The Reflector May 2020

Jewish Community Federation

Reflector

the

in this

issue COMMUNITY

Volume 68 | Issue 5

STAY HEALTHY & SAFE

Iyar/Sivan 5780

| May 2020

A Community of Heroes!

VIRTUAL SEDER PAGES 12-13

AGENCIES

HEROES ARE HERE PAGES 8-9

COMMUNITY

LOTS OF BOOKS PAGE 22

TABLE of CONTENTS

OF RICHMOND

FEDERATION

3

AGENCIES

7

SYNAGOGUES

17

COMMUNITY

18

FOUNDATION

21

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Federation Happenings

JCFR: CARING FOR OUR COMMUNITY

The Jewish Community Federation of Richmond continues to monitor the situation, update our community, give guidance, and distribute resources about the COVID-19 pandemic as more information becomes available.

During this challenging time, it is more important than ever to maintain our community spirit and sense of connectedness without compromising our health and safety.

Whether this means scheduling regular check-ins with elderly family or friends – using the phone or facetime – or whether this means participating in something virtual via Zoom coordinated by the Federation, other local Jewish Agencies, your Synagogue, community group or others – we all can all help people find ways to stay connected and feel supported.

For more information including details on how to contribute to the Federation’s Emergency Fund, visit www.jewishrichmond.org.

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www.JewishRichmond.org

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Federation Happenings

We were there yesterday, we will be there tomorrow, we are here for you today!

J

Daniel Staffenberg Chief Executive Officer Jewish Community Federation of Richmond

Ellen Renee Adams President Jewish Community Federation of Richmond

ust like you, we never planned for the Coronavirus to upend our lives and community.

What Federation does plan for are times like these. Times when the known and unknown impact our community.

Eighty-five years of Federation history serve as our guide.

When wars, rockets and fires broke out in Israel, we acted and supported our Israeli family, shielding them from harm and keeping them safe.

When members of our Jewish family were denied basic rights and freedoms in the Former Soviet Union, we marched together in Washington, D.C., and won their freedom, welcoming and resettling many Soviet Jews right here in Richmond.

The networks of services and infrastructure Federation supports are at work in both good times as well as tough times.

While we could not have anticipated Coronavirus, we know that no matter how difficult the crisis, our community rises to the challenge together.

We are immensely proud of how our community has united over the past two months. You will see some examples in this issue of the Reflector. You can have pride in knowing that to share them all would require a Reflector the size of a phone book. Volunteers calling seniors in the community to check in, food and supply deliveries to Beth Sholom, synagogues and the Weinstein JCC moving quickly to connect with people online, sharing of key information, joint programs and tens of thousands of dollars raised in a matter of days.

Federation’s top priority today and always is the health and safety of individuals and families in our community. Together, with agencies throughout the community, and our overseas partners and synagogues, all the vital services in our community have remained operational, providing help and support for so many struggling during this difficult time.

Federation is focused on safeguarding our most vulnerable

JCFR Officers, Board members for the 2020-21 fiscal year T he following officers and board members will serve during the 2020-21 fiscal year for the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond.

The officers and new board members will be elected at the Federation’s 85th Annual Meeting to be held virtually via Zoom on June 3, 5:30 p.m.

The officers are: President: Ellen Renee Adams; First Vice President: Stuart Siegel; Second Vice President: Matthew Grossman; General Campaign Chair: Amy Nisenson; Secretary/Treasurer: Howard S. Goldfine; Assistant Treasurer: Josh Goldberg; and Immediate Past President Nannette Shor.

The Board members are: Susan Adolf, Rabbi Dovid Asher, Rabbi Dennis BeckBerman, Irving Blank, Zach Brenner, Phyllis Ellenbogen, Seth Feibelman, David Fratwww.JewishRichmond.org

kin, David Galpern, Shelley Gouldin, Brian Greene, Helen Griffin, Robin Jackson, Seth Kaplan, Rabbi Michael Knopf, Rabbi Yossel Kranz, Hedy Lapkin, Judith Levy, Susan Meyers, Rabbi Scott M. Nagel, Ashley Noell, Josh Peck, Debra Rodman, Richard Samet, Lynn Schwartz, Charley Scher, Rabbi Hal Schevitz, Amy Melnick-Scharf, Jeff Scharf, Nathan Shor, Daniel Siegel, Clare Sisisky, Rob Slotnick, Richard Thalhimer, Elliot Warsof, James L. Weinberg, Robert Weisberger, Franklin Wolf and Rabbi Ahuva Zaches.

Honorary Board members are: Mark B. Sisisky, Richard Arenstein, Jerome Gumenick (OBM) and Neil November (OBM).

Registration and other Annual Meeting details will be forthcoming to the community shortly via email and social media. Also visit www.jewishrichmond.org.

populations, ensuring that those most in need receive the help and support they require. This includes meal deliveries and home health for isolated seniors, emergency counseling during this time of increasing uncertainty, and financial support for those facing serious hardship now and in the months come.

If you or someone you know is a member of the Jewish Community, and needs help or is experiencing financial distress, please encourage them to call the JFS Confidential Richmond Jewish Care Line at 804-525-8299.

These also are deeply challenging times for our partner agencies and communal institutions, each of whom play a critical role in meeting the needs of our community.

During these difficult times, it is critical the institutions and agencies that make the Richmond Jewish Community so vibrant continue to receive all our support.

Doing so will help ease the transition back to normal when that time comes. Since doing our part in strengthening and sustaining Federation’s network of services in our local community is essential, the Federation launched the COVID-19 Emergency Fund to provide critical resources at this time. We hope you will join us by visiting Jewishrichmond.org/covid to give generously.

We will get through this together. Please continue to follow the guidelines for protecting yourself and each other, and we look forward to seeing you in person again soon.

Ellen Renee Adams, President Daniel Staffenberg, CEO P.S. We would love to have you join us, virtually, on June 3 to connect and celebrate together for our 85th Annual Meeting. Visit Jewishrichmond.org/annualmeeting to learn more and register.

To reach out to me, call (804) 545-8622 or email daniel@jewishrichmond.

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Jewish Community Relations Committee

Building community in the time of COVID-19 T

he past few months have been both challenging and eye opening for the world and the Jewish community. In all of our work during this pandemic, however, I have seen empathy, sympathy, and compassion be our best weapons David Cohen in combating the damage this has Director Jewish Community Relations done to us physically, economically, Jewish Community Federation and emotionally.

In that spirit, I would be remiss of Richmond if I didn’t express my deepest condolences for those who have lost loved ones during this time as a result of this virus or related illnesses.

In the world of Jewish community relations and the work we do, there have been many new horizons and yet many aspects of our work that have not changed at all.

In a “normal” spring, it would be our time to bring our community together to celebrate the year that has passed. We would reconnect, re-build the bonds that hold us together, break bread, and look forward to a summer to rest and recharge.

This year however, with our need to stay at home and maintain personal distance, we have tried to come up with new ways to build community and maintain those ties. Rather than educate in person, we are trying to educate and inform in a new virtual world of Zoom and Facebook live.

Whether we are trying to create virtual community with a Passover Seder, or trying to inform on Small Business Administration loans, medical recommendations, legislative priorities, or the ever-present reality of anti-Semitism rearing its head in a crisis – we have tried to help our community stay connecting and stay engaged.

As limiting as that has been – it also has connected us with audiences who may not have come to our “live” in-person events. Some meetings have never had better attendance – we say with a wink and a nod.

So, it is a new method of connecting – but it is one we will likely use more often in the future.

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Interestingly, while some tools of our trade have changed, some of the work is what policy professionals have always done.

When we heard that Beth Sholom was in need of PPE, we did what we do. We got on the phone and called whatever contacts we had to get the real story and cut through the red tape. The only difference in the COVID-19 world is that it is all virtual.

With no knocks on doors or morning coffee’s - you have to get to the heart of the matter in other ways. The other difference is as our national response to the virus began, the lack of coordination and reliable information made things twice as hard.

Even with so many people doing their jobs the best they could – we were just not ready to answer the questions so many people had.

Is there a national stockpile? How do you qualify to get it? Will there be testing? How would we get it?

Will there be assistance for nonprofits? If there eventually is, how would one apply? Do I qualify?

And whatever the answer, how do we get to the person that knows it?

With all those questions – and the possibility of complete chaos – local policy makers, legislators, and your communal professionals all pulled together to just make it work. If that meant finding solutions to problems locally – that’s just what had to be done.

You should all be proud of your local professionals and officials who have gone above and beyond to help where they could, be available, and to get us the best information they had.

The Federation and the policy arm of the Jewish Federations of North America and the JCRC also were proud to be a leader in our community. Early on we tried to be a central source of reliable information and a clearing house for new community worship and education opportunities.

Early on, we also tried to help our community partners better un-

Del. Schuyler VanWalkenburg

Tammy Ben-Haim

During COVID-19, the first JCRC Virtual Town Hall was held with Del. Schuyler VanWalkenburg via Zoom on April 22 hosted by JCRC Chair Amy Melnick-Scharf and Jewish Community Relations Director David Cohen. To view this Zoom interview, visit www.facebook.com/JCFRichmond.

On April 27, a JCRC Virtual Town Hall was held featuring Minister for Public Diplomacy Tammy Ben-Haim, Embassy of Israel to the USA. Additional Town Halls can be viewed at www.facebook.com/JCFRichmond.

On April 28, the Federation and JCRC partnered with the Weinstein JCC’s virtual Yom HaZikaron ceremony in honor of Israeli fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism.

derstand the reality of what was coming down the road – the reality we find ourselves in right now.

With a professional staff working remotely and working in overdrive – just like all of you – we tried to keep people connected, keep people informed, and offer support where we could.

Throughout all of this our core mission remained. As the Federation began a COVID-19 Emergency Fund, the JCRC tried to keep people focused on the potential for a rise in xenophobia and anti-Semitism in any crisis.

Wherever and however this virus started, our Chinese and Asian American neighbors were not to blame. However, a virus is spread and whatever economic crisis arises in a pandemic, you can rest assured that anti-Semites will re-hash age old stereotypes and cartoons that portray “Jews”

as the ones to blame or as a virus themselves.

Our community relations work will always be about building and protecting our larger community – not tearing it down.

And in a crisis – those true colors need to be flown higher than ever.

Whatever the future holds, the Federation and the Jewish Community Relations Committee will continue to try to inform, guide and support to the best of our ability.

We are so grateful to our leadership, our community partners, and all of you who have responded to this test of our character with high marks.

L’Shalom (with peace or to a future with peace and understanding) For more information or for help on an issue feel free to email dcohen@jewishrichmond.org. www.JewishRichmond.org

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Federation Happenings

Network JCFR goes virtual for pickling on April 2 T he new reality of COVID-19 couldn’t stop Network JCFR from connecting.

On the evening of April 2, Network JCFR met remotely for a pickle making & preserved lemon tutorial.

The event had been initially scheduled in person as a brunch and cooking tutorial, but as the need arose to adjust to virtual availability, Network JCFR made necessary changes, and was able to hold the event over Zoom video.

Those who attended were able to follow along with the pickling tutorial, learn a bit of the science behind this delicious treat, and ask

questions regarding the recipes. Participants also received a copy of the recipe, so they could try their hand at making pickles, as well.

While we may be physically distant, Network JCFR is here to connect Young Professionals in the community and create an outlet for engagement.

For the status of Network JCFR upcoming Zoom or other events and other details, contact Amanda Braun at abraun@jewishrichmond.org.

Also, visit jewishrichmond.org/network or www.instagram.com/jcfrichmond/

You’ve Got A Friend With the Reflector

Y

ou rely on your friends to provide you with information that you can trust especially during these challenging times during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Reflector, which has served Richmond's Jewish Community for more than a half a century, is one of those friends.

The Reflector provides pertinent information about everything from local agency developments, meetings, Synagogue and organization news to major events in the area, in Israel and around the world.

A true friend, The Reflector provides a synopsis of what is happening in the region, deals with critical issues of modern Jewish life and the people who are making things happen in Jewish Richmond.

The Reflector serves as that valuable resource to stay connected with your Jewish community. Ad revenues and an annual allocation only take care of some of the expense to produce the monthly newspaper. So, we rely on our Friends for help.

Please see the enclosed remittance envelope with this issue of The Reflector; complete the form on the envelope and return it to us with your contribution. Thank you for being a Friend and please be safe!

Thank you to Hilda Kaplan for her recent donation to the Reflector! www.JewishRichmond.org

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Federation Happenings

Israel and Overseas Emergency Response W

(ABOVE) Pictured is a Zoom screen with a few of the nearly 100 attendees who joined the April 19 Zikaron B’Salon Program.

(RIGHT) Survivor Shelly Wiener from Greensboro, N.C., shares her powerful story of survival in Poland while hidden in a barn with little food and terrible living conditions.

Partnership2Gether – Facing Conrona2Gether Editor’s Note: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond led by Sara Rosenbaum has pro-actively engaged with our overseas partners through dozens of online interactions. hile we may be apart, the Partnership2Gether Hadera-Eiron Southeast Consortium is together as always.

Since mid-March, the partnership has offered a series of online Zoom workshops and connection activities to a variety of groups. These include cooking demonstrations and sharing recipes, reunion meet ups for past P2G missions including Leadership2Gether and Educators, and especially time to practice Hebrew and English.

Nancy Nelson, an educator from Congregation Or Ami and Henrico High School, her colleague Margaret Sequeria from Or Ami along with Hadera Educator Neta Silberg have been meeting virtually on Sundays with their respective middle and high school classes to share Hebrew and English vocabulary and making connections between the communities.

In addition, several special virtual programs were held in April that attracted large participation including a P2G Seder.

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About 250 signed up for the online Seder.

On Sunday, April 19, a virtual P2G Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Remembrance) program – Remembering2Gether – was held featuring a Survivor’s story. More than 100 people in the U.S. and Israel signed up for the special observance.

On Sunday, April 26, a P2G team in Israel held a Yom Hazikaron (Memorial Day) – Zoom observance featuring a woman from Hadera who shared a remembrance about her brother, Staff Sergeant Raz Mintz who was tragically killed during his IDF Service. She shared his life, his army service and how this has impacted her family.

Be on the lookout for future connections with our Israel families through the Partnership2Gether Facebook page and the JCFR communications. Unfortunately, many of the scheduled on-site programs including the Tikun Olam Teen Exchange with Israel teens visiting the U.S. this summer have had to be canceled.

For more information, contact Sara Rosenbaum, director of Community Impact and Planning, JCFR, at srosenbaum@ jewishrichmond.org.

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hile much of our focus is on our Richmond local community during this time, we need to remember our fellow Jewish Communities all over the world and in Israel. Covid-19 is a global epidemic and reminds us no one is really alone and unites us all.

The Jewish Agency for Israel continues to support vulnerable populations in Israel, including serving at-risk youth, battered women, the elderly, people with disabilities, and populations with special needs.

JAFI continues to support Israeli non-profits. Non-profit organizations have been critical to Israel’s development since its founding and many only exist because of the billions of dollars Jews from around the world have invested in them over the last 70+ years.

Now, in these unparalleled times, we can’t stand by and let these organizations disappear due to financial difficulties. At the beginning of March, as the coronavirus crisis reached Israel, tens of thousands of non-profit employees were laid off. As the situation persists, there has been a dramatic surge in the number of organizations

seeking emergency assistance.

For more information visit https://www.jewishagency.org/ The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee continues to lead as the global Jewish 9-1-1. Their expertise and experience is needed now more than ever. They continue to address emerging needs and continuing to serve the tens of thousands of people who depend on JDC every day.

As the coronavirus continues to spread, the public health crisis it has created has led to acute humanitarian needs worldwide.

For example, across the Former Soviet Union, local Jewish community professionals and volunteers, are making regular phone calls to elderly and vulnerable clients to check on their wellbeing and needs and provide them with vital information and assistance.

For more information visit https://www.jdc.org/coronavirusupdates/ For more on JDC, community members can listen and watch a Zoom interview with Mark Sisisky, president of JDC. Visit https://www.facebook.com/JCFRichmond

Join Federation CEO Daniel Staffenberg and Board President Ellen Renee Adams in a Q & A with Mark Sisisky, president of JDC, on the global perspective & response as COVID-19 affects people across the entire globe. To view the interview conducted on April 24, visit https://www.facebook.com/JCFRichmond.

www.JewishRichmond.org

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Weinstein JCC Happenings

Weinstein JCC to host Annual Meeting Virtually on May 14 J

oin the Weinstein JCC Board of Directors, Leadership and Staff in celebrating their amazing year at the first Virtual Annual Meeting on May 14 at 5:30 p.m.

The Weinstein JCC will host this year’s event via a Zoom Webinar.

This event is free and OPEN to the community. Participants can register at weinsteinjcc.org and reserve their spot.

Simon Brooks Coming to your homes digitally, Ashley Photo by Paige Stevens this year’s Annual Meeting will be one for the books! As the Center looks to the future, the community is invited to join in thanking and celebrating outgoing Board President Sara Villalona and welcome incoming President Ashley Simon Brooks.

Also help welcome new Board Members: Sarah Arenstein Levy, Bruce Perretz, and Sara Waskin and recognize this year’s award winners: Melanie Grossman, winner of the Leroy B. Goldberg Leadership Award for emerging volunteer leadership and Sara Villalona, outgoing President and winner of the Esther, Edith, & H.J. Bernstein Volunteer Leadership Award.

Additionally, the Board will introduce their newly announced CEO, long-time community member and Weinstein JCC employee, Orly Lewis, who will share an update on the state of the Center and vision for the future.

There will be much good news to share—the community will not want to miss this exciting virtual event!

For questions, contact Victoria Ball Sheridan at vsheridan@ weinsteinjcc.org. Register at weinsteinjcc.org.

5400 Club going with Zoom

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he Weinstein JCC 5400 Club is holding Zoom programs with speakers where possible.

The speaker for May 18 is Dr. Peter Schertz of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. His topic is: “Treasures of Ancient Egypt: Sunken Cities Sunken Cities.” The program begins at 12:30 p.m.

Registration information with Zoom instructions is being sent to members who have signed up to receive.

For more information, reach out to Norman Sporn at n.sporn@gmail.com. www.JewishRichmond.org

Orly Lewis named new Weinstein JCC CEO A

fter a thorough search led by Weinstein JCC Past Presidents and Board Members Shelley Gouldin and Chris Greenberg, the Weinstein JCC is thrilled to announce the hiring of Orly Lewis to serve as the Center’s next Chief Executive Officer, effective April 1.

Orly was unanimously chosen as the most qualified candidate, one whose skills and passion match the Center’s vision and priorities, especially during the current challenging time. She is the 10th CEO in the Weinstein JCC’s history, and the first woman in this leadership role.

Orly has worked at the Center since 1998 in many capacities, beginning her journey as the Director of the Melton Adult Education Program, and then continuing as the Cultural Arts Director, working her way up to Director of Adult Services, Chief Operating Officer, Interim CEO, and now CEO. Through her many years and roles, Orly has learned every corner of our Center and programs and knows our members, constituents, incredible staff, leaders, and our Richmond and Jewish community.

Not only does Orly bring to the role her many years of service, she has also helped navigate the Weinstein JCC through the present pandemic.

The current public health emergency has posed as great a challenge to the JCC members, employees, and the community as any in the agency’s existence.

Sara Villalona, Board President at the time of Orly’s hiring shares, “Throughout all that the Weinstein JCC is facing, Orly has led with a keen mind, a generous heart, bottomless empathy and boundless creativity.”

As the first generation of her family to be born in Israel, Orly’s ancestry lived in Tunisia for generations, and were part of an active and flourishing Jewish community. They endured much hardship during and after World War II. Due to hostility in the region in 1956, Orly’s parents had to leave everything behind, literally overnight, and

rebuild their lives in Israel.

They had to learn new skills, a new language, and adapt to the young new country of Israel.

H o w e v e r, Orly and her five siblings were always taught to take great pride in their rich cus- Orly Lewis Contributed Photo toms and traditions.

Just as her mother and father adapted to life in Israel, Orly came to Richmond as a young adult, learned a new language, new skills, a new culture, and built her own family with her husband, Doug Lewis, and their four children.

Orly’s passion and dedication for the Weinstein JCC and for the Richmond community is unceasing.

“I am honored to have been entrusted to be the next CEO of the Weinstein JCC, and I am grateful and inspired by our devoted staff and committed lay leadership. The world has certainly changed since our Center was born nearly 75 years ago, and we can certainly feel that impact today. Nevertheless, we plan on going forward with courage and determination, as we build and serve our community. Our mission and purpose for existence have not changed.”

For any questions or comments, please email contact@weinsteinjcc.org.

The Weinstein JCC is supported, in part, by a generous contribution and programming grant from the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond.

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Beth Sholom Happenings

A Big Thank You to the Community!

Dear All, On behalf of Beth Sholom Senior Living, I would like to take this opportunity to say “thank you” to the individuals, agencies and organizations for all of your generous donations of time, money, meals, kind words and support.

The compassion and generosity that has been shown to us during this unprecedented time has been overwhelming. To thank you adequately is impossible.

We are all feeling the effects of this pandemic. My heart and goes out to those of you who are suffering and lost love ones during this difficult time.

Hopefully soon, with the help and support of each other we can all begin moving forward toward our new normal.

Warmly, Morris S. Funk President and Chief Executive Officer

Beth Sholom Senior Living is closed for visitors.

For those who would like to make a gift of any treats to employees, they kindly ask that you email communications@bslcc.org. The

Beth Sholom employees have received a number of special treats from the Beth Sholom Board and others.

Thank you to all the community members for your wonderful donations to the Food Pantry for the residents at Beth Sholom Woods.

The Woods would especially like to thank Wegman’s for its recent donation of Passover food.

We are finding things the residents particularly need are household goods should you like to donate.

Paper Towels Dish Soap Laundry Pods Tissues Napkins Toilet Paper Toothpaste To drop off donations, we request people call ahead to 804-741-4691.

The office is open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

As always, we appreciate your continued support!

employees thank everyone for their kindness.

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www.JewishRichmond.org

A Campus of Heroes

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Beth Sholom Happenings

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the residents, health care workers and other staff members in nursing homes and senior assisted living facilities have faced unbelievable daily challenges staying healthy and safe. At Beth Sholom Senior Living, the residents have lived under self-isolation but have stayed connected with family virtual visits. The community gives a big shout-out to the 250 employes and our residents who have kept their smiles and braved very difficult conditions during the past two months of this crisis. Pictured are a few of the residents holding their special awards, having visits with their loved ones through windows, making masks for everyone and two employees posing at the front entrance. We have heroes at Beth Sholom! For more photos, visit www.bethsholomliving.org.

www.JewishRichmond.org

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JFS Happenings

Transforming Lives: Strengthening Our Community Photographs on the JFS website homepage illustrate the agency’s importance to the community.

The JFS website has a video message, “We are here for you,” on its homepage from CEO Wendy Kreuter outlining the agency’s response to COVID-19, noting its long history of helping the community. To view it, visit www.jfsrichmond.org.

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ince March 15, Jewish Family Services has been adapting and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

We started offering telehealth counseling sessions by secure video call. Our volunteers reached out to more than 250 older adults to offer free daily telephone reassurance.

We’re delivering food and supplies to isolated seniors. We provided personal protective equipment, childcare stipends, and overtime pay to our care staff.

“Our 170-year history provides us with strong guidance,” noted CEO Wendy Kreuter in a special video message, We are here for you,” on the agency’s webpage.

She explained, “JFS has been here before. During the pandemics of the early 1900s, our volunteers supported the victims and their families.

“Zipporah Cohen was JFS’ President through it all, from 1904 - 1937, and her words ring true today:

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“No matter what may come to us or how severe … we will be able to meet these demands, for in the hearts of our people dwell love and charity.”

“She led JFS volunteers through a pandemic, World War I and the Great Depression,” Kreuter said.

She continued, “During the pandemic of the early 1900s, JFS cared for the sick and supported their families, and today is no different.

“JFS is still here to serve the Richmond community a century later.”

Her message continues. “We are here for you.”

“We are here for emotional support. JFS counselors are offering remote sessions for secure video calls in the comfort of our clients’ homes.

“We are here to support isolated older adults. Our volunteers call seniors daily to check on them. Home health aides care for seniors in their homes. JFS counselors serve seniors in assisted liv-

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Zipporah Cohen led JFS through a major pandemic in the early 1900s.

ing centers via video call.

“We are here to protect the vulnerable,” Kreuter said.

“Our public guardianship staff completes welfare checks on clients living alone to ensure they have food, supplies and know how to protect themselves.

“We are here for you.

“We are honored to share our mission of transforming lives and strengthening our community with you. Thank you.”

To view the full video message, visit www.jfsrichmond.org.

To contact JFS, call 804-2825644.

Jewish Family Services is supported, in part, by a generous contribution and a programming grant to support the Jewish Care Line from the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond. www.JewishRichmond.org

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JFS Happenings

Wendy Kreuter, JFS CEO, was the first guest on a new virtual series, Community Connections With Daniel, that kicked off March 26 hosted by Daniel Staffenberg, JCFR CEO.

Community Connections: Wendy Kreuter Editor’s note: JFS CEO Wendy Kreuter was interviewed on March 26 by Federation CEO Daniel Staffenberg in the inaugural virtual series, Community Connections with Daniel. The following are excerpts from the interview that is posted on the JCFR Facebook page.

“We feel equipped through our history ... ,” noted CEO Wendy Kreuter while discussing how JFS is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

She explained that Zipporah Cohen, JFS president from 1904-1937, led the agency through several epidemics - Tuberculosis, Typhoid and the influenza epidemic of 1917-1918.

JFS has remained open and functional during the current outbreak even though some face-to-face services had to be changed using technology.

“We have strong leadership here and in our community. This is what we are here for and this is what we do. With the support and partnership with the Federation, we feel very fortunate to be here and help,” she said.

“Our programs are open and we feel especially proud to have the Richmond Jewish Care Line to help those in need in the community. This was established several years ago with support from the Federation, Richmond Jewish Foundaton and private donor partners in the community.”

Kreuter said it is in place to help those in this crisis and othertimes. “We are ramped up to help for such things as providing groceries, helping with rent resources and much more. We have people the callers can contact for help. We are ready to help if people need to call us.”

The Richmond Jewish Care Line is managed by JFS social workers who follow all confidential guidelines with the callers, she explained.

“They know the calls are sensitive and they are careful to keep all information very confidential. Our staff want to determine the needs of the individuals and how best to help the callers.”

She said the social workers can suggest other support organizations for assistance that the callers may not know about.

“For example, people may be looking for a job and we can offer help in this area. We have many resources.”

It is a dedicated line for calls that are answered during weekdays. People can leave a message at night and the call will be returned the next day.

“We also monitor the line during the weekends,” she said. “If there is a crisis, we try to do what we can to help at that time.”

JFS is providing a wide range of services during the crisis too, Kreuter added.

“Working with the Federation professional staff, our friendly telephone volunteers have called all of the identified Jewish seniors in the community,” the CEO said.

“Touching base with them was important. This was so great to make sure they were doing OK now.”

She noted the JFS home care and care management programs also are open.

“We also have implemented telehelp with our counselors. Anyone in the community who is in need of mental health services, can contact us.”

Responding with Care to those in Need Confidential. Compassionate. Understanding.

(804) 525 - 8299

She said regular JFS clients who had been coming into the office for counseling have been re-scheduled through telehelp.

“We were able to do this without having a break in service for them. It was challenging to move quickly and set this up, but it has been working well.”

She added, “Through the help and donation of Ipads by the Federation, we were able to get them out to seniors in assisted living facilities, so our counselors could continue to reach out to them through Zoom meetings.”

“Just having that connection was so important for the seniors.”

Kreuter noted,“We have been doing this for a long time, and are happy to be here for the community.”

To reach out to help JFS with donations during the crisis and for more information, email jfs@richmond.org.

To view the full March 26 interview, visit, www.facebook.com/JCFRichmond

Richmond Jewish

Care Line

• Short-term emergency assistance for necessities like food, rent, medications, utilities, and car repairs • Financial counseling • Case management services including planning for future stability • Career counseling and job search coaching • Navigation of the public benefits process

www.JewishRichmond.org

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May 2020 Iyar/Sivan 5780 | the Reflector |11

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Jewish Community Happenings

JCFR President Ellen Renee Adams welcomes all to the Virtual Community Seder. Also pictured on this page are clockwise Roben Farzad, Seder leader; Rabbi Dovid Asher, Rabbi Michael Knopf, Rabbi Ahuva Zaches, Rabbi Scott Nagel and Rabbi Hal Schevitz.

Contributed Photos

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he Jewish Community Federation of Richmond wishes to thank all the wonderful cast members, directors and producers of our Virtual Community Seder. There were nearly 60 on-camera participants. The following in their order of appearance took park in the Virtual Seder. Thank you all!

To view the Seder, visit www.facebook.com/JCFRichmond.

• Ellen Renee Adams, President, JCFR • Roben Farzad, Seder leader • Susan Adolf • Julia Salzberg • Robin Salzberg • Ava Salzberg • Rabbi Dovid Asher, Keneseth Beth Israel • Roberta Oster • Claudia Sachs • Noah Villalona • Caleb Villalona • Lucas Villalona • Sara Villalona • Rabbi Michael Knopf, Temple Beth-El • Sabrina Galpern • Kayla Galpern • Aaron Galpern • Sloan Alexander Grossman • Gavin Eli Grossman • Kaden Staffenberg • Eli Staffenberg • Logan Staffenberg • Mackenzie Young • Jacob Young • Elana Asher • Yaakov Asher

• Ora Asher • Matt Jackson • Grey Jackson • Emory Bender • Izabella Bender • Olivia Brownstein • Alexandra Brownstein • Cantor Dara Rosenblatt, Temple Beth-El • Dr. Amos Habib • Yuliya Habib • Elina Habib • Leah Habib • Simon Habib • Susan Krumbein • Lee Krumbein • Iris Krumbein • Nathan Krumbein • Esta Kornstein • Rabbi Hal Schevitz, Congregation Or Atid • Charlotte Lynn • Henry Lynn • Jessica Lynn • Brian Lynn • Alisa Shapiro • Alex Shapiro • Lila Shapiro • Rabbi Ahuva Zaches, Congregation Or Ami

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• Naomi Schevitz • Rabbi Scott Nagel, Congregation Beth Ahabah • Cantor Sarah Beck-Berman Congregation Beth Ahabah • Rabbi Dennis Beck-Berman, Congregation Brith Achim • Daniel Staffenberg, CEO, JCFR

Thanks to the following who helped “behind the scenes.”

• David Cohen, director, Jewish Community Relations, JCFR • Sandy Davis, office manager, JCFR • Robin Jackson, JCFR Board • Roben Farzad, Seder leader www.JewishRichmond.org

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Jewish Community Happenings

Pictured on this page are more of the “cast� members of the Virtual Seder. We thank all the community members who took part in this successful event. Stay safe and healthy.

The JCFR wishes to thank VPM, our local PBS partner, and its team for hosting the Virtual Seder and providing the technical support to make it a success.

The team members are: Mason Mills, Steve Humble and Jayme Swain The JCFR also thanks Publix as a financial sponsor. www.JewishRichmond.org

Federation CEO Daniel Staffenberg gives closing remarks at the Virtual Seder.

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May 2020 Iyar/Sivan 5780 | the Reflector | 13

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RTA Happenings

In an April 2nd Zoom interview with JCFR CEO Daniel Staffenberg, RTA Principal Yosef Bart describes how the school has successful gone virtual for students.

RTA will unfortunately not be able to hold the

2020 Chesed Dinner as planned.

Stay tuned for further updates from the school.

Our esteemed honorees: Chesed Honoree Rebecca Kalman-Winston, ABCD Honoree Yali Klestzick, and Triple YoD (years-of-dedication) Awardees Rabbi Baruch Sherman and Morah Joan Cantor are not off the hook yet!

RTA goes virtual!

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TA has gone to a virtual school for its students and teachers and this rapid transition has been a success, noted RTA Principle Yosef Bart in a recent Zoom interview with JCFR CEO Daniel Staffenberg.

“All things considered, saying these times are unprecedented doesn’t really describe what the challenge is for our school and for schools all over the country and world. And I have to say for RTA, it has gone very smoothly,” noted the Rabbi.

“We did it practically overnight in March. It took incredible coordination and dedication for everyone particularly the world’s greatest teaching staff we have at RTA!” “It has been incredibly positive for everyone especially the children.”

He added, “In almost every area, things have gone smoother in the tech area than we could have anticipated. The engagement of the students is much higher than we could have been expected. We also have accomplished curriculum objectives, something we thought might not be possible.”

RTA hoped this teaching via Zoom might be temporary but now understand it could last the rest of their school year.

“While we hope this could

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change, we know this might not be the situation having our students return to the school by the end of the school year.”

He explained that Zoom offers several ways for students to continue their school year. “Even if they might not have an internet connection or a limited connection at their home, they can call in by telephone.”

The Rabbi credits the teachers for stepping forward quickly for teaching via Zoom. “They did in several days what it should have taken a summer to prepare for! They had to prepare for an entire new school year. This is incredible dedication. Some teachers who initially were more tech savy helped bring along some whom were not.”

One veteran teacher, however, is now doing Zoom breakout sessions after learning quickly how to accomplish using this teaching tool.

The Rabbi continued, “We have found that it is important for the students to see one another and their teachers via Zoom. Doing this another way by videos does not offer the same capacity and outcome.”

“Parents have told me that one of the bright spots of the day for their children is when they can be in their (Zoom) class and seeing their

14| the Reflector| May 2020 Iyar/Sivan 5780

To stay in the loop with Chesed and other RTA updates, or to hear the latest and greatest about RTA‛s Online School, we invite you join our e-mail list by reaching out to rabbibart@rudlin.com friends.”

He noted, “The social action is huge for them. Watching videos and then taking a test is not enough. Having a teacher also is vital. We had to have that aspect.”

RTA teachers realized they had to streamline their teaching methods and students could not be on Zoom all day.

Many parents are working from home at this time and need to be on their computers for their jobs. Also, there may be several children in the household who all need to be on a single computer.

“We had to tweak the teaching on Zoom a few times to help everyone. We have also asked parents to make sure the Zoom teaching was not creating stress on their child.”

The Rabbi said, “Most important, we want this to be flexible at times like this for everyone.”

Before virtual teaching began, parents were able to come to the school on a pick up day under strict safety protocols to

gather and take home the necessary books and other materials their children would need. In addition, RTA offered parents the opportunity to sign out Chrome books that normally must stay in school.

“We were happy to this,” he said. “Most were signed out and taken home.”

The Rabbi said the school and its board are working on a road map for the next school year to further adapt to the environment.

“Challenges like these either can bring out the very best and worst in people, but for our Jewish community, I feel overwhelmingly it has brought out the best.

The camaraderie in our community is inspiring.”

To view the full video done on April 2, visit www.facebook.com/JCFRichmond.

Rudlin Torah Academy is supported, in part, by a generous contribution and programming grant from the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond. www.JewishRichmond.org

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Synagogue Happenings

Or Atid Happenings

Rabbi Hal Schevitz of Congregation Or Atid with his daughter, Naomi, took part in the Virtual Community Seder coordinated by the JCFR and hosted by VPM. They had several scenes together in their home. To view the Seder, visit www.facebook.com/JCFRichmond.

www.JewishRichmond.org

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May 2020 Iyar/Sivan 5780 | the Reflector | 15

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Synagogue Happenings

Beth-El Religious School Happenings

By Ramona L. Brand Director of Youth Learning Making Online Religious School a Virtual Reality e celebrated Purim in early March with the distant rumblings of Coronavirus as the pandemic began to speed its way across the country.

On Wednesday, March 11, I sent an outline of safety protocols to the teaching staff for the upcoming Sunday, including disinfecting instructions, wearing gloves, wiping down desks, and refraining from too many hugs. The next day, March 12th our buildings were closed and would remain closed for the foreseeable future.

Literally from scratch we were all propelled into living, working, and socializing online and I was challenged to transform an entire school from a physical entity into a virtual one.

Prior to the pandemic, I had participated in the occasional online meeting or workshop, but had no knowledge of how to run one. With no time to ‘dip my toes’ in the water, I plunged into learning how to host zoom meetings, retool our curriculum for digital instruction and engage students and families.

Our sense of what community meant had been thrown into a maelstrom and we needed to provide continuity, connection and care in this incredibly stressful event.

The teaching staff didn’t just rise to the occasion, they soared! Without missing a beat the teachers spent hours along with me learning how to navigate Zoom, reorganizing our schedules, converting traditional classroom curriculum into best online practices.

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We fretted together, created together, shared ideas, material s, anxieties and triumphs. Together we successfully responded to meeting the Jewish educational needs of our children and families and have managed to maintain a vibrant and interesting school without missing a single session in our school year.

From developing online games, virtual T’fillah, story power points, virtual museum tours and scavenger hunts, we have stretched and grown. And our families responded, they made Jewish cooking videos to share, participated in building scavenger hunts around the city, lead virtual t’fillah prayers, dressed in costumes for Passover charades, learned to play Hatikvah on the piano and stayed engaged.

We have stayed connected to each other and strengthened our bonds, while we await an eventual return to our physical space.

Many thanks to the our teachers: Lisa Wilburn, Pre-K; Kelly Crockett, Jr. K and Kindergarten; Sofia Piracha, Grade 1; Harlan Loebman, Grade 2; Miriam Aniel, Grade 3-4; Rabbi Bill Kraus, Grade 5 and Wednesday Hebrew team; Brandon Metheny, Grade 6-7 and KOACH; Rabb Michael Knopf, Confirmation; Cantor Dara Rosenblatt, Rabbi Ilan Pardo, Mike Doniger, Wednesday Hebrew; Claudia Sachs, Music Several of our teachers shared their experiences Harlan Loebman, 2nd grade: “Initially, it was a bit daunting. We had to learn the new technology within just a couple of days. However, it has proven to be a very useful tool which keeps our families and students connected. It takes a bit more work putting the classes together, as we are giving them work to do at home AND preparing a Sunday School program.

All in all, my belief this has been rewarding for the students, parents, and teacher during this time of national pandemic.”

Claudia Sachs, Music Specialist:”Virtual music

The pictures on both pages show both Beth-El online classroom activities and children engaged at home in online classroom activities.

classes with Temple Beth-El have been such an uplifting opportunity for our community during this difficult time. I always enjoy seeing my students’ faces on Zoom calls on Sundays as they connect with their Jewish spirits. During a virtual class, we can’t all sing at the same time because of a lag, so I miss hearing their beautiful voices singing along.”

She continued, :Seeing my students dancing and singing with their parents and grandparents brings me so much joy, and I’m able to reach more students than I could during an ‘in-person’ Sunday class At virtual Religious school, we build one community that is supportive, fun, and welcoming through music, learning, reading, and dancing.”

Brandon Metheny, Grades 6-7 and KOACH: “The transition from in-person to virtual teaching has honestly gone smoother than I expected it to. We had just a couple of days of notice before our initial distance teaching session, and then we had to prepare to transition online for the rest of the year. I was honestly worried that, with teaching older grades, I may just not have anyone show up!

What I quickly learned, though, is that there are significant benefits

to online teaching. Don’t get me wrong, I still miss seeing my students and fellow teachers, and hope to be back in person soon.”

He continued, “But students today are often spending their time looking at their phones and laptops, so if I can have them learning while doing so, I’ll happily take it. With this technology, we’ve been able to watch videos as a class, have discussions where they can take over briefly, and quickly move between sources and texts.

The types of interactivity have changed, but are still valuable.

He added, “We may not be able to do some of the projects as we did them before, but we can use this technology to look up new information, move around maps and landscapes, and translate things from Hebrew to English and back again. And our t’fillah sessions have been great! Even in just a few weeks, the students’ familiarity and comfort with the Torah services has grown by leaps and bounds.

He concluded, “It’s not the same, of course, and I can’t wait to be back in the classroom again.

But I’m glad we can bring the classroom into their homes.”

www.JewishRichmond.org

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Synagogue Happenings

Proudly Serving Richmond Since 1991

HOMESTYLE GREEK AND ITALIAN Take out and curbside pick up!

Religious School raises over $1,400 for FeedMore

With the onset of the Caronavirus pandemic, the Religious School sought to find a way to alleviate hardship created by this crisis.

This year we donated our school-wide Tzedakah to FeedMore, Richmond’s foodbank serving the metro area and Central Virginia. Due to Covid-19 and the current situation, many families are facing increased financial hardship, and food insecurity on a daily basis.

Along with an increased need for food assistance there is simultaneously a decrease in donations due to restrictions on movement and economic uncertainty.

Through the generosity of the school families, and May Religious School Calendar Sundays: May 3, 10, 17 (May 24th held in reserve) Wednesdays: May 6, 13, 20 NEW! Entering Shabbat Storytime: Fridays at 4 p.m.

Get ready for Shabbat with Ramona. Stories, songs, activities, blessings and more! For families with children, from birth through elementary school.

Dates: May 1, 8, 15 Location: Wherever you are!

For Zoom Link and Password information, email Ramona Brand at r.brand@bethelrichmond.org

9068 WEST BROAD STREET

270-6026

staff we raised, as of this writing, over $1,400, which was donated to Feed More.

We know that our donation can make a positive impact on our community and fight hunger, for those who have been experiencing food insecurity, as well as those who find themselves newly dependent on foodbanks.

You can access the story “Maddi’s Fridge” to learn more about the “hidden” issue of food insecurity. This heartwarming story of friendship presents the issue of food insecurity in an honest but encouraging manner to children.

To read the story and learn more, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wX0i60dPCUs, Temple Beth-El Tot Shabbat Services Saturday, May 2 Via Zoom For families with children from infant to age 5. This servvice is open to the entire community.

Families can enjoy a Shabbat service geared for young children and filled with music, stories, movement and more.

Theme: Shavuot : Let’s Count to Ten! Time: 9 a.m. Location: Wherever you are!

For Zoom Link and Password information, email Ramona Brand at r.brand@bethelrichmond.org

A successful Chometz hunt!

www.JewishRichmond.org

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May 2020 Iyar/Sivan 5780 |the Reflector | 17

.Books donated to children in Jewish Community Happenings

Laburnum Elementary area

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s a result of book donations from a group of community mentors with the Richmond Jewish Coalition for Literacy and other friends, children in the neighborhood near Laburnum Elementary School will have a number of new books to read.

In mid-April, Assistant Principal Erin Comny and RJCL mentor Claudia Biegler, distributed many books to the little libraries surrounding the Laburnum Elementary School community.

In thanking the book donors, Comny said, “Through your donations we will be able to continue to distribute books to these locations for many weeks. Our principal, Mrs. Henderson is sending out an email notice to all par(From left) Assistant Principal Erin Comny, Laburnum Elementary School; and longtime ents and teachers to alert them that we have RJCL mentor Claudia Biegler hold some of the books to be distributed and ready for supplied these much needed books ! Thank children to pick up and read. Contributed Photos you again for your ardent support for Laburnum and our literacy program.”

Several other thank you notes have been A closeup view of one the Henrico County Pubreceived. The following was received from a lic Schools Book Nook drop-off in the Laburnum area. teacher.

Good Afternoon, Readers Cafe Mentors, THANK YOU SO MUCH for you continued dedi- The following contributed books for this cation and commitment to the students at Laburnum special initiative: Elementary. I appreciate the time and effort you make Claudia Biegler Beth Edelstein to read with our students throughout the school year.

The students LOVE their time with you and miss you Miriam Davidow Phyllis Ellenbogen dearly right now! I also want to take a moment to thank you for collecting and donating so many won- Barbara Simon derful books for our students. During these uncertain Margo Shayne times, having the comfort of a book to enjoy with their Diane Hurwitz Joan Menkes family will certainly brighten any child’s day.

I thank each of you for being such strong advocates Nicole and Dave Unice and family.

Thank you all who support RJCL and of literacy! the students at Laburnum and Swansboro I appreciate you!

Elementary schools.

Take care, Sarah Sarah Porter Title I Instructional Coach Laburnum Elementary School

Some of the donated books from community mentors and friends.

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This Book Nook is filled with books ready for the children to take out and return when finished reading. www.JewishRichmond.org

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Jewish Community Happenings

Sofie Stahl Memorial Award Brunch honoring Susan Adolf postponed to 2021

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he Sofie Stahl Memorial Award Brunch Gala honoring a most-valued member of the Richmond Jewish and secular communities is being postponed to 2021 due to COVID-19.

Earlier this year, Susan Adolf had been selected by previous years’ recipients as the 2020 Sofie Stahl Memorial Award recipient with a brunch to honor her scheduled for this June.

However, in line with social distancing guidelines as of this issue of The Reflector and no clear date for opening the community, a new date for the brunch in 2021 is yet to be determined.

This highly coveted honor, the So-

fie Stahl Memorial Award, recognizes a Jewish woman whose volunteerism demonstrates a life-long commitment to helping those in the Richmond metropolitan area. With few exceptions, it has been given annually since 1960.

Therefore, to not be able to honor Susan this year, has been a great disappointment for Gila Chapter of Jewish Women International (JWI), the award sponsor. The planning committee has decided that it would be best to wait until a safer time for the community to celebrate with Susie, JWI, the Stahl family, previous Sofie Stahl recipients as well as Susie’s family and friends so

they can be present when she receives this richly deserved award.

She will be the 2020/2021 recipient when the event is held next year (i.e. no nominations will be sought until the fall/winter of 2021 for the 2022 award).

Founded in 1897, JWI is the leading Jewish organization working to empower women and girls by ensuring and protecting their physical safety and economic security, promoting and celebrating inter-generational leadership, and inspiring civic participation and community engagement.

Inspired by its legacy of progressive women’s leadership and guided by its

Jewish values, JWI works to ensure that all women and girls thrive in healthy relationships, control their financial futures and realize the full potential of their personal strength.

For more information, contact Arlene Slutzah at (804) 747-0765 or arlene4907@gmail.com) or Meryl Bernstein (804-360-3131 or mamameryl@verizon. net).

Friendship Circle Happenings F

riendship Circle has gone virtual!

Covid-19 hit fast, but it did not stop friendship! Friendship Circle immediately went virtual with Friends@home, Birthday Circle and Community Events.

Friends@home has transitioned from in home visits to Zoom video visits. Teen friends and friends with disabilities now are meeting weekly on video to spend an hour having fun from reading, playing music, dancing or video games.

On April 22, Friendship Circle’s Birthday Circle went live via Zoom with the Science Museum of Virginia for an Amazing Animals live demonstration!

For our community, we hosted, again via Zoom, evening sessions for parents coping at home with children with and without disabilities at home. Featured speakers included Kira Marx and Dr. Debbie Fromer. Kira is a Friendship Circle coordinator and parent of two of her children with autism and Debbie Glasser Fromer, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist and past Chair of the National Parenting Education Network.

