A Message From Our Immediate Past Presidents
Since its founding in 1992, it has been SHAI’s mission to enhance and preserve our wonderful Persian Jewish culture and community. SHAI has served our diverse, multigenerational population with enthusiasm and dedication, providing support, connection, and a vast array of needed programming. As your presidents, it has been our honor and privilege to contribute to SHAI’s […]
Women’s Empowerment Fashion Show
On Wednesday, June 11th, SHAI held its first Women’s Empowerment Fashion Show Luncheon with fashion icon Elie Tahari. Hosted by Vice President Jacqueline Harounian, this powerful, uplifting, and meaningful event celebrated the women of our community, and a portion of the proceeds from the event were donated to Shalom Task Force to help battered women […]
Coalition for Unity Community Forum
The Inaugural Great Neck Coalition for Unity event took place at the Main Library in Great Neck on May 29th, and was a great success by all accounts. The Coalition for Unity is a group of local entities which has been convening for nearly two years. The Coalition includes the Mayor of the Village of Great […]
Celebrate Israel Parade
Every year SHAI shows our support for Israel by representing Iranian American Jewry in the Celebrate Israel Parade, and this year was no different. On May 18th, with the largest Israeli flag in the parade, our contingent of families and singles in matching shirts had fun marching along to lively music. Many thanks to Eliyan […]
Seniors Celebrate Mother’s Day
This year’s Mother’s Day event was held at Colbeh of Great Neck. The event was filled with warmth and entertainment, highlighted by a live performance from singer Arash Vafa. All guests enjoyed a wonderful buffet lunch and every mother in attendance received a gift to mark the special day. A special moment of the day […]
Celebrating Israeli Independence
On April 30, 2025, SHAI & Temple Israel of Great Neck joined to celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day, commemorating the establishment of the modern state of Israel in 1948. This festive event, held at TIGN, featured dancing and singing by Hazzan Brian Shamash & Hazzan Galit Douden-Cohen, marking with joy the re-establishment of the […]
Remembering, and Promising to Never Forget
On April 23, 2025, the Old Westbury Hebrew Congregation hosted an interfaith event to commemorate Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, observed annually to honor the memory of the Holocaust’s victims and renew the commitment to prevent future atrocities. Organized in collaboration with SHAI, the JCC, Hadassah, and JCRC, the event was envisioned and brought to […]
Book Club
On Monday, April 7th, over 50 ladies gathered at the Safra Center for lunch and a vibrant discussion of Iranian history and the book The Lion Women of Tehran. A powerful novel of friendship, betrayal, and resilience set against three decades of change in Tehran, this book by Marjan Kahmali follows Ellie and Homa as they […]
SHAI Education Panel Highlights Artificial Intelligence in Education
Education has always been a cornerstone of SHAI’s mission, and over the past three decades, SHAI has worked diligently to build and maintain strong relationships with local schools. A key example of this enduring partnership is SHAI’s long-standing collaboration with the Great Neck Public Schools. This year, SHAI and the district’s United Parent Teacher Council […]
Nowruz Celebration at Gracie Mansion
On Tuesday, March 25th, SHAI co-sponsored the annual Gracie Mansion Norooz celebration organized by Betty Emmamian and the Gracie Mansion Conservatory. The evening was fun and uplifting and a wonderful opportunity to celebrate with friends as well as Mayor Eric Adams and his team including SHAI Gala honoree, Deputy Mayor Fabien Levy. The evening’s honorees […]
Seniors Celebrate Nowruz
To celebrate the Persian New Year, we hosted a Norooz gathering, complete with a traditional Haft Seen table. The atmosphere was warm and celebratory, marking the arrival of spring. We were honored by visits from Nassau County Legislator Mazi Pilip, Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena, and Councilwoman Christine Liu. The event was a […]
Nowruz Celebration at Great Neck Library
On Wednesday, March 19, 2025, SHAI hosted a concert at the Great Neck Public Library marking Norooz, the Persian New Year, a time of renewal, celebration and gatherings. Over 300 attendees enjoyed the musical performance featuring Katayoun Moosazadeh on vocals, Arieh Aghajani on santoor, Shahriar Koroori on tombak and daf, Hedayat Shafiee on taar, Parisa […]
Seniors Celebrate Purim
