Jewish News: March 4, 2024

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UPFRONT

Knowledge is key

Israel’s war with Hamas has resulted in vocal and aggressive anti-Zionism and antisemitism across the globe. Many American Jews lack basic knowledge about Israel to converse with certainty about the sole democracy in the Middle East.

Beginning with this column, in each issue, Jewish News will present a few very basic facts about Israel, as knowledge transforms to confidence.

• As of 2023, Israel’s population is more than nine million people. (cia.gov)

• 74% of Israel’s population is Jewish, 21% is Arab, and 5% is neither. (timesofi srael. com)

• Israel declared independence on May 14, 1948. (bbc.com)

• Israel joined the United Nations in 1949. (cia.gov)

• Jerusalem is the capital of Israel. (worldatlas.com)

• Israel measures about 260 miles north-to-south and 70 miles east-to-west at its widest point. (gov.il)

• Israel is comparable to New Jersey in size. “Imagine you're living in Newark and someone is firing rockets from the other side of the Hudson River,” says Steven E. Zipperstein, an assistant adjunct professor at UCLA's Luskin School of Public Affairs (abc.news.go.com)

• The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is the sole military wing of the Israeli security forces and consists of the army, air force and navy. It was founded during the 1948 Arab–Israeli War by consolidating paramilitary organizations.

Most Israelis are conscripted at age 18. Men serve two years and eight months and women two years. Following mandatory service, Israeli men join the reserve forces and usually do up to several weeks of reserve duty every year until their forties. Most women are exempt from reserve duty. Arab citizens of Israel (except the Druze) and those engaged in full-time religious studies are exempt, although the exemption of yeshiva students has been a source of contention. (usatoday.com)

CONTENTS

LETTER

Mikvah appreciation

Dear Editor,

Thank you so much for accepting my article to the Jewish News on the new Keilim Mikvah, the mikvah for immersing vessels. I have received several comments on how much people appreciated seeing this article featured and knowing that we have made the mikvah more accessible and easier to access.

I do want to mention that I erroneously did not give credit to Shira Itzhak who deserves joint credit for her contribution to the Mikvah alongside her husband, Shmuel Itzhak.

I hope we will be able to share more good news from The Norfolk Mikvah in the future.

Esty Gruen

jewishnewsva.org

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Terri Denison, Editor

Stephanie Peck, Assistant Editor

Michael McMahon, Art Director

Sandy Goldberg, Account Executive

Patty Malone, Circulation Reba Karp, Editor Emeritus

United Jewish Federation of Tidewater David Leon, President

Mona Flax, President-elect

Alvin Wall, Treasurer

Jason Hoffman, Secretary

Betty Ann Levin, Executive Vice President

JewishVA.org

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Issue Deadline March 18 Camp/Estate planning March 1

April 8 Passover March 22

April 22 Moms/Women April 5

May 13 20th Anniversary of April 26

Sandler Family Campus June 3 Dad/Men/Grads May 17

QUOTABLE

“We are defined by how we react to this history. How will we teach about it,learn from it, and become stronger because of it?

– page 9

BRIEFS

London police open investigation after Amy Winehouse statue is defaced with pro-Palestinian sticker

Abronze statue of the late Jewish singer-songwriter

Amy Winehouse was defaced when a sticker with the Palestinian flag was placed over the statue’s Star of David necklace.

The management of Camden Market, where the statue is located, said the sticker was removed and that the incident had been reported to police.

“Camden Market remains first and foremost, a place of diversity – a global destination that welcomes everyone,” said the statement on X, formerly Twitter. “Any form of discrimination on our estate will not be tolerated.”

The Guardian reported that a “bring them home now” dog tag, referring to the Israeli hostages taken by Hamas in its Oct. 7 invasion of Israel, was later briefly placed on the statue.

Winehouse, known for her striking voice and hit songs was born to a Jewish family in North London. She achieved critical and commercial success with two albums before dying in 2011 at age 27 from alcohol poisoning.

The life-size statue was erected in September 2014, on what would have been Winehouse’s 31st birthday, and features her signature beehive hairdo. Winehouse spent much of the last few years of her life in London’s Camden neighborhood.

The statue is the latest Jewish site around the world to be defaced with pro-Palestinian graffiti since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war on Oct. 7. Others include Portuguese and American synagogues, and a Holocaust research library in England.

The United Kingdom’s Campaign Against Antisemitism told JTA that the Palestinian flag sticker included the acronym FOA, which is believed to represent Friends of Al-Aqsa, a U.K.-based pro-Palestinian group.

Friends of Al-Aqsa claims to be “the most-followed anti-apartheid organization in the U.K. It organizes marches, rallies, and campaigns supporting the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement against Israel, known as BDS.

“Covering the Star of David, a well-known symbol of Judaism, on the statue of a British Jewish singer, with a sticker of the Palestinian Authority flag is antisemitic,” a CAA spokesperson said in a statement. “So much for the ‘this is just criticism of Israel’ excuse we hear so often from antisemites who are too cowardly or ignorant to admit what they are.” (JTA)

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –Jewish professor who quit MIT over its handling of antisemitism now at Yeshiva University

AJewish professor who resigned from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology over its handling of antisemitism has started teaching at New York’s Yeshiva University.

Mauricio Karchmer, a computer scientist, announced

in January that he was quitting as an MIT professor after five years. He attributed his decision to the university’s response to antisemitism following Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel.

“During a time when the Jewish and Israeli students, staff, and faculty were particularly vulnerable, instead of offering the support they needed, the broader MIT community exhibited open hostility towards them,” Karchmer wrote in a LinkedIn post announcing his resignation.

“Some areas of study at MIT seem to prioritize promoting a specific worldview over teaching critical thinking skills. This seems to have been institutionalized in many of MIT’s departments and programs,” Karchmer added.

Now, Karchmer has landed at Y.U., the flagship Modern Orthodox institution located in Manhattan. The move comes as Jewish and Israeli educational institutions have made a play for Jewish students in light of widespread concern about campus antisemitism.

The university said in a statement that the dean of Y.U.’s business school, Noam Wasserman, offered Karchmer a position as a visiting professor immediately after Karchmer resigned from MIT.

Karchmer’s resignation from MIT came weeks after a congressional hearing where Sally Kornbluth, MIT president, said calling for the genocide of Jews did not necessarily violate campus policies. Writing about his resignation from his “dream job” in the Free Press, Karchmer also listed other factors: He said the university had failed to issue a statement in support of Jews and Israelis after Oct. 7, and did not respond adequately to hardline anti-Israel rhetoric during campus protests.

The week that Karchmer resigned, Kornbluth sent a message to the MIT community promising to improve how the school handled student misconduct allegations. She also vowed to ensure that the school’s new Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion director addressed antisemitism and Islamophobia and said the administration would ask students “targeted questions” about their experiences with antisemitism. She wrote that she hoped to promote a new “shared understanding of the rights and responsibilities of free expression.”

Karchmer taught at MIT from 1989 to 1995, then returned to the university in 2019 after working in the financial sector. He holds a PhD from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. (JTA)

FBI arrests Indiana man over threats to ‘kill every Jew‘ — but didn’t tell Jewish community about him

The FBI arrested an Indiana man who promised to “kill every Jew” in Fort Wayne last year — and local Jewish leaders are questioning why they weren’t alerted to the threat sooner.

The suspect, 41-year-old Jeffrey Stevens, admitted in interviews that he had posted violent antisemitic threats directly to the website of the CIA, as well as in a Facebook direct message to the Fort Wayne Police Department, according to a newly released affidavit.

Stevens also wrote to the CIA, “I am going to shoot every pro-Israel US government official in the head,” and boasted of having “strong Palestinian, Hezbollah, and Iranian contacts.”

He is charged with communicating a threat in interstate commerce and faces a maximum of five years in prison.

The arrest came amid reports of rising antisemitism in the United States as the Israel-Hamas war extends into its fifth month. Since Hamas’ Oct. 7 invasion of Israel, American Jews have been attacked on college campuses, in their homes and on the way to synagogue, and one Jewish man in Los Angeles died after an altercation at a street protest. In that time, the FBI has made other arrests in connection with antisemitism.

Stevens told officials he had a “drinking problem,” according to the affidavit. He wrote the posts, including one reading “Death to the Zionist,” following Oct. 7, but also posted some Israel-related material from other social media accounts prior to the attacks.

As news of the arrest emerged, Jewish leaders wondered why they had not been warned of Stevens’ intentions, despite the fact that he sent his threats directly to law enforcement months ago.

“We only found out about this two days ago and the whole incident occurred in November,” Jaki Schreier, executive director of the local Jewish federation, wrote to JTA in an email. “We are NOT HAPPY to say the least.”

Fort Wayne, the second-largest city in Indiana, currently has around 450 Jewish families among its approximately 250,000 residents, according to the federation. Schreier said she would be meeting soon with the Secure Community Network, a nonprofit that coordinates security for American Jewish institutions, to discuss why the Jewish community was not told sooner of the threat. The SCN itself praised the arrest in a statement.

“The offender in this case made threats to the Jewish community of Fort Wayne as well as to the dedicated members of our law enforcement and intelligence communities,” Michael Masters, SCN’s national director and CEO, said. “This arrest highlights the potential spillover of international tensions into our own backyards and sends a clear message that our law enforcement partners continue to mitigate threats before they cause harm, especially amid rising Jew-hate.” (JTA)

New logo, new website for Jewish News

Terri Denison

For the fi rst time since Jewish News created its website in 2012, we’ve built an all new, easy-to- navigate site with loads of information that is both timely and that dates to the 1940s. The address remains the same: www. JewishNewsVa.org.

When the site was first built, it was cutting edge. But like all computer software, web programs don’t always age well and then fail to function properly as they interface with newer software systems. Knowing Jewish News needed a facelift as

a contribution to Jewish News in honor or memory of someone, as well as to just donate to the paper’s operation. The Donate Now button is in the top right corner on the home page. Cards are sent to let a recipient know a donation has been made and donations are periodically acknowledged in the paper. All donations are appreciated!

Deadlines

Readers often call or email to inquire about deadlines for submissions. They can be found under Advertise at the top of the

Up-to-the minute news

Jewish News subscribes to JTA for our national, global, and cultural arts articles. The site now features a feed directly from JTA where the latest headlines can be seen and accessed.

In addition to being more user-friendly, we hope the site is also more interactive – that you, the reader, will contact us with inquires, as well as queries.

website, it’s all about getting the details right and making it readable. We strive to achieve those goals with each issue and with each article we place on the site.

well as general systems check, we contracted with Mike McMahon of McMahon Creative and John Woodstock of UserX to make the changes. The process took several months. Mike McMahon is the paper’s art director.

JewishNewsVa.org now offers everything it did before, plus more. Visitors to the site can quickly fi nd a digital “fl ip” version of the current paper, as well as a link to digital versions dating to 2012. The latest articles can be viewed immediately, and older ones are easy to locate. Topics and authors are linked, and everything is searchable. Plus, photos are larger.

A few other highlights include:

The Hal Sacks Jewish News Archives

Take a trip down memory lane or look up specific historical moments in Jewish Tidewater by visiting The Hal Sacks Jewish News Archives. Browse or search through papers since 1947. A note of warning: Be prepared to spend some time in this section of the site as previous visitors here have been known to start reading and then wonder where the afternoon went.

Donate

We’ve made it as easy as possible to make

homepage or under Schedule at the bottom of the page.

Contact

Here, readers can email the staff and see the Letter to the Editor policy.

Altering a logo is not something to take lightly, but as long as Jewish News was updating our website, this seemed the most appropriate time to give the logo a fresh look. The new version is contemporary, welcoming, and strong – conveying to readers that Jewish News’ delivery of the news is a serious and lasting business.

Whether the newspaper or the

We hope you’ll spend a few moments at JewishNewsVa.org and maybe even bookmark it for quick access – after all, you never know when you’ll want to do a little research on Jewish Tidewater or share an article with a friend.

Happy reading!

The Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus of the Tidewater Jewish Community is celebrating 20 years!

To commemorate this milestone 20th anniversary, Jewish News is planning a special section in the May 13 issue.

We invite you to share your personal stories, memories, and photos of being on the Sandler Family Campus since 2004. Think about all the reasons that brought you and your family to the Sandler Family Campus. . . Camp JCC, Hebrew Academy of Tidewater, community events, speakers, athletic leagues, swim team, bar and bat mitzvah parties, Yom Ha’Atzmaut. . . and share them with Jewish News readers!

Send memories and photographs with a contact name and phone number to news@ujft.org with ‘20th Anniversary’ in the subject line. Deadline for submission is April 12, 2024.

l e g a c y

Making final plans and writing a will can be difficult. Thinking now about a future charitable gift can help you to leave a lasting legacy

Fred Ward’s estate gift established the Gertrude Ward Scholarship, named for his wife It has helped students pay for their college education since 2011 To honor a special person in your life with a gift that gives forever, visit us at Leaveabequest.org.

Two years into war, major Jewish fundraising for Ukraine has slowed to a trickle

Asaf Elia-Shalev

(JTA) — As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine enters its third year, nearly all funds raised by Jewish federations for humanitarian relief in Ukraine have run out, according to Eric Fingerhut, president and CEO of Jewish Federations of North America.

After distributing $96 million in aid for relocation expenses, food, and medical care over the past two years, a small reserve remains for emergencies, he says.

But, Fingerhut adds, even as relief funding has been drawn down, the federations’ network continues to help sustain two of the main Jewish organizations offering humanitarian aid in Ukraine, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee and the Jewish Agency, with millions of dollars in funding for staff and infrastructure.

“Most of the emergency resources that were raised have already been allocated,” Fingerhut says. “We’re in close touch with our partners to understand what the evolving needs are. And without making specific dollar commitments we have absolutely committed that we’re going to continue to seek to be able to provide them with the support they need.”

The Israel Emergency Fund organized by JFNA after Oct. 7 has raised more than $780 million, of which more than $350 million so far has been earmarked for nonprofits in Israel.

Funding for Ukraine had already slowed before Oct. 7, with $85 million raised by JFNA in the first year after the Russian invasion and just $11 million in the second year of the war. That was appropriate in part because the work on

by federation dollars over the past two years.

Garrett recalls the early and immediate enthusiasm of donors and how support gradually waned until it almost entirely evaporated overnight.

“War broke out. Everybody wanted to help. Money was coming in from all over the place,” she says.

Chabad was able to spring into action quickly because it had spent decades following the fall of the Soviet Union building a network across the region called the Federation of Jewish Communities. The Ukrainian branch had to quickly reorganize and rebrand as the Jewish Relief Network Ukraine because the previous logo featured a map of the Soviet Union, a newly inappropriate symbol.

At the outset of the war in Ukraine, Jewish organizations raised tens of millions to aid refugees, bring them to Israel, and sustain the Jews who remained in the embattled country, estimated at about 40,000. As the war went on, the largest Jewish funding groups signaled they would remain invested in Ukraine, supporting a range of nonprofits on the ground, sending leadership missions and providing updates to their stakeholders.

