Jewish Moroccan Henna (Berberisca) Dress Project
By Esther Pinto Published: 07/03/2009
HISTORY:
Only a few dresses exist in circulation across the globe used in dressing the bride on their Henna night. One of the most original dresses remaining today exists in the hands of Esther Pinto in Toronto who continues to dress Jewish brides (not always of Moroccan descent) prior to the wedding on this most joyous festivity. Esther has taken the initiative to re-create the dress in the most grandeur and detailed fashion possible. The Simi Caro fund, an official organization set up in the name of Simi Caro, has the mission to collect funds to re-create the dress and all it's apparel.
Simi Caro, born, lived and died in Morocco , dedicated her own funds and time to help the many single Jewish Moroccan men and women meet and engage in matrimony throughout the course of the early 19th century. This was accomplished by setting up a way ward home where poor Jews would seek refuge and food. Fully initiated and funded by Simi, Simi would get to know the people she served and began matching them for matrimony. Simi herself would host the marriage at her home and dress the bride with her very owned Berberisca dress. Over a hundred couples have been estimated to have met through her. Happily reported, many of the young couples worked hard and became self sufficient able to raise wonderful homes filled with Jewish children.
Today we commemorate Simi's efforts and in the spirit of her voluntary work, we continue to catalyze the Jewish community singles into marriage and into building secure Jewish homes for our nation.. The Henna night (also known as Berberisca night ) continues Simi's legacy and spirit of celebrating the most joyous occasion in peoples lives while guaranteeing our survival. Please join us in maintaining our tradition and legacy and in commemoration of Simi Caro. Donate a (tax deductible) amount to the "Simi Caro Fund" to pave the way to a new gown, head ornament, & jewelry to be used by all who would like.
Founder : Esther Pinto
Gold Members
Suzie Benchetrit
Mrs. Benchabo
Benny & Jen Anbar
Saul Niddam
Members
Esther Zeitoun
Lisy Ozer
Ricky Golberg
Zarie Benaich
Deborah M. Giroskopf
David & Lisa Beledeb
Mrs Azulay
Miriam Doyle
Ann Bratt
Solonge Attias
Esther Hartman
Margie Arosh
Esther Hadida
Talia Levmor
Simone Mira
Linda Bendayan
Smadar F Barman
Jenni & Dalton Nahshon
Rina Bar
Contributors
Sandra Halioua
Sabrina Pinto
Mercedes Abecassis
Elvy Cohen
Mercedes Diamond
Louisa Benezra
Chana Pinto
Gladys Benedit
Charlotte Honigman-Smith
Liat Gozlan
Elizabeth Beledeb
Michelle Nacson
Sponsors
Esther Pimienta
Rivka Allah
Esther Buganim
Shula Tenenbaum
Rena Vaturi
Rivka Allah
Simone Maman
David & Esther Serfaty
Hanna Vaturi
Alise Levy
Arla Abitbol
Dalia Regev
Nisso Laredo
Mrs. Loly Benmergui
Conchita Abitbol
Shula Tennenbaum
Michelle Silberman
Our mailing address :
Esther Pinto
c/o Berberiska Fund
112 Dollery Court
Toronto, Ontario
M2R 3P1 Canada
office@Jewishdirectory.com
Esther Pinto is available for consultations at (416) 661-8322
All contributions are tax deductible
Esther Pinto's Henna in DressEsther Pinto's Henna Dress
Photo Gallery - Henna Brides Dressed
Click here for Slideshow. You can also click on any of the photos to start slideshow.
