__________________ Merrick _________________
HERALD Now is the time to adopt a pet
Isles distribute 200 meals
Birch food drive is a success
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Vol. 28 No. 49
DECEMBER 4 - 10, 2025
$1.00
Dancing brings people together One of many cultural, community programs at Merrick Jewish Centre atmosphere for all ages. “Sisterhood hosts Israeli dancing several times a year,” The Merrick Jewish Centre Rebecca Calzontzi, a member delivered movement, music and of the synagogue’s board of cultural connection to its con- directors, said. “It’s always a gregation on Nov. 20, as dozens joyful event that brings in peoof community members gath- ple from different generations ered for an evening and builds commuof Israeli dancing. n i t y. O u r d a n c e The event, hostinstructor, Honey, e d by t h e s y n a makes it engaging gogue’s sisterhood, for newcomers and was par t of the for experienced g ro u p ’s o n g o i n g dancers. I especialeffort to offer proly love seeing the g rams that celeyounger generation brate Jewish identiconnect with our ty, promote intershared culture generational while having fun.” engagement and Cheryl Uram, the strengthen connecs i s t e r h o o d ’s c o REBECCA tions within the president, said the synagogue commu- CAlZoNTZI g roup has been nity. Israeli dancing actively organizing has long been a culevents, functions tural staple at Jewish centers, and fundraisers since she blending modern choreography joined in 2003. The Merrick with traditional Middle East- Jewish Centre has been in exisern rhythms. tence for about 85 years, and its Honey Goldfein, a well- sisterhood serves as both a known instructor in the region, social and fundraising arm for guided participants through a the synagogue. series of dances ranging from “I love it,” Uram said. “My beginner-friendly steps to more first venture into Merrick Jewadvanced sequences. Attendees ish Centre was to a sisterhood said her instruction helped cre- function, and they included me ate an energetic and welcoming
By HERNESTo GAlDAMEZ
hgaldamez@liherald.com
I
Courtesy Seth Tabor
Merrick’s Seth Tabor participated in his third annual Warrior Wark in Massapequa last week.
Seth Tabor pushes through for third annual Warrior Walk By HERNESTo GAlDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com
When Mer rick resident Seth Tabor arrived at his third annual Warrior Walk last week, he wasn’t on his feet this time — he was in a wheelchair, breathing through an oxygen tank after a brutal complication from cancer treatment. But the 50-year-old father, advertising executive, and three-year colorectal cancer fighter never questioned whether he’d be there. “I knew I was going,” he said. “No matter what.” Held at the Massapequa Preserve on Nov. 23, the walk drew its largest turnout yet, with friends, family, neighbors, teachers, and colleagues forming a sea of support
around the man who created it. For Tabor, who raised his two children here, the event represents far more than a fundraiser — it has become a symbol of hope, advocacy, and community power. For two decades, Merrick has been home for Tabor, his wife Emily, and their children — one now in college, the other beginning at Calhoun High School. In Manhattan, Tabor built a career at McCann advertising, serving as an executive producer on major national campaigns. His work includes New York Lottery commercials, Super Bowl spots, celebrity-driven ads, and U.S. Soccer. “I put the teams together — the creatives, directors, editors, visual effects — and help bring the idea to life,” he said. “Some of the ConTinued on page 11
t’s always a joyful event that brings in people from different generations.
ConTinued on page 6