Ohr Saadya of Teaneck is named after Saadya Mamane, the grandfather of one of our members.
Saadya Mamane was Born in Taza, a city in Northern French Morocco near the Atlas Mountains, on the 18th of Tishrei 5662 (October 1, 1901). He was one of four siblings born to parents of modest means. He did not have the luxury of formal schooling, but was educated by his parents and later was self educated. At the age of forty, during WWII, he married his wife Aleese (pronounced aa’leese), who was from the nearby city Oujda. Saadya and Aleese moved their family to Casablanca. They had seven children, most of whom are now living in Israel or France. In Casablanca, Saadya was a trusted community leader who held and dispersed the g’mach funds.
During World War II, he was the official empowered by the local government to disperse meager flour rations to a starving population. He gave extra portions to people in need, which was an offense punishable by imprisonment or death if caught by the authorities. While others in his position sold extra rations on the black market and became wealthy, Saadya refused to profit, but rather chose to selflessly help his community. After the war, he was a successful shop keeper in Casablanca. He was known as a sharp dresser, and managed a local football (soccer) team. He was loved by everyone, and was known as a kind and generous person. His nishama passed on the 23rd of Shvat 5741 and he was buried in Casablanca. His youngest daughter, who is presently the last child still living in Morocco, is making aliya with her husband and children. She, together with her siblings, is arranging for his kever to be transported to Israel to be buried near his wife who had made aliya after he died.
