Community Magazine October 2009

Torah Dedicated for Magen Abraham Youth When Sammy Kassin chaired a magnificent Torah dedication to the Congregation Magen Abraham synagogue (West Long Branch) several years ago in 2006, that festive event brought to light the need for a smaller and lighter Torah suitable for the youth minyan . Answering the call once again, Sammy Kassin, together with Richie Shalom and Sammy Sitt, rose to the occasion and organized a Torah dedication for a sefer that would be suitable for the children and teens attending the youth minyan. Dedications were sold to community members, many of whom sponsored a parasha (section), pasuk (verse) or ot (letter) in the Torah in honor of their children. The donations were commemorated with plaques on the Torah’s case. The day of the dedication, August 16th, dawned brightly with the procession of 250 people beginning at the home of Morris and Stella Sitt. It continued on to the synagogue, where the sofrim (scribes) greeted the new sefer and escorted it into the synagogue together with all the participants. An aura of festivity filled the air as parents and children alike excitedly attended the dedication with everyone feeling a special part in the event. What made it all the more unique and special was the involvement of the children, the future of our community. The Torah was made a bit smaller with a lighter casing to enable bar missva boys to carry the Torah with greater ease. The event wasmarked by inspiringmessages byMagenAbraham’s Rabbi Reuven Semah, as well as Rabbi Choueka, Rabbi Franco and Rabbi Dabbah among others. The Daily Halacha Book Hits Bookstores A selection of over 300 practical, everyday halachot presented by Rabbi Eli Mansour, have been compiled by DailyHalacha.com into a beautifully leather-bound book appropriately entitled, Daily Halacha . The halachot are formatted in an easy-to- read question and answer format with a summary of the practical halachic conclusion at the end of every piece. Sources for every halacha are included. The sefer (book) earned the haskama (approbation) of Hacham Ovadia Yosef, shelita , and Rabbi Shmuel Pinhasi, shelita . The volume, which is available at local bookstores and Judaica stores, was dedicated in memory of Chief Rabbi Jacob S. Kassin by his grandson Jack A. Kassin, in the desire to perpetuate the laws and customs his grandfather upheld. Over 100 sponsors, from Panama, London, Columbia, Miami, Los Angeles, Teaneck, Mexico City, New York and Deal and surrounding areas, contributed toward the publication. In addition to the daily halacha , the book contains insights by Rabbi Mansour on every parasha with thought-provoking ideas and Torah outlooks on everyday issues. Meanwhile, DailyHalacha. com, along with publishing company Artscroll, are planning a second volume, focusing on halachot of the holidays. Luxury for Intersession at Recession Rates When Christopher Columbus first saw the land that is now the Dominican Republic, he described it as “one of the most beautiful islands I have ever seen.” Nestled in the heart of the Caribbean archipelago between Cuba, Jamaica and Puerto Rico, this vacation paradise has become a favorite, year round getaway location. Now, Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Club, a “six-star” hotel in the Dominican Republic, is offering great recession savings prices for winter vacationers. The Confressi Beach, with its golden sand, palm trees, reefs with colorful tropical fish and views of towering mountains, is also the home of OceanWorld, one of theworld’s largest andmost spectacular aquatic parks where visitors can get up close with dolphins, sea lions and other exotic sea life. The luxury vacation package promises something for everyone: a playground, golf, tennis and shopping areas, sports activities, tours, three pools, a beach club and more. Formore information and savings on first-time bookings, call Marc at 718- 753-5667 or email travelvipforlife@ aim.com. Community Chest 88 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE