Sephardic Scholars Program
Applications for this year's 2025 Sephardic Scholars Program are now open. Our future rests with the youth of our communities. To support the next generation and recognize the educational achievements of our youngest members, the Brotherhood established its Sephardic Scholarship Program to help them excel academically and ensure money will never be an obstacle to advancing an education. Each year, the Brotherhood's Scholarship Committee awards financial scholarships to High School, College, and Graduate Students around the country. These funds provide for students' tuition support and help ensure their academic success. Generations of members have been supported through these scholarships, many of whom have returned to endow specific awards within the Sephardic Scholars Program.
Applications for 2025 scholarships are now closed. All applications must be received by March 17, 2025 and are only eligible for Brotherhood Full Members and their families. All applications must be emailed to Scholarship@SephardicBrotherhood.com
2025 National Sephardic Scholars
Claire Ezratty
Graduate Recipient
Claire is currently a String and Orchestra teacher at the Mark Twain Intermediate School 239 for the Gifted and Talented in Brooklyn, New York. She will be starting graduate studies at Queens College in Music Education this Summer. Claire is receiving the Jack and Dora Ezratty Memorial Scholarship Award in memory of Vivian and Yale Ezratty, and the Sarina & Leo Saady Scholarship Award.
Ariella Niego-Levy
Graduate Recipient
Ariella is a second-year graduate student working on becoming a Doctor of Occupational Therapy at Washington University in St Louis School of Medicine. Ariella is the President of Washington University Student Occupational Therapy Association (WUSOTA). Ariella is also a student liaison for jGrads (Jewish grad students) Occupational Therapy. Ariella is a Junior Central Council Member for the Brotherhood. She is committed to honoring the memory of her grandfather by keeping Sephardic traditions alive. Ariella is receiving the Morris and Reina Raphael Memorial Scholarship.
Joshua Weiss
Graduate Recipient
Josh graduated from University of Maryland with a B.S. in Psychology and he will attend Wayne State Medical College in July. Josh was a part of the Executive Board member of Kedma, the Orthodox Jewish student group at the University of Maryland. Josh was responsible for organizing community blood and genetic testing drives, and establishing a food delivery service. Josh was a teaching assistant and a specialized teaching assistant for Organic Chemistry. Josh was an associate researcher at Mount Sinai. Josh is receiving the Henry J. Perahia & Joseph Soury Scholarship Award, and the Jack & Esther Eskenazi Memorial Scholarship Award.
Morgan Behar
Undergraduate Recipient
Morgan is a Freshman at Virginia Tech where she is majoring in Advertising with a minor in Digital Marketing. Morgan is a member of the Ski Club. Morgan is a fifth-generation member of the Brotherhood. Morgan hopes to preserve Sephardic traditions through knowledge of family history, Sephardic cooking and family recipes. Morgan is receiving the Beth El Congregation Scholarship Award.
Carmen Boyan
Undergraduate Recipient
Carmen is a Sophomore at Stanford University where she is studying Biology. Carmen performs research in Dr. Anthony Wagner’s Memory lab. In addition, Carmen is on the Stanford Women’s Club Volleyball Team. Carmen’s father volunteers his time to advocate for a cleaner future which inspired Carmen to fight for and achieve bike lanes on her route to school through the city. Carmen’s Sephardic ancestry and culture actively guides and shapes the incredible young woman she has become. Carmen is receiving the Sabatay Isaac Abrams & Mary S. Abrams-Cohen Memorial Scholarship.
Ella Boyan
Undergraduate Recipient
Ella is a Junior at the University of Chicago where she is studying History with a minor in Architectural studies and Music. In order to further explore her Sephardic roots, Ella took an intensive beginner Ladino class. Ella is a research assistant for Chris Skrable on the Chicago Centuries Project in which she searched Chicago city archives for maps, historic building permits, articles and photos rin order to discover how the neighborhoods have been changed by urban renewal and redevelopment and disinvestment. Ella is receiving the Yom Tov Crespi Memorial Scholarship.
