Dear Poopa,
This letter is long overdue. I finally am doing it you know why? Because I love listening to Rabbi Diamond each week on learnTorah.com and just now I was listening to it, and the Rabbi started talking and then suddenly he said, "Poopa" and it reminded me to write to you! (I also heard you asking him a question last week, you're very articulate and clear when you ask...)
The point of my writing is to tell you: WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You did such a GORGEOUS (as my Gido Charlie Serouya would say) job, creating Aromas of Aleppo! It is such a beautiful, enjoyable book! >From the minute I saw the book, on that first day two summers ago when you first showed it, I thought and shared with others that this book is so important-you know why? Cause we Syrians are always so proud to be Syrians, and this book shows us WHY we have so much to be proud of! It shows our heritage in such a wonderful way. So when I leaf through the pages I think-this is what we are so proud of-our tradition in cooking and family life and of course Torah and mitzvot above all.
Poopa, you did such a great job. Surely you have heard this before, but I know it's important to hear that people are enjoying all your hard work.
We are enjoying it, using it (yes, it's not only a coffee table book, I use it as a cookbook!)
I feel like I know your daughters from the pictures, they look so sweet...
And we all agree that the photography is outstanding-even onion mechshe, which is not exactly 'photogenic'-appetizing looking-unless you know what it is, looks beautiful in your book....And my favorite pictures: the mechshe cusa pages...My mouth waters to see the mishmosh; and the oot being poured into the pot!
May Hashem reward you for your efforts in this and all you do.
May you have only goodness and happiness and health for you and your family until 120 years, amen.
Love Always,
Your Fan
Rena Hazan
Dear Poopa,
How can I ever express how much I enjoyed reading Aromas of Aleppo. This is not just another cookbook! Aromas of Aleppo is a magnificent collection that is to be savored like the finest Aleppian delicacy.
Reading Aromas of Aleppo is like taking a stroll down memory lane. Your words have transported me to a place I’ve never been, Syria; and to many places I remember fondly.
While reading your book, I experienced a roller coaster of emotions. I found myself moved to tears as well as chuckling with laughter. I found myself nostalgic for the past and looking forward to the future.
Your well researched book has touched me in so many ways. I am so proud of our rich heritage and am reminded not to take it for granted. I look forward to continuing our traditions and passing them on to the next generation. More importantly, I am truly inspired because you have elevated my faith and love for Hashem and I know that my prayers will take on new meaning.
Aromas of Aleppo is indeed a treasure that no home should be without.
Poopa, thank you for a job well done. May you continue to be a source of inspiration to those around you.
Sincerely yours,
Carole Azizo
Dearest Poopa,
I cannot help but marvel and admire the masterpiece you so graciously composed. Your book shall be a cherished treasure in many Syrian Jewish homes for generations to come. Please except my profoundest wishes for your continued success. May Hashem bless you and all that is yours with his guidance, love and support in all your endeavors.
Fondly,
Tita Matut
Dear Poopa,
I don’t know you well, but I am a friend of your children. Thus when I first opened your new ‘gift’, I wasn’t surprised; But I was overwhelmed.
You and your group have compiled treasures for us that may have one day become obsolete. This book will keep our sacred Aleppo foods and customs for generations. The photo of M’labas (white and silver-ofcourse) in the frosted glass bowl took me back to my sisters swanee in the 80’s. The recipes with foul and mazza took me back to grandmas house 20 years ago. The book not only depicts our Syrian edibles, but it is a testament to our grace and suffeh. My Syrian Jewish pride is strengthened through your effort. Our matriarchs of generations past are smiling down, as we will reacquaint our families with the legacy they have began. Shabbat Shalom! And Thank You for sharing your talent with us!
Billy Anteby
Dear Poopa,
I just received your cookbook as a gift from my mother-in-law and was so touched by it, that I felt the need to let you know what a fabulous job you did. The book is so beautiful, the recipes very interesting and helpful and the forward very touching. You should be so proud of your accomplishment. Excellent job and thank you for letting me in on the Syrian past and traditions.
Stephanie Matut
Hi Poopa, What a wonderful day you had last Sunday! And that candied coconut and eggplant brought back so many memories of times past.
I am really loving your new book. Just the photographs of all my favorite foods can make my mouth water! And the pictures of you and your family make the book so much more meaningful to all of us, as does your explanation of our food and customs. I wish you all the best!
Love, Trina
Dear Poopa,
First, I would like to congratulate you on the most magnificent cook book I have ever seen. It could not have been released at a more perfect time. In my graduate class for education we were asked to write an ethnic autobiography. Not only did I reference the history of Syrian Jews from your book, but I passed it around to all the other students during my oral presentation. Everyone loved it! They were asking questions and wanted to know where they could purchase a copy. They thought it looked like a museum book.
I also wanted to let you know how impressed I was with the writing. Your way with words makes you a natural author. I was so proud to present your book because it helped to support a large majority of my paper. You are a role model to other women in the community in that you are able to keep with your traditions and also make a name for yourself in the outside world. I have so much respect for you and all that you have accomplished. This book makes me feel honored to be a Syrian-Jewish woman and I hope that when other people read it they too will see the greatness that is our community. Hashem should bless you with continued success in all that you do.
