Coca en la Boka – A Unique SAC Tradition Described

---

How can we describe our Coca en la Boka program?  Let’s see…. It might be better to paint the scene… 

Picture a group of campers heading out of their bunks at 7:30am in the morning, even before tefillah!  They are still crusty-eyed from slumber, some still in their pajamas.  Yet they are drawn to the Dining Hall on their own accord.  Yes!  That’s right….of their own free will!  No one is requiring them to wake up that early and head out!  Once there, they are treated to a hot cup of cocoa.  They gather around, boys and girls, anxiously awaiting to hear what Sephardic Master, Hazzan Aryeh Greenberg, (respectfully known at SAC as “Haham”), has in store.  It could be a mind puzzle (similar to 20 questions, but not exactly), a Ladino “refranes”, (saying), a quiz, or maybe even a Joha story.  Joha can take the form of a crafty trickster or a dunce, and sometimes the campers are tasked to listen and figure out which Joha is present in the story.  The kids are intensely engaged (notably so, considering the morning hour).  They are quick to raise their hand if they know the answer!  Like rapid fire!  To make things even more interesting, winners are treated to small prizes, like matchbox cars and other fun trinkets.  This tradition is a SAC original and we are so lucky to have the creativity and wit of  Haham Greenberg to run this program.  He has been part of our SAC Staff team for over 20 years and he is a true gem in our crown!  A one of a kind!  Si Kiere El Dio!  We hope to continue this SAC tradition of inspiring inquisitive minds and sharing our Sephardic lore for years to come!

 

We are so grateful for the support of the following donors for their sponsorship of SAC 2022 Coca en la Boka.  

• Robert Altabet
• Jake Kohanek
• Al & Jeanne Maimon
• Jeff & Jamie Merriman-Cohen
• The Sephardi Federation of Palm Beach County

The Board and Staff wishes to extend a Mersi Muncho to the donors listed above for your appreciation of our unique Sephardic programming!