The Reflector January 2021

Jewish Community Federation

6

Reflector

the

in this

issue

FEDERATION

Volume 69 | Issue 1

OF RICHMOND

STAY HEALTHY & SAFE

Tevet/Shevat 5781 | January 2021

Bringing Light from Darkness SUPER SUNDAY PAGE 2

AGENCIES

HEROES WORK HERE PAGE 16

COMMUNITY

JCC/ISRAEL ADVOCATE

TABLE of CONTENTS

PAGES 14-15 FEDERATION

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AGENCIES

8

SYNAGOGUES

19

COMMUNITY

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HADASSAH

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FOUNDATION

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(ABOVE) RTA students, staff and parents with the Legano family bring donated toys, games and more to JFS for its Lights of Love program in December. These were donated in memory of 8th grade student Skyler Legano (OBM) during the special RTA Toy Drive held at the end of the year.

In addition, donations also were made to the Chai Lifeline organization and ASK Pediatric Oncology Foundation @VCU. (LEFT) Zoe Legano gently holds a teddy bear donated in memory of her brother who passed away in October.

For an article and more photos, see Page 18.

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Federation Happenings

Campaign 2021 going strong A

lthough the calendar year has come to a close, our fundraising efforts are still going strong.

While we have more work to do to ensure our Jewish community remains vibrant, sustained and supported, we are proud of what the Annual Campaign has accomplished thus far.

Led by Campaign Chair Amy Nisenson and her team, the Campaign has raised over $2.7 million from over 830 donors at Reflector press time in late December.

Of the 830 donors, nearly 220 community members who did not make a gift last year have made a gift to this Campaign.

Also, there are 100 are new gifts (never given, or haven’t given in 4+ years), and 61 are “recovered” gifts from those have not made a gift in 1-4 years.

Of the $2.7 million raised, over $650,000 are new or increased dollars, creating a 28 percent increased from these donors.

Super Sunday Our Super Sunday Virtual event over three hours on Dec. 6 was a successful day. A big thank you for all those who became a hero on Super Sunday.

Over $225,000 was raised from over 260 donors including matching funds.

Hundreds of calls were made by nearly 60 volunteers and the JCFR professional team.

While Super Sunday was held virtually over Zoom, it did not hinder the volunteers from reaching community members.

(See the names below of our volunteers.)

Super Sunday Special Awards Thank you to our amazing squad of RTA volunteers – parents, board members, staff and alumni who participated in the Super Sunday phon-a-thon. Because of their dedicated efforts, RTA earned $11,000 from the award opportunities offered to institutions!

Team RTA earned $3,000 for Most Overall Volunteers (‘Spirit Award’) and

$8,000 for Most New Gifts Collected!

Volunteers from the Weinstein JCC also stepped up by raising the most money on Super Sunday. For this great accomplishment, the Center

thank you!

Thank you to our Super Sunday volunteers Ellen Renee Adams Rebekah Adams Susan Adolf Teresa Baldwin Rabbi Yosef Bart Phyllis Ellenbogen Seth Feibelman Stanley Feuer Janet Follick Cynthia Follick Janet Gale David Galpern Robyn Galpern Josh Goldberg Shelley Gouldin Brian Greene Helen Griffin Matthew Grossman Amos Habib Robin Jackson

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Josh Jeffreys Elizabeth Jones Jacqueline Jones Rebecca Kalman-Winston Seth Kaplan Hedy Lapkin Thomas McClish Amy Melnick-Scharf Susan Meyers Amy Nisenson Isabe Paul Lisa Plotkin Sorah Plotnick Elliot Plotnick Keith Rakofsky Debra Rodman Alissa Salomonsky Jeffrey Scharf Charles Scher Nannette Shor

Nathan Shor Lenora Solodar Rachel Soloveichik Samuel Soloveichik Rebecca Spivey Jill Staffenberg Philip Sussman Richard Thalhimer Elliot Warsof Tiffany Washington James Weinberg John Weinberg Laurie Weinberg Robert Weisberger Daniella Weprin Franklin Wolf Alexander Wolman Rabbi Ahuva Zaches

received $3,000.

To make a gift to the Annual Campaign, contact Federation Director of Development Jesse Feld at jfeld@jewishrichmond.org.

REFLECTOR

THE

How good & pleasant it is for brethren to dwell in unity.

The Reflector is published monthly by the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond. Copy must be received two-and-a-half weeks prior to the date of publication. The Reflector reserves the right to edit or refuse any copy or advertisement submitted. Views expressed by guest writers and reader’s letters do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond.

Call for information about advertising in The Reflector at 545-8655. Acceptance of advertising does not endorse or guarantee Kashruth.

Ellen Renee Adams, President

Daniel Staffenberg, Chief Executive Officer Raymond (Skip) Kozakewicz, Editor Sara Rosenbaum, Director of Impact and Community Planning Jesse Feld, Director of Development and Engagement David Cohen, Director, Jewish Community Relations Meghan Kelly, Marketing Manager

Jewish Community Federation

OF RICHMOND

5403 Monument Avenue • Richmond, VA 23226

(804) 545-8620 Email: reflector@jewishrichmond.org

www.JewishRichmond.org

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Federation Happenings

Daniel Staffenberg Chief Executive Officer Jewish Community Federation of Richmond

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Renewal, Rebirth and Rebuild T hroughout our Jewish history we have had to rebuild – from the destruction of the Temple, to our exodus from Egypt, and as Survivors of the Holocaust. We have always been a resilient community.

2020 was challenging as we experienced difficult losses. Our resilience and strength has been tested time and again.

2021 will be a year of rebirth and renewal.

As we see the COVID-19 vaccine penetrate the community, and our Agencies and Synagogues begin to reopen, and our lives slowly transition back to normal, we will face key opportunities and lessons from the past year.

It’s important to learn from and remember how lonely the separation from family and friends has been. For so many, locally and overseas, this feeling of loneliness was not an isolated experience.

Our community checked in on each other, worried about those we hadn’t seen, and connected to each other in new and exciting ways.

As we begin to gather again, celebrate Sim-

Rabbi Reflection

he phrase Mother Earth conceptually originates from the second chapter of the Torah, where we read that just like a mother forms a child so too the Almighty formed mankind from the “dust of the Earth.”

The next holiday on the Jewish calendar is Tu B’Shevat where we celebrate the New Year of the Trees as recorded by the Oral Law in the first Mishna of Tractate Rosh Hashanah.

When considering that trees are one of the greatest contributors to global oxygen intake, the Jewish community ought to take a unique pride in the opportunity to annually reflect on this important holiday. While the Sages might have been referencing fruit bearing trees, all trees are represented here as

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friendship, compassion, and resilience both inside and outside our Jewish world. This will not be easy, and will take significant financial and human resources, but it is vital to Jewish life today and for generations to come.

Federation itself has had to pivot, adapt and change over the past twelve months. Our volunteer and professional teams wrestled with increased needs, growing uncertainty and challenges to our own traditional models. We have worked diligently to engage in new and meaningful ways, provide sustaining funds to our partners, protect our community, and to be there for those who fell into distress both mentally and financially.

A colleague shared that we all experienced the same storm in 2020, however, each of us was in a different boat with some more stable and secure and others much more fragile.

May we all find stability, community and resilience in 2021.

Feel free to reach out to me at daniel@jewishrichmond.org.

Mother Earth and the Holiday of Shevat

By Rabbi Dovid Asher

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chas, Shabbat dinners and community galas, let’s create space for those who hadn’t joined us before and actively reach out to those who are alone. When we gather to celebrate Pesach, hold our community events and gatherings, how can we truly welcome the stranger?

Resilience throughout 2020 meant that we dug a little deeper -- philanthropically -- in our volunteer work and in how we thought about working together. That simply can’t stop because the “storm” has passed.

We are grateful for those in our community who joined us to work together for understanding, and the common good. We also saw fissures and divides grow as we sought to tear down and diminish those we didn’t know or agree with.

Throughout our history we have been builders. We built a vibrant and dynamic homeland in Israel as well as numerous vital organizations that reached into and beyond our own community to improve our world.

As we emerge from the Pandemic, I pray we continue to build bridges of understanding,

is also our own role in maintaining the physical universe.

This holiday of the eleventh biblical month allows us to exhibit our unique relationship to the land and to agriculture in general. Some Jewish communities have an ancient custom to make a blessing on every type of food vegetation and some specify the species that originate from the land of Israel. For instance, they’ll arrange a meal where they would recite a blessings of “borei pri ha’etz (Creator of tree produce)” on fruit and of “borei pri adomah” (Creater of land produce) on vegetables.

However we decide to observe this day, we should take time out of the 15th of this upcoming month to appreciate all the planet has to offer us as the ultimate gift of the Almighty.

Adam comes from the Hebrew word

“adamah,” which refers to the ground, and this underscores the huge moral responsibility that is incumbent upon the human race to take care of our environment.

Humanity came into existence on the sixth day of the world, and being the final addition to the physical universe allowed us to experience the mindful holiness of the reflective Shabbat.

Moreover, being the final piece of G-d’s universe makes it incumbent upon the human race to be the keepers of this indispensable divine bestowal as explicitly directed by G-d (1:29).

Considering our humbling origins, let us pray to the Almighty on this Tu B’Shevat to grant us the wisdom and the strength to ensure the wellbeing of this precious world that nourishes and gives forth life itself !

Rabbi Dovid Asher, Keneseth Beth Israel File Photo

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Federation Happenings

Ten Complete 2020 CLI

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he Jewish Community Federation of Richmond’s Community Leadership Institute 2020 cohort graduated from the program Nov. 23.

During the program, 10 local participants grew their professional skills as they learned the intricacies of the Federation system and partnerships, board skills for future involvement across the Jewish community, and important elements of professional development through a Jewish lens.

During one Zoom meeting, the group got a chance to better understand the current allocations process and participate in a mock allocations exercise, led by JCFR Director of Impact and Community Planning Sara Rosenbaum and Allocations Chair Howard Goldfine. They also got to analyze nonprofit budgets through a presentation from Federation Controller Bonnie Hite.