But two years into the war, what began as a flood of donations has slowed to a trickle. And as Jewish organizations’ focus has shifted to the war in Israel, what was once a core priority for Jewish federations has become far more peripheral.

“The major fundraising efforts of the federations in terms of their global commitments have been focused on Israel since Oct. 7, but we have not at all forgotten about Ukraine,” Fingerhut says.

the ground had changed, Fingerhut says. At first, Jewish groups focused on rescue, emigration, and resettlement in Israel for those who were interested — all of which were very expensive. At the same time, bringing supplies into Ukraine was made more difficult because of interrupted supply lines that have since been rebuilt.

“There were all these huge expenses at the time, and so funding now isn’t going to be at the time level it was the first year,” Fingerhut says.

Jewish donors are not the only ones to deprioritize Ukraine over time. The country’s finance minister says donor “tiredness,” including from world governments, is impeding the war effort.

The Jewish fundraising shift has been felt on the ground in Ukraine, where Russian bombardments continue to kill and displace civilians, according to Judi Garrett, the chief operating officer of Jewish Relief Network Ukraine. Affiliated with the Chabad movement, JRNU provides an array of social and humanitarian services throughout the country, which have been funded, in part,

Whereas Chabad in Ukraine previously relied solely on their own independent donors, they were now also getting money from the federations.

“It is the first time Chabad really got anything from them, and it made a huge difference in our ability to provide food, medicine, camps, schooling, and everything else,” Garrett says.

Slowly, donor fatigue set in, and less funding was available. Then, Oct. 7 happened.

“It was a major turning point,” Garrett says. “Nobody’s going to argue that Israel didn’t need tremendous help. People in Ukraine recognize that, and they even held prayer vigils in support of Israel. But we saw an immediate pivot, where individual donors even were going to Israel and not Ukraine, and certainly the federations’ strategies changed on a dime. They basically said, ‘Sorry, Ukraine, we have to go help Israel right now.’”

The change hasn’t stopped Chabad from doing its job for the Jews of Ukraine.

“We find a way,” Garrett says. “We lean on volunteers more, we push harder for individual donations, whatever it might be. We definitely are hurting somewhat and really hoping that some federations funding swings back our way.”

JEWISH TIDEWATER IN ISRAEL

Dollars from the Tidewater Supports Israel Emergency Fund assist

Betty Ann Levin

Tvictims of terror

hanks to our generous community, the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater (UJFT) has raised almost $4.8 million since October 7 to support humanitarian, emergency, and wartime needs through the UJFT’s Tidewater Supports Israel Emergency Fund. The second largest recipient of allocable dollars is Tidewater’s longtime overseas partner, the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI).

JAFI’s impact since October 7th includes direct relief, services to vulnerable populations, physical rebuilding, and security around the world. As part of direct relief, Tidewater has designated emergency dollars to the Victims of Terror Fund.

For more than 20 years, this Fund has been the first responder for individuals and families who have been impacted by acts of terror and violence. In 2022, the Fund worked with 1,000 families. Since October 7, the Fund has provided 8,425 grants. With the scale of the terror attacks and the emerging needs so unprecedented, the Fund has hired additional staff to expand services to help as many people as possible.

In a recent impact report, JAFI provided these numbers:

Over the past two months

• More than 7,400 cases of families, who are victims of terror, are currently in process, for which more than 7,000 immediate grants have been distributed to those who were injured in an attack, those with a family member who was killed or taken hostage, and those whose homes have been severely damaged or destroyed.

• More than 6,000 calls have been received by JAFI’s emergency hotline, providing guidance and support to victims and their families.

• 201 additional grants were distributed to families of the hostages.

• 308 needs-based grants were distributed to those most vulnerable, including orphans, families in the welfare system, those who completely lost their homes, and elderly people without family.

• Emergency relief grants totaling 20,000,000 ILS (Israeli shekles) were allocated to eight regional councils in the south and to 15 regional councils in the north.

• A holiday camp was provided during Hanukkah vacation for about 80 children, aged 6-16.

• The Fund sent holiday gifts to children who chose not to participate in the Hanukkah camp because of severe levels of anxiety, stress, and trauma.

Future needs

Israel remains in crisis, and families are grappling with unimaginable loss. Current and future priorities of the Fund for Victims of Terror include:

• Distributing immediate grants of 4,000 ILS and long-term rehabilitation grants of up to 25,000 ILS to an estimated 10,000 victims.

• Continuing to allocate needs-based grants to 3,500 of Israel’s most vulnerable people.

• Operating camps for 800 children and enabling youth survivors to attend Jewish sleepaway summer camps around the world and in Israel.

• Providing support and counseling services to high school graduates entering their military service.

JAFI estimates that to serve all these families, the Fund will require $110 million. Clearly, as the needs to support the victims of terror continues, so does the need for additional funding. Donations to UJFT’s Tidewater Supports Israel Emergency Fund may be made at JewishVa.org/supportisrael or by calling 757-965-6100.

–

Betty Ann Levin

United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s executive vice president/CEO. She may be reached at balevin@ujft.org.

srth edth wrt

Lauren Krajesky

As the opening of Aviva Pembroke gets closer, excitement continues to build within the community. Operated by Beth Sholom Village, Aviva Pembroke plans to be open this October. The already strong demand for Aviva Pembroke underscores the appeal of its amenities, services, and commitment to fostering a vibrant and supportive community for seniors, while continuing to honor Jewish values and traditions.

One of the hallmarks of Aviva Pembroke is its commitment to fostering a dynamic and engaging lifestyle for its residents. Even prior to its official opening, the community is buzzing with activity. Resident engagement programs include initiatives such as an active book club and social gatherings to bring future residents together to create a sense of community spirit.

A topping-off ceremony with beam signing is scheduled to take place in the spring, marking another significant step towards completion. This event will mark a crucial stage in the construction process, as well as provide an opportunity to honor the generosity of donors and the dedication of individuals who have played pivotal roles in bringing the vision of Aviva Pembroke to life.

David Abraham, president and CEO of Beth Sholom Village, says, “I am thrilled to witness the remarkable progress of Aviva Pembroke’s construction, as we move one step closer to fulfilling the growing demand for senior living in Hampton Roads. This development represents our commitment to providing an environment where seniors can flourish. I eagerly anticipate the positive impact Aviva Pembroke will have on the lives of our future residents and the broader community.”

To stay informed on the progress of Aviva Pembroke, regular updates are available at AvivaPembroke.com, as well as on its Facebook page. These platforms offer news about developments and upcoming events, as well as glimpses into the vibrant lifestyle that awaits residents at Aviva Pembroke.

information on apartment availability, contact Allison Hechtkopf, executive director, at AHechtkopf@bethsholomvillage.com or 757-961-3046.

Aviva Pembroke under construction.

Rabbi Gershon Litt

October 7th changed a lot about Jewish life in Israel and the diaspora. Conversations that used to be challenging have become even harder. Students have become confused, conflicted, and pulled by various narratives not knowing what to think. Jewish students have experienced the rise of antisemitism on and off campus in unprecedented fashion. Students feel scared and intimidated about what to believe, where to go, and how to respond. This generation of college students are having to deal with antisemitism and anti-Zionist rhetoric as a reality and not just as a theory.

While the rise of antisemitism and confusion about Israel is pervasive in the lives of students today, another equally powerful phenomenon exists. Jewish students, while confused about Israel and what is happening in Gaza, are searching for community, belonging, and meaning at a higher rate than in the past. In the last academic year, Hillel at William & Mary engaged more than 350 Jewish students on campus. As of Feb. 1, engagement is up more than 25% from this time last year. Jewish students are looking for community and identity now more than ever and Jewish educators need to figure out how to meet that need in the most effective ways possible.

In January, Taglit Birthright Israel chose 20 North Americans and 5 Israeli tour educators to participate in an “Educators Forum.” The forum’s purpose was to bring experienced educators together to evaluate what changes or adaptations should be made to Birthright Israel in a post October 7th world. Should items be added, subtracted, or modified on the trip that would give the participant a better experience? The job of this forum was to attempt to answer some of these questions.

I was lucky enough to be part of this prestigious group.

The seven days together were amazing. We spent an entire day on the border with Gaza – an opportunity I will never forget. This is especially true as the affected communities will soon be rebuilding, so the rawness of the experience will never be the same. The police tape

FIRST PERSON

We are the story

The author of the story

Twill be taken down. The half-burned dolls and the melted bikes will be removed. The bullet-riddled mattresses and the ovens with holes made by machine gun fire will be vacated from the half-destroyed homes.

The color-coded diagrams on the home exteriors illustrating if there was a dead Israeli or a dead terrorist inside will be washed off. The children’s bedroom that is missing a ceiling because it was blown off by an RPG will no longer exist. The ash still blowing in the streets will be hauled away.

The raw evidence of the pogrom will soon be gone and only those relative few witnesses who saw the evidence of the atrocities, and those who were present on October 7th, will be able to personally attest to the horrors of this newest chapter of Jewish history.

October 7th, however, according to Dr. Zohar Raviv, international vice president of educational strategy for Taglit Birthright Israel, is not a Jewish event. The atrocities, the murder, the pogrom, and the many cowardly and animalistic acts of October 7th were not “Jewish events.” The kidnapping

of innocent men, women, and children into tunnels in Gaza were not “Jewish events.” The rape, torture, and cruelty of Hamas towards the Israelis and others they victimized were not a “Jewish event.”

Raviv spoke with our group in Israel and posited that the “Jewish event” in this instance is the way the Jewish people will respond to this tragedy, not the tragedy itself. Raviv taught that we should not allow ourselves to be defined by our terror-ridden history. We are defined by how we react to this history. How will we teach about it, learn from it, and become stronger because of it?

Raviv challenged us to not stand amongst the ashes of the moment and weep, but to create the type of Jewish story that we and future generations can be inspired by. At this pivotal moment, how will we engage and inspire our students? How will we pivot our educational pedagogies as Jewish educators to match the reality of our times? What vision will we have that will inspire our younger generations to identify with, attach to, and care for the Jewish state?

o answer this question, I believe that it is time to focus our attention on what our students are asking for. Today’s Jewish students on campus are asking for belonging, community, identity, and meaning. We need to use October 7th, and the current conflict, as a springboard to allow our students to begin an internal investigation, not only a deep dive into Israeli history and politics. October 7th is not the story. The students are the story. Each Jew is the story, and it is our job to get back to basics and spread that message. October 7th was not only an attack on the Jews living on the Gaza border, but it was also an attack on every Jew worldwide. It facilitated the opportunity for often latent, yet ever-present, antisemitism to awaken again and be shown clearly to young, Jewish adults most of whom, prior to October 7th, had never confronted real hate themselves. Recent times have shown us the true colors of our friends and shed light on who our enemies are. Israel education today on campus has become, and should be, Jewish identity education where Israel is the educative catalyst for questions of connectivity and peoplehood.

Jewish student engagement on campus is increasing like never before. Students are coming to us. What are we offering them? Are we, as those charged with influencing the identity and connectedness of the next generation of Jews, going to grasp on to and utilize this moment or are we going to see it as another Jewish event that needs only to be memorialized for its own right? By creating interactive, educational programming focused on Jewish identity and attachment to The Land and personal, inspired Jewish practice, I believe we can begin to answer this call.

The Jews alive today are the real story of every tragedy that has befallen our people. Let us all play an active role in authoring our story for the future. –

Rabbi Gershon Litt is the executive director of William & Mary Hillel as well as the advisor to Christopher Newport University and Old Dominion University.

The site of the Nova music festival.

Shelter where Jews were killed at the Nova site.

Destruction at Kfar Aza.

Jewish Federations of North America’s DC Fly-In in January makes an impact

More than 400 Jewish leaders and professionals from 65 communities (including 10 from Tidewater) traveled to Washington, DC in January to meet with more than 190 members of Congress (or their legislative aides) to advocate for legislation that supports Israel, combats antisemitism, and helps secure Jewish communities.

“We stand here in the Capitol of the freest, safest, most powerful open, inclusive democracy in the history of the world,” said Eric Fingerhut, Jewish Federations of North America president and CEO. When historians write of today, he said, they will write that “the Jewish people came to the Capitol of the greatest democracy in the history of the world and stood up for the renewed Jewish sovereign state.”

institutions, other nonprofits, and houses of worship secure themselves in the face of rising domestic extremism and hatred. Federations strongly support a $500 million funding level for the program, as well as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s (D-NY) proposal for a $1 billion

NSGP supplemental that would be available immediately and support the program’s strength in the long run.

by Israeli society and laid out the four goals of the war: to dismantle Hamas’s war machine and remove its leadership to ensure they cannot rebuild it; release all the remaining hostages; restore Israel’s shattered sense of security and rebuild the communities that have been destroyed; and avoid a regional war. Israel was thinking about a future non-Hamas force that would rule Gaza, that would include Palestinian forces, he said, and was working to face off humanitarian problems.

“It is not in our interest that there will be a humanitarian disaster or catastrophe in Gaza,” he said. “We don't desire these people to come in harm's way or be subject to humanitarian catastrophe.”

He also spoke of the critical importance of North American Jewish backing for Israel.

“You have no idea how important your support is. The people of Israel know it, they appreciate it. And I’m here on their behalf to say thank you.”

Adm. John Kirby, a spokesman for President Joe Biden’s National Security Council, assured the activists that releasing the hostages has been and remains a top priority, and that he was hopeful about ongoing negotiations.

The activists urged their Congressional Representatives and Senators to advance the Antisemitism Awareness Act, pass military support for Israel, and increase funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP).

The Antisemitism Awareness Act would require the Department of Education to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, the gold standard that has already been adopted by 1,200 entities including 45 countries and hundreds of municipal governments and universities.

Shortly after the October 7th attacks against Israel, the White House proposed a $14.3 billion emergency assistance package to Israel as part of a supplemental package. Israel, facing security challenges from an array of Iran-backed actors including Hamas, Hezbollah, and Houthis, needs support for missile defense, including the Iron Dome and David’s Sling, as well as other advanced weapons systems that will help Israel defend her people and prevent the war from escalating more broadly. The legislation has strong bipartisan support.

Finally, the lifesaving NSGP has been a critical instrument in helping synagogues, Jewish communal

“To advocate with leaders and colleagues from around the country on Capitol Hill was energizing,” says Betty Ann Levin, United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s executive vice president/ CEO. “Our Representatives and Senators are resolute in support for emergency aid for Israel, the urgency of securing the release of all hostages, and helping us ensure the safety and security of our Jewish communities, standing shoulder to shoulder with us to speak out against and counter antisemitism. We are fortunate to have the strong relationships that we do with our legislators.”

Kirby also encouraged Jewish Federations to be steadfast in their activism.