Benjamin Busch
Undergraduate Recipient
Benjamin is a Junior at Brandeis University where he is majoring in Psychology with a minor in Business and Computer Science. Benjamin and his family have generations of Sephardic and Romaniote ancestry and were part of the founding community established at Kehila Kedosha Janina synagogue. Benjamin volunteered at the Greek Jewish Festival assisting with children’s activities. Benjamin hopes to share his knowledge of Sephardic traditions and cultures with future generations. Benjamin is receiving the Greek Memorial Scholarship Award.
Joshua Benezra
Undergraduate Recipient
Josh graduated from Northwest Yeshiva High School in Mercer Island, Washington, and he will attend Yeshiva University in the Fall. Currently, Josh is participating in Yeshivat Lev HaTorah gap year program in Israel. Josh worked as a Head Madrich (head counselor) at the Sephardic Bikur Holim. Josh worked as a Hebrew and Judaics teacher for 3rd and 4th graders at Chabad Hebrew School of Bellevue. Josh is receiving the Flaminio & Ida Corcos Scholarship Award, and the Brotherhood Scholarship Foundation Award. Congratulations.
Rebecca Benezra
Undergraduate Recipient
Rebecca graduated from Northwest Yeshiva High School in Seattle and she will attend the University of Maryland in the Fall. Rebecca participated in Aardvark Israel which is a post-high school gap year program in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. While in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, Rebecca was a volunteer EMT for Magen David Adom. Rebecca also worked as a baker at Moran Gil Cakery in Tel Aviv. Rebecca attended Sephardic Adventure camp and was a camp counselor. Rebecca is receiving the Sam and Sophie Alcheh, David and Rae Alcheh Memorial Scholarship Award, and the Daisy & Edward Besso Memorial Scholarship Award.
Louis Dassa
Undergraduate Recipient
Louis is a Junior year at Penn State University where he is majoring in Finance and minoring in International Business. Louis is a member of the Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity. He also participated in THON fundraiser to help raise money and awareness for cancer. This semester, Louis studied abroad in Rome, Italy. During his time in Italy, he walked the Jewish Quarters of Rome and visited “il Tempio Maggiore de Roma”, the Great Temple/Synagogue of Rome, including the Jewish Museum. Louis is receiving the Jack & Sylvia Amar Memorial Scholarship Fund, and the Moise & Eli Bensignor Memorial Scholarship Award.
Ariela Geron
Undergraduate Recipient
Ariela is a Freshman at NYU where she is studying Media, Culture, & Communication. Ariela is a member of the Cleftomaniacs, an all-female NYU acapella group. She also choreographs dances for the intercollegiate acapella competition. Ariela composes original piano music and performed at NYU Stienhardt music event in October. In addition, she is a member of the Media, Culture and Communication club. Ariela is receiving the Lena & Henry J. Perahia Scholarship Award, and the Rabbi Asher Murciano Memorial Scholarship Award.
Leo Josse
Undergraduate Recipient
Leo is a Freshman at Emerson College where he is studying Visual media arts. Leo wrote, directed, and edited an original short film entitled “Her Shadow”. Leo plans to explore his culture through film with a strong emphasis on the Ladino language. Leo hopes to inspire future generations about Sephardic heritage and Ladino through film. Leo is receiving the Solomon Mossafia Memorial Scholarship Award, and the Allegra & Joseph Nathan Scholarship Award.
Sef Matarasso
Undergraduate Recipient
Sef is a Junior at the University of Central Florida where he is majoring in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Psychology. Sef is a member of the UCF Knights Racing: Baja SAE in which his team designed and manufactured an off-road vehicle for Baja SAE’s 2025 competition. Sef’s passion for automotive technology, robotics, and hands-on engineering is reflected in his work on aftermarket car projects, autonomous systems, and off-road vehicle design. Sef is receiving the Joseph & Maurice Sasson Memorial Scholarship Award.
Maxime Munoz
Undergraduate Recipient
Maxime is a Junior at SUNY Purchase where she is majoring in Journalism. Maxime published pieces in the Purchase Phoenix, the school newspaper. In addition, Maxime is an intern at the WPSR student radio and STOOD art forum, a student art gallery. Maxime is a Hillel E-Board member. In addition, Maxime works part time as an educator and guide at the Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art in Ridgefield, Connecticut. Maxime is receiving the Dora & Isaac Saltiel Memorial Scholarship Award and the Jason Soury Memorial Fund Award.