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The CLI graduates are: Nate Mulberg, Jordan Perin, Rachel Peters, Lucas Pfaff, Ashley Shapiro, Conor Shapiro, Graham Sheridan, Victoria Sheridan, Adam Shustak and Amanda Young.

CLI is one of the leadership development programs offered through the Federation to grow skills and engagement of young professionals in the greater Jewish Community.

Planning is underway for the next cohort and the continuation of the program, with applications available in early 2021.

We look forward to encouraging our participants in their professional and Jewish journeys.

For more information on how to get involved, contact Amanda Braun at abraun@jwishrichmond.org or (804) 545-8621.

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Tuesday, Jan. 12 Via Zoom 5:30 p.m.

Join the community for an opportunity to talk with Dr. Danny TK Avula, Director of the Richmond City and Henrico County Health Departments, about the COVID-19 Vaccine.

To register, visit www.jewishrichmond.org/calendar.

www.JewishRichmond.org

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January 2021 Tevet/Shevat 5781 | the Reflector | 5 12/9/20 3:34 PM

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Jewish Community Relations Committee

David Cohen Director - Jewish Community Relations Jewish Community Federation of Richmond

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or much of the past year, our focus has been on the national landscape. The global pandemic and the presidential election, understandably, had us concerned with our national leadership and a crisis that the entire world was facing.

Even as protests and vigils were taking place right here in Richmond, much of our conversation was about the national debate over racial justice. In many ways, this past year was a case study in thinking globally and acting locally.

From the first days of COVID-19, how our local officials could help us depended largely on consistency and coordination at the national level.

Wrestling with what happened to George Floyd was as much about Mr. Floyd and the Minneapolis police as it was about knowing the history of civil rights in our country and here in Richmond.

And yet, both crises created the space for local conversations that were a long time coming – and they provided opportunities for relationship building and mutual understanding.

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From the National to the Local

Thinking back one year, the Jewish community was reeling from a spate of violent anti-Semitic attacks in the U.S. and abroad. Our community partners came out to join us in our pain - in the same we tried to be there to understand the pain evoked and stoked during this past summer.

And of course, when neo-Nazi graffiti was discovered in Richmond at cemeteries in the black and Jewish communities, that violation of our holiest of sites reminded us that hate and bigotry is a historical problem, a global problem, a national problem, and a local problem that impacts so many of us. Too many of us.

We focused on these important issues with our votes in November, and they were front and center during our Virginia Special Legislative Session.

As the regularly scheduled session is about to begin, we once again take our global concerns and apply them locally.

We will work with our local legislators to secure our Jewish community with the non-profit security funding we were promised before COVID-19 changed all budget considerations.

We will work with the newly formed advisory committee on diversity and inclusive education to make sure Holocaust education in our Commonwealth of Virginia is enhanced and used examine the perils of weaponizing bias and bigotry of all kinds.

And we will continue to support the most vulnerable in our community as the impact of COVID-19 endures.

And in the spirit of a year ending accounting of our global and local interests, we will continue to defend Israel as the

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“... in the spirit of a year ending accounting of our global and local interests, we will continue to defend Israel as the nation state and homeland of the Jewish people – and speak out against all who would seek to delegitimize her.” nation state and homeland of the Jewish people – and speak out against all who would seek to delegitimize her.

We will educate, engage in conversation with those we disagree with, and we will celebrate the undeniably changing dynamics in the middle east.

We celebrate what an engaged and committed United States can accomplish by bringing Israel together with her Arab neighbors – and we will pray and hope a comparable commitment can result in similar understandings between Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

And locally, we will continue to press for civil dialogue within our community on all of these issues.

There is much we can accomplish in the coming year, and it seems clear

we can accomplish more if we do it together. “Jewish Together” is the term being used by the Jewish Federations of North America to help us address our national and local crises.

But the broader implication is that as Jews, being together may be more important than questioning each other’s motivations, each other’s politics, and each other’s Jewishness.

To borrow and re-shape a phrase from Benjamin Franklin, if we do not persevere together, we will most certainly face the consequences separately.

I for one, choose togetherness. In this new year, we hope you join us in all that we can accomplish – together.

Feel free to reach out to me at dcohen@jewishrichmond.org.

www.JewishRichmond.org

Thank you Friends of Reector The Reflector staff and Jewish Community Federation of Richmond thank the following for their donations to the Friends of Reflector.

As always, we thank the community for supporting the Reflector.

Ellen Renee & Louis Adams Tommy Baer John Ball Barry Banks Steve & Dorothy Bernstein Rhona & Irv Blank Goldie Culiner David Dorfman Michael & Beth Edelstein Renate Forssmann-Falck Arlene Feldstein Marilyn & Robert Flax

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Gail & Stuart Grandis Milan & Susan Hapala Betty & George Hoffer Jay Ipson Leslie & Alan Koralek Melanie & Steve Lapkin Jay Levine Claudette Lewis Barbara Lowenstein Stuart Linder Abby Moore Vilma Osmalov

Gail and Jim Plotkin Wallace Saval Irving & Elise Scherr Adrienne Haine Schoenes Julie Semp Carole Stevens Sylvia Tregar Stevie & Aubrey Watson Marilyn & Jay Weinberg Sandy & Glenn Weiner Alan & Gail Werner Halina Zimm

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Weinstein JCC Happenings

Weinstein JCC Sustainability Fund, From Strength to Strength O n Dec. 8, the Weinstein JCC held a virtual donor event.

We lit the Hanukkah candles together, watched the kids outshine all the other speakers with their enthusiastic Hanukkah song, and saw a video presentation prepared by the staff and lay leaders. It was a beautiful and well attended event.

As the president of the Board of Directors, I opened the meeting with some remarks to let those in attendance know just how much the support and generosity the Weinstein JCC has received over the past few months has meant.

With the New Year around the corner, I thought it would be a good time to share some of my thoughts with all of you as well: It’s been quite a year – that’s an understatement for sure. The Weinstein JCC staff and members have put in an incredible amount of creativity and energy these past nine months. And while our first choice would be to see you in person and show you the work that’s gone on at the Center, we will have to wait for the usual in-person experience.

Our marketing staff, however, along with lay leaders, created a beautiful video to highlight some of the ways we have adapted to the current times as well as some of our many accomplishments despite the current times. This video can be seen on the homepage at weinsteinjcc.org.

We have seen our staff perform personal outreach to our most needy and vulnerable populations. We have seen them switch from in person to virtual and back again, but this time with masks and spacing. We have rearranged our

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Ashley Simon Brooks, Weinstein JCC Board President Weinstein JCC Photo

rooms to accommodate kids who aren’t in school. We have opened our gym and safely allowed people to come back into workout, socialize, and feel a little 2019, although not much from 2020 resembles the year before.

We have all heard the words “unprecedented,” “challenging,” and “new reality” to describe this time we’re in. It has been all of those and plenty more.

The pandemic has fundamentally changed how we, and everyone else, does business. It’s changed how we communicate, gather (or as the case may be, not gather), how we learn, work, and care for our families, our friends and ourselves. It’s changed how we manage and use our resources and even how we determine who needs

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the Reflector | January 2021 Tevet/Shevat 5781

those resources.

And who knows, perhaps it will even create positive changes when all is said and done. I certainly think so.

Like everyone else, I’m multitasking with many jobs—mom, lawyer, president, wife—occasional uber driver in the mom role. My primary job in 2020, however, has been being an optimist.

While we, and the community, has seen our fair share of challenges, I also see opportunity. And as we put 2020 behind us, the opportunity we have in front of us cannot be ignored or underestimated.

We, as an agency, have embraced these changes. While the staff and lay leadership continue to address the increased need resulting from the pandemic—both our

walls and within our community—we have also been looking to the future and asking the hard questions: What do we look like post pandemic?

What do we need to do to get there?

The Weinstein JCC has a 75th birthday coming up in October … how do we make the next 75 even better than the first?

While we don’t have all the answers today, the past nine months have certainly reinforced one thing that we’ve known all along: we can’t do this alone. We work better and are more successful as a collective with shared goals: strength, community, sustainability, growth, innovation, and service.

Has it been challenging and unprecedented? Absolutely. Have we had to struggle like every other business and nonprofit in the country? Absolutely. But we have something that they don’t - we have each other and more importantly, we have YOU. This year, the Weinstein JCC established the Sustainability Fund. This fund allows us to use unrestricted donations so that we have maximum flexibility to address the increased needs we have seen during the pandemic.

From scholarship dollars to school supplies, from cleaning products to temperature testing machines, every dollar goes to keeping our doors open in a safe and healthy way.

We are so grateful for the outpouring of support for this initiative from our members and the community at large.

This is both affirmation of our past and confirmation of our future as an integral part of the Jewish and Richmond communities.

While we are all happy to see 2020 in the rearview mirror, we are not at the finish line yet. We look forward to coming back better than ever and with your support, making 2021 another year to remember…for good reasons.

To donate to the Weinstein JCC Sustainability Fund, go to: sustainability.givesmart.com or contact Development Director Margret O’Keefe at: mokeefe@weinsteinjcc.org or (804) 545-8609.

The Weinstein JCC is supported, in part, by a generous annual contribution, programming grants and COVID-19 Crisis Relief Funds from the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond.

Editor’s Note: To read about H.J. “Jack” Bernstein, a pioneer in the JCC movement in Richmond, Camp Hilbert and much more, see Pages 14-15.

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Weinstein JCC Happenings

At this year’s Friendsgiving, participating kids made gratitude and giving back to the community their focus. Weinstein JCC Photo

Weinstein JCC partners with SafeHaven for Community Mitzvah Project

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fter the collaborative program with Kids’ Place called, “Stay Late at the J,” the children learned about a serious issue facing our Richmond community – homelessness.

