Frieda Schweky

Hey it’s Frieda. Hope you caught my last article about matchmaking! A few matchmakers reached out to me with positive comments. I hope my article makes an impact. If you missed it you can check it out on communitym.org in the May 2021 archives.

Last month’s article was rather serious. But now we are in summer mode, so I decided to write a lighter article that offers easier reading about vacations during those lazy days of summer. When summer approaches, many of our community members pack up big time. They plan on a full summer away from home, at the Jersey Shore. It is truly a privilege to be able to leave city life in the hottest months of the year and to check out different scenery, where the pace of life is slower. This comes with a walloping price tag, which must include summer rentals, summer camp, and all the little things in between. I have been thinking: what could a family do with all that money if they didn’t do the typical Brooklyn to Deal trip and instead thought outside the box?

I asked around and was pleasantly surprised to hear that many people do plan alternative trips during summer! Before I tell you about them, let me just say I understand travel during this season is not possible for everyone. Working as a photographer, summer is my busiest season and it is also the most exciting. It wouldn’t make sense for my family to leave Jersey (our permanent residence) and go somewhere else in the summer. I’m sure that’s true for many of you, too. But I was still curious about what’s out there, so I interviewed some community members about their summer adventures. Let’s hear what they had to say.

Lea Mann – Short Summer Trips

“Since we got married we’ve been taking small summer trips. Our first one was to Lake George. My husband was familiar with it because his yeshiva used to take the boys there every summer. It was a fun trip. We rented a cute and cozy cabin on the lake. It had a little fire pit outside. We used it to cook things such as corn wrapped in foil. We also went boating, kayaking, and mini golfed. For whatever reason, in that area there’s a miniature golf place on every block!

“One summer we took a trip to Newport, Rhode Island where we took tours of old historical mansions. The mansions are massive, each one taking about an hour to tour because of its size. We listened to recorded tours with headsets and heard descriptions of each amazing stately home. These mansions were the private homes of wealthy business tycoons over a hundred years ago. It was a very fun trip. We stayed for three days and really enjoyed this mini vacation. However, I would not recommend bringing young children along for this one.

“Cape May was another awesome summer trip, and we did bring the kids along. It was so nice to see another beach town so different from ours. They had a boardwalk with activities like Point Pleasant. The kids loved it! We spent our days by the ocean, brought along our barbeque, and enjoyed dinner on the beach.

“Lastly, I’ll tell you about one of our favorite mini vacations – the Catskills. When you hear Ashkenazi Jews say they’re going ‘to the country’ this is what they mean. It’s upstate New York. We rented an Airbnb by the bungalow colonies. We were very much at one with nature. We fed wild ducks and the kids were able to jump right into a lake. There were lots of kosher options as far as restaurants and supermarkets. It was by far our favorite experience – we want to go back!”

As a person who loves adventure but lacks executive planning skills, I was very inspired by Lea’s trips. When my kids were growing up I was a bit overwhelmed. So I asked, is it really considered a vacation if you schlep the kids? Lea responded:

“Parents may think that since kids are generally not easy to bring out and around, it’s hard to travel with kids. I find that is actually not the case. When you take them on adventures they’re in better moods, they get along better, and new environments bring lots of distractions. They just enjoy it so much. I love seeing them so happy. They talk about our trips up to months after. I’m always glad I brought them along!”

Jill Greenberg – Out of Town Adventures

Let’s hear from Jill, who loves taking her family on summer trips.

“‘Get out of town’ trips are my specialty. I love going exploring and finding towns that are unfamiliar to us. I love being in nature that is so different from what I see at home. Take Lake Welch, for example. It’s about an hour and forty five minutes away from Deal. It’s so worth the trip, and you can stay right in town. The lake is near Monsey, NY, which has lots of kosher options to choose from. I think everyone should experience jumping into a lake. It’s like a natural pool – cold and clean, and really so refreshing!

