Sephardic Educational Center SEC

In the face of adversity, we look to our history and find strength in our resilience. ✨ As Natan Sharansky reminds us in Tabby Refael’s powerful article, ‘It is good to remain optimistic in these challenging times by looking at the events in historical proportion... Imagine what would have happened if we had no state.’ Today, our unity and determination continue to light the way forward. 🇮🇱💪 Let’s continue to stand strong together. Share your thoughts or how you stay resilient in tough times in the comments below. 👇

Together with other leaders, rabbis and writers, Rabbi Bouskila was asked by Jewish Journal writer Tabby Refael to share what it is that keeps him hopeful during these difficult times. The answers are in Tabby’s article in this week’s Jewish Journal. Here is what Rabbi Bouskila said:

“Before Oct. 7, the so-called ‘Tik-Tok Generation’ of Israelis were tagged by many as selfish, self-absorbed and lacking in patriotic Zionism. Wow, how dead wrong that is! On Oct. 7, I witnessed with my own eyes how thousands of Israel’s ‘Tik-Tok Generation’ — my son Ilan, his wife Kayla, all their friends — put down their phones and picked up their weapons, rushed to the south as first responders, took the defense of our country into their own hands, carrying a whole nation on their young but broad shoulders. Young women and men — secular and religious — put their material comforts, social media and university studies on hold, boldly marched into war, fighting valiantly with a unity and passion that had their ancestors bowing to them in humility and gratitude. I look forward to the day when this new ‘greatest generation’ becomes our government and leaders. That’s my ultimate source of strength, inspiration and hope for a brighter future for Israel.”

Sharansky/Reagan Photo Credit
Https://catalog.archives.gov/id/75855203

AuthorSeries: Reagan White House Photographs, 1/20/1981 - 1/20/1989

Full column by Rabbi Daniel Bouskila

https://jewishjournal.com/judaism/sephardic-torah/374259/strength-through-kindness-rabbi-uziels-vision-for-israeli-society/

Our newly updated logo. ציונות - Zionism - stands at the “center of our center”, as we are proud to be a Sephardic organization based in Israel (on our beautiful historic SEC campus in the Old City of Jerusalem), and whose goals have always been to bring Jews closer to Judaism by experiencing it - through Sephardic lenses - in Israel.
Sephardic Educational Center SEC
Centro Educativo Sefaradi en Jerusalem

Rabbi Daniel Bouskila

“Bring them Home” Video Message from Rabbi Bouskila

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWpE_oGbP_o

Sephardic Torah from the Holy Land | Shabbat Nahamu, 1933: Rabbi Uziel’s Spiritual Challenge to Spiritual Leaders by Rabbi Daniel Bouskila

https://jewishjournal.com/judaism/sephardic-torah/374022/shabbat-nahamu-1933-rabbi-uziels-spiritual-challenge-to-spiritual-leaders/

“Sephardi-Ashkenazi Unity?
A Tisha B’Av Message from
Rabbi Bouskila.”

👇 Click link below for full message:
https://www.jewishideas.org/node/3172

Sephardic Torah from the Holy Land | Defending Jerusalem: Rabbi Uziel, 1948

by Rabbi Daniel Bouskila

https://jewishjournal.com/judaism/sephardic-torah/373809/defending-jerusalem-rabbi-uziel-1948/

https://files.constantcontact.com/d5f0b886001/be13228e-c98d-406c-9c1e-77d0a7a5e6fb.pdf?rdr=true

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🍲 Aegean Dreams & Creamy Delights! By the Every Friday night at my home begins with a soothing bowl of soup, a tradition I treasure. 🌊✨

🖇️ FULL ARTICLE VIA LINK BIO 🖇️

Swipe through to relive a memorable journey to Evia, where azure seas meet culinary feasts, and learn how these experiences influenced my love for making soups that comfort and connect. From our lively adventures at Club Med to cozy family dinners back home, discover how a simple dish can carry the warmth of memories and the flavors of tradition. 🥣💫

👩‍🍳 This week’s spotlight? A creamy potato leek soup, perfected with a hint of saffron and white wine, topped with homemade sourdough croutons. It’s not just soup; it’s a hug in a bowl from my kitchen to yours! Dive into the recipe, cherish the stories, and maybe start your own Friday night soup tradition! 📚🍴

🌟 Sephardic Delights & Spice Girls’ Triumph! 🌟 Dive into the rich history of bourekas at , where tradition meets innovation in the heart of Manhattan. Chef Adir Michaeli serves up these flaky, savory pastries, each a tribute to the culinary heritage that stretches from Tel Aviv’s shuk’s to the Sephardic Shabbat brunch.

