Jewish News March 26th 2012

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Southeastern Virginia | Vol. 50 No. 12 | 3 Nissan 5772 | March 26, 2012

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Happy Passover

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INSIDE 6 JDC updates Tidewater

9 AIPAC Policy Conference

— page 33 22 UJFT Women 13 | A song for every soul 19

Cory Kahaney at JCC, Saturday, March 31

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Toulouse attack leaves French Jewish community shaken

by Dana Kennedy

PARIS (JTA—When Arie Bensemhoun, a Jewish community leader in Toulouse, woke up Tuesday, March 20, he thought for a moment that the horrific shooting of three children and a rabbi at a local Jewish school might have been just a bad dream.

“Then the reality hit and I knew it was true and it had really happened,” Bensemhoun told JTA. “We are living a nightmare. It’s hard to describe the shock felt by our whole community. It’s worse than you can imagine.”

Despite their grief, Bensemhoun and other Jewish leaders in France lost no time in mobilizing their community after southwestern France went to a scarlet terror alert, the highest possible, shortly after the shooting, which occurred just after 8 am Monday, March 19 at the Ozar Hatorah school in Toulouse.

Working in concert with emergency protocols put in place by the French government in the event of a terrorist attack, security was increased at Jewish synagogues and schools all over France. President Nicolas Sarkozy and Interior Minister Claude Gueant called for a stepped-up police presence at Jewish institutions in France, particularly in the southwest.

Guards were being stationed at all religious schools and outside Jewish and Muslim institutions.

David Ben Ichou, the social welfare director at the Fonds Social Juif Unifie (FSJU), the country’s main Jewish welfare organization, said the Jewish community in France also has a Jewish community protection service consisting of volunteers who guard Jewish institutions in time of crisis.

“They were mobilized within two hours of the shooting,” Ben Ichou said. He said more of the volunteers will be concentrated on Jewish schools and synagogues in the Toulouse region.

The main suspect in the shooting attack is Mohammed Merah, a 24-year-old French national of Algerian descent who claims ties to al-Qaida, and reportedly has been known to French intelligence for many years. Merah’s brother was arrested, and two police officers were injured in a shootout outside his home, according to reports.

Merah allegedly told police that he carried out the murders to “avenge Palestinian children.”

Gueant was quoted as saying that Merah “has made trips to Afghanistan and Pakistan in the past...and says he belongs to al-Qaida and says he wanted to avenge Palestinian children and to attack the French army.”

Dozens of French police and anti-terrorism investigators were involved in the manhunt for the gunman and any accomplices.

The Ozar Hatorah school reopened Wednesday, March 21 for the first time since the attack two days earlier, when a gunman with a video camera around his neck pulled up on a black Yamaha motorbike and fatally shot three Jewish children and a teacher who were waiting to enter the building at the start of the school day.

Rabbi Jonathan Sandler, 30, and his two young sons, as well as the 7-year-old daughter of the school’s principal, were killed in the attack.

Thousands attended the funeral of the victims on Wednesday morning at Jerusalem’s Givat Shaul cemetery.

“Your grief, your pain is ours too,”

contents UpFront. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Briefs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Torah Thought. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 JDC updates community. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Haitian gets second chance. . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Sean Frazier wins oratory contest. . . . . . . . 8 AIPAC Policy Conference. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Hagbaha. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Women hold Outreach. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Miss Representation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Physician Assistant at BSV . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Temple Emanuel and JFS. . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Hillel at ODU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 BINA learns Sephardic history. . . . . . . . . 18

JFS to start new groups. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Temple Israel: Music, trees and song 19 Infant daycare at Simon Family JCC 20 Yeshivas Aish Kodesh. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Create a Legacy: Paul and March Terkeltaub. . . . . . . . . . 21 What’s Happening. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Mazel Tov. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Oy! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Book Reviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Obituaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Face to Face: Ralph Soussan. . . . . . . . . . . 30 Passover. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe said at the funeral. “All of France is in shock.”

Schoolchildren all over France stood and paused for a moment of silence Tuesday morning to remember the victims.

Jewish community leaders had wasted no time in making sure frightened students at the Ozar Hatorah school and their parents received psychological counseling and help, according to Ben Ichou. The government automatically deploys counselors to schools after such an event, but the students and families at Ozar Hatorah also will have the chance to speak with Jewish social workers, he said.

Sarkozy, who suspended his presidential campaign and flew to Toulouse after the attack, called the tragedy “obviously antiSemitic,” and the interior minister called for heightened security at all Jewish schools and institutions in France. France, home to Europe’s largest Jewish community, has an estimated 600,000 Jews.

On March 19, thousands of Jews and non-Jews, including politicians, gathered in Paris for a silent demonstration organized by the French Union of Jewish Students.

One banner among the many French flags held aloft by the marchers read, “In France, Blacks, Jews and Arabs are killed.”

“It could have been anyone’s child,” said Jacques Benichou, the executive director of the FSJU. “Even if the killer was targeting other minorities, there’s no escaping that he targeted Jewish children as well. We all feel deeply sad and very alarmed.”

Nicole Yardeni, one of the leaders of the Toulouse area branch of the CRIF, France’s main Jewish umbrella organization, said she was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support after the shooting.

quotable

Published 22 times a year by United Jewish Federation of Tidewater.

Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus of the Tidewater Jewish Community 5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Suite 200 Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462-4370 voice 757.965.6100 fax 757.965.6102 e-mail news@ujft.org www.jewishVA.org Terri Denison, Editor Germaine Clair, Art Director Hal Sacks, Book Review Editor Sandy Goldberg, Account Executive Sharon Freeman, Account Executive Mark Hecht, Account Executive Marilyn Cerase, Subscription Manager Reba Karp, Editor Emeritus Alvin Wall, President Stephanie Calliott, Secretary Harry Graber, Executive Vice-President The appearance of advertising in the Jewish News does not constitute a kashrut endorsement. The articles and letters appearing herein are not necessarily the opinion of this newspaper. © 2012 Jewish News all rights reserved Subscription: $18 year For subscription or change of address, call 757-965-6128 or email mcerase@ujft.org.

Upcoming Deadlines for Editorial and Advertising April 9 March 23 April 23 Senior Living April 6 May 7 April 20 May 28 Health Care May 11 June 11 May 25 June 25 Legal June 8 July 16 UJFT Annual Report June 22

candle lighting

“Seeing and hearing President Obama and Prime Minister Netanyahu in a room with 13,000 Israel advocates was energetic and powerful.”

—page 9

Friday, March 30/Nissan 7 Light candles at 7:07 pm Friday, April 6/Nissan 14 Light candles at 7:13 pm Friday, April 13/Nissan 21 Light candles at 7:19 pm Friday, April 20/Nissan 28 Light candles at 7:25 pm Friday, April 27/Iyar 5 Light candles at 7:32 pm Friday, May/Iyar 12 Light candles at 7:38 pm

March 26, 2012 | Jewish News | 3

briefs Oracle’s Ellison remains biggest Jewish billionaire on Forbes list Oracle founder Larry Ellison is top ranked among Jewish individuals appearing on the Forbes magazine’s annual list of world billionaires, coming in at sixth with $36 billion.

Ellison held the same ranking last year, but with $28 billion.

Casino and hotel magnate Sheldon Adelson, with $24.9 billion, moved up to No. 14 from 78. Adelson and his family have donated at least $20 million to a Super PAC supporting GOP presidential hopeful Newt Gingrich. Adelson also is a major giver to Birthright Israel.

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg was the next Jewish person at 20th, with $22 billion—like Ellison, $8 billion richer than last year—followed by George Soros at 22nd, up from 35th with $20 billion.

Google co-founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page were tied for 24th with $18.7 billion each.

Other Jews to make the top 100 included Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg at 35th with $15.5 billion; Brazilian banking and investment mogul Joseph Safra at 52 with $13.8 billion; Russian steel magnate Roman Abramovich at 68 with $12.1 billion; and U.S. businessman Ronald Perelman at 69 with $12 billion.

Thirteen Israelis made the list, down from 16 last year. Eyal and Idan Ofer became the two newest Israelis on the list, inheriting their fortunes from their father, shipping magnate Sammy Ofer. Israel’s richest man died last June after coming in 79th last year with $10.3 billion. Idan Ofer entered the list at 161st with $4.2 billion and Eyal Ofer was No. 173 with $5.8 billion.

Carnival Cruise CEO Micky Arison dropped from 62nd to 223rd with $4.7 billion, just months after one of his cruise ships sank near Italy.

Mexican telecom businessman Carlos Slim Helu and his family topped the list with $69 billion. (JTA) Anne Frank figure unveiled at Madame Tussauds in Berlin Madame Tussauds in Berlin unveiled a wax figure of Anne Frank depicted sitting at her desk, pen in hand, smiling dreamily.

The unveiling took place amid some criticism about including a Holocaust victim at such an unserious location, according to the Bild Zeitung, Germany’s most popular daily. Others say that as long as there is information about the life and death of Anne Frank it is appropriate.

Anne died at age 15 at the BergenBelsen concentration camp about a month 4 | Jewish News | March 26, 2012

before the camp’s liberation in April 1945.

The best-known photographs snapped of the young diarist by her camera-happy father, Otto—the only immediate family member to survive the Holocaust—show young Anne smiling.

A museum spokeswoman, Nina Zerbe, told Bild Zeitung that the display includes information about Anne in German and English, and she is presented in the context of the room in which she hid.

“This is a three-dimensional history lesson for visitors,” Zerbe said.

The director of the Anne Frank Center in Berlin, Thomas Heppner, who attended the unveiling, praised the idea of bringing visitors closer to history through such displays.

The Berlin branch of Madame Tussauds has been criticized over the inclusion of other historical figures related to the Nazi period. In July 2008, one of the first visitors to the new museum, a 41-year-old Berlin man, lunged past guards and lopped off the head of the Hitler figure. The figure, which depicts a defeated Hitler, was repaired and is now behind glass. (JTA)

Poland to issue coins honoring Poles who saved Jews Poland is issuing commemorative coins to honor three Catholic-Polish families who were killed by the Nazis for having rescued Jews during the Holocaust.

The two coins issued March 15 by the National Bank of Poland honor the Ulma, Kowalski and Baranek families. The coins come in denominations of two zlotys, worth about 65 cents, and 20 zlotys, worth about $6.50.

On March 15, 1943, German auxiliary police discovered eight Jews hidden in the home of Wincenty and Łucja Baranek in the village of Siedliska. The police killed the Jews immediately and then shot the Baraneks and their two sons in the backs of their heads.

Adam and Bronisława Kowalski hid two Jewish neighbors in their house in the village of Ciepielow. Other Jews were hidden in other homes in the village.

In December 1942, the Kowalskis, their five children and the Jews they were hiding were among at least 34 people killed when Nazi police, after being tipped off, set fire to homes where Jews were believed to be hidden.

Jozef and Wiktoria Ulma hid eight Jews in the attic of their house in the village of Markowa for 18 months. After being informed on in 1944, the couple, their six children and the Jews they were hiding were killed.

Some 30,000 to 40,000 Jews survived the occupation of Poland because of such families, Jerzy Halbersztadt, the former director of the Museum of the History of Polish Jews set to open next year, wrote in the official brochure for the coins.

“And although most of our fellow citizens did not know how to, or were unable to, resist the crimes, the accomplishments of the noblest and bravest people should give us the strength to cope with difficult problems in our history,” he wrote. (JTA)

Israeli innovation at Mobile World Congress Israel’s technology industry made a big showing at the Mobile World Congress.

Some 100 Israeli companies participated in the mobile industry’s largest annual event, held this year in Barcelona. The event brought about 67,000 visitors and 1,400 companies to Barcelona to show off the latest advances in the field.

The joint national effort by the Israel Export & International Cooperation Institute and the Foreign Trade Administration of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor resulted in some 2,000 business meetings between Israeli and foreign companies.

Israeli exhibitors reported on closed deals, advanced negotiations and breakthroughs with the world’s largest mobile operators and hardware and device manufacturers.

The show was an “unparalleled success” for Israeli companies, according to Ramzi Gabai, chairman of the Israel Export & International Cooperation Institute.

The Spanish publication elperiodico.com wrote, “Although a small country with barely 7 million inhabitants, it’s a leader in technological innovation. Proof of this is that Israel has at its disposal one of the largest showcase pavilions at the Mobile World Congress.”

Some of the mobile technology innovations Israeli companies brought to the congress included fixed 3G car phone devices, telemedicine devices and satellite communication systems. (JTA) Study: Jews are world’s most migratory religious group A new study found that Jews are the most internationally migratory of all the world’s major religious groups.

“Faith on the Move,” a study released March 8 by the Pew Research Center’s Forum on Religion & Public Life, found that a quarter of Jews are international migrants, defined as individuals who reside permanently in a country other than the one in which they were born.

By contrast, only 5 percent of Christians—the next most migratory religious group—are international migrants.

Pew found that more than 3.6 million Jews are international migrants. Some 2.76 million Jews have settled in Israel, with another 370,000 residing in the United States, 140,000 in Canada and 70,000 in Australia.

According to Pew, 56 percent of Jewish migrants come from Europe and another 24 percent from North Africa and the Middle East. (JTA)

Alan Gross’ family appealing to pope to press for his release The family of Alan Gross is appealing to Pope Benedict XVI to plea for Gross’ release when he visits Cuba.

“We believe this is a special opportunity,” Peter Kahn, Gross’ American lawyer, told JTA. “Given the significance of the pope’s visit to Cuba and where we are in this process, it would be very helpful if the pope raised Alan’s case in his discussions with the Cuban government.”

Kahn said the family is appealing to the pope through a number of interlocutors.

Separately, the Jewish Federations of North America has launched a petition at FreeAlanGrossNow.com appealing to the pope to make the case for Gross when Benedict is on the island from March 26 to 28.

Gross, 62 and a Washington-area resident, is serving a 15-year prison sentence in Cuba for “crimes against the state” for distributing laptop computers and connecting Cuban Jews to the Internet. He was arrested in December 2009 as he was leaving Cuba.

Rabbi Arthur Schneier, who chairs the Appeal of Conscience Foundation, a group that advocates for religious freedom, led an interfaith delegation to Cuba last week to appeal for Gross’ release.

Cuban authorities allowed Schneier to meet with Gross and prepare him for the Purim holiday. Schneier presented Gross with a tallit, tefillin, the Book of Esther and hamantaschen.

“I found a man of faith, concerned about his family, hopeful and reassured that he has not been abandoned,” Schneier said in a statement.

Since his incarceration, Gross has been in poor health. Additionally, his mother is suffering from inoperable cancer and a daughter has been treated for breast cancer. (JTA)

torah thought From oranges to artichokes, chocolate and olives, using seder plate as a call to action

by Sue Fishkoff

SAN FRANCISCO (JTA)—Passover, which commemorates the Jewish people’s liberation from slavery, has a political message at its heart. So it’s not surprising that the seder— especially the seder plate—has been pressed into the service of all kinds of freedoms.

The country’s first Freedom Seder, held in a Washington church on the third night of Passover on April 4, 1969, marked the first anniversary of the assassination of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Participants used a Haggadah focused on black-Jewish solidarity that was rewritten by the Shalom Center, a Jewish peace group. The 800 guests included blacks and whites, Jews and Christians.

Since then, Freedom Seders have focused attention on women’s rights, the environment, anti-war protests, interfaith dialogue, Jewish-Muslim dialogue and labor issues, as well as black-Jewish relations.

In the 1980s, some American Jews added a fourth matzah to the three traditionally placed on the seder table to symbolize Soviet Jews who were not free to celebrate Jewish holidays. Similarly, some Haggadahs added a fifth child to the traditional Four Sons, representing a child who died in the Holocaust and was not able to be present at the seder.

Instead of refashioning their entire seder, many people add items to the seder plate in the name of one cause or another.

The traditional seder plate contains an egg, shank bone, karpas, charoset and maror. Some also make room for the hazeret, another kind of bitter green. But other fruits and vegetables have showed up recently, representing everything from solidarity with oppressed Jewish communities to welcoming the intermarried.

Miriam’s cup, used to symbolize the feminist presence in Jewish liturgy and ritual, first appeared in Boston Rosh Chodesh women’s groups in the 1980s and quickly

moved to the seder table.

More commonplace at liberal seders today is the orange, which has come to symbolize the power of Jewish women— from female rabbis to the role played by Jewish midwives in the Exodus story.

But when Dartmouth College Jewish studies professor Susannah Heschel first plunked down a tangerine on her seder plate in the early 1980s, it was in the name of gay and lesbian inclusion, not women’s rights in general.

A few years ago, olives started showing up on the seder plate as a call for peace between Israelis and Palestinians. In 2008, Jewish Voice for Peace promoted putting an olive on the seder plate as part of its Trees of Reconciliation project, which sought to donate 3,000 olive saplings to Palestinian farmers to replant trees torn down to make room for Jewish settlements in the West Bank.

The Shalom Center suggests that celebrants include both an olive and orange on their seder plates.

“Why this olive?” reads the group’s 2009 “Freedom Seder for the Earth” Haggadah.

“Because for millennia the olive branch has been the symbol of peace, and we seek to make peace where there has been war.

“Why this orange? Because in olden days there was no orange on the Seder Plate and it was said that outsiders—gay men and lesbians, transgendered people, converts, those who lack some important ability or skill, the unlearned—all these no more belonged in the community than an orange belongs upon the Seder plate. So we place an orange to say firmly, All these belong in our communities.”