Ryder Moss
Undergraduate Recipient
Ryder is a Sophomore at Boston University where he is studying Film and Television, and Advertising. Ryder has worked on broadcasts of NFL Thursday Night Football through Amazon Prime Video, Fox Sports NCAA Basketball as a production assistant, and FS1 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show as a production assistant. Ryder is an active member of Boston University’s Jewish community. In his free time, Ryder is an avid surfer, and drummer. Ryder is receiving the Esther Roza Memorial Scholarship Award, and the Allegra & Leon Saady Memorial Scholarship Award.
Jared Mahler
Undergraduate Recipient
Jared is a Sophomore at the University of Texas in Austin where he is studying Finance and Accounting. Jared is the Fund Head and Fundraising Committee Liaison for the TAMID group which conducts research on Israeli Tech Company (WIX), leveraging Bloomberg Terminal and SEC filings to develop and present compelling M&A pitch. Jared is a treasurer of the Entrepreneurship Fraternity, Epsilon Nu Tau. Jared is receiving the Victor Matatia Memorial Scholarship Award, and the David & Rebecca Mayorkas Memorial Scholarship Award.
Louis Nahon
Undergraduate Recipient
Louis is a Sophomore at the University of Chicago where he is studying Economics and Astrophysics. He is a member of the Sinai Scholars program and attends Hillel and Chabad. Next year, Louis will have the opportunity to participate in the University of Chicago’s Study Abroad program in Athens. During this time, Louis plans to explore his Sephardic heritage and culture. ouis is especially looking forward to spending Pesach with his cousins who live in Greece. Louis is receiving the Joseph Saltiel Memorial Scholarship Award of the Bronx Social Club, and the Joseph & Mathilda Saporta Memorial Scholarship Award.
Raphael Nahon
Undergraduate Recipient
Raphael is a Sophomore at the University of Chicago where he is studying Political Science and Environment, Geography, & Urbanization. Next winter, Raphael will have the opportunity to participate in a study abroad program in Barcelona in which he looks forward to learning about his family’s history and immersing himself in the Catalan and Spanish cultures. Raphael is receiving the Nissim Behar Memorial Scholarship Award, and the Rabbi Myron and Sarah Rakowitz Scholarship Award established by the Sephardic Jewish Center of Canarsie.
Asher Nissim
Undergraduate Recipient
Asher is a Sophomore at Jefferson State Community College in Alabama studying Business. He will attend the University of West Florida next year to complete his Bachelor’s degree in Business. Asher is on Dean’s list. Asher is a Golfer for the Jefferson State Community College Golf team. Asher is receiving the Bension Grotas Scholarship Award.
Hanna Pitchon
Undergraduate Recipient
Hana is a Sophomore at the University of Michigan where she is studying Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. Hana is a member of Alpha Epsilon Phi, a Jewish sorority. In addition, Hana is the secretary of the Philosophy, Politics & Economics Club. In memory of her grandfather, Esra Pitchon, who imparted his knowledge and Sephardic traditions, Hana is committed to sharing her Sephardic background with her peers and community. Hana is receiving the Oro and Joseph Halegua Memorial Scholarship Award, and the Elliot and Marlene Israel Scholarship Award.
Arielle Pitchon
Undergraduate Recipient
Arielle is a high school senior at Scarsdale High School and she will attend the University of Colorado at Boulder. Arielle is the secretary of the class government for all four years of high school.In memory of her grandfather, Esra Pitchon, who imparted his knowledge and Sephardic traditions, Arielle is committed to honoring his legacy by embracing her Sephardic background with her community. Arielle is receiving the Ladies Auxiliary of the Downtown Sisterhood Scholarship Award and the Henry & Allegra Algava Scholarship in Memory of Theresa B. Shaw.
