Community Magazine December 2019

34 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE FRIEDA SCHWEKY L ast month, our community was graced by the presence of Hacham Yitzhak Yosef, Sephardic Chief Rabbi of the State of Israel. After first visiting Miami, Hacham Yitzhak spent six days in Brooklyn and then a day in Deal, New Jersey, during which time he visited numerous community schools, spoke with students, and granted blessings. In speaking to our community’s boys, Hacham Yitzhak blessed them that they should become Torah scholars, and that the wisdom and sanctity of the Torah should always guide them and elevate their conduct to lofty heights. Addressing the girls, the Hacham emphasized the great privilege they have to receive such a rich Torah education, learning the vitally important principles and halachot that they need to know to live as Jews. He also explained that women do not recite the same berachot as men because they are naturally blessed, and that they serve the vital role of forming the foundation of the home. The Chief Rabbi urged the young women to pay special attention to the laws of kashrut , as they bear the responsibility of maintaining a kosher home. He concluded by offering his blessing that the young women should grow to have great love and respect for Torah, find husbands who are learned and dedicated to Torah, and always support and encourage their husbands to devote time for learning. INSPIRATION AND BLESSINGS From Chief Rabbi Hacham Yitzhak Yosef