Questions People Actually Ask
Do I need any Jewish background or knowledge to get involved?
None at all. Most people start with zero background. The first conversation is just a conversation: no test, no expectations.
Is Sephardi Sparks only for men?
No. Matchmaking and personal guidance with Rebecca Abergel are available now, with dedicated women’s learning and mentorship programming being added as the network grows. Reach out either way and you’ll get a straight answer about what’s running in your city.
Is this only for Sephardic Jews?
Sephardi Sparks is rooted in Sephardic warmth and tradition, but it’s open to any Jew who wants in.
Does it cost anything?
No. The conversations are free. Weekly learning is free too, and it stays that way. There shouldn’t be a barrier to learning or growing. Or to having someone in your life. Donors fund the work, and if you’d like to become one of them, we’re grateful. Individual events and trips come with their own details.
What cities are you in right now?
We’re starting in five: New York/Great Neck, Los Angeles, Toronto, Montreal, and Miami, with more to come as the community grows.
What does "weekly learning" actually involve?
Thirty minutes, one-on-one, with a rabbi who knows you. By video call most weeks, in person when he’s in your city. You set the pace.
What happens after I reach out?
Your message goes to Rabbi Abergel and Rebecca Abergel. We aim to respond personally within two business days, to set up a first conversation: thirty minutes, video or in person, no strings.
I’m a parent. Can I reach out for my son or daughter?
Yes. Many of these relationships begin with a simple note. Send one, and we’ll take it from there. Warmly, and with no pressure.
How is Sephardi Sparks different from Aish Sephardi?
Sephardi Sparks is an independent initiative founded and led by Rabbi Adam Abergel, who also serves as Director of Aish Sephardi at Aish HaTorah in Jerusalem. The two initiatives work alongside each other. Aish Sephardi gives students a home where they can connect with their heritage in Israel. Sephardi Sparks carries those relationships forward all year, through personal mentoring and weekly learning, wherever students end up living. The community travels with them.
What’s the matchmaking service?
Personal matchmaking through Rebecca Abergel: a real conversation, then introductions only when there’s a genuine fit across the network. See the Matchmaking page.
Are donations tax-deductible?
Yes. U.S. donations are tax-deductible: Sephardi Sparks operates under the Sephardic Congregation of Fort Lee, Inc., a registered 501(c)(3) that serves as our fiscal sponsor. Canadian donors receive Canadian charitable tax receipts by giving through the Sephardi Sparks portal at Petah Tikva Anshe Castilla in Toronto.
How do I support the work if I’m not local to one of the five cities?
Monthly giving is the easiest way to back it from anywhere. Visit the Donate page, or just reach out directly.