Community Magazine March 2016

co mm unity HIGHL IGHTS On Tuesday evening, March 15, 2016, hundreds will gather at the Annual Hineni Dinner to pay tribute to Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis.   The Rebbitzen has been a true visionary in the realm of kiruv for more than half a century, and has touched the hearts and lives of thousands of people worldwide. Many of these people and so many others will come to celebrate the Rebbetzin’s recovery, her tremendous accomplishments, and the powerful experiences through which she touched their lives.   Hardly a Jew in America, let alone the world, was not somehow been touched by the Rebbetzin. Her sincere love and dedication for each and every member of Klal Yisrael , both affiliated and non-affiliated alike, has enabled her to have such a strong impact.   The Rebbetzin’s inaugural mass Hineni event was at Madison Square Garden on November 8, 1973. More than 18,000 people attended the event, which marked the beginning of a legacy. Since then, Hineni and the Rebbetzin have been at the forefront of the Jewish community, providing transformational Torah classes and helping people make life-changing spiritual discoveries. Over the Mid-February’s hanachat even hapinah for a new building to serve as home for Yeshivas Acheinu L’Tzeirim in Kiryat Sefer was a deeply inspiring maamad of Torah and tefillah that will not be easily forgotten. The yeshiva, which was established ten years ago at the behest of HaGaon HaRav Aharon Leib Shteinman, shlit”a , has inculcated the foundations of Torah learning and Torah living into an entire generation of talmidim . Due to the yeshiva’s success and growth, the need for a new state-of-the art building became an imperative. The hanachat even hapinah was held in the presence of numerous gedolei Yisrael and talmidim of the yeshiva both past and present. The feelings of emotion at the hachnasat even pin a were overwhelming. HaGaon HaRav Shimon Baadani, shlit”a , Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Torah V’Chaim of Bnei Brak and a member of the Moetzet Chachmei HaTorah, was one of the gedolim who poured the cement into the foundation of the new Yeshivas Acheinu L’Tze’eirim in Modiin Illit. Rav Baadani was flanked by other gedolim as well as Rav Dovid Hofstedter, Nasi of Dirshu. After pouring the cement, Rav Baadani spoke from the heart, exclaiming, “I have a special, abiding love for Acheinu! Why? Because Yeshivas Acheinu is unique. Many other yeshivos seek only metzuyanim , outstanding bachurim who will reflect well on the yeshiva. Acheinu just wants toworkwith bachurim and bring out the best in them!” Before the January blizzard set in, the Jewish Children’s Museum in Brooklyn hosted “Jewish-Syrian Metal Works: The Lost Art of Damascus,” an art showcase featuring the metal and inlaid copper-work of Syrian artist, Maurice Nseiri. Nseiri was also awarded the International Arts Award at the museum’s annual benefit dinner of 2015. The event was facilitated and sponsored by Joseph and Marshall Aronow, renowned philanthropists in the Syrian Jewish community and relatives of the artist. The Aronow’s helped transform the Brooklyn Museum to a haven of Syrian culture. Sheer gold curtains graced the walls, colorful metal lamps decked the floors, and a long table offered trays of Syrian nut-filled desserts, including marzipan, pistachio ghraybe, maamoul, and atayef. Nseiri’s style was learned from his father, whereby metal and copper are forced into beautiful and intricate designs. “The Syrian Jewish story is one that must be told,” said Joseph Aronow. “This artwork tells the story of the historically renowned Syrian Jewish community. Persecuted and harassed, they remained staunch defenders of tradition, publicly proud of their Jewishness, until they were able or forced to leave.” Nseiri himself was imprisoned more than fifteen times for exporting his artwork. The Nseiri display enabled people of many backgrounds to enjoy a taste of the modern Syrian Jewish story, and its place in history. Hineni Dinner to Celebrate 50 Years of Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis’ Pioneering Work in the World of Kiruv  Hanachat Even Hapinah for Yeshivas Acheinu Graced by Gedolim Museum Showcases Jewish Syrian Art years, Hineni’s programs and activities have vastly expanded, thanks to the Rebbetzin’s children joining forces with her. Together with the Rebbetzin, they work tirelessly to change lives, inspire hearts, and bring people closer to Judaism.  On March 15, people from all over the world will gather at Hineni’s 50th Anniversary Jubilee Dinner. The event will take place at Guastavino’s, a landmark venue in New York City. At the dinner the Rebbetzin and Hineni will introduce an exciting new initiative. Shema is the prayer that throughout the ages, through all that we have endured, has served as an eternal reminder of the continuity of the Jewish people. The Rebbetzin will be announcing the launch of a worldwide campaign to keep the flame of Shema Yisrael alive.   Be a part of history. Join the Hineni family in paying tribute to 50 years of the Rebbetzin’s pioneering work on behalf of . For more information, or to place a journal ad and make dinner reservations, please visit www.hinenindinner.org, or contact HINENI at 1.212.496.1660.  Artist Maurice Nseiri ADAR I - ADAR II 5776 MARCH 2016 83