After reading the book, “The Lady in the Box” by Ann McGovern, the kids took turns sharing the problems and concerns they noticed in the book.

Next, they had the opportunity to share solutions that could have an impact.

Some were to, “find safe shelters, donate items, give warm clothes, and volunteer in a soup kitchen.”

After hearing the kids’ compassionate ideas on how they can make an impact on the local homeless community, they formed a partnership with The Daily Planet Health Services program, Safe Haven. This 21-bed, free-standing facility offers transitional housing with comprehensive and integrated health and support services for individuals suffering from severe mental illness coupled with chronic homelessness.

This impactful evening of learning inspired a community-wide project of collecting items that will show members of the community they are thought of and cared for. It also shows the children they have the power to make a difference in their world. www.JewishRichmond.org

As shared in Pirkei Avot Chapter 1, Mishna 14, “If I am not for myself, who will be for me, and if I am only for myself what am I? And if not now, when?”

The Weinstein JCC will be collecting the following items until January 29.

Collection boxes will be placed in three locations for your convenience: the Preschool Lobby, Kids’ Place Lobby, and the Arenstein Lobby of the Weinstein JCC. Items needed: • Toothbrushes • Toothpaste • Deodorant • Combs and brushes • Travel-pack tissues • Toilet paper • Feminine hygiene products • Travel-size soap • Shampoo • Baby wipes • Band-Aids • Alcohol pads • Fingernail clippers • Disposable razors • Travel shaving cream • Hand warmers • Gloves • Beanie hats • Socks (new)

Jr. NBA starts soon

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r. NBA, sponsored by Designer Deliveries, is a program where children from preschool5th grade can focus on the fundamentals of basketball.

From dribbling, passing, shooting, lay ups, rebounding, and defense, this program instills teamwork, good sportsmanship, skill development, safety and most importantly – FUN! The start of the season will begin with a skill evaluation to get a sense of each child’s skill level and to make the teams as even as possible.

Season dates: Skill evaluations: (preschool is excluded from skills evaluations): Jan. 10 • K-2nd grades: 1:45-2:30 p.m.

• 3rd-5th: 3:30-4:15 p.m.

Season runs Sundays, Jan. 17 - March 7 • Preschool: 12:30-1:30 p.m. Instructional • K-2nd: 1:45-2:30 p.m. Practice 2:45-3:15 p.m. Game • 3rd -5th: 3:30-4:15 p.m. Practice 4:15- 5 p.m. Game • Cost: $135 JCC Members;$165 non-members Please note that spaces are limited due to the current restrictions and staff are taking all required precautions that align with Virginia mandates.

Sign up today at weinsteinjcc.org! Questions? Contact Aisha Vaughn at (804) 545 8607 or avaughn@weinsteinjcc.org.

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Weinstein JCC Happenings

Virtual Israeli Film Festival W

ondering what to do on those cold winter nights in January?

Well, look no further. The Weinstein JCC is proud to introduce its first VIRTUAL Israeli Film Festival from Jan. 10-31.

The 11th Annual Israeli Film Festival, presented by Weinstein Properties, is dedicated to fostering an understanding of Israeli culture and access to Israel’s young but thriving film industry.

The festival features films based upon various considerations such as awards or nominations, timely subject-matter and input from the film community.

Thanks to the Israeli Film Festival Committee, chaired by Leslie and David Greenberg, viewers will have access to an incredible line-up of documentaries, narratives and comedies, that highlight Israel’s rich history, diverse landscapes, and complex societal, political and religious issues.

Viewers will be given a special link to view the film within a specified 72-hour viewing window. In addition to the film, each ticket includes access to the film festival event associated with that film. Events include talkbacks or Q&A sessions with the film’s director or cast members.

Those who do not want to miss even one film or festival event will want to consider purchasing a film festival pass. Individual tickets are $12 per household and the Film Festival Pass is $65 per household ($92 value).

2021 Israeli Film Festival Line Up: The Red Sea Diving Resort

The True Story Behind Netflix’s The Red Sea Diving Resort featuring Naftali Aklum, real-life brother of Ferede Yazezow Aklum on Sunday, Jan. 10 at 2 p.m.

Aulcie - A Dani Menkin Film

Tune in for a live Q&A with director, Dani Menkin, on Saturday, Jan. 23 at 8 p.m.

Land of Milk and Funny - Directed by Larry Herbst Tune in for a live Q&A with comedian, Avi Liberman, on Saturday, Jan. 30 at 8 p.m.

Asia - Directed by Ruthy Pribar Winner of 9 Israeli Ophir Awards including BEST PICTURE and BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS (Shira Haas).

“Here We Are” - A Film by Nir Bergman Winner of 4 Israeli Ophir Awards including BEST DIRECTOR (Nir Bergman), BEST ACTOR (Shai Avivi) & BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR (Noam Imber)

At this year’s Friendsgiving, participating kids made gratitude and giving back to the community their focus.

Plans are underway for Summer Camps at the Weinstein JCC The Camp staff at the Weinstein JCC are busy planning for an amazing summer 2021. and are ready to welcome campers back!

Space will be limited, as camp plans will follow COVID-19 protocols and staff are working closely with the Virginia Department of Health to ensure a safe summer for all. Registration for JCC members will begin in February.

Be on the lookout for more info at weinsteinjcc.org, and plan to sign up early to reserve your camper’s spot!

It is going to be an outstanding summer, and one they will not want to miss!

Shooting Life - A Film by David Kreiner My Hero Uncle - Directed by Shaked Goren Visit weinsteinjcc.org for film festival updates, event details and to purchase tickets or contact Director of Cultural Arts Leslie McGuigan at lmcguigan@weinsteinjcc.org.

Watch the film on Netflix and join two not-to-miss conversations with the real-life individuals involved in the mission: Raffi Berg, author “Red Sea Spies,” in conversation with Mossad Commander, Dani Limor on Thursday, Jan. 7 at 5 p.m.

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www.JewishRichmond.org

5400 Club January programs T he 5400 Club at the Weinstein JCC meets virtually on Mondays from 12:25-1:30 p.m. A Zoom meeting registration link will be emailed to members the Friday before each meeting.

For questions? Contact Shari MenloweBarck at sbarck@weinsteinjcc.org or (804) 5458611.

January Scheduled Programs Jan. 4 - Moti Didner, “3 Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene: “Yiddish Theatre: Past, Present and Future.”

Jan. 11 - Chief Eric English, Chief of Henrico County Police Department, “Police Reform, Combatting Racism and the

Need for Mental Support for Officers” Jan. 18 - Dr. William Rasmussen of the Virginia Museum of History and Culture.

His topic: “Virginia and Presidential Politics.”

Jan. 25 - Chip Jones, Pulitzer Prizenominated journalist, author and former Richmond Times-Dispatch reporter, “The Organ Thieves: The Shocking Story of the First Heart Transplant in the Segregated South.”

Note: The programs and speakers listed are scheduled at Reflector press time. Any changes to the speakers/programs will be communicated to members.

Chanukah Lunches for 5400 Club

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s part of a special Chanukah program in December, the 5400 Club distributed free lunches to members on the Sunday before, so they could enjoy during the next-day Monday event.

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Jewish Community Happenings

The Hamantschen are coming soon!

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he Weinstein JCC Preschool is selling freshly baked Hamantaschen

by Shalom Kosher of Baltimore.

Place your order by Friday, Feb. 5!

The price is only $34 for a dozen or $3.25 a piece. Get your orders in quickly for your favorite flavor: lemon, chocolate, prune, poppy, apple, cherry, apricot or raspberry.

Orders can be made online by accessing the form at: weinsteinjcc.org or you may request one via ecole@weinsteinjcc.org or call (804) 545-8615 or 545-8616.

Pre-order pick-up times are: Tuesday, Feb. 23 from 2-4 p.m., and Wednesday, Feb. 24; Friday, Feb. 26 (Purim) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Arenstein Lobby.

Due to COVID-19, Hamantaschen will only be available through pre-orders. No additional Hamantaschen will be ordered.

A total of 107 bags were prepared and packed by a Weinstein JCC team on Sunday. Over a two-hour period, the group passed out to people in a drive-by pick-up service.

(From left) Gathering for a photo during the 5400 Club Chanukah Lunch Pick-up are: Dave Roberts, Gail Grandis, Margret O’Keefe, Teresa Baldwin (JFS), Shari Menlowe-Barck and Leslie McGuigan. Weinstein JCC Photos

Happy New Year!

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The 107 bags are ready to be packed with lunches for the special 5400 Club pick-up.

Rick and Babs Cohen give a big thank you for their lunches.

Call for take out and curbside pick up!

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January 2021 Tevet/Shevat 5781 | the Reflector | 11

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JFS Happenings

JFS Connecting Hearts had a busy fall!

(From left) Traverious has some fun.

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etween the Virtual Bowling Ball awareness-and fundraiser and November’s “A Hand to Hold” media campaign, we have been busy sharing the stories of children in foster care and recruiting potential foster and adoptive families!

JFS Connecting Hearts is humbled by the work of our sponsors, volunteers, donors, and partners to make the entire effort a success! Because of their compassion and generosity, the Virtual Bowling Ball reached its fundraising goal and our message about the children in foster care awaiting adoption reached thousands of families.

JFS Connecting Hearts is especially grateful to WTVR CBS 6 News for joining us for another “A Hand to Hold” Adoption Awareness Month campaign!

Every day in November, CBS 6 featured children in central Virginia’s foster care system available for adoption, raising awareness about the need for foster and adoptive parents and hoping to connect kids to loving families.

This year’s “A Hand to Hold” by the numbers: • 31 children featured – 18 from the Richmond area – between the ages of 10 and 17 • 38,500 views of the kids’ features on JFS and CBS 6’s social media • 5,000 unique visitors to the JFS Connecting Hearts website - 50% of JFS’ total web traffic in November • 70 families called JFS Connecting Hearts to inquire about adoption, and half of them inquired about a specific child • 32 families are now working toward becoming certified to foster or adopt

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(From left) Treazure is all smiles.

