaigns were developed, and synagogue drives were
held. With each of these efforts,
describing an organization that
could help with food purchases
while maintaining the dignity of the
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the SFF came forth with an innovative approach as to how they could
start providing the solutions to this
deeply hidden but even more deeply
troubling issue that was plaguing
our families.
We knew well that our people
are a proud people, with a long history of pride and self-sufficiency. At
the same time, we were also very
aware of the significant role that
food has always played in defining
our sense of comfort and expression. A most unique method of distributing this necessary assistance
would need to be devised.
The rest is history. The SFF
introduced the first ever and much
heralded system of giving families
the grocery assistance they
required, in the form of a personalized credit card. Each card would
have its own preset weekly limit, and
all the cards were specially coded,
so that they could only be used in
food establishments. The bills, of
course, were paid at the end of each
month by the Food Fund offices.
Our women were suddenly
empowered with the ability to buy
what they needed, and what they
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Ilan High
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The
Sephardic...
properly. They usually transcribe their teachers' lessons
word for word and then spend hours trying to memorize
them. The Goldhar Learning System trains students to
simplify what they learn by writing notes that are simple
and easy to read and remember. The student is able to
retain the essence of the lesson with very little effort. In
short, the system organizes the mind and allows the
student to think in a faster and simpler manner.
Ilan High School students have now joined about a
thousand students from various schools who have
taken the course. The feedback has been amazing.
Nachum, a science teacher who is familiar with the system, says, ”We piloted the program in one of our weaker classes and over the course of the year, their grades
improved dramatically. Students who regularly failed
began getting marks in the 80s.”
The program bolsters the self-confidence of the
students. Rabbi Jacobowitz, Administrator at Ilan High
School, says that he heard one student remark after
the first class that she doesn't have to study much anymore. She's sure she'll get 100 on her next test.
Mrs. Kassin teaches Spanish at Ilan, and she is
confident that this system will be helpful when studying
any subject. “I love the program,” she says. “It's
absolutely fabulous. I came to the orientation, and he
had us memorize facts about Chumash in five minutes.
It was quite an experience.” She has been implementing the skills in her own classes as well. “When I teach
verbs, I use the Goldhar visual approach. I've even
taught it to my daughter who is in the sixth grade, to
help her study for history tests.”
“These skills will accompany a student for life. This
is something you need to know always,” says one Ilan
teacher. “Whether you're taking a course in college or
are attending a shiur klali (lecture) in yeshivah, it's virtually impossible to write down every word that the
teacher or maggid shiur (lecturer) is saying. Instead,
you learn how to listen and summarize and take structured notes. Once you do this, you can do a quick
review as often as you like. ”
Jacqueline, a tenth grade student at Ilan High
School, says”It's a great system of learning, I see a difference already. My notes are easier to take and easier to study. And I definitely got better grades on the
tests I've taken since we started.”
Leave it to the administration at Ilan to bring this
innovative and enriching program to their students. At
Ilan, every effort is made to introduce the most
advanced and cutting edge learning techniques.
recipients of its assistance, more families and friends
came forward, indicating that they too needed help.
The growth of the SFF was quickly spiraling with
more cases and more monetary needs. The number of
families that were having trouble buying enough food,
and who came forward in those early years, was shocking. All those who were involved in the organization
scrambled furiously to prevent any missteps during this
period of intense and unexpected expansion.
The Food Fund's reputation for being able to provide our community members with kindness, understanding, and discretion, all while maintaining their dig-
“...The SFF continues to
provide this imperative
final safety net to those
who are struggling within
our community.”
nity, was quickly and solidly established. Many who are
presently supporting this organization, were at one time
on the receiving end of that support, and were able to
use the assistance to regain their footing and elevate
their way out of crisis mode, resolving their difficulties
and issues.
It appears that 2008 is going to be a year of facing
challenges, as the SFF continues to provide this imperative final safety net to those who are struggling within
our community. Global concerns, governmental policies, energy issues, unconventional weather patterns,
increasing world populations, and growing economies
that are contributing to changes in consumption patterns in third world countries, are all pointing to rising
food prices, and added difficulties to those having the
hardest time making ends meet.