Shabbat Shalom,
Elizabeth Ashear
poopa
your book is most impressive and informative.this book will stand the test of time as the pinnacle of our cuisine and our culture.it shows one and all what intelligence and fortitude you possess.i am proud of you!. you have brought honor to your family and your parents.i am sure you will continue to set an example for the woman of our community
warmest regards
linda ebani
Hi Poopa,
Just wanted to drop you a note to tell how amazing your book is! I'm sure you heard it all day yesterday but just wanted to add my best wishes as well. You did an absolutely fantastic job, the pictures, the stories, the cover... everything was so beautiful & so exciting to look it. I'm really enjoying it. And I'm so proud of you & inspired by you & what you were able to accomplish! May Hashem give you the strength to continue enhancing our community in such special ways! And you have done exactly what Rabbi Diamond said "working mothers" should do... you have given back to our community in an amazing & inspiring way!!
Thanks.
Stacey Gindi
S. Gindi Design Studio
Dear Poopa,
Hi. Hope you had a good week, I'm sure you were still so busy with book signing & selling. Everyone is still talking about the launch of the book on Sunday. It was such a spectacular event! You did a great job with it all. It was probably a good warm up for your future book promotions. Stay poised!
Thanks, the rest of my cookbooks were delivered.
I wanted to get some stands for them.
I never had a chance to get to you, do you still have them?
Let me know.
Jessica is SO excited about the apartment! I am too, it's going to be wonderful for the girls. Thank goodness Eli put the whole decor together for them. I haven't been involved at all, but move in day, I'll be there.
See you soon.
Hello to Sammy.
Love,
Jo Ann
Dear poopa, you amaze me and you looked amazing wishing you great success.
Love elliott and sonia
poopa i always expected a great book but after reading it its much better than i thought possible be proud
Hi Poopa,
What an event yesterday!
Everyone was raving, a great success. The book is a masterpiece and rock solid. You are fantastic!
Jessie's A 'H' is smiling ear to ear! I'm glad I was able to do a little "coaching".
Love,
Steve
Hi Poopa,
What could I say, there are no words...it was such an exciting day for me. I am your biggest fan....I can't imagine how you and your family felt.......I want to again wish you success with your book, it's magnificent...a labor of love........I started reading it last night, about the history of our heritage ........unbelievable.......everyone is talking...everyone wants the book......talk to you soon......
CONGRATULATIONS....MABROOK......GOOD LUCK....YOU'RE A STAR !!!
Love Ya,
Ginger
What a book.
The only recipe you left out was when you have lemons make leomanade
You are one of my heros who takes there energy and helps others with it.
May all you have and all you do be blessed
Peace
Your admierer
Scott
Poopa,
it was really amazing today. so impressive. the success of the day was a testimonial to your attention to detail, persevering nature, and meticulous planning.
I am so pleased and grateful to witness this whole thing evolve as it has. I also feel very fortunate to have come to know and become friends with you and your family.
You are truly an inspiration and benefactor to our entire community.
Charlie
Hi Poopa,
I was in total awe at Sunday’s event. I wish you a lot of luck and success on your launching. I am sure the book will have a lasting effect on our community for many years to come.
Before I give you a call, I wanted to brief you on the Ladies Angel Network (LAN). This group was formed under the umbrella of the Angel Fund that I manage on a daily basis. The mission of the LAN is not only to assist women in their business endeavor, but more importantly to give them support to pursue their passion and at the same time have flexibility.
Our most recent initiative that has surfaced from the needs of our clients is a communal kitchen. Due to the magnitude of this project, it would be greatly appreciated to meet with you to discuss our plans.
At the same time, in case you did not hear, the LAN is having a networking event tomorrow at Rachel Adjmi Meneshe’s home (191 Ocean Ave.) from 11-2. It would be great if you could join us to learn more about the Angel Fund.
Regards,
Irwin
Irwin Dayan
Executive Director
Sephardic Angel Fund
Hi Poopa,
It was really lovely yesterday. You looked lovely, too! What a climax.
I am glad that I was able to make it.
I need a few things in order to cover this story properly for the Jewish Standard.
My deadline is tonight.
If you could help me with the following:
1. Pictures of the event and/or pictures from the book (including a cover photo)
2. A press release (who would I contact today at Harper Collins for this?)
3. I would like to talk to you for a few minutes before I put the story out.
I can be reached either by e-mail or cell 201-264-9369
Thanks,
Temima
Dear Poopa,
I love the book! I am eating much better food since its publication. The only downside is my new food bill and my eventual larger wasteline. All kidding aside, it was beautifully done and it really is a great piece of work.
Happy cooking and thanks again,
Steven Montague
Dear Poopa, We all love the book. Joe is enjoying it so much he wants to give all the family and friends. The library is interested in 30 to 40 books depending on the price. Joe wants 20 copies. As you know the library has to make some money and also they have to include the shipping price. I think there is no duty on books. We would like to receive all before the holidays. I will let you know about the shipping details . I want to know how many books per box. Good luck. You have done a wonderful job for the whole Allepo Jews of the world. Congratulations. I am fortunate to have been to the innaugural introduction and we are all very, very, very proud of you. I show everyone your picture and tell them "this is my cousin ". My best to everyone and hope to receive your reply as soon as possible.
Joyce
Panama library