“Cape Cod is a dream town. It is located about a five hour drive from Deal. When you land you will feel like you are in a story book setting. It is just beautiful. There are activities to be found, but just walking around and going into the shops is so pleasurable. I didn’t want to leave! From Cape Cod you can take a ferry to either Nantucket or Martha’s Vineyard. Both are beautiful options. I personally preferred Nantucket. We went on the ‘Bluff Walk,’ which was really stunning. I’m an artist and at some point I sat down with my pad and started painting. I was surrounded by beauty. At Cape Cod the sun sets over the water. It’s something magical to experience. After that we drove forty minutes to Boston to get kosher food. I highly recommend this trip to anybody. It was just incredible.”

I would love to check out this story book vacation. And it’s only a few hours away!

Erica Nadav – Brooklyn-Based for the Summer

Erica Nadav is my aunt’s good friend who stays in Brooklyn for the summer. She takes her family on weekend trips during the summer and also on larger trips during the gap days between school and camp.

“Summer trips are usually road trips. Our favorite place to go is the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania. Every time we go we stay at different houses in different towns. We love to explore new places, and we take advantage of what each specific area has to offer. We do lots of hiking. It’s awesome to go on hikes that have waterfalls and different kinds of views.

“I feel like the best part is just getting out of our surroundings, out of the city and seeing what the world has to offer. Different towns are much more laid back and relaxing than in the city. It’s great to go into the wilderness and be surrounded by nature, sit by a fire pit, and do other things you can’t do in Brooklyn.

Violet Bernknopf – Head North!

“The summer pre-Covid we drove to Canada with our three kids. My older ones were eight and nine years old, and the baby was two. We went first to Niagara Falls and then to Toronto. It was a fun five-day trip between the end of camp and the beginning of school. The seven-hour plus drive with kids wasn’t terrible because they were excited for the trip and we were prepared. We brought an iPad for videos and coloring books. We played the license plate game with the older kids, and, of course, supplied lots of snacks. On the way back we got some ‘Are we home yet?!’ nagging but nothing too bad.

“Niagara Falls was a lot of fun. We went on a boat by the falling water and wore ponchos to stay dry. Behind the falls we took a walking tour of the natural tunnels, which was pretty cool. We enjoyed going on a Ferris wheel, mini golfing, and doing other fun things in the area.

“Next, we went to Toronto and visited the CN Tower (Canadian National Tower), which is over 1,800 feet tall. It has a glass floor and you can see all the way down to the street. Going up this tower is not for those who are afraid of heights! The kids loved it. We spent an enjoyable Shabbat in Toronto. Another stand out of the trip was a day excursion my boys went on. It was a pirate ship adventure. They went on a real boat and the whole crew was in costume. They acted out a show and had the kids look for hidden treasure. My boys had a blast. I know these memories will last a lifetime.”

Jacquline Elbaz – Mini Family Vacations

“I love to take mini-trips with my family. One year we went to Delaware during the summer, and we loved it so much it has since become an annual occurrence. I grew up staying in Brooklyn in the summer and now, so have my kids. We have friends here and don’t feel like we’re missing out on Jersey. In addition to the annual Delaware trip, we also take small trips to Hershey Park and other local attractions, We never really plan. When the time is right, we just pack up and go. I cook for a living so that part is simple, too. I just pack what I cook and it’s quick to do kosher on the go that way.

“Going to the Delaware beach is not an expensive trip. We stay at small hotels or rent Airbnbs. Sometimes we take the kids and sometimes we go with friends. It’s a tiny beach town, very clean and calming. We sit by the beach, the kids go to the water park, we walk around and shop at the local stores, or just hang out. You can take a ferry from Deal but we drive from Brooklyn. It’s about a five hour drive, or four if my husband is driving.

Melanie Falack – Go West, Young Man!

My good friend Melanie Falack sends pictures from her adventures that you wouldn’t believe. Her husband often travels to the West Coast for work a lot, which leads them to some not-so-typical road trip adventures.

“Every time my husband had a business show in Las Vegas we took the opportunity to travel the West Coast. We would plan a two to three week road trip, rent a camper van, and drive up the coast little by little. We’d specifically drive up or down the coastline because my husband likes to surf! We’d drive about two hours to our next destination, go hiking, see the sights, get back in our van for the night, travel to a new spot the next day, and have a brand-new adventure. We’ve driven around Vegas, Utah, the Grand Canyon, different lakes, etc. We’d do outdoor activities and see amazing national parks. One that really stood out to me was Death Valley National Park. It’s one of the hottest places on earth. Its sand is so white that in pictures it looks like snow!

