Tzippy Calm

Yoni and I got married in 2007 and moved to West Hempstead in 2012 with our son Asher, who was three at the time.  We experienced Anshei’s warmth right away as exactly two weeks after we moved in, I gave birth to my second son, Rafi and needed some help.  Rabbi Soniker, along with Alison and Elliot Schimel, the only people in West Hempstead that we knew in the neighborhood at the time, helped us organize a Shalom Zachor and two weeks worth of meals. I couldn’t believe that people who we didn't know made us dinner for two weeks. Rabbi Soniker, who we barely knew at the time, even called me in the hospital to wish us a mazal tov. The outpouring of love we felt in those first few weeks made us feel right at home and we knew moving to West Hempstead was the right decision. A couple of years after moving in, when Abbie Maslin asked me to be a part of her chessed team and cook meals for people in need, I was so excited for the opportunity to repay the kindness we were shown when we first moved in. 

Ever since my children were very little, I would bring them to Anshei every Shabbos for morning groups. I was so impressed by Anshei’s youth programming that when Binyamin Rosenstock called me about five years ago and asked me to join the youth committee, I readily agreed. Working with the wonderful members of the youth committee was very motivating for me. I was so impressed with the amount of time contributing volunteers put into planning these incredible programs. The time, effort, thought and detail that goes into planning each and every youth event, so that my children and all of Anshei’s children, can attend fun, exciting, and organized programs, is overwhelming. I was so proud to be a part of such a hard working, dedicated committee that I was inspired to take on my next big volunteer role as HANC PTA President. Being able to give back to our family’s shul and our children’s school means the world to me. In addition to my volunteer work, for the past six years I have been working at SKA High School for Girls as a member of the student support staff, teacher, and grade level advisor.  I love going to work every day because I get to work with a wonderful and supportive faculty and staff, and teach students who are eager to learn.

Thank you Rabbi Pearl for being the backbone of our kehila and also its biggest supporter. I will always remember Rabbi Pearl coming to our new home with his blowtorch to kasher my oven for Pesach. I couldn’t believe the dedication. Thank you also to Rabbi and Rebetzin Soniker for leading us with such a caring and sensitive hand. Thank you for your patience in answering all of my questions, and I do ask a lot. 

In the last ten years, Yoni and I, and our children Asher, Rafi, and Ahuva, have made the most amazing friends, who are like family to us. We are so lucky to have met all of you, and I hope you know how much you mean to us. We are also so happy that my sister and brother in law, Miriam and Naor Boxer, live in West Hempstead and that we get to see them regularly. It is so special for me that our children go to school together and get to play together weekly. Of course I wouldn’t be here without my wonderful parents. Thank you for all of your love, support, and dedication each and every day. 

Thank you of course to my wonderful and supportive husband and children who don’t complain about the endless amount of phone calls and meetings that come along with volunteering. Without you, all that I have achieved would not have been possible. 

My family and I are so proud to be a part of this wonderful West Hempstead community and especially to be a part of Anshei. Thank you for this incredible and meaningful honor. 
 

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