How about an artichoke? Rabbi Geela Rayzel Raphael suggests this prickly vegetable with the soft heart for the interfaith-friendly seder plate.

“Like the artichoke, which has thistles protecting its heart, the Jewish people have been thorny about this question of interfaith marriage,” she writes on Interfaithfamily.com.

Hunger is a popular cause during Passover, focused as the holiday is on dietary restrictions.

In 2010, according to the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, more than 40 “hunger seders” focusing on the nutritional needs of low-income children and adults were organized in 30 separate cities.

Passover is a good time to consider myriad freedoms and problems. To be aware and count blessings.

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March 26, 2012 | Jewish News | 5

JDC updates community on Federation’s global impact

by Laine M. Rutherford

T

his winter, community contributions to the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater have made an immediate impact in improving lives around the globe—in the Former Soviet Union, in Greece, in Ethiopia, in Israel, in Japan, as well as in other countries.

Sandy Katz, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee representative to the UJFT, recently visited the Federation. She met with UJFT staff and community leaders, briefing them on the difficulties Jews—and others in need—are facing abroad, and the way UJFT donations are helping.

“We’ve had a very mild winter here, but in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union, that’s not the case,” Katz said, citing an example of how local funds are being directed. “They’ve been hit with horrible weather and people were unable to heat their homes or get food, and their living conditions are dire.”

A JDC news report noted temperatures in towns across Bulgaria were the lowest since records started 100 years ago, and the death toll from the extreme weather

continued to rise in February. In response, the JDC activated an emergency winter response system, part of its winter relief program that assists tens of thousands of Jewish elderly and needy children throughout Central and Eastern Europe and the Former Soviet Union. In the hardest-hit areas, JDC furnished fuel, heating supplies, extra food, warm clothing and additional medical care.

Katz shared news of the JDC’s efforts to help Greek Jews who are struggling with that country’s unstable financial situation.

The JDC reports that through the support of the Jewish Federations of North America, it is leading a group of global partners to provide welfare and school scholarships to the Athens Jewish community, which has been the hardest hit.

Katz also commented on the dedicated involvement and participation of the Tidewater citizens who are currently involved with the JDC board and organization: Karen Jaffe, Laura Miller, Annie Sandler and Karen Lombart.

“We at JDC are so proud of Tidewater’s extraordinary contribution to addressing the toughest challenges facing the global Jewish community. Through the dedicated

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leadership of Karen Jaffe, Laura Miller and Annie Sandler, all current JDC board members, and Karen Lombart’s additional role on the board of MyersJDC-Brookdale Institute in Israel, we are ensuring that wherever Jews are in need, we are there,” Katz said.

Sandy Katz, JDC representative to Tidewater, Anna Goldenberg, Rebecca Bickford, Robin Mancoll, Carolyn Amacher, and Amy Zelenka. Katz briefed staff and community leaders on the many ways local contributions are helping communities around the world.

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At the JDC annual board meeting, Karen Lombart, Harry Graber, Annie Sandler, Steven Schwager--JDC C.E.O., Laura Miller and Karen Jaffe. Lombart, Sandler, Miller and Jaffe are JDC board members.

amp at the Simon Family JCC this summer will be fun, exciting, innovative, and nurturing. The Sandler Family Campus will be filled with the noise of children frolicking during activities, sliding down the chute in the outdoor pool, singing songs throughout the camp day and celebrating the Shabbat on Friday afternoon. It will be a camper’s delight and a parent’s dream of joy, safety and fulfillment for their child.

Most importantly, this experience should be available to anyone regardless of their ability to pay. Knowing that families continue to struggle in this economy, scholarship dollars are being made available.

“A Jewish camp experience is so important to the formation and reinforcement of a child’s Jewish identity and our camp will be wonderful this year,” says Sandra Porter Leon, Simon Family JCC president.

“The Simon Family JCC, United Jewish Federation and Tidewater Jewish Foundation have worked together with our donors to make even more funds available this year so that all can enjoy a fantastic Jewish day camp experience,” says Alvin Wall, UJFT president. “It is a communal promise we owe to our children.”

Don’t miss out. Go to the Simon Family JCC website, Simonfamilyj.org or call Michelle Grimsely, camp administrator at 321-2338.

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heorghes Exantus spent three days under the rubble of his home following the earthquake that shook Haiti last January.

With his feet and hand pinned under cement blocks, he had no idea if he would live, much less walk again.

A national championship salsa dancer and a computer-programming student, Exantus had a wide circle of friends in PortAu-Prince, and his mother and siblings nearby. It was his friends who eventually found him three days following the earthquake, and got help to dig him out of the rubble of his first-floor apartment.

At 29 and in good shape from dancing, Exantus thought he was fine and had emerged from the earthquake relatively unscathed. But when several days later his left hand and right leg began swelling, a series of X-rays showed that both limbs were in trouble and that his leg would have to be amputated below the knee.

As a dancer, the amputation was difficult but still, Exantus figured he was lucky and would work his way through the surgery and therapies, eventually getting back on his feet, prosthesis and all.

“I figured this was what had to be done,” says Exantus. “I was very determined and focused on getting back to my original level of activity.”

Fortunately for Exantus, his friend and co-worker, Steve, manages the hotel in Port-Au-Prince where Magen David Adom (MDA) and Sheba Medical Center staff stayed during a JDC-funded needs assessment visit. Steve told them about Exantus, and they referred him to the Haiti State University Hospital (HUEH) clinic. There,

Exantus was fitted with a prosthetic leg and received physiotherapy from the Israeli medical team from Sheba Hospital. His hand, however, still required attention, as his fingers had been stuck in a claw-like position and had suffered severe nerve damage while trapped under the rubble.

Since Exantus needed a more complicated operation than could be managed in Haiti, JDC’s partners began working on getting him to Israel. He arrived at Tel Hashomer’s orthopedic wing several months later. There he not only benefited from micro-surgery that should allow him to eventually regain full use of his hand; he also received a special state-of-the-art addition—a multi-axle ankle and stored energy foot—to upgrade his prosthetic leg.

“I want to get back to dancing and to resume my studies,” Exantus told JDC days before returning home to Haiti. “I’m not sure I’ll be able to compete again, but I can work as a computer programmer and dance for fun.

What’s important is getting back to normal.”

What’s hard, he says, is knowing that he received help when so many others have not, and are worse off than he was.

“It’s clear that I was very lucky,” he says.

“I was lucky to come to Israel, lucky to receive help from the Israeli team and JDC.” Exantus is now back in Haiti and has resumed his physiotherapy sessions at the JDCsupported Rehabilitation Center at HUEH. *This article is reprinted with permission from the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee which is a recipient of funds from United Jewish Federation.

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Tidewater BBYO member wins first place in international oratory contest

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ean Frazier, a member of Old Dominion AZA, won first place for his oratory essay at the BBYO International Convention in February. AZA and BBG teen leaders from around the world cast votes for the competion. Sean is and is currently vice president (s’gan) of Virginia Council BBYO. He is a senior at Norfolk Collegiate and is the son of Shelley and Jack Frazier.

• • • My name is Sean Frazier. I stand at 6 feet 2 inches tall. I have hair that can never

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decide whether it’s blonde or red. I’ve been a baseball player since I was four years old. But something people wouldn’t guess about me, from my appearance, is that I am a Jewish American. I don’t really fill out any of the physical stereotypes of a Jewish kid, so throughout my life I have been able to keep it a secret when I go out for a baseball team or attend summer camp. I would dread the day that I would have to miss a baseball game because it fell on Yom Kippur, because my grandfather would never let me play baseball on a High Holy

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day. As a ten year old, I constantly worried about concealing my Jewish heritage.

Before my time in BBYO I didn’t consider myself a Jewish American, or even an American Jew. Before BBYO, Judaism was seen as a conflict rather than a solution, due to the fact that I grew up not knowing whether I was Christian or whether I was Jewish. With a Christian father and a Jewish mother, I grew up celebrating holidays for both religions, and I came to believe that I was a Christian-Jew. And why wouldn’t I be at that age? I didn’t understand what G-d was and I liked to get a lot of presents, so at that time I was an American ChristianJew. Then came my early teen years when I became a Bar Mitzvah, but that still didn’t connect me with my Judaism due to the fact that I only had a Bar Mitzvah because my mom forced it upon me. I hated being Jewish at school and at baseball because I would get many jokes thrown my way only because I was Jewish. Kids would drop change on the ground jeering, “Pick it up Jew,” and I would respond with, “But my dad is Christian, so it only makes me half Jewish.” I waited and hoped that the jokes towards me for my Judaism would someday end. So as an early teen I considered myself as an American Christian-Jew. So how did I turn from an American Christian-Jew, into a Jewish American? It’s because in my time between being a child and the present-day, I joined an organization called BBYO, which deeply connected me to my Judaism. Through being extremely active at every point in my high school career, BBYO has helped me further my passion for being Jewish. As I now stand here, a man of almost eighteen, I have an entirely new outlook on myself, and on the world around me. This is because I was in BBYO, and became connected with my Judaism on a deeper level than just the surface. It is now a part of me and is something that I will never be stripped of again.

This organization gives me a place to meet and befriend many young Jewish teens from my area and around the world; connecting me to people I would have never otherwise met, furthering my passion for my Judaism. This deep connection to my Judaism, which derives from my very soul, is what makes me a Jewish American.

Being a Jewish American rather than an American-Jew is all about the mindset I have about being Jewish in the American society. It comes down to the fact that I consider myself a Jew above being a tall guy, a baseball player, or even an American.

Those who consider themselves AmericanJews put their country before their religion for one of two reasons. It is either because

Sean Frazier

they are patriots that love this country more than their culture as a Jewish person in society or they don’t feel a sense of relation to their Judaism; they find it only a part of them like glue in which they cannot peel off. I am on the other end in that I view being Jewish as more important than being American. My heritage as one of the Jewish people, and the culture that comes along with that heritage, is more important than any country in which I may reside.

I decided this when my grandfather, now of 80 years old, looked at me with tears in his eyes, saying that his father would be ashamed of him. Ashamed, because my grandfather feels that he did not do enough to make Judaism important enough for his family. Ashamed, because his oldest granddaughter did not become a Bat Mitzvah because his son chose not to make her.

Ashamed, because Judaism was not something his son found important enough to pass on to his granddaughter. So as I sat there, watching this grown man cry in front of me for the first time in my life, I came up to him and we embraced for minutes on end. And when we let go I looked at him in the eyes, with my hand firmly on his shoulder, and I promised him that Judaism in our family would live on through me.

It was that promise to my grandfather that marked when Judaism became the single most important facet of my life.

My name is Sean Frazier, I am standing here at 6 feet 2 inches tall, I have reddishblonde hair, I start on my school’s varsity baseball team, I am a member of BBYO, I am a grandson of a proud man, but most importantly, I am a Jewish American.

BBYO is a constituent agency of United Jewish Federation of Tidewater.

AIPAC Policy Conference

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he American Israeli Public Affairs Committee, America’s Pro-Israel lobby, held its annual Policy Conference March 4–6 in Washington, D.C. More than 13,000 people attended, including 34 delegates from Tidewater. President Barak Obama, Israeli President Shimon Peres, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, and Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell were among the speakers.

The following are comments from some of the local attendees:

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s one of the 13,000 Israel advocates attending the most important Policy Conference in AIPAC’s history, I heard our nation’s leaders declare that containment is not an option with regard to Iran. We helped push forward legislation that will impose even tougher sanctions on the regime and ensure that all options are on the table to prevent Tehran from acquiring a nuclear weapons capability. We have the ability to influence the way our representatives in Washington think about the issues. We can help keep the relationship between America and Israel in the forefront. We were reminded that we can make a difference. This was my second AIPAC Policy Conference and I plan to go back year, after year.

—Robin Mancoll

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’ve been impressed with the bipartisanship displayed at PC especially as this election approaches. We heard very clearly from all speakers representing both parties that policy talks are only of NO containment and NO capability will be accepted.

This underscores a looming sense of reality

when it comes to a nuclear Iran. In terms of the policies AIPAC is working on, there is a much greater undertone of urgency than in the past. Foreign aid is a problem on a day to day basis, and finding continued congressional support is a priority. As an attendee of more than seven years, I’ve noticed that the rhetoric has changed--it seems sincere from both sides of spectrum, with security being a big issue.

—Jon Crockford

Roads with events designed to build and strengthen relationships between Jews and Christians in support of Israel. It was an honor to attend the policy conference as a delegate from Virginia Beach.

—Matt Sharpe

T

e are so happy we had the opportunity to attend as we were able to see the influence we have had on Congress over the years we have been going. They and the President appeared to realize that Iran is a threat not only to Israel, but to the United States and must be STOPPED from developing nuclear weapons.

—Sam and Diane Werbel

his year is the fifth time that I have attended the AIPAC Policy Conference in Washington, D.C. In 2008, I was awed by the integrity of the organization, its expansive educational component and its over-the-top energy. Through the years, I have witnessed the impact of the delegates’ lobbying efforts and seen the honest relationships formed with our representatives on Capital Hill. AIPAC’s mission demonstrates the greatest form of our democracy.

As a broker of facts about the Middle East, the organization is respected for its truths and trusted on Capital Hill. Its presence is a consistent reminder that the US-Israel relationship is of paramount importance.

I am grateful now that I took the time, many years ago, to step into a Tidewater AIPAC event. My escalating involvement has heightened my consciousness. And, I know with certainty that our freedom is not a given—it is a value and a right that I hold dear, and will never take for granted.

—Karen Lombart

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I

S

tacie and I have enjoyed experiencing every rite of passage with our children: circumcision, B’nai Mitzvah, family trip to Israel.... Taking Hannah, Max and Tom to AIPAC seemed a part of that continuum.

We know the weekend engaged them, and prepared them even more to head out into the world as committed Jews.

—Marc Moss

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his was my second policy conference.

Since I am a Christian, it would be easy to feel out of place, but I was welcomed warmly by everyone I met. The remarks

by Kathy Ireland and the heavily attended breakout session about Evangelical Christian Support for Israel reinforced the feeling of unity. I think there is an opportunity to continue this here in Hampton

t was a thrill for me to see our young adults/college students get involved and present Israel’s case to everyone on Capital Hill! This is my second year attending the conference. It is an amazing experience to see so many of our elected officials and world leaders in person and to be part of history in the making! Everyone should consider attending AIPAC at least once!

—Cathi Laderberg

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or me, seeing and hearing President Obama and Prime Minister Netanyahu in a room with 13,000 Israel advocates was energetic and powerful. I liked knowing that both government policies were “in sync” towards Iran. But for me the piece de resistance was seeing Shimon Peres and hearing the story of him and his family leaving Poland. The secret his grandfather whispered into his ear was chilling and brilliant. “Shimon, stay Jewish” his grandfather said. He is an amazing man and a true leader of the Jewish world.

—Bonnie Brand

Virginia AIPAC Delegates with Senator Mark Warner after a successful meeting.

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he Culmination of the AIPAC conference is the Lobbying Day on Capitol Hill. Of the 535 members of the House

and Senate, 532 were visited by AIPAC delegates like me. I had the honor and privilege of meeting Senator Mark Warner and his aides. For those who are unaware, Senator Warner has always been a friend and steadfast supporter of the Jewish State and deserves my vote.

The more impressive part of the afternoon was the long and very personal meeting I and Rabbi Jeffrey Arnowitz enjoyed with our House Representative, the Honorable Bobby Scott. It was a friendly discourse that took on a two-way and very curious questioning. We had our policy points, but he was more interested in knowing where American Jews stood on protecting individual freedoms and civil liberties. You see, Congressman Scott’s district, my district, is predominantly African American. As you may imagine, we had much to talk about. We went well over our allotted time and, I am certain, all learned much more about each other.

Interestingly, his chief legislative aid we discovered is not only Jewish, but a practicing Jew who was involved with a Jewish youth group growing up, had spent a year studying in Israel, and shared several friends with me. We were instantly connected.

—Benjai Kempner

I

spent an incredible three days in Washington, D.C at the AIPAC Policy Conference. We had a nice contingent of 12 Beth El-ers at the Conference, including three college students! Not only did we get to see and hear from major figures like President Obama, Prime Minister Netanyahu, President Shimon Peres and others, but we were also able to attend intensive break-out sessions where we got insider perspectives on everything from the “Arab Spring” and how it affects Israel to the good work Israel does in the world to an insider’s perspective on the current political situation in Washington, D.C. and its impact on Israel. Still, the most empowering part of Policy Conference is Tuesday when we go up to Capitol Hill to meet with our elected officials and encourage them to support the U.S.-Israel relationship that is so valuable to both countries. As always, the conference was empowering, important and informative. Next year the AIPAC Policy Conference will be from March 3rd to 5th and I have already purchased a block of registrations for the shul at a $200 discount and hope that Beth El and Tidewater will have an even bigger contingent in D.C. —Rabbi Jeffrey Arnowitz continued on page 10 March 26, 2012 | Jewish News | 9

continued from page 9

Excerpts from sermon delivered by Rabbi Roz Mandelberg

A new world order Iran and Purim

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fter attending the 2012 AIPAC Policy Conference, I learned that the American-Israeli alliance is more important now than ever before. The speakers reinforced that the relationship between the United States and Israel must be kept a bipartisan matter, and we must do all we can to help Israel’s future, especially on the matter of Iran. Being in the same room as 13,000 people whose goals were all to strengthen the relationship between the two countries was an unbelievable experience. I can’t wait to return to AIPAC Policy Conference 2013!

—Melissa Eichelbaum

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was really excited about going to AIPAC and it exceeded all of my expectations.

I have wanted to become more politically active and aware, however, I have found it hard to get started. So hearing about AIPAC I thought it would help jump start me politically. It really did. The keynote speakers we saw were amazing and the breakout sessions about “Iron Dome” and “Homegrown Terror” blew me away. I could not have asked for a better and more memorable first experience at AIPAC and I am already excited to go back.

—Hannah Moss

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fter attending my first Policy Conference, which was coincidentally the largest Conference ever held, I am now re-energized to promote the special Israeli American relationship that comes at this critical point in international events. I have always been an avid supporter of Israel through my Jewish upbringing, as well as my strong family bonds with cousins in Tel Aviv, whose own lives are part of the story

Melissa Eichelbaum, Jon Crockford, and Staci Eichelbaum.

of Israel’s survival and success. Through my studies at the University of Virginia, my interest in Israel led me to take Hebrew for four semesters and I am currently double majoring in History and Politics-Foreign Affairs with a concentration in the Middle East. In addition, I have visited Israel on multiple occasions, once on a family trip in 8th grade and Taglit-Birthright, my first year of college. I even lived there for the summer in 2010 studying Hebrew at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. However, the 2012 Policy Conference really helped further my understanding of the importance of Israel beyond my personal interest and connections. Being at a conference with over 13,000 fellow Israel supporters from all 50 states gave me a better appreciation of Israel’s connection to our own nation that appeals to all despite differences in party, religion, race, ethnicity, gender, and geographic location.

—Mason Leon To learn more about AIPAC or to get involved locally, contact Kate Samuels at ksommers@ aipac.org or go to www.aipac.org.

Robin Mancoll, Staci Eichelbaum, Melissa Eichelbaum, Emily Schenk, and Mason Leon in front of Senator Jim Webb’s office.

10 | Jewish News | March 26, 2012

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midst the merrymaking and revelry that is Purim, it is easy to lose sight of the reality of the circumstances in which the story occurs. Ultimately, although we celebrate our survival against a maniacal foe bent on our destruction, Megillat Esther is about our willingness to face down tyrants. Amidst political intrigue and grave danger, we are tested as to the strength of our faith and the extent of our loyalty to our family and people.

In the world of the Persian Empire, in its capitol of Shushan, Mordechai, Esther and all the Jewish people throughout the vast realm, learn that, in the end, if we are to survive, God’s work must become our own and it is we, who must act in history, to make our survival a reality.

In the understandably sanitized version of the story we teach our children, we often omit the harsh reality that allowed us to celebrate our victory unto today. In the ninth chapter of the Megillah we read: “And so, on the 13th day of the 12th month—that is, the month of Adar—when the king’s command and decree were to be executed, the very day on which the enemies of the Jews had expected to get them in their power, the opposite happened, and the Jews got their enemies in their power. Throughout the provinces of King Ahasuerus, the Jews mustered in their cities to attack those who sought their hurt; and no one could withstand them, for the fear of them had fallen upon all the peoples….

“So the Jews struck at their enemies with the sword, slaying and destroying… in the fortress of Shushan the Jews killed a total of 500 men. They also killed…the ten sons of Haman, son of Hammedatha, the foe of the Jews…The rest of the Jews, those in the King’s provinces, likewise mustered and fought for their lives. They disposed of their enemies, killing 75.000 of their foes.”

I don’t think the passage requires too much clarification; suffice it to say, the story is much more violent and bloodladen than we like to tell it…and the death toll substantially higher than any of us likes to admit or think about.

It is against the backdrop of this harsh tale that 13,000 pro-Israel activists gathered in Washington for AIPAC’s annual policy conference. In part, the

star-studded line-up of speakers,—from Presidents’ Obama and Peres, to Prime Minister Netanyahu, to Presidential hopefuls Romney and Gingrich,—were a draw.

But it was more likely, the state of the Middle East today that has so many concerned enough to give of their time and money to show their support, not only for the Jewish state, but also for the existing world order. There were breakout sessions on nearly every country in the region, from Egypt, to Syria, to Jordan and Turkey, as well as sessions on Russia, China, Europe and even our own U.S. college campuses.

But overshadowing every single plenary and presentation was the single greatest threat to all of us—Iran.

Do I think the ramped up focus on the modern day Persian Empire was just hype; a way to get more people to come out to the conference; or to raise more money for AIPAC? No. I really don’t because this is what I learned from a very informative, and frightening, panel discussion entitled, “Iran Vs. the West: Iran’s Quest for Dominance” with Ambassador Jeremy Issacharoff, Deputy Director General for Strategic Affairs in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Israel; Dr. Michael Makovsky, Foreign Policy Director of the Bipartisan Policy Center and Mr. Ash Jain, Visiting Fellow of The Washington Institute for Near East Policy.

The first thing we need to understand is that Iran is not a conventional power.

Its goal isn’t to improve its economy or the plight of its people. Its desire is to revise history. Iran seeks nothing less than to destroy the failed ideologies of democracy and capitalism and to replace the illegitimate western regimes, like the United States, which they believe are fueled only by selfishness and materialism.

Since, according to Iran, we are responsible for the moral failure of the world, only a structural and ideological change, based on Islam, will create a new moral and sustainable world order.

To these ends, Iran has several primary goals: 1) the preservation of the existing regime and its power, 2) dominance in the region and 3) the diminishing and destruction of the West, which includes Israel.

In order to achieve these ends, the Iranian government must weaken the United States’ influence in the Persian Gulf as well as the power of Saudi Arabia, so

that it can dominate OPEC. Iran must also create pro-Iranian regimes in Lebanon, Iraq and Syria so that it can restore the former glory of the Persian Empire (this involves reclaiming land from North Africa, the western part of Afghanistan and parts of Iraq; and destroying Israel, a Western and non-Muslim presence in a region that should only be inhabited by Muslims). Utilizing its proxies in Hamas and Hezbollah, they have supported an ongoing campaign to demoralize Israel with the ultimate aim of restoring Palestine to her pre-1948 borders. For those who haven’t seen the news, during this Shabbat alone, some 90 rockets have rained down from Gaza on Sderot and surrounding cities in retaliation for Israeli airstrikes that killed 14 Hamas militants.

So, if it is already exerting so much control in the region and inflicting so much damage on Israel, why does Iran so badly want nukes? Since Iran’s economy and its military are weak, acquiring a nuclear weapon would overcome these weaknesses by allowing Iran to control, for instance, the Straights of Hormuz and the flow of 28% of the world’s oil through it. They could support radical Shiite groups in Iraq and Saudi Arabia. They would also be able to share their technology, extending a nuclear umbrella to Hamas and Hezbollah.

Of course theses implications of Iran having nuclear capability would be devastating enough, but also, their acquiring nuclear capability would initiate a nuclear arms race for the other Arab countries, which would want nuclear bombs for their own defense against Iran, proliferating even more potentially destructive weapons throughout the region and the world.

I could go on and on about the implications of this arms race and the likely transfer of technologies from Iran which could extend to it’s friends in the South American countries of Venezuela, Ecuador and Bolivia, not to mention other rogue terrorist groups worldwide. Let us not forget that it is Iran that has recently exported terror to New Delhi, Thailand and, even, Georgia in recent months in its targeting of Israeli diplomats and that Iran has been quick to share it’s other military secrets with its friends in the past.

The other reality is the timetable with which we are dealing. It turns out that Iran currently has 9,200 centrifuges installed and is producing a substantial amount of low-grade uranium already. It is true that the uranium would need to be made into a higher grade in order to arm a warhead, but Iran’s underground enrichment facilities already have 120 kilos of enriched uranium and 220 kilos are needed to arm one nuclear bomb. Israeli intelligence estimates that Iran will have enriched that

amount within one year. Additionally, the instability created by the Arab Spring compounds the problem even more, opening up power vacuums for Iran to fill in Egypt and possibly Saudi Arabia and a desire to hold on to continued influence and access in Syria at all costs.

As Defense Minister Ehud Barak said as recently as Feb. 2, “Today, unlike the past, the world has no doubt that Iran’s nuclear program is steadily nearing readiness and is about to enter an ‘immunity zone,’” the point beyond which military experts believe it will be impossible to slow Iran’s nuclear program with a strike. He continued, “Today, unlike in the past, there is widespread global understanding that if the sanctions don’t achieve their goal of halting Iran’s nuclear weapons program, there will arise the need of weighing an operation.”

Barak concluded, “Later is too late.”

All of that being said, there is not a soul on earth who doesn’t want to solve this problem peacefully. We all know that the toughest economic sanctions ever have been imposed on Iran, not only by us, but by the U.N., as well. Most recently, the Iranian Central Bank and all wire transfers have been held, in addition to bans being placed on missile testing, shipments by land and sea being thoroughly checked and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, in particular, being targeted economically.

In many ways, these sanctions have been effective, but none of them, or Iran’s poor economic plight, or diplomacy have slowed down its nuclear program.

On the other hand, the one thing that was reiterated many times during the conference was, that while both Obama and Netanyahu said that military action was not off the table as a possibility, neither country has established a credible threat of the use of force. If, as with the cold war and our stand off with Russia, such a plan of mutual deterrence were to work with Iran, the United States and Israel would need to establish such a credible military threat and quickly. In the meantime, there are conflicting reports as to whether the United States would be willing to provide Israel with “bunker buster” bombs and refueling planes even in the event that a pre-emptive strike were deemed necessary.

Similarly, not only does Israel not possess the military equipment it would need to strike at Iran’s nuclear facilities, but also, according to Shai Feldman, director of the Crown Center for Middle East Studies at Brandeis University, Israel is not prepared for the defense of the possible fallout of a strike against Iran. Not only has it ignored its own homeland security, but a willingness to consider cutting the defense budget, and the dismissal of key members of Israel’s national security appa-

ratus, may either be part of a grand effort to confuse Israel’s adversaries or, the result of supreme stupidity on the part of Netanyahu and his government.

In spite of what we learned from the Purim story, that we must be God’s agents on earth and secure our own survival, the stakes today are quite a bit different than in the Persia of Ahasherus, Haman, Mordechai and Melissa Eichelbaum, Robin Mancoll, Emily Schenk, Staci Eichelbaum and Mason Leon in front of the Capitol Building on the way to lobby representatives.

Esther, where hand to hand combat was the way of war. An attack by Israel would life goes on and our precious homeland likely push the Iranians into retaliation, continues its amazing, strong and steady probably by Hamas and Hezbollah, whose heartbeat of life. missile arsenal is greater and more precise Uncertainty seems to be the theme than it was in our last foray into Lebanon. of the day, yet we are the people of If the United States were to attack, the hope, hatikvah, and the people of deeds results could be even worse, broadening and actions. What can we do aside from the retaliation militarily and economically. worry? Executive Director of AIPAC, This is likely why novelist and moral Howard Kohr concluded his remarks to conscience of Israel, David Grossman, said the opening plenary with sound advice. in the Nation this week, “I don’t want Iran He said, “We have our own role to play. to have nuclear weapons, but I think that We must persuade our decision makers if the sanctions do not work, Israel and to ratchet up the pressure so that they the whole world, painfully, will have to cripple Iran’s nuclear ambition. We must live with it, “ Grossman continued, warn- be prepared, in any scenario, to persuade ing that bombing Iran would set in motion our leaders that America must stand with “a nightmare that’s hard to describe.” Israel. And, as we make our way through Concerned about the escalating rhetoric of these dangerous and difficult days, we, all the discussion, Grossman said that Israel “is of us, must remain completely unified. We a deeply traumatized community that finds must recoil from any inclination to make it very difficult to separate between real this situation, or allow others to make this dangers and echoes of past traumas, and about parties or politics. This moment can sometimes I think our prime minister fires only be about the safety and security of himself up in mixing these real dangers America and Israel. It must only be about with those echoes from the past.” Grossman a world which, but for our leadership and said he feared that Netanyahu and Barak actions, will be changed forever.” would bomb Iran partly out of a perceived Like Mordechai and Esther, it is each of strategic need to back up their threats with us who must be God’s agents on earth, who action, but also because of what he sees as must stand up against tyranny and show Netanyahu’s sense of historic responsibility our loyalty to our faith, family, community to save the “people of eternity.” and homeland in our words and deeds. It The technological clock is ticking. Yet is we who must ensure that America and in the meantime, life goes on in our home- Israel continue their shared commitment to land as usual. As one woman, 38-year-old values and a vision: A vision of a world free Shira Morgenstein said in an interview, from the tyranny of violence, hatred, and while rushing from her exercise class at oppression—a world where strength and the Hebrew University swimming pool security, peace and prosperity reign. to pick up her daughter from preschool, No one is expressing that better than “Who has time to think about war with you, our friends from Temple Israel, under Iran?” she laughed as she tossed her wet the leadership of Rabbi Panitz, who travel bathing suit into her bag. “I don’t even to Israel tomorrow to show indeed Am have a shelter to run to, but too much else Yisrael Chai, the people and land of Israel is going on.” Amid all of the uncertainty, lives…. And how. Amen.

March 26, 2012 | Jewish News | 11

Hillel at Old Dominion University A proud and growing presence

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hen the 4th Annual International Festival at ODU is held on April 1, the Hillel students of ODU will proudly represent Israel.

Hillel meets each month, holding Shabbat dinners, lunch and learns where local Rabbis Gershon Litt, Aron Margolin and Michael Panitz have been speakers, and other activities to engage Jewish students on the ODU campus. The group is under the supervision of Ellie Bernstein, teen director and Tidewater BBYO city director of the Simon Family JCC. Bernstein says she is inspired to lead this group because the students want a Jewish presence at ODU. “We have to find people on our own—there’s no budget for advertising. The challenge is how to grow Hillel at ODU and keep it thriving. The Hillel members on board now are very passionate about what we are doing and the momentum is growing,” she says.

Committed Hillel members are often seen at JCC events such as the recent Operation Hamantashen, Israel Today and Sababa Sunday. With more than 50 mem-

bers, their primary means of recruitment and growth occurs at ODU organizational fairs, through Facebook and social media, and by word of mouth.

Sophomore Ilana Pinsky is Hillel’s current president. A biology major with a demanding schedule, she finds time to lead this organization because of her strong ties to Jewish culture and religion.

The International Festival at ODU is an opportunity for the Hillel students to reach out to the University community and the general community, inform them about Hillel, and share some Jewish culture with everyone. “I’m glad we’ll have a presence at the International Festival—it’s good for Hillel to get its name out there, to show that we are a dedicated, important component of this Jewish community,” says Pinsky.

Rabbi Litt, who serves as a volunteer chaplain of Hillel, concurs. “For the International festival, or any festival at a Virginia university for that matter, we need to have a strong pro-Israel advocacy.”

For more information about the ODU International Festival, call 683-4406. For information about ODU Hillel, contact Ellie Bernstein at 321-2324.

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the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, as well as the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee and the local Jewish Family Service in their American home of St. Louis, Mo., the Ilyashov family was moved, settled, and given the tools they needed to succeed as Americans.

Ilyashov took an opportunity to thank the audience. “Just as the Jewish community of St. Louis took care of my family, your care and your generosity helped bring over many families just like mine,” he told them.

“You made such a difference to so many.”

He also spoke of how gratifying and how special it is for him to perform for Jewish audiences, calling it “a way to give back to a community which gave me the opportunity to know myself as an independent thinker, as an artist, and as a Jew.” “It truly was a day of ‘music and memory.’

Pavel’s is the kind of story one long remembers,” says event co-chair, Charlene Cohen.

Cohen and Drory closed the program with thanks to Ilyashov and to the women in the room who brought energy and enthusiasm to the program. Women’s Cabinet Chair Laura Gross closed with a few brief remarks about the work of Federation in building, maintaining, and ensuring a strong Jewish community for ourselves and for future generations.

For more information on the UJFT Annual Campaign or the Women’s Division, or to make a gift on-line visit www.jewishva. org. To receive periodic updates on what’s happening in the community (especially those things which might appeal to women) LIKE “Jewish Women 757” on facebook.

n the spirit of community building and “Girl Power,” the Outreach Committee of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s Women’s Cabinet recently joined forces with the Beth El Sisterhood to co-host a “Morning Of Music And Memory” at the synagogue.

Leora Drory, Charlene Cohen and Ilana Benson, Women’s Cabinet event co-chairs, worked closely with Patty Shelanksi and Barbara Rossen, Beth El Sisterhood co-presidents, to form a wonderful host committee.

Brunch was served, compliments of Beth Sholom Village (and with an invitation from Marian Ticatch, past president of Beth Sholom Village and a Beth El member, to visit the Village).

Rossen and Shelanski welcomed the crowd of nearly 80 women to the event, drawing their attention to a series of photographs set on easels around the room.

The photos depicted flourishing Jewish life in places like Krakow, Poland; Tblisi, Georgia; Kiev in the Former Soviet Union; Bucharest, Romania; Budapest, Hungary; and Havana, Cuba. Rossen referred to the subjects in those photos as “modernday miracles”—illustrations of Jewish life brought back from edges of extinction, and made possible by all the women in the room who love and care for the Jewish community at home and abroad.

The featured speaker and performer for the program was Virginia Symphony violinist Pavel Ilyashov—a Jewish American immigrant from Belarus (in the Former Soviet Union). Ilyashov spoke directly to the hardships endured

by Jews in the kinds of places shown in the photos. And he did so by sharing not only his virtuoso playing, but also his personal story. Ilyashov and his musically-gifted family (father, mother, and sister) left Belarus when he was 10 years old, seeking artistic freedom and an escape from anti- Standing: Sheila Raitt, Clare Krell and Judy Smith.

Semitism. Through the help of Seated: Marlene Bass, Tamara Kruger, Harriet Collector, and

Standing: Marian Ticatch, Lorna Legum, Kim Tamburino, Cindy Kramer, and Sherry Liebman; seated: Gabrielle Halioua Baldwin, Dinah Halioua, and Farideh Goldin.

Seated: Brenda and Barbara Horwitz, Michelle Geyer, Deb and Janice Aleck.

Standing: Karen Lombart, Jennifer Karotkin Adut, Betsy Karotkin, and Miriam Brunn Ruberg.

Raye Keller, Hilde Deutsch, Barbara Klaff, Mona Flax, Vivian Turok, Nancy Peck, and Janet Peck.

Norma Jaffe

Abbie Laderberg, Gina Rose, Phyllis Lannik, Sue Ellen Kaplan, and Sharon Goretsky.

Susan Kaplan, Terri Waitzer, Amy Levy, Jodi Klebanoff, Joan Benas, Harriet Dickman, Marilyn Ashe, Debby Fink; Vivian Margulies, Elena Baum, and Barbara Pributsky March 26, 2012 | Jewish News | 13

Sal Jewish Women’s Salon P R E S E N T S

MISS REPRESENTATION

a documentary film by Jennifer Siebel Newsom

Written and directed by Jennifer Siebel Newsom, Miss Representation exposes how mainstream media contribute to the under-representation of women in positions of power and influence in America. The film challenges the media’s limited and often disparaging portrayals of women and girls, which make it difficult for women to achieve leadership positions and for the average woman to feel powerful herself.

The film will be shown in 2-parts with discussions following. Online forums and opinion pieces will be active between the two parts, so the conversation need not stop when the credits roll.

Part I will screen on Sunday, April 22 at 10:00 a.m.

Part II will show a month later on Sunday, May 20 at 10:00 a.m.

Both screenings will be held at the Sandler Family Campus: 5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 For more information on the Jewish Women’s Salon program, visit www.jewishva.org and click the JOIN THE CONVERSATION button or call Amy Zelenka at 965-6139.

14 | Jewish News | March 26, 2012

Documentary film to screen at launch of Federation’s Jewish Women’s Salon program Miss Representation aims to end sexism in the media and empower women

T

he Jewish Women’s Salon is a community-building initiative of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater. Its goal is to bring together women from across demographic and geographic divides —to discuss contemporary topics, which are unique to Jewish women. Utilizing the 614 Ezine (on-line magazine) published every other month by Hadassah Brandies Institute as a springboard for discussion; the Jewish Women’s Salon will feature live and on-line events and discussions. Jewish Women’s Salon programs are free and open to all women in the Jewish community.

Pure outreach and community-building, there will be no solicitation or gift requirement to participate.

Salon co-chairs Janet Peck, Janet Mercadante, and Danielle Leibovici are excited to launch the program with the award-winning documentary film Miss Representation. The film will be shown in two parts with discussions following.

On-line forums and opinion pieces will be active between the two parts, so the conversation need not stop when the credits roll.

Part I will screen on Sunday, April 22, at 10 am with Part II showing on Sunday, May 20 at 10 am. Both screenings will take place at the Sandler Family Campus.

Miss Representation (www.missrepresentation.org) first premiered in the documentary competition at the Sundance Film Festival where it caught the eye of OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network. It made its television debut as part of the OWN documentary film club in October 2011, with over 1.3 million people tuning in to its

Women’s Leadership • Women make up 51% of the population and only 17% of Congress.

• The U .S. ranks 90th in the world for women in national legislatures.

• Women are merely 3% of Fortune 500 CEOs. • Women hold only 3% of clout positions in the mainstream media

multiple airings. Additional screenings with corporations, non-profits, religious groups, government organizations and communities are happening every day all over the world.

Media Consumption • Today kids and young adults watch more than 10 hours of media a day.

• In a climate of a 24-hour media cycle and the proliferation of infotainment and reality TV, media has become the predominant communicator of cultural values and gender norms.

• An individual’s brain does not fully develop until the age of 24, which means our children and our young adults are our most vulnerable class of citizens.

• Through the media, young people are being sold the concept that women and girls’ value lies in their youth, beauty, and sexuality and not in their capacity as a leader.

Written and directed by Jennifer Siebel Newsom, Miss Representation exposes how mainstream media contribute to the underrepresentation of women in positions of power and influence in America. The film challenges the media’s limited and often disparaging portrayals of women and girls, which make it difficult for women to achieve leadership positions and for the average woman to feel powerful herself.

Miss Representation includes stories from teenage girls and provocative interviews with politicians, journalists, entertainers, activists and academics like Condoleezza Rice, Lisa Ling, Nancy Pelosi, Katie Couric, Rachel Maddow, Rosario Dawson, Jackson Katz, Jean Kilbourne, and Gloria Steinem.

The film offers startling facts and statistics that will leave audiences shaken and armed with a new perspective.

“We are thrilled to have so many outreach opportunities for Miss Representation. This film was made to be a change agent in our culture, to inspire both women and men to recognize women’s collective voice, leader-

ship capacity and equal rights,” says Newsom.

In a society where media is the most persuasive force shaping cultural norms, the collective message that young women

and men overwhelmingly receive is that a woman’s value and power lie in her youth, beauty, and sexuality—and not in her capacity as a leader. While women have made strides in leadership over the past Media and Sexualization few decades, the • Only 20% of news articles are about women, and many of U.S. is 90th in the these stories are of violence and victimhood. world in terms of women in national • Media provides a disproportionate number of images of legislatures, women women as young, white, heterosexual, and underweight. hold only 3% of clout positions in • Reality TV portrays women as catty, manipulative, vindicmainstream media, tive, and on display for male and 65% of women and girls have eating • Through media and advertising, boys get the message disorders. that they should be violent, in control, unemotional, and “The Jewish that women should be treated like objects and second Women’s Salon class citizens. is pleased to be able to offer Miss Representation to Violence the women of the • 25% of women are abused by a partner during their lifeTidewater Jewish time in the U .S. Community,” says program co-chair • 1 in 6 women are survivors of rape or attempted rape.

Janet Peck. “When we first sat down • 15% of rape survivors are under the age of 12. to think about how to use the on-line articles produced by

Hadassah Brandeis Institute, we thought: ‘how can we bring to life the ideas and concepts being discussed in these articles?’

When Danielle (Leibovici) brought Miss Representation to our attention, we knew we had our hook.”

“The film is quite shocking,” says program co-chair Janet Mercadante, “and in more ways than one. It makes viewers pay attention to things that many of us have become inured to, over the years. While we see the way the women are depicted on TV or in music videos and video games… most of us don’t think much about it. We push it aside, chalk it up to ‘pop culture,’ or maybe we shrug about how silly it is.

But when you watch this film, it’s as if a veil is stripped away. You are distressed by what you see—the overt violence against women…the disrespectful treatment of women leaders by news media pundits… but even more…you’re shocked to realize just how complacent you’d become about it all. And that’s the true danger.”

“The Jewish Women’s Salon program, as we see it,” explains program co-chair Danielle Leibovici, “can add a great deal of value to our community. It can provide a place for us to share our thoughts and ideas. It can be a terrific forum for networking. And it can strengthen us as women and as a community.”

Self Esteem and Abuse • Rates of depression among women and young girls have doubled in the past 10 years.

• Rates of depression are the same among boys and girls until puberty, but twice as many women are diagnosed as depressed post-puberty.

• 65% of American women and girls have an eating disorder.

• Studies estimate that 13% to 25% of youth have some history of selfinjury, such as cutting, and most studies show that cutting is more common with girls.

• The number of cosmetic surgery procedures performed on youth 18 or younger more than tripled from 1997–2007.

For more information on the Jewish Women’s Salon program, visit www.jewishva.org and click the JOIN THE CONVERSATION button on the right hand side of the web page.

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Physician Assistant joins Beth Sholom

R

obin Wallace, has joined the staff of Beth Sholom Village as a Certified Physician Assistant in the Rose Frances and Bernard Glasser Health and Wellness Center.

A native of Kane, Pa., Wallace has lived in Norfolk since 1993. In sixth grade, she had exploratory surgery which saved her life and from that young age, the Robin Wallace idea of going into medicine stuck with her.

But life takes its twists and turns.

Wallace attended Westminster College in New Wilmington intending to pursue pre-med. “I wasn’t mature enough to buckle down and study hard enough to accomplish that dream,” she says. She switched to the easier political science major and spent a semester at American University in Washington D.C. She returned to D.C. after graduation and worked as an administrative assistant.

But thoughts of medicine stayed with her. Wallace returned to school and soon became an EMT working with a local ambulance service followed by a stint at EVMS teaching medical students how to

communicate better with their patients. During this time she decided she definitely wanted to be a Physician Assistant. In May of 2007, after 27 months of rigorous study, she was certified as a PA. Married to Mike with one daughter, Rachel, who is a senior at William and Mary, Wallace has focused on the geriatric community and says she has felt energized by her association with the elderly.

She is also very involved with the elderly as they go through their final stages of life.

“It is very humbling to be with a person in the final days and hours of their life and to help them die with dignity,” she says.

David Abraham, executive vice president of Beth Sholom Village, says “It may have been a circuitous route for Robin, but Beth Sholom Village is very grateful it led her to this facility. We are lucky to have her as part of our clinic team.”

For information about Beth Sholom Village call 420-2512.

Beth Sholom Village is a constituent agency of United Jewish Federation of Tidewater.

Temple Emanuel and Jewish Family Service bring Purim to area seniors Jewish residents of area nursing homes and assisted living facilities received Purim gift bags filled with hamantaschen, sweets and treats on March 6. Temple Emanuel Sunday School students decorated more than 75 colorful bags and filled them with hamantaschen, snacks and useful personal items.

Jewish Family Service volunteers then took over the project by delivering the holiday bags to Jewish residents in 25 area facilities. This “deed of loving kindness” aims to bring smiles to the recipients of the gifts and possibly bring back memories of dressing up as Queen Esther or Haman.

In addition to Beth Gross, Temple

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Emanuel’s education director, and all the Sunday School students who participated in this mitzvah project, these JFS volunteers assisted: Melissa Taylor, Stephanie Abrams, Maury Handel, Al and Maxine Rosenfeld, Arlene Owens, Eleanor Lennox, Linda Cole, Marci Thomas, Melvin Ornoff and Seth Patricia.

For information on holiday outreach or volunteer opportunities with Jewish Family Service of Tidewater, call Patty Shelanski at 321-2222 or email at pshelanski@jfshamptonroads.org.

Jewish Family Service is a constituent agency of United Jewish Federation of Tidewater.

New after school classes at the JCC are anything but ordinary

by Leslie Shroyer

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noon class offerings at the JCC. “Both of my girls participated in the afterschool Abrakadoodle program at the JCC,” says Lisa Leon. “It’s one of our favorite afterschool activities and we try to sign up whenever it’s offered. Each session is different, so it’s never repetitive—one may focus on impressionist painters and another on contemporary sculptors or illustrators.

Abrakadoodle is a popular class wherever it’s offered, so it’s nice that the JCC continues to offer it year after year, making it especially easy for the Strelitz students to participate. The class is social, educational and creative all at the same time. The children learn about famous artists and their different artistic techniques, while making their own individual art projects. Plus, Emily gets to spend time with her friends and other four-year-olds who may not be in her same class.”

Classes begin again in April, so registration is now open. See the JCC program guide online, stop by the JCC for a copy, or contact Lisa Chacon at 321-2306 for more information about Children and Family Programs at the JCC. The Simon Family JCCC is a constituent agency of United Jewish Federation of Tidewater.

erhaps it’s a routine afternoon at the Simon Family JCC…school is over, fitness members are walking in and out of the cardo, and in one room, students are creating an amusement park out of Legos, while a crazy science class is underway another room.

Students in the Brickheadz class for grades three through five build rides in an amusement park using a combination of Legos and Connects. The mini parks feature items that spin, roll and turn, complete with motorized models.

“Brickheadz is a big success from my standpoint,” says Tammy Schachet-Briskin, mother of Micah. “Not only is it fun, but it also develops spatial and engineering skills.

The boys have a great sense of accomplishment in building the amusement park rides together.”

Brickheadz is the brainchild of Vanessa Siedlecki, whose older son is on the autism spectrum. She noticed he worked wonderfully with Legos and building models, and turned her newfound skill into a part time business. Her six-week class at the JCC is one of a handful she offers for different ages and skill levels, including a duplo class for preschoolers and a Mommy and me class for babies.

Upstairs in the Kids Connection art room, 18 HAT and Kids Connection students learn about acids and bases and making a chemical reaction in Mad Science Crazy Chemistry. In this six week course, students in grades one through five learn the interworking of a scientist’s lab experiments, from creating slime to ph extremes and small chemical reactions in a Students in Mad Science identify the Ph in substances. lab setting.

This hands-on class aims to reinforce what students learn in science class at school, and is very engaging and interactive. Instructor Corinne Huber keeps the class attentive for the entire hour as she concocts, stirs, mixes, dips and teaches how to do the same and the meaning behind what the activities.

More afternoon class offerings, including Abrakadoodle art classes and Move it, Move Micah Schachet-Briskin, Danial Watts, Blake Brown it dance round out the after- and Leo Kamer admire their accomplishments.

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BINA thrilled by Sephardic history presentation

by Ingrid Edery

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Susan and John want regular, straightforward updates on their retirement planning from their advisor. Lately, they’ve been worried about today’s unpredictable markets. So we talked about how their conservative approach was working in their favor, despite the market ups and downs.

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lecture by Professor Moisés Amselém of Seville, Spain was delivered to the girls of BINA High School earlier this month.

Amselém is one of 25 Jews residing in Seville. He also happens to be from a family of well-known Sephardic poets and scholars. Amselém is a first generation, Spanish-born lawyer and independent tour guide, currently pursuing his PhD in Jewish History.

While traveling on a speaking tour in New York City and Boston, he made a visit to Virginia to speak to the foreign language students of Christopher Newport University. The professor was also a panelist for Spanish Jewry at the International RUMI Forum.

After sharing personal anecdotes with the BINA girls about his life growing up in a country where Jews had not resided in more than 350 years, he drew a clear picture of the history of Jews in Spain since the time of Roman rule. Amselém explained how the rulers changed in Spain from Roman,

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Visigoth, Muslim and then returned during the Reconquest to the church, including the Inquisition. He explained the ideas of coexistence during 711 (the Golden Age) and how this is no longer a possibility in the current religious and political arena.

The girls asked many questions. Chana Neurenberg wanted to know about the current situation of anti-Semitism in Spain.

Everyone learned that from DNA testing in 2008, 20% of Spaniards have Jewish blood, but that in a recent poll, 90% of Spaniards have no understanding or knowledge of Jews or Judaism, except for what they see on television.

Amselém highlighted reinforced topics that the girls are learning in Jewish history about the Golden Age and the famous poets of the time, Shlomo Ibn Gabirol and Yehuda Halevy.

Amselém’s lecture delved into interdisciplinary themes in Spanish language and Jewish history, enabling the girls to learn more about these subjects that they study at BINA. BINA is a constituent agency of United Jewish Federation of Tidewater.

JFS social/recreation groups seek new members

e wish Family Service coordinates two special needs social groups for Jewish people with developmental and intellectual disabilities, and/or chronic mental illness. Each group meets once a month for a social event, usually with a Jewish religious or cultural focus.

While some with disabilities are involved within the general community, these JFS social groups provide unique socialization opportunities. For some of these individuals and their families, these groups are their only exposure to Judaism or the Tidewater Jewish community.

JFS is exploring the development of a new social/recreational group for Jewish teenagers and young adults. This group would focus on teens or young adults who cope with developmental disabilities and/or chronic mental illness, and would include those who have difficulties inter-

acting within other existing youth oriented Jewish social groups. Some examples of developmental disabilities include those with diagnoses of Asperger’s, autism, pervasive developmental disorder, bi-polar, and others.

For information about joining one of these new or existing groups, contact Emily Bettendorf, JFS special needs case manager, at 459-4640 or at ebettendorf@jfshamptonroads.org. JFS always welcomes donations of funding, tickets, admissions, event sponsors, and inclusion at local Jewish community events or activities.

JFS also welcomes volunteers to help transport clients with disabilities, and to attend social/recreational group events with JFS staff and group members.

Jewish Family Service is a constituent agency of United Jewish Federation of Tidewater.

Musical evening at Temple Israel

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t was an evening of music from ragtime to calypso to Mozart on Feb. 25, when Rabbi Michael Panitz and Joe Wetherbee performed a diverse piano recital at Temple Israel.

Rabbi Panitz’s selections included piano rags by Scott Joplin and William Bolcom, piano preludes by George Gershwin, and waltzes and calypso dances from the Joe Wetherbee and Caribbean. Wetherbee, a frequent accom- Rabbi Michael Panitz. panist at Temple Israel events, played songs (photo: Lawrence Fleder) including Love Me Tender, Old Devil Moon (from Finian’s Rainbow) and All I Ask of You (from Phantom of the Opera). The concert ended with the rabbi and Wetherbee together playing what Wetherbee called a “one-piano, four-hands version” of the first movement of Mozart’s Eine kleine Nachtmusik.

Newly planted trees grow at Temple Israel

A song for every soul

by Jodie Rafalowitz

O

n Shabbat Shirah, congregations around the world celebrate a very special song, the Song of the Sea, and highlight song through the worship experience.

Temple Israel celebrated Shabbat Shirah with a song all its own this year in a groundbreaking service on Feb. 3 featuring many beautiful variations, Mindy Brown (photo: Sanni-Jannah Jazz) including sign language. The Friday night Shabbat service attracted people of many faiths and reached out to the differently-abled, allowing them to be a fully engaged part of the community.

During the Exodus, Moses led the Israelites to freedom. Once safely across the Sea of Reeds and truly free, they praised God by singing the Song of the Sea. Later, Moses admonished: “Do not place a stumbling block before the blind; do not curse the deaf” (Leviticus 19:14). It isn’t only our responsibility to not place stumbling blocks, but it is also our responsibility to help each other and “love your neighbor as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18).

Temple Israel invited Mindy Brown, a certified sign language interpreter, to interpret the Shabbat Shirah service. She has interpreted more than 80 rock and roll artists and theatrical productions in the United States, Belgium and the Netherlands, including Barbra Streisand, Paul McCartney, Whitney Houston, the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra and Shakespeare. (Her website is http://web. me.com/mindybrown.) The 150 people who attended the service were mesmerized by the fluidity and beauty of her motions.

In addition to Brown’s performance, the service was also enhanced by the presence of a certified CART operator (Computer Assisted, Real Time communications). Via keyboard, Lois Boyle transcribed what the speaker was saying and the words were projected onto the wall for all to read, using another “song” to open the service to people. Temple Israel students got into the spirit, too, signing the Shema while they sang it.

Temple Israel hopes to hold a similar service in the future.

Many “saw” the prayers for the first time in their lives. The evening provided a profound opportunity to seek a greater meaning and personal significance for each word and phrase, enabling some to feel a deeper connection to God. Rabbi Michael Panitz said that night, “Let us arrange our worship so that, in the closing words of the Psalms, everyone who has breath may praise the LORD.”

(photo: Kathryn Morton)

by Shannon Ponack

O

n the Sunday following Tu B’ Shevat, Temple Israel’s Sunday School teachers and students enjoyed their own celebration of the trees.

The occasion began with the assistance of Gary Osmundson, a Temple Israel member and owner of the landscaping business, Gardens by Oz. He picked out, delivered, and planted three trees in honor of TI members of blessed memory. The trees were donated

by Temple Israel’s Sisterhood and minyanaires.

The planting was not an easy task, especially since it was 26 degrees with light snow on the ground. It was, however, a sunny day and the students were excited and ready to celebrate.

Gathered in front of the newly planted pomegranate tree, located near the Minyan room, which was dedicated to member and former teacher Tim Morton, Ruth Ann Moscovitz began the presentation with a dedication of the tree and Haley Bosher blew the shofar. Kathryn Morton, education director of Temple Israel, concluded by leading the crowd in singing Happy Birthday to the trees. Also planted were a Cedar of Lebanon behind the synagogue in honor of Cantor Isaac Danker and a flowering purple plum tree facing Marcy Street in honor of some of the founders of Temple Israel who recently passed away.

Inside, the festivities continued. With the music teacher Andy Rabiner playing guitar, students sang more songs in honor of trees.

Then, after the blessing over the fruit, they enjoyed bananas, Fig Newtons, oranges, and maple syrup and drank pomegranate and apple juice. Teacher Sheila Panitz, along with Rabbi Michael Panitz and audience volunteers, danced in celebration of the holiday.

Later, third through seventh grade students had to find the Bible verse that mentioned a tree, glue the picture of the tree under the verse and label the tree. Katie Ponack and Haley Bosher were the first to finish the activity. Following in a close second place were Lauren Moscovitz and Noah Alperin. The younger children drew and cut out their pictures of fruit. Later, the older children created Hebrew root words. Everything was pasted to the tree on the wall in the Sunday School hall.

The children learned about the trees, enjoyed the fruits of the trees and had fun celebrating nature’s gift of trees. As Rabbi Panitz says, “A tree has to grow where it is planted and we are planted here at Wards Corner and our trees are flourishing.”

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HOME OR OFFICE “ Security In Every Job.”

Simon Family JCC Beginnings adds infant daycare program

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new addition is about to be born at the Simon Family JCC. The Beginnings program will offer an infant full care program starting July 2. The program is enrolling infants six weeks to 15 month olds and will be available Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 6 pm, in the Strelitz Early Childhood Center.

This new program will be in addition to the current toddler full care program and the Beginnings Day Out program.

Infants will enjoy a warm and safe environment with nurturing teachers and caregivers who will spend lots of time cuddling and talking to them to instill trust and provide a healthy environment. Babies will be exposed to language and cognitive

development using stories, songs, finger play, and floor time.

Space is limited and filling up fast. To enroll a little one or to see the facility, contact Becky Feld, Beginnings director, at 321-2332 or bfeld@simonfamilyj.org.

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The UJFT is offering a Women's Only Mission to the Jewish Community of Cuba Departs: Miami, Thursday, October 18 • Returns: Sunday, October 21

 Learn the history of the Jewish community of Cuba • Meet Jewish community leaders • Enjoy Kabbalat Shabbat service, Shabbat Dinner, and Havdalah with the Jewish Community of Havana • Visit Havana's synagogues and community center, JDC-staffed pharmacy, and other relief projects funded, in part, by allocations from the UJFT Annual Campaign • Enjoy the sights, sounds, and rhythm of the Cuban culture!

 Mission Cost: $2,500* per person from Miami Price includes international flight, all food and hotel accommodations, tour bus, guide, admissions, etc. as well as dinner and hotel in Miami.

Separate from the price of the mission: a minimum 2013 individual campaign commitment of $1,200 per participant is required.

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 To learn more about the mission, or to participate with the women of your Jewish community, call or email Amy Zelenka, UJFT Women's Campaign Director, at 965-6139 or azelenka@ujft.org. * If the cost of the trip goes down, Federation will pass the savings to participants, either by including domestic air in the price, or by refund.

20 | Jewish News | March 26, 2012

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assing through Ghent, it is very possible to see a group of boys wearing yarmulkes riding their bikes, probably on their way to YAK, which is an acronym for Yeshivas Aish Kodesh, the thriving Jewish boys high school nestled in the heart of Ghent on Colonial Avenue.

Founded in 2003, it is the first and only Jewish boys’ high school in the Tidewater area. It has educated more than 120 students from nearly a dozen states, including Virginia. Other interesting YAK facts are: • Rabbi Yosef Lowenbraun has been the head of school since its inception. He originally came to Norfolk from Baltimore as a member of the Norfolk Area Community Kollel.

• The Yeshiva is accredited by AdvancEd/ Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

• This year, almost 50% of the Yeshiva’s students are from local families.

• Yeshiva has a dual curriculum, providing

a full Judaic program along with general academic studies.

• Extra-curricular activities include a basketball team, intramural flag football, intramural basketball, swimming at the Simon Family JCC, and judo classes.

• The general studies program is headed

by Ramona Drury, who holds a bachelor’s degree from the College of Staten Island and a master of education degree from Old Dominion University.

• Yeshiva expects an enrollment of close to 40 boys next year.

• Yeshiva has been a grateful recipient of grants from the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and the Tidewater Jewish Foundation. Grants from TJF have provided for a science lab, professional development, and technology resources.

Torah U’Mesora has also provided grants to help with the growth of the school.

• Every Sunday night, boys in the community learn with the students at the Yeshiva. This program, called Mishmar, is open to all area Jewish boys in grades three through eight.

• The boys enjoy doing acts of chesed (kindness), such as visiting the residents at the Beth Sholom Home.

To find out more about Yeshiva, go to yeshivasaishkodesh.com or schedule a visit by calling 623-6070.

Paul and Marcy Terkeltaub insure the future of Tidewater’s Jewish community

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oth Paul and Marcy Terkeltaub credit their parents Victor and Fannie Terkeltaub (of blessed memory) and Kurt and Rose Rosenbach for instilling in them the desire to raise their children in a Jewish environment. “Our parents also taught us the value of tzedakah and the importance of giving back to the community,” says Paul. “This type of belief and dedication to the Jewish community has to be carefully taught and practiced over a lifetime and our parents have been great teachers and role models.”

Marcy and Paul Terkeltaub.

Born and raised in Tidewater, the Terkeltaubs met at a B’nai B’rith Youth “Through this gift, our children will forever Organization function at the age of 16. be connected to the local Jewish communi“We have benefited greatly from the Jewish ty regardless of where their lives take them. community through our temple life, We hope that as they mature they BBYO, United Synagogue Youth will develop the same devotion and tennis at the JCC. In addito the Jewish community and Through our tion, our children derived be able to meet their philpersonal involvement the same benefits from anthropic desires as their in the Jewish community, preschool at the JCC, grandparents and parents attendance at Hebrew have done.” we have had the opportunity Academy, temple funcAs a managing partner to observe our parents and tions or BBYO,” says of the Frieden Agency, many members of their Marcy.

Paul often recommends generation exhibit generosity, life insurance to his cli“Through our personal involvement in the ents as a vehicle for love and affection for the Jewish community, we philanthropy.

Sometimes Jewish community. have had the opportunity to this takes the course of a observe our parents and many new policy and sometimes it members of their generation takes the course of a policy that exhibit generosity, love and affecis no longer needed. Either way the tion for the Jewish community,” adds Paul, charities benefits. “which inspired us to want to do our part “I felt it was time to practice what I to help perpetuate our Jewish institutions.” preach,” he says.

The Terkeltaubs established a $500,000 Paul also points out that many older life insurance fund with The Tidewater people in the community have policies Jewish Foundation, naming their children, they no longer need.. Gifting these poliJennifer and Brandon, as successor advi- cies to charity can offer tax advantages and sors. The couple structured the gift so provide a vehicle to make a significant and that once they have passed away, Jennifer meaningful gift to the community. “When and Brandon will be able to distribute it all comes down to it,” says Paul, “you approximately $20,000 a year to charity, really don’t have to be a millionaire to be a 50 percent of which is earmarked to ben- philanthropist.” efit Tidewater’s Jewish community and 50 For more information about how to Create percent that can be used for either Jewish a Jewish Legacy, call or email Philip Rovner, or secular charities.

757-965-6109, psrovner@ujft.org.

“We wanted our children to be able (This article has been updated and to donate to charities that they cared expanded from a version published in the about, but never forget the Jewish commu- Tidewater Jewish Foundation 2006 Annual nity in which they were raised,” says Paul. Report.)

Sandler Center May 23 and 24, 7:30 pm Ferguson Center for the Arts May 4, 8 pm • May 6, 2:30 Purchase tickets at

www.sandlercenter.org 1.800.3-cox-tix or www.fergusoncenter.org 757.594.8752

March 26, 2012 | Jewish News | 21

what’s happening Annual Grieving Children’s Art Show at the Leon Family Art Gallery in the JCC

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Monday, April 2–Friday, May 11

he death of a loved one affects all members of a family, young and old. Jewish Family Service’s counseling staff, through the Dozoretz Center for Healing and the Jessica Glasser Therapeutic Pavilion, specializes in helping individuals of all ages cope with loss and grieving. One component of this program is a free support group for children, teens, and their families: Peace

by Piece. The program is operated by Edmarc Hospice for Children in collaboration with JFS. Now in its eighth year, JFS and Edmarc co-sponsor an annual art show featuring the drawings of local grieving children and teens. This art show is open to any school-aged youth in Tidewater who has experienced the death of a loved one.

Hundreds of pictures have been submitted over the years and it is a real healing opportunity for children and teens to see that they are not alone. This year, the Grieving Children’s Art Show artwork will be displayed in the Leon Family Art Gallery at the Simon Family JCC April 2–May 11.

After May 11, the art will return to either JFS or Edmarc for display throughout the next year.

he Community Relations Council will celebrate Israel’s 64th birthday with a screening of the documentary, Israel Inside: How a Small Nation Makes a Big Difference. The film explores the triumph of the human spirit.

Israelis, surrounded by enemies, have turned a desert with hardly any natural resources into a flourishing, productive society.

Max, age 10 ( drawing from 2011 Art Show ): “Ever since my Nana died it feels like part of my heart has broken off.”

Artwork submissions Anyone 18 or under who has experienced the death of a loved one who would like to contribute artwork for the Grieving Children’s Art Show, should contact Debbie Mayer at JFS. For more information about helping grieving children and teens, or about the Peace by Piece support program, contact JFS at 459-4640 or DMayer@ jfshamptonroads.org.

Thursday, March 29, 7 pm olitical scientist and author Robert Putnam, called “the most influential academic in the world today” by the London Sunday Times, will speak at Old Dominion University for ODU Presents, a new lecture series focusing on the university’s research initiatives and outreach efforts, featuring engaging speakers from a variety of disciplines.

Putnam’s talk, “American Grace: How Religion Divides and Unites Us,” will take place in the Big Blue Room of the Ted Constant Convocation Center. It is free and open to the public, but seating is limited.

RSVP is encouraged at 683-3116 or www. odu.edu/ao/univevents.

Putnam is the Malkin Professor of Public Policy at Harvard University. Raised in a small town in the Midwest and educated at Swarthmore, Oxford and Yale, he has served as dean of the Kennedy School of Government. He is a member of the National Academy of Sciences, the British Academy, the American Philosophical Society and the 22 | Jewish News | March 26, 2012

Thursday, April 26, 7 pm

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Harvard’s Robert Putnam to address How Religion Divides and Unites Us

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Celebrate Yom Ha’Atzmaut with the CRC and see How a Small Nation Makes a Big Difference

American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and past president of the American Political Science Association.

He was the 2006 recipient of the Skytte Prize, the Robert Putnam most prestigious international award for scholarly achievement in political science and has written a dozen books, translated into 20 languages, including the best-selling Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community.

Putnam has worked with Presidents Bill Clinton, Barack Obama and George W. Bush, as well as with British Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, French President Nicolas Sarkozy, Ireland’s Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and many other national leaders and grassroots activists around the world.

Hosted by former Harvard lecturer Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, the film examines the core character strengths that have made this possible. Sidestep the usual conversations about politics, conflict and violence, and get a glimpse into the makeup of the Israeli people and their dynamic, innovative and humanitarian society.

Free and open to the community. At the Sandler Family Campus. For more information or to RSVP, contact JJohnson@ujft.org.

Laugh yourself silly as Cory Kahaney performs live at the JCC Saturday, March 31, 8pm “Cory Kahaney was hilarious, in fact, her humor was enjoyed not just the night of, but the day after as members animatedly repeated her jokes,” says Aliyah Kuchinsky of the San Antonio Barshop JCC. Experience the laughter when this female comedian, whose credits include starring in the film ‘Making Trouble’ and appearing on NBC’s Last Comic Standing, will bring humor and a bit of star power to the JCC’s Main Event Performing Arts Series.

Kahaney was named best comedian in New York City by Backstage magazine and best female comedian by the Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs. The creator of Off-Broadway hit The J.A.P. Show, she will enact her signature wit, as she has for The Late Show with David Letterman, Comedy Central Presents and many more venues.

Doors open at 7:30 pm for a cash bar, and the show begins at 8 pm. Tickets are $30 ($25 JCC members). Call 321-2338 to order.

No babysitter? No problem. Special Kids Night Out: 6–10pm. $10 per child.

Open to all JCC members, and for one night only, non-members who are attending the Cory Kahaney event (with proof of ticket). Reservations required by Wednesday, March 28. Call 321-2338.

Polling and Messaging Recommendations: Iran, Israel, and Jerusalem

A briefing from The Israel Project’s Nathan Klein

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Sunday, April 15, 11 am at Ohef Sholom Temple

ith the upcoming election, the situation in the Middle East, and the escalating talk about action against Iran, Israel is in the news in a big way. How should supporters of Israel be talking to build support for Israel and for stopping the threat of Iran? The Community Relations Council of the United Federation of Tidewater, in partnership with the Ohef Sholom Temple Adult Education Committee and Men’s Club, will present a brunch briefing to address these issues.

Nathan Klein, director of researching and messaging at The Israel Project will share confidential results from a massive new bi-partisan poll conducted by POS and GQRR for The Israel Project. The poll

examines how people feel about the Arab Spring, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the Iranian nuclear program, including how much public support there is for various actions that may or may not be undertaken in response. This will offer the best messages to use in op-eds, speaking with politicians, and with friends and neighbors to build support for policies that can make Israel safer.

The event is open to the community with donations accepted at the event for the Men’s Club brunch.

RSVP by April 11 to 625-4295 or sara@ ohefsholom.org. Call or email Jan Johnson with questions at 321-2323 or JJohnson@ ujft.org.

What’s happening Jewish Family Service

Brith Sholom

Buffet Luncheon Sunday April 15, 12 pm,

8th Annual Run, Roll or Stroll charts new course Sunday, May 6,

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hen Rabbi Jeffrey Arnowitz of Congregation Beth El decided to form the “Mitzvahs in Motion Club,” a team for athletic types who want to do tzedakah, Jewish Family Service’s Run, Roll or Stroll was a natural fit.

“The Club was created as a way for runners or cyclists to use their hobby or passion to bring goodness into the world,” says Arnowitz. “Having a team for the Run, Roll or Stroll is the perfect way for us to get fit and give back at the same time. JFS does such important work in our community, including caring for the sick, elderly and vulnerable. We are excited to support such an important cause.”

The 8th Annual Run, Roll or Stroll, as part of JFS’s Week of Healthy Living, will take place Sunday, May 6 at Neptune’s Park, 31st Street in Virginia Beach. The race includes an 8K Run, a 5K Run/Walk and a 1 Mile Run/Walk. JFS welcomes Entercom Norfolk as this year’s media sponsor. Don London of 2WD radio station will emcee the event and provide music, as well as games and activities. The race is sponsored by the Lori and Michael Glasser Family.

The event now has its own website at www.jfsrunrollorstroll.org, where people can register for the race, learn about the other events, and see photos and race results afterward. Through the Run, Roll or Stroll website, people also have the opportunity to fundraise for JFS. “Every dollar raised stays right here in our community,” says Betty Ann Levin, executive director of JFS. “This helps JFS provide valuable and much-needed services such as home health care, counseling, Meals on Wheels, and financial assistance.”

People are encouraged to form fundraising teams, but they can also fundraise alone. The fundraising process is easy— participants set up a fundraising page on the website and then send emails to their friends and family asking them to donate to JFS. Prizes will be awarded to the participants and teams that raise the most money.

Returning this year on Friday, May 4 is the Race Expo and Packet Pickup, which was designed to alleviate lines at registration on race day. “The Expo was a huge success last year,” says Levin. “People were able to pick up their race packets and

Entertainment begins at 1:30 pm with the Jewish Chorale Group. They will sing Broadway and Jewish contemporary music. $10 per person; $18 per guest. Call 4611150 to make reservations.

Bingo—Every Wednesday Doors open at 5 pm. Game starts at 6:45 pm. 1132 Pickett Road in Norfolk.

Call Dale at 461-1150.

Towne Bank mascot “Town E Bear” leads the 1 Mile runners and walkers in last year’s Run, Roll or Stroll at the Virginia Beach oceanfront.

Eastern Shore Historic Sights May 8 Winery and Supper on an Antique Dining Car along a Scenic Rail Route, $115 per person. 461-1150 for more information.

Tikkun Tidewater Sunday, April 22, 1–4 pm

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Andy Dobrinsky takes it all in stride during last year’s 5K as part of JFS’ Run, Roll or Stroll.

Laura Leiden and Lesa Leiden complete the 1 Mile Run at the 2011 Run, Roll or Stroll at Neptune’s Park in Virginia Beach.

avoid the race day rush on Sunday.” The Expo will be open 8 am–4 pm at the Simon Family JCC. Exhibitors and vendors will add to the festivities.

Run or walk, alone or with a team– the more, the merrier. And like Beth El’s Mitzvahs in Motion Club, participants will help a great cause at the same time.

Jewish Family Service is a constituent agency of United Jewish Federation of Tidewater.

his Earth Day, the Community Relations Council, Jewish Family Service, J-Serve, and other community partners are coming together for the first community-wide recycling event at the Sandler Family Campus.

Community members will be able to bring certain electronics, plastic bags, eye glasses, hearing aids, pharmaceuticals and more to be recycled in a safe and environmentallyconscious way.

Volunteers will be waiting to unload cars. Some of the items collected will be donated to the CURE for Cancer Recycling Initiative and local Lion’s Club chapters.

Small toiletry items and non-perishable food items will also be collected for Jewish Family Service. Children’s activities and education about recycling will be provided at the event.

For more information, contact Jan Johnson at jjohnson@ujft.org or 321-2323.

To volunteer for the day, contact Patty Shelanski at pshelanski@jfshamptonroads. org or 321-2227.

The Simon Family JCC Seniors Club

Meeting Wednesday, April 18 Board meeting at 10:30 am; Catered lunch at 12 pm with the general meeting followed at 12:45 pm. Guest speaker follows the general meeting with Andrew Hook, a partner in the Law Firm of Oast and Hook. He will speak on elder law, estate and financial planning, trust administration and special needs trust.

War Museum trip in Newport News Wednesday March 28 Admission is $5. 14 people are needed to ride the JFS bus at a small charge.

Midway/Harrington Slots in Delaware Wednesday, April 4 The cost is $48.. Pick-up will be at the Lake Wright at 7 am; return to the same location at 9 pm. If 16 or more register, pick up will be at the JCC. Will receive $30 slot play. If 40 people attend, a free buffet lunch and $15 for the slot play will be included.

Ocean Downs Casino in Maryland Monday, April 23 The cost is $29 per person. Fun Tours bus leaves Lake Wright at 9:30am and returns to the same location at 10 pm. The Casino is offering a $30 Slot Bonus with a minimum of 40 passengers aboard the bus. Reservations must be made at least 15 days before the trip with name, address and date of birth for the casino. For any further information call Bernice at 497-0229.

If interested in joining the JCC Seniors Club contact Wayne Gordon, membership chairman at 426-3297.

JCC to participate

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ODU International Festival—Sunday, April 1, noon–5pm

he 4th Annual International Festival hosted by Old Dominion University will take place at the Ted Constant Convocation Center. WTKR News Anchor Kurt Williams will serve as the official host.

This global extravaganza will highlight performances from all over the world, as well as an International Marketplace with authentic international cuisine and merchant vendors displaying arts and crafts. In

addition, free activities for children including arts and crafts, an animal exhibit, and inflatables will be available.

The Simon Family JCC will have a table at the festival, and welcomes members of the community to come out for the afternoon.

Activities are free and open to the public; ethnic foods and other items will be for sale. For more information, call the Office of Intercultural Relations at 683-4406.

March 26, 2012 | Jewish News | 23

calendar Eric Kline Business Development Danny Kline Vice President

M a r c h 29, T hur s d ay Rabbi Rosalin Mandelberg t o b e h o n o r e d b y t h e V i r g i n ia C e n t e r f o r I n c l u si v e C o m m u n i t i e s a t A n n u a l H u m a n i t a r ia n Aw a r d s D i n n e r. 6 : 3 0 p m.

C a ll 8 0 4 - 515 -7 9 5 0 f o r d e t a ils.

M a r c h 31, S at urd ay The Main Event p e r f o r m i n g a r t s s e r i e s a t t h e J C C p r e s e n t s C o r y K a h a n e y f o r a n ig h t o f c o m e d y a t t h e J. $ 3 0 ( $ 2 5 J C C m e m b e r s ).

D o o r s o p e n a t 7: 3 0 p m f o r c a s h b a r ; s h o w s t a r t s a t 8 p m. 3 21- 2 3 3 8 f o r t i c k e t s. S e e p a g e 2 2.

Andy Kline President

Max Jared at Temple Emanuel . 8 :15 p m. C o n c e r t ! K i d s f r e e w i t h p a i d a d u l t. F o r m o r e I n f o r m a t i o n a n d t i c k e t s a l e s, 4 2 8 - 2 5 91.

A p ril 1, S und ay ODU International Festival . N o o n – 5 p m. P e r f o r m a n c e s, f o o d, a c t i v i t i e s, m e r c h a n dis e, a r t . S i m o n F a m il y J C C w ill h a v e a t a b l e. 6 8 3 - 4 4 0 6.

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A p ril 2, M o nd ay Seniors Yiddish Club signups begin. T he Simon Family J Senior Adult P r ogramming is st ar ting a Y iddish Club due t o some w ho have r ecently expr essed an int er est. Speak some Y iddish, lear n f r om ot her s, t ell f unny st ories and have f un w hile r eviving an exciting language. S t op by t he Simon Family JCC Senior Adult s r oom or call Sher r y Lieber man at 321-2309.

Af t er signups, a meeting f or a mu t ually convenient r egular day will be set.

Annual Grieving Children’s Art Show o p e n s a t t h e L e o n F a m il y A r t G a ll e r y a t t h e J C C. S e e p a g e 2 2.

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A p ril 15, S und ay Polling and Messaging Recommendations: Iran, Israel, & Jerusalem. A b r ie f ing f r o m T h e Isr a el P r ojec t ’s Na t ha n K lein a t 11 a m a t O h e f S h olo m Temple. RS V P t o 6 25 - 4 2 9 5 o r sa r a @ o h e f sh olo m.o r g. C all o r email Ja n Jo h nso n a t 3 21- 23 23 o r J Jo h nso n @ ujf t.o r g. S ee p ag e 22 f o r de t ails.

A p ril 22, S und ay Jewish Women’s Salon L a u n c h f e a t u r i n g P a r t I o f a t w o - p a r t s h o w i n g o f t h e d o c u m e n t a r y f il m Miss Representation . L ig h t B r u n c h f o ll o w e d b y f il m a n d dis c u s si o n. S e e p a g e 14.

Tikkun Tidewater — A C o m m u n i t y R e c y c l e D a y. 1– 4 p m. S a n d l e r F a m il y C a m p u s. F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n, c o n t a c t J a n J o h n s o n a t j j o h n s o n @ u j f t . o r g o r 3 21- 2 3 2 3. To v o l u n t e e r f o r t h e d a y, c o n t a c t P a t t y S h e la n s k i a t p s h e la n s k i @ j f s h a m p t o n r o a d s.o r g o r 3 21- 2 2 2 7. S e e p a g e 2 3 f o r m o r e d e t a ils.

A p ril 26, T hur s d ay Inside Israel: How a Small Nation Makes a Big Difference . E n j o y a f r e e a n d o p e n t o t h e c o m m u n i t y f il m s c r e e n i n g w i t h t h e C o m m u n i t y R e la t i o n s C o u n c il a t 7 p m o n t h e S a n d l e r F a m il y C a m p u s. F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n o r t o R S V P c o n t a c t J J o h n s o n @ u j f t .o r g. S e e p a g e 2 2.

A p ril 28, S at urd ay Batsheva at Temple Emanuel . C o n c e r t . $10 f o r a d u l t s. F o r m o r e I n f o r m a t i o n a n d t i c k e t s a l e s, c a ll 4 2 8 - 2 5 91.

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24 | Jewish News | March 26, 2012

A p ril 29, S und ay Annual Israel Festival a t t h e S i m o n F a m il y J C C, 1– 5 p m. F u n f o r t h e e n t i r e f a m il y. A t t r a c t i o n s i n c l u d e C a m e l r i d e s, p e t t i n g z o o, g a m e s, a d u l t b e e r g a r d e n, Is r a e li f o o d, g a m e s, a n d m u c h m o r e. Ve n d o r s i n t e r e s t e d i n dis p la y i n g a t t h e F e s t i v a l, s h o u l d c o n t a c t A i m e e K o ll e r a t 3 212 3 0 4. V isi t si m o n f a m il y j.o r g f o r d e t a ils.

Send submissions for calendar to news @ ujf t.org. Be sure to note “calendar” in the subject. Include date, event name, sponsor, address, time, cost and phone.

Oy!

mazel tov to Achievement Davit Adut on becoming an American citizen at a swearing in ceremony on March 19.

Originally from Istanbul, Turkey, Adut came to the U.S. to do graduate and post graduate work. He currently is an assistant professor at Christopher Newport University. Audt is married to Jennifer Karotkin Adut, a development consultant for Jewish Family Service. They have twoyear-old twins, Gabe and Orli.

Birth Carla and David Nadler on the birth of their son, Tyler Mason Nadler on Feb. 10. Grandparents are Ilana and Nathan Benson and Cheryl and Steven Nadler.

Great grandparents are Issy Salber and Bernice Salber, of blessed memory, Bernie and Selma Dubrow, and Lou and Lillian Nadler.

Mazel Tov submissions should be emailed to news@ujft.org with Mazel Tov in the subject line. Achievements, B’nai Mitzvot, births, engagements and weddings are appropriate simchas to announce. Photos must be at least 300k. Include a daytime phone for questions. There is no fee.

Passover riddle Q: What do we call a person who enjoys eating the bread of affliction?

A: A matzochist.

— Reprinted with permission from Oy! The Ultimate Book of Jewish Jokes by David Minkoff

Hagbaha* In the 1947 photo taken in Germany’s Wetzlar D.P. Camp, the American zone, Following an escape from Poland and a Sojourn in Austria, Clad in refugees’ newly acquired garb Grandparents Zvi (Son of martyred Rabbi Yaakov and Dena Manzies Zoberman) And Rachel (Daughter of martyred Yitzchak And Zipora Anker) of Zamosc, Poland, Gratefully raised me high, Their little Torah they managed to save In the face of the many scrolls They could not.

Rabbi Israel Zoberman, spiritual leader of Congregation Beth Chaverim, was born in 1945 in Chu, Kazakhstan, to Polish Holocaust survivors. *The act of raising the Torah during services.

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March 26, 2012 | Jewish News | 25

Book reviews Making it in America with honesty and humor An Uncommon Journey Deborah Strobin and Ilie Wacs, with S.J. Hodges Barricade Books, 2011 222pp. $24.95 ISBN 13:978-1-56980-452-1 Long time readers of the Jewish News may recall J. Ross’ classic Escape to Shanghai and Berl Falbaum’s Shanghai Remembered which told of Hal Sacks the privations endured by the 20,000 Jews who escaped the Holocaust by managing to get to Shanghai (where no visas were required). Both books captured individual remembrances of the tiny Jewish community that dubbed themselves “Shanghailanders.”

Whether or not to read An Uncommon Journey was kind of a toss-up for this reviewer; would it be just more of the same?

The interested reader will find this memoir by a brother and sister, Ilie Wacs and Deborah Strobin, complementary to the

Local poet’s Holocaust In The Shadow Of The Shoah Selected poems by Frieda W. Landau Poetica Publishing Company, 2011.

79 pages $15 This inspiring and deeply penetrating first harvest of poetry by Freida W. Landau, who has resided in Virginia Beach since 1998, is a most welcome addition Rabbi Zoberman to the literary expression. It is also a therapeutic sharing of the second generation of Holocaust survivors, demonstrating the Shaoah’s lingering impact and hovering shadow (see the book’s title) upon the survivors’ children, and likely even beyond the second generation.

Landau, who has contributed as writer and photographer on military affairs to such well-known publications as Newsweek, and US News and World Report, co-authored with her late husband, Alan Landau, Airborne Rangers (Motor Books Publishing, 1992).

She came into the world in 1946 during the traumatic experience of a pogrom in Lodz, Poland. In her poem Birthday,Landau connects her birth, an event fraught with natural risks, with the extraordinary harrowing circumstances of such an anti26 | Jewish News | March 26, 2012

earlier works. This book takes us through life after Shanghai and into the present.

The Wacs family’s departure from Vienna in August 1939, following the Anschluss and Kristallnacht, was complicated by the fact that their father, a deserter from the Polish Army, was officially stateless. They made their way to Italy, boarded a luxury liner and ultimately arrived in Shanghai.

The Japanese occupiers, although harsh, refused to accede to Nazi demands that these refugees face the same “final solution” as the rest of European Jewry. One school of thought is that a well-known American Jewish banker loaned money to Japan to finance their naval war against Russia in 1904-1905. Despite the commencement of U.S. air raids in 1944, the Wacs family, along with more than ninety percent of their fellow refugees, survived the war.

The Jewish ghetto in Shanghai was liberated on Sept. 3, 1945. However the Wacs were forced to remain in Shanghai for four more years while the Jewish Joint Distribution Committee worked to bring the stateless family into the United States. Ilie was the only exception; singled out for his artistic talent, he was sent to Paris to study art.

The story of the Wacs family’s life in

Shanghai is told from two perspectives. Ilie was a pre-teenager when they arrived and Deborah (nee Dorit) was just three. In later years Deborah, while visiting the Holocaust Museum in Washington, identified a photo of herself with two other little girls taken by the Japanese, ostensibly to show how happy the refugees were.

The Wacs family’s struggle to “make it” in America is told with honesty and some humor. Ilie, an artist who realized he needed to make a living. became a designer specializing in suits and coats, at times for well-known fashion houses and finally under his own label. After retiring from a successful career, Ilie was able to devote his time to painting, eventually enjoying success with a one-man show and seeing his works displayed in New York galleries.

Deborah is a well-respected San Francisco philanthropist as well as a recordbreaking fundraiser who shed her shyness following the death of her husband, Ed Strobin, former CEO of Banana Republic.

As deputy chief of protocol for the city of San Francisco, Deborah has been a principal greeter for visiting celebrities, including former Israeli Prime Minister Rabin and former President Clinton.

Finally, the Wacs were a refugee family that made a habit of preserving the documents, the “important papers” chronicling their odyssey, that are now part of the Holocaust Museum’s permanent collection.

Ilie was 12 and Dorit (Deborah) was three when their travels began; your reviewer was nine at that time. We have lived in the same generation growing up in New York City; thus, it was not difficult to keep track of the geographic, historic and cultural referents and allusions in An Uncommon Journey. However, had the authors furnished specific dates as frames of reference in following their story, the book would be more reader-friendly; over 40 years elapse in their story without such guidance. It would not be surprising if younger readers (perhaps some senior citizens among them) were somewhat confused about the context in which certain events occurred.

An Uncommon Journey, with the assistance of a professional writer, avoids some of the pitfalls affecting many similar memoirs and further illuminates the events and the participants of the period.

—Hal Sacks is a retired Jewish communal worker who has reviewed books for Jewish News for more than 27 years.

Semitic attack. “I was born in Poland. In Lodz. In June/In the middle of a post-war pogrom. / I came into the world kicking and screaming/While those outside screamed hatred of my kind./They did more than scream: they kicked and beat and killed/The pitiful remnant who survived the/Murders by the “master” race, aided/By the mob outside the hospital./My mother could hear them as I emerged/My birth and act of love and defiance.”

My own grandmother, Rachel Zoberman, upon my family’s return to Poland from Russia in 1946, while traveling to her hometown Zamosc where her youngest sister, Mania, survived in hiding, found herself in Kielce as a pogrom was raging in town. Landau’s mom is from the Ukraine, like mine, and her parents met and married in Uzbekistan, while mine in Siberia. I was born a year later, in 1945, in Kazakhstan.