The spirit of Purim was vibrant at our center this year! Guests arrived in costumes and with creative hats, setting the tone for a joyful celebration. A hat contest brought out everyone’s imagination, with the most unique hat earning a special prize. The event also featured music to keep the festive mood going, and each […]
Annual Israel Bonds Event
On February 4, 2025, SHAI sponsored our annual event with Israel Bonds at Temple Israel of Great Neck. Co-hosted with TIGN and Great Neck Synagogue Men’s Club, the evening honored SHAI Vice President Michael Shahkoohi and his wife Orli, along with Cynthia and Jeffrey Wiesenfeld and Minoo and Abraham Shaoul. The evening was emceed by […]
Senior Center Happenings
A message from Mrs. Parvaneh Khodadadian:I want to express my heartfelt thanks to the visionaries who have supported my passion to ensure our seniors receive the respect and care they deserve. Over the past 25 years, I’ve had the privilege of working with SHAI’s Senior Center, a place that has become a second home to […]
SHAI at Gracie Mansion’s Pre-Chanukah Celebration
On December 17th, SHAI celebrated Chanukah at Gracie Mansion. Along with other organizations including ADL,UJA, JCRC, and StandWithUS, SHAI enjoyed this special event with Mayor Eric Adams, Gala honoree Deputy Mayor of Communications Fabien Levy, newly appointed Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, Consul General Ofir Akunis, and Gala honoree Ari Ackerman. Commissioner Tisch, introduced by Levy […]
Sushi & Wine Chanukah Chessed
Our young professionals gathered in the heart of Chelsea on Sunday evening, December 15th, kicking off this year’s holiday festivities with a chessed event for Toys for Hospitalized Children, a project of NCJFE. It was an inspiring, meaningful, enjoyable, fun, and unique event. The program provided an opportunity to give back to others and bring […]
Annual Winter Clothing Drive
On Sunday, December 8th, SHAI hosted its fifth annual winter coat and clothing drive to benefit the Great Neck Public Schools clothing pantries. Donors from across the peninsula generously dropped off items to be distributed at an upcoming event at the Clothing Pantry at the Saddle Rock elementary school. SHAI Board members ran the receiving […]
Annual “Gift Their Wish” Chanukah Chessed
SHAI Young Families partnered once again with the Moise Safra Center and Chai Lifeline for the annual Gift Their Wish chessed program. On Sunday, December 8th, children and their parents from the community wrapped over 1,000 ordered presents, decorated Chanukah cookies, and made menorahs, while enjoying a delicious lunch from Saba’s Pizza. The program was […]
Supporting Jewish Community’s Mental Health
On October 30th, the Mental Health Is Real campaign partnered with Anzhelika Steen Olsen’s SHER organization to host its first New York event at Lincoln Square Synagogue. Responding to the growing mental health crisis and increased antisemitism, the event brought together over 500 community members, including Nova survivors, college students, and IDF soldiers. Attendees heard […]
Shabbat of Healing and Meditation
During Shabbat of September 27th and 28th, the SHAI community and Temple Israel of Great Neck gathered to meditate, heal, sing, and pray in advance of Rosh HaShana. Engaging a multi-generational and multi-ethnic crowd, Hazzan Brian Shamash led the service, and a magnificent ensemble featuring vocalist Miriam Bursky-Tammam enhanced the Shabbat prayers. Following havdalah, they […]
A 32nd Gala Celebration
On September 25th, we celebrated our beautiful community with a phenomenal performance by Ishtar Esther Alabina at SHAI’s 32nd Anniversary Gala at the iconic Guastavino’s in New York City, with over 550 guests. After 354 days of our hostages still in Gaza, it has been a difficult year for Am Yisrael. The evening was one […]
SHAI in the Community
Over Labor Day Weekend, Jews and allies around the world were once again gripped with grief as news spread that six hostages – Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Eden Yerushalmi, Carmel Gat, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi, and Ori Danino – had been executed by Hamas terrorists in Gaza. SHAI and other community organizations including Congregation Beth Hadassah, Temple […]
Learning to Lead
This year marked the tenth anniversary of SHAI Teen Leadership Sephardic Day Camp under the supervision of Rabbi Yamin Levy. Since its inception, this program has empowered our young leaders through a blend of sports, outdoor activities, education, community service projects, and Sephardic traditions. This past summer was an unforgettable experience for the participants and […]
Celebrate Israel Parade
On June 2nd, SHAI marched proudly down Fifth Avenue in the annual Celebrate Israel Parade, joining thousands in the world’s largest statement of solidarity with Israel.