Rachel Sharon
Undergraduate Recipient
Rachel is a Junior at Bentley University where she is majoring in Business Management and Leadership with a minor in Public Relations. She is also a member of the Women’s Leadership Program. Rachel is the Vice President of Alumni Relations and Recruitment of Bentley Women’s Club Rugby. Rachel is a member of the Bentley Hillel. Rachel embraces her Sephardic background with her family particularly spending time in the kitchen making and eating roskitas and bourekas. Rachel is receiving the Daniel & Lily Zaraya Memorial Scholarship Award.
Celia Shimshi
Undergraduate Recipient
Celia is a Freshman at Muhlenberg College. Celia is a math tutor at Muhlenberg College. She is a part of the Muhlenberg’s Jazz Improv ensemble and the Percussion ensemble. Celia enjoys making music and plays the drums. Celia enjoys horseback riding and has been taking lessons for nearly 9 years. She also enjoys crocheting. Celia is receiving the Paul and Selma Shimshi Memorial Scholarship Fund, and the Gabriel & Beatrice Auslander Senor Scholarship Fund.
Rina Shimshi
Undergraduate Recipient
Rina is a Freshman at Goucher College. Rina worked as an intern for the Virginia Holocaust Museum researching Berga Concentration Camp. Rina is receiving the David & Rachel Shimshi Memorial Scholarship Award and the Smart Foundation Award.
Eliezer Rabiev
Undergraduate Recipient
Eliezer is a Senior at LIU studying Nursing. Eliezer will graduate with his Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing in December 2025. Eliezer is receiving the Harry Cohen Memorial Scholarship Award.
Shir Toledo
Undergraduate Recipient
Shir is a Junior at Haverford College where she is studying Neuroscience with a minor in Chemistry. This Spring, Shir studied abroad in Denmark and participated in a Jewish heritage trip to Sofia, Bulgaria. Shir will be performing research and writing her thesis in neuroendocrinology focusing on women’s health. She is an editor and writer of “JOLT” science magazine. Shir is a Bryn Mawr College Mainstage Theatre actor. Shir is receiving the Saadi Gerassi Memorial Scholarship Award, and the Acher & Mathilda Covo Sion Memorial Scholarship Award.
Daniel Weiss
Undergraduate Recipient
Daniel is Junior at Binghamton University where he is studying Business Administration. Daniel is a Managerial Accounting and Microeconomics tutor. He is also a member of the Information Systems Club. Daniel is a member of the Management Consulting Group. Daniel is a General Board member, Public Relations Committee member, and helps cook weekly Shabbat meals for Chabad at Binghamton. Daniel is receiving the Lucille B. Sarfitty Memorial Scholarship.
Miriam Busch
High School Recipient
Miriam is a high school junior at Art and Design High School majoring in Graphic Design. Miriam is Adobe Certified for Visual Design using Adobe Photoshop and she is working on her certification in Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe InDesign. Miriam and her family have generations of Sephardic and Romaniote ancestry and were part of the founding community established at Kehila Kedosha Janina synagogue. Miriam volunteered at the Greek Jewish Festival assisting with children’s activities. Miriam is receiving the High School Junior Award.
Jordan Dassa
High School Recipient
Jordan is a high school junior at Broadneck High School in Maryland. Jordan is a member of the Math Honor Society. He is also a member of the Science National Honor Society. In addition, Jordan is a member of the Physics club. Jordan plays for the Varsity Soccer team. When in college, Jordan hopes to have the opportunity to participate in a study abroad program at the University of Spain where his paternal ancestors once lived. Jordan is receiving the High School Junior Award.
Cohava Hassan
High School Recpient
Cohava is a high school senior in Israel, and her family recently moved to Israel from Seattle. Cohava is the Head of Student Council. In addition, she is the student logistics coordinator for her school’s upcoming trip to Poland where she is ensuring that the trip is educational and focuses on Jewish heritage. Cohava served as a group leader in her synagogue which included teaching tefillah and perasha. Cohava leads Sephardic baking workshops where she shares her love of baking and the stories of our ancestors with the community. Cohava is receiving the High School Award.