The Food Fund once again calls upon the generosity of our concerned community members, businesses,
and foundations, to come forward with the funds needed to attend to the needs of our own less fortunate
friends, relatives, and neighbors.
You can reach the SFF at (732) 363-6384 or
www.TheSephardic-FoodFund.org.
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They Will Never Walk Alone:
A Salute to the Soldiers of Israel
By Leah Kornfeld Friedman
t is a tribute to the human spirit;
how people get together to raise
money for a cause they believe
in with all their hearts and souls.
Recently, the Friends of Israel
Defense Forces gathered at a Gala
Dinner at the Waldorf Astoria in New
York City to give. And give they did!
The evening began with an
elaborate cocktail reception, a silent
auction, as well as a raffle billed
Take A Chance For Them, which
included a photograph of Israeli soldiers in battle emblazoned on each
ticket.
As we located our seats in the
candle-lit ballroom, images of soldiers from all branches of the Israel
Defense Forces greeted us from an
immense screen.
Some were
happy and smiling, clean-shaven;
others muddied, fatigued, and pensive, but above all they seemed to
share an unmatched camaraderie,
We, in turn, responded vigorously;
clapping to the live music provided
by members of the spirited Israeli
Orchestra.
A voice-over narrator then
spoke these words, "This past year
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General Moshe Yaalon
and General Yehiel Gozal
A packed ballroom at the Waldorf-Astoria was host to the 2005 FIDF Gala Dinner
FIDF lost a dear friend—John
Klein.”
Pictures of John Klein were then
projected onto the screen. John
Klein was a survivor who lost his
entire family during the Holocaust.
He was a founder of the FIDF in the
US, a man whose sole mission was
the well being of the young men and
women who risked their lives to
defend our homeland. For this
night's event a separate journal was
created to honor John Klein, a
beloved and highly-respected individual.
The grandson of John Klein,
Jason Schwalbe, recited the
HaMotzi (blessing on bread).
Dr. Monica Crowley, an outspoken supporter of Israel and the IDF,
host of Connected: Coast-to-Coast
(MSNBC TV) and The Monica
Crowley Show (WABC), introduced
the evening's program which began
with an emotional rendition of “The
Star Spangled Banner,” sung by
Deena Goodman, a guest of the
FIDF, followed by “Hatikvah,” sung
by IDF Sergeant Noa Harel.
After acknowledging the presence of distinguished members of
the IDF, Monica Crowley introduced
a film depicting services provided by
generous donations of the FIDF. In
the film, a soldier at a rest and relaxation facility, enjoying a one-week
vacation from duty, spoke gratefully
of the FIDF, "Normally I put about 40
pounds on my back to protect me
from the bombs and the gun-shots. I
like to say to you thank you for letting me wear my swim suit and not
my armor for a week."
Another soldier at a cultural and
educational center said, “It's a wonderful feeling knowing that people
overseas think about us and care
about us and donate these facilities
and buildings. There is no way I can
express my feelings to say thank you
to you. So thank you and G-d bless.”
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The FIDF supplies mobile gyms, synagogues, and
social clubs, which are transported directly to the soldiers stationed in remote border hot spots. Another soldier commented on the thoughtfulness of the FIDF, “I
know that somebody thinks about me out in the USA.
He knows when I am sitting here in nowhere and he
supports me with this gym…with his thoughts.”
And lastly, an IDF soldier spoke of the difference
that having a synagogue close to a hot spot has made
for him, “Whenever trouble is close you feel that G-d is
closer to you when you have a synagogue right next to
you. So, yeah, it's really important.”
From economically disadvantaged backgrounds
profound needs abound. Assistance is afforded to keep
the soldiers' families fed, clothed and housed. An officer
spoke on the effect of this aid, “Before the Dignity program a lot of soldiers were very concerned about conditions at home and today when I can help them improve
their condition at home I think it makes them more
focused.”
Last year FIDF sponsored hundreds of veteran
combat soldiers scholarships so they could prepare for
post-army careers at leading academic institutions
throughout Israel.