Combating Antisemitism
On May 30th SHAI hosted a panel at Congregation Kol Israel Achim on Combating Antisemitism. Panelists included Yale University student Sahar Tartak, StandWithUs Northeast Director Avi Posnick, and local elected officials Mayor Pedram Bral, Congressman Anthony D’Esposito, State Senator Jack Martins, and Legislator Mazi Melesa Pilip. The panel was moderated by Dr. Fred Bassali, a […]
Senior Center Update
The 2023-24 year was a year packed with activity, starting with our summer Mondays Fun Days at Bar Beach. Buses picked up our seniors from different locations and brought them to Bar Beach for a day of pleasant weather, walking on the beach, music, dancing, and food. Seniors celebrated Rosh Hashana with joy and each […]
Celebrating Nowruz – Temple Beth El
Two hundred people attended the 3rd SHAI Nowruz Music and Art event this last March hosted by Temple Beth El. The evening featured the music ensemble of Arieh Aghajani, Santourist, Katayoon, singer and AliBello on violin accompanied by percussionist. The evening’s emcee was our own former president Mike Delafraz, with a prayer and poem given […]
Celebrating Nowruz – Gracie Mansion
On March 26, 2024, SHAI board members were invited guests at New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ Nowruz Celebration at Gracie Mansion. The celebration featured a beautiful Haftseen table, Persian music, and kosher food. Mayor Adams welcomed the crowd and expressed his appreciation of Persian culture and the contributions of the Persian community to the […]
Celebrating Nowruz – Museum of Jewish Heritage
SHAI had the privilege of cosponsoring a day of celebration honoring Purim and Nowruz at the Museum of Jewish Heritage in Battery Park on March 24, 2024. This was a truly unique and historic event combining Jewish and Iranian cultures at one of the most prominent museums in the United States. The day was filled […]
Leaps and Bounds
The event “By Leaps and Bounds” took place on Feb 29, 2024 at the North High Gymnasium. SHAI members Monica Amirian, Claudine Amirian, Pargol Khadavi, and Marjan Keypour showcased books on Persian culture, ancestry, and events, and shared cultural treats such as Halva and Tu B’shvat delicacies. SHAI was honored to be invited among other […]
Partnering with our Public Schools
On February 6, 2024, SHAI and the Great Neck Public Schools United Parent Teacher Council (UPTC) hosted our annual educational forum at North High School, where Dr. Kenneth Bossert, new superintendent of schools, presented a review of his first 100 days in the district. He was very positive, animated, amiable, and knowledgeable. Dr. Bossert’s theme […]
United Against Hate Conference
In January of 2024, the Village of Great Neck Plaza hosted a United Against Hate Conference. The Conference was a prelude to Martin Luther King Day and was held to unify the community in confronting the increase in hate crimes in recent months. The panel of speakers included SHAI Board Member, New York State Supreme […]
Annual Winter Clothing Drive
The fourth annual SHAI Winter Clothing Drive to benefit the Great Neck Public Schools clothing pantry took place on Sunday, December 3, 2023. Despite the rain, members of the SHAI Board were on hand to accept the generous donations of members of the community who drove up with bags of contributions. Thanks are extended to […]
Annual “Gift Their Wish” Chanukah Chessed
On Sunday morning, December 3rd, our SHAI Young Families division and the Moise Safra Center had our annual Chanukah Chessed Drive for the children of Chai Lifeline in Israel and locally. Participants wrote cards and wrapped over 300 presents. There were Chanukah cookies to decorate, Israeli necklaces and bracelets to make, a photo booth for […]
United for Israel Solidarity March
On November 14th, hundreds of thousands of Jews from across the United States of America boarded planes, buses, trains, cars, and bicycles to get to Capitol Hill and the Great Lawn in support and solidarity for Israel. Hundreds of Persian Jews and our allies from the Long Island, New York region were among those there […]