“Every single person in this room has a story, every single one, and I guarantee you that some of the stories, if not most, are pretty compelling. So I would encourage you to also make sure you’re finding a way to tell your story out there, certainly to people well beyond the Jewish community, so that people understand these are real lives that we’re talking about,” said Kirby.

Activists heard from Gili and Maya Roman, whose family member Yarden Roman was released from Hamas captivity, even as her sister-in-law Carmel Gat remains a hostage in Gaza. According to Gili Roman, the Jewish community’s support has been critical in the fight, saying “It's the deepest possible support that one can imagine.”

Israeli Ambassador to the United States, Michael Herzog spoke of the ongoing trauma being experienced

Fingerhut moderated a panel on the IHRA definition on Capitol Hill, sponsored by the Gemunder Family Foundation, with speakers including Elan Carr, Combat Antisemitism Movement Advisory board member and former U.S. Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism and Alyza Lewin, Brandeis Center president.

Fly In group in front of Capitol: Robin Mancoll, Jay Klebanoff, Kirk and Amy Levy, Naomi Sedek, Barbara Dudley, Laura Gross, Spasenija Radenovic, Betty Ann Levin, Art Sandler, and Jason Hoffman.

Amy Levy, Jason Hoffman, Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02), Betty Ann Levin, Laura Gross, Barbara Dudley, Art Sandler, Robin Mancoll, and Jay Klebanoff.

Jewish Federations of North America on Wednesday, Feb. 21, led 16 American Jewish organizations in a joint letter to members of the House of Representatives reaffirming their support for the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism, an accepted and widespread definition of antisemitism.

17 Jewish organizations push for passage of Antisemitism Awareness Act “

Clearly and accurately defining antisemitism is key to combating its manifestations wherever they may appear. The Antisemitism Awareness Act (H.R.6090) is a bipartisan piece of legislation that requires the Department of Education to consider the IHRA definition when conducting federal investigations involving colleges and universities.

“The IHRA definition provides a comprehensive and internationally recognized framework to delineate and address contemporary manifestations of antisemitism. It is also a consensus definition with bipartisan support, which is critical for effective policy implementation,” the letter reads.

Following Hamas’s October 7th massacre, incidents of discrimination, harassment, and violence directed against Jewish communities in the United States and around the world have dramatically increased. Over three quarters of American Jews feel less safe today since those attacks, and almost half have altered their behavior out of fear of antisemitism.

More than 1,200 entities around the world have adopted or endorsed the IHRA definition, which is the only definition that has been officially recognized internationally and adopted by mainstream Jewish organizations. It has also been formally adopted by 35 U.S. states (including Virginia), 91 U.S. cities and municipalities, the U.S. State Department, and President Biden’s National Strategy to Counter

Antisemitism. It represents a significant milestone in the ongoing struggle against antisemitism.

The IHRA definition has been readily endorsed by more than 160 Jewish communities and organizations from over 65 countries who believe it best describes the various forms of antisemitism and Jew hatred that they confront. Additionally, hundreds of universities, business enterprises, sports associations, civil society organizations, and other institutions have adopted it.

The letter also stresses that the endorsement of an alternative definition “would undo years of international cooperation and progress in identifying and combating antisemitism and would only create confusion and unequal standards.”

While the IHRA definition has been adopted by the U.S. and dozens of U.S. allies, these alternatives have, for good reason, received no support. It is believed that the alternative definitions have not been adopted by any governmental entity anywhere in the world. For Members of Congress “to legitimize any of the alternate definitions would break international consensus and undermine anti-discrimination efforts domestically and abroad,” the letter reads.

Adoption of any alternate definition of antisemitism would undermine efforts to protect Jewish communities, the letter states. The IHRA definition’s clear and succinct examples include several relating to Israel, which have proven to be especially important in recent months.

Its purpose is to inform and not enforce, and it calls for “taking into account the overall context” of the situation. It does not punish speech, even antisemitic speech. Instead, it serves to help lawmakers and others determine when conduct is based on antisemitic bias.

B’nai

Connect with ODU’s Jewish life

Noah Gross

Astrengthening Jewish presence is emerging at Old Dominion University – one that is quickly confirmed by all the activity on Old Dominion University’s Hillel’s accounts on Instagram and Facebook.

ODU’s vibrant Jewish community is promoting a greater understanding and respect for Jewish culture and traditions.

Followers of their social media accounts help amplify their voices and foster a sense of belonging and unity among Jewish students.

The accounts allow students and the wider community to stay updated on upcoming events, discussions, and opportunities for involvement in Jewish cultural activities.

Supporting social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook is crucial for creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for Jewish students. From speaking with delegates to community service projects, ODU’s Hillel’s social media is the perfect way to track the future of the Jewish community in Virginia.

Follow ODU's Hillel Instagram (@ODUJewishStudies) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/ODUJewishStudies).

"Recently my mother required 12 hour per day personal care assistance. On short notice, Changing Tides Home Care provided the necessary assistance. They have been responsive to my mother's needs and have kept the family informed by telephone, text and portal. I am very pleased with their services.”

-Andrew H. Hook, President of Hook Law Center

ODU students Noah Gross and Ben Rosenthal with Attorney General Jason Miyares after meeting with him during Jewish Advocacy Day.

ANTISEMITISM

Jewish

heavy metal frontman raises $29K for security for Matisyahu after proPalestinian protests

Jackie Hajdenberg

(JTA) — David Draiman, the Jewish frontman of heavy metal band Disturbed, is raising money to provide private security for Matisyahu after the Jewish reggae singer had two venues cancel on him in the face of pro-Palestinian protests.

“I’m raising funds to provide security for our brother @matisyahu,” Draiman, the heavy metal singer, wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “Him and his family have been relentlessly harassed during his current tour. Let’s help give him some security and safety in this difficult time.”

The fundraiser for the “Matisyahu Defense Fund,” launched on Thursday, Feb. 22, had already raised more than $29,000 from more than 600 donors by the following Monday, surpassing its $25,000 goal. On the GoFundMe page, Draiman wrote that his management team reached out to Matisyahu upon learning of the cancellation of his shows in Arizona and New Mexico. Both venues where he was slated to perform canceled after they were targeted by pro-Palestinian protesters.

Matisyahu, like Draiman, is an outspoken pro-Israel activist on social media and elsewhere. Both have been particularly vocal supporters of Israel since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on the country and the ensuing war in Gaza.

“After Oct. 7, it’s not religious per se, but there is this strange pull back to being Jewish and feeling Jewish, of wanting to be connected to other Jews and Israel and speaking out about what’s happening and writing songs about it,” Matisyahu told the Jewish Journal of Los Angeles.

Best known for his 2008 peace anthem One Day, Matisyahu has faced backlash for his Israel activism before. He was temporarily ousted from a Spanish music festival after refusing to publicly back the establishment of a Palestinian state. Matisyahu was re-invited to the festival, and festival organizers apologized for the incident.

Date with the State: Virginia Jewish Advocacy Day

Kirk Levy

On the morning of Wednesday, Feb. 7, a delegation of committed and proud Jews – ranging from ODU students to retirees – boarded a double-decker bus at the Sandler Family Campus in Virginia Beach destined for Richmond. There, we met up with other Jewish delegations from around the state for Advocacy Day, where we formed small groups to talk with state Senators and Delegates serving in the Virginia General Assembly about issues important to the community.

The politicians and their legislative aides who took time out of their busy days to meet with us could not have been more receptive. They listened attentively to the concerns, not just of Jews, but of Virginians.

We advocated for expanding the penalties and covered classes for hate crimes, a greater allocation of resources to be used towards funding security for synagogues and nonprofit organizations, and continued support of Virginia Israel Advisory Board.

Once our advocating ended, we headed for lunch with the other statewide delegations and heard from Governor Glenn Youngkin, Lt. Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, and Virginia Beach’s homegrown Attorney General, Jason Miyares. All were attentive and supportive to our issues.

Much of what we read and see in the media tends to focus on the war in Israel and its negative ramifications for Jews in the United States. Those who participated in Advocacy Day left Richmond knowing that many of our elected officials in the Commonwealth not only appreciate our concerns but are willing to stand up for Jewish causes.

To learn more about the Jewish Community Relations Council’s advocacy efforts or to get involved, contact RMancoll@ujft.org.

Kirk Levy is legislative chair of the Jewish Community Relations Council of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater.

Tidewater’s delegation at Virginia Jewish Advocacy Day 2024.

Noah Gross, Ben Rosenthal, and Attorney General Jason Miyares.

Scott Flax, Elka Mednick, Farideh Goldin, Rosanne Newman, Nina Kruger, Herm Shelanski, Senator Angelia Williams Graves, and Rabbi Avi Farkas.

Wendy Auerbach, Wendy Goldberg, Rick Yarow, Sharon Nusbaum, Speaker Don Scott, Ben Rosenthal, Janet Mercadante, and Nofar Trem.

Julius Crane, Ruth Crane, Aaron Kass, Jody Wagner, Senator Aaron R. Rouse, and Megan Zuckerman.

David Brand, Jody Wagner, and David Leon.

Kirk Levy, Rabbi Shlomo Eisenberg, and Mike Goldsmith.

Kirk Levy, Robin Mancoll, Nancy Millstein, Julie Kievit, Delegate Anne Ferrell Tata, Rabbi Ron Koas, Cory Hill, Hailey Behrman, and Hannah Behrman.

Cory Hill, Rabbi Koas, Nancy Millstein, Governor Glenn Youngkin, Julie Kievit, Hannah Behrman, Hailey Behrman, and Kirk Levy.

Andy Fox, Rabbi Ari Oliszewski, Del. C.E. (Cliff) Hayes, Jr., Alyson Morrisey, Olga Eskinazi, and Elana McGovern.

Aaron Kass, Jody Wagner, Del. N. Baxter Ennis, Megan Zuckerman, Ruth Crane, and Julius Crane.

Andy Fox, Olga Eskinazi, Alyson Morrisey, Del. Howard Otto Wachsmann, Jr., Elana McGovern, and Rabbi Ari Oliszewski.

Ron and Alene Kaufman, Sara Jo Rubin, Senator Christie New Craig, April Blair, Jeffrey Blair, Amichai Levy, and Rabbi Israel Zoberman.

Ron and Alene Kaufman, Rabbi Israel Zoberman, Del. Michael Feggans, Jeffrey Blair, April Blair, Sara Jo Rubin, and Amichai Levy.

FIRST PERSON

Make

a difference with BeAR

“Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.” –

Betsy O. Karotkin

We all want to feel that we truly make a difference. Participating in the Be A Reader (BeAR) Literacy Project of the United Jewish Federation Tidewater is an easy and rewarding way to accomplish this. Now in its 25th year, the BeAR program began to help second graders in Title I schools who were struggling to read. As the years passed, we found that the relationships made with the children were just as crucial as their reading progress. Plus, we, the mentors, gained as much as the children! An added feature of the program is that it includes both Jewish and non-Jewish volunteers.

Today, BeAR continues to make its mark in seven schools throughout Tidewater, with the newest school being Thalia Elementary in Virginia Beach.

Coming soon in Jewish News

March 18 Camp/Estate Planning

(Deadline: Mar. 1)

April 8 – Passover

(Deadline: Mar. 22)

April 22 – Moms/Women

(Deadline: Apr. 5)

May 13 – 20 Year Anniversary of Sandler Family Campus

(Deadline: Apr. 26)

To advertise, call 757-965-6100 or email sgoldberg@ujft.org.

Ed and I look forward to being with our “kids” for an hour every Wednesday. Not only are the children precious, but it is so rewarding to see their reading skills improve and watch our relationships with them deepen. I have noticed that today’s children often have different needs than those in 1995. Many come from broken families; others have arrived from countries where English was not their fi rst language.

I cannot say enough about Robin Ford, our BeAR program coordinator. She is always energetic, smiling, helpful, and loaded down with books and fun worksheets for us to give the children. Can you imagine how I felt when my “BeAR” student asked (almost begged) if she could keep the book we had read that day? I was delighted.

As we all know, reading is essential to everything we do. What a gift to give by spending an hour a week reading and playing word games with a seven or eight-year-old child. It’s also possible to pair up with another volunteer (BeAR share) for those who prefer to meet every other week or month.

UJFT has received the Literacy Award from the Virginia Beach Reading Council, the Exemplary Partnership Award from Virginia Beach Public Schools, and many other awards, recognitions, and accolades.

Be a BeAR volunteer and become a part of this worthwhile endeavor!

To volunteer with the Be A Reader Literacy Project (BeAR), contact Robin Ford at 757-321-2304 or rford@ujft.org.

BeAR volunteer Demetrious Gooden with a student at Larrymore Elementary.

BeAR volunteer Teresa Stanley with student at Thalia Elementary.

PHILANTHROPY

Jewish philanthropist donates $1 billion to Bronx med school, eliminating all future tuition

Luke Tress

(New York Jewish Week) — The Bronx’s Albert Einstein College of Medicine will be tuition-free for the indefi nite future thanks to a $1 billion donation from a Jewish philanthropist.

The massive gift from Dr. Ruth Gottesman, an emerita faculty member, will be “transformational” in drawing students to the medical school in the city’s poorest borough. And by eliminating up to hundreds of thousands in student debt, the donation aims to make Einstein accessible to a broader range of candidates, the college said Feb. 26.

“This donation radically revolutionizes our ability to continue attracting students who are committed to our mission, not just those who can afford it,” Dr. Yaron Tomer, Einstein’s dean, said in the statement.

“Additionally, it will free up and lift our students, enabling them to pursue projects and ideas that might otherwise be prohibitive.”

The college was founded by Yeshiva University in 1955, at a time when Jews faced discriminatory quotas in university admissions. In 2015, Y.U. transferred ownership of the medical college to New York City’s Montefiore Medical Center, though the two institutions remain affiliated.

Einstein’s statement called the donation “the largest made to any medical school in the country.” It shared footage online of students leaping out of their seats and cheering as Gottesman announced that tuition will be free starting in August.

Gottesman, 93, said the donation will help students attain expertise “to find new ways to prevent diseases and provide the finest health care to communities here in the Bronx and all over the world.”

“l feel blessed to be given the great privilege of making this gift to such a worthy cause,” she said in a statement.

Gottesman, a former professor at the college, has a long history with the institution. In 1968, she joined the college’s Children’s Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center where

she developed screening and treatment methods for children. In 1992, she launched the college’s Adult Literacy Program. She serves as the chair of the college’s board of trustees, a role she also held a decade ago.

Gottesman is the widow of the wealthy financier David Gottesman, a prominent Jewish philanthropist who died in 2022 at the age of 96. Known as Sandy, he connected with billionaire investor Warren Buffett when the two attended Harvard Business School. David Gottesman became an early backer of Buffett’s firm, Berkshire Hathaway, earning massive returns on his investment. In 2022, Forbes estimated Gottesman’s wealth at $3 billion.

