Community Magazine January 2012

Oorah 2012 Allows Donors to Decide their Charity Oorah’s annual Chinese Auction will have a new twist this year – the “Donor Decide” program, which allows donors the option to earmark their donation towards whichever of Oorah’s programs they choose. The new option is based on the idea that donors are not just people who give money for Oorah to spend; they are actual partners – and, by extension, decision-makers – in all the kiruv (Jewish outreach) Oorah does. Oorah auction staff believes that there’s no better way to convey that message than by giving donors the power to make the important choice of exactly where their money should go. Whether it’s sponsoring to pay a boy’s yeshiva tuition, funding for TheZone camp, or an extra Mossa’ei Shabbat learning program, there are hundreds of ways to put donations to work. For a complete listing of sponsorship opportunities, check out the Donor Decide site at www.oorah.org/donordecide. Sephardic Mikveh in Madison Opens Its Doors The new Sephardic mikveh in the Madison area of Brooklyn, has already begun to serve the community. Located at 2802 Avenue R and East 28 th Street, the facility was a much-needed addition to the Sephardic community in the Bedford area. Designed with a serene atmosphere and spa-like feel, the Sephardic Mikveh of Avenue R boasts ten fully equipped, state-of-the-art, spacious, relaxing shower rooms (as per Sephardic custom), as well as a beautiful salon area, with blow dryers and other accessories, where patrons can pamper themselves afterwards. The mikveh is open for walk-ins seven nights a week, though women also have the option to call in advance and book a room to avoid waiting in line. Special daytime appointments are also available for brides. Appointments can be made by calling 718-336-0904/0905. The front desk can be reached at 718-336-0058. MDY Kicks Off Sephardic Heritage Program Magen David Yeshivah High School (MDYHS) initiated its new 10 th grade Sephardic Heritage program with a special assembly on December 2 nd. The entire student body and staff of MDYHS gathered to view the documentary film on Sephardic Heritage produced by Mr. Joseph Sitt and the Sephardic Heritage Museum. The memorable event was organized by Rabbi Joey Haber, in coordination with the MDYHS staff and The Sephardic Heritage Museum. The students were captivated as they learned their own history from community leaders and from the interviews captured on film. Mr. Sitt explained his goals in establishing The Sephardic Heritage Museum, and inspired the students with his commitment to preserving our past, emphasizing the pride that each and every one of us must feel as members of the world-renowned Sephardic community. To supplement the film, the school invited a panel of distinguished guests to answer students’ questions. The panel consisted of five prestigious community figures: Mr. Steven Ashear: The great-grandson of Hazan Hayim Ashear a.h., who composed many of the well-known pizmonim sung today. Mr. Fred Bijou: One of the original founders of Sephardic Bikur Holim and a member of the third class of Magen David Yeshivah. Mr. Harry Catton: Son of Mr. Sam Catton a.h. , who published many of our community’s prayer and pizmonim books. Mr. Joe Faham: Whose family was responsible for bringing the Keter Aram Soba , or Aleppo Codex, out of Syria. Mr. Ralph Shamah: Son of Hacham David Shamah a.h. and a World War II veteran. Mr. Shamah attended the first classes in the Magen David Talmud Torah on 67 th street back in 1932. The panel shared stories about life in Besonhurst, the publication of sidurim , the important role hesed plays in the community, and the remarkable story of the escape from Syria with the Aleppo Codex. In the yearlong 10 th grade Sephardic Heritage program, students are assigned to one of 26 groups that will study various elements of the community and create exhibits on themes such as life in Aleppo, immigration from the Middle East, the Syrian rabbinate, culinary items, hazanut , and Syrian Jews in World War II. The program was designed by the staff of MDYHS, led by Audrey Nasar, along with Rabbi Elinatan Bitton, Rabbi David Elnadav and Sally Mishanieh, under the guidance of Mrs. Sabrina Maleh, out of a desire and commitment to preserve Sephardic history. Community Chest Rabbi Joey Haber Mr. Joseph Sitt The panel members 80 Community magazine