“Once we drove through a really old town that’s since been made into a museum-type attraction. It was like stepping into a wild western film, but it was all real. We got to learn the history of the town. Most of these towns sprouted up around the gold rush. People would move to these dusty places in search of this shiny commodity. They’d raise families around the goal of mining for gold.

“I’ve done these trips when I was married, pregnant, with one kid, and then with two. It wasn’t easy but it was definitely an experience. We once left the kids with my parents and went on a crazy hike for three days off the grid. We planned to end it by a lake, and even brought swimsuits, looking forward to the culmination of our hike. When we got close, we found ourselves surrounded by snow, and realized the lake that we had planned this whole long hike around was frozen over!”

—

I don’t know about you, but all these stories have me itching to explore America and all it has to offer, within and outside of the tristate area. Sightseeing, hiking, touring, visiting zoos and museums – there is so much to see and do!

If this article inspires a trip or anything else positive, I’d love to hear about it! Feel free to reach out on Instagram @friedaschwekyphoto or via email frieda@sephardic.org.

Thanks for reading!

Joey Braha and Ezra Sultan

For the Sephardic Community Center travel baseball team, it was a season that began with a lot of unknowns and even more rust to shake off as the players were returning after long layoffs. The pandemic had totally cancelled their 2020 season. Coaches Ezra Sultan and Jake Tawil knew they had their work cut out for them.

This group of 12 community boys hit the ground running in the tough Major League Division, winning their first 11 games and ending the regular season with a 12-1 record. This was clearly on the strength of some dominant pitching by their two stud power pitchers, Abie Antar and Eddie Braha, great game management by All- Star catcher Raymond “Mundo” Betesh, and consistently solid fielding behind them. Middle infielders Charles Sultan and Richie Mishan set the tone gobbling up grounders and making tough plays look easy. Outfielder Eddie Massre was up to the task, providing two incredible game-saving catches in the outfield.

With the pitching stifling opposing bats, and the defense locking down the opposition behind them, the way was paved for the offense to get to work. Youngster Charles Azar, veterans Stephen Zekaria, and Morris Kredi, and the rest of the lineup consistently set the table for the power-hitting bats of Samuel Chira, Alfred Harary, Julius Selzer, and Julian Horovitz to provide the pop. Things were lining up nicely for these Cyclones to bring home the first ever 12U championship to the Center.

The World Series – Hold on to Your Hats!

The World Series, however, proved that this bunch was not only talented, but was also incredibly resilient. After losing the opening game of the best-of-three series by a score of 4-3, the Cyclones now had their backs up against the wall. Needing to win two games in a row, they saw Abe Antar pitch a big time World Series Game 2 No-Hitter while putting together a convincing win by the score of 8-0.

The decisive Game 3 – WIN OR GO HOME! – did not prove to be as easy. After falling behind 1-0 in the second inning, the Cyclones evened the score at 1 apiece in the bottom of the 3rd with a shrewd steal of home. With two outs and a runner on first in the top of the 4th, an opposing batter laced a ball, splitting the gap in right center. Center fielder Eddie Braha chased it down, threw a bullet to Horovitz, who relayed it with a perfect throw to the catcher, Betesh, who applied the tag at home to preserve the tie and provide a huge momentum boost for the Cyclones!

The score remained knotted at 1-1 until the middle of the 6th inning with Antar keeping the opposing batters off balance, coupled with steady infield play by Kredi, Horovitz, and Chira. The team’s efforts set the stage for a dramatic bottom of the 6th!

The Dramatic Finish

After the lead-off batter was retired, Samuel Chira muscled a sky-high infield single and stole second. Julius Selzer battled in his at bat down 1-2, fouling off four pitches in an eight-pitch at bat. The final pitch saw him smack a grounder up the right side of the infield that would have ended the game, if not for a stellar play by the second baseman, who made the out. With Chira advancing to third on the sacrifice out, up came Alfred Harary. Game 3. Bottom 6. Two outs. Man on 3rd. (This is the type of moment dreams are made of.) Unphased by the drama of the moment, Harary took the first pitch he saw and lined a shot to the opposite field wall just over the right fielder’s glove, providing the Cyclones with a walk-off win and the rights to call themselves Brooklyn Champions!