A soldier passionately expressed her feelings, “I
don't have mother. I don't have father. Both of them
died. What the Impact scholarship gives me is the
opportunity for a better life and it opened for me—a lot
of doors—that weren't open for me without the Impact
scholarship.”
Through the Widows and Children of Fallen
Soldiers program, FIDF has given orphaned children an
exceptional bar/bat mitzvah gift: a summer camp experience in the US with American kids their age.
After a well-earned round of applause for this touching and enlightening film, Monica Crowley introduced
Ambassador Arye Mekel, Consul General of Israel in
New York.
Some excerpts from Ambassador Mekel's speech,
“...We are in the third generation of Israelis since the
establishment of the State of Israel. A generation goes
and a generation comes, as the Bible says, but the soldiers continue to be as brave as ever, as dedicated as
ever, and as committed as ever for the cause of keeping the Jewish state safe, sound and strong. It is heartwarming and extremely important for them to know that
they will never walk alone. Thanks to the FIDF for helping to give them what they need to do their job in an
effective way.”
Benny Shabtai, the Dinner Chairman, introduced
Hon. Ariel Sharon, Prime Minister of Israel, on videotape, at his desk in Israel.
Jeffrey Beyda with sister-in-law Rochelle Beyda and wife Nava.
Monica Crowley
Barbara Beyda, Yvonne Missry and Frieda Catton
Benny Shabtai, Dinner Chairman with Gen. Moshe Yaalon,
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C O M M U N I T Y
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precision… Nobody saw us.
Nobody knew what we did: Just got
in; Got out; Took the guy and he
never knew what hit him."
The audience, most of us on the
edge of our seats, burst into a enormous round of applause.
Another soldier appeared on the
screen to surprise her parents who
were in the audience. We were privy
to a tender reunion between mother,
father, daughter, “I love you, how
are you?” With outstretched arms
the young soldier blew them kisses
and the parents were seen drying
tears over the overwhelming
moment.
We then had the opportunity to
meet four officers from a special unit
whose mission is to find and destroy
tunnels made by the enemy to
smuggle weapons for terrorist
organizations. They told us how it is
a mixture of luck, intelligence, and
persistence by alert, adept, and
sophisticated soldiers to discover
these tunnels. “It is very sad
because Palestinians use small children that dig the tunnels for small
amounts of money and the tunnels
are very deep in the ground and
dangerous. The diggers tried to
reach one of our bases to blow it up
and through the process the tunnel
collapsed and the Palestinians
called us to rescue the terrorists and
of course we did it. This is the differ-
IMAGE
to express our soldiers’ love to you.
From this platform, I want to thank
you, members of the FIDF for your
strong support. Thank you.”
The General went on to discuss
major political issues and terrorism
taking place in the Middle East, ending with, “I should like to conclude
with some personal remarks. In less
than three months I shall complete
my tour of duty as Chief of Staff and
retire from the IDF to which I devoted 37 years of my adult life. I am
confident that the IDF will continue
to meet the challenges of the future
and we shall prevail because our
enemies know that the IDF derives
its strength from the people of Israel
and the strength and the spirit of
Israel cannot be broken.”
Thanks to the miracle of live
satellite, Monica Crowely was able
to interview specially trained soldiers who operate in uniquely dangerous positions. Due to the nature
of the work, some of them were
seen only in silhouette, but their
youthful voices spoke of the hazards. Several members of a unit
whom we had the privilege of meeting have the task of intercepting terrorists before they are able to enter
Israel. Without going into details due
to the need for anonymity, one of
the soldiers told us how they apprehended
a
known
terrorist,
“…Camouflaged, operating quickly
and quietly with complete surgical
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The Prime Minister took this
opportunity to express his “...appreciation for the vital and important
contribution made by the FIDF to
insure the security of the State of
Israel and the strength and morale
of our men and women in uniform.”
