The Community Misses Abe Sultan A”H

Our community was deeply saddened when community leader Abraham Sultan passed away. At his eulogy, he was called a visionary. Over 60 years ago he understood the need our young people had for a center. He not only understood the need, he was the driving force behind the idea and the fund- raising ef...

02/14/2008 | 91 Hits | (0 vote) | Print | PDF | Read more...

The Community Misses Lena Cymbrowitz A”H

Lena Cymbrowitz was a beloved community member. After her passing, her husband, Assemblyman Steven Cymbrowitz wrote this: Lena knew that her passing would be particularly hard for me. We were more than husband and wife. We were best friends, partners, and soulmates. Whenever I would begin to cry she...

02/14/2008 | 120 Hits | (0 vote) | Print | PDF | Read more...

The Community Mourns the Passing of Rabbi Baruch Ben Haim A”H

Rabbi Baruch Ben Haim was the guiding force of our community for over 50 years. He was born in 1921 in Jerusalem. He studied in Yeshivat Porat Yosef and was ordained by the great Gaon Rabbi Ezra Attieh, the Rosh Yeshiva, and by the Chief Rabbi of Israel, Rabbi Ben-Tzion Meir Hai Uziel. He served as ...

02/14/2008 | 111 Hits | (0 vote) | Print | PDF | Read more...

The Establishment of the Sephardic Community Center

It was early 1944; I was married with two children. We were at war! I received a letter from President Roosevelt inviting me to report to the New York armory for induction into the US Army. I was duly classified 4F—unfit for military service. Thus I spent the war years as a civilian. Many...

02/14/2008 | 198 Hits | (0 vote) | Print | PDF | Read more...

The Rabbi Who Saved Sephardic Youth

Jews are being killed and you intend to sit by quietly?” cried Rabbi Kalmanowitz. “If it were your own sons, would you be so calm? Get up and do something! Come with me and we'll go to Washington right now…”

10/10/2007 | 189 Hits | (0 vote) | Print | PDF

The Sephardic Community Federation Helps Yeshivot

The Sephardic Community Federation (SCF) played a critical role in successfully reaching an agreement with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOH) that would improve the health and safety of our children, and prevent the possible closure of yeshivot throughout New York City. ...

02/13/2008 | 126 Hits | (0 vote) | Print | PDF | Read more...

To Believe or Not to Believe: The Presence of Superstitions in the Community

Madonna, Demi Moore, and even Britney Spears have all been seen sporting a red string from Israel on their wrists. Some say wearing the string, also known as a bendel, will ward off the evil eye, while others believe it is associated with Kabbalah. Wherever the bracelet came from, we know that super...

08/06/2007 | 193 Hits | (0 vote) | Print | PDF | Read more...