Hakarat Ha-tov

The team would like to thank the coaches, as well as the staff of the SCC, especially Harry Chazanoff, for making this possible. The SCC Cyclones are looking forward to defending their title next Spring!

A Renaissance of Spiritual Splendor

Many of us have heard about the lifelong desire of the holy Ba’al Shem Tov to meet up with the Ohr Hahayyim Hakdosh – Rabi Hayyim ben Attar, zy”a, in the Holy Land. Legend had it that if these two great luminaries would meet in Eretz Yisrael, together they would bring Mashiach and usher in the final redemption.

The story is told that one Shabbat while eating seudah shlishit, the Baal Shem Tov sensed that the Ohr Hahayyim had just passed away. Before it was possible for anyone in Europe to have heard the tragic news, the Besh”t exclaimed, “The light of the West has been extinguished!”

Today, more than 250 years later, perhaps, this long-awaited meeting up is finally materializing in the form of the followers of the path of the Ba’al Shem Tov increasingly engaging with the revered Hachamim of the Edut Hamizrah and vice-versa.

In the courts of many of today’s Sephardic mekubalim, one sees throngs of Hassidim of Hungarian and Polish descent and tradition. Likewise, Sephardic communities regularly host prestigious rebbes, savoring the special atmosphere of the uplifting tisch – the rebbe’s Shabbat table. Jews from all walks of life stand in line to give a pidyon to a Chassidic rebbe, coming away encouraged the Rebbe’s wise counsel and effusive berachot.

The Deal community will have the good fortune to host the holy Rebbe of Chernobyl, Harav Menahem Nahum Twersky, shlit”a, this summer while the Rebbe is on a visit to the U.S. from his home in Bnei Brak. The Rebbe is no stranger to the Sephardic community. Sephardim from across Eretz Yisrael and communities around the world regularly visit the Chernobyler rebbe. The rebbe makes an annual trip to France to give hizzuk to the Sephardic community there.

Chernobyl

Chernobyl! Some might associate this name with a Russian nuclear disaster in the late eighties. But for the greater Torah community, the mere mention of that name evokes a sense of awe, of sanctity, of reverence. The holy Me’or Einayim – Harav Menahem Nahum Twersky, founder of

the Chernobyl dynasty, was a disciple of the Ba’al Shem Tov, and later, of the holy Maggid of Mezeritch. Founded over 250 years ago in the heartland of Jewish Ukraine, Chernobyl is likely the oldest Hassidut to still carry its original name and identity.

Today, in the heart of Bnei Brak, with satellite branches in cities across Eretz Yisrael, Chernobyl, under the leadership of the present Rebbe, represents a glorious empire of Torah, Avodah, and Hassidut. Nearly a century after this dynamic kehilla was decimated by the Ukrainian Bolsheviks, it has once again re-emerged as a vibrant continuum of this illustrious legacy.

The Chernobler community in Eretz Yisrael, established by the previous rebbe, Reb Meshulam Zusya, zt”l, is comprised of many hundreds of families whose lives are devoted to Torah and Avodah. Smaller communities of Hassidim are centered around the Chernobyler battei midrash in Beit Shemesh and Elad.

The incredible chain of events beginning with the previous rebbe’s escape from Russia to Eretz Yisrael, and then later once again from Galicia just before the outbreak of World War II, was a manifestation of the Divine Hand of hashgacha to perpetuate this great legacy for eternity.

Upon settling in Eretz Yisrael, his first initiative was to establish a Kollel, which he called Zichron Kedoshim in memory of his two spiritual mentors, his father and grandfather.

With the passing of the previous rebbe, Reb Meshulam Zusya in 5748, the mantle of leadership in Bnei Brak passed on to his eldest son, the present rebbe, Reb Menachem Nochum, shlit”a, namesake of the legendary Me’or Anayim.