And, the happiest news of all ... Two children were placed with their forever families!

Traverious was featured on CBS 6 on the first day of “A Hand to Hold,” Nov. 1.

The very next week, he moved into an adoptive placement! Traverious is now well on his way to permanent adoption!

Treazure has been in foster care and featured in the Heart Gallery for several years.

Then, during this year’s campaign, her biological father recognized her and immediately contacted JFS. After the DSS’ review, Treazure is now reunited with her father!

Many thanks to all the sponsors, donors, volunteers, and partners who made the campaign a success. Their hard work made a tangible difference in children’s lives by telling their stories, reaching new audiences, and finding their forever families!

JFS’ second annual Lights of Love was a great success, thanks to you: our friends, partners, volunteers, and staff!

Lights of Love is a program designed to help bring warmth and light to neighbors who might otherwise feel forgotten. Last year, generous donors and friends brightened the holiday season for 40+ adults, seniors, families, and children in foster care.

This year, Lights of Love reached twice as many people: nearly 100 seniors, children in foster care, adults with disabilities, and families in need received personalized gifts, gift cards, and (socially distanced) visits with JFS volunteers or staff members!

The wish lists were as varied as their recipients from prune juice to costume jewelry, Dragon Ball Z to gospel CDs. Many of the children JFS Connecting Hearts works with live in residential settings or group homes

12 | the Reflector | January 2021 Tevet/Shevat 5781

(From left) JFS staff - Becki Mann, Teresa Baldwin, Sonji Gall, Sydney Fleischer and Charlotte Bowen - pose for a photo with Lights of Love gifts. JFS Photos

– having presents to unwrap, like the toys collected by Rudlin Torah Academy, can make an otherwise difficult holiday season feel brighter.

One JFS counselor dropped off gifts for two of her elderly clients.

“Both are ladies in a nursing home, with no family or friends to look after them and help them feel special. Lights of Love makes a difference,” she said.

Another JFS staff member noted, “Thanks to the community, I have everything my clients wished for.”

Thank you so much for your help spreading holiday joy and light during this difficult year!

If you would like to know about about JFS, reach out to Morgan Goad at mgoad@jfsrichmond.org or (804) 2825644 ext. 231.

Jewish Family Services is supported, in part, by a generous annual contribution, a programming grant to support the Jewish Care Line and COVID-19 Crisis Relief Funds from the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond. www.JewishRichmond.org

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JFS Happenings

(From left) JFS volunteer Debbie Sawyer with JFS staff Wendy Kreuter and Teresa Baldwin.

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January 2021 Tevet/Shevat 5781 | the Reflector |13

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Jewish Community Happenings

H.J. “Jack” Bernstein: ‘A Powerful Force’ Facing the Future ~ Honoring the Past 19 35

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Jewish Community Federation of Richmond 85th Anniversary

(Editor’s note) H.J. “Jack” Bernstein was a staunch JCC and Israel advocate and lifelong philanthropist with Camp Hilbert bearing his name for his efforts in locating the summer day camp here. As the Federation celebrates 85 years of service in Richmond, we are sharing stories on some of the families, individuals and institutions who were and are the soul and legacy of our Jewish community. This is the fourth in the series. We appreciate Robin Jackson assisting with conducting interviews, contributing information and writing articles. We also thank Beth Ahabah Museum & Archives for providing valuable archival information as well as photographs.

By Skip Kozakewicz Reflector Editor ilbert Jack “H.J.” Bernstein was a “powerful force in the JCC movement in Richmond” notes a tribute in the Jewish Community Center Book, The Center: From Generation to Generation published in 2017.

“Camp Hilbert would not have been possible without Jack Bernstein,” recalled longtime community leader Richard November recently who served as JCC president from 1976-78. “He was the founder of the original Camp Hilbert ... his summer home on Old Gun Road in Chesterfield County along the James River. He was the reason we started Camp Hilbert and were able to have an outstanding camp later in Goochland. He donated the land - about seven acres and we purchased another six acres.”

The community leader who did much behind the scenes with little attention also was instrumental in helping the JCC have its first location in the City of Richmond.

The JCC book noted he spearheaded the “transformation of the Idlewood Avenue B’nai Brith building into Richmond’s first Jewish Center. The philanthropist also played a large role in the effort to relocate the JCC from its temporary home to its current location on Monument Avenue.”

As many newspaper articles noted, Mr. Bernstein also was a prominent local developer, founder of LaVogue clothing stores, developer of Willow Lawn and South Side Plaza shopping centers and much more real estate in the Commonwealth of Virginia and elsewhere.

Most importantly, he was a staunch advocate for the State of Israel and carried on many actions and raised funds quietly behind the scenes to assist the development of

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14| the Reflector | January 2021 Tevet/Shevat 5781

H.J. “Jack” Bernstein (OBM). File Photo

Israel. He also was involved in the purchase of the steamship in Baltimore, President Warfield, that later became Exodus 1947.

The list of his numerous accomplishments in the Jewish world is remarkable.

Jack Bernstein was one of the founders of the Richmond Jewish Community Council (now the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond) and the Beth Sholom Home for the Aged. In many other endeavors, he helped establish the Boys Club of Richmond and served on the board for many years and was active and became a director of the Richmond Chapter of the American Cancer Society.

On the regional and national level, he served on various boards and committees including United Jewish Appeal and the Anti-Defamation League. He served as Campaign Chair in 1948 of the Industrial Division of UJC. In 1976, he served as chairman of the local Jewish Welfare Fund-Israel Emergency Fund Campaign.

Granddaughter Teri Cooper shared information various family members had written down over the years. “Pop was born Hilbert Jacob Bernstein in Baltimore on December 31, 1899, moving to Richmond in 1935. His parents came to America in October 1899 from Russia with four children..

His father was a tailer in Russia and then the U.S. The fam-

ily moved several times including to Lebanon, Pennsylvania, when he was around 13 where he worked in a general store. The family were Zionists and he was brought up Orthodox. He went to school through the sixth grade.”

She continued, “When he was 21, he married Edith Sith and they later moved to Wilmington, Delaware. He worked with a company that did door-to-door sales, and he later started his own company. They sold silverware, sheets, blankets, and other household things where families bought goods for around 25 cents a week.”

Jack Bernstein traveled up-and-down the East Coast selling door-to-door including driving through and selling in Richmond. “While driving through Richmond, he got a traffic ticket and they had to come back to deal with it. But he felt people in Richmond were so nice that he decided to move the whole family here,” Teri Cooper continued.

In 1942, he bought a dress shop that became LaVogue, she said. Her grandfather soon got involved in many other businesses including construction, homebuilding, bridge building, a boat dealership and much more. The family were members of Temple Beth-El, which then was on Broad Street. He was instrumental in funding the Temple through many years.

He died in February 1982 at age 80.

In a “Tribute to H.J. Bernstein” in the Reflector after his passing, JCC President Helen Horwitz wrote, “In his business life and in his service to his fellow man, H.J. Bernstein was a person of great capacity, talent and success. His acts of charity were many and varied and often known to only a few. The whole city of Richmond will feel his loss.”

She continued, “H.J. Bernstein was a strong supporter of this agency for many years. Tangible evidence of this support abounds including our Day Camp that bears his name. Camp Hilbert and the annual award we present to the outstanding Center volunteer, the highest award we bestow, was named by him in honor of his mother, Esther Bernstein.”

In a letter to the Bernstein Family in 1998 inviting them to a celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the State of Israel to be held at the JCC, Beatrice Fine, Chairman, Israel@50! Committee, wrote, “Over 50 years ago, your father, Jack Bernstein, risked a great deal to offer his support and efforts in the historic development of the State of Israel. We will always be indebted to him for insuring that the homeland of Jewish people be established.”

In another tribute to Jack Bernstein, the Reflector wrote, “H.J. Bernstein was one of the staunchest supporters of the establishment of a Jewish State in Palestine in the Richmond community. He worked tirelessly, through a broad H.J. Bernstein More on next page www.JewishRichmond.org

H.J. Bernstein greets David Ben-Gurion. Bernstein Family Photos

(LEFT) Jack Bernstein meets with Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir in 1973 in Jerusalem. He was part of a group of about 40 Virginia Jewish leaders led by Governor Linwood Holton. Woody, the governor’s 12-year-son, is seated on the far right. Among others on the trip was Norman Sisisky. Bernstein Family Photos.

network of worldwide contacts to ensure that Israel would become a reality. He helped in the purchase of armaments. boats and airplanes that helped develop the nation’s armed forces. Later these airplanes formed the basis of the early fleet of the national airline, El Al.” Granddaughter Teri Cooper recalled, “My mother said he did not talk about this (the purchase of armaments). Men would come to the house, and they would go down to the basement.”

Barbara Bernstein Balser, a niece, said, “He knew what he was doing was against the law and he was careful. There are family stories of the IRS doing audits of both his and my father’s tax returns every year. There are even firm beliefs the FBI had files on them.”

She add, “He was quite a man. He never talked about himself ... or wanted to standout or call attention to himself.

He always drove a used Lincoln or Packard.”

She added, “He was always thinking and was able to apply his native intelligence in his day-to-day workings in the most incredible ways. He was in so many businesses; businesses he didn’t even know about. He owned a hotel here and a motel in Danville and much more. He even was part of a group who bought a minor league baseball team to Richmond, the Richmond Vees.

In remarks honoring Jack Bernstein on the 50th Anniversary of Israel, longtime community leader Neil November (obm) said, “Jack Bernstein risked a lot for Israel and it is certainly appropriate he be recognized tonight. He was a great humanitarian, philanthropist, backbone of numerous local and overseas Jewish agencies and interests, and a genuinely kind-hearted individual.” www.JewishRichmond.org

Neil November described in detail how Jack Bernstein aided Jews in Palestine. “Jack bought weaponry from the stacks of surplus war materiel both here and abroad and had it shipped to Palestine clandestinely. He knew if he was caught it meant certain arrest and a prison sentence.”