The Gottesmans launched a family philanthropic foundation, the Gottesman Fund, in 1965, continuing a long tradition of Jewish philanthropy in the family.

In 2021, the most recent year for which tax documents are available, the Gottesman Fund disbursed more than $24 million to dozens of groups and institutions, many of them Jewish, including multiple Jewish day schools. The largest grant — more than $8.4 million — went to the P.E.F. Israel Endowment Fund, a New York-based nonprofit that allocates funding to charities in Israel. (The fund also previously supported the digitization of the JTA’s archive.)

The fund also donated in 2021 to non-Jewish causes including mental health treatment, aid for homeless people and the New York Public Library.

Ruth Gottesman told The New York Times that when her husband died, he left her a portfolio of Berkshire Hathaway stock to disburse at her discretion. She decided to direct the funds to the medical college, where tuition currently costs more than $59,000 per year, leaving many students with large debts upon graduation.

Gottesman stipulated that the college not change its name despite the massive donation, the Times said. It ranks 42nd in best medical schools for research, according to U.S. News.

Warm Spring Wishes

Looking forward to greeting you soon.

ma zel tov

Dear Readers,

Exclamations of “Mazel Tov!” generally conjure up images of celebrations for milestone events such as weddings and b’nai mitzvot. But not exclusively. The quintessentially Jewish phrase is also used to congratulate for a job well-done, for a job obtained, and for an award received. In fact, a hearty “Mazel Tov!” is also said on myriad other occasions – winning (or completing) a race, getting a good grade or a school acceptance, or even purchasing a new car. The list is endless.

Regardless the reason, proclaiming “Mazel Tov!” generally is for a happy event. Here, we’re recognizing a variety of such instances.

SUN, MON, WED, THU 4–9 pm

FRI, SAT 4–10 pm (closed Tuesday)

Mazel Tov!

First, for milestone Mazel Tovs, Stephanie Peck spoke with Reva Stein, Pearl Taylor, and others about trends in celebrations. Not short on expertise or opinions, the article with these seasoned event planners is on page 22.

Laura Gross, immediate past president of United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, will be recognized later this month as a Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities Humanitarian Award recipient. She’s highlighted on page 24.

Local caterer Susan Byrne has fond memories in the kippot she’s collected from various events she’s served over the years. Her heartwarming story is on page 25.

Annie Sandler, JDC president, was in Romania last month to receive an award from the prime minister. The article is on page 26.

Tidewater Jewish Foundation’s B’nai Tzedek Youth Philanthropy program instills the importance and values of giving in young people, especially near their b’nai mitzvah. Niv Rubin and Jonathan, Audrey, and Caleb Peck are fund holders. Page 27.

Jewish Family Service is marking 25 years of partnering with Edmarc for their Peace by Piece program to help grieving children. The article is on page 29.

How’s that for variety?

However and whatever you find to celebrate, we hope you consider the advertisers in this section and throughout the paper, as they can all contribute to a perfect event.

To all these award recipients, donors, and celebration makers, “Mazel Tov!”

Terri Denison Editor

Whether you envision exchanging vows on the sandy shores, surrounded by the beauty of our lush gardens, or within the grandeur of our breathtaking ballrooms, the Cavalier Resort offers a selection of stunning indoor and outdoor wedding locations. Our exceptional wedding planning team stands ready to guide you through every step of the journey, ensuring that your special day unfolds seamlessly and is nothing short of magical.

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Trends in simcha celebrations... always an evolution

Stephanie Peck

Jews have been celebrating life-cycle milestones for what seems like forever – with events often including traditions dating back for what also seems like forever . . .or at least several centuries. While the significance of a bar or bat mitzvah or Jewish wedding may remain dedicated to religious law, the celebration of these occasions has certainly changed with time.

In 2024, for example, a bride may still wear white, but the color of her dress may be the sole detail she shares with brides who came before her.

Reva Stein shares plenty of ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts’ when coordinating a celebration. An event planner in Tidewater with 32 years of experience, one trend she’s particularly outspoken about disliking is one that may save money but can create confusion in the long run: asking guests to RSVP to an email address rather than including a postage-paid reply card with the invitation.

“I am a firm believer in RSVPs on a card. It keeps a better record,” she says.

Bar and bat mitzvah parties are not as “over-the-top” as they once were, according to Stein. Many parties now focus more on the kids than the adults. In addition, many families travel to Israel for the occasion.

Pearl Taylor, also an event planner with a long history in Tidewater, explains that wedding venues have evolved to include more than just the synagogue or hotel. Couples are opting to marry in historic homes or barns, often renting tents to celebrate in outdoor spaces. “No high heels!” she emphasizes. Taylor has seen more than

one guest sink in the mud.

Like most things in life, absolutes on indoor vs outdoor don’t exist when it comes to planning a party. And for those who can’t entirely make up their mind, some hotels offer both options, including room accommodations for guests.

The Historic Cavalier Hotel and Beach Club, for example, provides 40 indoor and outdoor wedding spaces, including the renovated Cavalier Hotel, Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront, The Beach Club, and the Embassy Suites by Hilton. Couples can choose from a beach, ballroom, or garden ceremony and reception or perhaps a combination of indoor/outdoor –venues not found in many other areas.

Then again, for couples seeking a more urban environment, Norfolk’s The Main boasts a unique modern art collection framing the expansive space and setting the stage for a big event. This contemporary, upscale hotel provides several venue spaces, with as one mother-of-thebride noted, a spectacular view.

Party favors often include an edible treat.

Whether indoor or out, both event planners highlight similar trends when working on upcoming nuptials. Brides often change from their wedding gown to a less-confining cocktail dress for the reception. Registries and thank you notes are optional. Officiants are often friends instead of clergy. Tall, floral centerpieces sometimes give way to more greenery, candles, and table runners, but not always.

Technology plays a large role, too. Websites, such as theknot.com, allow couples to share entertaining stories

Photographs by Don Monteaux

about how they met and details about the wedding weekend. Gift ideas can include cash – to help offset the cost of the wedding or subsidize the honeymoon.

Isha Foss, a florist in Virginia Beach, says, “more people, not only Jewish people, are opting for a wedding canopy. It has spread from the Jewish culture outward.” She often uses a Lucite frame made from clear acrylic, a more modern twist on the tradition of a chuppah, which represents the couple’s first home. Flowers still adorn the structure, with many Jewish couples featuring their family tallis as part of the design.

“Jewish weddings are a coming together,” Foss says when discussing the importance of flowers at a wedding. One particular trend she sees is that bridal bouquets are now smaller, following the royal wedding of Prince William to Kate Middleton.

On the subject of kids, Stein says, “A lot of people are not having young children at their wedding these days. But the bride and groom don’t know how to explain to guests not to bring their kids!”

As the reception concludes, Taylor and Stein both see guests leaving with party favors. “It’s an end to a fun evening,” Taylor shares. Often an edible treat, such as a cookie, candy, or push pop, Taylor says she enjoys that people leave with the feeling ‘look what they did for us!’

Taylor also plans corporate holiday parties, with photo booths, casinos, and colored dance floors, to show appreciation to the staff.

“Oh, and divorce parties, too,” she adds.

SHARE YOUR MILESTONE WITH US

Whether you’re walking down the aisle or gathering with family and friends to celebrate a mitzvah, our downtown Norfolk waterfront venue is the perfect place for your celebration. Our event specialists will work with you closely to transform your vision into a unforgettable celebration, incorporating stunning decor and exquisite cuisine.

Hanukkah at the White House

Rabbi Israel Zoberman with his daughter, Rachel Zoberman Azoff, on the fifth night of Hanukkah at the White House Hanukkah Presidential Reception in December 2023.

60th Annual VCIC Tidewater Humanitarian Awards Dinner to honor Laura Geringer Gross

Thursday, March 21, 5:45 pm

The Westin Virginia Beach Town Center

Laura Geringer Gross is one of this year’s honorees for The Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities’ (VCIC) 60th annual Tidewater Humanitarian Awards. Individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to the promotion of respect and understanding among people of diverse racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds in South Hampton Roads are among those who receive this prestigious award.

Among her community leadership roles, Gross has served as president of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and the Jewish Community Center of Tidewater, and as UJFT’s Women’s Cabinet chair.

“I was surprised and am honored to be included as an honoree, especially as VCIC is such a necessary and wonderful organization,” says Gross.

“I’ve

attended this event many times in the past and always find the honorees to be so impressive. This group is particularly amazing.”

Recognized for her professional excellence, Gross has been named in Best Lawyers in America (2020-2024) and Virginia’s Legal Elite (2006, 2008-2023). In 2008, she was awarded Women of Distinction by YWCA of South Hampton Roads, and, in 2010, she received the Influential Women of Virginia Award.

Gross is affiliated with many professional bodies, including the American Bar Association, Virginia Bar Association, and Norfolk-Portsmouth Bar Association.

Gross’s extensive legal background, community engagement, and commitment to inclusivity underscore her multifaceted contributions.

Under the leadership of Sandra Porter Leon, Celebration chair, the following individuals will be honored along with Gross: Thomas Brandl, Don Comer, Jr., Susan S. Goode, Iris J. Lundy, and Michael R. Toliver.

To purchase a ticket to attend, go to inclusiveva.org. To purchase tickets through UJFT, contact Bobbie Wilcox at bwilcox@ujft.org.

Laura Geringer Gross

A bag of kippot = memories for local caterer

Terri Denison

Susan Byrne of Catering Concepts recently happened upon a bag of yamakas (kippot) – all from events where she had been the caterer.

“It was fun to fi nd them and have all of the memories come flooding back,” says Byrne.

“Seeing those yamakas reminded me of viewing these families’ celebrations.”

Byrne and partner Eddy Byrne started Catering Concepts in 1993. Their fi rst bat mitzvah, she recalls, was for Barbara Rosenblatt, the daughter of Nancy and Chuck Rosenblatt. Byrne’s fi rst kippah is from Darryl Lefcoe and Alan Friedman’s wedding in 1996. “Those pre-date our years of computer software!” she says.

Over the years, Catering

Concepts has done several bris/baby namings and then the bar/bat mitzvah celebration for the same child, as well as bar/bat mitzvah parties and then weddings for the now young adult. A wedding in November 2021, however, might have been the fi rst time that she had also catered

the bride’s baby naming. That’s continuity.

Byrne credits her mom’s studying about kosher laws and Jewish holidays with her own ability to better understand how to cater Jewish milestone events. In fact, she recalls having to explain the rules of kashrut to several clients when planning menus for luncheons and dinners to take place in synagogues.

“For me, it is always so cool to watch the weddings, to see everyone dance the horah in circles, to celebrate,” she says. Learning what she did about Judaism from her mother and then over the years witnessing the celebrations fi rst-hand, Byrne says she values the Jewish traditions she has experienced.

“We feel so fortunate to have been part of so many families’ most meaningful days.”

Some of Byrne’s kippot.

Susan Byrne and Eddy Byrne.

Annie Sandler receives award in Romania

Terri Denison

While in Bucharest, Romania with JDC earlier this year, Annie Sandler was recognized by the Romanian government with Romania’s “Grand Officer of the National Order for Merit.”

The ceremony took place on International Holocaust Memorial Day on January 27. Sandler was joined by several JDC board members and supporters.

At the solemn event at the Choral Synagogue, “I was joined by JDC CEO, Ariel Zwang, and our wonderful Romania

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Country director, Israel Sabag,” says Sandler. “We were honored for JDC’s special relationship and support of the Romanian Jewish community. It was a humbling and incredibly powerful moment, and it was followed by two days of extraordinary hospitality, warmth, and soulful visits with the Jewish community.”

Silviu Vexler, president of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Romania, who JDC has worked with over the decades to rebuild and strengthen Jewish life, hosted the group.

According to Vexler, the President of Romania, His Excellency Mr. Klaus Werner Iohannis, decided to bestow upon Sandler the Grand Officer of the National Order for Merit “as a sign of high appreciation for the special support granted to the Jewish communities in Romania, the fundamental contribution to the development of Jewish life in Romania, the major positive impact on the situation of Jews in Romania as well as for the constant and long term

involvement in promoting the image of Romania around the world”

“I am honored to be a part of this century-plus work and my family’s ongoing involvement in this effort. Our community (Tidewater) has been assisting to re-build the Jewish community for decades,” says Sandler.

“Through the leadership of Israel Sabag, we have ensured that Romania’s Jewish community, almost decimated in the Holocaust, is today strong and proud and helps lead Jewish communities in the region in addressing many challenges, including the recent influx of refugees from Ukraine,” she says.

The government of Romania has restored synagogues, she notes.

After the ceremony, Sandler and others from JDC did home visits. At one, they spent about 45 minutes with a woman who was about to turn 100. The group took her a birthday cake and both the ‘birthday girl’ and the group enjoyed every minute of the visit.

So many reasons to say “Mazel Tov!”

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Chris Sisler, Vice President, Member of Ohef Sholom Temple, Board member of the Berger-Goldrich Home at Beth Sholom Village, James E. Altmeyer, Jr., President, James E. Altmeyer, Sr., Owner

Chesapeake Chapel • 929 S. Battlefield Blvd. Chesapeake • 757 482-3311

Annie Sandler receives award.

Annis Sandler visits with “the birthday girl.”

Cultivating young philanthropists: TJF’s B'nai Tzedek Youth Philanthropy Program

TJF Staff

Tidewater Jewish Foundation’s B'nai Tzedek Youth Philanthropy Program instills the value of giving as early as birth. This innovative program teaches children and teenagers about philanthropy and how to actively participate in the process, shaping them into the community leaders of tomorrow.

Consider

Stephanie and Paul Peck’s family, for example, where all three children, Jonathan, Audrey, and Caleb, participate in the program. Paul Peck says, “B'nai Tzedek has provided a tangible way for our children to connect with Jewish values of giving and community. Seeing their funds grow and being part

Peck’s involvement with Jewish Family Service. Their charitable focus diversified, however, as their children grew and became more involved in their respective communities, especially in college.

of decision-making on where to allocate resources has been incredibly empowering for them.”

Initially, decisions about donations were primarily influenced by Stephanie

Jonathan, Audrey, and Caleb started identifying with causes that resonated with their personal experiences, such as COVID-19 initiatives at their schools and supporting community programs. Peck says his children’s active involvement in philanthropy led to thoughtful discussions about transitioning from the B’nai Tzedek fund to a donor-advised fund, further cementing their understanding of philanthropy’s impact.

Similarly, Shikma Rubin, whose son Niv is a proud B’nai Tzedek participant, says, “We have always taught Niv the importance of tzedakah and mitzvot, but B’nai Tzedek has brought these concepts to life. He’s truly excited about making a difference.”

Niv Rubin, at just eight years old and in the third grade, joined the program inspired by the possibility of using his funds to support others. Participating in the program

has reinforced Niv’s understanding and practice of Jewish values and enhanced the Rubin family’s focus on philanthropy and community service.

