My mom, Freha Elhadad bat Aziza and Shmuel, Zichrona Livracha, passed away on Lamed Heshvan 5779. She was 78 years old.

She was the anchor of my family, always there for us.

She has been gone for almost a year, but the loss and pain are still fresh. We are all still looking for something to hold onto.

Before she passed away, she gave us the responsibility of praising god—“Kiddush Hashem.” Thanks to Bet Yosef congregation, I have the zechut (merit) to say Kaddish in a minyan every day and, through that, fulfill my mother’s wish to sanctify Hashem’s name.

The Ari, z”l, taught that “There is a great utility in saying the Kaddish to the soul of the deceased, even if he was a righteous man, because the Kaddish helps to elevate his soul and bring him unto heaven, thus raise it step by step into the highest spheres.”

I was introduced to Bet Yosef—the Sephardic Congregation of Fort Lee, a few years ago, but only attended the high holiday services. I never had a chance to truly know the congregation, or the people.

A huge void that my mom left was gradually filled when I joined the Sephardic Congregation of Fort Lee during the past year. Their caring, warmth, the privilege of being part of something bigger than you and of course the amazing food… the Sephardic kitchen at its best.

Joining Bet Yosef Congregation was like coming back home, a real home. The home and culture that my parents knew very well, but I have never before experienced it.

Bet Yosef—the Sephardic Congregation of Fort Lee is home.

Thank you for letting us be part of the Congregation.