He also told of how Jack Bernstein and a group bought a mothballed Chesapeake Bay ferryboat and had it converted to a transport to Diane and Jack Bernstein with Israeli Foreign Minister Abba Eban who presented H.J. carry displaced Jews across the with a certificate of Appreciation for his long support of Israel. The presentation was at Mediterranean to the Promised Temple Beth-El. Land. The old ferryboat, was In addition, Jack Bernstein was recognized in the PBS re-named Exodus 1947 as it approached Palestine in 1947 documentary “Above and Beyond.” Neil November is feaoverloaded with the displaced Jews, many from concentra- tured in the segment about the history of the bay steamer, tion camps.”

President Warfield, and narrates how Bernstein and a small In a Reflector article in 2016 written by David Farris, ex- group, including Neil’s father, Israel November, purchased ecutive director, Beth Ahabah Museum and Archives, he the old ship after it had been used in World War II by the wrote, “In a 1973 interview, he (Jack Bernstein) talked about British to transport troops in England to France. being visited sometime prior to 1948 by a gentleman in the The documentary noted the ship “was tired and in Haggadah who had come to Richmond to solicit donations. disrepair after its two-year war service ... and was now Jack raised $15,000 in cash and gave it to the man ...” anchored near Baltimore.”

The article continued, “Shipping military material to “Richmond businessman Jack Bernstein was sympapresent-day Israel was forbidden by law, but he shipped thetic to the plight of the Jews and set out to secure the things to New Jersey from where they were re-shipped by H.J. Bernstein More on Page 24 others ...

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January 2021 Tevet/Shevat 5781 | the Reflector | 15

Beth Sholom Senior Living Residents & staff prepare for Vaccination!

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eth Sholom Senior Living is excited to be one of the first health care providers to vaccinate our residents against COVID-19.

At Reflector press date, we have been informed by our pharmacy partner (CVS) that vaccination clinics in longterm care facilities were scheduled to begin on Dec. 29.

Like all long-term care facilities, our residents and our staff have felt the impact of this dangerous and potentially deadly virus.

We still have a long road, but we can now see a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel!

Beth Sholom Senior Living is supported, in part, by a generous annual contribution, programming grants and COVID-19 Crisis Relief Funds from the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond.

Lunch & Learn Thursday, Jan. 14 “Eating Well for Your Body and Brain” Beth Sholom’s “Lunch and Learn” virtual series continues on Thursday, Jan. 14 with “Eating Well for Your Body and Brain.”

We welcome our presenters Marlee Shepherd and Aislinn Crovak, dietary specialists from Undine Lifestyles, our hospitality and catering partner.

Undine exclusively provides food and dining management services for senior living facilities, community hospitals, behavioral health clients, and corporate environments.

Under normal circumstances this time of year, with shorter days and less sunlight can be difficult. Now with the added factor of many long months of isolation from the pandemic, the winter blues are likely setting in. Beth Sholom and the Undine team would like to offer some help.

During the program Marlee Shepherd and Aislinn Crovak will co-present and discuss how what you eat impacts brain health, your mood and immunity. They will offer how small changes in your diet can improve your overall well-being. In addition, offer recipes for incorporating nutrient dense immune and brain boosting ingredients discussed in the presentation.

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Beth Sholom Happenings

Marlee Shepherd is a registered dietitian. She joined the Unidine Lifestyles team through Beth Sholom Home in May 2020 as the community registered dietitian and has been providing nutrition care to the residents ever since.

Aislinn Crovak has been a registered dietitian for over 12 years with a clinical background in Acute and Post-Acute care. She started with Unidine in 2014 as a clinical nutrition manager at a Senior Living community in N.Y. and is currently a regional director of Nutrition Health and Wellness with Unidine Lifestyles in the South East region.

For more about this program email Communications@ bslcc.org . To register, visit https://bethsholomjanuary2021.eventbrite.com . We hope you can join us!

For more about Beth Sholom Senior Living, . email communications@bslcc.org.

Thank you to our Heroes from Beth Sholom!

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n keeping with tradition, Beth Sholom distributed over 300 turkeys to the entire team for the Holidays. Thank you to all who made this possible! See photos below and next page of some who received.

Also, a great big thank you to all for your donations to the Woods Food Pantry.

(ABOVE) Misty Peloquin and Ricky Arnett, RN, with their turkeys and receive a thank you from CEO Morris Mo” Funk. (RIGHT) Two others with the CEO. Beth Sholom Photos

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16| the Reflector | January 2021 Tevet/Shevat 5781

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Beth Sholom Happenings Beth Sholom and Generations Home Health

Proudly Serving the Richmond Community Generations Home Health provides in-home skilled medical care and personal care designed to competently meet important needs of our neighbors. Whether you are recovering from illness or injury, managing a chronic disease, or simply trying to improve your quality of life in retirement, Generations has the multi-disciplinary team that can ensure you achieve optimal health outcomes while in the comfort of your own home.

For more information contact us at (804) 421-5270.

Generations Home Health is jointly owned and operated

by Beth Sholom in Richmond and Beth Sholom Village in Virginia Beach.

Beth Sholom’s mission is to provide quality and comprehensive residential, health care and community-based services to individuals of all faiths, in a manner that reflects our Jewish traditions and values.

For information call us at (804) 750-2183 or visit us online at bethsholomliving.com.

Lunch & Learn from Beth Sholom

EatingWell for Your Body and Brain A free virtual presentation

Thursday, January 14th, 12:00-1:00PM Join Marlee Shepherd and Aislinn Crovak, registered Dietitians with Unidine Lifestyles to learn about how what you eat impacts your brain health, mood and immunity. They will provide tips and recipes for small changes in your diet that improves your overall well-being.

For more about this program email Communications@bslcc.org or call (804) 421-5355.

To register, visit https://bethsholomjanuary2021.eventbrite.com .

1600 John Rolfe Parkway, Richmond, VA 23238 | www.bethsholomliving.org

(From left) Robin Abbott, Crystal Briggs, Patricia Lewis and Ginny Potteiger.

Katrina Carney, RN. www.JewishRichmond.org

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January 2021 Tevet/Shevat 5781 | the Reflector | 17

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RTA Happenings

Toys and games are packed and ready to be delivered. RTA Photos

(From left) Avi Gruber, Ezra Holi, Dani Plotnick and Eliyahu Aronowitz look at some of the donated game and toys.

Bringing Light from Darkness - RTA Toy Drive in Memory of Skyler Legano R

udlin Torah Academy’s Toy Drive brought a lot of smiles to a lot of children, at a time when most needed.

The toy drive was launched in memory of RTA’s beloved 8th grade student Skyler Legano of blessed memory, who tragically passed away this past October.

Skyler was a young man who enjoyed giving, and he loved being able to share games and treats with others.

The drive was the brain- Skyler Legano (OBM). child of RTA teacher and guidcome together both in person ance counselor Sorah Plotnick, and virtually to support this and run by RTA’s 7th/8th amazing drive in merit and in grade class. memory of our dear friend who “When we came up with the we all have been missing so idea to do a Chesed Project, I much.” knew that Skyler would have RTA collected toys, books, been the first one to support it games & gift cards for local chiland he would have been at the dren in need and in hospitals. forefront of all the details,” reEverything collected was disflected Sorah. tributed to Jewish Family Ser“We, the RTA family, are so vices ‘Lights of Love’ program, fortunate to have been able to

RUDLIN TORAH ACADEMY RICHMOND HEBREW DAY SCHOOL

Stellar Education for Every Jewish Child

the Chai Lifeline organization, and ASK pediatric oncology foundation @VCU. “This toy drive was so special as it was done in memory of one of our patients,” observed Katie Barber, C.T.R.S./ Child Life Specialist.

“The student-collected toys and gift cards will be used to help celebrate our patients at the ASK pediatric hematology/oncology clinic. It’s always meaningful when the community helps to support our patients.”

Teresa Baldwin, JFS’ Director of Human Resources and Volunteer Services, added, “We are so grateful to RTA for

SUPER SUNDAY AWARDS FOR RTA See Page 2 for details .

18| the Reflector| January 2021 Tevet/Shevat 5781

(From left) Emily Legano with Katie Barber, ASK child life specialist, poses with some of the toys, games and gifts donated in memory of her son to the organization.

choosing JFS as a beneficiary of the toy drive. Many of the children in foster care who JFS Connecting Hearts works with live in residential centers or group homes, so a special gift is very meaningful.”

She continued, “The holidays can be a hard time for these kids and having presents to unwrap makes it feel more normal.”

The response to this drive

from RTA families, friends and family of the Leganos and the entire community was overwhelming.

It was almost like RTA had become the new FAO Schwartz for Chanukah, as hundreds of beautiful new games, toys, dolls, books and more were collected, more than enough to share generously with all the participating organizations. www.JewishRichmond.org

Or Atid Religious School news

By Alison Litvin Education Coordinator he Kornblau Religious School is ready to begin the new semester, welcoming students back into the virtual classroom after a festive Hanukkah celebration.

Earlier in December, school staff created a virtual Hanukkah carnival, ending 2020 with joy and light. Featuring, online bingo, Zoom charades, and a virtual dreidel tournament, the carnival created new experiences out of several favorite traditions, a perfect wrap for the school’s first digital semester.

For the first time ever, the school’s annual Latke CookOff took place online via Zoom. Students collected the Top 8 latke recipes from previous years, creating a uniquely Or Atid recipe collection. Families met online during the Hanukkah Carnival, tuning in from their kitchen to broadcast the latke-frying and share the experience together.

Students were eager to show off their fresh batches of latkes, including chocolatey S’more Latkes, melted Grilled Cheese Latkes, and Spicy Latkes with a Koren Gamjajeong sauce.

To view the full Latke Cook-Off Recipe Collection, visit www.oratid.org/latkes.