Alexandra Israel
High School Recipient
Alexandra is a high school junior at Scarsdale High School. Alexandra is the Row American Rye coxswain. In addition, she is the Chapter Head of GEMS, Girls Excelling in Math and Science, which is a program that works with elementary school students to encourage children to pursue education in STEM fields.Alexandra is the Vice President of the Help Animals club. Alexandra is receiving the High School Junior Award.
Ezra Josse
High School Recipient
Ezra is a high school junior at Brooklyn Technical High School. Ezra is a member of the National Honor Society and is a part of the Tutoring Committee supporting students Geometry and Algebra. He is also a CIT/Volunteer at Brooklyn Game Lab. Ezra is a Flag Football Referee for SFX Brooklyn Sports League. Ezra and his family have generations of Sephardic ancestry and his Great-Grandfather, Marius Pilo, was the president and executive director of the Sephardic Jewish Brotherhood and Center. Ezra is receiving the High School Junior Award.
Benjamin Mitrani
High School Recipient
Benjamin is a high school junior at the Frisch School in New Jersey. Benjamin is an active member of the Model Congress team. Benjamin is in the Tikvah program as a Solomon fellow. He is also a member of the business club, the pre-law society, the young politicians club, and the sports management club. Benjamin was selected to attend the Math Majors of America Tournament for High School at Yale University 2025. Benjamin is receiving the High School Junior Award.
We gratefully acknowledge those who have established scholarships to support future generations.
If you are interested in endowing a scholarship, please contact us at info@sephardicbrotherhood.com.
Ladies Auxiliary of the Downtown Sisterhood Scholarship Award
Sabatay Isaac Abrams & Mary S. Abrams-Cohen Memorial Scholarship
Sam and Sophie Alcheh, David and Rae Alcheh Memorial Scholarship Award
Henry & Allegra Algava Scholarship in Memory of Theresa B. Shaw
Jack & Sylvia Amar Memorial Scholarship Fund
Nissim Behar Memorial Scholarship Award
Sam & Jack Benrube Memorial Scholarship Award
Moise & Eli Bensignor Memorial Scholarship Award
Daisy & Edward Besso Memorial Scholarship Award
Beth El Congregation Scholarship Award
Brotherhood Scholarship Foundation Award
Harry Cohen Memorial Scholarship Award
Flaminio & Ida Corcos Scholarship Award
Acher & Mathilda Covo Sion Memorial Scholarship Award
Yomtov Crespi Memorial Scholarship
Jack & Esther Eskenazi Memorial Scholarship Award
Jack and Dora Ezratty Memorial Scholarship Award in memory of Vivian and Yale Ezratty
Saadi Gerassi Memorial Scholarship Award
Greek Memorial Scholarship Award
Bension Grotas Scholarship Award
Oro and Joseph Halegua Memorial Scholarship Award
Elliot and Marlene Israel Scholarship Award
Victor Matatia Memorial Scholarship Award
David & Rebecca Mayorkas Memorial Scholarship Award
Solomon Mossafia Memorial Scholarship Award
Allegra & Joseph Nathan Scholarship Award
Delicia & Abraham Nathan Memorial Scholarship Award
Henry J. Perahia & Joseph Soury Scholarship Award
Lena & Henry J. Perahia Scholarship Award
Rabbi Myron and Sarah Rakowitz Scholarship Award established by the Sephardic Jewish Center of Canarsie
Lucille B. Sarfitty Memorial Scholarship Award
Morris & Reina Raphael Memorial Scholarship Award
Esther Roza Memorial Scholarship Award
Allegra & Leon Saady Memorial Scholarship Award
Sarina & Leo Saady Scholarship Award
Dora & Isaac Saltiel Memorial Scholarship Award
Joseph Saltiel Memorial Scholarship Award of the Bronx Social Club
Joseph & Mathilda Saporta Memorial Scholarship Award
Joseph & Maurice Sasson Memorial Scholarship Award
Paul and Selma Shimshi Memorial Scholarship Fund
Gabriel & Beatrice Auslander Senor Scholarship Fund
David & Rachel Shimshi Memorial Scholarship Award
Smart Foundation Award
Jason Soury Memorial Fund Award
Daniel & Lily Zaraya Memorial Scholarship Award