One area of Friendship Circle not affected by Covid-19 is our Teen Leadership Board’s ambassador project on Instagram: Project Friendship (@projectfriendship_va). Their project has been and still is all online! The teens chose this project, which is centered around promoting Friendship Circle, recruiting teen friends, and informing teens about inclusive language and disability advocacy all via Instagram.

To get involved in Friendship Circle Virtual programs, please visit our website at www.friendshipcircleva.org.

In these pictures, friends are staying connected via Zoom. www.JewishRichmond.org

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May 2020 Iyar/Sivan 5780 | the Reflector | 19

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Jewish Community Happenings

Thank you to our Advertisers The Reflector staff and Jewish Community Federation of Richmond wish to thank the following advertisers for supporting the Reflector in 2020. We ask community members to support them where possible during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As always, we thank the community for supporting the Reflector and our advertisers.

Altria Theater

Jewish Family Services

Virginia Relay

Appliances on Lakeside

Nancy Bittman Realtor

Virginia Holocaust Museum

Beth Sholom Senior Living

Nancy Evans Real Estate

Virginia Repertory Theatre

Barnes & Diehl Attorneys

Nate’s Bagels

Weinstein JCC

Bookbinder’s Seafood and Grill Publix

Westbury Apothecary

Colonial Floors

Richmond Jewish Foundation Wegman’s

Designer Deliveries

Richmond Mortgage, Inc.

Friends of the IDF

S.L.Nusbaum Realty Co.

GreeneHurlocker Attorneys

The Tax Complex

Zorba’s

Helping those in need at the Elmer Toth Food Pantry T he Weinstein JCC Elmer Toth Food Pantry, a FeedMore agency, was started by Annabelle Toth in memory of her father, Elmer Toth in 1984.

This pantry, managed and hosted at the JCC, has been busily distributing food during this time of crisis to the community in need. Pick-ups are available twice a week on Sundays (noon-1:30 p.m.) and Tuesdays (11 a.m.-1 p.m.).

Food is generously donated for distribution by Trader Joe’s and Publix, including Kosher Passover items from Publix and Wegmans.

Since the pandemic began, the pantry has distributed over 11,000 pounds of food to a record number of individuals, and the agency has also delivered food to homebound seniors and several local agencies.

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20 | the Reflector | May 2020 Iyar/Sivan

The Weinstein JCC is grateful to the help of many volunteers and staff who help make access to healthy food a reality for those who need it most throughout this time of crisis.

For any individuals or families in need, please contact Shari MenloweBarck, Adult Programming director and pantry supervisor, at sbarck@weinsteinjcc.org or call (804) 545-8611 and leave a message.

Food pick-up is open to anyone in need in the community.

Several volunteers box up food to be ready for pick up at a recent Sunday at the Center.

www.JewishRichmond.org

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Foundation Happenings

RJF work continues

Dream Home, Summer Home, Vacation Home, Retirement Home ... whether you’re looking for a high-rise on the bay, a flat in downtown or a palace on the oceanfront, I stand ready to find your new address.

I am a Hampton Roads native, raised in the Jewish Community, and am keenly aware of neighborhoods and their values.

NANCY EVANS

NancyEvans@HowardHanna.com (757) 287-5765

By Robert Nomberg president & ceo richmond jewish foundation

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s we all continue to monitor the ever-evolving circumstances surrounding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and its potential impact on our community, we want you to know that our doors are staying virtually open to help you and our community partners.

We’re making a few adjustments: For the foreseeable future we are all working from home, but doing so will not slow down the work of the Foundation.

You can continue to make grants to the charities of your choice using the donor advised fund portal and donations using credit cards.

Please mail checks and correspondence to: Richmond Jewish Foundation PO Box 17128, Richmond, VA 23226. Doing so will reduce additional stress on the Weinstein JCC staff

who initially receives our mail and will help reduce RJF staff coming to the office.

Tribute and memorial cards will be emailed instead of mailed. Please include the recipient’s email address in the message section.

As always, the health and safety of our donors and our community is our top priority. We’re in this together, and as the situation evolves, we’ll continue to do everything we can to serve our community.

Please feel free to reach out anytime via email if we can be of assistance.

Joice, Michele, Lauren and Robert

Over 30 years assisting buyers and sellers in Hampton Roads Experienced and Local ... a winning combination

Lone FIDF Soldier Ross Krumbein Honored

joice@jewishrichmond.org michele@rjfoundation.org lauren@rjfoundation.org robert@rjfoundation.org www.rjfoundation.org

Richmond Jewish Care Line

Responding with Care to those in Need

(804) 525 - 8299 Connecting People with Help.

www.JewishRichmond.org

In April, a Lone Soldier from Richmond, Ross Krumbein, received an Excellence Award for his service in the IDF. The ceremony was streamed via Zoom, in English, so his parents, Melissa and Jason Krumbein, were able to watch their son proudly in real-time.

Joining the IDF was a dream come true for Ross, and being able to share this moment with his parents who miss him so much, especially during such challenging times, made it even more meaningful.

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May 2020 Iyar/Sivan |the Reflector 5780| 21

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Virginia Holocaust Museum Happenings

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he Virginia Holocaust Museum continues to monitor the constantly evolving information, and news related to COVID-19. Similar to other museums in the Richmond area, we closed our doors in the middle of March with staff working from home.

By order of the Governor of Virginia, the doors will tentatively reopen on June 15.

Prior to closing, we implemented a rigorous cleaning schedule of public spaces and exhibits. All group tours, rentals and docent led program remain canceled until further notice.

We have also decided to move a number of upcoming programs and events, out of an abundance of caution. First, our Yom HaShoah program will be held in the Fall of 2020 (a date has not been selected yet). Additionally, we are also postponing Violins of Hope to August through October of 2021.

Lastly, we will also be making changes to our Alexander Lebenstein Teacher Education Institute, and are preparing to host it online this summer. We are hoping that this may have an unexpected positive result, and allow many more teachers to engage this year.

As always, please contact our staff by visiting www.vaholocaust.org. They have all been very busy responding to requests.

Stay safe and healthy!

VHM to hold two TEI classes online this summer T

he Alexander Lebenstein Teacher Education Institute will be held online this summer. TEI assists educators with their understanding of the Holocaust and genocide.

Sessions focus on historical background and pedagogy which link to the Virginia Standards of Learning requirements. TEI is offered in partnership with Longwood University and is funded through generous teacher sponsorships.

The two sessions, both online, will be held from June 22 - June 26 and July 20 -24.

For an application visit www.vaholocaust.org Course #1: From Context to Classroom This online course is open to teachers who have never completed the TEI. Sessions focus on the Holocaust’s historical background and pedagogy that link to the Virginia Standards of Learning requirements.

Attendees must take part in all five days of the class and successfully complete a final project in order to complete course requirements and receive a certificate of completion.

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Tuition is $30, but the application fee will be reimbursed with successful completion of all class requirements.

The course dates are: June 22 – June 26.

Course #2: Exploring Thematic Concepts of the Holocaust This online course is open to teachers who have or have not completed the TEI. Sessions build upon participants existing knowledge of the Holocaust and take in depth examination of Holocaust history and pedagogy. The week will focus on specific themes such as gender, ideology, ethics and justice.

The course dates are July 20-24.

The tuition for the course is $30, but the application fee will be reimbursed with successful completion of all class requirements.

TEI is recommended for middle and high school educators that would like to or currently teach the Holocaust in their classrooms.

For applications to be complete, educators will need a recommendation from their principal, department head or curriculum specialist.

For more information, contact Megan Ferenczy, Director of Education, VHM, at mferenczy@vaholocaust.org.

Liberator Spotlight: Ruth Puryear and Pete Pettus

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eventy-five years ago, the Concentration Camps were liberated.

For its Yom HaShoah Observance last month, the Virginia Holocaust Museum posted photos and spotlights on social media and sent emails to honor some of the military Liberators. Two of those were Ruth Puryear, a volunteer nurse, and Army Pfc. James “Pete” Petus.