The Rebbe

At the helm of this impressive empire of Torah and Avodah, of course, is the Rebbe himself, whose personal involvement guides its every aspect. Visitors to the Chernobyler Rebbe of Bnei Brak are enamored with the Rebbe’s personality as well as his yirat shamayim, the unique way in which his consciousness of Hashem’s Presence illuminates his scholarship and perception.

Under the Rebbe’s direction, the Chernobyl institutions and ideals they embody have earned their names as pinnacles of Torah, middot, yirat shamayim, and Hassidut. Strongly rooted in the teachings transmitted through the golden dynasty of Chernobyler Rebbes spanning eight generations, the Rebbe guides his followers on how to apply the timeless precepts of the Baal Shem Tov’s philosophy of joy and untainted sincerity in the service of Hashem to the challenges of today’s contemporary world.

Partners with the Rebbe

Observers of Chernobyl’s remarkable synthesis, blending time-honored tradition with advanced Torah learning, quickly become friends and admirers of the Chernobyler institutions. In addition to the tremendous merit of financing the worthy endeavors of Chernobyl, these donors are easing the tremendous financial burden borne by the Rebbe, allowing him to fully devote his time and energy to the many individuals who seek out his guidance and salvation.

The Rebbe does not take the nobility of these donors lightly. As is well known, the Rebbe’s eternal gratitude to those who support his endeavors, in which he has invested his entire heart and soul, manifests itself in the form of abundant blessings and pleas for Divine intercession.

The Rebbe spends many hours receiving Jews from all walks of life in search of his sagacious counsel, insight, and prayers on business and family-related matters, as well as downtrodden souls facing difficult challenges in need of salvation and assistance.

Yeshu’ot – Salvation

Countless well-known stories attest to the miraculous results yielded by the Rebbe’s intercession, prayers, and assurances.

A prominent Chernobyl donor, living in the United Stated, called up the Rebbe’s assistant on behalf of his 23-year-old niece.

While all the niece’s friends were happily married, she was still at home, waiting. She had an older single brother, and her parents did not want her to get married before him. Not seeing any hope in the near future, she felt depressed and dejected.

The donor, knowing that women do not usually enter the Rebbe’s room, asked the gabbai for a one-time exception, in order to allow her to hear the Rebbe’s berachah. Due to the sensitivity of the heartbroken girl’s predicament, the gabbai gave her special permission to stand in the room when the donor asked for a berachah.

On hearing the girl’s problem, the Rebbe replied in a clear voice: “You have to be happy,” he said. “Simha is the best segulah – be happy!”

The donor asked for the Rebbe to promise a yeshuah, but the Rebbe merely repeated his first reply: she should be b’simhah, and everything will work out.

The niece heard the Rebbe’s answer; she had to be happy, even though she could not see any hope in the future. The girl decided to make an effort – and it indeed helped: in a short time, her brother was engaged, and that same year she was married!

With such berachot, who needs promises?

Another well-known story took place several years ago. One of the Hassidim was invited to an exclusive fundraiser on behalf of the Chernobyl institutions, with a cover charge of $5,000.

Although he would give anything to be part of such a cherished occasion in the presence of the Rebbe, his financial situation simply did not allow it.

“I simply don’t have the means to spend that kind of money now,” he told the gabbai with a sigh. “The economic situation is difficult, and I don’t have an extra penny. I have no other option but to reject the offer.”

The next morning, the donor once again met the gabbai, but this time his voice was upbeat.

“I’m coming to the event! I have the money!” he excitedly declared.

The Chassid related that he heard from friends that a group was being formed to request that certain bank fees charged somewhat unfairly over the years be reimbursed. He also joined the group, hoping that if they are reimbursed he may also get something back.

However, the bank was not agreeing to the reimbursements, and all the requests were denied.

The individual knew that if the requests of such high-profile clients were rejected, there was little hope in his claim being honored.

Surprisingly, that same morning, the bank called him to say that he will receive $5,000 in compensation, the exact amount needed to attend the fundraiser to support the Chernobyl institutions!

“I know it wasn’t in my merit. The money was given for the Rebbe,” he said. “Apparently, when it comes to supporting the Rebbe and his institutions, even the banks are eager to help.”

