Sephardic Scholars Program
Applications for this year's 2026 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 2026 scholarships are now open. All applications must be received by March 22, 2026 and are only eligible for Brotherhood Full Members and their families. All applications must be emailed to Scholarship@SephardicBrotherhood.com
2026 National Sephardic Scholars
Alexander Benoliel
Graduate Recipient
Alexander is a graduate student at Yeshiva University in the Rabbi Issac Elchanan Theological Seminary and Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies where he is pursuing Rabbinic Semicha and a Masters in Jewish History. Alexander’s studies focus on Sephardic Rabbinic texts and commentaries. He is pursing a career in Jewish Education and looks forward to using his background in rabbinic studies, Sephardic history, and the experiences as a Turkish Sephardic Jew to enhance Jewish education in his classroom. Alexander is receiving the Rabbi Asher Murciano Memorial Scholarship Award and Nissim Behar Memorial Scholarship Award.
Sophia Kaufman
Graduate Recipient
Sophia is a senior at Emory University where she is majoring in biology. In the fall she will enroll at NYU College of Dentistry where she will be the third generation in her family to pursue dentistry. Through internships and volunteer work, including at Truth Dental Clinic serving uninsured patients, Sophia came to understand how much her Sephardic Jewish values of education, preparation, and humility matter. Sophia is receiving the Daniel & Lily Zaraya Memorial Scholarship Award and the Brotherhood Scholarship Foundation Award.
Lindsay Matalon
Graduate Recipient
Lindsay is a second-year graduate student working on her Masters of Business Administration at UCLA Anderson School of Management. Lindsay serves as a tutor for Managerial Economics and Data & Decisions courses. She is the Vice President of External Partnerships for the business school’s Entertainment Management Associate. Following her father’s active service in the Brotherhood, Lindsay shares her family’s love and passion for our Sephardic community. Lindsay is receiving the Morris and Reina Raphael Memorial Scholarship.
Morgan Behar
Undergraduate Recipient
Morgan is a Sophomore at Virginia Tech majoring in Advertising and minoring in Digital Marketing. Morgan is a member of Alpha Phi Sorority, and serves on the Décor Committee and “Heart to Heart” Philanthropy Coach. She is also a member of the Ski Club. Over the past two summers Morgan worked as a Randolph Township Lake Life Guard. Morgan is from Randolph, New Jersey and is receiving the Allegra & Joseph Nathan Scholarship Award..
Rebecca Benezra
Undergraduate Recipient
Rebecca is a Freshman at University of Maryland where she is majoring in Biological Sciences with a focus in Physiology and Neurobiology with a minor in Spanish. Rebecca is a member of the women’s surgical society. She is also a member of the Red Cross club. Rebecca participated in Aardvark Israel which is a post-high school gap year program in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Rebecca attended Sephardic Adventure Camp and was a camp counselor. She is receiving the Moise & Eli Bensignor Memorial Scholarship Award, and the Lena & Henry J. Perahia Scholarship Award.
Carmen Boyan
Undergraduate Recipient
Carmen is a Junior at Stanford University where she is majoring in Biology and Neuroscience with a minor in math. Carmen performs research in Stanford’s Memory lab in the Psychology department using EEG and eye tracking. While at Stanford, Carmen is a part of the Kaza Sephardi where students explore the language of Ladino through readings and proverbs. Carmen has a passion for learning Ladino as it allows her to connect with a piece of her history while taking an active role in understanding and carrying her Sephardic identity forward to future generations. She is receiving the Yom Tov Crespi Memorial Scholarship.
Ella Boyan
Undergraduate Recipient
Ella is about to graduate from the University of Chicago majoring in sociology and music with a minor in architectural studies. In the fall Ella will attend the Chicago School of Violin Making to obtain a certificate in Violin Making and Repair. Ella works at Renaissance Society Museum of Contemporary Art, the University of Chicago art history department, and the department of Visual Arts Wood and Metal shops to assist in art historical research, manage the gallery, and staff the wood shop. She is receiving the Sabatay Isaac Abrams & Mary S. Abrams-Cohen Memorial Scholarship.
Jordan Dassa
Undergraduate Recipient
Jordan is a high school senior at Broadneck High School in Maryland and plans to pursue an undergraduate degree in engineering. 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, and also works after school at the Stoney River Steakhouse and Grill. Jordan is receiving the Harry Cohen Memorial Scholarship Award and Joseph & Mathilda Saporta Memorial Scholarship Award.
