News and Updates Talmud Torah Award

Victor Faradji

I was born in Mexico City in 1963 as the “Behor” (first born) of a traditional Sephardic family. My parents, nonos, abuelitos, aunts, and uncles showered me with blessings. At age 3, my parents enrolled me at Colegio Hebreo Sefaradi; and so, from an early age, I learned the Aleph Bet, ahead of the ABCs. In third grade, I was introduced to my first Tanach class. Shortly after, my father introduced me and my younger brother, Moris, to Rabbi Abraham Palti, who had recently arrived from Istanbul. Together with Cantor Yosef Bichachi, they formed our religious school: Mahazikey Torah (Those who support the Torah). We were the school’s first students. I continued my religious studies until I finished high school at “Beth Sefer Tarbut.” Then, I went through a long “Torah hiatus” while I finished Medical School and Neurology residency. During this time, I also met my wife Eileen, and we had our two daughters, Eileen and Shannon. In 2001, before the birth of our son, Joseph, we joined Temple Beth Am. What a great decision that was! In 2003, the same week our youngest, Ethan, was born, I started attending Torah Study. Since then, it has been a highlight of my week. I am now honored to be among the previous Talmud Torah recipients.

Pamela Lear

Recognizing and conveying my passion for Torah study and the associated learning reinforces the significance of Judaism in my life. It is a great privilege to be a recipient of the Talmud Torah Award here at Temple Beth Am. In the 13 years I have been a member, ever since moving to Miami, I have researched, written and shared over 50 d’varim Torah at the minyan service on Shabbat mornings. I have received the tremendous gift of opportunities to study and learn with our clergy, our musical talent, staff, lay leaders, and many friends. Beth Am’s community has encouraged my knowledge-seeking and sharing in new and innovative ways that I didn’t know were possible before this. Thank you all for being part of my Jewish journey.You have made all the difference.Together, we learn and build community that allows us all to thrive. Thank you.