Rubin advises other parents to involve their children in philanthropic efforts early, emphasizing the importance of understanding the fund’s purpose, even at a young age.

Highlighting the program’s foundation in Jewish values, Naomi Limor Sedek, TJF president and CEO, says, “From birth to bar or bat mitzvah and beyond, our youth philanthropy programs are essential for nurturing a sense of communal responsibility and continuity in the Jewish community. It’s about building a bridge between generations and ensuring that

our future is in capable, compassionate hands as we cultivate the philanthropists of tomorrow, today.”

To start in the B'nai Tzedek Youth Philanthropy Program, donate at least $250 to the Tidewater Jewish Foundation to establish a fund in a child’s name. TJF matches this with another $250 for a starting balance of $500. Continue with annual $250 gifts. By bar or bat mitzvah age, the child can grant 4% to a Jewish charity of their choice. When the fund reaches $5,000, it becomes a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) for ongoing philanthropy.

For more information, visit foundation. tjva.org or contact Naomi Limor Sedek, TJF president and CEO, at nsedek@tjfva.org or 757-965-6109.

Danny Rubin, Naomi Limor Sedek, Niv Rubin, and Shikma Rubin on the day Niv opened his B'nai Tzedek fund.

Jonathan, Stephanie, Caleb, Paul, and Audrey Peck.

Barbenheimer , Maestro and The Zone of Interest lead large crop of Jewish-inspired Oscar nominations

Andrew Lapin

(JTA) – The year’s biggest movie phenomenon was a one-two punch of blockbusters with Jewish roots — and they both came up big at the Oscar nominations.

Oppenheimer, Christopher Nolan’s biopic of the Jewish “father of the atomic bomb,” led the year’s nominations with 13, including best picture and director, and is favored by many prognosticators

to win the big prize.

The fi lm’s rendition of J. Robert Oppenheimer covers a fair amount of Jewish ground, including his personal animus toward the Nazis; his recruitment of expelled European Jewish scientists to work on the bomb; his relationship with Albert Einstein, and his late-in-life rivalry with Jewish atomic energy bureaucrat Lewis Strauss. Both Cillian Murphy, who plays Oppenheimer, and Robert Downey Jr., who plays Strauss, were nominated for acting Oscars, as was Emily Blunt, who plays Oppenheimer’s wife Kitty.

Montealegre, the actress whose paternal grandfather was Jewish and who in real life converted to Judaism for Bernstein.

The movie’s summer release-date companion and partner-in-memes, Greta Gerwig’s Barbie, picked up eight nominations, including best picture. The doll at the center of the musical comedy was created by Jewish inventor Ruth Handler (a minor character in the movie, played by Rhea Perlman). Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz, an executive producer on the fi lm who greenlit Gerwig’s playful take on the property, is Israeli and helped organize a controversial Los Angeles screening of footage of the Hamas attacks that was protested by pro-Palestinian groups.

Also nominated from the fi lm are Gerwig’s partner Noah Baumbach, a credited co-writer, and composer Mark Ronson for best original song. Both are Jewish.

Meanwhile, The Zone of Interest, a challenging and formally daring cinematic take on the Holocaust, picked up five nominations, including for best picture and best international feature (submitted by the United Kingdom). The film is loosely based on the real-life Auschwitz commandant Rudolf Höss, and is directed by British Jewish filmmaker Jonathan Glazer, who was nominated for best director and best adapted screenplay (he based it loosely on the novel of the same name by Martin Amis, who died last year).

Nolan’s screenplay for Oppenheimer was also nominated; he adapted it from the Pulitzer Prize-winning Oppenheimer biography American Prometheus,” co-written by Kai Bird, who grew up watching his American diplomat father try to negotiate the Israeli-Palestinian confl ict and later married a Jewish woman who was the daughter of Holocaust survivors. After his Oppenheimer work, Bird published a 2010 memoir, Crossing Mandelbaum Gate, describing his fi rsthand experiences watching IsraeliArab diplomatic efforts.

While several actors were nominated for playing Jewish roles, no actual Jews received acting nominations this year — despite what many critics called a career-best performance by Natalie Portman in the Netfl ix fi lm May December. (Downey has Jewish patrilineal ancestry.)

Another Jewish-themed contender this year, Bradley Cooper’s Maestro, was the subject of some derision upon its premiere for Cooper’s use of a prosthetic nose to play Jewish composer-conductor Leonard Bernstein. But the biopic, a passion project of Cooper’s, sailed over the objections and picked up seven nominations — including, notably, for best makeup. (It was joined in the latter category by Golda, the biopic of Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir, which starred Helen Mirren.)

Notable Jews scored some nominations deeper down on the list. Letter to a Pig, a short film by Israeli director Tal Kantor about the strange journey of a Holocaust survivor, received a nomination for best animated short.

Maestro was also nominated for best picture, with producer Steven Spielberg among the nominated names, as well as lead actor for Cooper and lead actress for Carey Mulligan as Bernstein’s wife Felicia

Diane Warren, the Jewish veteran songwriter, received her 15th nomination for penning The Fire Inside, from Hulu’s Flaming Hot. Warren has never won an Oscar but did receive an honorary award in 2022.

The Oscars will air March 10 on ABC.

Peace by Piece marks 25 years of a unique partnership with JFS and Edmarc

Stephanie Peck

February marked the 25th anniversary of Peace by Piece, a partnership between Jewish Family Service of Tidewater and Edmarc, a family-centered home health and hospice for children with life-threatening illnesses.

Peace by Piece is an interfaith program for grieving children and teens. Participants are assigned to age-appropriate groups led by trained volunteer facilitators and are able to process their experiences related to loss while providing support to one another through therapeutic activities, games, and crafts.

JFS is a collaborative partner to the Edmarc program with Edmarc raising all funds for this free service.

“Kids can feel isolated when something about them feels different. Peace by Piece gives them a safe place to talk,” says Debbie Mayer, director of clinical services at JFS.

“Grief is a natural part of life. All people are capable of processing grief with the right support in the right setting,” adds Mayer. “We change people’s lives.”

Peace by Piece does not define the relationship of a loved one. In most cases, it’s a parent who has died, but a child can also grieve the loss of a teacher, nanny, or sibling. The model is not time-limited, either; groups are open-ended, so people can get what they need. One young woman has been attending Peace by Piece for seven years.

“Over the past 25 years, the collaboration between Edmarc and Jewish Family Service has been nothing short of extraordinary. Together, we have worked tirelessly to provide Peace by Piece . . . to those in need,” says Deborah Stitzer-Brame, Edmarc’s executive director. “Our collective efforts have had a profound and positive impact on our community, offering solace and support during challenging times.

“It is with great pride and gratitude that we reflect on the amazing journey we have embarked upon, and we look forward to continuing our partnership in bringing comfort and healing to those who need it most,” she says.

For information on how to connect a grieving child or teen and their family with this free program, contact Debbie Mayer, LCSW, at dmayer@jfshamptonroads.org.

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News

Milton “Mickey” Kramer

Scholar-In-Residence Program Featuring MARCH 15 - 17

Joan Nathan Award-Winning Author

FRIDAY NIGHT

Kabbalat Shabbat Services

*Israeli Flavors Shabbat Dinner

$18/adult; $8/children 6-13; $45/families

Food for Thought: Traditions and Jewish Cuisine

Speaker: Joan Nathan

SATURDAY MORNING

Torah Study

Shabbat Services with remarks by Joan Nathan

Jewish Cooking in America

*Kiddush Luncheon

SUNDAY MORNING

Brunch

My Life in Recipes

(cookbook release date April 9th, 2024)

Conversation and Q&A with Joan Nathan

Must RSVP by March 8th ada@bethelnorfolk.com

mazel tov

Golda, biopic about Israeli leader at war, wins top prize from Cinema for Peace Foundation

Toby Axelrod

BERLIN (JTA) – Israeli director Guy Nattiv and British actor Helen Mirren received a Dove Award from the Cinema for Peace Foundation for their joint work in the 2023 biopic, Golda, in which Mirren stars as Golda Meir, the fourth prime minister of Israel.

The film focuses on Meir’s role during the Yom Kippur War in 1973.

Nattiv and Mirren attended the awards ceremony in Berlin last month, where their prize was presented by 102-year-old Margot Friedlander, one of the oldest remaining Holocaust survivors. The ceremony took place contemporaneously with the Berlinale International Film Festival, where Golda premiered last year.

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In the intervening year, Israel was plunged into war again with an attack by Hamas on a different Jewish holiday, Simchat Torah, on the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur war. Nattiv said on Instagram after receiving the award that he remained hopeful that the current Israel-Hamas war would end with the kind of rapprochement that resulted from Israel’s victory in the Yom Kippur War.

“In 1973 after the horrific Yom Kippur war, leaders took responsibility and accountability and resigned. Menachem Begin and Anwar Saadat made a historic peace agreement that saved millions of lives,” he wrote. “Today, we need to see new courageous leaders from Israel and Palestine with vision empathy and hope for a better future for the two nations.”

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*Special Joan Nathan recipes prepared by volunteers and the Sisterhood

The ceremony took place at the Cinema for Peace gala, attended by former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. At the gala, Clinton’s talk was interrupted by pro-Palestinian protesters, according to video posted to YouTube. The Israeli clarinetist Giora Feidman also led the crowd in a rendition of the Hebrew folk song Shalom Chaverim

The Berlin-based Cinema for Peace initiative was founded after the 9/11 terror attack on the United States and in 2008 expanded to include a foundation whose goal is to “foster change through film.” Last year, the foundation gave the Dove Award to All Quiet on the Western Front, based on the classic World War I novel. This year, it announced that it would issue a special prize for “filmmakers whose work supports the protection of Jewish life, reminding of the Holocaust and the events on October 7 all over the world.”

Golda shared the organization’s Most Valuable Film of the Year award with James Hawes’ One Life, which stars Anthony Hopkins as Sir Nicholas Winton, a London broker who rescued more than 600 children from Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia; and Jonathan Glazer’s The Zone Of Interest, about the everyday life of Auschwitz commandant Rudolf Hoess and his family living just a wall away from the extermination camp.

The founder of the Cinema for Peace Foundation, Jaka Bizilj, was instrumental in bringing Russian dissident Alexey Navalny to Germany after Navalny’s near-fatal poisoning in 2020. Navalny died last month in a Russian prison.

JEWISH TIDEWATER

Build strength for a good life

Lorna Orleans

“Strong legs, long life.”

This is the mantra voiced by Tom Purcell during the LifeFit class he leads on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at the Simon Family JCC. It is just one among many positive thoughts Purcell shares during every class – all promoting fitness and wellness in body, mind, and social interaction.

A cornerstone of the class is building strong legs to support balance and upper body stamina. A staple of the exercise routine is standing and sitting repetitively while balancing a ball between one’s knees. The focus is on the legs doing all the work. While this exercise is initially met with groans, it ends with satisfying “oohs,” which Purcell says, he loves to hear. “Strong legs, long life,” he shouts out.

Indeed, strong legs are essential for supporting the spine and upper body. Along with that, nurturing good balance and building muscle to replace fat are also essential for longevity and physical independence. All the exercises which alternately employ hand weights and balls are designed to reach those goals. After standing and chair exercises, the class moves to mats for abdominal exercises and the ever-popular plank, a real barometer of overall fitness. Some participants can plank for more than two minutes, a real testament to the fitness level they have attained.

Tom Purcell

The Lifefit participants tend to be more than 65 years old, and the beauty of the class is that all the exercises can be self-edited to meet each person where they are in their personal fitness journey. Purcell often reminds everyone to do what they can, and he offers alternative modes of doing a given exercise. Even if someone can’t get to the floor on a mat, he offers alternative ways to get the ab work into a routine on a chair.

While physical fitness is imperative as people age, according to Purcell’s playbook, so is nurturing the mind and “social wellness.” One technique he uses to sharpen participants’ minds is to encourage everyone to remember the order and mode of exercises he leads each day, and he often mixes up the combinations to keep everyone thinking.

This is a very cohesive and consistent population of fitness seekers, and they love to visit and share their stories. Many have been exercising together for years. There is quite a buzz of conversation at the beginning of each class and there are sparks of kindness with inquiries and updates on those who might have been out for a while due to illness or injury.

Fridays are always a highlight with Purcell cooking up trivia competitions or asking for fun facts and favorite movies. Amidst the hard work there is a lot of humor and laughing. As Purcell often says, “work hard, but also laugh every day and remember to get in an act of kindness.”

To register or for class information, contact Tom Purcell, wellness director, at TPurcell@UJFT.org or 757-321-2310.

Much to do for Purim in Tidewater

CALLING ALL KINGS, QUEENS, AND RIGHTEOUS MEN!

The joyous holiday of Purim begins this year on Saturday evening, March 23, or 13 Adar II, in the Hebrew calendar.

Celebrating the Jewish victory over Haman, the reading of the Megillah teaches about acts of bravery in the face of antisemitism in long ago Persia in the 5th century BCE. Costumes, groggers, spiels, hamantashen, and shalach manos gift bags combine to create the fun festivities of this holiday, as recounted in the Book of Esther.

Jewish Tidewater offers plenty of places and ways to both observe and celebrate Purim. All events listed here are open to the community, though some have fees to attend.

B’nai Israel Congregation

Megillah Readings

Saturday, March 23 and Sunday, March 24

Purim Seuda

Includes a costume contest, moon bounce, children’s entertainers, and Leibedig music.

Saturday, March 24, 4:30 pm

Adults $18/person and children $12/person or purchase a family pack for $75.

RSVP by March 10 to office@bnaiisrael.org or call 757-627-7358.

Chabad of Tidewater

Megillah readings

Saturday, March 23, 8:15 pm and

Sunday, March 24, 8:30 am

Chabad’s 45th Annual Israeli-themed Purim Party

The party includes a special children’s program.

Sunday, March 24, 5 pm

Sandler Family Campus

Call 757-616-0770 for more information.

Chabad offers private Megillah readings in people’s homes for those who cannot travel to the synagogue. Contact Rabbi Levi at rabbilevi@chabadoftidewater.com to make arrangements.

Congregation Beth Chaverim

Beth Chaverim Purim Party and Megillah reading Megillah reading in English, dinner, karaoke, and games. BYOB – mixers, mocktails, and wine will be provided.

Saturday, March 23, 7 - 10 pm

Old Donation Episcopal Church

$20/person with RSVP and $30 at the door. Email for more information: temple.office@bethchaverim.com.

Congregation Beth El, KBH, and Temple Israel

Costumed Purim Soiree

The program starts with a Megillah reading for families, followed by cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.

Saturday, March 24, 8 pm

Congregation Beth El

Congregation Beth El

Purim Carnival

Sunday, March 24, 10:30 am -12:30 pm Call 757-625-7821 for more information.