On April 11, 1945, prisoners in Buchenwald revolted and seized control of the camp. Shortly after, soldiers from the 6th Armored Division arrived at the camp to find 21,000 prisoners.

On April 22, 1945, the 107th Evacuation Hospital entered Buchenwald to provide medical aid. Ruth Puryear (née Motter) was a nurse with the 107th who volunteered as an Army nurse in 1942. She landed in France on D-Day + 3 and arrived at Buchenwald with the 107th.

“I thought I’d grown used to seeing suffering and death after being in a combat zone for ten months.

But nothing prepared me for the shock I received when we entered the camp. I shall always remember

the heaps of dead bodies lying near the crematorium, the bodies were skin and bones, many had black and blue marks and broken bones where they had been beaten.”

On April 29, 1945, the 42nd and 45th Infantry Divisions and the 20th Armored Division of the United States Army liberated Dachau. The camp held nearly 32,000 prisoners and several dozen boxcars filled with decomposing bodies.

Among those serving with the 42nd Rainbow Division was James “Pete” Pettus. Raised in Flat River, Mo., Pettus served in the Army for three years and earned a Bronze Star.

“As our troops walked by [the railcars], walking down the railroad siding, there were a lot of bodies that were laying on the ground where if they tried to escape the Germans shot them.”

To view photos of the Liberators and their commentaries and hear a message from VHM Director Samuel Asher, visit www.vaholocaust.org We must never forget!

www.JewishRichmond.org

In Memoriam Alan Zimm 1921 - 2020

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he community mourns the passing of Holocaust Survivor Alan Zimm, who died on April 18, just one-month shy of his 100 birthday. As described by Bill Lohman in a front page column in the Richmond Times-Dispatch on April 21, he was a“tailor by trade and also in life.”

Mr. Zimm and his wife, Halina, married in 1948. They immigrated to Richmond in 1949, where they have been an great part of the Richmond Jewish Community.

Born in Kolo, Poland, Mr. Zimm was one of 9 children born to Menachem and Shaina Ziemniak. Though he had dreams of a formal education, his oldest brother, Hillel taught him the skills of tailoring that he mastered until retiring at age 97. He owned and operating Alan Zimm’s Custom Tailor Shop on Patterson Avenue for many years.

During the Holocaust, he spent time in a series of concentration camps before being liberated in 1945. He was captured in 1942 and sent with his family to the Lodz ghetto. He remained there until 1943 after which he was sent to concentration camps -- Czestochowa, Buchenwald, Dora, and Bergen Belsen. Mr. Zimm thought he was the only survivor from his family, but later found his older brother, Sol, in a German Displaced Persons (DP) Camp.

A full oral history can be viewed at the Virginia Holocaust Museum at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvxTO_GhGP0&feature=youtu.be “Perhaps the most amazing thing about Alan Zimm isn’t that he survived the torment and cruelty of being held in Nazi concentration camps when so many others didn’t, but that he lived the rest of his life not hating every creature that walked upright on two legs,” Mr. Lohman wrote.

“He never held any anger, no bitterness at all,” said his granddaughter Jordana McMahon. “He never spoke badly about the Germans. When he would speak (to groups of students and others), he would say, ‘Learn from what happened, but don’t hate people.’”

Added daughter Ruth Zimm-McMahon, “He would forgive but not forget After the war, he went to Lodz, Poland, where a survivor registry was being created.

Out of his entire family, only Mr. Zimm and his older brother Solomon survived the Holocaust. It was in Lodz where he met Halina Drexler, his future wife, and they were married in Germany.

Mr. Zimm was grateful for the new life and family he created with Halina. In an interesting turn of events, two brothers married two sisters when Mr. Zimm’s only surviving sibling Solomon, married Halina’s sister Helen (of blessed memory). Together, the two couples tried to rebuild what they’d lost in Europe and sow the seeds of a new life.

Arriving in Richmond, he worked for a few months in a haberdashery before saving enough money to open his own custom tailor shop, first on Meadow Street and then moving in the late 1950s to Patterson Avenue, near Libbie Avenue, where he used to work six days a week.

Another daughter, Rebecca Parisier, said, “He loved his work. He considered work his salvation. Work enabled him to survive.”

Over many years , both Mr. and Mrs. Zimm have shared their stories of courage and triumph to all levels of students, the military, and even prison inmates, inspiring countless numbers of people. His legacy is chronicled in the Yale Archives, Yad Vashem, the U.S. Holocaust Museum, the Shoah Foundation, and the Virginia Holocaust Museum.

May his family find comfort in the knowledge that so many share their loss and that he will live in the memory of a grateful community.

www.JewishRichmond.org

In Memoriam Helen Zimm 1924 - 2020

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he community mourns the passing of Holocaust Survivor Helen Drexler Zimm, 96, who died on April 6. She is the sister of Halina Zimm.

Mrs. Zimm was born in Lodz, Poland, in 1924, the oldest of three sisters. Her father owned a wholesale business and soap factory that had a telephone, which wasn’t common at the time. With the Nazi occupation of Poland and the persecution of Jewish people, Helen and her family were forced to flee Lodz and, fearing deportation, Helen’s father, Solomon, procured her a fake birth certificate. She lived throughout the War as a housekeeper, with the Christian identity, Niusia Kazusek. Helen and her sisters were the only members of their family to survive the Holocaust.

After the war, Helen went with her middle sister, Nana, to live with an aunt in Toronto, while her youngest sister, Halina, moved with her husband, Alan, to Richmond, in 1949. Helen met her husband, Sol Zimm (of blessed memory), through her sister and brother-in-law. Sol and Alan were brothers, also Holocaust Survivors, born in Kolo, Poland. Helen and Sol were married and she joined her husband and sister in Richmond soon after.

In Richmond, Helen and Sol developed a rich life. Every simcha was filled with song and dance, surrounded by a growing family. Judaism was the centerpiece of Helen’s life.

She spent many years sharing her story of survival and teaching tolerance in classrooms across Richmond—reminding students never to use the word “hate” but to search for compassion instead.

Helen felt a lot of pride in being able to share this story through the exhibitions at the Virginia Holocaust Museum. She was a true Zionist and lover of the State of Israel—traveling there many times including the World Gathering of Jewish Holocaust Survivors in 1981 with her entire family.

Mrs. Zimm was a life-long Hadassah member, a supporter of Camp Ramah and B’nai Brith, and devoted member of Temple Beth-El. She was honored with the Woman of Valor -- L’dor V’dor from Jewish Community Federation of Richmond.

Temple Beth-El was like a second home for her. She celebrated many simchas there including her Bat Mitzvah in 1985 that she shared with her daughter, Brenda. Mrs. Zimm spent every Saturday sitting close to the front and singing loudly. The clergy and congregation took care of her like a member of their own family—taking her to and from services, giving her a back cushion for her seat, and honoring her during Shabbat services.

Writing in the Reflector in 2004, she wrote, “My father was a wise, brave and loving man. His mission in life was to save his daughter’s lives. When he learned the Germans were going to resettle our Jewish community of Zarnow, he knew right away that unless he did something, we would all perish. At that time Polish birth certificates were a virtual passport to life. He begged a Polish lady he knew to help him obtain them for me and my two sisters so we could use them to pass as Catholics. That plan saved our lives. I owe my life to my father and mother and to that Polish lady, a righteous Gentile, who saved us.”

Mrs. Zimm continued, “I do not hate, I still believe that people are good at heart.

I believe as long as I live that I have a responsibility to speak about the Holocaust -Injustice done to one people is done to all people.”

A letter a student wrote to Mrs. Zimm after seeing and hearing her speak said that she was strong like “an oak tree.” While much shorter in stature than an oak, she was rooted in faith and firm in her belief that life was to be relished and celebrated.

May her family find comfort in the knowledge that so many share their loss and that she will live in the memory of a grateful community.

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May 2020 Iyar/Sivan 5780 | the Reflector | 23

www.JewishRichmond.org

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May 2020 Iyar/Sivan 5780 | the Reflector | 24