Article by Ruth Altchek | Photographs by Nico Schinco for WSJ
FULL ARTICLE for WSJ for subscribers via LINK IN BIO

As featured in the Wall Street Journal, these bourekas aren’t just treats—they’re a journey through time, from the Spanish empanadas of the Inquisition to today’s gourmet pastries in NYC. 🍴📖 Celebrating the culinary genius of the , who just earned a fantastic mention the WSJ for their work in reviving and celebrating our rich culinary traditions.

Explore how bourekas can elevate your next picnic and try out the easy recipes that bring a piece of heritage right to your plate. Congratulations to the Sephardic Spice Girls for your wonderful achievement! 🎉👩‍🍳

📚💔 “In the Shadow of History: Agnon’s Insightful Review Amidst the Eichmann Trial” by 🕍✨ Dive into a profound reflection by Israel’s first Nobel laureate in Literature, S.Y. Agnon, on William Shirer’s “The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich.” Written during a time when the world was confronting the horrors of the Holocaust through the Eichmann trial, Agnon’s review not only critiques Shirer’s work but also serves as a chilling reminder of the lessons still relevant today.

As we witness a resurgence of anti-Semitism, Agnon’s words resonate deeper, urging us to remember and reflect on the past to safeguard our future. Join us in exploring how Agnon’s literary prowess extends beyond his novels to critical essays that challenge our understanding of history and humanity.

AMERICA: A BEACON OF LIGHT by Sephardic Spice SEC FOOD

Read it via link below 👇

https://jewishjournal.com/culture/food/372636/america-a-beacon-of-light/

Sephardic Torah from the Holy Land | An Unlikely Agnon Encounter: One Morning on the Herzliya-Jerusalem Train By

FULL ARTICLE VIA LINK IN BIO

Living in Herzliya and working in the Old City of Jerusalem means I get to ride the train to work in the morning. Other than cafes, there is no better place to meet and get to know the widely diverse group of people we call “Israelis.”

Last week on my morning commute to Jerusalem, I had a special encounter. I was on my way to teach an intelligent group of rabbis who study in our Sephardic Educational Center Beit Midrash in the Old City. The opening part of my planned lecture to them involved several quotes and reflections from Nobel Prize winner S.Y. Agnon’s monumental novel A Guest for the Night. It’s no secret to my readers that I have a deep love for Agnon’s writings. For those who wonder why a Sephardic rabbi reads an Eastern European writer like Agnon, that’s like asking why an Ashkenazi rabbi would read a Spanish-born Sephardic rabbi named Maimonides who wrote in Arabic. All Jewish literature belongs to all Jews.

Click the link in bio to read the full article features in the

🎶 Discover the Symphony of Hope! 🌟

FULL ARTICLE BY VIA LINK IN BIO

Beethoven’s Fifth resonates anew in Tel Aviv, celebrating resilience and creativity. Dive into this inspiring fusion of music and culture, showcasing the spirit of unity and perseverance. Let’s embrace the power of art to uplift and unite! 🎵

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Embracing 🇮🇱 A Journey of Heartfelt Support and Solidarity 💔 Amidst the pain of the most challenging Memorial Day in recent history, our SEC 🇮🇱-Mission stood with the people of 🇮🇱, sharing tears and offering hugs. We began our emotional journey at Ben Gurion, greeted by hopeful yellow ribbons and heartfelt posters of hostages, a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle. At Kibbutz Kfar Aza, we heard firsthand the harrowing tales of survival from brave souls who have witnessed unimaginable horrors.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE VIA LINK IN BIO

Our visit to the new Museum of Tolerance provided a raw, intimate look at the October 7 atrocities, leaving us deeply moved. As Yom Ha’atzmaut dawned, we transitioned from mourning to celebration, honoring Israel’s resilience at Hostage Square and embracing the country’s spirit with a sunset barbecue at Einat Bar, even as battles raged nearby.