Ohef Sholom Temple

Purim Carnival

Sunday, March 17, 10 am - 12 pm

To purchase wristbands in advance, email Robyn Weiner at osty@ohefsholom.org.

Purim Shpiel

Megillah (Taylor’s Version)

Saturday, March 23, 5:30 pm

$18 per person, includes cocktail hour and heavy hors d’oeuvres, $5 per child includes dinner. Call 757-625-4295 for more information.

Simon Family JCC

Operation Hamantaschen

Come in costume with friends and family, make hamantashen, participate in a mitzvah project, and enjoy a bounce house and free play in the gym with PJ Library in Tidewater while waiting for the cookies to bake.

Sunday, March 10, 1 - 4 pm

Tickets are $10/ family. Spots are limited. To reserve a timeslot, visit jewishva.org/OH.

Temple Emanuel

Purim Celebration

Includes tefillah, costumes, the Megillah reading, and a wine and cheese reception.

Saturday, March 23, 7 - 8:30 pm

Purim Carnival

The celebration includes face-painting and carnival games.

Sunday, March 24, 10 am – 12 pm

For more information, email: office@tevb.org or call 757-428-2591.

Temple Lev Tikvah

Megillah reading and more

Includes a costume parade, songs, hamantaschen, and more. Rabbi Israel Zoberman, who won the fastest Megillah reading contest as a student at Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati, will lead the festivities.

Friday, March 22, 7:30 pm

Call 757-617-0334 for more information.

The Cardo Café

Sandler Family Campus

Hamantaschen for sale. Choose from one dozen for $10 or two dozen for $18 (all taxes included). Each dozen has an assortment of flavors: chocolate, poppy seed, prune, apricot, and raspberry.

Pre-order for pick-up March 21 or 22. Email orders to lunch@ujft.org.

IT’S A WRAP

JCC Youth Basketball “Hoop It Up” at

Tom Purcell

Old Dominion University’s basketball game on Thursday, Feb. 22 featured the Simon Family JCC Youth Basketball League during halftime. The popular JCC basketball youth league, now more than 60 years old, played on the ODU home court to an entertained crowd that cheered with every play. The kids hustled up and down the court giving their all. When a basket was made, the crowd went wild –sounding even louder than during the college game itself. The JCC kids put on a good show and most importantly had fun.

The Simon Family JCC has a rich tradition with area basketball going all the way back to when the Virginia Squires (former professional ABA team) used the JCC on Newport Avenue as a practice facility in the early 1970s. The Virginia Squires had some great Hall of Fame legands such as Julius “Dr. J” Erving and George “Iceman” Gervin.

On any basketball practice or game day at the Simon Family JCC, there might be a future star in the making. The evening of Feb. 22, however, they were ALL Stars.

Think Spring

Thanks for your many responses to our ads. We look forward to working with you this year while we continue to pray for peace for all.

Dora Lee Taylor

Realtor

VM (757) 456-1713

DoraLeeTaylor@HowardHanna.com

YAD: Thriving in 2024 with community engagement and events

Elana McGovern

Since the start of 2024, United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s Young Adult Division has been bustling with activity, bringing together members for fun, meaningful, and community-building activities by holding events for families and young adults.

So far this year, YAD has attended a Norfolk Admirals game, hosted a Happy Hour, gotten together for Shabbat, and advocated for the Jewish community.

Events such as the Admirals game and Happy Hour are great for new and old members looking to gather with other Jewish families and folks in a casual setting. YAD also hosted several successful Pop-Up Shabbats, geared either for couples, families, or military members. Through these Pop-Up Shabbats, young Jewish adults and their families have been able to connect and celebrate Shabbat together.

YAD also joined the wider Tidewater Jewish community at this year’s Jewish Advocacy Day. This was a great opportunity for YAD members to get involved with civic engagement and foster connections with the larger Jewish community.

YAD has more exciting plans and initiatives in store for the future, including cultural events, Pop Up Shabbats, volunteer opportunities, and networking happenings. Stay in the loop by following YAD on Facebook and by receiving its newsletter.

YAD is for young Jewish adults ages 22 – 45. Whether new to the area or have lived in the community for years, YAD is always an inclusive and active community with the aim of creating connections, memories, and making a positive impact in the community.

To learn more, join, or attend a Pop-Up Shabbat, contact Elana McGovern at emcgovern@ujft.org.

Shirley Stein

Realtor

Cell (757) 434-5808

ShirleyStein@HowardHanna.com

Young adults participate in Jewish Advocacy Day last month in Richmond.

Temple Emanuel’s Casablanca

Stephanie Adler Calliot

Those who weren’t in Casablanca on Saturday, Feb. 3 missed out. Temple Emanuel’s Casablanca-themed Casino Night was the place to be and the numerous Ingrids and Humphreys in attendance can attest to that. It was an energetic, delicious, fun night on the town.

Leslie Siegel transformed Temple Emanuel into a Moroccan market with everything from lush fabrics draping the ceilings and walls to colorful rugs, lanterns, and

artifacts. There were even two camels! Rick’s American Cafe served Marrakesh Martinis and attendees dined on tasty Mediterranean treats.

Janet Mercadante says, “It was such a fun night! Since our trip to Morocco last fall was cancelled, Temple Emanuel’s ‘A Night in Casablanca’ was the next best thing. You couldn’t believe it when you walked in. The room was a buzz of energy with everyone at the casino tables and horse racing, followed by great food, drinks, and a super

silent auction!”

From the decor to the food to the dress, it felt like strolling through a Moroccan market — it was colorful, chaotic, and incredibly exotic.

More than 150 people played at the packed casino tables and cheered on their horse racing picks. The enthusiastic bettors also stayed close to the silent auction tables to make sure theirs was the winning bid.

Here’s looking at you, kid.

Taught by Dr. Amy Milligan

Larry and Leslie Siegel and Pati and Rabbi Ari Oliszewski. David Cardon at the Casino Night table. Karen and Avraham Ashkenai. Drew Gottlieb and Carol Marx at the table.

Create a Jewish legacy for the community you love through planned charitable giving . . .ask ushow

757-340-5600

277 Bendix Road, Suite 500 • Virginia Beach

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Ohef Sholom Sisterhood Shabbat to feature Betty Ann Levin Friday, March 6, 6:30 pm Ohef Sholom Temple

The Women of Ohef Sholom Temple Sisterhood’s Annual Sisterhood Shabbat will feature Betty Ann Levin, executive vice president/CEO for United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and Simon Family JCC. She will speak on “The Gender Gap in Jewish Nonprofit Leadership.”

“We are very excited to have Betty Ann with us for our Annual Sisterhood Shabbat,” says Ellen Wagner, co-president of the Sisterhood.

A special Oneg will take place after the service.

For more information, go to ohefsholom.org or call 757-625-4295. Ohef Sholom Temple is located at 530 Raleigh Ave. in Norfolk.

VAF: Bringing ballet to new audiences

Thursday, March 7, 7:30 pm

Alli Pereira

It promises to be a moving experience.

More than 1,000 high school students will descend on Norfolk for the Regional High School Dance Festival this week. One of the thrilling highlights of that visit for these talented and highly motivated young people will be the opportunity to see and study with the critically acclaimed Collage Dance Collective.

Established in 2006 to address a lack of racial diversity on the ballet stage, Collage is one the few professional ballet companies in the world with a roster of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) dancers. They thrill audiences with great performances and inspire a love of dance in students. As Pointe Magazine says, Collage is making ballet “relevant, relatable, and rooted... with scores from Tchaikovsky to Aretha Franklin and dancers from French Guiana to Brazil.”

Now they’re bringing their powerful performances to Norfolk as part of the Virginia Arts Festival. Partnering with The Governor’s School for the Arts, the Virginia Arts Festival will welcome 1,200 students to the Chrysler Hall performance and bring Collage Dance Collective artists to master classes with schools throughout Hampton Roads.

Collage’s public performance takes place in the evening. Good seats are still available. Order online at vafest.org.

Jody

INSURANCE.

Chr is Lyon

Jewish Family Service of Tidewater

Special Projects Coordinator

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

As part of Development team, the Special Projects Coordinator will:

• Recruit, screen, & train volunteers of the agency

• Conduct outreach to help reach Community members who need services or support.

• Provide informational presentations on behalf of the agency and its programs, activities and opportunities for donations and volunteerism.

• Supervise specific outreach programs of the agency during Jewish holidays.

• Work with staff & board to identify & develop new volunteers & donors.

• Complies with all policies regarding confidentiality, (HIPAA), agency policies & applicable federal and state law; adherence to all elements of the compliance plan.

• Performs duties as necessary or requested by Department Director &/or CEO.

• Work collaboratively with the director of OAS to coordinate home delivered meal program.

• Supervises the Food Pantry and Home Delivered Meals program.

Knowledge and Skills

• Ability to establish positive professional working relationships with clients, co-workers, & members of the community.

• Public Speaking.

• Knowledge of and comfort with Jewish values and traditions

• Knowledge of basic computer skills, including Word, or other programs.

• Adherence to NASW Code of Ethics.

• Valid driver’s license required.

Physical Requirements

May include: lifting up to 25 pounds and standing for one hour at a time.

Education and Experience

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college preferred.

Send resume: Jewish Family Service of Tidewater, Attention: Human Resources 5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Suite 400, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 fneville@jfshamptonroads.org

THURSDAYS AT 12:00 PM

BEGINS MARCH 7 • SANDLER FAMILY CAMPUS

Comprehensively e and contemporary prejudice against J will see that antise to one part of the p moment in history

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Joan Nathan to headline Congregation Beth El’s 2024 Milton “Mickey” Kramer Scholar-In-Residence program Friday, March 15 – Sunday, March 17, Congregation Beth El

Bwith Rabbi Michael Panitz

Snacks provided • Course cost: $25 - Scholarships Available JEWISHVA.ORG/PREJUDICE EWISHVA.ORG/PREJUDICE

est-selling and award-winning author Joan Nathan will be the featured guest speaker for the 2024 Milton “Mickey” Kramer Scholar-in-Residence program this month. This three-day event is open to the public.

Nathan is the author of 12 books, including Jewish Cooking in America and The New American Cooking, both of which won James Beard Awards and IACP Awards. She is a frequent contributor to The New York Times and Tablet Magazine and has appeared as a guest on numerous radio and television programs including Today show, Good Morning America, and The Martha Stewart Show.

“Joan Nathan, known as the matriarch of Jewish cuisine, has preserved Jewish history, traditions, and culture through our common love of food. Following a recipe from one country to another is like following the wandering Jew,” says Deb Segaloff, president of Beth El’s board of directors and program committee chair. “I had the honor of working with Joan in her test kitchen years ago. She is the real deal…she seeks out recipes and the cultures they represent like an archeologist.”

The Milton “Mickey” Kramer Scholar-in-Residence program began in 2004 to honor the memory of Congregation Beth El’s esteemed trustee and community leader, “Mickey” Kramer, who was committed to Jewish learning within the community.

Tickets are

Reserve a time-slot for your family and friends to make hamantaschen together, come in costume, participate in a mitzvah project, and enjoy a bounce house and free play in the Gym with PJ Library in Tidewater while you wait for your cookies to bake. All ages welcome!

The Scholar-in-Residence weekend promises a rich array of topics and flavors for attendees. Friday’s festivities kick off at 5:45 pm with a Rock Shabbat service, followed by an Israeli-themed Shabbat Dinner featuring recipes from Nathan’s collection. At 7:30 pm, attendees will hear Nathan share insights into Jewish traditions and cuisine, setting the stage for an enriching weekend.

Saturday morning’s agenda will include a 9 am Torah Study followed by a 9:45 am Shabbat Service that delves into the captivating history of Jewish cooking in America. Nathan, acclaimed for her research in this area, will share stories and recipes from her best-selling, culinary classic cookbook Jewish Cooking in America. The morning will culminate with a Kiddush luncheon highlighting additional Nathan recipes.

The weekend will conclude on Sunday, March 17, with a 9 am brunch, providing attendees with a chance to interact with Nathan. Guests will have the opportunity to ask questions and hear about her upcoming cookbook, My Life in Recipes: Food, Family & Memories, which journals her personal discovery of Jewish cuisine from around the world. It is slated for release on April 9, 2024. More information may be found at Penquin Random House.

Attendance for events requires RSVPs. Ticket prices for Friday’s Shabbat dinner are $18 for adults, $8 for children aged 6-13, or $45 for a family. The Saturday Kiddush and Sunday brunch are sponsored and will be free of charge for those attending the services. All meals for the weekend will be prepared by Beth El’s Sisterhood and other dedicated volunteers.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Temple Israel plans celebration for its 70th Sunday, April 14, 12 pm, Temple Israel

Bobbie Fisher

In keeping with its longstanding tradition, Temple Israel will observe its platinum jubilee anniversary with ample helpings of Jewish music and Jewish food. Tickets and sponsorships, of course, are available.

The 70th anniversary milestone celebration of Temple Israel’s founding will include an extravagant dairy lunch catered by renowned local chef Larry Adler and live music by Bagels and Fraylox, a popular Williamsburg band performing a variety of Klezmer and other tunes, wedding and party music of 19th century Eastern Europe, with strains of Yiddish theater and American dance band music of the early 1900s.

Seventy years ago, the Wards Corner section of Norfolk was well on its way to becoming a bustling shopping mecca. Construction in the area was booming – homes filled with young families eager for a more suburban life. Many of those families were Jewish; many were children of the great Jewish immigration of the early century.

Wards Corner had it all – a shopping center with a grocery store, a movie theatre, tree-lined peaceful neighborhoods. What it didn’t have was a shul. It was against that

backdrop in the early 1950s that a group of Jewish leaders got together to talk about the possibility of establishing a new synagogue in the area. Among that initial group were Hy Swartz, Jacob Brody, Al Fleder, Sam Sandler, Cal Breit, and Sam Rosenblatt. Their dream was to provide a community shul, a spiritual home in the burgeoning suburb where Jewish families could grow and thrive.

Meetings were scheduled, funders were approached, commitments were made, and a formal planning session for the proposed Wards Corner congregation was held on December 11, 1952. One week later, under the name Temple Israel, the first Friday evening service was held at Ben Moreell Chapel. Area churches housed the fledgling congregation until the location on Granby Street was secured and the temple built.

On September 12, 1954, Temple Israel’s first president, Hy Swartz, laid the cornerstone. Inside the stone was – and remains – a copper box containing a Siddur, a Tanakh, the minutes of the first congregational meeting, and the names of the 175 charter members.

For the first 30 years of its life, Temple Israel’s spiritual

leader was Rabbi Joseph Goldman, of blessed memory. He was succeeded by Rabbi Saul Hyman and later Rabbi Stuart Altshuler. In 1992, after an exhaustive national search, Rabbi Michael Panitz was hired. Rabbi Panitz has remained in that position, and in 2023, the congregation celebrated his 30th anniversary at Temple Israel. He has been a strong leader, not just for the Temple Israel congregation, but also for all of Tidewater’s Jewish, interfaith, and academic communities. Working with strong lay leadership, Rabbi Panitz has led the congregation through three decades of simchas, challenges, and triumphs.