Ashley Freundlich
Undergraduate Recipient
Ashley is a Junior at University of Delaware where she is majoring in art and minoring in advertising. Ashley is a member of Kappa Alpha Theta - Zeta Tau Chapter and currently serves as TikTok Chair. She is an Executive Board member of the University of Delaware Art League and serves as social media manager. She led a school radio program “Ashley on the Air” for 2 years, and hosted a Bi-Weekly student television show. Ashley is from Roslyn Heights, NY and is receiving the Solomon Mossafia Memorial Scholarship Award.
Charles Freundlich
Undergraduate Recipient
Charlie is a high school senior at Roslyn high school. He is a member of the Roslyn Marching Band; which won top awards in the New York State Field Band Championship. Charlie served as Cymbalist, Drummer, and grew to Head Manager of the band where he oversaw logistical operations, coordinated assignments, and ensured efficient field set up and clean up for performances and practices. Charlie was also a member of the Roslyn Junior Varsity Wrestling Team, and he has worked as an intern at a physical therapy practice. He is receiving the Jack & Esther Eskenazi Memorial Scholarship Award.
Zoe Freundlich
Undergraduate Recipient
Zoe is a high school senior at Roslyn High School and she will attend the University of Miami in the Fall. Zoe is a member of the National Honor Society and the World Language Honor Society. She is a member, school store manager, and judge for DECA. Zoe is also the public relations officer and member of the Students Against Destructive Decisions club. Zoe volunteers for the New York Blood Center and volunteers for various programs at the Sid Jacobson Jewish Community Center. Zoe is receiving the Daisy & Edward Besso Memorial Scholarship Award, and Smart Foundation Award.
Ariela Geron
Undergraduate Recipient
Ariela is a Sophomore at NYU where she is studying Media, Culture, & Communication. She is a member of NYU’s Media, Culture and Communication club. Ariela is also a talented musician and composes original piano music. This year, Ariela enrolled in a Turkish language course at NYU as she wanted to be able to better communicate with her grandparents in Istanbul and connect with her Sephardic family members. Ariela is receiving the Jack & Sylvia Amar Memorial Scholarship Fund, and Sarina & Leo Saady Scholarship Award.
Ezra Josse
Undergraduate Recipient
Ezra is a high school senior at Brooklyn Tech High School and will attend the University of Chicago in the Fall. Ezra is a member of the National Honor Society. Ezra is an active participant in the Brooklyn Tech Football program. He is the Brooklyn Tech Football Captain and Varsity football player. His Great-Grandfather, Marius Pilo, was the president and executive director of the Sephardic Jewish Brotherhood and Center. Ezra is receiving the Sam & Jack Benrube Memorial Scholarship Award, and Dora & Isaac Saltiel Memorial Scholarship Award.
Jared Mahler
Undergraduate Recipient
Jared is a Junior at University of Texas in Austin where he is majoring in finance and minoring in accounting. Most recently Jared served as an Investment Banking Summer Analyst at Société Générale in Houston, Texas. He also served as a U.S. Residential Credit Summer Analyst at Hudson Advisors in New York City, where he streamlined standardization of 22,000 borrower addresses through AI integration, and enhanced multi-borrower identification. He is receiving the Acher & Mathilda Covo Sion Memorial Scholarship Award.
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Simeon Maman
Undergraduate Recipient
Simeon is a high school senior at Solebury School in New Hope, Pennsylvania. He has been very active in high school, including serving as President of the Bivas Ladino High School Club of America, the Brotherhood’s Sephardic Yout Movement. Simeon is the Founder and Captain of the Solebury School Speech and Debate team, and he has won multiple top debate awards. He is also the Founder and Chapter President at Solebury School Business and Investment club, and has raised thousands of dollars for humanitarian and animal relief efforts.Simeon is from Rose Valley, Pennsylvania and is receiving the Elliot and Marlene Israel Scholarship Award.
Alyssa Meltzer
Undergraduate Recipient
Alyssa Meltzer is a high school senior at Clarkstown High School South. Alyssa has a diverse set of academic interests and is a member of her high school’s national honors society, Mu Alpha Theta honors society, science honors society, world language honors society, and Tri-M honors society. She also works part time at the Rockland gymnastics academy and Deerkill day camp. Alyssa is from New City, New York and is receiving the Beth El Congregation Scholarship Award.
Geddy Moss
Undergraduate Recipient
Geddy is a high school senior at Long Beach High School and he will attend the Northeastern University in the fall where he plans on studying music, technology, and business administration. Geddy is the founder and president of the Sports Media, Analytics, & Advertising club. He is also the President of the National Business Honor Society and an active member of the National Honor Society. Geddy plans to explore his Sephardic heritage through music and revive Judeo-Spanish music with contemporary styles and equipment. Geddy is receiving the Delicia & Abraham Nathan Memorial Scholarship Award.