Landau’s family and my own were fortunate to make it out of Poland before the Iron Curtain was closed, making escape nearly impossible. The Landaus, like my family, found shelter in Displaced Persons Camps in Austria and Germany where Frieda’s sister, Beverly, was born in Munich.

The Landaus arrived in the United States in 1951, in time to celebrate Freida’s fifth birthday. Settling in New York’s Brooklyn,

Landau vividly recalls the Holocaust survivors who became close friends of the family, substituting in a way for murdered relatives. The friends were unaware that the little girl understood their terrifying reminiscing. “I sit in the corner, listening wide-eyed/As the grown ups talk about the time/The ovens worked overtime and/All roads led to Auschwitz./They’re speaking in German,/Thinking I won’t understand./ They forget that German was my first language,/Not the “hoch” German of the north, but the softer/Bayrisch, the dialect of Bavaria.”

Landau picked up the German language from her German nanny, though as Landau recounts in the poem Mamaloshen, her Yiddish means much to her as she bemoans the danger of losing it, “But in my dreams, I still speak the mother tongue.”

Painful is the loss of close relatives along with a double loss of growing up without having them around. In The Grandmother I Never Knew, the poet ponders pointedly, painfully and powerfully, “You who gave me my face and my name/Did you know what was coming/Did you know how soon/ Did you know how hard/the darkness would fall on your world/Is that what clouds your face/Or are you only squinting into the sun”

Landau recalls being honored in New York’s PS 139 to greet then-Vice-President Richard Nixon on Flag Day, but has also not forgotten her teacher’s bigoted comment she managed to overhear, “Lamenting the choice of a dirty/Refugee kid instead of a real American/On such a momentuous occasion.”

In the book’s introduction, the poet wisely highlights the on-going role of the past, in spite of being the past, in shaping both present and future, individually and collectively, as she thoughtfully engages the reader in the trying issues that the Shoah and the uneven human journey have provided her. “The past is always there, barely glimpsed/Through the corner of your eye, /A presence felt more than seen/Tugging at your mind,/Catching you unawares,/Casting a long shadow/Subsuming the future.

On the book’s back cover, in Remember, Landau pleads with us through her loses and ours, to tightly hold onto the precious yet precarious link of memory, that we may preserve and save from oblivion’s fate and Holocaust deniers those who should never be forgotten.”

—Dr. Israel Zoberman, founding rabbi of Congregation Beth Chaverim, is the son of Polish Holocausts survivors from Zamosc, Sarnay and Pinsk.

obituaries Melvin Baker Virginia Beach—Melvin Baker, 76, of the 1000 block of Hanson Way, passed away March 2 in Virginia Beach General Hospital.

A native of Norfolk, he was the son of the late Bernard and Anne Baker. He was a retired realtor and owner of Tobak for 30 years. He enjoyed photography and growing prize winning roses.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Judy Baker; sons, Marc (Lisa) of Virginia Beach and Barry (Debi) of Idaho; grandchildren, Joshua and Noah; brother, Leonard Baker; sisters, Shirl and Peggy.

A memorial service was held at Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home Great Neck Chapel with Rabbi Israel Zoberman officiating. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com.

Gertrude B. Bernstein Virginia Beach—Gertrude Belkov Bernstein, 90, passed away on March 3 in a local hospital.

Mrs. Bernstein was born in Norfolk, and was the wife of the late Marvin W. Bernstein.

She was a long time member of Temple Israel in Norfolk, a member of Kempsville Conservative Synagogue in Virginia Beach, and a member of the Brith Sholom Center.

Mrs. Bernstein was a member of the National MahJong Association, and was deeply devoted to her weekly MahJong game with her five partners, Elsie, Marilyn, Joan, Ann, and Bea. Survivors include her two daughters, Ann Bernstein Wohl of Richmond, Lynn Bernstein Bell and her husband Gary of Virginia Beach, two sons, Leonard Bernstein and his wife Mary of Chesapeake, and Michael Bernstein of Norfolk, a sister, Shirley Lipman of Norfolk, a brother, Erwin Belkov of Culpepper, Va., five grandchildren, Eric Bernstein, Adam Bernstein and his wife Heather, Jeffrey Bell, Greg Bell and his wife Kelly, and Jennifer Bernstein Weseman and her husband James, and four great grandchildren.

A graveside service was held in Forest Lawn Cemetery by Rabbi Michael Panitz and Cantor David Proser. Memorial donations may be made to the Kempsville Conservative Synagogue or to Temple Israel. H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.hdoliver.com.

Beatrice Gasman Virginia Beach—Beatrice Gasman, dearly loved mother, grandmother, and friend, died on March 4 in the Memory Enhancement Unit at The Terrace in Beth Sholom Village.

Bea lived her life with enthusiasm and exuberance, and was the cutest, spunkiest, most beautiful 99-year-old on the face of the planet. She moved through this life with grace and charisma, humor and charm. She was a dancer, a performer, and a lover of life as well as of handsome (younger) men.

Despite the dementia, which stole most of her memories, but never her sweetness, Bea retained a boundless memory for the two most important things in life: how to laugh and how to love.

Bea and her late husband, Jerome Gasman, lived and worked most of their married life in Brooklyn and Manhattan before moving to Virginia Beach in 1998. In New York, they owned Academy Clothes, a formalwear store on Broadway that catered to celebrities such as David Letterman, Mick Jagger, Willie Nelson, and Michael J. Fox, all of whom would greet “Miss Bea,” as she was fondly called, with a warm embrace whenever they would stop by the store. One of Bea’s favorite memories was of sitting cozily one afternoon with Liberace, who had brought with him a pastrami sandwich from the Stage Deli to share just with her.

Days were never dull for Bea and Jerry, but the true stars in their lives were not the famous people who came into their store, but their own two children, Ira and Linda, and their two cherished grandchildren, Allyson and Teddy. To these four, Bea and Jerry gave unwavering loyalty and their whole hearts.

Bea was predeceased by her adoring husband of 59 years, Jerry; her beloved parents, Leiba and Isaac Messinger; and her four siblings, Murray, Jack, Hattie, and Harold.

Left behind to cherish Bea’s memory are her daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Bart Dadon; her son and daughter-in-law, Ira Gasman and Sallie Quirk; her granddaughter and grandson-in-law, Allyson Pimentel and Pedro Noguera; and her grandson and his girlfriend, Ted Yeschin and Kate Roughen. May the strength and love Bea instilled in all of them be passed on for many generations to come, beginning with the precious baby soon to be born to Allyson and Pedro.

Bea was the darling of The Terrace, claiming everyone with her vibrant personality and loving, generous heart. Ruth Lida was Bea’s dearest and closest friend. Her devotion to Bea was extraordinary, and Bea lit up at the very sight of her. Bea’s family was warmed to witness the care, devotion, and love of so many exceptional staff members at The Terrace, where Bea resided for the last five years of her life. During that time, Lavonda Dance was Bea’s guardian

angel, and truly became Bea’s beloved second daughter. Words can never adequately express all the love and gratitude Bea’s family feels for her. Jamilla Robinson was Bea’s sweet champion, watching over her with vigilance and care. Aida Tull and Tanya Harvey were Bea’s joy and delight; we know they will dance on in her memory.

There were also many other incredible and caring CNAs, nurses, staff members, and administrators (too many to mention individually) who made Bea’s last years so peaceful and comfortable; the family hopes these dear, dear people know how deeply grateful they are.

Bea was interred beside her husband in New York. A memorial service to honor her memory will be held at Beth Sholom Village.

Sylvan Goldstein NORFOLK—Sylvan Goldstein, 85, of the 1000 block of Brandon Avenue, died Tuesday, March 20, in a local hospital.

He was a native and lifelong resident of Norfolk, and was the son of the late Harry and Rose Legum Goldstein.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Alma Laderberg.

Mr. Goldstein was a Navy Veteran of World War II and retired from High Point Furniture after a lifetime working in the furniture industry. He graduated from Maury High School and the University of Virginia.

He was a lifelong member of Congregation Beth El and was a member of Brith Sholom Center, Jewish War Veterans and served weekly as a leader of services at Beth Sholom Home of Eastern Virginia.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Frieda Lesser Goldstein of Norfolk; two daughters, Rosanne Michelle Goldstein of Norfolk and Jennifer Ann Goldstein of Washington, D.C.; six nieces and nephews; brother-in-law, Howard Laderberg of Norfolk and sister-in-law, Esther Stark of Norfolk.

Funeral services were held at Congregation Beth El. Rabbi Jeffrey Arnowitz and Cantor Gordon Piltch officiated. Interment was in Forest Lawn Cemetery. H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts.

Memorial donations may be made to Congregation Beth El. Online condolences may be sent to the family at hdoliver.com.

Irene Kocen Richmond, VA—Irene Coplan Kocen, 85, of Richmond, Va., passed away on Thursday, March 8.

She was predeceased by her husband of 65 years, Irvin Kocen.

She is survived by her son, Steven Kocen

and his wife, Sally; daughter, Marilyn Beck and her husband, David; granddaughters, Michelle Halpern (Steve) and Stephanie Galbriath (Dane); great-grandchildren, Jillian, Sydney, Max, Leah, Gavi, Ahna and Eva; brother, Howard Coplan (Jean); brother-in-law, Maurice Scherr (Annette of blessed memory); and many special nieces and nephews; and caregiver, Wanda Haskell.

Funeral services were held at Bliley’sCentral, with interment at Beth El at Forest Lawn. Memorial contributions to Temple Beth El of Richmond, Beth Sholom Gardens or a charity of your choice.

Harry Laibstain Norfolk—After a brief illness, Harry Laibstain, 91 years old, died Thursday, March 15, at his home.

Born December 23, 1920 in Norfolk, he was a son of David and Rebecca Stein Laibstain.

After graduating near the top of his class at Maury High School, he founded the Virginia Furniture Company. Several years later he was called to serve his country during World War II. Harry served in the U.S. Army for three years on a base in the Pacific, achieving the rank of Master Sergeant.

Upon Harry’s return from the war, he and his younger brother, Leonard, formed an extraordinarily close partnership, never having a single argument in their 72 years of business together.

Fifty-nine years ago Harry married the love of his life, Helen. Throughout their marriage, they have been inseparable and very much in love. Up until the end, Harry would send flowers for no reason and Helen would sneak love notes in with his lunch. They shared a lifelong love of music, the arts, travel and socializing with an array of close friends.

Since his youth, Harry has had a very close relationship with God. He deeply loved his religion, Judaism, and it’s rituals and holidays. Most importantly, however, was his family. Nothing in the world made Harry happier than when everyone was together for all of the special occasions.

Harry is survived by his very loving wife, Helen Cohen Laibstain; brother, Leonard Laibstain and wife Carol; sister, Rosalind Gamsey and husband Linwood; daughter, Dr. Alice Werner and husband Dr. Eric Werner; son, David Laibstain and wife Jody; daughter Shelly Caplan and husband Dan; and grandchildren Jacob, Abby and Andrew Werner, Claire and Julia Laibstain and Hillary and Carter Caplan. Harry is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

March 26, 2012 | Jewish News | 27

In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his brothers, Dr. Alter Laibstain and Dr. Herman Laibstain and his sister Eva Wainger.

Harry was a warm, generous and gentle human being who always had a positive outlook and kind words. He had a huge, genuine smile for everyone all of the time.

Always the perfect gentleman, Harry Laibstain will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.

A funeral service was held at Congregation Beth El Temple conducted

by Rabbi Jeffrey Arnowitz, Rabbi Susan Tendler, Rabbi Arthur Ruberg and Cantor Gordon Piltch. A private burial for family followed in Forest Lawn Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Congregation Beth El, Jewish Family Service or a charity of choice.

H. D. Oliver Funeral Apts., is handling arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to hdoliver.com.

Phyllis K. Littwin Norfolk—Phyllis Kolinsky Littwin, 81, of the 330 block of West Brambleton Ave., died peacefully on Saturday, March 10 in her residence.

She was born in New York City, N.Y. to the late Murray and Sadie Goldman Kolinsky.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene C. Littwin.

She was a founding member of Temple Sinai in Newport News and a member of Hadassah, Jewish War Veterans and was very active in the Democratic Party in Norfolk and Aventura, Fla. Survivors include her daughter, Gail Littwin Flax and her husband Joel of Virginia Beach, her son, Mike Littwin and his wife Susan of Denver, Col. and her brother Sonny Kolinsky and his wife Doris of Newport News, three Grandchildren, Angie Littwin, Amy Murphy and her husband Mitchell and Scott Flax and his wife Leah, three Great Grandchildren; Maple, Carver and Abe and her friend and caregiver Lenora Hayes.

The funeral service was held in the Norfolk Chapel of H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts. by Rabbi Jeffrey Arnowitz and Cantor Gordon Piltch. Interment was in Peninsula Memorial Park, Newport News.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at hdoliver.com.

Lawrence C. Macon Virginia Beach—After a brief illness, Lawrence C. Macon, 86, passed away on March 12 at his home.

He was predeceased by his mother, 28 | Jewish News | March 26, 2012

Elizabeth Berman Macon, and his son, Jonathan Macon, of blessed memory.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley Macon, his son, Clay L. Macon and wife, JoAnn Macon and three beloved grandchildren, Conrad Macon, Sylvia Macon and Emily Macon.

After graduating from Maury High School he entered the United States Air Force as a Cadet during World War II. At the War’s end, Larry returned to his native Norfolk to marry his high school sweetheart, Shirley Rose Samuels, and they never left each other’s side again for 65 years.

His return to Norfolk began his career as a businessman. His first venture was the United Cigar Company on Main Street in Norfolk. He then began a long career as the owner of Macon’s Camera Shop on the first floor of the Monticello Hotel on Granby Street. Any Norfolk resident shooting home movies in the 1960s has a metal can in their attic today with the Macons Camera Shop logo stamped on its face. In 1972, Larry joined his friend Jerry Simon, of blessed memory, in the creation of a new venture, Allied Brands, a department store on Little Creek Road. They remained business partners until they decided it was time to retire.

The business partners, previously working six and seven days a week, then became fishing partners, spending their days fishing on the Chesapeake Bay. His retirement years were spent enjoying his many friends at his condominium, as well as attending every ceremony, game and activity of his three grandchildren, a source of immeasurable pride and happiness. He was a member of Temple Israel.

A graveside service was held at Forest Lawn Cemetery conducted by Rabbi Susan Tendler. Memorial donations may be made to Jewish Family Service, Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters or a charity of choice. H. D. Oliver Funeral Apts.

Sylvia L. Mandel Norfolk—Silvia Levinson Mandel, 93, died Feb. 28.

Mrs. Mandel was born in Virginia to the late Julius and Jenny Taitz Levinson.

Prior to becoming ill she was an avid golfer and enjoyed ballroom dancing.

Mrs. Mandel was predeceased by her daughter, Marilyn Cohn.

Left to cherish her memory are her loving husband of 72 years, Abraham H. Mandel; brothers, Bernard Levinson and wife Marylou of Norfolk and Earl Levinson of Norfolk; son-in-law, Harry L. Cohn of Richmond; sisters-in-law, Irene Blum and Harriet Mandel; several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service was held at Forest Lawn Cemetery with Rabbi Michael Panitz officiating. Memorial donations can be made

to a charity of one’s choice. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www. altmeyer.com.

Olivia Spector Rubin Spring Valley, N.Y.—Olivia Spector Rubin died peacefully at the age of 68, in a hospital in West Nyack, N. Y. on March 1.

She was born in Bronx, N. Y., the daughter of Albert and Jeanne Spector, who predeceased her.

A graduate of Hunter College, Olivia was for many years a schoolteacher in the New York Public School system.

She is survived by her husband Allan Rubin, her son Craig Rubin of Tel Aviv Israel, her granddaughter Liat Rubin of Jerusalem Israel, her son Erik Rubin of Florida, her sister and brother-in-law Leonette and Beryl Adler of Virginia Beach, her niece Dana Adler Rosen and husband Jeff of Norfolk, her niece Stephanie Adler Calliott of Norfolk, her niece Anne Adler Abraham and husband Peter of Virginia Beach, her great nephews and nieces Marnie and Liesel Abraham, Evan and Adam Rosen, and David Calliott, numerous relatives, and many dear and devoted friends.

A cancer survivor, Olivia overcame the illness as a young woman many years ago, and lived a full and productive life, only to be stricken again recently. She succumbed after a valiant and heroic struggle against the pernicious disease that finally claimed her life. A loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and devoted friend to many, Olivia was an active volunteer for many organizations, including The American Cancer Society, Boy Scouts of America, and served as an ambulance driver for Emergency Rescue Services.

A graveside service was held at Kensico Cemetery in Valhalla, N.Y. Hellman Memorial Chapels, Spring Valley, N.Y. Samuel Saunders Norfolk—Samuel P. Saunders, 97, of the Talbot on Granby Street, died Saturday, March 10 in a local hospital.

He was a native and lifelong resident of Norfolk and was the son of the late Joseph and Rena Saunders.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife Mollie Hirsch Saunders and sister Thelma Fantuch and brother Manuel Saunders.

Mr. Saunders was a graduate of Maury High School and attended the Norfolk Division of William and Mary, now Old Dominion University. He served his country in the United States Army and was a veteran of World War II. He retired as Corporate Secretary from Be-Lo Markets.

He was a member of Temple Israel and its Men’s Club, Life member of

Charity Lodge #10 Knights of Pythias, Past President of Norview Lions Club, Jewish War Veterans, American Legion Post #204 and an associate member at Beth Chaverim.