The Rebbe’s upcoming visit to Deal is scheduled for early August. Details will be forthcoming.

Deal Connection

The Deal community has its own personal connection with the Chernobler Rebbe. Bahurim from Yeshivat Lev Aharon (Rabbi Laniado) in Jerusalem, among them many of our own children and relatives, regularly visit the Chernobyler Rebbe in Bnei Brak, seeking out the Rebbe’s insightful counsel, hizzuk, and effective berachot.

PROPEL is at the forefront of helping community women to assess their strengths and find the right career niche. Over the past six years, we have worked with close to 800 clients, providing individualized coaching and mentoring. We help women to network and offer stipends to help pay for training and higher education. Almost 300 women have either graduated from or are enrolled in a wide variety of educational or training programs. And, with the advent of the PROPELed program launched in August 2020, over thirty women are currently attending graduate school programs, pursuing careers in fields such as education and special education, social work, nursing, rehabilitation therapies, and more.

Choosing the best career can be daunting. And making that choice early is the best way to make progress towards your goal and get accepted to the right program. With that in mind, Gitta Neufeld, Educational Consultant at PROPEL, created and began presenting an innovative workshop series for the juniors and seniors in our community high schools. The three-part series challenged these young women to reflect on their skills, talents, and interests. The students completed inventories, and then explored the careers and vocations compatible with different personalities and interests. Gitta explained to the girls that a person is much more likely to be successful if he or she enjoys what they do and have a passion for it. She cautioned her audience “not to use these inventories to find your naseeb.” Gitta led an exciting discussion dealing with why certain careers appeal to specific personalities. Comments like, “That’s exactly what I’m like,” and, “This is so me!” filled the air.

Once participants had a general idea of possible fields out there, Gitta continued with a frank and detailed exploration of educational options after high school, describing the various possibilities and each option’s pros and cons. Gitta also spent time discussing the financial aspects of each program, including scholarships, government financial aid, and loans. Unfortunately, some community members have been victims of educational scams, and Gitta explained what to look out for.

Finally, the group explored entering the workforce. Noting that knowledge is critical for success, the students learned about professionalism, networking, and mentorships. Gitta stressed the need for tenacity and persistence, encouraging the girls to “never give up if you have a dream.” She reminded the students of the importance of self-care, and challenged them to demonstrate responsibility, growth, and confidence as they move to this next, exciting stage.

These workshops were held in a number of community schools. Below are some of the responses received from school teachers and administrators and from community members:

We’d like to thank you for a superb presentation to our high school girls this afternoon. The presentation was highly informative and compelling, clear and engaging. The girls appreciated the direct approach as well as the humor. I myself sat through the entire session and came away amazed. What an opportunity for our girls to have an organization in our community that sets its goals on helping future wives and mothers to be independent and financially capable!

* * *

As a community rabbi, I’ve seen too many families fall apart due to financial strain and pressure. I can truly appreciate the benefits of Propel, especially as directed to young girls on the cusp of graduation and new beginnings. The girls are taught how to navigate a sea of options and possibilities, and this will certainly impact the future of our community.

* * *

My husband was trying to guide my sister-in-law on what to pursue for her future after she graduates high school. My husband asked her what she likes to do best and was trying to narrow down options and see what would be best for her. However, he was not getting anywhere because either what he was talking about was too general or he didn’t have pinpointed options that would match what she was interested in. A few weeks later when we went to my in-laws’ for the weekend, we saw my sister-in-law engrossed in a pamphlet, so we asked her what she was reading. It was a pamphlet that Propel had put together to guide the young students towards a career they can pursue. It was amazing. My husband started reading out loud at the table and everybody was participating in saying how the descriptions match their personality and how a certain career would be a match for them.

* * *

For the 2021-22 school year, plans are being developed to introduce these workshops into more of the community high schools and to integrate them into the schools’ career and college guidance programs.

____________________________________________________________________

If you are interested in a career, please reach out to PROPEL and we can help you fulfill your professional goal. Call PROPEL at 646-494-0822 or Email: info@thepropelnetwork.org.

Please follow PROPEL on Instagram@propelnetwork.