The West Side Sephardic Synagogue Annual Dinner 2019
What a night! The West Side Sephardic Synagogue held its annual dinner event on Sunday night, December 15, 2019, at the most elegant event space, Lavan54, situated in the heart of Chelsea in New York City. With its white decor and cutting edge amenities, the venue was quite impressive.
The lively Israeli music provided by singer Yoni Gabali and guitarist Aaron Langman from Jerusalem and Jerry Laskin made the evening special. The delectable cuisine and the dessert buffet that lived up to its reputation as “something not to be missed” made the evening a night to remember.
Over 300 people attended the event which featured a Sefer Torah dedication ceremony by Rabbi Haim Amsalem and a rousing tribute to the honorees. A Yasher Koach goes out to Anais Mizrahi for her hard work and diligence in making this event so successful and memorable. A shout-out must be given to the Master of Ceremonies Ari Afilalo, president of the synagogue, who kept the evening flowing.
One of the highlights of the evening was the honoring of Benjamin Mizrahi, a Community Educator, with the Exceptional Educator Award. Mr. Mizrahi is a teacher extraordinaire, who speaks to the heart of children and makes going to shul fun for the children.
David and Suzy Serraf were honored with the Chesed Award for their generosity and for being a pillar of Hachnassat Orchim. Paul and David Sitruk were honored with the Exemplary Derech Eretz Award. Their dedication and support of the community are exemplary. It is no wonder that their son Eli Sitruk, who follows in his parents’ footsteps, received the Young Leadership Award.
West Side Sephardic Synagogue has its beginnings in 1990. Clearly, there was a need for a Sephardic synagogue on the Upper West Side, with its influx of Jews from all over the world. You can hear English, Hebrew, French, Arabic, and Spanish spoken here. Even Italian and German can be heard. Services inspire respect for the Maghrebi Jewish tradition.
The synagogue is at the forefront of promoting learning and Jewish knowledge while concerning themselves with the welfare of its members and the Jewish community of the Upper West Side.
West Side Sephardic Synagogue becomes a very worthwhile institution to support. May they continue to grow and go from strength to strength. Looking forward to next year’s event.
Austin Rybstein
New York Jewish Guide
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