Medical Spotlight
October was National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease. At an event hosted by SHAI & Ahavat Shalom Synagogue and organized by Shahruz Shahery, Dr. Danny Benasher, an oncologist at North Shore University Hospital, presented as guest speaker. Dr. Benasher gave a lecture and slide presentation followed by […]
Annual Fall Farm Festival at White Post Farms
On October 22nd, over 100 people joined us at our Annual SHAI Young Families Fall Festival. A favorite event for many, our families enjoyed a Kosher Lunch from Hunki’s, Israeli flag cookies from Butterflake Bakery, and spending time together at all the wonderful activities and shows White Post Farms has to offer. Lending special meaning […]
Between the Shells
On October 15, 2023, SHAI and Temple Israel co-sponsored a screening of the film “Between the Shells.” Almost 100 people came to Temple Israel to view the film, which highlights the artistic career of a local Iranian-Jewish artist, Mr. Jalil Harooni. Members of Mr. Harooni’s family were in attendance, as well as the filmmaker, Shirin […]
Raising Funds as the Dough Rises
On October 12th, 5 days after the barbaric Hamas attacks in Israel, SHAI & Ahavat Shalom Synagogue hosted a challah bake to raise money for Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF). Over 150 women – mothers, daughters, and grandmothers – stood in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Israel, baking and joining together […]
SHAI and Selihot
On Rosh Hashanah, we pray the words, “Ha-yom Harat Olam. Today is the day when the world was born.” Rosh Hashanah commemorates how all of creation is called together under God’s compassionate rule. In that spirit, the Jewish New Year encourages us to consider our connections to our personal families, to our entire Jewish family, and to […]
Seniors Celebrate Father’s Day
On Monday, June 19th, the SHAI Senior Program hosted a special celebration in honor of Father’s Day. Participants enjoyed lunch provided by Shiraz, and danced to the music of DJ Emanuel. The program also honored Dr. Homayoon Aram, a local senior, accomplished physician, and writer. Born in the south of Iran in 1935, Dr. Aram […]
SHAI Celebrates Israel
SHAI continued its tradition of marching in the JCRC-NY Celebrate Israel Parade on Sunday, June 4, 2023. Since 1965, people have come together annually to march in expression of their love and support for the State of Israel, and this year the parade marked Israel’s 75th birthday with the theme “Israel at 75: Renewing the […]
SHAI Celebrates Mother’s Day at Versace
On the evening of May 10th, SHAI celebrated Mother’s Day in style at the Versace boutique at the Americana. Over 150 mothers, daughters, and granddaughters filled the beautiful space and enjoyed the new Versace Icons collection. Among the many women in attendance that evening, SHAI was privileged to host Nassau County Legislator Mazi Melesa Pilip, […]
Lag BaOmer Fire Fest at Moise Safra
Over 285 singles attended the SHAI Young Professional Fire Fest event on May 9th at the Moise Safra Center on the Upper East Side. In keeping with the Lag BaOmer theme, there was a “flame” playlist by DJ Ike as well as a delicious barbecue catered by Mocha Burger and specialty cocktails crafted by a […]
Annual Israel Bonds Event
On May 3rd, Israel Bonds held a successful joint event with SHAI, Great Neck Synagogue, and Temple Israel of Great Neck held at Great Neck Synagogue. The evening’s very deserving honorees were Shahram Mike Delafraz, Rebecca and Sassan Sassouni, and Abraham Sedgh, each of whom gave heartfelt remarks, following introductions by Rabbi Howard Stecker. Attendees […]
SHAI Shows Off Its Persian Pride
The rain cleared just in time for the Persian Parade to kick off on Sunday, April 23rd. Onlookers along the parade route were happily surprised to see singer Shahram Shapareh on a float. Shahram had played his farewell concert the previous night at Queens College. It was a wonderful occasion to mark the long career […]
