On Wednesday, June 15th, SHAI proudly held its biennial gala at Temple Israel of Great Neck. SHAI was founded in 1992, and this special event was an evening of laughter, community, and unity, celebrating 30 years of our organization’s commitment to enhancing our community and preserving our rich Sephardic, Mizrahi, Persian, and Jewish heritage. SHAI, like the Persian Jewish community, is one large family with many diverse aspects. Our differences only add beauty, depth, and richness to our work, and the evening was a celebration of this diversity as well as of the beautiful way in which we have all come together as one to accomplish so much.

Many leaders and members of our community attended the Gala, which featured a phenomenal performance by world-renowned comedian MODI, music by Alex & Amir, remarks from Ambassador Gilad Erdan, and much more. Guests were also treated to a NEST fragrance candle, a gift symbolic of the warm and bright sense of community we all share. Every two years at SHAI’s signature event, we recognize outstanding achievement on the part of members of our community, and this gala was no different. Distinguished honorees included Mireille M. Manocherian, Co-President of WIZO USA; Ellie Cohanim, Former U.S. Deputy Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism; and Rachel Sumekh, Founder & CEO of Swipe Out Hunger. Student honorees included Sahar Tartak and Kevin Khadavi, Valedictorian and Salutatorian, respectively, of Great Neck North High School’s 2022 class; and exceptional students Aaron Geula, Ariella Hakimi, and Natasha Khazzam.

SHAI Co-president Erika Goldstein-Kashi spoke, on behalf of herself and Co-president Dr. Edwin Cohen Azarkian, about SHAI’s thirty impressive years of enhancing community building, preserving heritage, and its resilience in the face of adversity, referencing the pandemic and the many programs and activities the organization arranged to address the unique circumstances created in its wake. Erika also addressed each of our three honorees, whose recognition as the pillars of our community was modeled after the concept in Chassidut of the 3 pillars on which the world stands: Torah, avoda (work), and gemilut chassadim (giving to others). The honorees’ embodiment of these pillars as well as their personal fulfillment of this year’s Gala theme, enhancing the community and preserving our heritage, made them all truly deserving of this recognition by SHAI. Also acknowledged was board member and community member Nazee Moinian, who was not in attendance but very much involved in the gala and represents the 3rd pillar.

SHAI serves as a significant resource for our Jewish community. Some of the organization’s principal endeavors are: a scholarship fund that assists with educational needs and college enrollment; weekly programs for the elderly at the senior center; a summer sports camp; a shidduch committee; a Young Families group that arranges events and chessed opportunities to teach our young how to give back; and Young Professionals programs that enable our singles to socialize, meet other like minded singles, and network. SHAI serves as a resource and support for parents as well, providing a platform for communication with teachers and educational programming on subjects such as parenting, coping skills, drug abuse, bullying, depression, stress, financial aid, and more. The gala also raised significant funds which will enable SHAI to continue to implement this wonderful array of programs. Support from the community is key.