Earlier, Mr. Shabtai had asked
Sharon how the FIDF made a difference to him as a commander of soldiers. The following was his reply,
“As a commander I led soldiers in
the most difficult battles of the Six
Day War and in l973 I led thousands
of soldiers in the crossing of the
Suez Canal. I recall very clearly the
volunteer ladies handing care packages to our soldiers and the thankful
look in the eyes of those brave
young men. When I am asked today
how one can know that the IDF is
truly a people's army I point to the
FIDF as a true reflection of the people's army because it was born out
of people's love for the soldiers.”
Lt. Gen. Moshe Yaalon, IDF
Chief of Staff, the Keynote speaker
of the evening, stepped up to the
podium. He was greeted by a standing ovation.
An excerpt from his speech follows, “...As someone who has spent
almost his entire adult life serving in
the IDF, I am well aware what the
FIDF does on behalf of our sons
and daughters in uniform…You
have enveloped our soldiers with
love and on their behalf I would like
T H E
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Members of the IDF orchestra
ence between us and them. We are
not terrorists.”
Amid a huge round of
applause, Monica Crowley turned to
the soldier on screen and said,
“This, right here, the example you
just gave us, is the goodness and
the greatness of the Israeli democracy!”
One of these officers was seated. He is missing a leg, “It was a
simple operation that we do in Gaza
and as mentioned the bulldozers
are first and they are big and they
become an easy target for the
Palestinian terrorists so I get a missile straight into my bulldozer and I
lost my left leg. I was in hospital for
three months. After I finish the business with the leg I'm going back to
the army...”
Monica's reply surely echoing
the audience's feelings, “G-d bless
you. You're such a hero, Shmul.
You are such an inspiration. We
want to wish you a speedy recovery.”
Following that was a memorial
tribute. Benny Shabtai introduced
Osnat Vishinsky, mother of Staff
Sgt. Lior Vishinsky, who was killed
in action 10 months ago at the ten-
der age of 20. After a personal and
touching tribute to her son, Mrs.
Vishinskhy shared these words, “I
am here to tell you that my beloved
Lior did not die in vain. Lior is an
eternal part of a huge family of soldiers who have sacrificed their lives
for the natural right of the Jewish
people to live calmly and peacefully
in its homeland. Thanks to each one
of the heroes of the IDF, we can
wake up each day, certain in the
knowledge that we have a place to
be, a place to return to, a place to
immigrate to, a place to call home.
Only by standing together as one in
support of our strong and resourceful army can we continue to exist.
We have a country, a language, a
culture and a heritage that nobody
can take from us.”
A long list of names of young
men and women was shown on the
screen, as the audience stood
silently for the memory of those soldiers who gave their lives this year
for the State of Israel.
Benny Shabtai's response was,
“The life of an Israeli soldier is very
difficult and that's on a good day. A
day when all you have to do is get up
at the crack of dawn and train; To
Joy Harari at the
“Take a Chance for Them” table
make sure that your equipment is
ready for action; To stay alert for
trouble; To work until you are ready
to drop. Then there are other days
when night becomes day because
you are on a mission; When your
surroundings are so dangerous, so
unforgiving, when the slightest mistake can cost you your life, you consider yourself lucky if you only got
wounded. Yet they do it. They do it
because Israel is their home. They
do it because they see it as their
responsibility, and they do it with a
deep dedication of pride. We also
have a responsibility. To insure that
when they make it back to their
bases in one piece they have a
place to catch their breath, watch
TV, relax. And once a year they get
to go for a week of vacation— when
we take care of them instead of their
taking care of us. And if they get
wounded they have cable TV in their
room and a cell phone to call home.
That is the least that we can do for
them. And for that we need you. So,
please! Ladies and Gentlemen! Who
will be first! Please wait for the
microphone so you will be able to be
heard! Who is the first one?”
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18th ANNIVERSARY
They Will Never...
The true purpose of the evening
then began with an exhilarating spirit of giving as donors took to the
microphones and expressed their
heartfelt desire to support and serve
the Israel Defense Forces by contributing incredible sums of money:
The Holocaust and the concept
of “never again” was evoked.