The Hanukkah festivities continued beyond the school

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Synagogue Happenings

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day as families joined together virtually to light the menorah. Each night of Hanukkah brought Or Atid members to a new family’s home, giving each family a chance to spotlight their Hanukkiah and share their tradition with the congregation. With the soft candlelight and the sound of Hanukkah songs, Or Atid families stayed connected this Hanukkah with these special visits into each other’s homes.

Eager to celebrate Hanukkah for one more night, school staff hosted a post-Hanukkah Shabbat on Friday, December 18th, to create a pseudo “9th night” of Hanukkah. Families welcomed Shabbat together, dedicating the candle lighting for freedom and justice as inspired by the Maccabees. Teachers shared a Kavannah for Kislev, inspiring warmth and a light of hope during the coldest, darkest time of year.

With this last Hanukkah celebration, families competed in an online dreidel tournament, spinning s’vivon for points to determine the Ultimate Dreidel Champion.

This year’s classroom may be virtual, but that doesn’t limit staff or students from discovering new ways to engage with Jewish holidays and traditions, Israeli culture, Hebrew and Tefillah, and the weekly parsha.

For more information about the school, and to learn about our approach to distance learning, please contact Education Coordinator, Alison Litvin, at relschool@oratid.org, or call Congregation Or Atid at (804) 740 - 4747.

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CapTel is a registered trademark of Ultratec, Inc. • Third-party charges may apply: the Hamilton CapTel phone requires telephone service and high-speed Internet access. Wi-Fi capable. FEDERAL LAW PROHIBITS ANYONE BUT REGISTERED USERS WITH HEARING LOSS FROM USING INTERNET PROTOCOL (IP) CAPTIONED TELEPHONES WITH THE CAPTIONS TURNED ON. IP Captioned Telephone Service may use a live operator. The operator generates captions of what the other party to the call says. These captions are then sent to your phone. There is a cost for each minute of captions generated, paid from a federally administered fund. To learn more, visit fcc.gov. • Third-party trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners.

www.JewishRichmond.org

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January 2021 Tevet/Shevat 5781 | the Reflector | 19

Beth-El Religious School Happenings

By Ramona L. Brand Director of Youth Learning Be the Light!

The Religious School combined fun and community service on Sunday, Dec. 13 during the annual Hanukah Party. This year, the party took place first over Zoom, and then at the school as a drive-thru car parade and Gift Give, Get and Go. During the Zoom party, students and parents were treated to a story performance of Hershel and the Hanukah Goblins, by storytelling duo “Duo Once Upon A Story” with Sandy Ryder and Ramona Brand.

Then, students visited breakout rooms of games to play Virtual Dreidel, Hanukah Jewpardy, Dance Party, Hanukah Mad Libs and a Virtual Photo Booth. All of this was followed by a school-wide candle lighting led by Rabbi

Michael Knopf and Cantor Dara Rosenblatt.

Then off to the school, where students arrived in cars decorated for Hanukah! Families also donated much needed food and goods to The Sacred Heart Center, supporting Latino families here in Richmond.

All students received a bag filled with Hanukah Goodies and Tzedakah box for home in order to continue the work of being a light in our world.

For anyone who missed the performance or want to see it again visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwQU2l0oT 1I&feature=youtu.be

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Synagogue Happenings

January Religious School Calendar: Sundays: Jan. 10, 17, 24 and 31 Wednesdays: Jan. 13, 20 and 27 Confirmation meets: Jan. 10 and 24 Temple Beth-El Zoom Tot Shabbat Services Saturday, Feb. 6, 10 a.m.

For families with children from infants to age 5. Open to the entire community Theme: Shmirat H’adamah, Loving our Earth Families and children can enjoy a Shabbat service filled with music, stories, movement and more. This is a musical, meaningful service designed for wiggles.

For zoom access email Ramona at r.brand@bethelrichmond.org.

Teen January Hangout: Sunday, Jan. 10 What Cards are you Dealt? Teens in grades 8-12 can join in a program to make cards for members of the community and to discuss questions around Jewish Morality.

Sunday, Jan. 10, 1 - 2:30 p.m.

Location: Zoom Tinyurl.com/J10Morals; DM Instagram@804USY for Password For more information about our school and/or programs contact Ramona Brand at: r.brand@bethelrichmond.org

One Tree, Many Branches Returns with a Teen Virtual Event Jan. 31

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ne Tree Many Branches Interfaith Friendship Club hosts a forum for teens unpacking the social, emotional and psychological effects of 2020 through art and open discussion.

Aimee Loth Rozum ATR-BC, LMHC, facilitates a teen-driven interactive workshop. Teens 13-18 years old are welcome.

Sunday, Jan. 31 Time: 5 - 6:30 p.m.

Location: Virtual

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20| the Reflector| January 2021 Tevet/Shevat 5781

Contact coordinator.otmb@gmail.com for more information or https://www.facebook.com/ events/3459201457637444 to register. Find us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/OTMBRVA/ The Club is a coalition between multi-faith communities in Richmond. In the last year, families from many different backgrounds gathered together breaking bread and breaking down barriers.

Last year OTMB had three amazing programs with guest facilitators from organizations such as the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities and Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy.

Guided discussions, games, projects and authentic conversations deepened participants understanding about each other and forged a path toward new friendships.

Our communities have gathered together for mutual support in recent times of pain and grief. Let us resist pain and hate by joining hearts in joy and understanding.

One Tree Many Branches is supported, in part, by a generous grant from Richmond Jewish Foundation.

www.JewishRichmond.org

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Or Ami happenings

Synagogue Happenings

Hanukkah care packages for adults.

Or Ami’s wonderful Zooming Rabbi Ahuva Zaches. Or Ami Photos

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r Ami’s yearly Introduction to Judaism course begins on Jan. 12 for anyone interested in learning more about Jewish religion and culture on an adult level. This is an excellent program for those considering converting to Judaism as well.

Presented by Rabbi Ahuva Zaches, an in-depth exploration of Jewish life occurs in a warm, interactive environment. Over 16 weeks, you’ll learn about diverse voices in Jewish thought, Jewish life cycle events, holidays, history, and significant Jewish values.

The class is open to everyone, and you don’t have to be Jewish or a member of Or Ami

to register. This year, you don’t even have to live in Richmond because Rabbi Zaches is teaching the class over Zoom!

So. if you have friends or family in other locations who would like to learn more about Judaism, they are also welcome to join this year.

The class will meet every other Tuesday, beginning Jan. 12, from 7-9 p.m. Tuition is $50 ($36 for Or Ami members), and those enrolled are welcome to bring a partner, family member, or a friend at no additional cost.

Chabad Happenings The Mezuzah Campaign for a Safer Richmond is Going Strong

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habad of Virginia in partnership with the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond has been asking “Is Your Mezuzah a Blessing?” and has been getting a lot of answers!

During these difficult times, the spiritual protection of a Mezuzah is something we can all use. The Mezuzah campaign offers a free Kosher Mezuzah and a home visit by Rabbi Mendy Heber to help get Mezuzahs checked and to hang Mezuzahs.

“It’s more than just a free Kosher Mezuzah,” said Rabbi Mendy. “Not everyone is aware of the Mezuzah qualifications and significance. A Kosher Mezuzah is a parchment scroll upon which the holy words of Shema are hand-written by a scribe, just like Tefillin or the Torah scrolls. Our tradition tells us that a Kosher Mezuzah on a home offers a special protection www.JewishRichmond.org

To learn more, you can go to http://or-ami.com/intro-to-judaism or contact Rabbi Ahuva to register at 272-0017.

Our Or Ami Membership Team organized the delivery of care packages with all sorts of Chanukah goodies for adults who were isolated due to the pandemic. The team also added some delicious Dreidel-shaped cookies to the Chanukah gift made by our Director of Education Rabbi Zaches for our Religious School students. Children and adults enjoyed these treats from their Or Ami family.

An unexpected outcome from Crop Walk – introducing the Wandering Jews!

Or-Amians and other faith communities joined in organizing the Crop Walk to End Hunger on November 14th.

The congregational walk raised over $1130 to address hunger in Richmond and impoverished areas across the planet.

A small group of Or-Amians met (with masks) at Maymont to take their steps against hunger, which inspired the Wandering Jews Walking Club’s beginning.

They meet Tuesdays at noon near the zoo entrance to Maymont. Currently, a weekend walk is being considered.

Our virtual Book Club continues to meet, and on February 1st, we will be discussing The Lake on Fire, by Rosellen

not only while you are in the home, but even while you are out and about.

To date Rabbi Mendy has visited over 46 homes and checked over 150 Mezuzahs!

Many things can render a Mezuzah not Kosher – sunlight or moisture can damage the scroll, a Mezuzah scroll can begin to disintegrate over time, and some Mezuzahs had only a decorative paper scroll to begin with and not a handwritten parchment scroll at all.

So far, Rabbi Mendy has found 58 non-Kosher Mezuzahs.

This Mezuzah campaign offers the first Mezuzah free and is open to the entire community, whether you have Mezuzahs to check or whether you will be hanging your very first Kosher Mezuzah. Rabbi Mendy will be happy to come to you, following all proper safety protocols, and help you ensure that your Mezuzah is a blessing.

To sign up for this amazing opportunity, visit

Brown. Please contact office@Or-Ami.com for links to these or any other events.

Virtual Shabbat Services are held online Friday evenings from 7:30-8:30. Torah Study is on Saturdays, from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. in Zoom format.

For more information on any of our programs or to obtain links to zoom events, please contact our office at (804) 272-0017 or office@or-ami.com.

Would you like to know more? Contact Belong@Or-Ami. com or check us out at www.OrAmi.com. You can follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/OrAmiRichmond, or catch us on Twitter@oramirichmond. All inquiries are always welcome.

Donna Nathanson and Rabbi Mendy Heber and his daughter Devorah. The Rabbi visited the home for a Mezuzah check.

Chabadofva.org to schedule a visit from Rabbi Mendy. He is looking forward to meeting you and making sure that all of the Mezuzahs in the greater Richmond area are a blessing!