SHAI Congratulates Reza Pahlavi
SHAI congratulates our 2012 SHAI Gala honoree and keynote speaker, Reza Pahlavi, Crown Prince of Iran, on his trip to Israel. Reza Pahlavi traveled to Israel carrying messages of peace and friendship from the Iranian people, as he continued traditions dating back to Cyrus the Great. “The Iranian and Jewish people have ancient bonds dating […]
SHAI Supports Seniors
The SHAI Senior Program has worked worked for more than 22 years tirelessly to provide a place for our parents and grandparents to come together. Under the leadership of SHAI board member Mrs. Parvaneh Khodadadian, the continued support of generous donors, and a wonderful cohort of compassionate volunteers, SHAI Senior Social Center continues to grow […]
Nowruz Art Show at Lavan
On a beautiful, sunny, cold Sunday, SHAI welcomed in spring by celebrating a cultural Nowruz celebration in New York City at a new, state-of-the-art venue, Lavan Midtown. March 19th was an evening of celebrating SHAI’s mission to enhance and preserve our beautiful Persian and Jewish heritage, ushering in the new season, while showing solidarity with […]
Winter Wonderland
Our Young Professional Winter Wonderland Soirée took place on January 18th at the Jewel Thief in New York City. DJ Hummus kept the party hopping, spinning Top 50 songs from the radio as well as Israeli and Persian music. Over 130 singles were in attendance, mingling, eating, and dancing in a safe environment. A special […]
Bitcoin and Crypto Currencies: Fad or Future
On January 10th, together with Ahavat Shalom Synagogue, SHAI presented a special program titled “Financial Spotlight: Bitcoin & Crypto Currencies, A Fad or the Future.” Professor Khosrow Dehnad, faculty of Financial Engineering of Columbia University, and Department of Finance and Risk Engineering of New York University was the featured speaker. Dr. Dehnad addressed the packed […]
Annual “Gift Their Wish” Chanukah Chessed
Our December 11th gift wrapping chesed extravaganza with the Moise Safra Center and Chai Lifeline was an incredible, and incredibly successful, day. The youth in attendance, ranging in age from 1-17, learned a great deal about the mitzvah of chessed and giving back. Over 250 people attended and over 350 gifts were wrapped. Each age […]
Senior Center Update
For over 22 years SHAI’s Senior Program has worked tirelessly to provide a place for our parents and grandparents to come together. Under the leadership of SHAI member Mrs. Parvaneh Khodadadian, and with generous supporters and a wonderfully compassionate group of volunteers, SHAI’s partnership with the Town of North Hempstead Senior Social Center continues to […]
SHAI Summer Camp
The SHAI Sephardic Summer Day Camp has been brimming with activity, including Krav Maga lessons, basketball tournaments, video games, board games, socializing, and a successful daily minyan. There are also visits with the seniors at the Great Neck Social Center, where the kids and the seniors spend quality time bonding and conversing in English and […]
Tiki for Tu B’Av
On August 11th, we hosted a young professionals Tu B’Av party with Moise Safra Center. More than 170 singles enjoyed Hawaiian themed food, music, and entertainment, including a fire hula dancing show. This was a fun and different spin on the traditional Tu B’Av white party, and all three of these events provided our young […]
SHAI 30th Anniversary Gala
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, […]
Ron Dermer and Slovie
On June 13th, 2 nights before our Gala, we hosted a very targeted singles event with our young professionals from the ages 21-29. This event was held at Tempura Rooftop Restaurant in New York City, in partnership with the JRC of Michigan and Hineni. Former Israeli ambassador to the US from Israel Ron Dermer spoke […]
Memorial Day Parade
On May 30th, SHAI marched in unison along with the Persian community down Middle Neck Road as part of Great Neck’s Memorial Day Parade.