People gave in honor of a sick relative for whom a prayer was asked;
in honor of tireless, dedicated workers and former as well as incoming
officers of the FIDF; the bar mitzvah
of a son. Sums were specifically
earmarked for the Dignity and
Impact programs.
A youngster donated her own
money on behalf of her father,
whose work for the IDF filled her with
pride; gratitude for the safe return of
a son who had enlisted in the Israeli
army; in memory of a father, in honor
of a mother; in honor of a grandfather in the hospital, in memory of the
loss of murdered Israeli children by
terrorists, in honor of soldiers and
officers of the IDF.
A woman offered up whatever it
costs to bring 80 children to the US
this summer for their bar/bat mitzvahs. In memory of a daughter and
son-in-law, Betty and Moti Tzafrir;
The energetic Young Leadership of
the FIDF made the audience proud
by their outstanding donation.
Supporters from many states of the
nation as well as Canada added to
the increasing total. A mobile gym—
whatever the costs— a contribution
because a 19-year-old broke a
promise he made six years ago to
join the Israeli army at age l8, “For
the good of the children;” a prosthesis and the entire rehabilitation for
the soldier who lost his leg; at least
two “Planned Giving” donations—
established this year by the FIDF—
to change beneficiary of an IRA
account to be the Friends of the
Israel Defense Forces; in memory of
Lior Vishinsky and all the fallen soldiers. “I feel sensationally lucky to
Members of the IDF orchestra
be an American and even more
lucky to have Israel as a friend,”
said one generous donor. That
seemed to say it all.
Monica Crowely closed the
evening with a special acknowledgement of thanks to Iris Twerski,
recently retired Eastern Regional
Director of the FIDF.
When asked for his impression
of the Gala, Brigadier General
(Res.) Yehiel Gozal, National
Director of the FIDF, first and foremost acknowledged the roll of volunteers and donors. Of course he
appreciates the professionals, but
feels that without volunteers and
gifts this event could not happen.
He is enthusiastic about the newly
established “Planned-Giving” program, which gives participants the
opportunity to take pride and pleasure in knowing that they have allocated some of the economic and tax
benefits to enable the FIDF to
accomplish its important work on
behalf of the men and women of the
Israel Defense Forces, who sacrifice so much for our beloved State
of Israel and for the entire Jewish
community the world over. He
eagerly looks forward to next year to
reach and surpass this year's suc-
cess; over $8 million was raised for
the IDF.
General Gozal was also pleased
to announce the first-ever FIDF
Poland and Israel mission. The itinerary includes a tour of special sites in
the once thriving Jewish community
of Krakow, as well as visits to two
concentration camps—Auschwitz
and Birkenau—where 150 soldiers of
the IDF will join the group for a special memorial. A day in Jerusalem
and a sacred pilgrimage to the
Western Wall will be part of the
events planned in Israel. The General
describes this mission as, "From
Holocaust to independence." He
feels that if we see and experience
that the Jewish people endured, in
this symbolic way, there will be deeper meaning to the words never again.
FIDF is a non-profit tax
deductible organization. For further
information about their programs
and events please call 212-2443118 or logon to www.israelsoldiers.org.q
Leah Kornfeld Friedman is a
playwright. She is a past winner of
the New York Foundation for the
Arts award and the National
Association for Jewish Culture
Award.
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Shomer Shabbat
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A Quiet Miracle of
Love in Deal
he Special Children's Center
has been the best-kept secret
for parents of special children in
Brooklyn and Deal for the last
eight years. In their honor, the Jewish
Community Center in Deal was transformed for an enchanting evening
filled with music and dinner. The
Special Children's Center of Deal is a
unique organization, founded by
Jenine Shwekey, dedicated to helping children in our community with a
range of disabilities such as Down
syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy,
etc., while providing much needed
380
JANUARY 2008
IMAGE
18th ANNIVERSARY
T
needs children with programs tailored to their needs throughout the
year, such as the Max Harari Disney
World trip, Sunday programs,
overnight and weekend getaways
and a Shabbat house, where the
children stay to enjoy a meaningful
Shabbat.