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January 2021 Tevet/Shevat 5781 | the Reflector | 21

Women of Beth Ahabah invite you to join us for

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Synagogue Happenings

Brith Achim Happenings

A

CO-SPONSORED BY BETH AHABAH BROTHERHOOD

Michael Schmidt

with

Sunday, January 24th • 7pm

Save the date and join us on Zoom to hear from this renowned New York Times investigative reporter, Pulitzer prize-winner, and author.

To register visit https://www.bethahabah.org/event/ nosh--knowledge-with-michael-schmidt.html

Beth Ahabah Happenings

A

s the pandemic continued into the winter, so did Congregation Beth Ahabah’s programming.

Education, for children as well at adults, continued uninterrupted. Religious school teachers and students grew accustomed to the new Google Classrooms platform and exploited it to enjoy such experiences as virtual tours of Israeli cities, videos about Torah portion, and even interactive Hebrew bingo.

Adults and teens met Monday nights, in slightly greater numbers virtually than in the past in-person. Adults explored the history and techniques of Jewish Cuisine, Holocaust studies, Psalms, Hebrew, Judaism and Prayer 101, among other topics.

The teens enjoyed weekly check-ins and discussing Jewish ethics and their application to current events. The Confirmation class reviewed the Union of Reform Judaism’s current Statement of Principles, which was most recently updated in 1999, and drafted their

.

The Beth Ahabah board and volunteers delivered Chanukah Bags to congregants last month. Beth Ahabah Photos

own 2020 Confirmation Class Statement on Reform Judaism: God, Torah, Israel which was shared with the Congregation.

As December arrived, the board and volunteers were busy making another round of phone calls checking in with all congregants and delivering Chanukah Bags to everyone as well.

The bags included items needed to celebrate and enjoy Chanukah: blessings, Dreidels, and even a build-your-own oil burning Chanukiah kit: Everything but the Latkes!

Congregants also gathered each night online for candle lighting, music from Cantor Sar-

22 | the Reflector | January 2021 Tevet/Shevat 5781

2020 Winter filled with the pandemic’s gloom is giving rise to a 2021 Spring filled with possibilities to bloom at Congregation Brith Achim.

December featured an array of outreach, educational activities. Amy Blumenthal’s Hanukkah Menorah at the Petersburg Area Art League (pictured at right) is in contention for another holiday award again this year and shines as a beacon from our Jewish Community.

The Education Committee offered both internal and outreach activities: Dr. David Goldstein presented “Ethics Concerns with Artificial Intelligence” on Dec. 20. The committee also provided Hanukkah displays to area libraries and other community organizations.

Since the month could not be complete without a Hanukkah celebration, a collage of our past Brith Achim holiday celebrations covering nearly 70 years was the focus of our Dec. 17 virtual event.

January possibilities look exciting!

A wide range of activities for membership, ritual, and building projects are underway.

We plan to explore a new collec-

ah Beck-Berman and a teaching from Rabbi Scott Nagel.

For the Shabbat service during Chanukah, some members of the adult choir submitted individual recordings of themselves singing Maoz Tsur following a piano track prerecorded by Music Director Natan Berenshteyn.

Cantor Sarah Beck-Berman mixed the recordings to produce a 7-voice version played at the live-streamed service, leading many to report becoming a bit teary hearing multiple voices raised in song at Shabbat services for the first time since March.

As the dark days of winter begin to lengthen once again, virtual pro-

tion of authors during our Thursday night Torah Study Sessions.

On Jan. 31, we will feature a Security Committee talk on “Scams and How to Protect Yourself.” Additional fixing, cleaning, and improvement projects are scheduled at the shul in the hope that we will return to the building soon.

For information on any of these activities, call the office at 804-7323968.

Be safe and be blessed. Brith Achim wishes everyone a Healthy and Joyful New Year!

gramming will continue. On Friday, Jan. 15th, the Shabbat service honoring Martin Luther King Day, will feature music performed by the The Afro-Semitic Experience. This service will stream a usual on our YouTube channel.

On Sunday, Jan. 24 at 7 p.m. the Women of Beth Ahabah’s next Nosh & Knowledge event (co-sponsored by the Beth Ahabah Brotherhood) will feature a Zoom talk with Pulitzer Prize winning, New York Times investigative reporter Michael Schmidt.

For more information on Beth Ahabah, call (804) 358-6757 or visit www.bethahabah.org

www.JewishRichmond.org

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Food Pantry, Elmer Toth needs Jewish Community Happenings

A

s the COVID-19 pandemic continues with much uncertainty, there is a vital need for food and other items for many in our community.

The Beth Sholom Woods Food Pantry and Weinstein JCC Elmer Toth Food Pantry, a FeedMore agency, are in desperate need of a number of everyday items.

The following items are needed.

Friendship knows no distance

C

ovid-19 has changed a lot of things in our lives, but one thing that has certainly changed for the good and grown exponentially is Friendship Circle’s Inclusive Teen Leadership Board.

The Board has grown from 7 to 17! The FCVA Teen Leadership Board members have been hard at work creating new virtual programs and running their Ambassador Projects.

Every year, (including 2020 during a pandemic!), the FCVA Inclusive Teen Leadership Board completes an Ambassador Project, which is a year long project that aims to increase their involvement in Friendship Circle mission of building an inclusive community one friendship at a time.

In March 2020, the Teen Leadership Board made it increasingly clear that even in the most unusual of circumstances, friendship cannot be stopped by distance.

In 2020-2021, FCVA Teen Board has 3 dedicated Group Ambassador Projects: Media, FC Events, and FC Collaboration.

Media: Promotes and hosts

programs and interviews on the Teen Board’s FCVA Instagram account: @ projectfriendship_va. At Thanksgiving time, Social Media officer, Julia Glasser interviewed Dr. Debbie Fromer on Instagram Live about how to be grateful. In December, Macy Cafritz had an Instagram Live discussion with Lisa Falvo, Coordinator, Disability Support Services from the Department of Special Education for Chesterfield County Public Schools.

FC Events: This porject focuses specifically on welcoming new Teen Friends into FCVA. Each month from January to May, the dedicated group will host Teen meetings about Friends@home and other interesting topics to get to know each other better during this pandemic.

FC Collaboration: This area dedicates itself to Trivia Time, a teenled Friendship Circle weekly trivia game that is open to teens and young

• Soup • Paper Products (Toilet Tissue, Paper Towels, Tissues, Napkins) • Cleaning products (Dish Soap, Wipes, Detergent) • Canned Fruit • Canned Tuna • Canned Salmon • Canned Chicken • Cereal • Coffee If you would like to donate to Beth Sholom Woods Food Pantry, call (804) 741-4691 prior to dropping off. To donate to the Weinstein JCC Elmer Toth Food Pantry, call (804) 545-8611 prior to dropping off. For general information, contact Sara Rosenbaum at the JCFR at srosenbaum@jewishrichmond.org.

Thank you for helping those in need in our community.

adults of all abilities. The new Trivia Time program is a particularly exciting program created and co-hosted by Caleb Klijnstra, a member of the Teen Board who is on the autism spectrum. Caleb partners with our Teen Leadership Board President, Marissa Marczak, to host the weekly trivia program.

Now, every Sunday at noon, teenagers and young adults of all abilities from Friendship Circles around the nation participate in Trivia Time. Caleb and Marissa work tirelessly to ensure that only the highest quality of content is prepared for contestants.

“Trivia Time is a fun competition where you can play with friends and learn something new and interesting,’’ said Caleb.

Weekly themes range from Disney movies, cartoons, Broadway and more.

Trivia Time is an interactive program and as the weeks have passed by, the Trivia Time community has continued to become more close-knit. For many individuals, including Caleb and Marissa, it is the highlight of their week.

To learn more about our Teen Leadership Board please visit www.FriendshipCircleVA.org Meet Our Inclusive Teen Leadership Board Officers. There are: President: Marissa Marczak – Senior at

Patrick Henry High School; Vice President: Maia Zasler – Sophomore at Collegiate School; Secretary: Sofia Valle – Senior at Patrick Henry High School; and Social Media Director: Julia Glasser – Junior at The New Community School The General Board Members are: Maria Bonwell, Macy Cafritz, Sam Fromer, Mollye Goldberg, Basya Gunzburg, Alex Heyman, Caleb Klinjstra, Renee Maier, Jordan McEvoy, Kelly Patrick, Zoey Van Peppen and Emmi Wells.

For more information on our Teen Leadership Board and Friendship Circle of Virginia, visit www.friendshipcirclev.org or email us at info@friendshipcircleva.org or call 804-740-2000.

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January 2021 Tevet/Shevat 5781 |the Reflector | 23

JELF provides funds to more students than every before

I

n 2020, JELF (Jewish Educational Loan Fund) provided 394 interest-free loans to Jewish college, graduate, and vocational students. This jump in loans came from an increase of 66 percent more applications over the previous year.

JELF serves students in the five-state region of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia (excluding metro D.C.) as they pursue their higher education.

In Richmond, JELF helped 5 local students with $20,000 in financial aid.

The total student need for all the students in the JELF region was $2,352,906.

Through student repayments, increased fundraising, and the generosity of the Marcus Foundation, JELF was able to allocate $1,553,739 in interest-free, last dollar loans to these students.

JELF’s mission is to help reduce a student’s financial burden so that they can pursue their higher education full time.

JELF’s interest-free loans of last resort help students pay for crucial living and medical expenses, books, supplies, transportation, and many other costs. By bor-

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Jewish Community Happenings

rowing through JELF, this year’s 394 student loan recipients are estimated to save nearly $1 million in interest payments over the life of their loans.

Since JELF first started providing interest-free loans in 1961, the organization has loaned $16 million to 2,400+ Jewish students. JELF is proud to consistently maintain a 99 percent student repayment rate, even during this difficult year.

“What I love about JELF is that your contribution continuously pays it forward,” said JELF’s Board President Jane Aronoff. “Dollars used for one student when paid back, are used for the next.

