Community Magazine September 2009

Jewish Breast Cancer Organization Expands To Ovarian Cancer Sharsheret, an organization that helps Jewish breast cancer patients by providing valuable resources about the illness, has expanded its work to include ovarian cancer patients, as well. Ms. Rochelle Shoretz founded Sharsheret upon experiencing the need within the Jewish community firsthand, after she was diagnosed with breast cancer at the young age of 28. The organization’s expansion to ovarian cancer is a logical step, given the strong connection between breast and ovarian cancer: both cancers are (primarily) female, gynecologic cancers and mutations in the breast cancer (BRCA) genes increase the susceptibility to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. Over the past eight years, Sharsheret has become the leading resource for Jewish women and families of all backgrounds facing breast cancer. Over 850 women from 39 states currently benefit from Sharsheret’s 10 free, national programs. These include a national, confidential peer support network, a genetics program focusing on hereditary breast cancer, and a support program for women living with advanced breast cancer. For more information, please visit www.sharsheret.org or call (866) 474-2774. The Virtual Jewish Lost and Found Finding a lost item or returning one to its rightful owner has just gotten easier. A new organization called “ Matzasi – I found” has been launched to consolidate all lost and found items in the Jewish community into one central database to increase the chances of reuniting lost items with their owners. The database will include items listed in the lost and found sections of all newspapers. Records will be kept of all items missing and found throughout New York and New Jersey, both recently and in the more distant past. Trained volunteer operators will be available from 11am to 1pm and from 8:30 pm – 10:30 pm to record items lost or found. When calling at any other time, an automated attendant will record the pertinent details, and a Matzasi volunteer will enter the data and call to confirm within 48 hours. To ensure that lost items find their way to the correct owner, callers will be required to provide simanim (unique identifying properties) of each item, such as brand, color, style, material etc. and the location where the item was lost or found. Callers are not required to identify themselves however; only contact information, such is phone number or email address will be collected. Once the information is entered, a digital search engine will scour the database to determine whether the object matches a previous entry. To report a lost or found item, learn about volunteer opportunities, or receive brochures to distribute in your area, call the Matzasi hotline at 718-222-LOST (5678). Canton Fair to Feature Kosher Food and Jewish Prayer Services A synagogue and Glatt kosher restaurant will be opened in the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Guangzhou, China, thanks to an agreement reached between Kehilat Zion synagogue and the hotel management for the duration of the second and third weeks of the 106th Canton Fair. The famous Ritz-Carlton Guangzhou is a new hotel that has attained the title, “The most prestigious and beautiful hotel in Southern China.” The hotel is situated a mere 12-minute taxi ride from the center of the Fair, second closest among area hotels. Additionally, during all hours of Fair activity, a special shuttle bus will be running back and forth between the Fair center and the hotel, for the convenience of the Kehilat Zion synagogue members. The Canton Fair is the largest trade fair in China. It has the largest assortment of products, the largest attendance, and plays host to a huge number of business deals. To take advantage of the discounted hotel rates, travelers can book reservations under the name “Kehilat Zion synagogue.” Discounted prices depend on room availability, so organizers recommend making reservations well in advance. For reservations, contact the Contact the Ritz-Carlton Guangzhou at (86 20) 381- 36831 or email kristy-sy.lee@ritzcarlton.com. Customize a Unique Holiday Gift Gems by Leah Benguigui, centrally located in Brooklyn, has quickly become known for offering magnificent, Italian gold jewelry to fit every budget. With hours by appointment, patrons can view Leah’s well priced collection conveniently. Since its inception a year and a half ago, Gems has been featured in numerous Chinese auctions. Leah’s passion for color and creativity, and her keen esthetic sense have combined to create a remarkable assemblage of eye-catching jewelry displays. Her collections range from baby to bridal and beyond. With the holidays in mind, Leah now also offers customers a wide range of customizing options. Monogrammed cufflinks for men and bar missva boys make great gifts. Women’s jewelry can be engraved with initials or a personal message. “Jewelry is a unique expression of self,” explains Leah. “And personalizing makes it that much more special and treasured by the recipient.” Dedicated to working with each client to ensure complete satisfaction, theGems collectionoffersunique findswithconsideration for age, style, and budget. Leah has also become a known as a personal shopper of high line Italian jewelry offered at competitive prices to suit even the most discerning and savvy consumer. For more information or to make an appointment call 718-339-5659. Community Chest 108 CoMMUniTy MagazinE