​ISRAELIS IN RHODE ISLAND

​Ilan received his culinary education at Johnson & Wales University and developed his culinary career here in Providence, Rhode Island.

Many of us in the Israeli Jewish community have had the privilege of enjoying his talent.  He started his dream of opening his own restaurant while in Rhode Island which, at that time, he already knew would be called, BONAPITA. 

My first meeting with Ilan was when he brought Jana Gur, the Israeli editor of the magazine, Hal Hashulchan, to Rhode Island a few years ago when he accompanied Jana at her lecture.  There was a magical moment when Jana Gur showed  a picture of one of the oldest bakeries in Jerusalem in her presentation  and Ilan stood up in surprise and said, "That is my great-grandparent's bakery!"  It looks like the culinary trade is staying in the family! 

His new restaurant was featured in many newspapers, magazines and online blogs, and most recently in New England's Phantom Gourmet where BONAPITA received rave reviews. 

So, when you go visit Boston, make sure to visit BONAPITA (Mon-Fri, 11:30am-4pm) to support  Ilan and enjoy his culinary creations. Who knows, maybe he will open a second branch in Providence!  We are all so proud of Ilan.

Tslil Reichman will be spending the next year as the Israeli emissary in Rhode Island.  She is originally from Yehud and has spent the past three years in Beer Sheva, where she studied for her first degree in Education and Sociology at Ben Gurion University of the Negev.

Tslil is very excited and hopes to have the opportunity to meet other Israelis in Rhode Island and Rhode Islanders in general. If you would like to contact her, her email is  treichman@jewishallianceri.org 

Dr. Naftali Sabo (In Israeli we refer to him as just Naftali)

Born in Rehovot, Israel, Naftali grew up in Tel Aviv and eventually attended Tel Aviv Med School,  Military-Medical Corps from 64-67 and Yom Kippur in 73.

A year ago, Naftali became Co-President of Touro Synagogue along with Louise Ellen Teitz, (Professor of Law at Roger Williams University.)  He is the first Israeli-born president of the synagogue.

As you may know, the Touro Synagogue has a special place in American history and plays an important part in the history of Israel as well.  The synagogue, named after Yehuda Touro, is also known for  President's Washington letter to the congregation.

Naftali and his wife, Rhonda, are also members of the Newport Havurah and have been active members of the board.  (Newport Havurah is affiliated with the reform movement).  Members meet for services and holidays--often in each other's homes.

For many years, Naftali and his family have made an effort in reaching out to welcome the Israeli naval officers who have come to the Naval War College for the year.  Five years ago, they signed up to become official sponsors of the Naval War College International Program. In 2014, they were selected by the College for special appreciation of their work (NCC Sponsors of the Year).

Naftali is also currently involved in the newly forming Aquidneck Island Jewish cultural group called Island Chai.  The group will continue to run the  Jewish Film Series, organize and get information out about other events of interest to the Aquidneck Island Jewish community as a whole.

WHAT A PRIDE TO THE ISRAELI COMMUNITY IN RHODE ISLAND! Kol Hacavod to Naftali and his wife, Rhonda.

Get involved!  

Help build and strengthen the Israeli community

in Rhode Island!