Celebrate Israel Parade
After a three year pause, SHAI resumed its tradition of marching in the JCRC-NY Celebrate Israel Parade on Sunday, May 22, 2022. The parade theme this year was “Together Again – Kulanu B’Yachad,” celebrating the State of Israel’s 74th birthday. With over 40,000 marchers, dozens of fabulous floats, marching bands, and exciting Jewish and Israeli […]
SHAI Young Professionals Celebrate Lag BaOmer
On May 18th, SHAI hosted a celebrative Lag BaOmer party with the Moise Safra Center and the Latin Jewish Center in New York City. More than 300 singles were in attendance and enjoyed a fire show, music, and a delicious dinner by Grill Point.
Persian Day Parade
The Persian Parade returned to the streets of New York City on April 24, 2022 and SHAI was there! The beautiful Cyrus Cylinder float bearing the SHAI banner was one of the floats leading the parade. On the float was a large replica of the Cyrus Cylinder and a recorded voice reciting the Cylinder’s declaration of […]
Titan of Tehran
On April 6, 2022, SHAI and the Great Neck Library hosted a well-attended and well-received livestream one-on-one interview with author Shahrzad Elghanayan. Elghanayan is the author of the newly published and critically acclaimed biography, Titan of Tehran: From Jewish Ghetto to Corporate Colossus to Firing Squad – My Grandfather’s Life, regarding the life and execution […]
Sephardic Jewish Film Festival and Fashion Night
On April 4th, SHAI co-sponsored the 24th New York Sephardic Film Festival with the Mosie Safra Center and the American Sephardic Federation (ASF). The evening honored Elie Tahari and featured a documentary, a meet and greet, and a fashion show with Elie’s pieces. Co-president Erika Goldstein Kashi spoke on behalf of SHAI. Fellow board members Edna Khalily, Marjan Greenblatt, Mojgan […]
Successfully Parenting with Slovie
On March 2nd, Co-President Erika Goldstein Kashi and Board Member Monika Amirian conducted a parenting lecture event with Slovie Jungreis-Wolff. Over 200 people attended via zoom and over 1,000 people watched it being broadcasted. Slovie taught the parents about giving their children a metaphorical life vest, turning “choppy” situations into an opportunity for our children to develop personal growth, success, […]
Israel Advocacy Talk
On Monday, February 28th, along with a number of other community organizations, SHAI co-sponsored an educational program at Temple Israel of Great Neck. Over 200 people were in attendance in person, and another 150 on zoom, to listen to Israel and Jewish rights activist and social media influencer Rudy Rochman. Mr. Rochman shares his personal […]
Senior Center Update
During COVID, under the tireless watch of Mrs. Parvaneh Khodadadian and her angels, SHAI provided meals to our seniors. With the senior center closed and seniors unable to leave their homes, for 5 months SHAI delivered Shabbat food to 120 families with the help of a generous anonymous donor and our volunteers. We recently re-started […]
Family and Marital Health
We started a new mental health initiative called “Let’s talk about it.” Our first panel was held over zoom on December 15th. Rabbi Hajioff, Izabelle Reyhanian Hakim, Dr. Shahanaz Malekan, and our very own Jaqueline Harounian discussed family, marriage, and marital health in our communities. This was spearheaded and moderated by Monika Amirian. We have […]
Latkes and Vodka
Closing out the year with a bang, our Young Professionals threw their annual Latkes and Vodkas Chanukah party on November 30th. Over 130 Young Professionals attended the event at Space 54, enjoying Eden Wok catering and DJ Jordan’s musical magic, and a menorah lighting with Chabad Young Professionals. We thank our entire YP committee for […]
Annual Winter Clothing Drive
This November SHAI once again hosted its annual coat and clothing drive. Benefitting the Great Neck Public Schools Clothing Pantries, the drive brought in warm winter items from a broad range of donors. The drive was particularly important this year, with poverty on the rise and many resources unavailable due to the pandemic. Many thanks […]
Annual “Gift Their Wish” Chanukah Chessed
On November 21st, for the second year in a row, SHAI Young Families held its Gift Their Wish event, a family event run in conjunction with the Moise Safra Center in NYC and Chai Lifeline. Over 150 gifts were collected for the children of Chai Lifeline, with more than 80 moms and children in attendance […]
Succot Soiree
SHAI Young Professionals continued the momentum in October of 2021 by collaborating with 3 other Jewish organizations to throw the hottest Sukkot Party. Over 550 guests were in attendance at 230 5th Avenue, NYC. DJ Jordan kept the energy level high, making it a fun Sukkah party to remember.