Every dollar lives on and on …”

JELF provides interest-free loans for Jewish students in need to meet their post-high school educational goals. Undergraduate, graduate, and vocational school students are eligible to apply.

The application is open from March 1 - April 30 for the full academic year and Sept. 1-30 for spring and/or summer semester(s) only.

Sign up at jelf.org/app to get a reminder or visit JELF.org/donate to learn more or make a contribution.

For more, contact David Cohen via email at info@JELF.org.

Website: JELF.org Facebook: @JELFLoans Instagram: @JELFLoans

H.J. Bernstein Continued from page 15

transportation they needed to get out of Europe into Palestine,” the documentary narrator explained.

Neil November continued, “Jack got together with some people he knew and was close to, since what he was about to do was illegal. He could be thrown in jail if he was caught. Plus all others who joined him. One of them was my father. They decided to buy one of the ferryboats.”

The group purchased the old boat under the pretense it would be hauling cargo for a Middle East trading company. They knew its true purchase was to transport Jewish refugees to Palestine. These exploits became a major novel and motion picture.

Jack Bernstein through the years was privileged to meet and recognized for his support from Israeli leaders - David Ben-Gurion, Golda Meir, Abba Eban and many others on visits to Israel or in the U.S. There also are exhibits and photographs at the Virginia Holocaust Museum recognizing Jack Bernstein and his contributions to Israel. Jewish Family Services issued a resolution in May 2002 recognizing the leadership of H.J. Bernstein. It was adopted in conjunction with the community showing of the film, EXODUS. “Mr. Bernstein’s leadership qualities are evidenced by the many community endeavors in which he has distinguished himself over the years, said RJCC President Jack Kreuter in the Reflector in 1976.

Granddaughter Teri Cooper noted, “He never bragged. And, of course, there were the things (about the arms) that he did not want people to know.

He just did it.”

She related that he had many interests and was always buying businesses.

Many of the family members worked at the LaVogue stores.

“We were like all other employees and were not treated special in any way in our jobs,” she noted.

“He was always adventuress and into stuff like boating, fishing, airplanes and more. I guess he got bored easily and wanted to try new things. Before I was born, he had a farm that eventually led to him buying the land that became the original Camp Hilbert along the river.”

Teri said his interest in buying the baseball team was not unusual. “He

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24 | the Reflector | January 2021 Tevet/Shevat 5781

The photo and caption are from a book, “Baseball in Richmond.” Jack Bernstein is the fourth man on the right standing with the other team owners on April 14, 1959.

loved baseball, but never played or knew too much about game.”

The group he was involved with bought the team at an auction.

Niece Barbara Balser said her uncle while not the oldest Bernstein brother still was the family leader. “He offered me valuable, life-long advice that I always will remember, ” said the former national ADL chairman.

She agreed that her uncle never sought recognition and rarely talked openly about his numerous

accomplishments.

Young family members did know his formal name was Hilbert. When they learned the summer camp was named after him, they wondered why it was called Camp Hilbert. Jack Bernstein did not want recognition of his last name so he asked that it be called Camp Hilbert.

While only a few in the community knew about his many accomplishments, countless thousands have benefited for many years.

As niece Barbara noted, “He was quite a man.” www.JewishRichmond.org

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Hadassah Happenings

Order 2021 Mah Jongg Cards

H

adassah Richmond continues to take orders for 2021 Mah Jongg cards. Orders must be received by Jan. 20.

While we haven’t gotten to play much with this year’s card, hopefully next year we will all be back together playing!

Cards are $9 for the standard size, and $10 for the large ones, and Hadassah benefits from each card ordered through us.

You do not have to be a Hadassah member to order!

Please send your check made payable to Hadassah along with your name, address, phone number, email address, Mah Jongg id number (if available), and size of card you are ordering to Toby Rosenthal; 3523 Corro-

www.JewishRichmond.org

toman Rd; Glen Allen, VA 23060.

Each name and address submitted will ensure their membership in the National Mah Jongg League, and each recipient will receive a copy of the Mah Jongg League publication in January.

Thank you for supporting Hadassah Richmond!

For more information about Hadassah, find us online at www.hadassah.org/richmond or www.facebook.com/richmondhadassah

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January 2021 Tevet/Shevat 5781 |the Reflector| 25

How to leave a Legacy O

By Robert Nomberg president & ceo richmond jewish foundation

ur community’s Life and Legacy initiative continues into the new year.

Designed to increase awareness of the importance of creating bequests for endowments for our community, Life and Legacy is now in its fifth year.

Over the last five years, over 300 families have pledged to create 530 legacies for our community; for a projected $20.5 million.

70% of these legacy commitments have already been formalized.

If national trends hold true, over 90% of these gifts will come from a donor’s will. Your will is an important way of looking after the future of your family and friends. After taking care of loved ones, for many people, the next priority is leaving a gift to a charity. But what is the best way to go about doing this?

What exactly is a Legacy?

The dictionary defines a legacy as money or property bequeathed to another in their will. A will ensures your wishes are carried out. Many people don’t realize that non-profits are heavily reliant on these permanent gifts. While most of our donors support multitudes of charities throughout their lifespan, most don’t realize the importance of naming them in their will to continue their support.

That’s why it’s important to take action now, as nobody knows what tomorrow brings and Richmond Jewish Foundation is here to help.

Preparation is everything If you don’t prepare your will properly, you will have no control over what happens to your money and other assets after you

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26| the Reflector| January 2021 Tevet/Shevat 5781

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Foundation Happenings

pass away. The government will determine how your assets are distributed, with the possible consequence that what you leave behind passes to beneficiaries you would not have selected.

You should seek legal assistance when drafting a will to make sure everything is in order and as you wish. We are available if you want to talk with us about finding an advisor; there are plenty of properly trained people out there (you could also ask family and friends for a recommendation).

The size of your Legacy doesn’t matter As we’ve mentioned, legacies are a very important source of income for many charities, and it doesn’t matter what size your gift is, rest assured it will be put to good use, greatly appreciated and combined with gifts from others.

Some people believe that only wealthy people leave money to charity when they die, however, this isn’t the case. Without the generosity of people leaving a legacy in their will, many of the charities we know and support today wouldn’t exist.

Finding a cause and making a will Writing a will is relatively inexpensive and easy when drafted by a properly qualified professional and as we’ve said, the gift you make can be as small or large as you like.

You may have a favorite cause, or are close to a certain charity because they helped you or somebody you love. There are charities here in Richmond, nationally, and in Israel helping children, the elderly and infirm

– whatever your passion or area of interest, there is a nonprofit that could benefit greatly from your gift.

At RJF we can help you create a permanent endowment with as little as $5000.

Funded at this level, your fund will create an annual gift of $200 to your favorite charity, and as the fund’s balance grows the size of the gift grows.

Changing a Will to include a charity If you want to leave a gift to charity but have already made a will, that is not a problem, there is a simple way you can change it: by writing a codicil. A codicil is a document used to make minor changes to a will that has already been written.

If you already have a will and an attorney, ask about amending your will and they will take you through the process while you decide which charity or charities you want to include in your legacy gift.

We at RJF want you to experience the good feelings of having a well-considered and well-crafted will (or other comprehensive estate planning document).

We encourage you to take care of this very important matter. And to help you, we offer a secure online interactive “wills guide” which can be accessed at: rjfoundation.giftlegacy.com/?pageID=99.

We can also be reached at: Robert@rjfoundation.org or (804) 545-8656.

www.JewishRichmond.org

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Virginia Holocaust Museum Happenings

Save the Date!

International Holocaust Remembrance Day Program - January 27

T

Calling all students Calling all students!

Richmond has become home to many Holocaust and contemporary genocide survivors and refugees. It is the Virginia Holocaust Museum’s mission to tell those stories, educating and helping to ensure that the words “Never Again,” are someday realized.

Show us through your artwork how the stories of local Survivors have impacted and affected you! The new deadline is March 12.

For more information, visit www.vaholocaust.org/resources-for-students/voice-2021.

he Virginia Holocaust Museum invites all to be part of a special International Holocaust Remembrance Program focused on Matilda Olkin, a young Jewish poet who has been called the Anne Frank of Lithuania. A 19-year college student, she was killed near her home along with other family members in 1941.

Join the science team – Dr. Richard Freund of Christopher Newport University, Dr. Phil Reeder of

Duquesne University and Dr. Harry Jol of the University of WisconsinEau Claire, on Jan. 27, at 7 p.m. on Zoom to discover how and why they sought to reclaim Matilda’s story and discover her grave.

The science team will be joined

by Matthew Shaer, who wrote an extensive account of Matilda’s story for Smithsonian Magazine and documentary film maker, Kyle Conti.

Visit www.vaholocaust.org for more details on the event.

Visit the museum Come join the nearly 7,000 visitors who have come to the Virginia Museum since we re-opened with Commonwealth of Virginia COVID-19 guidelines on July 6. It is imperative that we continue our learning about the Holocaust and other genocides and the role racist ideology played in the history of these events.

The museum follows safe COVID-19 protocols with masks required and social distancing guidelines followed. Advance registration is required.

The museum remains free. Visitors are asked to sign-up via www.vaholocaust.org.

www.JewishRichmond.org

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January 2021 Tevet/Shevat 5781 | the Reflector |27

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Pictured is Charles Furrow a member of the 5400 Club who welcomed other members during a drive-by lunch pick-up at the Weinstein JCC.

New Digital Reflector We are working on an enhanced digital Reflector that will work well on Smartphones, tablets and other devices. This new digital publication will have all the up-to-date news and information on the community, Agencies, Synagogues and more.

The Digital Reflector will supplement our printed newspaper.

Scheduled to launch in January!

To be the first to try it out in January, email Reflector Editor Skip Kozakewicz at skozakewicz@reflector.org

www.JewishRichmond.org

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January 2021 Tevet/Shevat 5781 | the Reflector | 28