With membership today that reaches far beyond the Wards Corner corridor – regular daily minyanaires Zoom in from California, New York, Atlanta, and Canada – Temple Israel is proud of its noble history, excited to celebrate its first 70 years of service to the Jewish community, and anticipating with equal excitement the simchas, challenges, and triumphs that lie ahead.

Sponsorships are available at these levels:

Clarinet $7,500 12 tickets

Drums 5,000 10 tickets

Bass 2,500 8 tickets

Accordion 1,000 6 tickets

Saxophone 500 4 tickets

Piano 250 2 tickets

Individual tickets are $36. For more information or to reserve a space, go to templeisraelva.org or call 757-489-4550.

Yom Hashoah to feature Dr. Mordecai Paldiel

Sunday,

May

5, 6:45 pm, Temple Emanuel

Anne Fleder

Yom Hashoah is a day of commemoration for the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust, as well as a remembrance of those who survived the Holocaust, particularly those who made Hampton Roads their home.

Tidewater’s evening dedicated to Yom Hashoah this year includes a guest speaker, candle lighting ceremony, recognition of student winners of the Elie Wiesel writing and visual arts competition, and the Excellence in Education awards recognizing teachers for their hard work in furthering the lessons of the Holocaust.

Songs and prayers from local students and clergy are also part of the program. Yom Hashoah is a somber evening of reflection which brings the entire community together in solidarity.

This is all made possible by the hard work and dedication

of the Holocaust Commission of Tidewater.

This year’s guest speaker, Dr. Mordecai Paldiel, is a leading scholar on the rescue of Jews during the Holocaust. Born in Antwerp, Belgium in 1937, his family fled to France during the German invasion of Belgium in May 1940. In 1943, the family – parents and six children – fled to Switzerland, where they stayed until the war’s end. In 1962, Mordecai Paldiel moved to Israel and studied at the Hebrew University, Jerusalem, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in economics and political science. He then furthered his studies at Temple University in Philadelphia, earning a Master of Arts and PhD in Holocaust

Studies. Returning to Israel, Paldiel became director of the Righteous Among the Nations Department at Yad Vashem –a post he occupied from 1982 to 2007. After leaving Yad Vashem, Paldiel returned to the United States where he taught courses in Holocaust and Rescue, the History of Zionism, and Modern European History at various universities in New York and New Jersey. He now lives in Boca Raton, Fla. with his wife.

Temple Emanuel is located at 424 25th Street in Virginia Beach. Overflow parking will be available at the 25th Street parking garage. Golf cart escorts to and from the garage will also be provided.

Time capsule placed by Hy Swartz in cornerstone 1954

Echoes of dialogue and creativity: The interplay between Elsie Robinson and Linda Dayan Frimer

Two online conversations

Allison Gilbert with Dr. Amy K. Milligan: Monday, March 25, 6:45 pm

Linda Dayan Frimer: Wednesday, March 27, 11 am

Sierra Lautman and Hunter Thomas

VDayan

oices echo through time, periodically serving as a springboard for societal change. In one such echo, the stories of Elsie Robinson and Linda Dayan Frimer intersect.

Elsie Robinson, a trailblazing journalist and advocate, wielded her pen like a sword, challenging societal norms and amplifying marginalized voices through her nationally syndicated column, Listen World! Her commitment to dialogue and debate, rooted in the rich tradition of Jewish discourse, laid the groundwork for social change long before the feminist movement gained mainstream attention.

Similarly, Linda Dayan Frimer, in her book Luminous: An Artist’s Story as a Guide to Radical Creativity, demonstrates the power of voice and creativity as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery guided by the vibrant hues of her paintings and her Jewish heritage’s wisdom. Through her art, Frimer seeks to bridge divides and illuminate the universal language of creativity, transcending barriers of culture and ideology.

These two women will be highlighted in programs presented by United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and Simon Family JCC during Women’s History Month.

Allison Gilbert, co-author of Listen World: How the Intrepid Elsie Robinson Became America’s Most-Read Woman, will join Tidewater for an online program as a part of the Konikoff Center for Learning’s Unsung SHEroes series. In conversation with Dr.

Studies and the director of the Institute of Jewish Studies and Interfaith Understanding a collective Jewish

Amy K. Milligan, Batten Endowed Associate Professor of Jewish Studies and Women’s Studies and the director of the Institute of Jewish Studies and Interfaith Understanding at Old Dominion University, Gilbert will explain how Robinson transformed her column into a platform for collective empowerment, embodying the essence of tikkun olam, the Jewish concept of repairing the world.

A collection of Linda Dayan Frimer’s art will be displayed in the Simon Family JCC’s Leon Family Gallery beginning this month. Frimer’s online conversation will focus on her artwork and new book.

Family Gallery beginning this month. Frimer’s online conversation will focus on her artwork converge

Despite different mediums, Robinson’s and Frimer’s messages converge on a shared belief in the transformative power of expression and the importance of engaging in meaningful dialogue. While Robinson wielded words to challenge injustice and spark debate beginning in the 1920s, Frimer harnesses art’s visual language to inspire introspection and connection. Whether through words or brush strokes, their stories remind that every voice matters and every act of creation has the potential to ignite change.

Linda Dayan Frimer

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To learn more or register for Listen World: How the Intrepid Elise Robinson Became America’s Most-Read Woman , visit JewishVA.org/ UnsungSHEroes. For more information and to register for Luminous: An Artist’s Story as a Guide to Radical Creativity, visit JewishVA.org/Gallery.

Allison Gilbert

The Israel-Hamas War: Ambassador Brad Gordon to

brief the community

Tuesday, March 26, 7:30 pm Sandler Family Campus

Not quite six months after Hamas used its base in Gaza to launch an unprecedented massacre in Israel’s south, calls for a ceasefire and a “two-state solution” have reached a fever-pitch. At the same time, more than 100 civilian hostages of all ages are still being held captive and demands for their release remain unmet.

What are Israel and America thinking about the escalation on Israel’s northern border and the risk of more violence in Judea and Samaria? What are the possibilities for future governance in Gaza, including the potential role of regional powers and the West? And how does all of this relate to the Iranian threat and the failed strategy to contain the Islamic Republic and its proxies?

As the Israel-Hamas war wages on, join United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s Jewish Community Relations Council, AIPAC, and community partners to hear from longtime AIPAC political director and policy expert Brad Gordon as part of the 13th annual Israel Today series.

Gordon will discuss recent developments between Israel and Hamas, what’s

happening at the Lebanon border and in the West Bank, and unpack calculations surrounding prospects for how the day(s) “after” might look – all based on his years of experience as a member of the senior staff of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee following his roles as the staff director of the International Operations Subcommittee of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and as the staffer of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee responsible for the Middle East and South Asia. Gordon – who earned the title “ambassador” when he represented the United States during the 1990 non-proliferation review process – was responsible for issues related to the proliferation of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons and the missiles to deliver them. He worked at the Central Intelligence Agency from 1979 to 1985 and was involved in the Iran Hostage Crisis.

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Free and open to the community with pre-registration required, visit JewishVA.org/ IsraelToday or contact NTrem@ujft.org to reserve a seat.

Do you know what the Talmud is?

in learning but unsure where to start?

Brad Gordon

Virginia Beach Cultural Affairs Department: 2024 Season of Global Music Series VBGIGs

Mediterranean Blues featuring Melos Sunday, March 17, 2 pm, Sandler Family Campus

Alex Dye and Hunter Thomas

The return of Virginia Beach Cultural Affairs Department’s VBGIGs (Virginia Beach Globally Inspired Gatherings), a series of free and low-cost

April 1-5

Grades K-5

public performances taking place throughout the city in public spaces and performance venues will have its fi rst performance of the season at the Simon Family JCC on the Sandler Family Campus.

Given its connection to refugees and marginalized communities, it should come as no surprise that Rebetiko has a rich history in Greece’s Jewish community. One of Greece’s most famous Rebetiko singers, Rosa Eskenazi, came from a poor Sephardic Jewish family in Constantinople.

In alignment with the City’s arts strategic plan, Arts Plan 2030, VBGIGS aims to bring world-class, culturally rooted performing artists to Virginia Beach residents in their neighborhoods and nearby venues. VBGIGs events are family friendly. In fact, kids who attend will receive a VBGIGs passport and collectible destination stickers to track which world regions they’ve “visited” at different VBGIGs performances.

Spring Spring

Melos (which means “melody” in Greek), consists of Spyros Koliavasilis and his protégé, Niko Mitreone.

Break Break Camp Camp

In partnership with United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, the Greek music duo Melos will celebrate Rebetiko music, a style sometimes referred to as the “Greek Blues,” which originated in Greece’s marginalized communities, such as refugees and the urban working class of the 1920s and 1930s. It captures the feelings of oppression, despair, hope, and love like no other music.

This free, family-friendly concert will include a selection of songs followed by a meet and greet. It is presented in partnership with the Greek Embassy of Washington, D.C., and the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater.

All VBGIGs performances are free to attend.

Attend on single days or all week!

Sports, Swim, Arts, Crafts & Fun!

CampJCC.org

WANTED!!!

….a few good men and women……who feel comfortable speaking in front of a group of people and want to earn $125 per hour by presenting educational programs from Jewish Art Education. No Art Skills or Education is necessary. Minimal computer skills required. Work when you like and as much or as little as you like. In 2023, JAE presented almost 200 programs in 40 sites and reached nearly 2500 people.

Positions open immediately.

Email: teck.jarted@gmail.com for details.

Future VBGIGS event include:

Festa Brasil featuring Dendê & Band

Sunday, April 14, 10 am - 2 pm

Virginia MOCA, 2200 Parks Ave.

Classical Dance of India featuring Padmarani Rasiah Cantu

Saturday, May 4, 2 pm

Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library 4100 Virginia Beach Blvd.

Amor a Mexico: An Evening with the Grammy Award-Winning Villalobos Brothers

Friday, August 10, 7 pm

Zeiders American Dream Theater 4509 Commerce St.

For more information, visit www.virginiabeach. gov/culture or email artsinfo@vbgov.com.

CALENDAR

MARCH 5, TUESDAY

Yiddish Club is a vibrant hub for preserving and promoting the Yiddish language and its rich heritage. Meets the first Tuesday of each month. 1 pm. Simon Family JCC. Information and registration: JewishVA.org/YiddishClub or contact Mia Klein at MKlein@ujft.org or 757-452-3184.

MARCH 7, THURSDAY

Antisemitism: Then & Now, Right & Left. This 6-week course, taught by Rabbi Michael Panitz, explores the historical and contemporary manifestations of prejudice against Jewish communities. 12 pm. Sandler Family Campus. Information and registration: JewishVA.org/KCL or contact Sierra Lautman at SLautman@ujft.org or 757-965-6107.

MARCH 10, SUNDAY

PJ Library in Tidewater’s Operation Hamantaschen. Come in costume, reserve a timeslot for family and friends to make hamantaschen, and enjoy games and crafts while cookies bake. All ages. 1-4 pm. Simon Family JCC. Free. Contact Sarah Cooper at scooper@ujft.org for volunteering opportunities.

MARCH 14, THURSDY

Liel Leibovitz, editor-at-large at Tablet Magazine, editor of Tablet’s Guide to Zionism, and co-host of hit podcast Unorthodox. Leibovitz returns to Tidewater with his new book, How the Talmud Can Change Your Life. He approaches the Talmud with the same wisdom and wit that can be heard from his podcasts Unorthodox and Take One: Talmud to Go. 7:30 pm. Sandler Family Campus. Information and registration: JewishVA.org/KCL or contact Sierra Lautman, 757-965-6107.

MARCH 17, SUNDAY

Mediterranean Blues featuring Melos. Dr. Spyros Koliavasilis and Niko Mitreone perform as the duo, Melos, meaning melody in Greek. Presented by the City of Virginia Beach Cultural Affairs Department’s Virginia Beach Globally Inspired Gatherings in partnership with the Greek Embassy in Washington, D.C. and United Jewish Federation of Tidewater. 2 pm. Sandler Family Campus. Free. www.virginiabeach.gov/culture or email artsinfo@vbgov.com. See page 42..

MARCH 18, MONDAY

JCC Book Club will discuss Coco at the Ritz by Gioia DIliberto. Book Club meets the third Monday of each month. Join in person or via Zoom. 1:30 pm. Simon Family JCC. Free. Contact Mia Klein at MKlein@UJFT.org.

MARCH 20, WEDNESDAY

Seniors Club is for adults ages 55+ who seek to add education, culture, and connections to others and the Jewish community. Meets the third Wednesday of each month. 12 pm. Simon Family JCC. Membership $15 per year. $6 charge for lunch. Contact Mia Klein at MKlein@UJFT.org.

Intro to Talmud. This 4-part series is offered by UJFT’s Konikoff Center for Learning and taught by Rabbi Shlomo Eisenberg. 1 pm. Sandler Family Campus. $18. Information and registration: JewishVA. org/KCL or contact Sierra Lautman at SLautman@ujft.org or 757-965-6107.

MARCH 26, TUESDAY

The Israel - Hamas War, A Tidewater community briefing featuring Ambassador Brad Gordon. Presented by UJFT’s Jewish Community Relations Council and community partners’ Israel Today and AIPAC. 7:30 pm. Sandler Family Campus. Free. Information and registration: JewishVA.org/ IsraelToday or contact Nofar Trem at NTrem@UJFT.org. See page 41.

MARCH 27, WEDNESDAY

Luminous: An Artist’s Story as a Guide to Radical Creativity with artist Linda Dayan Frimer. Join artist Linda Dayan Frimer for a conversation about the artwork featured in her book Luminous: An Artist's Story as a Guide to Radical Creativity. Selections from the book are on exhibit in the Leon Family Gallery through April. 12 pm. Online. Information and registration: JewishVA.org/Gallery or contact Hunter Thomas at HThomas@UJFT.org. See page 40.

Employment Opportunity

Director of Human Resources

The United Jewish Federation of Tidewater/Simon Family JCC seeks a proven experienced candidate for the position of Director of Human Resources.

The Director of Human Resources serves as an integral member of the professional leadership team, under the direction of the Executive Vice President/CEO, and is responsible for the development and implementation of human resource policies for the agency covering areas such as recruitment and hiring, employee relations, compensation, performance management, and compliance with applicable employment laws and regulations.

Additionally, the Director of Human Resources is responsible for all HR functional areas for the Tidewater Jewish Foundation and the UJFT Community Campus, LLC., (aka, Sandler Family Campus).

A bachelor’s degree in human resource management, business administration or related field required from an accredited university or college with a minimum of 7 years demonstrated progressive leadership experience in all HR functional areas. Master’s degree preferred. SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP credential strongly desired.

Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher, and PowerPoint. The successful candidate will possess strong interpersonal and listening skills and understand the mission of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater.

Position start date: April 1, 2024.

Salaries are competitive and commensurate with experience.

Complete job descriptions at www.federation.jewishva.org and www.simonfamilyjcc.org

Submit cover letter, resume and salary requirements to: resumes@ujft.org

Attention: Taftaleen T. Hunter, Director of Human Resources – Confidential 5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462

Equal Opportunity Employment

Em p l o yment Oppor tunit y

Development Director

This Director is responsible for developing an overall strategy of donor engagement and non-traditional resource development, including (but not limited to) affinity groups, giving circles, outreach events, grants, individual and corporate sponsorships, planned giving initiatives and other related engagement and fundraising opportunities.

The position’s goal is to maximize financial resources while broadening the donor base. Director works closely with development department members to strategize how to connect donors with their philanthropic interests and UJFT’s priorities. Director will solicit, cultivate, and steward a portfolio of midlevel donors and prospects.

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and 3-5 years of experience with donor engagement and solicitation.

Salaries are competitive and commensurate with experience.

Complete job descriptions at www.federation.jewishva.org

Submit cover letter, resume and salary requirements to: resumes@ujft.org

Attention: Taftaleen T. Hunter, Director of Human Resources –Confidential

Equal Opportunity Employment

OBITUARIES

Gerald Bloom

VIRGINIA BEACH - Gerald Bloom (Gerry), 85, passed away on February 18 from a chronic illness.

He was born in the Bronx, New York on September 18, 1938, to Sidney and Rose Bloom.

Gerald was adored.

He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Harriet, son Marc (Heather), daughter Tammy, grandchildren Courtney Ross and Jacob Bloom, brother Hal (Ellen), niece Allison Shear (Ryan), and nephew Rob Bloom (Juliana).

A graveside service to honor and celebrate his memory was held at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Norfolk.

May his memory be for a blessing.

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Rebecca H. Hermelin

VIRGINIA BEACH - Rebecca H. Hermelin, 73, passed away at home on February 23.

She was born on August 25, 1950 in Norfolk to Al and Bea Hermelin, of

blessed memory.

A brilliant student, Rebecca graduated at the top of her nursing class and worked as a registered nurse for several years. She was a loving, caring, and talented person

known to flash her unmistakably wide smile and possessed the same delightful spirit of enchantment as that of a child.

Becka is survived by her beloved husband, John Perucci, of over 33 years,

A history buff with a love of old black and white movies, David found solace in the nostalgia they invoked and could usually be found watching them with his beloved golden retriever, Emma, by his

May the Source of Peace send peace to all who mourn, and comfort to all who are bereaved.

who had a special affection for animals.

Those who knew Becka well fondly recall that she always looked forward to her birthday each year with great anticipation. As the day approached, she was

as well as sister Ronnie Moscovitz (Jack), and two brothers, Harvey Hermelin (Jenny), and Mark Hermelin.

Funeral services were graveside at Forest Lawn Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to a local SPCA or pet shelter.

–

Violet Kauder

NORFOLK - Violet Kauder, age 93, passed away on February 26.

Violet was born in New York on February 9, 1931.

Services were private.

The funeral was handled by Woodlawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens.

David Erwin Langbord

VIRGINIA BEACH - David Erwin Langbord, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on December 28 at the age of 68.

Born on May 10, 1955, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, David lived a remarkable life filled with joy, laughter, and meaningful connections.

David possessed a natural talent for building relationships and creating bonds with those around him. With his magnetic personality and quick wit, he effortlessly transitioned between being a class act and the class clown. He deeply valued the connections he had with family and friends and the personal relationships he maintained for decades. David was a truly a great friend.

side. David enjoyed sharing fascinating stories from the past, captivating all who were fortunate enough to listen.

David is survived by his loving wife, Barbara, their sons, Bryan (Sarah) and Mark (Alisa), grandchildren Liora, Oliver, June, and Jonathan, who brought immeasurable joy to his life, his mother, Joan, and his brother, Roy. He also had special connections with sister-in-law and brother-in-law Lynn and Clyde Hoelzer, nieces and nephew, and his Sam’s Club family.

A memorial service was held at the Altmeyer Funeral Home Southside Chapel. This gathering served as a reminder of the profound impact David had on all of us and the legacy of love and authenticity he leaves behind.

In our hearts, David will forever be cherished as an inspiration—a man who taught us the value of genuine connections, the importance of laughter, and the beauty of maintaining a strong sense of community. As we bid farewell to this remarkable soul, let us remember the light he brought into our lives and continue to honor his memory through acts of kindness and unconditional love. In David’s honor, please pick up the phone and call an old friend just to catch up.

To leave a condolence online visit www.altmeyerfh.com. Memorial contributions to Diabetes Research Institute by going to www.tmcfunding.com.

Rest in peace, dear David. You will be dearly missed.

OBITUARIES

Marvin J. Posner

NORFOLK - Marvin J. Posner passed peacefully at the age of 96, surrounded by family on February 23 at Harbors Edge in Norfolk, Virginia.

He was born in Richmond, Virginia on April 7, 1927. Marvin was preceded in death by parents George and Francis Posner, his loving wife, Selma “Cis” Posner, and brother Irvin Posner.

Married to Cis for 67 beautiful years, the two settled together in Newport News where they raised their two daughters, Starr (Harry) Zarin and Susan (Jon) Becker. Marvin was a devoted grandfather to Lisa (Zamir) Klinger, Amy Becker, Katie (Yoni) Lazarus, Jennifer (Nachi) Friedman and Jordan (Mike) Lanczycki. Cherished Papa to Leora, Tova, Dalia and Eitan Klinger; Ari, Yaara, Avi and Gedalia Lazarus; Natan, Elisheva, Adira and Mimi Friedman; and Abby and Drew Lancyzcki.

Marvin was a graduate of University of Richmond and a lifelong member of Rodef Sholom Temple, where he also served as an officer of the synagogue. He remained active in the United Jewish Community as well as their endowment. Marvin is remembered for his witty sense of humor and enthusiasm for sports, especially golf. Most of all, he adored and remained so proud of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, always cherishing their visits and weekly phone and video calls.

Funeral services were held at the Hampton Hebrew Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Chabad of Tidewater or a charity of choice.

Albertine Rubin

VIRGINIA BEACH - Albertine Rubin passed away February 9, in her home, surrounded by family, after battling cancer and heart disease.

She was born March 4, 1942, in Fez, Morocco. She was a veteran of the Israeli army and a hairdresser for over 50 years. She had a passion for gardening and enjoyed shopping.

Albertine lived a very full life, having resided in Spain, France, Israel, New Jersey, and Virginia, in addition to French Morocco. As a teenager, she ran an underground railroad to help Jews escape oppression after the French Protectorate ended there. When

she no longer felt safe, she snuck away on a fi shing boat to Spain, where she lived for six months before immigrating to France. She lived in France for a number of years before moving to Israel and enlisting in the Army, where she was reunited with her family at the age of 20.

Albertine married her beloved husband, Leslie, in Linden, New Jersey on March 29, 1969, and they were together for nearly 55 years. Her family was her life, and she had a deep love for her grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband, daughter Gayle, sons Joshua and Brian, daughter-inlaw Laura, grandsons Ryan O’Shields, Jayden Rodriguez and Axel Nathan Rubin, granddaughter Megan Lillian Rubin, sisters Helene Hunter and Solange Suissa, brother Gerard Suissa and sister-in-law Tsipi Suissa, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her brother Simon Suissa and sister Jackie Muise.

Baruch Dayan HaEmet.

A funeral service was held at HD Oliver Funeral Apartments followed by a burial in Forest Lawn Cemetery. –

Bernard J. Semel

NORFOLK - Bernie Semel, 73, died on February 22.

Predeceased by parents Margaret (Jimmie) Semel and Sidney Semel, he is survived by sisters Judy Rohn (Reuven) and Debbie Evans (Mark); niece Karen Alpert (Avi) and their children, Avital and Eliav; ex-wife Tricia Pummill, stepson David Smith, and step-grandson Benjamin.

Bernie attended Granby High and Virginia Commonwealth University. He worked as an independent businessman in Norfolk, New York, Florida, and San Diego, mainly in screen printing. His main focus was his love of family and Judo. He was particularly proud of serving as a referee at the Atlanta Olympics. In San Diego, he was a long-time member of Ohr Shalom Synagogue, at one time serving as vice president.

A graveside service was held at Forest Lawn Cemetery with Rabbi Michael Panitz officiating. Donations may be made to EVMS Lawrence J. Goodrich Institute for Integrated Neuro Health or a charity of choice.

The family is grateful for the care he received at Beth Sholom Village and MHC.

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In new documentary ‘God and Country,’ Rob Reiner shines a light on Christian nationalism

Stephen Silver

(JTA) — Rob Reiner, best known for his acting role in the 1970s sitcom All in the Family and for directing a series of beloved comedies — including The Princess Bride and When Harry Met Sally — is getting serious in his latest project.

God and Country, now in theaters examines what Reiner sees as the troubling rise of Christian nationalism. The Jewish filmmaker produced the documentary, along with his wife Michele and his friend Steve Okin, with Dan Partland as director. The film follows the history, and the more recent activities, of Christian nationalism, from the 1950s Cold War to the fight over abortion rights to the rise of televangelist Jerry Falwell to the storming of the Capitol on Jan. 6.

“For decades, I was aware of… what we call now Christian nationalism,” Reiner says. “It’s a political movement, really, certainly not a spiritual or religious movement, and it started gaining more and more strength.”

He says he knew going into the project that he would have to navigate treacherous territory.

“It was a very delicate subject to take on, because the one thing we didn’t want to do was bash Christianity, and the film does not do that,” Reiner says. “It’s the exact opposite, actually.”

survived. My wife’s mother survived Auschwitz but her entire family was killed at Auschwitz, and I visited recently there. I’m very well aware of what can happen when an autocrat takes over a country.

“I’ve gotten a lot of criticism because I’m Jewish: ‘How dare you, a Jewish person, have anything to say about what Christians should or should not do,’” Reiner adds. “But I always say, ‘I’m not in the film, look at the people we have in the film … It’s not Rob Reiner, the Jewish person, saying this.”

Indeed, the majority of the people interviewed in the film are prominent Christians who, for various reasons, are skeptics and opponents of Christian nationalism.

Reiner based the documentary on Katherine Stewart’s 2020 book The Power Worshippers: Inside the Dangerous Rise of Religious Nationalism, which defines the movement as a biblically derived effort to take control of all aspects of government and society. Okin gave him the book with the idea of making it into a movie.

“They believe that America should be a white Christian nation, and it is ordained by God to be a white Christian nation,” says Reiner, adding that its followers are “willing to go to the lengths of violence to get their way.”

Reiner organized and funded the project and helped to shape it. His name has been featured prominently in the marketing, including a recorded message before the film. He does not, however, appear on camera or in voiceover in the film itself.

“As a Jewish man, Reiner has seen the rise of dangerous tides and is passionate it doesn’t happen again,” a promotional email about the film states.

Thinking about an “autocracy, or a theocracy, where there is a ‘my way or the highway,’ and things have to be done in an autocratic way,” put him in mind of the Holocaust, he says. “My aunt was in Auschwitz, she

Among those interviewed are North Carolina-based activist Bishop William Barber, New York Times columnist David French, Christianity Today editor-in-chief Russell Moore, Sister Simone Campbell and Phil Vischer, the co-creator of the Christian cartoon series VeggieTales.

“We have some of the most thoughtful, devout Christian leaders, people who are in many cases very conservative Christian thinkers and pastors who talk about this movement… not just as a danger to democracy, but also a danger to Christianity itself, and a danger to the church,” Reiner says.

Stewart, who is also interviewed in the film, has said the 2022 Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade, which for 50 years guaranteed a woman’s right to an abortion, has emboldened Christian Nationalists to pursue an agenda that includes state funding of religious schools, prosecuting abortion providers and “accomplices,” and defending and even lionizing those who tried to prevent the transfer of power on Jan. 6.

“I am thrilled that my book helped inspire this documentary and I hope it helps draw attention to the dangerous political movement in our midst,” Stewart says. “The main thing I hope people can take away is that Christian nationalism is a political movement, not a religion, and it is profoundly hostile to democracy. With Trump’s attempted coup still in the news, the film should be especially helpful in letting people connect the dots.”

The conservative Christian embrace of Trump, who was very much not associated with Christian politics prior to his first presidential run, figures prominently in the film. Reiner says Trump has become “the first kind of national visible celebrity mouthpiece for their movement — and he was more than happy to take that on if he had support, and

if that could help him politically.”

Reiner adds, “He’s a part of this, but he comes at the end of this rise that has been happening since 1954.”

Stewart explains, Christian nationalists have embraced Trump, who has delivered on education policy, conservative Supreme Court picks, and support for right-wing regimes abroad.

For many years, Reiner has been one of the entertainment industry’s most prominent critics of the former president, on social media and in cable news appearances.

“It means a lot to me that this country remains a democracy, that this wonderful experiment that started 246 years ago of self-rule is allowed to continue, that we don’t slip into an autocracy, because we know what can happen when that happens,” says Reiner.

Reiner and Trump are both natives of New York’s outer boroughs, are about the same age, had well-known fathers, and have been in the public eye since the 1970s. But according to Reiner, they’ve only met once. That was when Reiner and the Jewish comedy legend Billy Crystal, a longtime friend, were attending a prizefight at one of Trump’s casinos in Atlantic City. They met Trump in the hotel.

Reiner’s wife Michele, a co-producer of the film and a professional photographer, shot Trump’s photograph for the cover of his 1987 memoir, The Art of the Deal.

“So she has a lot to atone for,” Reiner jokes. “When Yom Kippur comes around, that’s first on her list.”

Reiner inherited his comedy and filmmaking chops from his father, Carl Reiner, the late writer, director, and actor who was part of Sid Caesar’s comedy ensemble, created The Dick Van Dyke Show and directed several hit films.

But it was the example of Norman Lear, who created All in the Family as well as the liberal advocacy group People for the American Way, that inspired Reiner’s own political work, including the documentary.

At the Emmy Awards in January, Reiner paid tribute to Lear, who passed away in December at the age of 101, describing his mentor with an obscure Yiddish word that he says he remembered hearing his immigrant grandparents speak in the Bronx.

“For all you non-Jews out there, kochleffel is a ladle, a ladle that stirs the pot. And when Norman the kochleffel stirred that pot, he wound up changing American culture,” Reiner said at the tribute.

“What I learned from Norman was that you could use your fame, your celebrity, whatever, to actually do some things in the political sphere,” he says. “Norman was a tremendous inspiration to me. I got from Norman that this is something you can do and you can be effective, because you can use your voice to get ideas across.”

Rob Reiner

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