Annual Fall Farm Festival at White Post Farms
Our SHAI Young Families were also able to have a phenomenal post-COVID comeback. On October 3rd, 2021, we held our annual Young Families Fall Festival which, as always, was a tremendously successful and fun day!Over 200 people from over 55 families were in attendance. Guests enjoyed a kosher lunch from Hunki’s and dessert from Butterflake. […]
SHAI Summer Camp
During the summer SHAI ran a camp for teen leaders at Beth Hadassah Synagogue, led by Rabbi Yamin Levy. During the seven week long camp, campers enjoyed activities such as outdoor and indoor sports, baking, arts and crafts, music, practicing leadership training, field trips, and so much more. We had a blast and cannot wait […]
Summer White Party
This summer our Young Professionals had the best post-Covid comeback! In July, our SHAI YP summer White Soirée was an outstanding sold-out success! We had over 220 young professionals attend this event at Tempura Rooftop restaurant in New York City. Guests enjoyed Tempura’s Kosher Japanese cuisine and music by DJs Alex and Amir, and had […]
Senior Center Update
Mrs. Khodadadian and her team oversee a yearlong thrice-a-week complement of activities at the Town of North Hempstead Social Center. With over 150 seniors from the Persian community who partake in expanded weekly programming, door-to-door transportation, kosher meals, and companionship, SHAI Senior Social Center attendance continues to impress. Seniors enjoy a full range of stimulating […]
Martin Luther King Day of Service
SHAI joined several houses of worship and UJA for the second annual Martin Luther King Day of Service for high school students. The program included interactive learning and discussion of identity facilitated by Anti-Racism and Anti-Bias Trainer Yehudah Webster, who is a Jew of Color and founder of the Jew of Color Torah Academy. The […]
No Hate No Fear Solidarity March
On Sunday, January 5th, buses left from Great Neck heading to the Solidarity March. SHAI along with many other organizations and people, marched proudly and strongly together across the Brooklyn Bridge in response to the rise in antisemitism in our communities. With an estimated 25,000 people marching it took over 2 ½ hours for all […]
Annual “Gift Their Wish” Chanukah Chessed
Even our youngest children are learning about mitzvot and community. In anticipation of Chanukah this year, on Tuesday, December 17, SHAI Young Families, along with Moise Safra Center and Hineni Next, wrapped gifts for pediatric patients at Sloan Kettering Hospital. This special event took place at the new Moise Safra Center. With a selection of […]
Mental Health and Wellness
On December 12, SHAI along with Mental Health Association of Nassau County Inc, United Parent Teacher Council, and Great Neck Chinese Association hosted a mental health and wellness event at Great Neck North High School. The program was led by Rachel Priest, Community Health Educator from the Mental Health Association of Nassau County, who discussed […]
Annual Winter Clothing Drive
On Sunday, December 1, SHAI held a successful coat and clothing drive at the SHAI office. Bags full of gently used coats, warm winter clothing, hats, gloves, scarves, school recital clothes, and shoes were donated. Clothes were sorted and distributed to public schools, clothing pantries, and several gemachs. Additionally, SHAI Youth, along with Rabbi Yamin […]
Annual Fall Farm Festival at White Post Farms
SHAI Young Families held its third annual Fall Farm Festival this past October at White Post Farms. Once again, the wildly successful full-day event attracted over 100 young parents and children from all over Long Island and New York City. The children participated in activities like the petting zoo, animal farm, hand feeding, pumpkin picking, […]
Party Like It’s Summer
Over 200 young professionals attended the end-of-summer celebration at DL-95 Delancey. DJ’s Alex and Amir kept everyone dancing and Gift of Life swabbed over 100 people for their registry.