Survivors include his daughters, Beverley Saunders Weisman and her husband Arnold of Virginia Beach and Ellen Saunders Glynn and her husband John of Annandale; son, Steven Hirsch Saunders and his wife Lynne of Norfolk, Sister, Shirley Hurwitz; and brother Leon Saunders all of Norfolk; and five grandchildren; Robyn Weisman, Jeffrey Weisman and his wife Lindsey, Randi Saunders; Shelley Saunders and Sydney Saunders and four great-grandchildren.

Kelsey, Andrew, Riley and Everett.

Graveside Funeral Services were held at Forest Lawn Cemetery with Cantor Elihu Flax officiating.

Memorial donations may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts. Online condolences may be sent to the family at hdoliver.com.

Wayne L. Wishneff Norfolk—Wayne Lawrence Wishneff, born October 22, 1947, died March 8 at the Berger-Goldrich Nursing Home in Virginia Beach.

Music and art were his love. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree from VCU in Richmond, Va. He was the son of Alvin (of blessed memory) and Ruth Wishneff. He had four sisters and one brother, Sandra Lefcoe, Lynn Robbins, Michele Robbins (of blessed memory), Brian Wishneff and Sherry Phillips. He will be missed dearly by his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and many great-nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family wants to thank the BergerGoldrich Home for taking such wonderful care of their sweet Wayne and for treating him like one of their own.

A graveside service was held in Forest Lawn Cemetery. Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Donations can be made to the Huntingtons Association.

Peter Bergman, 72, Firesign Theatre founder Peter Bergman, founder of the psychedelicera comedy troupe Firesign Theatre, died March 9 at 72, leaving behind a legacy of densely layered, intricate and sly political, cultural and musical humor.

Firesign, which Bergman created when he invited three friends and colleagues to a radio program he was hosting in California in 1966, became a cult obsession of the stoned set. In a series of wildly creative recordings from the late 1960s to the early 1970s, Firesign displayed a reckless creativity that never reached mainstream status,

obituaries yet remains innovative, fresh and clever even 40 years down the road.

Firesign’s first album, Waiting for the Electrician or Someone Like Him, came in 1968, followed by How Can You Be in Two Places at Once When You’re Not Anywhere At All?, which introduced its most widely known character, Nick Danger “Third Eye,” a surrealistic private eye whose adventures were an homage to everything from film noir to the avant garde.

The troupe worked together on and off for three decades while all of its members, including Bergman, worked solo. Bergman wrote and produced several one-man shows; Pyst, a CD-ROM parody of the video game MIST; and the film Americathon.

He revived Radio Free Oz as a podcast in recent years.

Bergman, a Cleveland native, graduated from Yale and taught economics there as a Carnegie Fellow. He later attended the Yale School of Drama as a Eugene O’Neill playwriting fellow. (JTA)

Robert Sherman, 88, Mary Poppins songwriter Robert Sherman, who with his brother wrote memorable tunes for Disney that included songs from Mary Poppins and the Disney theme song, It’s a Small World, died March 5 at 88 in London.

Sherman and his brother Richard were on the Disney staff in the 1950s and 1960s. Their most remembered and honored songs came from “Mary Poppins,” including the novelty “Supercalifragilisticexpialadocius,” a word the Shermans said they made up out of double talk. The pair received their only Oscar of three nominations for the film’s songs, which also won them a Grammy Award.

The Shermans also wrote songs for such children’s films as “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” “Bedknobs and Broomsticks,” “Charlotte’s Web” and “The Jungle Book.”

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The two worked together until recently, reviving and adding songs for British stage versions of “Mary Poppins” and “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” in the last few years.

Sherman also painted for decades, but none of his work was seen until the past few years. His work was exhibited recently in galleries in London and the United States, and he and his son have donated artworks with Jewish themes such as Moses and the sacrifice to synagogues in England and Scotland.

Sherman, a New York native, was the son of a Tin Pin Alley songwriting father. The Sherman brothers began writing together as teenagers until World War II separated them. Robert was among the first U.S. soldiers at the liberation of Dachau. (JTA)

Photojournalist Stan Stearns, 76, took ‘salute’ photo at JFK funeral Stan Stearns, a UPI photojournalist whose photo of John Kennedy Jr. saluting his father’s coffin during the funeral cortege became an icon of the 1960s, died March 2 at 76.

The Washington Post cited the photo, along with those of the flag raising on Iwo Jima during World War II, a South Vietnamese general’s street-side execution of a suspected Viet Cong and a picture of a naked Vietnamese girl fleeing a napalm attack, as among the most definitive images of the mid-20th century.

As a staff photographer at United Press International, his only extra compensation for the photo, reprinted many times over the years, was $25 for picture of the month at UPI, Stearns said.

Stearns was born in Annapolis, Md., where his parents owned a jewelry shop.

He received a Brownie Flash Six-20 camera as a bar mitzvah present and was working at the Annapolis newspaper as a photographer by the time he was 16. He was an Air Force photographer before joining UPI. He ran a photography studio in

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Annapolis from the mid-1970s until his death. The JFK Jr. photo can be seen on the studio’s website. (JTA)

Shmuel Tankus, 97, former Israeli Navy commander Shmuel Tankus, the fifth commander of Israel’s Navy, who trained generations of sailors starting in the prestate days, died at 97 on March 4.

“He was an extraordinary person who trained entire generations of naval officers both for the IDF’s Navy and Israel’s Merchant Navy,” said Ami Ayalon, a former Navy commander in chief and ex-head of the Shin Bet, Israel’s secret service. “This man made a huge contribution to the State of Israel. On a national level, his contribution as a naval trainer maybe even exceed his legacy as the Navy commander.”

Tankus, who was born in Jaffa, helped Jewish immigrants who came to Palestine by ship. He also sailed to Europe three times to help them leave their home countries.

After the State of Israel was established, Tankus and other veterans of the Palyam prestate naval service helped found the Israeli Navy, a small but elite force to this day. (JTA)

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face to face

Ralph Sidney Soussan: Staying fit as a Jewish community

R

by Karen Lombart

alph Soussan occasionally pauses from his gym workouts to peer through the second story window of the Konikoff Fitness Center to see the HAT children walking from the cafeteria back to their school wing on the ground floor of the Sandler Family campus. Pleased, he watches the students walk single file, looking happy and at home. “We have a new generation of Jewish students learning about their heritage and loving it!” says Soussan.

He fondly remembers his childhood days spent at the JCC in Bethesda, Md. “During my teenage years, my mother used to drop me off at the JCC so that I could meet my friends,” recalls Soussan.

“We all belonged to BBYO. The teen lounge, outfitted with sofas, pool tables and pingpong tops, was a great place to spend our time. In the next room, we had vending machines, a microwave and a dining area.

We had everything we needed, including our privacy. We went to dances, brunches and during the summertime, our activities centered around the pool.”

Soussan grew up in an Orthodox, Sephardic home. Both his parents were from Casablanca, Morocco. His father came to America to join two of his four sisters who had married American GI’s. At first, Soussan’s father moved to Culpepper, Va. where one sister lived with her husband.

Eventually, he moved to Washington, D.C. to be with his other sister.

Already in his 30s, Gaston Soussan asked his parents to find him a Jewish bride in Morocco. He wanted to marry a woman from his home country. Gaston’s grandfather had been an Orthodox Rabbi, known as one of the most learned men in the Casablanca Jewish community.

In her early 20s, Soussan’s mother, the youngest of six siblings, came to America on a six-week visa to meet Soussan’s father and stay with his family. If the arrangement was acceptable to both of them, she would remain. Solange Gabay married Gaston and within the year, Soussan’s oldest brother was born. When Soussan speaks of his family, he pronounces their names with a beautiful French accent: Gaston and Solange Gabay, and his siblings Albert Gilbert, Danielle and Monique.

During his youngest years, Soussan’s parents spoke French when they wanted to 30 | Jewish News | March 26, 2012

have a private conversation. Their children, however, soon learned the language, so they switched to conversations in Arabic. Both Gaston and Solange Gabay were trilingual, also understanding fragments of Spanish.

The Washington D.C. area had a large Moroccan Jewish community. The Soussan family belonged to the Orthodox synagogue named Magen David, of which his father was a founding member. Still open today, the synagogue has grown from a rented room used for High Holiday services to a temple with a magnificent sanctuary.

Soussan loved the ethnocentric community in which he was raised. Weddings included many Moroccan traditions. The women in the wedding party painted their hands with henna and adorned their wrists with lots of bracelets. All the adult women wore caftans.

There was always belly dancing.

“My mother was a fabulous cook, and we kept kosher, so we rarely ate outside of our home. She served couscous, way before it could be found in a box on the grocery store shelf. I laugh now when I remember my schoolmates’ grimacing faces as soon as they saw the unrecognizable dish being served to them. What I once thought was weird, I now proudly embrace as my heritage,” says Soussan.

“While attending the University of Maryland, I discovered that my Jewish friendships, both male and female, were founded in similar joys and a shared history that transcended the details of explanation. I didn’t have to describe my familial traditions or values to anybody. I liked that! I realized that there was an instantaneous connection when I took a Jewish girl out. From the first conversations, there was always an unspoken sense of familiarity. This awareness changed my dating and my life.”

Soussan not only embraced the similarities among his Jewish friends, but also accepted the differences. He vividly remembers the first time that he went to Temple Israel while dating Arlene, his future wife. Unlike his Orthodox synagogue in Maryland, there was no mechitza separating the men from the women. He recalls daydreaming about the future and thinking that it might be nice to sit next to his wife and his children in synagogue.

In 1986, the newlyweds settled in Norfolk. Arlene’s family, the Salzbergs, were from Tidewater, dating back to her great, great grandfather, Leon Salzberg who was the area’s first Jewish policeman.

Even with lots of family surrounding them, the Soussans felt it was important to be part of the greater Jewish community. They joined the JCC on Newport Avenue, believing that community is rooted in a center of shared values. Their children attended the preschool, participated in the Sunday basketball leagues and played in the Samantha, Ryan, Ralph, Arlene and Gabrielle Soussan.

Maccabee games.

Soussan helped with fundraising, sat on the at the J does not happen at any other area Community Relations Counsil staffed by gym,” he says.

Betsy Karotkin and chaired by Bob Rubin During the Center’s earliest months, and attended the cultural arts programs.

Soussan often gave suggestions for its When the Reba and Sam Sandler Family improvement. In 2008, when Fay Silverman Campus was built in 2003, Soussan was was incoming president, she asked Soussan thrilled that the new location catered to serve on the board. “Before I realized it,” to many Jewish communal needs. The he laughs, “I found myself sounding like Federation, Simon Family JCC and Hebrew an ambassador for the Jewish Community Academy of Tidewater Konikoff Center of Center. I couldn’t help myself. I believed in Learning were all built within one facility, it, and my words were heartfelt.” with Jewish Family Service down the street.

Soussan has made an effort to pass on The campus included a gymnasium, two the beauty and the importance of Judaism locker rooms, an auditorium, a teen lounge, to his three children. He believes that “we a seniors’ activity center, a cafe and two must give the next generation memories that kosher kitchens. There were indoor and they will treasure. On Friday nights at our outdoor pools.

Shabbos meal, we sing Sephardic melodies.

For Soussan, the most exciting compo- During Passover, as the leader circles the nent was the state-of-the-art fitness center. table, a Seder plate is held over and bounced As a serious weight lifter for many years, he off of each participant’s head. Our oldest had spent most of his time at Bally’s while daughter, Samantha, recently returned from he was a member of the JCC. He occasion- an exciting Birthright experience.” ally used the few weights that were kept in Someday, Soussan would like to take the converted JCC racquetball court, but his family to Morocco. His friend, David his routine was limited.

Wolfe, recently returned with photographs Soussan now exercises in the Konikoff of the pristine Jewish cemetery where many Fitness Center three to four times a week. of Soussan’s ancestors have been buried.

He says with conviction, “I would put this “The shtetls, ghettos and homogeneous gym up against any other in Tidewater. All neighborhoods of yesteryear are long gone,” of the equipment and televisions are state- Soussan stresses. “Today, the Sandler of-the-art, updated and in good condition Family Campus is the most logical place while the locker rooms and showers are for us to gather. By understanding the part clean. The towel service is also included!” that our JCC plays in the importance of Although Soussan still has his lifetime our people’s continuity, we will be able to membership at Bally’s, he prefers to work sustain our cultural home for all generaout on campus. The Sunday morning spin tions to enjoy.” With conviction, Soussan class has a loyal following and each week emphasizes, “Because of all that it has to he sees friends coming from their Zumba offer, our Jewish Community Center is so workout. “The haimisha feeling that exists much more than just its workout facility. ”

0%

03% 45%

86.72%

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0%

86.72%

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67.58% 86.72%

56%

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67.58% 86.72%

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78.13% 98.05%

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78.13% 98.05%

0%

9.77%

80.86% 100%

1.56%

9.77%

80.86% 100%

1.56%

24.22%

26.56% 85.16% 100%

26.56% 85.16% 100%

Pantone 179 C

56%

221%

136%

65%

221%

136%

65%

216%

116%

62%

216%

116%

62%

212%

95%

45%

212%

95%

45%

189%

86%

46%

189%

86%

46%

132%

62%

39%

132%

62%

39%

24.22%

80% 50% 30% 50% 80%

Wishing you peace and happiness at Passover

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™

03% 45%

100% Black

80% 50% 30% 50% 80%

Pantone 179 C

80% 50% 30% 50% 80%

Pantone 322 C

Pantone 322 C

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The Festival of Passover

9

99

Yehuda Israeli Matzos 5 lb. pkg.

9

Manischewitz Matzos 5 lb. pkg.

3

1

49

29

Mrs. Adler’s Gefilte Fish

2

5

Kedem Grape Juice

64 fl. oz., select varieties

2$

ONLY

250

for

ea.

Streit’s Matzo Ball or Matzo Ball Soup Mix

24 oz., select varieties

99

99

2$

ONLY

250

for

ea.

4.5 oz., select varieties

5

25.4 fl. oz., select varieties

12 oz.

1099

499

lb.

Teva Kosher Brisket

Horseradish Root

64 fl. oz., select varieties

Save an additional $1.50 with manufacturer’s mail in rebate on bottle

“Let all those who are hungry, come and eat.”

– Passover Haggadah

In the spirit of the Holiday, let’s work to stamp out hunger this Passover season. Buy any Manischewitz ® or Season® items and a portion of your purchase will be donated to the United Soup Kitchens in Israel. Applies to purchases made March 11-April 12, 2012. Some exclusions and limitations may apply.

199 ea.

Streit’s Matzo Meal

2$

ONLY

250

for

ea.

2

ea.

Streit’s All Natural or Gluten Free Cake Mixes 12 oz. pkg.,

5

4$

1

25

for

ea.

349

Goodman’s Onion Soup Mix 2.75 oz.,

Gold’s Duck Sauce

select varieties

599

ea.

5 oz., select varieties

3

1

ea.

Osem Cucumbers

Osem Family Size Soup Mixes

549 ea.

Ungar’s Frozen Gefilte Fish

22 oz. pkg., sweet or sugar free, Kosher for Passover

4

ea.

for

4

Osem Passover Cakes

18 oz., select varieties

8.8 oz. pkg., select varieties

Passover Perishables 79 79

1

Tabatchnick Passover Soups 15 oz., select varieties

6 oz., select varieties

ONLY

$

299 ea.

Osem Bissli or Bamba Multipack 6 oz., 6-pk., select varieties

3

329

7 oz. pkg.

13 oz. pkg., select varieties

Meal Mart Chopped Chicken Liver

Manischewitz Passover Blintzes

2

ea.

2$

for

4

utz Passover Chips 6 oz., regular or no salt

0.9-1 oz., select varieties

ONLY

Halutza Olives

7-9 ct. in Brine, 19 oz.

14.1 oz. pkg., select varieties

for

Glicks Potato Chips

Glicks Ketchup

Must Sugar Free Gum

8 oz.

ONLY

129

5

2$

for

59¢

Celebrate with Foods from Israel 2$ 29 $2 2$ $2

29

select varieties

24 oz.

Holiday Fruit Slices

Savion Marshmallows

10 oz.

250

349

mix, match & save

Bartons Almond Kisses Tin

ONLY

40 oz., select varieties

select varieties

Holiday Chocolate Matzo 7 oz.,

33.8 fl. oz., black cherry or cream, select varieties

10 fl. oz. can

5

299

Dr. Brown’s Passover Soda

Manischewitz Chicken Broth

8 oz. pkg., select varieties

ONLY

119

129

Manischewitz Passover Tams

16 oz. pkg.

99

5

Manischewitz Passover Egg Matzo

lb.

Kedem Apple Juice

Kedem Sparkling Juice

99

129

Elite Chocolate Bars

3 oz., select varieties

249

Breakstone Whipped Butter 8 oz., select varieties

Prices Effective March 26th thru April 14th Quantity rights reserved. Rain Check: We strive to have on hand sufficient stock of advertised merchandise. If for any reason we are out of stock, a Rain Check will be issued enabling you to buy the item at the advertised price as soon as it becomes available. Art is for

32 | Jewish | March 26, actual 2012 illustration purposesNews only and may not represent items. No Sales To Dealers Please. Not all items available at all stores. Fuel Rewards not available at all locations. ©2011 SUPERVALU INC. All rights reserved. All proprietary trademarks are owned by SUPERVALU INC. or its subsidiaries. All third party trademarks are owned by their respective owners.