Ryder Moss
Undergraduate Recipient
Ryder Moss is a senior studying film, television, and advertising at Boston University. He is passionately pursuing a career in the media arts through BU’s rigorous academic curriculum - earning dean’s list honors - and through BU’s television studio and sports broadcasting crews. Beyond campus, Ryder has gained experience in the sports media industry. He is a production assistant on broadcasts of the NFL on Amazon Prime Video, the MLB on Fox Sports, and college basketball on Fox Sports. He also helped plan and produce various documentary and educational media projects as an intern for Pique Action, a production company telling solutions-focused stories about climate change. Originally a proud member of the strong Jewish community in Long Beach, New York, he continues to embrace his culture and heritage as an active member of Boston University’s large Jewish community. In his spare time, he is also an avid surfer, drummer, and DJ at WTBU radio, Boston University’s student-run radio station. Ryder is receiving the Bension Grotas Scholarship Award and the Joseph & Maurice Sasson Memorial Scholarship Award.
Louis Nahon
Undergraduate Recipient
Louis is a Junior at the University of Chicago where he is majoring in Economics with a minor in Astrophysics and Molecular Engineering. Louis is a part of the Trott Business Program and the Gotham Chi Venture Capital organization. In addition, he is a member of the Sinai Scholars program. Outside of class, Louis plays ultimate frisbee, and enjoys traveling with his citizenship from the United States, France, and Spain. Louis is receiving the Oro and Joseph Halegua Memorial Scholarship Award and the Gabriel & Beatrice Auslander Senor Scholarship Award.
Raphael Nahon
Undergraduate Recipient
Raphael is a Junior at the University of Chicago where he is studying Political Science and Environment, Geography, & Urbanization. This winter, Raphael had the opportunity to participate in a study abroad program in Barcelona where he was able to immerse himself in Jewish history and connect with his Sephardic roots. Last summer, he worked at the Bureau of Legal Affairs in NYC Department of Environmental Protection. He is receiving the Greek Memorial Scholarship Award and Joseph Saltiel Memorial Scholarship Award of the Bronx Social Club.
Arielle Pitchon
Undergraduate Recipient
Arielle is a Freshman at the University of Colorado in Boulder. In college Arielle is a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority and the Women in Business Club. In high school she was President of Help to HEAL (Eating Disorder Awareness) Club, Secretary of Student Government for 4 years, served on the varsity volleyball team for 3 years, and managed the varsity soccer team. Arielle is from Scarsdale, New York and is receiving the Jack and Dora Ezratty Memorial Scholarship Award in memory of Vivian and Yale Ezratty.
Hana Pitchon
Undergraduate Recipient
Hana is a Junior at the University of Michigan where she is majoring in public policy with a minor in business. Hana interned at W.R. Berkley Corporation Insurance Innovation, where she oversaw SPARK, the company’s innovation platform, organized employee submissions for over 60 operating units.. She is also the Pledge Class President of Phi Delta Phi, the pre-law honor society and co-ed professional fraternity. Hana is receiving the Ladies Auxiliary of the Downtown Sisterhood Scholarship Award, and Esther Roza Memorial Scholarship Award.
Alexandra Roberts
Undergraduate Recipient
Alexandra is a Sophomore at Yeshiva University Sy Syms school of business where she is majoring in finance and minoring in data analytics. Alexandra is an accomplished figure skater for more than 10 years. She qualified to compete and represent the USA at an international Figure Skating competition in Ruhpolding, Germany. Alexandra has been active in preserving our Sephardic heritage by co-founding the Bivas Ladino High School club of America. She is receiving the David & Rebecca Mayorkas Memorial Scholarship Award.
Judah Roberts
Undergraduate Recipient
Judah is a high school senior at the Fusion School. Judah is a founder and past president of the Bivas Ladino High School Club of America. Judah participated in the Oxford School of Rare Jewish Language program which focused on the preservation and study of Ladino. Judah is also a Junior member of the Brotherhood’s Central Council, and he previously performed Ladino songs at the Brotherhood’s past Gala. He is receiving the David & Rachel Shimshi Memorial Scholarship Award and the Jason Soury Memorial Fund Award.