This trip reaffirmed our commitment to support Israel through our SEC initiatives and personal engagement. From the heart of Jerusalem to the vibrant streets of Tel Aviv, join us in continuing to offer 🇮🇱 the strength of our global community. Your support matters more than ever. Let’s keep the spirit of unity alive. 🕊️✨

Please read the full article via the link in bio

Read it here 👇

https://jewishjournal.com/community/371575/giving-israel-a-big-hug/

SEC ISRAEL MISSION 2024

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This past Monday, the Sephardic Educational Center in Jerusalem held a moving Yom Hashoah Ceremony, highlighting the little-known story of the Jews of Monastir-Macedonia during the Holocaust.

Honored guests included Shpend Sadiku, the Macedonian Ambassador to Israel, and Simona Frankel, Israel’s Ambassador to Macedonia. Descendants of survivors shared powerful stories and testimonies, and Rabbi Daniel Bouskila delivered the memorial address in Hebrew and English, reading excerpts from Rabbi Uziel’s speeches.

The ceremony was enhanced by beautiful Ladino ballads, making it even more special to commemorate in the Old City, just two minutes from the Kotel.

SEC's Yom HaShoah Ceremony in Jerusalem: Honoring the Jews of Monastir-Macedonia with Ambassadors & Moving Testimonies

https://youtu.be/lEnjnTtBGmY?si=Uv1Is5PZXqf0wtCQ

Tomorrow! Purchase your tickets now 👇

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TRAILER:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UL6PxcDc2zk

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SEC Hamsa Alumni and Families at UCLA today to support Israel

The seder plate, called “ke’arah,” features the symbolic foods around which the seder is conducted. The matzah represents the bread of affliction and its lack of leaven (chametz) the haste with which we left Egypt. Most families eat those mass manufactured boxes of Manischewitz or Yehuda matzah, but there is also matzah sh’mura, a hand-baked round matzah that is extra-thin and extra cardboard in flavor. The Syrian and Iraqi Jews traditionally ate a hand-baked matzah that was thin and soft.

The “Zero’ah” is a lamb shank or chicken bone that represents the strong hand of the Almighty that defeated the mighty Pharoah and took us out of Egypt.

The “Beizah” is a hard-boiled egg that symbolizes the “chagigah korban,” the pre-holiday sacrifice that was given in the days of the Holy Temple.

“Maror” are the bitter herbs. Sephardim eat Romaine lettuce because the leaves are green and pleasant, but the stem is hard and bitter: just as the work in Egypt began voluntarily and the Jews received recompense, but it then devolved into slavery. For Ashkenazi Jews, the bitter herbs are represented by horseradish because greens were less available in Europe. Nowadays, Ashkenazi Jews do use romaine lettuce for chazeret, an additional bitter herb alongside the Haroset and matzah in the Hillel sandwich.

“Karpas” is the vegetable that is dipped into the salty water that represents the salty tears of the slaves. For Ashkenazim, the karpas is either a boiled potato or parsley. For Sephardim, it’s celery dipped in vinegar (Rachel‘s family) or lemon juice (Sharon‘s family).

“Haroset” represents the mortar used in building the pyramids. For Ashkenazim it’s a mixture of grated apples, nuts and wine. But for the Sephardim there are numerous recipes for haroset, all involving dates and nuts. For Neil’s Rhodesli family, it’s a paste made with cooked apples and dates, toasted ground almonds and wine. Rachel still makes her mother’s Moroccan truffle recipe of mashed dates, ground walnuts, raisins and sweet wine. And for the Iraqi Jews it’s Silan (date honey) mixed with ground walnuts.

—Rachel and Sharon

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