Their flagship program is a
world-class summer camp featuring
special education teachers, therapists and an incredible all volunteer
staff. This year they added an integrated class, which accommodated
children whose needs couldn't be
Award presented to Sion Harari, founder of the Max Harari Disney World Make a
Dream Come True trip
respite for the families of the child.
The center is proud to provide selfcontained groups for children with
learning differences. Every program
is specifically designed with the goal
of providing relief to the family from
the difficulties and constant needs of
a special needs child and allowing
them the opportunity to focus on other
members of the family.
The Special Children's Center
provides our community's special
accommodated by any other camp.
All of this growth made this year's
fundraising concert a must. Without
the generous help of the community,
the Special Children's Center couldn't possibly continue to be there for
our children.
The evening was dedicated in
honor of Joe and Trina Cayre
through the generosity of their children and grandchildren. While community members enjoyed a lavish
buffet dinner and bar by Zami
Caterers before the main event, the
relaxing music of a harpist played in
the background. The magic began
when the doors opened to the new
Axelrod Performing Arts Theatre.
Rabbi Eli Mansour opened the night
by telling the crowd that although
Drs. Brian and Gayle Krost, Event
Coordinator
they were there that night to enjoy
themselves in an unforgettable
evening, the help their participation
gives to the Center, thereby
enabling them to do so much for the
special needs children, is immeasurable. The concert got right into
gear with a fast-paced performance
by
Piamenta,
a
well-known
Sephardic Israeli singer. The excitement continued when Yaakov
Continued on page 382
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18th ANNIVERSARY
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IMAGE
1997 McDonald Aveneue
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JANUARY 2008
718-787-1170 • 718-876-9305
381
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A Quiet...
18th ANNIVERSARY
Shwekey, the main performer of the
evening, sang a duet with Piamenta
and went on to sing some of his
most popular and well-loved songs.
As the evening progressed, the
wonderful people that spent their
time and efforts making the event a
success were thanked including
Gayle Krost, Allie Cohen, Lauren
Franco and Chanie Shoner. It goes
without saying that the success of
the Special Children's Center is due
in large part to Michael Cayre and
Richy Dweck, for whom no thank
you will ever suffice. The Center
would not be where it is today without their dedication to the cause.
In order to showcase the virtues
of this organization, a video presen-
tation was shown. The video
described the feelings of both a special needs child, who sees his counselor as his hero, and the feelings of
IMAGE
Michael Cayre receiving award for
years of dedication to the center
JANUARY 2008
382
Yakkov Shwekey and orchestra
Yaakov Shwekey
the counselor who likewise sees a
child that overcomes many obstacles
as a hero. The presentation was very
heartwarming and really gave the
crowd a chance to see the effect the
Center has on all those involved. A
special acknowledgment was made
in the video to the Harari and Mizrahi
families for their generous contribu-
tion to the Center and for sponsoring
the 2006 Max Harari Disney World
Make a Wish Come True trip.
As the concert went on, the
audience fell in love with a surprise
guest. Completely unplanned, a
young boy with Down syndrome
took to the stage. True to the heart
of the organization, the boy immediately started dancing with Yaakov
Shwekey to the applause of the
crowd.
The evening finished with a
delightful Viennese table. The
guests got to take home adorable
cookies and maracas emblazoned
with the Center logo. Most importantly, they took home the true satisfaction of knowing that they took
part in supporting a truly great
cause. With the ‘word’ out about the
Special Children's Center and the
love the community has for its special needs children, the evening was
truly successful in so many ways.
The summer concert and dinner
event allowed the Center to publicize the existence of an organization
that services the children, helps the
families and offers the youth of our
community the opportunity to do
hesed. To get involved, please call
732-367-0099.
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HOSPITAL
Congratulations
on your 18th Anniversary
in keeping our community informed,
and for your continuing support for
the benefit of us all.
Isaac M. Sutton
384
JANUARY 2008
IMAGE
18th ANNIVERSARY
President
Celia Beda
Executive Director
Call our helpline 24/7
718-692-1440 • Fax 718-692-1442
1075 Ocean Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11230