Ilana Sharon
Undergraduate Recipient
Ilana is a Freshman at the University of Delaware where she is majoring in Fashion merchandising and management. In high school Ilana played for the Varsity Field Hockey team, the Varsity Winter Track team, and the Varsity Spring Track team. She was a Board member of the BBYO, a Girl Scout member, and a summer camp counselor for the Freehold Township Recreation Summer Camp. Ilana was also the Freehold High School DECA Co-Vice President of Marketing. Ilana is receiving the Flaminio & Ida Corcos Scholarship Award.
Celia Shimshi
Undergraduate Recipient
Celia is a Sophomore at Muhlenberg College where she is double majoring in math and music. Celia is part of Muhlenberg’s Jazz Improv ensemble, the Percussion ensemble, the Jazz Big Band, Collegium Musicum, and the band for tap dancing/jazz fusion dance collaboration. Celia is an active member of Hillel. She enjoys making music and plays the drums. Celia also enjoys horseback riding and crocheting. Celia is receiving the Sam and Sophie Alcheh, David and Rae Alcheh Memorial Scholarship Award, and the Henry J. Perahia & Joseph Soury Scholarship Award.
Eliana Shimshi
Undergraduate Recipient
Eliana is a high school senior at McLean School of Maryland. While in high school, Eliana has been active in a number of different clubs, including serving as Treasurer and Vice President of the Modern Music Masters club, Co-President of the Latin Club, and member of the McLean Theatre program for four years. Eliana is often intrigued by language - including the differences in phonetics and how languages tie into the cultures that they represent, and she is starting to explore studying Ladino. Eliana is receiving the Paul and Selma Shimshi Memorial Scholarship Fund award.
Rina Shimshi
Undergraduate Recipient
Rina is a Sophomore at Goucher College. Rina works at Goucher College Stables. Rina is interested in history and has tried to elevate the history of our Sephardic community when learning about American Jewish history in college. Rina is from Bethesda, Maryland and is receiving the Henry & Allegra Algava Scholarship in Memory of Theresa B. Shaw, and the Allegra & Leon Saady Memorial Scholarship Award.
Nathan Verkman
Undergraduate Recipient
Nathan is a high school senior at Great Neck North High School. Nathan is very interested in sports, and has taken multiple college level classes during the summer on Sports Broadcasting, Sports Communications and the Fan Experience. Nathan even attended the Play by Play Sports Broadcasting Camp where he learned and practiced broadcasting skills including Reporting, Anchoring, Podcasting, and Play-by-Play. Nathan is a member of his school’s Key Club and the Religious Action Center Teen Fellowship. Nathan is receiving the Saadi Gerassi Memorial Scholarship Award.
Eden Geron
High School Recpient
Eden is a high school junior at North Shore Hebrew Academy. Eden serves as President of both DECA and the investing club at her school, and is a Nassau county DECA regional winner. She is Team Captain of the Wharton Global Youth Competition. She is founder of the women in business and finance club. She is also a member of the math team, Captain of the junior varsity soccer team, and served as captain of the basketball junior varsity team. Eden is from Valley Stream, New York and is receiving the High School Junior Award.
Benjamin Mitrani
High School Recipient
Benjamin is a high school senior at the Frisch school. In the fall he will study for one year in Israel at Yeshivat Hakotel in the old city of Jerusalem, and afterwards he will attend the University of Florida through the Rosenthal-Levy program. Benjamin serves on his school’s Model Congress team. Benjamin also serves as the gabbai for the Sephardic teen minyan at his synagogue on Shabbat and also as the head of the Sephardic minyan at his school. Heis receiving the Rabbi Myron and Sarah Rakowitz Scholarship Award established by the Sephardic Jewish Center of Canarsie.
Noah Sharon
High School Recipient
Noah is a high school junior at Freehold high school. He is an active student leader at his high school, an athlete, and volunteer. Noah serves as Class President of Freehold High School and is a member of both the soccer and track and field teams. Noah is involved in multiple clubs including the Technology Student Association, Chess Club where he was a tournament champion, Math League, DECA, and Sports Medicine Club. Noah is from Freehold, NJ and is receiving the High School Junior Award.
Omer Toledo
High School Recipient
Omer is a high school junior at the Nueva School in San Mateo, CA, which is a highly competitive school for gifted students focused on STEM. His intense workload includes Multivariate Calculus, Differential Equations, Financial Econometrics, Modern Physics, and Quantum Information. Omer is Vice President of the Investment Club, co-captain of the Junior varsity basketball team, and is a Taekwondo Black Belt.Omer is from Los Altos, California and 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
Esra & Harriet Pitchon Memorial 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