Community Magazine September 2012

MASTERS AND LEADERS It was interesting to read about the life of Rabbi Elyashiv z.s.l. who passed away recently. I especially liked the old photos of Rabbi Elyashiv in his younger days. I also very much appreciated reading about Hacham Ezra Attieh z.s.l. on the 40th anniversary of his passing, and seeing the wonderful photos of him in old Jerusalem. What struck me was how both of these revered sages overcame difficult challenges, including poverty and war, in their rise to greatness. In fact, the very births of both men were described as miraculous. Perhaps having had to overcome adversity is part of what made these holy men able to achieve so much, making the most of their lives and affecting so many others in the process. My only fear is that our increasingly complacent society will not produce leaders of such caliber for us and our children to follow. May the memories of these rabbis serve as a merit to protect us. A. Gindi THEMEANS TO KIDDUSH HASHEM I read with interest Rabbi Mansour’s article "Do the Ends Justify the Means?" in the August 2012 issue. I would only add one point: The very definition of kiddush Hashem (sanctifying Gd’s name) is the ends don't justify the means, not only with regard to the three cardinal sins of bloodshed, adultery, and idolatry, but also in smaller, everyday behavior and demeanor. Jack Beyda OUR PAST IS KEY TO THE COMMUNITY’S FUTURE Your coverage last month of the Prayer and CommUNITY event failed to note the significant drop in attendance at the event since last year. It was a fact that anyone who attended both events couldn’t possibly have failed to notice. My point in bringing it up is neither to chastise the otherwise fine coverage of the event, nor to criticize the organizers or the community itself. Rather, I’d like to suggest what I believe may be a solution to boost attendance for future events. About two years ago, Mr. Joseph Sitt and the Sephardic Heritage Museum organized an event at Avery Fischer Hall to show a new documentary film about the history of our community to what was described as the largest gathering of New York and New Jersey’s Syrian and near Eastern Jewish communities in history. The event drew so many thousands of people because it promised to deliver more than just an opportunity to unite as a community; it offered precious nuggets of our shared history and important knowledge about our very identity. This is the kind of experience that I believe future CommUNITY events should offer to attract wider attendance – whether in conjunction with the Sephardic Heritage Museum or independently – because I believe that strengthening our unity is about not just coming together now, but also recognizing what we’ve been through together over countless generations. C. Beyda COMMUNITY ACCEPTANCE I read in your August 2012 issue the ”Worried Wife’s” letter to Sito about how her husband ‘s religious observance declined, and Sito’s response. I agree, admire and appreciate the wisdom of the answer given by Sito. Although I am not a part of the Syrian Community, I grew up amongst it and have some Syrian friends, as well. The approach of Rabbi Kassin, z.s.l., which was mentioned – acceptance of all – is something I have always noticed about the community. Growing up, I remember thinking how remarkably special this aspect of the community is and I hope this attitude continues and influences the rest of the Jewish Nation, thereby bringing many more closer to Gd and the coming of Mashiah. May Gd give you the strength to continue your great work. Leah W. HEROES OF HATZALAH Thank you for giving a long overdue public acknowledgment to the selfless community volunteers of Hatzalah in your last issue. Having had to call the hotline not too long ago when our son was involved in an accident, I can personally attest not only to the heroism of these men, but also to their warmth and caring. In a time of crisis, being able to interact with a responder from our own community helped calm my husband and me immensely. Thank Gd, and thanks in no small part to the responders of Hatzalah, our son is fine. But the experience left us with a renewed appreciation for the “volunteers who never sleep.” Sarah Dweck LETTERS MOBILE: Scan the Quick Response (QR) code here with your tablet, smart phone or other mobile device. EMAIL: letters@Community M .com WEB: www. Community M .com POSTALMAIL: Community Magazine 1616 Ocean Pkwy Brooklyn, NY 11223 FAX: 718-504-4246 TELL US WHAT YOU REALLY THINK! WRITE US A LETTER Letters submitted become the property of Community Magazine and will not be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope. Letters may be edited and revised for length, style and grammar before publication. All submissions are considered for publication unless otherwise requested. Preferential consideration is given to brief comments and insights that relate directly to published content. Anonymous letters are generally not reviewed or considered for publication. A caption in the “Prayer and Community” article on page 35 of the August 2012 issue, identifying the names of the hazanim at the event, contained a number of errors and omissions. The correct names, from the left starting after Menachem Mustaki, are: Yair Hamra, Mordechai Salem, Jack Hamra, Henri Hamra, and Aaron Manopla. A caption for a photo at the bottom of Page 37 of the same article incorrectly labeled one of the elders. The elder on the far right of the photo is actually Butchie (Claude) Sutton. A caption in the "Adopt a Survivor" article, on page 64 of the July 2012 issue, incorrectly noted that Mr. Baruch Unger attended the event with his wife. Mr. Unger attended as a survivor. CORRECTIONS: 14 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE