jewishnewsva.org Southeastern Virginia | Vol. 60 No. 20 | 22 Av 5782 | August 15, 2022 Non-Profit Org. US SuburbanPOSTAGEPAIDMDPermit6543 J INSIDE 5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Suite 200 Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462-4370 Address Service Requested 3 Chalk the Walk combats antisemetic fliers 14 Jeff Flax helps claim gold medal in Israel BOB JOSEPHBERG 34th A NNUAL BOB SAVE THE DATE Tuesday September 19, 2022 Cavalier Golf & Yacht Club 1052 Cardinal Rd.,Virginia Beach 10:30 am: Registration opens 12:00 pm: Tee-off All proceeds benefit the Strelitz International Academy For sponsorships and registration, strelitzinternationalacademy.org/support-us/annual-golftournamevisitnt or contact Andie Eichelbaum at aeichelbaum@strelitzacademy.org REGISTER BY SEPT 2 45 Podcaster Michael Brooke brings Torah to listeners 49 Strelitz Golf Tournament Monday, September 19 Strelitz International Academy’s Donors 42 A “Super Day” at the Sandler Family Campus Sunday, September 18 Marty Einhorn Pavilion Dedication Super Sunday Sunday Fun Day JewishLiving GUIDE TO IN TIDEWATER Supplement to Jewish News August 15, 2022 —page 6
Marty Einhorn Pavilion under construction. Photograph by Steve Budman.
Betty Ann Levin is executive vice presi dent/CEO of United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and Simon Family JCC.
jewishnewsva.org | August 15, 2022 | JEWISH NEWS | 3 “The population of Warsaw increased by 20% in the war’s first month, and they speak not of ‘refugees,’ but of ‘guests.’” —page 12 jewishnewsva.org Published 20 times a year by United Jewish Federation of Tidewater. Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus of the Tidewater Jewish Community 5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Suite 200 Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462-4370 voice 757-965-6100 • fax 757-965-6102 email news@ujft.org Terri Denison, Editor Germaine Clair, Art Director Sandy Goldberg, Account Executive Debbie Burke, Copywriter Marilyn Cerase, Subscription Manager Reba Karp, Editor Emeritus United Jewish Federation of Tidewater Laura G. Gross, President Alvin Wall, Treasurer Mona Flax, Secretary Betty Ann Levin, Executive Vice President JewishVA.org The appearance of advertising in the Jewish News does not constitute a kashrut, political, product or service endorsement. The articles and letters appearing herein are not necessarily the opinion of this newspaper. ©2022 Jewish News. All rights reserved. Subscription: $18 per year For subscription or change of address, call 757-965-6128 or email mcerase@ujft.org. Upcoming Deadlines for Editorial and Advertising Sept. 12 Rosh Hashannah Aug. 26 Sept. 26 Yom Kippur Sept. 9 Oct. 17 Legal Sept. 23 Oct. 31 Business/Investments Oct. 14 Nov. 14 Hanukkah/Holidays Oct. 21 Dec. 5 Holidays Nov. 13 Dec. 19 Year End/Education Dec. 2 Jan. 23 Foodie/Romance Jan. 13 Up Front 3 Briefs 4 “Super day” planned for Sandler Family Campus 6 Dedication of Marty Einhorn Pavilion 7 Super Sunday Phone-a-Thom seeks volunteers 8 Good times ahead with Sunday Fun Day 9 JCRC helps advocate for students and works for community 10 CARDO Friendship Table 11 Holocaust study tour 12 Jeffrey Flax helps claim Gold Medal at Israel’s Maccabi Games 14 David Abraham appointed to state Workforce Dev. Authority 15 Team Virginia Beach competes at JCC Maccabi Game 16 Guide to Jewish Living in Tidewater 17 Paper Midrash in Tidewater 44 Podcaster Michael Brooke brings Torah to listeners 45 JCC Seniors Club redefines the perfect summer picnic 45 Toras Chaim holds ceremony at Chevra Tellim 46 David Proser assumes helm of Board of Rabbis and Cantors 47 Beth El’s Religious School has new director 47 What’s Happening 49 Calendar 50 Actor in Jason Alexander production If I Forget has Tidewater connection 51 Obituaries 52 Nancy Engel retires from JFS 55 Friday, August 19/22 Av Light candles at 7:33 pm Friday, August 26/29 Av Light candles at 7:24 pm Friday, September 2/6 Elul Light candles at 7:14 pm Friday, September 9/13 Elul Light candles at 7:03 pm Friday, September 16/20 Elul Light candles at 6:53 pm Friday, September 23/27 Elul Light candles at 6:42 pm JewishNewsVA CONTENTS
Antisemitism appears in Virginia Beach
Residents throughout Little Neck were outraged. The Middle Plantation Civic League quickly mobilized, denouncing the fliers and, in coordination with the JCRC, began discussing actions to show that this type of hatred toward anyone is unacceptable. The Civic League organized “Chalk the Walk” on Sunday morning, August 7, for families to cover the streets and driveways through out the community with positive illustrations and messages. The JCRC remains in contact with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners and other thought partners on this issue and concerns around bias and antisemitism throughout the year.
JEWISH NEWSUPFRONT
CANDLE LIGHTINGQUOTABLE
Betty Ann Levin Sunday morning, July 24, residents in the Little Neck com munity of Virginia Beach woke up to find antisemitic fliers distributed throughout multiple neighborhoods.
The United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) was notified and quickly in touch with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, as well as the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities (VCIC). Upon calls from numerous residents and the JCRC, Virginia Beach law enforcement quickly responded, collected the fliers, and spoke to many who received them.Similar fliers have been distributed in Richmond, Tampa, Fla., and elsewhere across the country by the Goyim Defense League (GDL), a group the ADL notes as “a loose network of individuals connected by their virulent antisemitism.”
An article inabouthaveterJCRCcontactingmorepage 10 providesoninformationonUJFT’sifyouencounanincidentoraconcernantisemitismourcommunity.
She led a group that won a $25 million judgment against the neo-Nazis who organized the deadly 2017 Charlottesville march. Now Amy Spitalnick is taking up a broaderSpitalnick,battle.who made a name for herself as the executive director of the nonprofit Integrity First For America, is taking a new job as the head of left-lean ing Jewish community organizing group Bend The Arc: Jewish Action. In her new role, she says, she will transition from fighting Nazis in court to organizing pro gressive Jews against the normalization of white supremacy.
Statistics Canada said that the Jewish community, comprising about 1% of the population, were victims of 14% of reported hate crimes. Jews saw a 47% rise in reported hate crimes compared to 2020, according to the bureau. “We are deeply concerned that inci dents of hate crimes rose yet again in Canada in 2021,” said Shimon Koffler Fogel, head of the Center for Israel and Jewish Affairs. “This disturbing trend clearly proves the need for more proactive measures to stop the rising hate target ing diverse Canadians based on their identity.”Only Black Canadians, who make up about 3.5% of the country’s population, reported more hate crimes. Overall, 1.3 Canadian Jews in every 1,000 reported being victims of hate crime in 2021. “Statistically, Canadian Jews were more than 10 times more likely than any other Canadian religious minority to report being the target of hate crime,” Fogel said. “This is alarming.”
A deputy director general at the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the statement “pitiful” and “unconvincing.” (JTA) CANADA SAYS JEWS WERE MOSTTARGETED RELIGIOUS MINORITY FOR HATE CRIMES LAST YEAR Canada’s 380,000 Jews were the most targeted religious minority for hate crimes reported to police in 2021, the country’s official numbers keeper reported.
The White House liaison leads inter actions with national Jewish groups. Weissman is ending his second stint in the job, after closing out the Obama administration as its final Jewish liaison and then joining the Biden adminis tration as its first. During his tenure, Weissman launched a number of online forums including frequent pre-Shabbat briefings for the community. (JTA)
“The core goals are exactly aligned,” she told Spitalnick,JTA. the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, will assume her new role as Bend The Arc’s CEO in November. Her predecessor, Stosh Cotler, left the organization earlier this year after a decade.Integrity First For America, which built its operations entirely around the Charlottesville lawsuit, announced it will wind down operations by the end of the year.The template for its successful suit, which drew on the Ku Klux Klan Act of 1871 to prosecute the Charlottesville march’s organizers for planning to incite racist violence, is being adapted for var ious other lawsuits, including several connected to the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. But “the crux of our work,” Spitalnick said, ended with the lawsuit’s resolution, and she believes the group achieved its goals. Spitalnick said she sees herself as continuing the same fight against white supremacy and “authoritarianism,” but focusing on broader targets, including the mainstreaming of the antisemitic Great Replacement theory, the rise of anti-abortion and anti-LGBTQ legislation and voter suppression efforts. “We’re actually grappling with a far broader, deeper moment of increasingly normalized bigotry and extremism in this country,” Spitalnick said. When white supremacists marched in 2017, “it was baffling to some people.” But now, she said, there’s a greater realization that “we’re seeing this sort of extremism become acceptable in certain spaces.”
United Nations investigator has apol ogized for recently using the phrase “Jewish lobby” and suggesting that Israel could lose its U.N. membership, comments that drew widespread con demnation, including from U.S. officials. Miloon Kothari sent an apology letter to Federico Villegas, head of the U.N. Human Rights Council, for statements he made during a podcast interview last month with the anti-Zionist Mondoweiss site.Kothari is a member of the Human Rights Council’s commission to inves tigate human rights abuses in the Occupied Palestinain Territories that was formed following Israel-Gaza violence in the spring of 2021. In the interview, he said, “We are very disheartened by the social media that is controlled largely by—whether it is the Jewish lobby or specific NGOs, a lot of money is being thrown into trying to discredit us, but the important thing is our mandate is based on international human rights and humanitarian stan dards and that we are all seeking the truth.”He added that “the Israeli government does not respect its own obligations as a U.N. member state. They, in fact, con sistently, either directly or through the United States, try to undermine U.N. mechanisms.”Atthetime, the head of the com mission, Navi Pillay, defended Kothari’s comments as being taken out of context.
BRIEFS VETERAN OF NATIONAL JEWISH GROUPS IS NEXT WHITE HOUSE JEWISH LIAISON
Deborah Lipstadt, the State Department’s special envoy on antisemitism, and Michèle Taylor, the U.S. ambassador to the U.N. Human Rights Council, both condemned Kothari’s rhetoric. “We are outraged by recent antise mitic, anti-Israel comments made by a member of the Israel COI,” Taylor tweeted.Inhis letter sent Thursday, August 4, Kothari wrote that “It was completely wrong for me to describe the social media as ‘being controlled largely by the Jewish lobby.’ This choice of words was incor rect, inappropriate, and insensitive.”
“It’s crucial that we not just simply hold extremists to account,” she added, “but also take on the more systemic white supremacy, anti-Black racism, antisemitism, and other forms of hate that underpin the broader moment we’re living in.” (JTA)
4 | JEWISH NEWS | August 15, 2022 | jewishnewsva.org
Canada’s official tally showed the same trend as tallies of antisemitic incidents in other countries last year. The Netherlands, France and the United Kingdom all reported increased incidents of antisem itism, while the Anti-Defamation League, a nonprofit in the United States, said it recorded more antisemitic incidents last year than at any time since it began track ing incidents in 1979. Statistics Canada cautioned in its crime report that “fluctuations in the number of reported incidents may be attributable to a true change in the volume of hate crimes, but they might also reflect changes in reporting by the public because of increased community outreach by police or heightened sensitivity after high-profile events.” (JTA)
Israel, which has refused to partici pate in the U.N. commission’s inquiry, was unsatisfied with Kothari’s apology.
Shelley Greenspan, a former staffer and board member for a number of national Jewish groups, is replacing Chanan Weissman as the White House liaison to the Jewish Greenspan,community.32,whose
UN INVESTIGATOR APOLOGIZES FOR ‘JEWISH LOBBY’ REMARK AND OTHER COMMENTS
AMY SPITALNICK WILL GO FROM FIGHTING CHARLOTTESVILLE NEONAZIS TO LEADING BEND THE ARC
appointment was first reported by The Forward , worked for a period in the mid-2010s in the legislative shop of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, the pro-Israel powerhouse lobby, and has been a board member of the Anti-Defamation League and Jewish Women International. A rapid response member of Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign, she then went to work for Amazon on its policy team. She joined the State Department in 2020 and recently moved from there to the Biden National Security Council as a policy advisor for partner ships and global engagement. In February, she helped launch Jewish Democratic Women for Action, which seeks to expand Jewish involvement ahead of the November midterm elections.
Lipstadt also shared that she offered a talk about the Torah portion at a Shabbat service in Dubai as part of a promotion of the Abraham Accords; met with Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid on his first full day in office; and subsequently traveled to Argentina for the anniversary of the deadly AMIA Jewish center bombing in Buenos Aires. In Argentina, one big policy devel opment emerged: 28 years after the deadliest attack on a Jewish institution since the Holocaust, the president com mitted to appointing a special envoy for antisemitism, the country’s own version of Lipstadt’s role. “I hope that our ability to maybe diffuse the antisemitism piece and maybe infuse a different attitude, a conception of Jews and Jews within the Gulf region, will help this issue.” Deborah Lipstadt.
Deborah Lipstadt, back from Saudi Arabia, says progress underway on combating antisemitism in Gulf states
Andrew Lapin (JTA)—When Deborah Lipstadt recently met with a Saudi diplomat, she recalled, “He stood up and he said to me, ‘I come from a city where there were Jews.’” That interaction in Saudi Arabia, a country that has been widely criticized for its human rights abuses, was a highlight of Lipstadt’s recent Middle East trip, her first tour as the U.S. State Department’s special envoy for antisemitism, which she recounted in a virtual briefing Monday, August 1. She characterized the interac tion as cordial—but it also spoke to the costs of the sentiments that she has been charged with monitoring. In the briefing, Lipstadt acknowledged that the kingdom was not “perfect accord ing to our human rights standards,” but said that she believed her presence in “a place which had once been the source of so much Jew hatred, so much extrem ism,” would prove to be a net positive. In her meeting with Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji, Lipstadt said, they discussed possibly mounting a future conference about “Judeo-Arabic” issues to explore the historic presence of Jews in the kingdom. “If I can lessen that degree of animus [toward Jews], if I can make it so that that degree is not spread amongst others, I think I would have to,” she said. “I would be derelict not to do so.” She cautioned that it would be wrong to conclude that the kingdom has fully
preachedcountry,includingtosentSaudisaid.thewouldreformed—thatbe“drinkingKoolAid,”she“ThekingofArabiahasimamsabroadvariousmosques,inthiswhohaveantisemitism.”Butshesawsomepositive signs in the region, including in the fact that antise mitic material has recently been removed from Saudi textbooks. Saudi Arabia, which backs the coun tries currently entered into the Abraham Accords, has lately hinted at a desire to normalize relations with Israel as part of a bulwark against Iran. President Joe Biden also recently visited the kingdom on his own Middle East trip, traveling there on a historic direct flight from Israel. Though the Abraham Accords are seen as potentially having eliminated leverage for future progress in negotiations with Palestinians, Lipstadt said she hoped that her work in the region could help those talks by removing antisemitism from the equation in countries such as the United Arab Emirates. “I hope that our ability to maybe dif fuse the antisemitism piece and maybe infuse a different attitude, a conception of Jews and Jews within the Gulf region, will help this issue,” she said.
jewishnewsva.org | August 15, 2022 | JEWISH NEWS | 5 ANTISEMITISM INSPIRED BY ITALY CELEBRATING 34 YEARS GREAT SUPERBDINING,SERVICE AND EXCELLENT VALUE! Reserve our private dining room for all your special events. La Promenade Shoppes 1860 Laskin Rd., Virginia Beach, VA 757.491.1111 • AldosVB.com
6 | JEWISH NEWS | August 15, 2022 | jewishnewsva.org A “Super Day” planned for the Sandler Family Campus
Dedication of Marty Einhorn Pavilion, 12 pm Super Sunday, 1–4 pm • Sunday Fun Day, 1–4 pm
Sunday, September 18, beginning at 12 pm
SUPER
Jodi and Jay Klebanoff, Super Sunday 2020.
It’s being called “Super Duper Sunday” because of all of the exciting activity on tap at the Sandler Family Campus on Sunday, September 18. The day’s fes tivities begin with the dedication of the Marty Einhorn Pavilion, which will be followed by the annual Super Sunday phone-a-thon and Sunday Fun Day for families.“It’sgoing to be a great community afternoon!” says Betty Ann Levin, United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and Simon Family JCC’s executive vice president/ CEO. “I hope that all our community comes out to honor a generous and loving man and leader, Marty Einhorn, as we dedicate the pavilion with his friends and family in attendance. Marty cared so much about our community and was involved in numerous organizations on this campus and beyond. Following that, we hope people come and stay for the Super Sunday kick-off of the 2023 com munity campaign, which benefits many organizations locally and globally.”
Making calls: Laura Gross, Harry Graber, Betty Ann Levin, Janet Mercadante, Jay Klebanoff, Super Sunday 2017.
“Come for one event or stay for all three,” says Levin. “We’ve planned a great day for all ages and interests.” SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
Barb Gelb at Ohef Sholom Temple, Super Sunday 2021.
Rabbi Aron Margolin, Nicole Kramer-Morning, Robin Sidersky, and Matt Kramer-Morning, Super Sunday 2022.
Kelly Burroughs, Super Sunday 2021.
The pavilion has a comfortable seat ing capacity of 160 people. Lighting for evening events with power and WIFI make it flexible for a variety of uses, including setting up picnic tables for dining.Glenn Saucier, facility director for the Sandler Family Campus, says that Camp JCC made a lot of use of the pavilion during the summer. In addition, Saucier notes that Strelitz International Academy and the Federation agencies have plans to use it often. It is also available to the community to rent. For more information on rentals, con tact Benita Watts at ops@ujft.org or call 757-965-6123.
Alvin Wall and Jeff Chernitzer, Einhorn’s long-time business partners and friends, are serving as the event’s co-chairs. In a nod to Einhorn’s musical talent and passion, music will be part of the Theceremony.completion of the Marty Einhorn Pavilion experienced some of the supply chain struggles that affected many other construction projects nationwide, which makes this dedication even more cause for Namedcelebration.in memory of Martin A. Einhorn, a past president of the Simon Family JCC and a leader in countless organizations, the Marty Einhorn Pavilion sits adjacent to the basketball court on the rear lawn of the Sandler Family Campus. The 2,400-square-foot outdoor struc ture has a front and back patio, benches, and picnic tables, and fans to help ‘beat the heat.’
Dedication of Marty Einhorn Pavilion
A party was held at the Marty Einhorn Pavilion in July.A brick patio leads to the Pavilion. Work continues on the Pavilion. Steve Budman The Pavilion under construction. Marty Einhorn. Colorful LED lights add beautiful atmosphere to the Pavilion.
Music and arrival, 11:30 am Dedication, 12 pm Debbie Burke
The day’s festivities begin with the long-anticipated dedication of the Marty Einhorn Pavilion with the program and lunch starting at noon.
jewishnewsva.org | August 15, 2022 | JEWISH NEWS | 7
SUPER SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
Super Sunday Phone-a-Thon seeks volunteers “Make the call or take the call” 1–4 pm
8 | JEWISH NEWS | August 15, 2022 | jewishnewsva.org
The Annual Super Sunday Phone-athon will again reach out to the community to support Jews locally, nationally, and abroad. The event will take place in-person on the Sandler Family Campus at the newly finished Marty Einhorn“SuperPavilion.Sunday’s success year after year has been due to the community’s involve ment,” says Matthew Kramer-Morning, Young Leadership Campaign director. “This event supports our local agencies year-round and positions our community to respond to crises when they arise, whether it is antisemitic flyers being distributed in local neighborhoods or evacuating Jews from war-torn parts of Ukraine.”Thecommittee is seeking volunteers for the event to make calls to members of the community, which is also a way to check in and engage with friends and neighbors.“Super Sunday is a success each year because of our community members. It is not only because of the volunteers who take time on their Sundays to make phone calls, but also because of the commu nity members who answer the call and commit to supporting our Annual Campaign. These are not just calls to get your pledge for the coming year; we want to hear from you how YOU are doing,” says Kramer-Morning. Another way to help is to make an early commitment to the com munity by visiting JewishVA.org/ Donate. To have a gift counted in the Super Sunday total, just write SUPER SUNDAY in the comments section of the donation form. “This year we also have a new way to give monthly when you visit JewishVA.org/Donate,” says KramerMorning. “Rather than making a one-time payment, we are able to provide the convenience of sign ing up to give automatically each month. Spreading this out over each month adds up and builds on the donor’s impact each month that they give. Donors can choose to give $5 and up each month, just like a normal subscription, but this is helping us pro vide essential services to the community through the annual campaign.”
Donations made to the UJFT Annual Campaign are 100% tax deductible to the extent applicable by law (please consult a tax advisor). For more information on volunteering for Super Sunday or making a gift for the 2023 campaign, contact Matthew KramerMorning at 757-965-6136 or mkmorning@ ujft.org or visit JewishVA.org/SuperSunday.
Debbie Burke
SUPER SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
Religious School students, Super Sunday 2020. Sara Jo Rubin calls from the home of Shikma and Danny Rubin with assistance from grandson, Shai Rubin, Super Sunday 2021.
jewishnewsva.org | August 15, 2022 | JEWISH NEWS | 9 Good times ahead with Sunday Fun Day 1–4 pm Debbie Burke With a focus on Tzdakah and giving back, Sunday Fun Day promises to provide lots of fun. “There will be crafts, games, and activ ities,” says Nofar Trem, youth and family program coordinator. “Sunday Fun Day is so important to us as an organization and a community because it brings people together. We have just enough activities to excite the children, but leave plenty of space for families to mingle and make new friends.” Babysitting will be available for 45-minute slots so that parents can engage in Sunday Fun Day activities with their children, then step away to join Super Sunday under the beautiful new Marty Einhorn Pavilion and make calls. The event is free and open to the community, but registration is encouraged through the website at jewishva.org/sundayfunday. For more information, contact ntrem@ujft.org or call 757-321-2334. WHEN “WEBUSINESSLOCALTHRIVES,ALLSUCCEED.” Rob Shuford, Jr. President & CEO Old Point is 100% committed to this community. We all live, work, and shop in Hampton Roads. We know your family. We know your business. You matter to us. Local Matters to Us Member FDIC ©2016 Old Point National Bank #localmatterstous OldPoint.com757.728.1200 SUPER SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 HashanahRosh Sept. 19 issue To advertise, news@ujft.org757-965-6100calloremail
For a downloadable version of JCRC’s Five-Year Calendar of Major Jewish Holidays, visit jewishva.org/jcrcholidaycalendar.
Jewish Community Relations Council works for the community Elka Mednick Encountering incidents of antisemi tism—at school, in the neighborhood, or at work—is not unusual today, accord ing to recent surveys. When acts of bigotry take place, how ever, most people don’t know where to turn or whom to contact.
To have the paper emailed, send your email address to news@ujft.org.
Jewish News Digital Version
As soon as possible, make note of the hol idays when a child will be absent from school and request make-up assignments. All superintendents, heads of school, and principals in Tidewater middle and high schools have already received this calen dar as the JCRC sends it both as a hard copy and email version annually. Still, it is a good idea to share the calendar or dates with the principal and assistant principal.
JEWISH COMMUNITY RELATIONS COUNCIL
Even antisemitism,reportinganunsurewhenifincidentisworthasitisimportanttolettheJCRCknowaboutittoreceiveguidance.
See the paper 3 days before the cover date: JewishNewsVa.org/digital.
JCRC helps advocate for students Elka Mednick In preparation for the upcoming school year and High Holy Days, it is import ant to proactively communicate with school faculty about the Jewish holidays to ensure Jewish students have the oppor tunity to observe the holidays without penalty.While schools often try to be sensi tive to students from all backgrounds, it is important for parents to contact their child’s teachers and administrators to share their thoughts and concerns. The Jewish Community Relations Council suggests these methods for parents to advocate for students in the classroom:
• Talk to teachers at the beginning of the school year about concerns or issues. Offer to partner with the teacher in cre ating a positive and constructive learning environment that respects the identities of all students.•Share resources with teachers and administrators. The JCRC can provide recommendations of websites, articles, workshops, and programs for teachers and families on topics of inclusivity and understanding around Judaism.
10 | JEWISH NEWS | August 15, 2022 | jewishnewsva.org
To learn more about the Jewish Community Relations Council and how it serves the entire community, visit jewishva.org/jcrc or contact Elka Mednick, assistant director, at emed nick@ujft.org or 757-965-6112.
The JCRC can
ofrecommendationsprovidewebsites,articles,workshops,andprogramsforteachersandfamiliesontopicsofinclusivityandunderstandingaroundJudaism.
• If an issue comes up in the classroom or the school that is of concern, start by talking with the teacher. From there, JCRC suggests the guidance counselor, followed by the assistant principal, and then the principal. If a concern has not been addressed, contact JCRC.
• In cases where antisemitic threats or graffiti are involved, contact JCRC for assistance. The JCRC will help to ensure proper tracking, adequate sup port, reporting to appropriate partners, and appropriate education that can be provided for all.
• Bring teachers a copy of JCRC’s FiveYear Calendar of Major Jewish Holidays, found at jewishva.org/jcrcholidaycalendar.
The Jewish Community Relations Council tracks incidents and main tains close contacts with local, state, and federal law enforcement, as well as with educational partners such as the ADL and Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities. JCRC is an important partner in identifying, educating, and advocating on behalf of the Jewish com munity about antisemitism. Accordingly, it is vital the JCRC be made aware when anyone encounters antisemitism in order to adequately provide support, education, and solutions whenever possible. Even when unsure if an incident is worth reporting as antisemitism, it is important to let the JCRC know about it to receiveUnitedguidance.Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s JCRC works to champion a thriving Jewish community in Tidewater, Israel, and around the world. Comprised of members representing each local Jewish agency and synagogue, the JCRC is the voice of the organized Jewish community, working to champion Jewish values and a respect for diversity along with a number of key topics, including fighting antisem itism and bigotry, fostering meaningful relationships within and outside of the Jewish community, supporting the secu rity and prosperity of the state of Israel, and building cohesion and consensus in the Tidewater Jewish community.
To learn more about the Jewish Community Relations Council, go to JewishVa.org/JCRC or contact Elka Mednick, assistant direc tor, Jewish Community Relations Council, at emednick@ujft.org or 757-965-6112.
jewishnewsva.org | August 15, 2022 | JEWISH NEWS | 11
MEET: Holly Puritz, MD PD-ad-three-eighths-V-color-Jewish News-111320.indd 3 11/13/20 2:56 PM
“ “
Audre Piratzky and Gloria Saunders join us, and when I mention that I call this table The Friendship Table, everyone agrees. Piratzky smiles and says, “We are a community.”Ifyougeta chance, pull up a chair at The Friendship Table. You won’t regret it.
Coming in the September 26 issue. To advertise news@ujft.org757.965.6100calloremail
“I think Payday is a leader, a shining example of what it means to be a corporate citizen. They walk the walk and not just talk the talk. They are a model of what it means to be a corporate citizen.”
BenefitsPayrollHR
Our client relationships are anything but transactional. We are long-term partners, dedicated to the success of our clients, and most importantly, their people. 757-523-0605 paydaypayroll.com
Robin Ford: How long have you known each other? The Friendship Table: Laughing, Corneille says, “We don’t know!” Nona estimates, “A few years.” Nancy Rosenberg chimes in with, “Several years.” They agree they knew each other a few years pre-quarantine, and all remark on how much they missed each other during lockdown.
“The Group for Women has remained a private practice in an era when so much of medical care has become ‘big business’. As a physician here, I am an owner of our business. We feel we are part of the fabric of the community and it is important for us to support the community. Our physicians serve in leadership positions in women’s health throughout the community. As owners we work to effect changes in our practice to better serve the needs of the women and their families who rely on us.”
RF: Did you first meet at the Simon Family JCC? TFT: Everyone nods yes, and Lipsey and Nancy Rosenberg are quick to point out that, in becoming friends at the JCC, they discovered they are actually neighbors.Everyone is chuckling now and Corneille says, “I didn’t know any of these people!” Raucous laughter fills the air, and I can’t help but think that I need to find more time to eat lunch at this table. The energy is amazing, and it is clear that these guys are well past being strangers. They are a wonderful, joyful, eclectic family. RF: Do you ever attend other events together? TFT: Steven Rosenberg instantly replies, “I see Nancy every night!” Everyone thinks that is hilarious because Steven and Nancy are married. Gail Salzberg has now joined the table and mentions that she and Lipsey play mahjong at the JCC, and they also go out with another social group they created. I am keenly aware that I have no con trol of this interview. I have a few more questions, but I don’t ask them. Everyone is having so much fun, so I put my pen down and give in to the laughter, love, and food around me. These friends are different ages, races, faiths, and they love that about each other. I listen to Corneille’s stories about her father, who was a doctor in the early 1900s. She also tells me she is 80 years old (I still don’t believe you, Vicki!).
RelationshipsLocalMatter
FIRST PERSON The Cardo Friendship Table Robin Ford If you’ve ever been in the Sandler Family Campus’ Cardo dining area around noon, there’s a good chance you’ve noticed a table with a group of lively, lovely seniors. Usually, the first four to show up are Vicki Corneille, Nona Lipsey, and Nancy and Steven Rosenberg. They settle in, then more friends start to arrive and add chairs to the corners, then others come and pull adjoining tables over and suddenly, like magic, laughter and lunch kicks off. I call this the ‘Friendship Table,’ and as a special treat for Jewish News, I lunched with this fun bunch and asked a couple of questions. Here’s how it went—be warned, these guys love to joke and laugh! I sit at the table and, after listening for a few minutes, tell them I’m afraid I won’t be able to separate the truth from the ongoing barrage of jokes and delight ful sarcasm. They don’t seem to mind. In fact, everyone seems delighted with the possibilities. And so, we’re off to the races.
JEWISH TIDEWATER
12 | JEWISH NEWS | August 15, 2022 | jewishnewsva.org POLAND
A Holocaust study tour is powerful and timely Elena Barr Baum
A lightbulb went off in my head, as the Commission has been working to publish a second edition to the 2002 volume To Life: Stories of Courage and Survival, a volume of stories of Hampton Roads survivors, liberators, and rescuers. “You’re Herb Friedman’s son, aren’t you?!” I said, connecting the dots having recently edited survivor Herbert Friedman’s story for the new book, and knowing he had a son in Seattle. Though we were two of the three Jews on the trip of 19 people, the usual Jewish Geography ensued. Of course, we knew people in common. Thus started a powerful, enlightening, and emotional Holocaust study tour that took us up and down central Poland, engaging our minds in not only the history, but also the culture of a country that has been home to Jews since years had only three digits.We stayed in Bialystok, Warsaw, and Krakow, with excursions to major and minor Holocaust sites. The highlights (some of which represent the lowlights of humanity) follow. One day in particular stands out. After seeing several monuments to Janusz Korczak in Warsaw, we saw a gravestone for him on our morning visit to the site of the Treblinka death camp. Korczak has been described as the “Dr. Spock of Poland,” having written parenting books in the early 20th century. He also established an orphan age where he practiced his philosophy of raising chil dren with love and respect. During the war, he tried to keep “his children” safe in the Warsaw Ghetto, but it became impossible. Though he was offered safe passage out of Warsaw by the Red Cross, he chose to stay with his charges, and went to his death with them at Treblinka. While the Nazis completely destroyed Treblinka, there is a museum on the site, as well as a commemorative monument and a large representation of a cemetery on the vast grounds, next to the ever-present railroad tracks that brought Jews to their deaths. While there are huge stones engraved with the names of the countries and cities whose citizens died there, Korczak is the only person with his name on a marker. It was at that site where I led my first kaddish of what would be four that day. From Treblinka, we visited the town of Stoczek for a more uplifting experi ence. There we met the last surviving member of the Stys family, Righteous Gentiles who saved several Jews, includ ing Sam and Esther Goldberg. Sam was one of the 65 known survivors among the nearly 900,000 victims of Treblinka, and he found himself in the Stys barn after he escaped Treblinka in a rare prisoner uprising. Eugeniusz Stys, 86, is the last living of this family of the righteous. Among other duties, it was his job as a teenager to stealthily put food for Sam and Esther in a dog bowl outside the family’s barn, for them to sneak out of their hiding place in the forest to pick up the only rations they did not have to forage for. He and his wife welcomed us in their modest home, and shared, through a translator, some reflections on the time, and what their actions have meant to them over the years. (You can find this story in the book My Soul is Filled with Joy by Karen Treiger, the Goldbergs’ daughter-in-law). The fact that there are still people in their town who don’t like it when people come in and honor them for helping Jews when their lives were at risk made us wonder if perhaps not much has changed? That said, he told us, sometimes with tears in his eyes, that they did it because it was the right thing to do. This is exactly what we hear in the What We Carry film of Dame Mary Barraco, local rescuer who died in 2019. We need to celebrate these heroes whenever and wherever we can. When we left the emotional high of Stoczek, we visited Tykocin, a small town in northeastern Poland. There, on August 24, 1941, the Nazi occupiers of the town, with the help of the local Polish police, rounded up and murdered all but a few of the town’s 1,400 Jews and buried them in three pits that local youth had dug for the purpose in a nearby forest. Before the war, Tykocin had been about 50% Jewish, and we visited the synagogue building that still stands near the town square where the Jews were rounded up. It is now a museum with no congregation. Our guide mentioned that the only people who visit this town these days are Jews (from Israel, Europe, and the USA) and those on Holocaust study trips. The town is like a ghost town, and we wondered what the inhabitants did now, since most of their craftspeople and many professionals were murdered in the war. As we left the building, we could feel the stares of the few visible townspeople, sitting on their porches, and it was not just Ron and me who could sense the antisemitism in the air. We could not leave fast enough. On our way out of town, we visited the forest site where the Jews of Tykocin perished. I said kaddish another three times, once over each pit where their remains rested. I got back on the bus in a state of emotional exhaustion. It had been a LONG day! No Holocaust study tour of Poland would be complete without visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau. We had a full day for this, with the morning at Auschwitz I, where the most familiar image is the ironic sign at the entrance saying, ”Arbeit Macht Frei,” or “Work Makes You Free.” Honestly, there are no words that can describe a visit to Auschwitz. The horror and systematic inhumanity speaks for itself. In the afternoon, we visited Auschwitz II, known as Birkenau. This is the site of the iconic brick rail way gate. I was unaware until this trip that the rail line to Birkenau was built in 1944 as a spur from the regular tracks to the Polish town of Osweicim. It was A group of Ukrainian “guests” in Poland. The group that traveled to Poland.
The trip started with a crazy coincidence. I have been director of the Holocaust Commission for 12 years, and was a vol unteer for the previous 10. After working with educators, the Virginia Department of Education, and the public on Holocaust education for 22 years, I decided it was time to put boots on the ground where much of the history happened and travel to Poland.Itraveled with a group of educators and center supporters from the Holocaust Center for Humanity in Seattle, a won derful small museum founded by the survivors and their children in that area. The first evening as we gathered in a Warsaw hotel and introduced ourselves, a gregarious man named Ron Friedman asked me where I was from. “Where“Virginia.”in Virginia?” he asked. “Norfolk,” I said, figuring, that like most West Coasters, he would end the inquiry there. Instead, he said, “I’m from Norfolk,” and asked, “What school did you go Whento?”I said, “Norfolk Academy,” he said, “I did too!”
POLAND constructed specifically to accommodate what the Nazis knew would be a large influx of Hungarian Jews, whom they were trying frantically to exterminate in the last throes of a war they were then badlyThelosing.visit was intensified by the fact that on our trip were two sisters whose grandmother had been imprisoned at Block 3 at Birkenau. It was a pilgrimage of sorts for these fellow travelers that was different from that of the rest of us, but we made it our job to care for them as best we could on this difficult day. I said kaddish three more times that afternoon, in front of three imploded crematoria. The third time I recited it, the words “drop in the bucket” kept going through my mind. Having had my own father’s yahrzeit while on the trip, and saying kaddish for one loved one, I just kept wondering, how does one say kaddish for 1.1 million people? What I was doing was a mere drop in a bucket that could never be filled. Sometimes it feels better to DO some thing than to SEE something. Such was the afternoon we spent clearing part of the Jewish cemetery of Jedwabne. On July 10, 1941, the residents of the small town of Jedwabne killed 340 of their Jewish neighbors, over 300 of them locked in a barn that was set on fire. Little was known about this heinous pogrom until 2001, when Jan T. Gross published his book Neighbors. As the anniversary of this massacre approached, our group, armed with sunscreen, bug spray, loppers, weed whackers, and work gloves, attacked the overgrown plot that had been the Jewish cemetery in the town before the massacre. For many of my fellow travelers, this was the highlight of the trip, because we were accomplishing something that we felt needed to be done, out of respect for those who had died senselessly, who would have been the ones to keep this sacred space from becoming the overgrown mess (in no way resembling a cemetery) that it has become. At the annual memorial held there this July 10, the Chief Rabbi of Poland, Michael Schudrich, told our partner from Forum for Dialogue who arranged and led our effort, that he was surprised to see such a clean cemetery. We felt even more validated for our efforts. When Hitler invaded Poland on September 1, 1939, one third of Warsaw’s population was Jewish. Warsaw is now a bustling metropolitan city with very few Jews, but the Old Town—reconstructed from the ruins left by the Nazis to resem ble the images captured by the early 18th century Venetian painter Giovanni Canaletto—gives a flavor of what life was like from the 18th to mid-20th centuries. A 21st century addition to Old Town was the installation of two destroyed Russian tanks in front of the reconstructed Royal Castle, on the banks of the Vistula River. They had been destroyed by Ukrainian forces and were in place to help raise awareness and funds for the besieged country that has sent millions of its women and children across Poland’s borders for safety during this war. The comparisons of the current war in Ukraine to World War II cannot be avoided in Poland. The population of Warsaw increased by 20% in the war’s first month, and they speak not of “refugees,” but of “guests.”
My group, still connected via What’sApp and referred to by our tour leader as “our Polish family,” has decided we want to do more. At the time of this writing, we are working with the woman who arranged our meeting with these “guests” on a pro posal for a Ukrainian Children’s Center or support group. There, some of these children, lucky to be in Warsaw, can meet and socialize, learn the language, receive toys or school supplies, and simply relax while they worry about their future and their families in Ukraine facing unknown hardships. Those who are interested in possibly supporting such an effort if it materializes, should contact me personally, at elenabaum64@yahoo.com.
Diana and her son. Elena Barr Baum at a monument to the cemetery of Jedwabne.
One of the trip’s most powerful experi ences of the trip was our meeting with five Ukrainian mothers and their children. All had fled their home country after Russia attacked it in February. They’d had to leave the children’s fathers behind, as men are not allowed to leave the country.
One story was more heartbreaking than the next. One example: Diana from Bucha talked of the loud explosions on February 24. She told us (again, through a trans lator) that there was fighting 500 meters from her house, and bombings went on morning and night for two weeks. She and her toddler son stayed in their building’s basement with no water or electricity. She had some sausage and cookies for her son to eat once their fresh food stores were quickly gone. She said her husband and older son risked their lives staying upstairs, out of the basement, in case the building was bombed and collapsed, and they needed to pull her and her younger child out. Imagine making that choice? Eventually she knew they had to leave, and she “packed in 30 seconds, grabbing the stroller and some diapers.” While the Russian soldiers would not help them, she told us she was grateful to them for not shooting them in the back as they left. On March 15, after they had been taken in by a lovely Polish woman, Diana heard that their apartment building had been completely destroyed. She ended her story with (in translation) “We have no place to go back to. I hope no other country has to go through this.” We all saw what hap pened in Bucha later, as it was one of the sites of the alleged war crimes committed by the Russian soldiers. It was like a modern day incarna tion of our What We Carry program, as these women literally left their homes, some carrying young children, and the only suitcase they could manage. Like Holocaust survivors from our community and others, they told stories of bribing sol diers with cigarettes to allow them to pass; long trips on bombed out roads, hiding from those who would do them harm, simply because of who they were. At the end of our time together, the children pre sented us with drawings they had made while their mothers shared their stories. Young children drew tanks firing at each other, soldiers shooting people, bodies in pools of blood, Ukrainian flags, and slo gans of war. Unspeakably heartbreaking. This meeting elicited a great deal of emo tion and dedication to help in our group of educators, because it was apparent that the toys and snacks we had brought for the children from the U.S. were nice, but also, “a drop in the bucket.” There is so much more that needs to be done.
jewishnewsva.org | August 15, 2022 | JEWISH NEWS | 13
The comparisons of the current war in Ukraine to World War II cannot be avoided in Poland.
The work of the Holocaust Commission, edu cating students of all ages about the lessons of the Holocaust, which the world continues to ignore all too often, must continue. Please consider supporting the Commission through out the year at jewishva.org/home-page/white-rose.https://holocaustcommission.
PhotoTeam.courtesy
JN: What were your scores? JF: Scores for me were 73, 71, 78, and 78. The team competition counted three out of five scores each day (the sixth player only competed in the individual competition), so my first two counted toward the team Gold, and the other guys had better scores the last two days which helped us win the team Gold.
JF: No plans yet to return. I’ll be older and will probably have to try for the Grand Masters level. We’ll wait to see on that. JN: Other comments? JF: The whole experience of partici pating in the games was great. Seeing and being around the younger Jewish athletes who were so excited and motivated was really inspirational and gives me great optimism about our Jewish youth and their connection to Israel.
14 | JEWISH NEWS | August 15, 2022 | jewishnewsva.org
Forever Helping how can leave mark.
Others Find out
your
helpsareToday,designed.SpigelScholarsdesigningbuildingsoftheirown.AscholarshipthatBernard’sdaughter,LucySpigelHerman,createdatthecommunityfoundationtohonorhimfuturearchitectspayfortheireducation.
JN: Do you have plans to return in another four years? If so, will you change anything in your practice or your preparation?
Photo courtesy Mona and Jeffrey Flax. Jeff Flax (third from left) with U.S. Masters Golf
Debbie Burke An article in the July 18 issue of Jewish News reported on local attorney Jeffrey Flax’s qualifying for the Masters Golf Division at the Maccabi Games in Israel. Flax returned from the competition with great news: an individual Bronze win on the U.S. Masters Golf Team and a team win that brought home the Gold. Jewish News caught up with him to get a feel for how victory tastes.
Mona and Jeffrey Flax. Mona and Jeff Flax in Israel.
Jeffrey Flax helps claim Gold Medal at Israel’s Maccabi Games
JF: We knew about halfway through the last round that we had a comfortable lead in the team competi tion over Australia, which finished second. We all cele brated at the medal ceremony that evening. My wife, Mona, came in to Caesarea from Tel Aviv to celebrate with me at the cer emony. My boys had already left the country at that point.
JF: It was very satisfying to meet our team goal of Gold and I was pleased to play well enough to medal individually and to represent the U.S. and our Jewish community, as well.
JEWISH TIDEWATER UPDATE
Visit LeaveABequest.org Architect Bernard Spigel died in 1968, leaving a legacy of homes, schools, and other buildings he
JN: When the results were announced, how did you celebrate?
Jewish News: What was the best part of the overall experience? Jeff Flax: Hard to pinpoint one par ticular thing that was the most fun. The opening ceremonies were spectacular and marching in with all of the other Jewish athletes of all ages was exciting. Also, getting to really know my Masters Golf teammates and meeting other Jewish golf ers from around the world was great fun. Being able to experience Maccabi and Israel with my family was very meaningful.
JN: What was the biggest challenge of all the rounds you played: a particular hole, the weather, the other teams, etc.? JF: The golf course was in great con dition, but very difficult. The greens were quite small with runoff areas that required a lot of precision on your approach shots and the heat over four to five days was a real factor to deal with.
you
JN: What does this victory mean to you?
resumes@ujft.org or submit resume to Ifyou are an ambitious,high-energy,self-starter with good people skills,this might be the job for you! ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Position Available Jewish 5000Attention:HumanNewsResourcesCorporateWoodsDriveVirginiaBeach,23462
jewishnewsva.org | August 15, 2022 | JEWISH NEWS | 15 JEWISH TIDEWATER Your SoutheastconnectionNorfolktoFlorida Real 561.305.9515Estate sijason@aol.com Browse listings at www.allaccessrealty.com Your SoutheastconnectionNorfolktoFlorida Real Estate Steve Jason Broker/Owner 561.305.9515 sijason@aol.com Browse listings at www.allaccessrealty.com Steve Jason Broker/Owner sijason561-305-9515@aol.com All Access Realty | A commitment to exceptional service, integrity, and discretion. FALL BUYING SEASON HAS STARTED INVENTORIES ARE UP. NOW’S THE TIME TO BUY! Active Adult Communities in Delray, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, and Ft Lauderdale area Condos starting in the $100s • Attached Villas from $250k up Detached Single family homes $400s and up New construction $500s to $1M+
Governor Youngkin appoints David Abraham to Health Workforce Development Authority
Additional appointees to the board with Abraham include: Shannon Showalter of Norton, vice president and CEO for Ballad Health Operations in Lee, Wise and Dickenson Counties; Shelley Smith of Powhatan, a nurse practitioner, associate pro fessor, School of Nursing, Virginia Commonwealth University; and Brian Yates of Lynchburg, Dean of Applied Studies. “We are pleased and honored that our president and CEO, David Abraham, was recently selected by Governor Youngkin to serve on this board. Its mission is to facilitate the development of a critically needed quality health care workforce,” says Larry Siegel, BSV chairman of the board. David Abraham. 757-965-6117,
Virginia
Join Our Team!•Salesexperience a must • Media sales, a plus • Flexible hours • Great earning potential Interested? Contact Taffy Hunter,Human Resources director,at
David Abraham, Beth Sholom Village’s presi dent and CEO, was recently appointed by Governor Glenn Youngkin to serve on the Virginia Health Workforce Development Authority. “I am pleased to appoint our newest board members to serve in their respective administration roles,” says Governor Youngkin. “I am confident in each member’s ability to establish a best-in-class legacy for our administration while leading with dili gence and skill. The expertise, innovation, and dedication to civil service demon strated by each appointee will be an invaluable asset to the betterment of our Commonwealth. I look forward to seeing what we can accomplish together.”
Team Virginia Beach: Ethan Jenkins, Jack Jenkins, Sam Levin, Alayah Stupar, Nate Simon, Tamir Zach, and RyanBettyBailey.Ann Levin with her son, Sam, a Team Virginia Beach member.
HEATHER Manager
The 2022 Games included 1,600 teen athletes from 57 delegations and 67 JCC’s across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Bulgaria, and Israel, as well as hundreds more host families, delegation heads, coaches, spec tators, and volunteers.
EVANS Property
16 | JEWISH NEWS | August 15, 2022 | jewishnewsva.org SIMON FAMILY JCCWhere seeing wellmeets looking great Monday–Friday 8:30am–5:00pm | Saturday 10:00am–2:00pm Norfolk 220 W. 757-622-0200Brambleton Virginia Beach 1547 Laskin 757-425-0200Road www.GilbertEyecare.com SpringOur New Spring Collection is Here! McLaren Vision Shaped by the Spirit of Luxury Performance www.GilbertEyecare.com With a combined 40 years of experience, whether you’re buying, selling or investing, we can assist you with all of your real estate needs. HowardHanna.com Local and Experienced…a winning combination! NANCY NancyEvans@HowardHanna.com(757)AssociateEVANSBroker287-5765
(757) HeatherEvans@HowardHanna.com287-5762
Team Virginia Beach competes at JCC Maccabi Games in San Diego
Betty Ann Levin After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the JCC Maccabi Games returned for its 40th year and Team Virginia Beach descended on San Diego, La Jolla, and Del Mar, California, for five days of competition, building friendships, and continuing to build Jewish Tidewateridentity.hasalong history of Maccabi participation—just check out the banners in the Jaffe Gym at the Simon Family JCC!
Team Virginia Beach’s athletes, led by Tom Edwards, Simon Family JCC’s athlet ics director, competed throughout the week in flag football, basketball, soccer, swimming, and ice hockey (among the sports offered) at venues throughout San Diego County. In the evening they participated in host family nights and social opportunities, include visiting SeaWorld, a San Diego Padres baseball game, and an INCREDIBLE clos ing party at the Lawrence Family JCC. Watching them march into the Opening Ceremonies at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, followed by the national anthems of the US, Canada, and Israel and the torch light ing was Thereunforgettable.wassomuch more, includ ing the launch of the JCC Maccabi Access Games to include teens with disabilities in the experience through a new inclusion model. Next year in Israel and FortBeforeLauderdale!next year, however, the next issue of Jewish News will fea ture a full recap of the JCC Maccabi Games along with plenty of photos.
17 JewishLiving GUIDE TO IN TIDEWATER Supplement to Jewish News August 15, 2022
18 | JEWISH NEWS | Guide Mazel Tov! SHARE MILESTONEYOURWITH US Whether you’re walking down the aisle or gathering with family and friends to celebrate a mitzvah, our downtown Norfolk waterfront venue is the perfect place for your celebration. Our event specialists will work with you closely to transform your vision into a unforgettable celebration, incorporating stunning decor and exquisite cuisine. THEMAINNORFOLK.COM | 757.763.6262
Rosh Hashanah September 25–27, 2022, Jewish New Year Yom Kippur Day of October 4–5, 2022, Day of Atonement Sukkot October 9–16, 2022, Feast of Tabernacles Shmini Atzeret October 16–17, 2022, Eighth Day of Assembly Simchat Torah October 17–18, 2022, Celebration of the Torah Hanukkah December 18–26, 2022, Festival of Rededication, also Festival of Lights Tu BiShvat February 5–6, 2023, New Year for Trees Purim March 6–7, 2023, Story of Esther Pesach April 5–12, 2023, Passover Days of the Omer April 6–May 25, 2023, Seven weeks from the second night of Pesach to the day before Shavuot Lag BaOmer May 8–9, 2023, 33rd day of counting the Omer Shavuot May 25–27, 2023, Festival of Weeks, commemorates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai Tish’a B’Av July 26–27, 2023, The Ninth of Av, commemorates destruction of the two Temples Tu B’Av August 1–2, 2023, Jewish holiday of love MODERN HOLIDAYS 5783 Yom HaShoah April 17–18, 2023, Holocaust Memorial Day Yom HaZikaron April 24–25, 2023, Israeli Memorial Day Yom HaAtzma’ut April 25–26, 2023, Israeli Independence Day IT Beth Sholom 36 Camp
FIND
Village
All holidays begin at sundown. RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS 5783
jewishnewsva.org | August 15, 2022 | Guide | JEWISH NEWS | 19 JEWISH HOLIDAYS 5783
Arts and Culture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Cemeteries 39 Children and Young Families . 3, 25, 26, 30, 36-38 Community Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Congregations 27 Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Fitness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25, 26 Foundation 33 Freda A . Gordon Hospice + Palliative Care of Tidewater 38 Strelitz International Academy . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Holiday Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Jewish Family Service 37 Jewish Professionals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus . . . . 22, 25 Rehabilitation Services 36 Senior Adults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36, 37 Services and Organizations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Simon Family JCC 22, 23, 25, 26 Social Services and Health Care . . . . . . . . . . 36 Special Needs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Tidewater Jewish Foundation 33 United Jewish Federation of Tidewater . . . . . . 22 Young Adults 26 Youth Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 GUIDE TO JEWISH LIVING IN TIDEWATER
20 | JEWISH NEWS | Guide | August 15, 2022 | jewishnewsva.org
Across the nation many communities have contracted since March 2020, yet Tidewater’s Jewish community continues to flourish. The many pages in this Annual Guide to Jewish Living in Tidewater confirm that the organizations, congregations, and schools that com prise Jewish Tidewater are in fact, growing. The proof is that we’ve added pages to this year’s edition!
Editor GUIDE TO JEWISH LIVING IN TIDEWATER JewishNewsVa.org/JewishNews3daysbeforethecoverdate:digital.
Dear Readers, Aguide or directory is often an accurate barometer of how a community is faring. If the guide shrinks over the years, it stands to reason that the same is true for the community. The converse, of course, is also true.
Some programs, of course, have been eliminated, but generally new ones have taken their place…a reflection of creativity and growth.Wehope that you’ll hold onto this section all year and use it as a resource for any number of reasons…to learn about specific programs, to find a phone number, website, or contact name. Or perhaps just to remind yourself what a vibrant Jewish community Tidewater offers—and how many options exist for you to volunteer, find new friends and colleagues, learn, stay fit, get assistance, and worship.Thank you for reading and for being part of Jewish Tidewater!
21
Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus of the Tidewater Jewish Community 5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Suite 200 Virginia Beach, VA 23462
Nearly 1,200 generous community members donate each year to the UJFT Community Campaign Hundreds more directly support other programs and services provided by UJFT and Simon Family JCC, including emergency campaigns and campaigns in support of arts and education Funds from the Community Campaign are distributed to trusted Jewish agencies and institutions locally, nationally, and internationally, through a prioritization and allocation process This model of communal giving assists Jewish agencies and organizations in Tidewater, in Israel, and in Jewish communities around the globe . Emergency campaigns meet needs directly related to the crisis—both immediate and projected UJFT cares for those in need, aids Jews in danger, enhances Jewish security, and promotes Israel
Members of the Women’s Cabinet serve as ambassadors and role models for women of all ages in the community, taking the lead in volunteer fundraising for the Women’s Division of the UJFT Community Campaign and engaging other women in the Jewish community through events and activities throughout the year
United Jewish Federation of Tidewater nurtures a dynamic, committed, inclusive, and caring Jewish community that is guided by its values and mission to support and preserve Jewish life
Betty Ann Levin, BALevin@UJFT.org
. Gifts of support to the UJFT Community Campaign enable UJFT to provide funding for local and overseas service delivery partners who provide healthcare, social services, Jewish cultural and educational programs, and initiatives that improve human relations As a result, UJFT, part of a network of Federations across North America under the auspices of the (national) Jewish Federations of North America, impacts Jewish lives around the world
UJFT’s Men’s Division is dedicated to engaging the community in support of the Federation’s Community Campaign The Men’s Division is comprised of more than 40 volunteers who serve the Tidewater Jewish community by soliciting gifts of support . These volunteers help ensure funding is available for Jewish education, health, and social welfare, the fight against antisemitism, enhanced security, emergency services, and crisis relief
ARTS + IDEAS Director: Hunter Thomas 757-965-6137, HThomas@UJFT.org Leon Family Gallery Exhibits at the Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus feature artists from around the globe and from around Tidewater Artists may depict subjects of interest to Jews and Israelis, local (Tidewater) themes, and more Jewish Book and Film Festivals
UJFT holds an annual community fundraising effort each year to help meet the needs of Jews locally, globally, and in Israel More than 100 local Jewish volunteers raise funds for the Campaign in partnership with a small staff of development professionals . Campaigners strive to engage all community members in discussions about Jewish values and concerns In addition, the Federation seeks to provide opportunities to show donors how their support impacts beneficiaries at home and abroad, through events and missions The Community Campaign runs July 1 through June 30 of each year, in sync with the UJFT Fiscal Year . Super Sunday—held in September each year—is the unofficial “kick-off” for the Campaign, bringing together dedicated volunteers eager to have meaningful conversations with community members during an energetic day of outreach, fundraising, and community-building
.
ChiefJewishVA.org/mens-divisionDevelopmentOfficer:Amy Zelenka 757-965-6139, AZelenka@UJFT.org
Chieffacebook.com/JewishWomen757JewishVA.org/womens-divisionDevelopmentOfficer:Amy 757-965-6139, AZelenka@UJFT.orgZelenka UJFT’s Women’s Division is the women’s fundraising arm of the Federation’s Community Campaign, providing women in the local Jewish community with opportunities for empowerment, volunteerism, and philanthropy at all levels At the helm of the Women’s Division is the Women’s Cabinet, which meets regularly to learn what’s happening in the Tidewater Jewish community and the Jewish world They then put that knowledge to use, informing donors as they engage in conversations around philanthropic giving
UNITED JEWISH FEDERATION OF TIDEWATER/SIMON FAMILY JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER
The Simon Family Jewish Community Center (JCC) on the Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus serves the Jewish and broader Tidewater communities— providing programs and activities for all ages—from infants to seniors . The Simon Family JCC offers a variety of health and wellness, cultural, and event-based activities and classes It is a division of United Jewish Federation of Tidewater . Everyone is welcome, regardless of faith COMMUNITY CAMPAIGN Chief Development Officer: Amy 757-965-6139, AZelenka@UJFT.orgZelenka
At the end of each campaign year, UJFT’s board of directors allocates funds to locally based Jewish agencies and organizations recommended by the UJFT Finance Committee In addition, funds are earmarked for UJFT’s overseas service delivery partners (American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee [JDC]; Jewish Agency for Israel [JAFI]; and World ORT), based on recommendations from the UJFT Israel and Overseas committeeDonations. to the Community Campaign are welcome at any time, and can be made securely online at JewishVA org/Donation MEN’S DIVISION
22 | JEWISH NEWS | Guide | August 15, 2022 | jewishnewsva.org COMMUNITY RESOURCES
WOMEN’S DIVISION
The annual Lee & Bernard Jaffe Family Jewish Book Festival is a celebration of Jewish authors, books, and ideas which seeks to enrich Jewish culture by presenting themes GUIDE TO JEWISH LIVING IN TIDEWATER
Executiveinfo@UJFT.orgLinkedin.com/company/ujft/vimeo.com/UJFTfacebook.com/UJFTidewaterJewishVA.org757-965-6100VicePresident/CEO:
Camp JCC Program Manager: Sarah Cooper 757-321-2306, SCooper@simonfamilyjcc.org
The Be A Reader (BeAR) literacy program of the Jewish Community Relations Council of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater was created more than 23 years ago as a community-wide effort to help at-risk, struggling readers acquire the skills and love for learning that lead to personal happiness and future success BeAR works with Title I elementary schools across the region and pairs a volunteer mentor with a student for an hour each week to read, work on spelling and vocabulary, and provide students with a sense of stability Since there is no shortage of children that require assistance, the program’s capacity is solely dependent on its number of volunteers . Volunteers are always needed to join the BeAR community to help children learn to read Whether through volunteering, giving supplies, or donating, helping to make a difference in a child’s life offers its own rewards
Children’s programs include cooking and dance classes, gymnastics, soccer, self-defense, and yoga—many of which are offered year-round GUIDE TO JEWISH LIVING IN TIDEWATER
Camp JCC is more than just a summer program, with year-round opportunities for youth, including “Kids Night Out” which takes place monthly, beginning in October .
BE A READER (B e AR) BeARJewishVA.org/BeARCoordinator:Robin Ford 757-321-2304, RFord@UJFT.org
Israel Fest: Celebrating Israel at 75, presented by Avraham and Karen Ashkenazi
These spectacular works are inspired by Jewish or Israeli history, heritage, and values— and can be appreciated by people from all backgrounds
jewishnewsva.org | August 15, 2022 | Guide | JEWISH NEWS | 23 that engage, educate, and inspire all people . With most events taking place in November and December each year, ongoing opportunities are available throughout the year One of the longest-running Jewish film festivals in the country, the mission of the Annual Virginia Festival of Jewish Film presented by Alma & Howard Laderberg is to educate and engage Tidewater’s diverse communities, Jewish and non-Jewish alike, by presenting world-class film premieres, repertory cinema, and associated programs
.
CAMP JCC Director of Camp and Teen Engagement: Dave Flagler 757-452-3182, DFlagler@UJFT.org
Simon Family JCC and United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s biggest community event of the year, Yom Ha’Atzmaut (Israel’s Independence Day), offers fun for the entire family Featuring authentic Israeli food, art, jewelry, interactive exhibits, and activities, this celebratory day is open to the entire Tidewater community
Camp JCC provides children with an expansive and enriching day camp experience . This dynamic program allows every child to explore their interests and try new activities within a safe camp atmosphere The programs are designed for ages four through ninth graders CIT opportunities are offered for 10th graders Summer camp runs mid-June through early August, with “Last Blast” camp sessions offered in the weeks between the end of regular camp and the start of public schools
CHILDREN AND FAMILY PROGRAMS
.
“ ” “Norfolk Academy emphasizes the whole person, allowing you to reflect upon what sparks your passion and brings you joy.” — Virginia Ames ’21 Valued voices. Exciting choices. For students in grades 1 - 12. • 757-455-5582 • norfolkacademy.org
JEWISH COMMUNITY RELATIONS COUNCIL
offers numerous opportunities for
interest from local, national, and global spheres The Jewish News is delivered to thousands
Tidewater’s hub for experiential Jewish education and engagement at United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and Simon Family JCC, the Konikoff Center for Learning offers high-impact, innovative learning experiences that cover an array of interests and age groups, including programs, classes, workshops, and symposia
throughout the year, including Virginia
Families with kids ages six months through eight years old with Judaism as part of their lives—affiliated, unaffiliated, interfaith, or non-traditional—are welcome to sign up by visiting PJLibrary org Children from ages eight to 12 can select a new free book each month by signing up for PJ Our Way
THE HOLOCAUST COMMISSION 757-965-6129, EBaum@UJFT.orgDirector:facebook.com/holcommissionHolocaustCommission.orgElenaBarrBaum
The Holocaust Commission encourages teachers, students, and the community to apply the lessons of history to the moral decisions they make each day . The Commission offers programs, resources, and community events related to Holocaust education and remembrance Dedicated volunteers from the community guide and foster the Holocaust Commission’s work Among its many events and programs, the Holocaust Commission offers What We Carry, a multimedia program for schools, community, and military groups; a yearly community gathering for Yom Hashoah, the commemoration day of the Holocaust; the annual Elie Wiesel Writing and Visual Arts Competitions for students; the Ruthi Sherman Kroskin and Esther Goldman Awards for Excellence in Holocaust Education, and Biennial Educators’ Conferences .
community The
SHALOM BABY
on
and builds bridges within and beyond the
The Jewish Community Relations Council of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater champions a thriving Jewish community locally, in Israel, and around the world and leverages the strength of the diverse and vibrant Jewish community to promote a just and democratic society by leading, convening, educating, and advocating
The Konikoff Center for Learning engages, educates, equips, and inspires individuals to deepen their Jewish knowledge and connection
.
.
Assistant
and respect for
and the popular series, Israel Today . JEWISH NEWS 757-965-6132,Editor:facebook.com/JewishNewsVAJewishNewsVA.orgTerriDenisonTDenison@UJFT.org Published 20 times annually, Jewish News connects
.
for
ChildrenJewishVa.org/ShalomBabyandFamilyProgram Coordinator: Nofar Trem 757-321-2334, NTrem@UJFT.org
Shalom Baby is an exciting gift bag delivery program made possible by a partnership between United Jewish Federation of Tidewater/Simon Family JCC and Strelitz Early Childhood Education Center and PJ Library in Tidewater
. Limited transportation to JCC programs and events is available through Transportation Services from Jewish Family Service
Research, laugh, remember, and browse through the Hal Sacks Jewish News Archives, an online site to access past issues of the Jewish News since 1947
Advocacy
. Whether this is a first or fourth child, birth or adoptive, Shalom Baby wants to help parents celebrate the arrival by showering them with fun and relaxing gifts and helpful resources for Jewish babies TO JEWISH LIVING IN TIDEWATER
with news of
PJ LIBRARY IN TIDEWATER Children and Family Program Coordinator: Nofar Trem 757-321-2334, NTrem@UJFT.org
757-965-6120,
jewishnewsva.org | August 15, 2022 | Guide | JEWISH NEWS | 25 HAL SACKS JEWISH NEWS ARCHIVES 757-965-6132,Editor:JewishNewsVA.orgTerriDenisonnews@UJFT.org
SeniorJewishVA.org/KCLDirectorofJewish Innovation: Sierra Lautman 757-965-6107, SLautman@UJFT.org
.
The Holocaust Commission’s website provides more information on how to participate in and support its various programs
Seniorfacebook.com/JCRCUJFTJewishVA.org/JCRCDirector,JCRC:Robin Mancoll RMancoll@UJFT.org Director: Elka Mednick EMednick@UJFT.org
Thanks to support from the Simon Family Foundation, the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, and the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, PJ Library and PJ Our Way sends free Jewish children’s books to families each month, sharing stories that can help foster conversations about important values and traditions Additionally, engaging PJ Library programming is hosted at the Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus and in public spaces around Tidewater with the goal of helping Jewish families connect to one another and to Jewish traditions and values
entire
757-965-6112,
GUIDE
SENIOR ADULT PROGRAMMING Program Coordinator: Robin Ford 757-321-2304, RFord@UJFT.org
Celebrations and fun activities with friendly company are offered for adults of all backgrounds at the Simon Family JCC With a multitude of opportunities throughout each week, the program’s mission is to encourage senior adults to participate in educational, cultural, spiritual, fitness, and social programs to increase health, wellbeing, and connection to other individuals and the Jewish community
The JCRC addresses issues of vital concern based Jewish values, consensus, diversity, Jewish JCRC engagement the community Jewish Day the Tidewater Jewish community Jewish of mailboxes each month, and reaches tens of thousands through its easy-to-navigate website Electronic editions of Jewish News are available online KONIKOFF CENTER FOR LEARNING
a variety of regional and national conventions REBA AND SAM SANDLER FAMILY CAMPUS OF THE TIDEWATER JEWISH COMMUNITY 5000 Corporate Woods Drive Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462 Facility757-965-6100Director: Glenn
YLC spearheads the community’s annual fundraising phone-a-thon, Super Sunday YLC and YAD recruit promising young members of the Jewish community for participation in their Hineni leadership development program, wherein future leaders learn about the Federation’s mission They learn together, network, develop leadership skills, and most importantly, create community Hineni fellows are invited to participate in a week-long, exclusive mission to Israel, heavily subsidized by the Tom Hofheimer Fund, and known as the Tom Hofheimer Young Leadership Mission to Israel
service
YOUTH PROGRAMMING
26 | JEWISH NEWS | Guide | August 15, 2022 | jewishnewsva.org
.
The Tidewater Jewish community is a hub of activity-spanning five cities: Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, and Suffolk Shalom Tidewater offers a wealth of resources for newcomers to the Tidewater Jewish community to help everyone find their place whether affiliated or unaffiliated, Jewish by birth, Jewish by choice, or interfaith
is home to: Jewish Family Service of Tidewater Simon Family Jewish Community Center Strelitz International Academy Tidewater Jewish Foundation United Jewish Federation of Tidewater GUIDE TO JEWISH LIVING IN TIDEWATER
WELLNESS Director: Tom Purcell 757-321-2310; TPurcell@UJFT.org
SHALOM TIDEWATER 757-965-6136, MKMorning@UJFT.orgProgramJewishVA.org/ShalomTidewaterDirector:MatthewKramer-Morning
SOCIETY OF JEWISH PROFESSIONALS ProgramJewishVA.org/SOPDirector:Amy 757-965-6139, AZelenka@UJFT.orgZelenka
.
The JCC has an expansive Fitness Center, three indoor pools, an outdoor water park, gymnasium, pickleball courts, and more, in a state-of-the-art facility The JCC also offers dozens of free group exercise classes weekly, including Spin, Pilates, Zumba, and Yoga Members get discounts on Personal Training, as well as discounts on specialty classes and programs YOUNG ADULT DIVISION (YAD) AND YOUNG LEADERSHIP CAMPAIGN (YLC)
SPORTS, RECREATION, AND AQUATICS Athletics Director: Tom Edwards 757-321-2308; TEdwards@UJFT.org A variety of aquatics, sports, recreation, athletics, and youth and adult athletic leagues such as basketball, tee ball, tennis, pickleball, and a swim team are offered at the Simon Family JCC The JCC also offers children and adult swim lessons, lap lanes for fitness swimmers, and an outdoor water park
DirectorBBYO of Camp and Teen Engagement: Dave Flagler 757-452-3182, DFlagler@UJFT.org BBYO involves Jewish teens in meaningful Jewish experiences, guiding them into leadership positions that will last a lifetime Teens meet weekly, on weekends, from September through June at the Simon Family JCC, and focus on community and social action programs with their chapters, BBG (girls) and AZA (boys) The teens attend Saucier GSaucier@UJFT.org Campus
The UJFT Society of Jewish Professionals (SOP) is an affinity group within the Jewish Federation dedicated to educational, social, and philanthropic activities, and providing opportunities for its members to network, socialize, and become active through a financial commitment to the Community Campaign SOP offers unique programs for members, including speakers, virtual missions, and panel discussions on areas of interest to members of the business community Members also serve as role models for their colleagues, family, and friends, and provide funding for Jewish survival, welfare, and continuity SOP is an evolution of the once separate groups Maimonides and Business & Legal Societies, whose members decided to merge in light of their common Jewish and communal interests, and to enjoy the programming and benefits . All healthcare, business, legal, media, real estate, entrepreneur, and service provider professionals are invited to become members of the UJFT Society of Professionals
The Young Adult Division of UJFT offers and promotes social, cultural, leadership, and philanthropic opportunities for young Jewish adults
Youngfacebook.com/YADJewishVA.org/yadLeadershipManager: Matthew Kramer-Morning 757-965-6136; MKMorning@UJFT.org
Both YAD and YLC foster Jewish identity, involvement, and responsibility among young Jews in Tidewater, in order to sustain and enrich the vibrant Jewish community at home, in Israel, and around the world YAD aims to cultivate relationships, build networks, and develop highly skilled leaders to ensure the future of the Jewish community YLC seeks to engage young philanthropists and campaign advocates to educate and encourage their peers and others about the importance of Jewish community involvement and giving YAD hosts a wide variety of programs throughout the year, including monthly happy hours, holiday parties, business networking, and Shabbat dinners
The
jewishnewsva.org | August 15, 2022 | Guide | JEWISH NEWS | 27 CAMPS CAMP JCC Director of Camp and Teen Engagement: Dave Flagler 757-452-3182, DFlagler@UJFT.org
ORTHODOX
GAN ISRAEL Chabad House 1920 Colley Avenue, Norfolk, VA 757-616-0770,Director:www.chabadoftidewater.com/ganizzy23517RashiBrashevitzkyrashibrashi@me.com
.
bnaiisrael.org, office@bnaiisrael.org
The synagogue houses the Norfolk Area Community Kollel, BINA High School for Girls, and the Norfolk Community Mikvah It is affiliated with the Orthodox Union and the National Conference of Young Israel
B’nai Israel Congregation is an exciting, family-oriented, full-service Orthodox synagogue in the heart of a diverse and dynamic Jewish community in the Ghent neighborhood of Norfolk It offers daily morning and evening prayer services
Rabbi Sender Haber
CONGREGATIONS B’NAI
The Gan Izzy experience is filled with great spirit and a love for Jewish heritage Campers have been known to wait all year long to return to Gan Izzy and start the fun all over again ISRAEL CONGREGATION Ave., Norfolk, VA 23517 fax 757-627-8544
420 Spotswood
.
. • Adult classes • Children’s programming • Teen programming • Weekly Kiddushes GUIDE TO JEWISH LIVING IN TIDEWATER
757-627-7358,
Camp JCC at the Simon Family JCC provides children with an expansive and enriching day camp experience This dynamic program allows every child to explore their interests and try new activities within a safe camp atmosphere The programs are designed for ages 2 through eighth graders CIT opportunities are offered for 9th and 10thSummergraderscamp runs mid-June through early August, with “Last Blast” camp sessions offered in the weeks between the end of regular camp and Labor Day Camp JCC is more than just a summer program, with year-round opportunities for youth, including “Kids Night Out” which takes place monthly, beginning in October
Camp Gan Israel (“Gan Izzy”) is part of the largest worldwide network of Jewish day camps At Gan Izzy, campers’ days are filled with games, crafts, field trips, sports, swimming, and more—all with a Jewish twist! Each day of Gan Izzy also includes prayers and a Jewish lesson delivered in a childfriendly and relevant fashion
28 | JEWISH NEWS | Guide | August 15, 2022 | jewishnewsva.org GUIDE TO JEWISH LIVING IN TIDEWATER CHABAD LUBAVITCH OF TIDEWATER/ CHABAD HOUSE 1920 Colley Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23517 757-616-0770, Fax RashiRabbiRychelRabbiwww.chabadoftidewater.comRabbilevi@chabadoftidewater.com757-616-0772AronMargolinMargolinLeviBrashevitzkyBrashevitzky Established in 1979, Chabad Lubavitch of Tidewater is dedicated to increasing the awareness, knowledge, and observance of Judaism in Chesapeake, Hampton, Norfolk, Suffolk, and Virginia Beach by reaching out to all Jews, regardless of age, affiliation, or level of observance Chabad participants experience the joy and celebration, the intimacy and compassion, the wisdom and knowledge that are inherent in Jewish life and learning Chabad of Tidewater responds to both the material and spiritual needs of the Jewish community through classes, counseling, Shabbat and holiday celebrations, and innovative programming for children and adults • CTeen and CTeen U • Women’s Rosh Chodesh Society • Jewish Learning Institute • Holiday guides • Jewish Art Calendar • Meaningful and uplifting Shabbat and Holiday services for Youth and Adults COMMODORE URIAH P. LEVY CHAPEL Corner of Maryland Ave. and Gilbert St., Naval Station Norfolk Rabbi757-559-1836Gershon Litt, gary.h.litt.ctr@navy.mil UNAFFILIATED The Commodore Levy Chapel is the oldest land-based Jewish chapel on a Naval Station in North America Established in 1942 and named for Commodore Uriah Philips Levy in 1959, the Commodore Levy Jewish Chapel celebrated 50 years of service to God and Country in 2009 Access to worship services is available to Active Duty and Reserve Military, their dependents, military retirees, and Civil Service employees Guests are allowed when accompanied by sponsors or by special permission from the Base Chaplain’s Office CONGREGATION BETH EL 422 Shirley Ave., Norfolk, VA 23517 757-625-7821, bethelnorfolk.com, noelle@bethelnorfolk.com Rabbi Ron Koas Rabbi Emeritus: Rabbi Arthur Ruberg Executive Director: Pam Gladstone Education Director: Sharon Serbin Congregation Beth El is the oldest Conservative synagogue in Virginia with more than 170 years of inspiring its congregation to live passion-filled Jewish lives through education and deep, vibrant community connections The congregation provides educational programs for all ages, diverse religious services and ritual moments, cultural events, and participation in social action projects within the Jewish community and beyondBeth El holds weekday morning and evening services on Zoom, as well as weekly Shabbat services every Friday evening and Saturday morning See website for times . Join the congregation for services and other events in-person and on Zoom CONGREGATION BETH CHAVERIM REFORMPresident:CantorialTemple.Office@bethchaverim.comSoloist:JimHibberdChadA.Bornstein,757-477-3585 Founded in 1982, Beth Chaverim has been affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism since 1984 . • Religious School • Services at Temple Emanuel at the beach and on Zoom • Friday Night Services take place at 7 pm
in
Founded
Services take
jewishnewsva.org | August 15, 2022 | Guide | JEWISH NEWS | 29 GUIDE TO JEWISH LIVING IN TIDEWATER HEICHAL SHLOMO SYNAGOGUE 353 Village Rd., Virginia Beach, VA 23454 757-938-0625, Rabbirabbi@jewishvb.org,www.jewishvb.orginfo@jewishvb.orgMeirLessoff The synagogue offers Judaism in a joyful, genuine, and creative manner, providing engaging activities and programs for all ages in a warm and friendly atmosphere For High Holiday services, location and details will be posted on its website at the beginning of September Reservations will be required, but there is no charge . KEHILLAT BET HAMIDRASH KEMPSVILLE SYNAGOGUE/KBHCONSERVATIVE 952 Indian Lakes Blvd., Virginia Beach, VA 23464 757-495-8510, kbhsynagogue.org, kbhsynagogue@gmail.com CONSERVATIVEChazzanfacebook.com/kbhsynagogueM.DavidProser Kempsville Conservative Synagogue (Kehillat Bet Hamidrash) is a place for traditional, yet egalitarian Jews to celebrate all things Jewish in a comfortable and inviting atmosphere . KBH was established in 1978 and is centrally located in Tidewater, not far from Town Center and the Sandler Family Campus in Virginia Beach As a small congregation, members have the opportunity to play an active role in the life of the synagogue The synagogue strives to provide opportunities for prayer, learning, socializing, celebrating life cycle events, and supporting its local and greater Jewish and general community Kehillat Bet Hamidrash shares various activities with its programming partner, Temple Israel • Shabbat and Holiday services and celebrations•Weekly Shabbat Kiddush luncheon • Tikkun Olam projects • Support of, and participation in, Jewish community events Services and programs are offered in-person and via Zoom Contact the synagogue at kbhsynagogue@gmail .com for attendance protocols and/or Zoom information . OHEF TEMPLESHOLOM 530 Raleigh Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23507 757-625-4295, fax 757-625-3762 ohefsholom.org, ed@ohefsholom.org Rabbi Rosalin Mandelberg Cantor Jennifer Rueben Executive Director: Steve Kayer
Religious School Director: Alyson Morrissey Music Director: Charles Woodward Rabbi Emeritus: Rabbi Lawrence A. Forman in 1844, Ohef Sholom Temple is the largest congregation Tidewater Shabbat place Friday at 6:30 pm
and oldest Reform
.
in person and via Facebook Live and Saturday at 10:30 am via Facebook Live Ohef Sholom Temple is committed to welcoming all who are in search of a spiritual home, including interfaith families, LGBTQ+, singles, and empty nesters A Union for Reform Judaism congregation, Ohef Sholom offers innovative worship and deep Torah learning, fosters meaningful relationships, and Tikkun Olam (bettering our world through social action) The congregation also has an extensive children’s and adult library, Holocaust collection, and Archives • Religious School for preschool through grade 10 • Programming for infants and toddlers, children, teens, families, and adults • Intro to Judaism and Adult Hebrew Courses • Diverse Adult Education opportunities • Torah Study • Dynamic, Musical Worship Services • Social Justice and Social Action initiatives • Extensive Library and Archives • Judaica Shop • Youth Group (NFTY partnership) • Men’s Club • Sisterhood 10% comfortleatheramericanoffsleepers August 12 - September 12. See store for details. Largest local selection of contemporary furniture 301 West 21st Street, Norfolk | 757.623.3100 | decorumfurniture.com
30 | JEWISH NEWS | Guide | August 15, 2022 | jewishnewsva.org TEMPLE EMANUEL 424 25th St., Virginia Beach, VA 23451 www.tevb.org,757-428-2591 office@tevb.org Office Manager: Gail Gogan Rabbi: Ari CONSERVATIVEOliszewski Temple Emanuel is a thriving oceanfront Jewish community located in Virginia Beach It is intimate, accepting, and open to all . Temple Emanuel embraces the many ways to express Jewishness and spirituality, welcoming people of all family situations, ethnicities, and sexual orientations Located at the beach, the congregation offers a relaxed, informal atmosphere with creative worship services, as well as cultural programming for all Religious School is free to synagogue members . Learn more about Temple Emanuel at www tevb org/about TEMPLE ISRAEL 7255 Granby St., Norfolk, VA 23505 757-489-4550, fax CONSERVATIVE/MASORTIExecutiveRabbitempleisraelva.org,757-489-3425TempleIsraelVA1954@gmail.comMichaelPanitzDirector:NancyTucker Temple Israel is a vibrant, egalitarian, full-service synagogue that has served the local Jewish community for more than 67 years by meeting the spiritual, educational, life cycle, and social needs of its diverse membership Through the fulfillment of mitzvot, it provides opportunities for meaningful Jewish living for its members Temple Israel maintains a full schedule of joint programs with the Kempsville Conservative Synagogue . Adult education is one of the hallmarks of Temple Israel, including ongoing studies on a variety of topics, as well as adult bar and bat mitzvah classes Temple Israel enthusiastically embraces tikkun olam (repairing the world) and values every individual’s unique participation . With a perspective embracing both tradition and the challenges of today’s world, Temple Israel welcomes innovative ideas and new voices into its family . The congregation is moving forward with an ambitious program of making its facilities more fully accessible . • Daily services are on Zoom; Shabbat and holiday worship services are in-person • Adult Clubs and Classes • Library • Gift Shop TEMPLE LEV TIKVAH (HEART OF HOPE) 1593 Lynnhaven Parkway, Virginia Beach 757-617-0334 or 757-937-8393 REFORMRabbijzobe@aol.comIsraelZoberman The newest Jewish congregation in Hampton Roads meets in The Church of the Holy Apostles in Virginia Beach . The church is the world’s only Episcopal and Roman Catholic congregation Now, it is the only place in the world where Episcopalians, Roman Catholics, and Jews meet under one roof . Rabbi Dr Israel Zoberman is the founder and spiritual leader TIDEWATER CHAVURAH tidewaterchavurah1@gmail.comContact:Rabbitidewaterchavurah.orgCantorEllenJaffe-GillCarol or 757-499-3660 REFORM TRADITION Tidewater Chavurah is a “synagogue without walls” involved in Jewish fellowship that meets and prays in the Virginia Beach/Hampton Roads area Founded in 1998, Tidewater Chavurah welcomes singles, couples, and families in interfaith marriages, people of all ethnicities, gender identities, and sexual orientations while remaining a small, vibrant, and friendly group . The Hebrew word chavurah means ‘fellowship .’ Tidewater Chavurah holds monthly Second Friday Shabbat and High Holiday services using prayer books of the Reform movement . Rabbi Jaffe-Gill also leads holiday celebrations and facilitates Jewish-themed learning experiences EDUCATION BINA MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL 425 Washington Park, Norfolk, VA 23517 757-627-BINA (2462), fax Menaheles:binahighschool.com, aharpaz@binahighschool.com757-627-2461AvivaHarpaz
.
GUIDE
Congregation Beth El’s Patricia Sarah Ashkenazi Religious School (PSARS) offers a rich and vibrant Jewish education for children, fostering a love of Judaism by teaching values that are relevant to daily life . Religious School is for children from three years of age through seventh grade Under the leadership of new director Sharon Serbin, this year’s program promises to be deeply experiential and hands-on with a curriculum that will make Judaism fun, memorable, and meaningful All students will meet on Sunday mornings, 9 am–12 pm at Congregation Beth El . In addition, students in grades three through six will meet at the Sandler Family Campus on Wednesday afternoons with their Beth El family and friends Students will meet at 5:30 pm with a “transition period” that will include activities and snacks, followed by Hebrew study, dinner, and dismissal at 7:30 pm This collective Hebrew program on Wednesdays will replace the individual tutoring of the past few years The Community Midrashah invites teens 8th through 12th grade to deal with real world questions of Judaism during weekly sessions
.
Norfolk’s first and only Orthodox Jewish Middle and High School for young women, BINA opened in 2007 The BINA experience enables each student to develop her love for Hashem, His Torah and the Jewish people
. In a supportive and challenging academic environment, students are given the skills to excel in both Judaic and General studies BINA’s knowledgeable and professional faculty foster a love of learning and pride in achievement A BINA student is taught to be proud of her heritage, concerned for her community, and prepared for her future
PATRICIA SARAH ASHKENAZI RELIGIOUS SCHOOL Education Director: Sharon Serbin, Email: sharon@bethelnorfolk.com
All of Congregation Beth El’s Religious School programs are open to the entire Jewish community and teach how to grow up as young Americans Jews TO JEWISH LIVING IN TIDEWATER
Facebook: Strelitz International Academy
Director of Admissions: Carin Simon, csimon@strelitzacademy.org
Instagram: strelitzinternationalacademy
Starting with the infant care program, Strelitz offers parents a nurturing and safe place to ensure the growth and development for their baby The infant curriculum focuses on sensory activities and exploration, stories, songs, and floor time . As an International Baccalaureate® World School, the Early Years students are seen as inquirers of the world around them . Students experience the joy of learning through hands-on activities and nurturing teachers SIA students learn math and literacy skills and experience Jewish holidays and global learning through books, arts and crafts, songs, games, and creative play Students also enjoy enrichment classes such as swimming, PE, music and library time .
The Strelitz International Academy is the community’s progressive Jewish Day School welcoming students ages six weeks through grade 5 SIA is the only International Baccalaureate® World School for the Primary Years Program in the area SIA students are guided by four core Jewish values: Kehillah (community), Kavod (honor), Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), and Torah v’Lishman (love of learning) .
jewishnewsva.org | August 15, 2022 | Guide | JEWISH NEWS | 31 GUIDE TO JEWISH LIVING IN TIDEWATER STRELITZ INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY International Baccalaureate® World School
Early Years and Primary Years Programs, Infants–Grade 5 Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus
INSTITUTE FOR JEWISH STUDIES AND INTERFAITH UNDERSTANDING AT OLD DOMINION UNIVERSITY
Primary Years (K–5) students are recognized for their strengths and benefit from small classes and individualized instruction when needed Students thrive in a setting of a caring community of learners . The SIA curriculum includes Language Arts, Science, Mathematics, Social Studies, Jewish Culture, Hebrew, Music, Violin, Art, P E , and more . Through its inquiry-led, transdisciplinary framework, the International Baccalaureate® Primary Years Program challenges students to think for themselves and take agency in their learning as they explore local and global issues and opportunities in real-life Graduatescontextsareready to meet the challenges of today’s fast-paced world, as evidenced by their acceptance and seamless transitions into the top independent schools, International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program, and high school academies
5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 757-424-4327, strelitzinternationalacademy.org
Head of School: Heather Moore, hmoore@strelitzacademy.org
Old Dominion University 2024 Batten Arts and Letters, Norfolk, VA 23529 757-683-6816, odu.edu/al/institutes/ijiu, amilliga@odu.edu Director:facebook.com/IJIUatODUAmyMilligan,PhD The Institute for Jewish Studies and Interfaith Understanding (IJIU) is an interdisciplinary academic program at Old Dominion University dedicated to creating strong, inclusive learning experiences that deepen understanding of Jewish thought, history, and culture . IJIU sponsors research, academic programs, engagement activities, and collaboration with community partners to promote diverse Jewish perspectives about significant local and global issues, address antisemitic acts and other forms of hatred, and encourage dialogue between people of all faiths and beliefs Williams admits students of any race, color, religion, or ethnic background. For more information, please www.thewilliamsschool.org/admissionsvisit Join Us for a Fall Admissions Event Fall Open House "Williams ThursdayWeeklySaturday,Wednesdays"October15CampusToursTuesdayAfternoonsandFridayMorningsWednesday,September21Wednesday,October26
The school’s academic program guides students toward learning how to ask the right questions, think analytically, and apply their knowledge to life
GUIDE TO JEWISH LIVING IN TIDEWATER Helping
Director: Rabbi Gershon Litt Hillel is the home to the Jewish student community with social activities, educational events, and holiday celebrations on and off campus .
Others Find out how you can leave your mark. Visit LeaveABequest.org
TORAS CHAIM OF VIRGINIA 3110 Sterling Point Drive, Portsmouth, VA 23703
WILLIAM AND MARY HILLEL Shenkman Jewish Center PO Box 8795, Williamsburg, VA 23187
NORFOLK AREA COMMUNITY KOLLEL 420 Spotswood Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23517 757-655-1836, nack@norfolkkollel.com, norfolkkollel.com
G. Lazar
TALMUDICAL ACADEMY Yeshivas Aish Kodesh 612 Colonial Ave., Norfolk, VA 23507
Principal: Mrs. Andie Pollock
. The Shenkman Jewish Center is the new home for W&M Hillel offering kosher meals, programs, and services
AdministrativeGeneralandJudaicExecutivedwilson@yeshivasaishkodesh.comwww.yeshivasaishkodesh.com757-623-6070Director:RabbiShmuelKatzPrincipals:RabbiEzraStettinRabbiAvrohomWeinrebStudiesPrincipal:DavidRowzieDirector:DebbieWilson
Rosh Kollel: Rabbi Boruch Danziger Executive Director: Rabbi Gershon Litt Rabbi Yehuda Brickman
Menahel:office@toraschaim.nettoraschaim.net757-686-2480RabbiYonah
Torah . Yeshivas Aish Kodesh meets these goals with a full, balanced schedule The curriculum features Gemara shiurim in both Iyun and Bekius, as well as regular classes in Chumash, Navi, Halacha, and Tefillah Yeshivas Aish Kodesh offers a general studies program taught by state-certified instructors . Yeshivas Aish Kodesh’s facilities feature a Beis Medrash, stateof-the-art classrooms, a well-stocked library, and a recreation/ workout room . The students can participate in varsity and junior varsity basketball, as well as intramural football The students have regular opportunities to participate in pick-up basketball games, swimming, ice skating, and other activities Yeshivas Aish Kodesh views experiential learning as an integral part of the Yeshiva’s approach Visiting and interacting with Gedolei Yisrael, an energetic Oneg Shabbos, a heartfelt kumzitz—ways in which the special ruach and warmth that characterizes Yeshivas Aish Kodesh are extended
Toras Chaim provides Judaic and General Studies education for Tidewater’s Jewish children through eighth grade . The school’s Early Childhood Center maintains a developmentally appropriate environment, which fosters individuality, creativity, respect for others, and a love for Hashem Toras Chaim is dedicated to the belief that Jewish children and their families can join together to create a nurturing environment that fosters a love for Hashem, His Torah, and Jewish heritage This school is firmly committed to help each child achieve academic excellence, enthusiasm for learning, and the reinforcement of their Middos . Toras Chaim attempts to balance academics, emotional development, and social skills
HILLEL AT OLD DOMINION UNIVERSITY 757-559-1836, rabbilitt@oduhillel.org
Director: Rabbi Gershon Litt, rabbilitt@wmhillel.org 757-559-1836 William and Mary Hillel is open to all Jewish students and is the Jewish organization at William and Mary Hillel offers social, religious, cultural, and Israel-related events led by student leadership and professional staff
Bill Goldback’s legacy lives on through the arts. Bill, who died in 2007, left a donation in his will for the performing arts in Hampton Roads. The William A. Goldback Fund continues to support arts groups and other causes in our community.
32 | JEWISH NEWS | Guide | August 15, 2022 | jewishnewsva.org
Rabbi Binyomin Greenbaum Rabbi Yakov Berkowitz Rabbi Yedidya Koven Norfolk Area Community Kollel offers Jewish classes and programming regardless of affiliation or practice
. Students not only learn the subjects, they live their subjects Whether celebrating a Jewish holiday or building an ecosystem, at Toras Chaim, learning comes alive Contact the school to learn why “Toras Chaim is the School with a Smile!”
Forever
. Their philosophy is Torah-based and centers on gaining spirituality through personal growth through rich Torah heritage The Norfolk Kollel offers programs at college campuses and high schools, as well as lunch and learn programs and “one-on-one” study sessions The Kollel can “tailor-make” a Jewish education program for specific needs . The motto of the Kollel is “Inspiration Through Education ”
Yeshivas Aish Kodesh is geared toward the student striving for excellence in Limudei Kodesh and General Studies The school aims to facilitate the spiritual, personal, and academic growth of talmidim, with an eye toward producing well-rounded bnei
Other TJF programs include the B’nai Tzedek Teen Philanthropy Program, Feldman Family Medical & Health Professions Student Scholarship, One Happy Camper Program, Simon Family Passport to Israel, and Stein Family Scholarship
jewishnewsva.org | August 15, 2022 | Guide | JEWISH NEWS | 33 FOUNDATION TIDEWATER JEWISH FOUNDATION TIDEWATER JEWISH FOUNDATION Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus 5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Suite 200 Virginia Beach, VA 23462, 757-965-6111
Founded in 1984, TJF has distributed more than $200 million in grants to Jewish and secular charitable organizations Originally founded as a single endowment fund, TJF has grown to more than $125 million in assets, representing nearly 1,000 active charitable funds managed on behalf of individual donor advisors, the Federation, and more than a dozen local affiliate agencies and synagogues . TJF works closely with donors and their professional advisors to implement tax-advantaged charitable giving strategies that often involve multi-generational philanthropy .
Additional TJF services include offering and managing donor-advised funds, fund matching for charitable life insurance, charitable bequests, charitable trusts, reserved life estates, and charitable IRA distributions and designations
. SERVICES ORGANIZATIONSAND AMERICAN ISRAEL PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE (AIPAC) AIPAC Southeast Regional Director: Alisha Tischler 786-390-4416, atischler@aipac.org The mission of AIPAC—the American Israel Public Affairs Committee—is to strengthen and expand the U S -Israel relationship in ways that enhance the security of the United States and Israel The national organization engages with and educates decision-makers Southside Chapel • 5033 Rouse Drive Virginia Beach • 757 422-4000 Riverside Chapel • 7415 River Road Newport News • 757 245-1525 Denbigh Chapel • 12893 Jefferson Ave. Newport News • 757 874-4200 Maestas Chapel • 1801 Baltic Ave. Virginia Beach • 757 428-1112 Approved by all area Rabbis and Chevrah Kadisha Chris Sisler, Vice President, Member of Ohef Sholom Temple, Board member of the Berger-Goldrich Home at Beth Sholom Village, James E. Altmeyer, Jr., President, James E. Altmeyer, Sr., Owner Chesapeake Chapel • 929 S. Battlefield Blvd. Chesapeake • 757 482-3311 Advance funeral planning Flexible payment plans Financing available Making your arrangements in advance is one of the best ways to show your loved ones that you care about them. Our Family Service Counselors have the training and experience that will help you in the process. Our services include a free funeral cost estimate, and we offer many options for financing. Visit our web site for a three-step Pre-Arrangement Guide or contact the Altmeyer Pre-Arrangement Center directly at 757 422-4000 Family owned and operated since 1917 www . altmeyerfuneralandcremation . com GUIDE TO JEWISH LIVING IN TIDEWATER
Presidentfoundation.jewishva.organdCEO:Naomi Limor Sedek Vice President and CFO: Randy Parrish
Tidewater Jewish Foundation (TJF) serves the entire Tidewater Jewish community by securing endowments to ensure its future Serving as Jewish philanthropic advisors, Tidewater Jewish Foundation helps connect philanthropists with needs TJF helps those leaving legacy gifts maximize their impact in the areas of service they care about the most TJF houses endowments to support synagogue life, summer camp experiences, the gift of building relationships with Israel, and Jewish educational opportunities
TJF leads the community’s planned giving efforts and brought the LIFE & LEGACY program to Tidewater Through LIFE & LEGACY, TJF has helped secure the future of the Tidewater Jewish community with an estimated $21 million in future endowed commitments TJF, through LIFE & LEGACY, transformed the philanthropic culture in the Tidewater community to support the principle that everyone, regardless of age, wealth, or affiliation, can make an enduring financial impact for future generations
The LIFE & LEGACY program is a continued partnership with local synagogues and Jewish agencies and is funded by TJF with ongoing training support provided by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation .
Anyone can be a philanthropist Contact one of TJF’s philanthropic advisors to learn how to bring legacy dreams to reality
TJF has strong relationships with area congregations, agencies, and organizations TJF continues to secure legacy gifts in partnership with its affiliated organizations through LIFE & LEGACY and the Jewish Future Pledge, where community members are committing at least 50% of their charitable dollars in their estate to Jewish causes or to support the state of Israel
American Jewish Committee’s Washington regional office serves as the local gateway to AJC’s global Jewish advocacy network AJC re-imagines what’s possible for the Jewish people, for Israel, and for the world Through advocacy, education, and diplomacy, AJC Washington builds bridges to fight antisemitism, support Israel’s place in the world, and eradicate extremism and radicalism AJC believes in American global leadership and promotes human rights and democratic values around the world B’RITH OF TIDEWATER Arnold Gamsey Lodge President:https://www.bnaibrith.org#1195WayneMartin,757-855-0227
Regional Office Director: Alan Ronkin 202-785-5475; washington@ajc.org; AJC.org Twitter.com/AJCGlobalFacebook.com/AJCGlobal
Brith Sholom Center of Virginia Inc is a nonpolitical organization which aims to foster and perpetuate the spirit, ideals, and traditions of Judaism Membership is currently 250Applications for men and women 21 years and above are available for new membership Activities include dinners, dances, trips, entertainment, and cultural events . Its philanthropic endeavor is to support Jewish education and community organizations that provide services, plus international groups that assist needy causes Brith Sholom meetings currently take place on the first Sunday of each month (except July and August) at 11 am at a temporary location at the Norfolk Masonic Temple, 7001 Granby Street When restrictions are lifted, meetings will resume at Beth Sholom Village in Virginia Beach
HADASSAH Hadassahhadassah.orgSouthern Seaboard Region President: Sharon Goretsky, 757-535-9633 sgoretsky@hadassah.org In New York in 1912, the first group of Hadassah was chartered after its founder, Henrietta Szold, returned from Jerusalem The second chapter of Hadassah was chartered in Norfolk, Va . One hundred and ten years later, Hadassah’s Norfolk-Virginia Beach chapter is re-energized and excited to serve all of Tidewater Hadassah is the largest Jewish women’s organization in the United States
FRIENDS OF THE IDF—VA CHAPTER
Virginia Chapter President: Joel Nied If ‘Virginia is for lovers’, Friends of the IDF seeks to make ‘Virginia is for ISRAEL lovers!’ FIDF is a 501c3 not-for-profit corporation, established in 1981 by a group of Holocaust survivors
BRITH SHOLOM CENTER OF VIRGINIA INC.
Secretary: LeeAnne Mallory, 757-461-1150, Brith.sholom1@gmail.com
B’NAI
.
.
34 | JEWISH NEWS | Guide | August 15, 2022 | jewishnewsva.org about the bonds that unite the two countries, and how it is in America’s best interest to strengthen those bonds and help ensure that the Jewish state remains safe, strong, and secureAIPAC’s. mission is to encourage and persuade the U S government to enact specific policies that create a strong, enduring, and mutually beneficial relationship with its ally, Israel For more than 60 years, AIPAC has worked to make a difference, building a better tomorrow for the United States and Israel ADL (ANTI-DEFAMATION LEAGUE) Regional Director, ADL Washington, D.C. Regional Office: Meredith R. Weisel 202-261-4610, mweisel@adl.org, adl.org
Executive Director: Jennifer Scher 410-753-3088, Jennifer.scher@fidf.org, FIDF.org
. It is a non-political, non-military organization that provides for the well-being of the soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), veterans, and family members FIDF is committed to providing these soldiers with love, support, and care to ease the burden they carry on behalf of the Jewish community worldwide . IDF soldiers risk their lives day and night to maintain Israel’s security Transform a life LONE SOLDIER SUPPORT—Bring them a feeling of warmth and community through housing, Shabbat meals, flights home, a 24/7 call center, and more DIGNITY—Provide financial relief to IDF soldiers whose families are in economic difficulty, gifting them with peace of mind so they can fully dedicate themselves to defending EDUCATIONIsrael—Give at-risk teens a second chance through Project Overcome; soldiers without 12 years of education or their high school diploma through Formal Education; or scholarships for higher education through IMPACT!
While IDF soldiers are on the frontlines, FIDF strengthens their wellbeing by responding to their most urgent needs Follow FIDF via email and social media to remain in close contact with FIDF and bolster Israel’s courageous soldiers
AMERICAN JEWISH COMMITTEE (AJC)
. With more than 300,000 members, associates, and supporters across the country, Hadassah brings Jewish women together to affect change and advocate on critical issues such as medical GUIDE TO JEWISH LIVING IN TIDEWATER
Founded in 1843, B’nai B’rith is dedicated to building a strong sense of Jewish identity and unity within the Jewish community
ADL is a leading anti-hate organization Founded in 1913 in response to an escalating climate of antisemitism and bigotry, its timeless mission is to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment to all Today, ADL continues to fight all forms of hate with the same vigor and passion ADL is the first call when acts of antisemitism occur . A global leader in exposing extremism, delivering anti-bias education and fighting hate online, ADL’s ultimate goal is a world in which no group or individual suffers from bias, discrimination, or hate . ADL has emerged as one of the most formidable anti-hate organizations because of its ironclad commitment to protecting the rights of all people regardless of their race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or level of ability Since its inception, ADL has believed that America only would be safe for its Jewish people if it was safe for all its people—and that when it was truly safe for all its people, it also would be safe for its Jewish community ADL’s work has expanded to address antisemitism across the globe . ADL works to protect all marginalized groups from the devastating impacts of extremism, reduce bias in individuals through education, and create an environment of laws and norms where all groups are treated fairly and hate has no home Recognized as one of ADL’s most innovative and effective offices, the ADL Washington, D .C regional office serves the District of Columbia, Maryland, North Carolina and Virginia, carrying out the mandate “to stop the defamation of the Jewish people…and to secure justice and fair treatment to all ”
to better serve the
Established nationally in 1893 and locally in 1905, NCJW is the oldest Jewish women’s organization in the U .S The group’s educational and legislative efforts have helped bring about action in areas of concern to women and children The local Endowment Fund functions as the Tidewater Council of Jewish Women under Jewish Family Service Foundation Philanthropic Fund Agreement Donations may be made to the TCJW Fund through JFS, 5000 Corporate Woods Dr ., Virginia Beach, VA 23462 .
jewishnewsva.org | August 15, 2022 | Guide | JEWISH NEWS | 35 care and research, women’s empowerment, domestic advocacy in the United States, and the security of Israel Through the Hadassah Medical Organization’s (HMO) two hospitals, the worldrenowned trauma center, and the leading research facility in Jerusalem, Hadassah supports the delivery of exemplary patient care to more than one million people every year HMO serves without regard to race, religion, or nationality and earned a Nobel Peace Prize Nomination in 2005 for building “bridges to peace” through equality in medical treatment HAMPTON ROADS BOARD OF RABBIS AND CANTORS
JWV Post 158 works to instill the tenets of the National HQ’s mission within the local community by imparting true allegiance to the U S A . and love of country and flag, combating bigotry and darkness wherever originating and defending whomever it targets, preserving the spirit of comradeship to fellow veterans and their families, honoring the memory and shielding from neglect the graves of the community’s heroic dead, and most importantly to preserve the memories and records of those men and women of the Jewish faith who “did us proud by bearing the brunt of battle in the patriotic service of our great country .”
.
The Jewish Museum and Cultural Center is housed in the beautifully restored Chevra T’helim Synagogue, the interior of which is a rare surviving example of Eastern European Jewish Orthodoxy The Center offers lectures, exhibits, a summer music series, as well as school programs, adult programs, and tours .
JoinFollowjwv.post158.se.virginia@gmail.comat:facebook.com/JWVPost158VA/at:jwv.org/membership/explore-membership/
The Board was originally organized as the Board of Rabbis About 20 years ago, it expanded its membership to include cantors The Board provides an opportunity for local Jewish clergy to meet on a regular basis and to address, discuss, and answer the challenges facing the Jewish community of Tidewater LADIES CHARITY SOCIETY
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN
The oldest active veterans organization in America, chartered in 1896 by an act of Congress, the Jewish War Veterans brings together citizens of the U S A with joint ties of a common Jewish heritage and the experience of serving in the U S Armed Forces It is the organization’s goal to apply experiences in the military as civilians to “be of greater service to our country, our community, and above all to our fellow veterans .”
JEWISH WAR VETERANS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Adam Goldberg, Post Commander, 831-917-3996
Dorothy Spitalney, 757-639-2950 Hebrew Ladies Charity Society of Tidewater supports Jewish Family Service’s food and financial assistance programs MUSEUM AND CULTURAL CENTER 607 Effingham St. Portsmouth, VA 23704
is exclusively used by women observing Family Purity laws To make an appointment, email
President: David Proser, kbhcantor@gmail.com
Email: Administrator:757-391-9266,jmccvportsmouth@gmail.comwww.jewishmuseumportsmouth.orgBarbaraRossen
recently completed an
HEBREW
MIKVAH TAHARAS CHAYA 425 Washington Park (left side entrance) Norfolk This new mikvah mikvahnorfolk@gmail Michael E. Panitz, Rabbi Nancy J. Tucker, Executive Director Tammy Conklin, Executive Assistant 7255 Granby Street Norfolk, VA 23505 757 489
Call to schedule an appointment for a conversion .
THE NORFOLK MIKVAH 425 Washington Park (right side entrance) Norfolk, 757-627-7358 The Mikvah serves the entire Jewish community The Mikvah exciting renovation Tidewater community
4550 www.templeisraelva.org
Representatives: Linda Samuels, 757-573-8788, linsam1@cox.net
.com . GUIDE TO JEWISH LIVING IN TIDEWATER Temple Israel is an egalitarian, multicultural and multigenerational Conservative synagogue. We offer in person Shabbat service each week, and daily minyan services on Zoom. We have in person and virtual programs throughout the month, and you can participate in our “Mitzvah of the Month” helping organizations in need. We are proud of our military families and offer affordable and flexible membership options for those who serve our country. Give us a call for more information. Dr.
JEWISH
jewishnewsva.org
BETH SHOLOM VILLAGE Skilled Nursing, Rehabilitation, Long Term Care, Memory Care & Assisted Living President and Chief Executive Officer: David R. Abraham 757-420-2512, bethsholomvillage.com
. In 2024, Aviva Pembroke, a premier senior living community in partnership with Pembroke Realty Group, will open its doors in the heart of Town Center, Virginia Beach Aviva Pembroke will be a transformative community redefining senior living in Virginia Beach, offering one bedroom, one bedroom with den, and two and three bedroom units with amenities such as covered parking, swimming pool, and pickleball courts In addition, Aviva Pembroke will include assisted living apartments and memory support units for a complete continuum of care REHABILITATIONHEALTHBERGER-GOLDRICHCARE&CENTER Auburn Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23464 757-420-2512, fax 757-424-0657
6401
In 2022, Beth Sholom Village welcomed Nir Horev, MD, as medical director His medical team includes Marilyn Kellan, MD, Sharon Goretsky, NP, and Christina Holloway, NP Beth Sholom Village is proud to partner with Senior Services of Southeast Virginia to provide meals through the Meals on Wheels Program . BSV prepares and delivers more than 2,000 meals each week to the community Beth Sholom Village is proud to continue its legacy of caring for its seniors, creating a community that focuses on enhancing the quality of life, and caring for the body, mind, and soul
For more than 40 years, Beth Sholom Village (BSV) has served as the only senior community in Hampton Roads that embodies traditional Jewish values, customs, and traditions BSV is a community that observes all major Jewish holidays and traditions and proudly serves residents and patients of all faiths BSV believes in offering the best care possible to all residents
Recognizing that its population of residents with cognitive impairment requires and deserves special consideration, BSV implemeneted training from the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners LLC, made possible by The Sephardic Foundation on Aging BSV feels it is imperative to ensure that all of its direct care staff are adequately trained and educated in dementia-related caregiving Direct care staff include all nursing staff: RNs, LPNs, Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), and Medical Aides In addition, direct care staff includes all members of the Rehabilitation Department—physical, occupational, and speech therapists—as well as social workers and all members of its Recreation Therapy department Professional affiliations exist with Jewish Family Service of Tidewater and ECPI University
Care & Rehabilitation Center completed a major renovation in 2020 All resident and patient rooms now have a walk-in shower and an upgraded bathroom The rehabilitation gyms have been expanded and upgraded, and the common and multipurpose areas have new and modern décorThe. Berger-Goldrich Health Care and Rehabilitation Center offers:•A coordinated approach to care, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy in two state-of-the-art therapy gyms One gym includes a practical kitchen for residents to relearn the skills necessary for their return home • Team of nursing personnel, therapists, social workers, and an activities department • Dentist, ophthalmologist, and podiatrist care on site • Out-patient physical therapy department • Kosher meals and snacks daily, and Sabbath and holiday services•The Kantor Café, which is open to the public . • Special Care Unit for residents with advanced dementia • Beds certified for Medicare and Medicaid in private and semi-private rooms • Excellent staff-to-resident ratio • Hair salon with a full-time hairdresser . • Outdoor gardens, patios, and secure courtyards • Auxiliary Gift Shop . The Berger-Goldrich Health Care & Rehabilitation Center is a recipient agency of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, Tidewater Jewish Foundation, The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, and BSHEV Foundation THE TERRACE AT BETH SHOLOM VILLAGE 1049 College Park Blvd. Virginia Beach, VA 23464 757-282-2384, fax 757-361-0151 Visit vaopera.org or call 866.673.7282 for more information 2022 - 2023 Season YOUR TICKET TO UNFORGETTABLEANNIGHTOUT!
The
SOCIAL SERVICES AND HEALTH CARE
. THE
ORT America supports vocational and technical training for Jews around the world More than 300,000 students are enrolled in the ORT network of schools and training programs, which include comprehensive and vocational high schools, colleges, apprenticeship programs, and teacher training institutes Like Tidewater ORT on Facebook
. The
Administrator: David R. Abraham Berger-Goldrich Health Care & Rehabilitation Center is a skilled nursing and rehabilitation Center with a memory care unit Berger-Goldrich Health
GUIDE TO JEWISH LIVING IN TIDEWATER ORT AMERICA Abbie Laderberg, Facebook.com/Tidewater757-497-7238ORT
.
JFS depends on the generosity of the Jewish and the broader Tidewater communities for support Local funding sources include United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, Tidewater Jewish Foundation, United Way of South Hampton Roads, and many generous foundations and donors
Jewish Family Service of Tidewater, Inc is a social service agency providing a continuum of solutions to those in need throughout Tidewater, regardless of religion or financial status
jewishnewsva.org | August 15, 2022 | Guide | JEWISH NEWS | 37
JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE OF TIDEWATER Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus 5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Suites 300 and 400, Virginia Beach, VA 23462
EMBRACE CARE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
. JFS offers grief counseling through the Dozoretz Center for Family Healing, a community resource center established to help people of all ages cope with the death of a loved one, family illness, relocation, divorce, separation, or remarriage
GUIDE TO JEWISH
This program assists individuals and their families in assessing the medical, personal, and social service needs of older adults By partnering together with the client and their families or legal guardians, JFS helps design long-term care plans that allow elderly people to remain in their own homes for as long as possible Care managers address the practical needs of daily living with older adults
.
The Memory Enhancement Unit allows residents with Alzheimer’s or dementiarelated illnesses to be as independent as possible within a safe and secure environment This secure unit has 18 individual apartments, which surround a well-lit central atrium with areas designated for dining, activities, and relaxing
. Four levels of care are offered to assist residents with their activities of daily living in a secure and comfortable environment Three kosher meals are served daily by the wait staff in the dining room, and snacks and drinks are always available in the Club Room
The Hebrew Ladies Charity Society began this work in 1865, which continued through the 1900’s until Jewish Family Service was established in 1946 and incorporated as Jewish Family Service of Tidewater, Inc , in The1969agency has earned a national reputation of responding to community needs by the creation and expansion of programs for children, youth, families, older adults, persons with developmental disabilities, and persons who experience chronic mental illness .
The Jessica Glasser Children’s Therapeutic Pavilion at JFS offers an engaging playtherapy room, which provides a comforting place for children and teens to learn to cope with life Therapistsissuesare highly trained, master’s level, Licensed Clinical Social Workers LIVING IN TIDEWATER
Administrator:bethsholomvillage.comAllisonWhiteman, LALA Seniors who are no longer able to live on their own find a new lease on life at The Terrace at Beth Sholom Village The Terrace, a Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Assisted Living Center, can accommodate 85 residents in 69 units . The Terrace provides gracious assisted living where residents can live comfortably in their own studio, one-, or twobedroom apartment
The activity calendar is filled with entertainment, outings, art programs, and a wide variety of in-house activities, including daily exercise The caring staff provides scheduled transportation for shopping and doctor appointments Licensed nurses attend to residents’ regular medical needs and are available for more urgent situations
. Programs include kosher Meals on Wheels, friendly volunteer visitors, senior companions, and transportation services
.
COUNSELING FOR ALL AGES Life is full of transition and change JFS recognizes that sometimes individuals and families need support and help to navigate these changes JFS provides individual, couple, family, and group counseling services to people of all ages, regardless of affiliation
Chief Executive Officer: Kelly jfshamptonroads.orgFaxEmbraceGuardianPersonalCounselingAdministration:Burroughs757-321-2222Services:757-459-4640AffairsManagement/Program:757-938-9130HomeCare:757-489-3111;757-489-1958
BBYO involves Jewish teens in meaningful Jewish experiences, guiding them into leadership positions that will last a lifetime Teens meet weekly, on weekends, from September through June at the Simon Family JCC, and focus on community service and social action programs with their chapters, BBG (girls) and AZA (boys) The teens attend a variety of regional and national conventions
.
PERSONAL AFFAIRS MANAGEMENT/GUARDIANSHIP & CONSERVATORSHIP
38 | JEWISH NEWS | Guide | August 15, 2022 | jewishnewsva.org (LCSWs), many of whom hold special training in grief, child/teen issues, family stress, andJFSgerontologycounseling services are covered by Medicare and Medicaid, and by many private health insurance companies Services may be provided on a sliding scale fee basis to those without insurance who qualify .
• CHAVERIM: Cultural, social, and recreational opportunities are provided for Jewish individuals with developmental disabilities
• SPECIAL NEEDS CAMP: In cooperation with the Simon Family JCC, children with special needs are integrated into summer programs and activities, enabling them to participate with their non-disabled peers GROUPS
JFS offers a variety of services to support persons with special or differing needs, and is grateful for funding for these services from United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, United Way of South Hampton Roads, and private donors who care about the social and emotional inclusion of persons with special needs . JFS offers these services for persons with special needs:
Members
The Personal Affairs Management (PAM) Program at JFS safeguards the personal and financial affairs of vulnerable, incapacitated adults with physical, cognitive, and/or mental disabilities . Guardian and/or conservator services are provided based on court orderThe PAM Program has been recognized as a Model Program by the Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging and is approved as a Regional Public Guardian and Conservator Program by the Virginia Department for the Aging and Rehabilitative Services On-call case management is available 24 hours a day to improve clients’ quality of life and manage personal and medical care
JEWISH
. GUIDE
Embrace Home Care offers certified nursing assistants and nurse’s aides to provide services such as dressing, bathing, and personal, private care while hospitalized; transportation and accompaniment to medical appointments; and meal preparation, shopping, companionship, and family support For more comprehensive care, Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) can provide medication administration, blood pressure monitoring, catheter care, diabetes management, tube feedings, and other services
FOOD AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE In Virginia, more than 170,000 families live below the poverty level . Many of these families are unable to obtain nutritious food To combat this growing problem, JFS partners with the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia to operate a Community Food Pantry Individuals and families, regardless of affiliation, can receive food assistance once a month The Pantry is open on Tuesday mornings and by appointment Hunger happens in Jewish households, too For Jewish individuals in need of kosher food, JFS operates its Milk and Honey Food Program, and is open by calling ahead Financial assistance is available for Jewish families coping with unplanned financial debt and obligation Case managers help with budgeting, financial planning, and payment arrangements
EMBRACE HOME CARE: PRIVATE DUTY SERVICES
OHEF SHOLOM TEMPLE YOUTH (OSTY) OSTY757-625-4295Advisors: Robyn and Paul Weiner ostyadvisors@gmail.com
Ohef Sholom Temple Youth Group (OSTY) is for students in grades 8–12 JOSTY, Junior Ohef Sholom Temple Youth Group, is for 6th and 7th graders participate in community service, regional and national conventions, religious, and other “just-for-fun” events Members also develop leadership skills, build community with each other, and create lifelong memories OSTY is affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism’s NFTY (North American Federation of Temple Youth), the Reform Jewish Youth Movement TO LIVING IN
. Families or organizations interested in a food drive or to bring food or other household supplies to support the pantry, should contact JFS . Restocking of shelves is always needed and assistance is always appreciated
. YOUTH
TIDEWATER
Individuals and families fund special projects, including holiday food baskets, Hanukkah gifts for children, grocery certificates, and assistance with utilities and rent JFS receives food from many generous donors throughout the community
BBYO Director of Camp and Teen Engagement: Dave Flagler 757-452-3182, DFlagler@UJFT.org
SPECIAL NEEDS
• SIMCHA: This socialization and recreation group for Jewish adults with mental illness, offers cultural and recreational outings
NFTY: THE REFORM JEWISH YOUTH MOVEMENT Mid-Atlantic Region—NFTY-MAR REFORM, nfty.org/mar, nftymar@urj.org Jewish teens from North Carolina, eastern West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Washington DC, and far-eastern Tennessee comprise NFTY-MAR Members come together for learning, fun, worship, community service, and fellowship to help young Jewish adults build and strengthen lifetime ties with each other and Reform Judaism
Reform
. This program is made possible by the generosity of the Pincus Paul Fund of the Jewish Family Service Foundation and the endowment fund of Hebrew Ladies Charity Society, along with the support of United Jewish Federation of Tidewater
jewishnewsva.org | August 15, 2022 | Guide | JEWISH NEWS | 39 GUIDE TO JEWISH LIVING IN TIDEWATER CEMETERIES B’NAI ISRAEL CEMETERY 2710 Cromwell Road Norfolk, office@bnaiisraelVa org, 757-627-7358 FOREST LAWN CEMETERY 8100 Granby Street Norfolk, Va 757-441-1752. GOMLEY CHESED CEMETERY Shell Road near Frederick Blvd . and George Washington Highway Portsmouth, 757-965-6130Va HEBREW CEMETERY Princess Anne Road and Tidewater Drive Norfolk, Va 757 441-2576 MIKRO KODESH 2295-2355 Berkley Ave Chesapeake, 757-965-6100Va PRINCESS ANNE MEMORIAL PARK 1110 North Great Neck Road Virginia Beach, Va 757-481-1097 ROSEWOOD MEMORIAL PARK CEMETERY 631 N Witchduck Road Virginia Beach, Va . 757-497-8925 WOODLAWN MEMORIAL GARDENS 6329 E Virginia Beach Blvd Norfolk, 757-461-4054Va WORKMEN’S CIRCLE Railroad 757-965-6100Chesapeake,AvenueVa Join us at NOON immediately preceding Super Sunday for the OFFICIAL DEDICATION OF THE MARTY EINHORN PAVILION Bring the kids to SUNDAY FUNDAY from 1 – 4 PM For more information contact Matthew Kramer-Morning at MKMorning@UJFT.org or (757) 965-6136 SUPER SUNDAY Save the Date! • Kick-off a year-long celebration of Israel@75! Join us in making calls to our fellow community members! Jewishva.org/supersunday SEPTEMBER 18, 2022 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM
ONION AND SUMAC SALAD 1 red onion, sliced ¼ cup olive oil 3 tbsp sumac ½ tsp kosher salt
GUIDE TO JEWISH LIVING IN TIDEWATER
• Cook on medium heat until onions soften (3–5 minutes)
• Reduce heat to low, remove lid, cook 15 minutes
Philip Sifen Onion and Sumac, top left; Red Cabbage Salad, top right; Tahina Sauce, bottom left; Matbucha, bottom right. Also shown: Homemade Fried Pita Chips with Za’atar Spice
RED CABBAGE SALAD
SIMPLE ISRAELI “SALADS”
1 small red cabbage, shredded ½ cup mayonnaise ½ cup lemon juice 1 tsp kosher salt • Combine together, and let it sit for 1 hour. Serve.
Yea, me too. So, let’s just make some food.
Does it annoy you when you look for a recipe online; and you have to scroll through a research paper to find the recipe?
TAHINA SAUCE ¼ cup water ¼ cup lemon juice ½ cup tahini paste 1 tsp kosher salt
• Remove lid, cook additional 15 minutes
• Combine, onion, olive oil, and garlic in a cooking pot
• Combine, and whisk until it gets very thick (like mayonnaise)
40 | JEWISH NEWS | Guide | August 15, 2022 | jewishnewsva.org
• Add salt and spices
MATBUCHA ¼ White onion, chopped/diced ½ cup olive oil 6 garlic cloves, whole ½ lb cherry tomatoes, halved ½ tsp kosher salt (Optional) ½ tsp of any/all spices: coriander, cumin, spicy/sweet/smoked paprika
• Combine together, and let it sit for 1 hour. Serve.
B’Tayavon is equivalent to French’s Bon Appetit. In Jewish News, B’Tayavon is where locals share favorite recipes. This issue features Philip Sifen’s favorites.
PHILIP SIFEN
• Add tomatoes, cover with lid, reduce heat to med-low, cook for 15 minutes
jewishnewsva.org | August 15, 2022 | JEWISH NEWS | 41
“We are incredibly grateful to the Tidewater Jewish Foundation for allow ing us to have the community’s Torahs evaluated,” says Jason Lovitz, grant writer and past president of Temple Emanuel.
Hosted by Tidewater Jewish Foundation, the event, Grants in Action: Meet & Greet with a Sofer, offered an opportunity to meet a Sofer, learn what they do, and see one in action. Invited by Temple Emanuel, the Sofer spent a week in Tidewater evaluat ing and assessing 30 scrolls from var ious congregations and organizations.
“Bringing in the Sofer to evaluate 30 scrolls is a pretty cool thing.” The event, which more than 50 mem bers of the community attended, was part of a $24,000 Tidewater Jewish Foundation Community Impact Grant to Temple Emanuel. In addition to the event, the grant paid for the travel expenses and Torah evaluations by the Sofer, Rabbi Moshe“I’veDruin.been
Tidewater Jewish Foundation hosts Sofer and educational experience for Tidewater Thomas Mills
Aunique educational experience for the Jewish community took place last month at the Sandler Family Campus.
At just 17 years old, Rabbi Moshe Druin began his training to be a Sofer. Now, he’s taught his son, son-in-law, and father. “We’re the first pair in history who has trained up!” he says. “Most scribes,” says Rabbi Druin “are scribes for writing.” His business, however, Sofer on Site, which is based in North Miami Beach, Fla., concentrates on resto ration. And, restore, they do. In the last seven months he has traveled 350,000 miles. “I could have gone around the world a few times,” he muses. Those miles have taken him to Temples, Federations, Naval Bases, the Kennedy Center, and even Yad Vashem in Jerusalem… all to restore Torahs. Why do so many Torahs need help? “Most congregations around the U.S. have experienced quarantine, which means the Torahs were left rolled up. Torahs need air to breathe. Extreme heat or cool (most buildings during quarantine were not using their cooling and heating systems as they would under normal circumstances) can impact a Torah’s condition,” explains Druin. While Torahs can last indefinitely, they must be maintained, he says. If they aren’t, problems escalate. As far as the Torahs Rabbi Druin examined in Tidewater, of those requiring res toration work, most he says are only minimally damaged. “Nothing terrible.”
IT’S A WRAP
honored to come here and look over these Torahs,” says Druin. “I’m examining them to make sure we know the condition of each individual scroll and evaluate if they need repairs. I also appraised each for its current value for insuring the Torah.”
Rabbi Druin’s visit took place because Lovitz and Temple Emanuel began inves tigating their Torahs’ condition. When a congregant pointed out that they did need repairing, Temple Emanuel started con tacting others to see if their Torahs also needed“Templerepair.Emanuel contacted every syn agogue, Hillel, nursing home, Chabad, and Chavurah in the area to ask whether they had Torahs that needed, or they wanted, to be inspected,” says Lovitz. “It was determined that there were over 25 Torahs in community that needed to be evaluated.”Inaddition to Rabbi Druin’s presen tation, TJF set up a window for attendees to see the Torahs being repaired and assessed in “Tidewateraction.Jewish Foundation was able to bring together members of various different congregations in the same room to celebrate our sacred text, our Torah, and learn how we have a responsibility to repair our Torahs and repair our world,” says Naomi Limor Sedek, TJF president and CEO. “TJF was honored to be a part of this momentous occasion, which brought everyone together to work toward a common goal. We are only stronger when we can work together.” Rabbi Druin stresses the importance of what he calls ‘Torah Care.’ That is, making sure Torahs are repaired, evalu ated, and maintained during their lifetime. According to Druin, it’s just as important to look after the Torah as it is to follow its wisdom and teachings. “You are the guardian of Torah,” says Druin. “The responsibility is on you to make sure that your Torahs are in good condition and that they are maintained from time to time. We are the people of the book, this is our book, and it’s our job to make sure it stays in good condition.”
“The responsibility is on you to make sure that your Torahs are in good condition and that they are maintained from time to time.”
Jason Lovitz, grant writer and past president of Temple Emanuel, and Rabbi Moshe Druin at the Grants in Action: Meet & Greet with a Sofer event. Rabbi Moshe Druin works on a Torah at the Sandler Family Campus.
Rabbi Moshe Druin: 41 years a Sofer Terri Denison
42 | JEWISH NEWS | August 15, 2022 | jewishnewsva.org Prophet $50,000+ AnonymousUnitedJewish Federation of Tidewater Righteous$20,000–$49,999 Dozoretz Family Fund Raymond Gottlieb Edward Kramer Cindy & Ronald Kramer Laura & Jerrold Miller Renee & John Strelitz Tidewater Jewish Foundation Leader$10,000–$19,999 Susan & Jon Becker Ann & Robert Copeland Givens Group, Inc.— Janice & Edward Reed Daniel Gordon Mark Gordon Celia K. SimonCharitableKrichman*TrustFamilyFoundation Chairman$5,000–$9,999 AnonymousBabbi&Brad Bangel The Armond and Rose Caplan* Foundation Alicia & Robert Friedman Richard S. Glasser* Family Foundation “Do the right thing, the right way for the right reason” Randi & Steven Gordon Jennifer Josephberg Sheila & Robert Josephberg Arnold Leon Steven B. Sandler Deb & Peter Segaloff Southern Bank Model $2,500–$4,999 Ilana & Nathan Benson Rashi & Levi Brashevitzky Beth LibbieDozoretzKaplan Jodi & Jay Klebanoff Krug SandraFoundation&MilesLeonJoanK.LondonPaola&NoahMatilskyAlanNordlingerS.L.NusbaumRealtyCompanyTowneBankUnitedJewishFederation of Tidewater—Young Men’s Nadiv Giving Circle Wall, Einhorn & Chernitzer, P.C. Herbert L. EndowmentWeinberg*Fund Teacher$1,000–$2,499 Xunyun Zhang & Chris Arney Karen Smith & Avraham Ashkenazi Berkadia BethMortgage—TimCommercialLeonhardBerman&DanielGriffBrithSholomCenterofVirginia,Inc.DiamondsDirectMelanieBrown&StevenDodgeDavidD.Douglas—DouglasDevelopmentSusanEinhornClaire&MarvinFriedbergAmy&AndyGladsteinWendyGoldbergHarborGroupInternational,LLCHerculesFenceCompany,Inc.LesterHorwitzSharonHurwitzBeth&NathanJaffeLeanelleGoldstein&DennyJenkinsKPMGLLPDavidLeonSharon&Mark*LiptonHeather&DouglasMoore National Disaster Solutions, AndrewLLC Nusbaum Janice & Edward Reed Ruth’s Chris Steak House Annabel Sacks Nancy & Marc Samuels Marge & Stephen Schechner Patti & Paul Seeman Sallie & Alan Shapiro Lawrence Steingold The Spindel Agency Virginia Wealth Management Group, Inc. Friend $500–$999 Rachel & Marc Abrams Jennifer Rush & Jason Alper Altmeyer Funeral Home Jasmine AnonymousAmitayJamie&PeterBakerRoslyn&MichaelBarneyHelenJayneandMelvinBarr*PhilanthropicFund—Patsy&BurtBarrBayDisposal,Inc.BethSholomHomeofEasternVirginiaBethBuckmanMarilyn&StuartBuxbaumElyse&DavidCardonLeora&NathanDroryEquityTitleCompany,LLCFaggert&Frieden,P.C.Kristy&AdamFoleckFriedenWealthManagementGroupIleneGoldstein&LenFutermanNikki&AaronGlassmanCarly&ChenGlikmanCarol&RalphGreenhutJanetM.JenkinsJewishFamilyServiceofTidewaterHowardJoffe—JoffeLandCo.Jormandy,LLC David and Adel Kruger* Restricted Fund Carol & Robert Laibstain Karen & Rick Lombart Merna & Michael Matilsky William A. Miller Emily & Joel Nied PAYDAY Payroll Services Stephanie & Paul Peck Kathy Hyman Rosenbach Tutorial Assistance Fund— Lisa & Murray Rosenbach Shikma & Daniel Rubin Rubin AmeliaGroupCommunications&IvanSchiffRandE.ShapiroPam&LarrySifenShelley&LonnieSloneSpaceShopSelfStorage—SteinInvestmentCompany,LLCMarcy&PaulTerkeltaubUtomwen&JacobUduaghanAmy&EliotWeinsteinWilliamsMullenFoundation—LarrySiegelMegan&SteveZuckerman Student $100–$499 Lindsey & Todd Aftel Chen Segal-Alofer & Sam RachelAlofer&Mark Baker Erin & Jody Balaban Lindsay & Ross Bangel Beach Eye Care Dee Dee & Andrew Becker Darci & Danniel Berkovich Denean & Justin Blanks Lara SusanBollinger&Herbert Brewer Elyssa StephanieBrinnCalliott&DonLondonLucyCardonLeigh&AndrewCassonMelanie&BarryCohenHeather&JeffreyCohenJoshuaCohen Colliers CarolynVirginia,InternationalLLC&GilConnerJohnR.CrankCarissa&JohnCutrellJulia&AlanDailDavenportGroupManagement—Kevin Lefcoe Sharon & Scott Debb Dominion Racking, LLC Patricia & EasternDuckworthRodneyVirginiaOrthodontics—Drs. Shivar, Peluso, & Savage Frankie Edmondson— City of Portsmouth Andie KrystinaEichelbaum&JohnEllisEricJoffeConstructionSamantha&RyanFeingoldMaryanneFiorellaMona&JeffreyFlaxAlan&EstherFleder*FoundationJanice&RichardFoleckVanessa&JimFreihoferJodie&JackFriedenElliFriedmanLaura&JohnGibsonWendy&AlanGladsteinGlasser&Glasser,PLCJacobGlasserJill&AllenGoldsteinSamantha&ErikGordonJoyce&HarryGraberLynnSpringer&JeffreyGrantLisaGrantAngelaGray—TaxHampton,Inc.Teresa&DavidGreerLaura&FredricGrossKim&MichaelGrossLiora&NaamanGurvitzH.D.OliverFuneralApartments,Inc.JeriJo&WilliamHalprinDianeHarmon Orly & Eran Hassid Denise & Jason Hoffman Kelli & Mark Hoover Naty Horev Realty— Natalia & Nir Horev Joseph Howell & Adam FrancineHowell-SmithKohen&DanielIsaacmanIsraelBonds—AdamHermanShira&ShmuelItzhakConnieJacobsonNorma&AlanJaffeCarol&JoelJasonJoan&EricJoffeKalfus&NachmanSylviaKaplanTrishaKaprielianMelissa&AaronKassJanet&WilliamKassDeborahKaufmanAleneJo&RonaldKaufmanKathryn&IanKimballMichelle&JeffreyKingslandEsther&AndyKlineNinaC.KrugerGabrielaKocerha&JonathanKugelDeborahKurtzHoward&AlmaLaderberg*RestrictedFundJody&DavidLaibstainCarol&LeonardLaibstainLauren&DavidLanierIVCyndy&LesLedererJayLegumIna&MartinLeidermanRebecca&BradleyLevittBruceLongmanChristine&MikeMattinglyMBCSCPAsPCCherylMcAuleyRobertMcKenzieJr.—McKenzieConstructionMid-AtlanticDermatologyCenter,PC—Dr.MichaelGrossAmanda&NathanMollMeryl&SeanMulligan Gifts and Pledges for the 2021–2022 school year
jewishnewsva.org | August 15, 2022 | JEWISH NEWS | 43 Todah Rabah! Thank you for investing in the global leaders of tomorrow! Rachel & Matt Murdock Sarah Neal Mazal Sibony & Eli Nidam No Frill Bar and Grill Alison & Jason Ohana Caitlin &Nathan Pearsall Elizabeth & Lucky Peterson PNC PooleBankBrooke Plumlee PC Ellie Chris,PorterMonica, & Andrew Proto Rashkind Family Foundation Jean & Michael Reilly Remedy Intelligent Staffing Audrey & Henry Rhone, Sr. Lavette Ricks Lisa & Murray Rosenbach Eilene Rosenblum Sara Jo & Joel Rubin Karen & Joe Russell S. L. Nusbaum Insurance Agency, Inc. Ashley Sabin Terri & Lonny Sarfan Laurie & Richard Saunders Malka & Corey Schaad Susan & Eric Schwartzman Susan Tapper Segal & Nathan Segal Lee KathrynShearinMcCloskey & Ohad Sheffy Gloria Siegel Tal Feldman-Sifen & Philip Sifen Shelly & Britt Simon Carin & Michael Simon Rosanne & William Simon Larry W.LeslieNatalieTowneTidewaterCynthiaWhitneyMaureenRobinStephanieEdwardDorothySlipowSloneSoltz&SamuelSteerman&BurleStrombergSullivan&NickSzokeRedeker&WynnTeasleyMortgageServices,Inc.—JeremyKrupnick—NMLS#298409BenefitsTrem&EricUngerC.GoldbergandCompany,PC Jody & Alan Wagner Ellen & Bill Wagner Lisa & Adam Walker Barbara & Paul Walker Phil IrinaWalzer&Levi Washburn Sharon & Mike Wasserberg Julie SarahCarolWatsonWeinsteinToler&Charles Wells Harry & Miriam Weisberg* Family Restricted fund Lori DebraWileyYoung Volunteer up to $99 Shayla AndreaAllen&Joshua Amberger Allena & Neil Anglen Anonynous (2) Lisa ArielAppersonSand&Galo Artigas B’nai Israel Congregation Debrah & Charles Barish Arielle Spitze & Randy Beasley Jenn & Dave Belman Zohar Ben Moshe Nicole & Richard Bernal Jonnice & Adam Berns Andrew Bernstein Marsha & Charles Bernstein Tiala VirginiaBlocker&Charles Booth Amber & Kyle Brady Linda SusanMelissaAaronBrandonEvelynAyalaTeresaAliciaDanyelleAliceRonnieEllynMeredithRichardRonniePaulaAmyTheresaBridgesBriscoe&JeffreyBrookeBussard&GeorgeCampagnaCardon&BrianCarnazza&StephenChapelJacobsCohenConnerConnorPahl-Cornelius&AndrewCorneliusFloyd&BenjaminCost&RoelDagulDarrahDeardenDroryB.Eichelbaum&JamesEilberg Rachel OlesiaCatherineEllensonElmore&Vincent Estes Gloria Feibish Judith Fishman Leah & Scott Flax Sandra & Jerry Friedman Nicole & Lester Gamboa Angie AlexandraSaraBrendaStaciPhillippaAdamDesyreJacquieJuliaClaireJenNicoleTerriBrendaEkaterinaEllenMeaganJessicaEmilyMacKenzieAvidanHannahSarahKelynNakiyahGloriaSamPamRebeccaKellieShirleyEitan,CarlaMorganElianaHillaryMyrnaNanciRossBernLynneBeverlyMairinGarcia-Nieto&PatrickGenova&AmitaiGershon&DavidGilbertGlasserGlasser&MyronGlassmanGoldman&DamianGordonGordon&DrewGowdey&GuerryGruneNoam,&YaelHaasSchulwolfHainerHardison&MichaelHarper&SteveHirschHochbergHoffmanS.HoggardHolcomb&JeremyHoltzingerHorowitzItzhak&JohnJanin&SamJonesFriend&SukwonJung&NaveedKalantar&LarryKatz&MichaelKerzner&MarkKozak&RobertKraly&MatthewKramer-MorningLagowLaibstainLaibstainLamLawrenceLeiderman&JohnLeoE.Levine&ShealLisner&GershonLittLittle Julie Blumenthal & John LindsayLomogda&Mark Love Shelby & Jacob Lovelace Linda & Wes Mandler Rychel & Aaron Margolin Vivian & Burke Margulies Meghan & Michael Margulies Alexandra Marlins Diana ChristineMatchett&Travis McKone Cookie & Richard Miles Jennifer Miller Marlene Miller Ashley Mills Phyllis Minsberg Crystal Ton-Mitzner & George Mitzner Avigayil & Roy Mor Rocio Morales Rose Marie Moya Deborah Moye Maria Suarez & Ignacio MichalNavarro& Ronnie Newman Evan Nied Jo & Bill Nossen April R. Pate Ilana HarrietPeck& Alan Peltz Hannah ErinnSamanthaPlatePop&Felix Portnoy Melissa & Daniel Prate Rona & M. David Proser Rachel & Daniel Rabin Christina Williams & Henry Rhone Amber Inwood & Michael Richlen Debbie & David Rippard Mirta Rivera Kara & Joshua Rivers Lynnette & Leonard JudithRodriguez&Reuven Rohn Nancy & Stephen Rosenberg Frances Rouzeau Miriam Brunn Ruberg & Arthur M. Ruberg Marilyn Salamon Hadas & Chesky Salomon Veronica & Ricarde Samonte Paul KathrinSaper& Stephan Schneider Sarah & Michael Schwartz Laurie Goldsticker & Gary Siegel Rifka Silverman Zach RuthArleenAbigailSisselSnellSobel&Ludwig Sternlicht Maureen Tamares-Meditz Briana Hoffman & Jon Teasley The Benevity Community Impact Fund Nikki & Tim Thornton Solvej Marie Moesgaard & Steen Ulrich Ksenia & DaniellaHilaIrishSylviaBrookeChrystalRobynJillianCarrieJoelRobynTovaElizabethMarnieErinnVinichenkoAlexander&MichaelVitas&ToddWaldman&NeilWaranch&JayWarren&PaulWeinerWeintraubWhiteWhiteWigginsWillis&MatthewWilsonWilson&BrianWyatt&ShacharZachZipperstein ENDOWMENTS Rachel Abrams Unrestricted BassFundFamily Memorial Restricted Fund Harry & Sylvia Belkov* Memorial Scholarship Fund Leon & Florence Berlin* Memorial Fund William* & Carole Bernstein EZRA AbrahamAnnuity&MalkaBornstein*Memorial Fund Julian Colby* Memorial Unrestricted Fund Bessie Dozoretz* Scholarship RonaldFund HATTaviaRosaScholarshipDozoretz*FundK.Frieden*MemorialUnrestrictedFund&FredaGordon*ScholarshipFundSupportingUnrestrictedFund Hebrew Academy Scholarship ZenaFundHerod Endowment TheFundLester & Barbara* Horwitz Restricted Fund Leola Banks UnrestrictedJaffe*Fund of HAT Barry* & Reatha Kantor Scholarship Fund of HAT Carl J & Juliet A. Katz* Unrestricted Fund Alene Jo SolomonTeachers’CeliaHaroldSarahSegaloffLonnyRebaAdaMargueriteJamesJeffTheSelmaCeliaKramerDavidKlebanoffEndowmentKaufmanFundFamilyPhilanthropicFund&Sofia*KonikoffFundFamilyJFN/PEJEFundKrichman*UnrestrictedFund&LeonLeach*RestrictedScholarshipFundLornaLegumRisingStarAwardFund&ElayneLittmanPhilanthropicFundLondon*Athletic&OutdoorProgramFundMarx*JewishHistoryCollectionFundR.Michaels*FacultyDevelopmentRestrictedFund&SamuelSandler*MemorialFundofHAT&TerriSarfanFamilyJFN/PEJEFund&SamuelSonnenberg*MemorialFund&RevaSprung*TechnologyEndowmentFundStern*FundofHATEndowmentFund&SylviaYavner*Fund GIFTS IN KIND Allegra FootPrint Fund Charles Barker Automotive— Nathan Drory Golf Galaxy Golf TowneTidewaterHeadquartersDriveStorageCenterLLCInsurance—BradMoses *of blessed memory
44 | JEWISH NEWS | August 15, 2022 | jewishnewsva.org
Artwork created by Naomi Sedek, Tidewater Jewish Foundation’s president and CEO, responds to the Torah quote “How good are your tents, Jacob.”
Rabbi Shawna works with Alene Kaufman on her piece ofCampart. JCC Counselors in Training show off their papercut Golems.
IT’S A WRAP
Campers and Counselors at Camp JCC paint their contribution to the community mosaic.
beThisTribesriverresentsmosaicatogether,48yellow.green,ingonechanceersthroughRisingSukkah.thirdfifthgradeachhadthetopaintcanvasinvaryshadesofblue,orange,andWhenthesecanvasescometheycreatelarger-than-lifethatreptheJordanandthe12ofIsrael.mosaicwillondisplayin
the Leon Family Gallery later this month. Rising sixth through eighth graders were joined by campers from Sababa Beach Away for an evening of Shalom Ahava (peace and love) Jewish spray painting. After designing their own inspi rational stencils, the campers used spray chalk to make their mark on the floor of the Marty Einhorn pavilion. Even Camp JCC’s Counselors in Training got in on the fun, taking part in a leadership workshop that culminated in a “Make Your Own Golem” papercutting experience. To learn more about these programs, or others like it, visit JewishVA.org/KCL or contact Sierra Lautman, director of Jewish Innovation at United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, at 757-965-6107 or SLautman@UJFT.org.
Rising first and second graders used their fingerprints to paint four vibrant banners that represent the four species of the Lulav. These banners will be on display in the Leon Family Gallery before finding their autumn home in the Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus
Dynamic duo packs a Jewish punch in Tidewater Sierra Lautman Isaac and Rabbi Shawna BrynjegardBialik visited Tidewater for three days last month through the Milton “Mickey” Kramer Scholar-in-Residence Fund of the Congregation Beth El Foundation’s Tidewater Together Series. This in-per son series was a follow-up to the variety of programs that they led online in February—guest sermons, a gallery talk, and paper-cutting Torah workshops with synagogue religious schools. The dynamic duo kicked off their time in Tidewater with a “Text Study with Knives,” a hands-on papercutting work shop. Participants studied some midrash (stories about the Torah’s content) about Parashat Balak and were then guided through the creation of art inspired by the parasha (Torah portion). “Learning about the parasha with Rabbi Shawna and then illustrating it through Isaac’s unique art process brought a different lens to Torah study,” says Alene Kaufman, chair of the Jewish Innovation steering committee at United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and first vice chair of Kehillat Bet Hamidrash syna gogue. “Judaism has a tradition of ‘hiddur mitzvah’—which usually refers to beauti fying a ritual object. This is the first time that I felt I was artistically beautifying the words of DuringTorah!”thefollowing week, the pair joined Camp JCC campers for two packed days of interactive, hands-on learning.
The completed banners created by Camp JCC’s rising first and second grade groups.
JCC’s Yolanda Muhammad led a spirited sing-along complete with ‘air’ guitars, microphones, and music from the 50s, 60s, and Long-time70s. club member, 92-year-old Jimmy McClendon remarks, “I always have fun here!” The JCC Seniors Club has more than a few members who belong on American Idol, and they might win the grand prize, too. Talent abounds among these seniors! The JCC Seniors Club is open to those 55 and over. If interested in joining, contact Robin Ford, senior adult coordinator, at 757 321 2304 or rford@ujft.org. A Seniors Club visitor and Marc Pollack. Andie Eichelbaum at aeichelbaum@strelitzacademy.org
REGISTER BY SEPT. 2
Simon Family JCC Seniors Club redefines the perfect summer picnic Robin Ford
His idea for a fourth podcast is to create a Jewish Daily Law (Halacha) stream. “This podcast will have a unique format. I will study one-on-one with a master of all the laws ( posek) and record the study session with all the back and forth ( pilpul ), including questions in the final cut,” Brooke explains. Brooke was raised in Ghent and attended Hebrew Academy of Tidewater and Toras Chaim for elementary school, followed by Yeshivas Aish Kodesh. After the 12th grade, he went to Lakewood, New Jersey, to study under Rebbe Nosson Stein for three years, and then he traveled to the Mir Yeshiva in Jerusalem where he studied under Rabbi Yoseph Elefant.
IT’S A WRAP Michael Brooke.
The Simon Family JCC Seniors Club figured out how to beat-the-heat at its July meeting. Stifling summer heat? Not with this group! The Seniors Club enjoyed an indoor picnic of kosher hamburgers and hot dogs (with all the fixins’), friends, and karaoke.
TORAH TALK BOB JOSEPHBERG 34th A NNUAL BOB JOSEPHBERG SAVE THE DATE Tuesday September 19, 2022 Cavalier Golf & Yacht Club 1052 Cardinal Rd.,Virginia Beach 10:30 am: Registration opens 12:00 pm: Tee-off All proceeds benefit the Strelitz International Academy For sponsorships and registration, strelitzinternationalacademy.org/support-us/annual-golftournamevisitnt or contact
Podcaster Michael Brooke brings Torah to knowledge-hungry listeners Debbie Burke
jewishnewsva.org | August 15, 2022 | JEWISH NEWS | 45
When he returned to America to continue his studies, the pandemic broke out. Now married to Mattie Lefcoe, the couple and their daughter live in Lakewood, N.J. Brooke describes the listener response to these podcasts as “outstanding” and “unimaginable.” People not only seem to enjoy the content, but he has heard back from his some who tell him they’ve made “concrete and noticeable changes” in their lives, which, he says, is the point of it all. What would he like his prospective listeners to “Judaismknow?isagift. It’s the best way to live life. While the world has changed and fulfillment of G-d’s Torah is more chal lenging than ever, it is still very possible. Each person has endless potential, and the wisdom of the Torah is the way to bring it out.” To listen, visit https://podcasts.apple.com and search for Michael Brooke or by podcast name.
On a weekly basis (sometimes more frequently for special days on the Jewish calendar), Brooke serves up his Torah musings which last about five or six min utes apiece. He also writes and produces a daily motivational podcast named The Motivation Congregation, which is even shorter. He plans his topics about a month in advance and every Sunday bulk records the seven different daily talks for the comingReachingweek.2,500 downloads in his first month was a great start toward his goal of 10K downloads per month, but he wants to go even higher. “The goal is to reach all Jews. That was Abraham’s goal; to bring the world to perfection, and I want to continue his legacy.”
Brooke has a growth model and plans to add a third podcast that will “dive deep into Torah wisdom and focus more on the inner workings of our minds, self-control, and unearthing your potential.”
Why would someone with a very limited social media footprint start a podcast and hope it grows organically? Because it did. Michael Brooke, who has a bachelor’s degree in Talmudic Studies and is con tinuing his education in Kollel, launched his Motivation Congregation’s Torah Podcast with Michael Brooke two years ago and he isn’t looking back. “The motives behind the podcast are pretty surprising,” he says. “The Great Rav Yeruchom Levovitz, a spiritual dean and religious counselor during the roaring 20s, tells us that knowledge of oneself is the beginning of all wisdom. I recognized that if I relied upon my self-discipline to prolong my studies, they would not grow at the same rate as putting my honor on the line by publicly teaching it. I must know what I’m saying without any excuses. So I went as public as possible.”
IT’S A WRAP
Rabbi Sender Haber, former rabbi of B’nai Israel, commented how each time it is “davening time,” G-d Himself comes to each shul and is saddened if no minyan has gathered. “How happy Hashem must be tonight,” said Rabbi Haber, “when He came to the former Chevra Tehillim location and once again found His people turning to Him in prayer.”
Upon completing the Gemara, the students recited the traditional Hadran prayer, “Hadrach Aldahn”— “Your beauty is upon us. The reason we stand out, the reason we shine is because we study Torah. Greater than any of the significant accomplishments Jews have made in the world, is the fact that they continue to study the word and wisdom of G-d.” Yet the prayer continues. “V’hadran Alach—and our beauty is on you.” “Could it really be?” asked Toras Chaim’s prin cipal. Does the Torah take pride in a few kids from Norfolk studying pages of the Talmud? Perhaps Torah scholars of old, Maimonides, the Baal Shem Tov or the Chofetz Chaim added beauty and luster, but were these words applicable to Toras Chaim students?
The answer, proclaimed Rabbi Lazar, 3,334 years after the Jews stood at Mount Sinai to accept the Torah, and “after everything we’ve been through as a nation, that a group of parents in Tidewater, Virginia, feel there is no better way for their sons to spend their free time but to study Torah—you better bet that makes Hashem proud! While the Torah’s beauty shines on the students, the students’ beauty reflects back on the Torah itself.” To this beautiful edifice of Chevra Tehillim the participants proclaimed, “We too have returned to you. We wear the same Tefillin you wore, we daven from the same siddurim as you did, and we study the same Talmud as you did, right here in Tidewater, over 100 years Judaismlater!”isalive and well in Portsmouth, Virginia.
Barbara Rossen, executive director of the Jewish Museum and Cultural Center and Sarah Litt, LCSW, a Toras Chaim parent.
Toras Chaim students and principal completing the final words of the Gemara: Tzviki Schwartz, Shaya Danziger, Yehudah Litt, Rabbi Yonah Lazar, Ely Haber, and Shlomo Schonfeld.
Hadran Alach—We will return to you
46 | JEWISH NEWS | August 15, 2022 | jewishnewsva.org Rabbi Yonah Lazar No one likes to say goodbye. Teachers like to keep students connected. Learners like to keep the material in focus. Jews want to keep the traditions alive.“Hadran Alach”—We shall return to you; the opening words of a special tefillah (prayer) recited upon completing a full masechet (tractate) of Talmud study.As the 5782/2021–22 school year drew to a close, Toras Chaim’s seventh and eighth grade boys had much to celebrate. On top of their full days of studies, with Judaic classes in the morning, General Studies in the afternoon, and additional learning sessions each evening, the boys mastered an addi tional extra-curricular section of the Talmud. They completed Masechet Tamid, comprised of more than 4,500 Hebrew and Aramaic words. Together with their principal, Rabbi Yonah Lazar, the boys learned and reviewed Masechet Tamid, a Gemara section that details the daily morning pro cedures in the Beit Hamikdash, may it be speedily rebuilt.Upon completing the learning, the occasion was marked in a unique location. In 1918, Jewish immigrants built the first shul in Portsmouth, Chevra Tehillim. Over the decades, as the Jewish community shifted toward Norfolk, membership dwindled and Chevra Tehillim closed its doors in the 1980s. Now, the Jewish Museum and Cultural Center occupies the former shul loca tion, giving visitors a chance to learn about Jewish Portsmouth of old. How important it was, thought Rabbi Lazar, for his students to understand that Portsmouth’s Judaism did not begin with their school, and for the community at large to be cognizant that Torah study continues daily in Portsmouth, long after Chevra Tehillim closed. Celebrating the class’s learning at JMCC, the former shul, might bring the lessons together. Barbara Rossen, the Center’s executive director, says she was honored to have the former shul host the Toras Chaim event. Graphic artists were hired, invitations were sent, and before long, the students, parents, grandpar ents, and Rebbeim were on their way to the ‘Hadran Alach—We Will Return to You’ Siyum Extravaganza. What a meaningful opportunity to learn, to listen, and to rejoice together. Everyone was moved, but probably none as much as Earl Pollock, OD, who shared how both of his grandfathers had davened at Chevra Tehillim, and now so many years later, his own grandson, Tzviki Schwartz, was making a siyum in that very same room. Following an elegant meal, a stirring video, and meaningful words, grandfathers, fathers, sons, and guests joined together to sing and dance. Mincha and Maariv followed; a first for the Portsmouth location in many, many years.
Beth El’s Patricia Sarah Ashkenazi Religious School has new director Sharon Serbin recently joined Congregation Beth El as its new director of the Patricia Sarah Ashkenazi Religious School (PSARS).Serbin arrives in Tidewater from Pittsburgh, Pa., where she has worked in Jewish education for the past 30-plus years. An esteemed recipient of the North American Grinspoon Award for Excellence in Jewish Education, she has led workshops for the Coalition for the Advancement of Jewish Education (CAJE), and has presented Yom Limmud trainings in Pittsburgh, Detroit, and Columbus.Inaddition to a new director, PSARS has a new enrollment policy. The school will be open to any student in the community regardless of synagogue affiliation with one price for members and another for non-members.
David Proser. Jewish News 3 days before the cover JewishNewsVa.org/date:digital.
Debbie Burke David Proser, cantor at tofromregularclergytunitytoaccordingnization’spresident. TheRabbisRoadstorecentlyBet Hamidrash,Synagogue,ConservativeKempsvilleKehillathasbeenchosenleadtheHamptonBoardofandCantorsasorgamission,toProser,isprovideanopporforlocalJewishtomeetonabasis“tolearneachotherandshareeventsandprograms going on in our individual syn agogues.” In addition, it provides the opportunity to address, discuss, and answer with a “unified voice” the challenges facing the Tidewater Jewish community. Proser’s responsibilities include a variety of administrative duties including scheduling meetings, sending email reminders, suggesting programs, and coordinating the agenda for the meet ings, as well as calling special meetings to discuss situations of interest to or affecting the Jewish community. The Board was originally organized as the Board of Rabbis. About 20 years ago, it expanded its membership to include cantors.“Since that time, not only have area cantors joined, but at least four other cantors have preceded me in becoming president of the board: The first was Cantor Jennifer Bern-Vogel from Ohef Sholom Temple (she was also the first cantor on the board), then Cantor Jennifer Rueben of Ohef Sholom Temple, Cantor Elihu Flax of Beth Sholom Village, and immediately preceding me, Cantor Wendi Fried of Congregation Beth El,” says Proser The board is starting to meet again in-person, rather than the virtual (Zoom) meetings that were the norm during the pan demic. “There’s a professional camaraderie that just loses a bit of the personal touch when we’re all on a screen,” he says. Looking forward to Rosh Hashanah, Proser says, “I think all of our members would like to see a return to the ‘old days’ of having our sanctuaries filled with our congregants as we observe and cel ebrate the upcoming holidays. I don’t see streaming or Zooming ever going away, as it enables those who truly cannot attend in-person to be a part of their congregation’s Yom Tov services.”
David Proser assumes helm of Hampton Roads Board of Rabbis and Cantors
All students will meet on Sunday mornings (three-years-old–seventh grade), 9 am–12 pm at Congregation Beth El. In addition, students in Grades 3–6 will meet at the Simon Family JCC on the Sandler Family Campus on Wednesday afternoons at 5:30 pm for a “transition period” that will include activities and snacks, followed by Hebrew study, dinner and dismissal at 7:30 pm. The collective Hebrew program on Wednesdays will replace the indi vidual tutoring of the past few years. PSARS will also have the involvement of Tidewater’s visiting Shinshinim, Aya Sever and Alma Ben Chorin. These young Israeli ambassadors will share their love of Israel, Hebrew, and Judaism with the students. Rabbi Ron Koas will also take an active part in the school as he has a long history in Jewish education, most notably as the education director at Park Avenue Synagogue for nine years. For additional information, contact Rabbi Koas at rabbikoas@bethel norfolk.com or 732-998-1029.
jewishnewsva.org | August 15, 2022 | JEWISH NEWS | 47
JEWISH TIDEWATER
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT Hanukkah Coming Nov. 14 To advertise news@ujft.org757-965-6100calloremail Ad deadline Oct. 21 Happy Hanukkah Chanukah Hannukah Hanukah Chanukka Hanukka However you spell it, we wish you the best Norman Lear in 2015
48 | JEWISH NEWS | August 15, 2022 | jewishnewsva.org
TV legend Norman Lear turns 100, with a song and an Instagram Andrew Lapin (JTA)—Jewish comedy titan Norman Lear turned a century old last month, and he’s still got a spring in his step. Lear took to Instagram to reminisce the day before his 100th birthday with a video, singing a lick from the classic tune That’s Amore, recalling how he once worked for Dean Martin singing the same during the Colgate Comedy Hour in the “My1950s.God, the miracle of being alive with everything that’s available to us,” Lear told his 44,000 followers. The decorated creator of All In The Family, The Jeffersons, Sanford and Sons, and a host of other groundbreak ing TV sitcoms, Lear has lived and worked through just about every era of Hollywood comedy. He reached his 100-year milestone a few years ahead of peers Mel Brooks and Dick Van Dyke (both 96). But he’s had to say goodbye to other beloved longtime colleagues, including Carl Reiner (who died in 2020 at age 98), talent manager George Shapiro (who died in May at 91) and Betty White (who died on New Year’s shortly before her own 100th birthday). Lear got his own documentary in 2016 and has received a Kennedy Center honor, as well as just about every other award under the sun. Yet he hasn’t been content to rest on his laurels even at 100. He currently co-hosts Live In Front Of A Studio Audience, a series of TV specials in which celebrities recreate episodes of his old sitcoms, and he also executive-pro duced the recent remake of his show One Day At A Time, as well as last year’s documentary Rita Moreno: Just A Girl Who Decided To Go For It. Some of Lear’s other series, including Good Times and Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman, are set for upcoming remakes, as well. Lear was bar mitzvahed in his native Connecticut, and he recalls that hearing antisemitic preacher Father Coughlin on the radio as a child helped fuel his interest in political activism. Since the 1970s, he has donated large sums to pro gressive causes, and in 1981 he founded an organization aimed at countering the influence of the Christian religious right wing in Reflectingpolitics.on his century, Lear expressed gratitude for every moment of it.“Living in the moment, the moment between past and present, present and past, the hammock in the middle of after and next,” he said by way of advice. “Treasure it. Use it with love.”
WHAT’S HAPPENING Brith Sholom’s Club 50 returns Sunday, August 28, 11am, Norfolk Masonic Temple Club 50 is back with an extra deluxe brunch planned. Members married 50 or more years are free. All others are $10Includeeach. how many years you have been married with your reservation. RSVP to brith.sholom1@gmail.com.
Sandler Family Campus Hunter Thomas Sababa Social Club returns for a summer social for adults only featuring fun, friends, and the band, Fretomology The event will take place at the Marty Einhorn Pavilion. A local band, Fretomology includes Lonnie Sloan, Kenny Berklee, Brad Bangel, and Lance Epstein. It is known around town for its musi cal focus on classic 70s rock from artists such as Crosby, Stills Nash, and Young; the Grateful Dead; Bob Dylan; and the Rolling Sababa.atmunityopeneventadults-night-outbebeer,get-together.”fectforSababachairperson,SababaSaraStones.JoRubin,SocialClub’sdefinesas,“Hebrew‘cool,’thepertitleforacasualLightappetizers,andwinewillprovided.ThisisfreeandtothecomwithRSVPJewishVA.org/
Ellen Rostov Hundley, Sara Jo Rubin, Joanne Macon, and Fern Leibowitz.
Strelitz Golf Tournament Monday, September 19, Cavalier Golf & Yacht Club, Virginia Beach
The 34th Annual Strelitz International Golf Tournament, affec tionately known as the Bob Josephberg Classic, is slated to take place next month. For the past 34 years, Strelitz International Academy’s annual golf tournament has been looked forward to by the entire Tidewater community. The tournament usually has more than 100 players coming out to support Tidewater’s only Jewish Community Day School. It often raises more than $154,000 in sponsorships to directly benefit the students and families at SIA. This year’s tournament is co-chaired by David Leon and Babbi Bangel.Throughout the 2021–2022 academic year, Strelitz International Academy successfully completed its first year as Tidewater’s only International Baccalaureate® World School for the Primary Years Programme. This is the culmination of years of planning, devel opment, and implementation that was made possible by support from United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, Tidewater Jewish Foundation, the Simon Family Foundation, the Strelitz and Dozoretz families, the Gordon family, the Krichman family, the Kramer family, friends in the community, SIA’s board of trustees, and SIA staff. With SIA’s new IB® status, the school is positioned to be the top primary year’s institution for growing the region’s future leaders. For the Golf Tournament, many levels of sponsorship opportu nities are available—from $400 up to $5,500. SIA’s 34th Annual Golf Tournament welcomes all golfers and volunteers for a day of fun, golf, and an exciting awards reception with a delicious kosher buffet. To register as a sponsor, player, or volunteer, contact Andie Eichelbaum, director of development at Strelitz International Academy at AEichelbaum@StrelitzAcademy.org or 757-424-4327.
Andie Eichelbaum
Thursday, August 25, 5:30 pm
jewishnewsva.org | August 15, 2022 | JEWISH NEWS | 49
- Charles & Carolyn Osman*
(Photos by Mark ForRobbins)more informa tion about Arts + Ideas programming, contact Hunter Thomas, director of Arts + Ideas at the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, at HThomas@UJFT.org. Alene and Ron Kaufman.
Leaving a Legacy in Jewish Tidewater
“Combined with our good fortune has been our responsibility, learned from our parents and passed down to our children, to constantly seek out ways to give back to our community. We hope that our legacy gifts to TJF and the resulting establishment of the Carolyn and Charles Osman Fund will perpetuate not only our good works, but the guiding principle of our lives as well.
* of blessed memory Charles and Carolyn Osman’s* establishment of the Charles and Carolyn Osman Fund supports TJF Community Impact Grants, which enabled them to practice tzedakah and tikkun olam in the Tidewater Jewish community. Define your legacy with a gift to endow the Jewish community so future generations have the opportunity to embrace our shared heritage and the values you hold dear.
Ken Reid, Kirk Levy, and Jeri Jo and Bill Halperin. Contact us for your free guide: tjfinfo@ujft.org | foundation.jewishva.org757-965-6111
Fretomology to perform for Sababa Social Club’s summer gathering
CALENDAR
Join PJ Library and PJ Our Way in Tidewater and the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s Young Adult Division for this end-of-summer celebration at the Simon Family JCC’s outdoor water park. In addition to extending a warm wel come to Tidewater’s two Israeli ShinShinim (Israeli ambassadors spending a year of service in Tidewater), there will be plenty of time to enjoy a selection of exciting (including a relay race) for both kids and Shabbatadults.blessings and a kosher dinner of summer favorites begin at 6 pm. per child, $11 per adult, and $30 for immediate families. All children under two years of age are free.Donors to the UJFT Community Campaign should contact Matthew Kramer-Morning at mkmorning@ujft. org for a special discount code off their family ticket purchase. contact Nofar Trem, PJ Library Program Coordinator, at ntrem@ ujft.org.
50 | JEWISH NEWS | August 15, 2022 | jewishnewsva.org
activities
$8
AUGUST 24, WEDNESDAY Solo pianist Lynne Mackey will perform in concert at the Jewish Museum and Cultural Center in Portsmouth. 7–9 pm. For more information, visit www.jewishmuseumportsmouth.org or call 757-391-9266.
For more information,
Create a Jewish legacy for the community you love charitableplannedthroughgiving...askushow LIFE INSURANCE • LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE • GROUP HEALTH INSURANCE • MEDICARE 757-340-5600 277 Bendix Road, Suite 500 • Virginia Beach www.spindelagency.com Ron Spindel rspindel@spindelagency.comamemberofTheFriedenAgency Jody Balaban jbalaban@spindelagency.com christopherlyon@friedenagency.com INSURANCE. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS. Chr is Lyon Follow us on Facebook JewishNewsVA Visit us on the web jewishnewsva.org
AUGUST 28, SUNDAY Beth El Schmooze at the Shore, 5–8 pm at First Landing State Park gazebo, 2500 Shore Dr., Virginia Beach. $5 parking fee. (Event is canceled if it’s raining.) Have a cookout at the beach. RSVP by Aug. 23 to 757-625-7821.
AUGUST 25, THURSDAY Sababa Social Club’s summer gathering at the Sandler Family Campus. 5:30 pm. Free. See page 49.
End of FamilySummerShabbat and Pool Party Friday, August 19, 5 pm, Simon Family JCC
SEPTEMBER 19, MONDAY Strelitz International Academy Golf Tournament. Cavalier Golf & Yacht Club. See page 49 for details, including registration. Send submissions for calendar to news@ujft.org. Be sure to note “calendar” in the subject. Include date, event name, sponsor, address, time, cost and phone.
AUGUST 15–19 AND AUGUST 19–26 Camp JCC Last Blast Weeks 1 and 2 . Enjoy camp games, camp friends, gaga, and more time in the swimming pool without the swimming lessons. These weeks are an excellent bridge from the summer camp experience to the school year. For more information, visit campjcc.org.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
737
Actor in Steven Levenson/Jason Alexander production If I Forget has Tidewater connection Previews began July 20 at the Fountain Theatre in Los Angeles for the new play If I Forget, and a young actor with ties to Virginia Beach is playing the part of Joey. Jacob Zelonky, who has been in the Broadway tour of Billy Elliot, is one of three sons of Barb Gelb of Virginia Beach and Robb Zelonky.Theplay is set in the months preceding 9/11 and is about a Jewish family who is struggling with their different versions of family history and long-held resentments. At 23 and already a veteran actor, Zelonky’s first role was actually his birth on TLC’s A Baby Story. The debut he remembers, though, was in a production of Fiddler on the Roof when he was just three years old. Acting became attractive to him because he found he was able to put everything aside. “I can just fully immerse myself in my performance. When I real ized this, I knew I wanted acting to be my life,” he says. “I also think stories have such an incredibly underrated impact on people, and when I felt that effect on my own life, I knew I wanted more than any thing to help use storytelling to further important representation.”
The roles he most appreciates are those where body diversity is portrayed. “It’s very important to me that I play roles that can show audiences you don’t have to look a certain way to be a hero or a love interest or actually be worthy of a full, compelling story,” he says. In If I Forget, Zelonky plays Joey, a character he calls “a bit of an enigma.” Zelonky says he is excited to be involved in a work by playwright Steven Levenson (Dear Evan Hansen and tick, tick…BOOM!). “He’s one of my favorite playwrights and I think he does an incredible job…writ ing characters who are deeply complex and layered. Getting to bring a Steven Levenson character to life has been a dream of mine for a while, and I’m so grateful I got to do so with this creative team.” The team, by the way, includes director Jason Alexander of Seinfeld To prep for the role, Zelonky digs into “tons of back story” and mentions that memorizing lines is not difficult for him. “The more you do it, the easier it becomes. With stage directions [and] having a director who allows you to do what feels natural, is definitely helpful. Jason has been incredible at allowing us to utilize our instincts while also helping us bring out things I wouldn’t have otherwise thought of.”
If I Forget runs through September 10. For more information, Fountaintheatre.com/events/if-i-forget.visit Jacob Zelonky.
| www.nunezfinejewelers.com Nu Ñ
RESTORE The ring on your finger is generations old, and you want to keep it in the best shape possible. You’d like to restore it. Nunez can restore your antique piece to the look of its original era so you can wear it with confidence. Fine Jewelers First Colonial Road #210, | Virginia Beach, VA 23451 757-425-8723 ez
Fi N e Jewelers For all your jewelry needs
CUSTOM Getting engaged or married soon? Jewelry from a chain store just won’t cut it. You want something unique. We can design that special mounting for your family diamond or supply you with the perfect diamond.
jewishnewsva.org | August 15, 2022 | JEWISH NEWS | 51
If I Forge t has garnered high praise and glowing reviews, especially in its han dling of the Holocaust as it examines its impact upon a family at the beginning of the 21st century, Zionism, and freedom of expression. The story concerns Michael, a professor of Jewish studies at a prestigious New York university who, with his wife, travels to celebrate the 75th birthday of his recently widowed father. Michael’s sisters and their families are there, too, and they all have opinions on the release of Michael’s controversial new book about how Jewish people need to “forget about the JudaismHolocaust.”has always been a huge part of his identity and it has helped him relate to the play and its Jewish content. “My parents have both been involved in the Jewish community and worked for Jewish organizations my entire life,” he says. “I feel very connected to the social justice pieces of Judaism. Since this show takes place in the very early 2000s and is in many ways about events long before that, it’s also been a great opportunity to learn more about my people’s history, from major events to family dynamics with religious and political landscapes.”
REPAIR Your diamond is loose, or it fell out and you’re in a panic. Nunez can repair it for you right on the premises in our fully equipped shop. Where the owner/jeweler has 40-plus years of experience. Most repairs are done in 48 hours.
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
Nuñez
JUNE GOLDMAN NORFOLK—Our beloved June Rae Goldman nee Shank (Junie), 86, of 215 Brooke Ave. in Norfolk, Va. died peace fully July 20, 2022. June was born in Richmond, Virginia to the late Samuel and Hilda Shank, where she attended Thomas Jefferson High School. In 1969, she married the love of her life, Joseph Goldman, and the couple blended their families and settled in Virginia Beach. Later on they resided in Norfolk.Shewas a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, known for her devotion, sweet nature, and kindness to all. June was known to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren as their “Meme.” She was resilient, elegant, beautiful, and
ROBERT EISEN NORFOLK—Robert Dean Eisen, 72, died on Tuesday, May 31, 2022 at his residence in downtown Norfolk. Born in Philadelphia, he lived in Norfolk since 1955. Robert attended Norview High School and graduated from American University in Washington, D.C. and The American University Washington College of Law. He maintained a solo law practice in Norfolk for 30 years and was recognized for the license plate on his car “NTGUILTY.”Robertwas preceded in death by his parents, Jeanette and Mortimer “Buddy” Eisen.He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Faye and Adam Hakki of New York; his son, Michael of San Diego; his sisters, Susan Salman and her husband Michael, of Houston and Harriet of New York; as well as by Paula Eisen, his former wife.A
SUZANNE LEGUM BARR NORFOLK—Suzanne Legum Barr 91, of Norfolk, passed away July 23, 2022. She was born September 7, 1930, to the late A.J. and Bessie Legum in Berkley, Virginia. She was a graduate of Maury High School and attended Randolph Macon Woman’s College before returning to Norfolk to marry David Barr. While raising her family, Suzanne was a dedicated volunteer within her com munity. She was a past president of B’nai Brith Women of Norfolk, and a board member of the Mental Health Center of Norfolk and Chesapeake, the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, Cerebral Palsy of Tidewater, Women’s American ORT, St. Mary’s Infant Home, and the Women’s Cabinet of the United Jewish Appeal.She served as president of her college alumnae regional chapter, and in 1967 was a part of a Young Leadership dele gation that studied post-war conditions in Israel. In 1973, Suzanne attended a real estate course to keep her best friend Mavolyn Lefcoe company. The result was a 40-year career that networked her life time love of Norfolk with generational connections and a genuine interest in people.She is survived by her daughter, Karen Barr Grossman (Tom); her son, Bruce Barr (Lauren); and her three grandchildren, Justin, Shayne (Lili), and Gabrielle; her brothers Edward Legum (Ruthie), Dr. Stephen Legum (Carol Sue); her sisterin-law, Shirley Legum; and her niece, Cindy Homer (Paul). She was predeceased by her brothers, Alfred Legum, Howard Legum, Herbert Legum, and her sister, Edith Legum Laderberg. She leaves many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who enriched her life. Funeral services were conducted at Ohef Sholom Temple, followed by inter ment at Forest Lawn Cemetery. The Meal of Consolation was served at Ohef Sholom Temple. Donations may be made to Ohef Sholom Temple or a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.hdoliver.com.
HOWARD A. FORMAN WINTER PARK, FLA.—Mr. Howard A. Forman, 65, of Winter Park, died Tuesday, July 19, 2022 at Health Central following a brief illness. Mr. Forman was born October 12, 1956 in Washington, District of Columbia, to the late Jacob and Rosalyn (Levine) Forman. He moved to the Orlando area in 1980 from Silver Spring, Maryland. Mr. Forman is survived by his loving sister, Rita Frank of Virginia Beach, Va.; nieces, Jessica (Eric) Patterson; Rose (Matt) Hopstetter; Ilene (Larry) Topper; nephew, Abraham (Anita) Frank and sev eral great nieces and nephews. A memorial service for Mr. Forman was held with Rabbi Arnold Siegel officiating.
52 | JEWISH NEWS | August 15, 2022 | jewishnewsva.org
graveside service was held at Forest Lawn Cemetery. The family requests donations to Congregation Beth El of Norfolk or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Arrangements by Weymouth Funeral Home.
OUR FAMILY IS HERE FOR YOUR FAMILY. H.D. OLIVER FUNERAL APTS., INC. Established 1865 NORFOLK CHAPEL 1501 Colonial Avenue Norfolk 622-7353 LASKIN ROAD CHAPEL 2002 Laskin Road Virginia Beach 428-7880 CHESAPEAKE CHAPEL 1416 Cedar Road www.hdoliver.com548-2200Chesapeake We offer professionalism, dignity, and the expert knowledge of Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform Jewish funeral customs. OBITUARIES
ESTELLE RUTH (EDISON) FINEMAN NEWPORT NEWS —Estelle Ruth (Edison) Fineman, age 104, of Newport News, Virginia, died peacefully on July 25, 2022. She was born on June 17, 1918 in Portland, Maine, and was happily mar ried to the late Charles Fineman for 40 years. She is survived by her three daughters and spouses: Penny Fineman Warner (Tim), Sheryl Fineman, Charlene Fineman Koplin (Kal). Her grandchildren and spouses: Alex Koplin (Tina), and Amy Koplin Miller (Tom). Her great grandchil dren: Charlee and Chaz Koplin, and the late Ellie Miller (who was named after Estelle).Estelle was a fierce and amazing woman. To be 104 and still so with it was simply incredible. She always told it like it is. If you tried to talk to her during a Braves game, an Indiana basketball game, or CNN—forget it—she would hang up on you. She was an avid reader, and loved a good game of rummikub. She loved being part of the Jewish community and her family and friends were her entire life. To say that she lived for her family would be an understatement. She had the best smile and made so many friends that became like family to her. A graveside service was held at Jewish Cemetery of the Virginia Peninsula. Please make all donations to CRPS/RSD: https:// rsds.org/donate/.
Joseph Henry Guth was born May 10, 1942, in Cleveland. His father, William, was a tavern keeper and his mother, Sara, a homemaker. In addition to Ann, he is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, James and Isabell, his daughter Sabra, his stepdaughters Leslie and Pamela, his stepson Randy, grandchildren Virginie, Charlotte and her husband Knox, Tobias and his wife Launa, Hannah and her husband Jesus, great-grandchildren Sam and Lilly, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins, all of whom he loved dearly. Sheila, his first wife, predeceased him. But as anyone who knew Joe will attest, his fierce intelligence was just one side of him. He was as fun-loving as they come, with a contagious laugh and a taste for bad puns, really bad puns. In fact, he was the undisputed master—and his own best“Heaudience.mademe laugh every single day,” Ann says. “But when it got too bad, we’d say, ‘Joe, go to your room.’”
Joe, who was 80 years young when he passed away July 29, grew up in Southern California, where he was a track star at Polytechnic High in North Hollywood. His natural curiosity and unquench able thirst for learning took him to the University of California, Berkeley—it was the high-voltage late-60s, but while others were protesting in the streets, Joe was hard at work in the classroom. He received his undergraduate degree at Berkeley and stayed in the UC system to earn his master’s and doctorate in chem istry and biochemistry. Joe also loved to teach, which brought him to Norfolk, Virginia, and Old Dominion University as an assistant pro fessor in chemistry. But he always had his eyes on new horizons, and left ODU to build another laboratory—Interscience Research Inc.—with his loving wife and best friend of 45 years, Ann. Together, they built a reputation, too. Their lab was up for every challenge, whether it was analyzing water and com pressed air, testing for asbestos for the Norfolk public school system, assisting with arson investigations or analyzing forensic evidence in murder investigations. When they closed Interscience Research, Joe, as was his wont, rose to other occasions. He was an expert witness for attorneys nationwide, a sought-af ter interviewee for print and broadcast media, and even a consultant for network television shows. “Joe was learning until the day he died,” Ann remembers. “But you had to be careful when you asked him a question and tell him that you wanted the brief answer, not the full course.”
OBITUARIES Southside Chapel • 5033 Rouse Drive Virginia Beach • 757
and
Bob was born on June 15, 1931 to Malvina and Bernard Kirschner in Trenton, New Jersey during the Great Depression. Bob had three siblings, Madeline, Jerome, and Ruth. Upon graduating from high school, Bob took a special interest in the culinary arts, and in 1951 enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he completed the Navy’s culinary program. He then proceeded to serve his country all over the world as the Chief Commissaryman for several aircraft carriers destroyers, overseeing all 422-4000
jewishnewsva.org | August 15, 2022 | JEWISH NEWS | 53 adored by her family and many friends. She is predeceased by her husband, Joseph Goldman, brother Michael Shank, and daughter Marissa Seldes. She is survived by her sister, Esther Lee Carneal (Robert Carneal) sons: Mark Seldes (Lisanne Elkins), Lee Goldman, Jay Goldman (Sandy Goldman), grand children: Emily Hahn, Olivia Hahn, Liza Goldman McIlravy, Avianna Goldman, Sam Goldman, Zoe Weiss, Matthew Goldman, Dylan Goldman, Nicole Eule, William Overstreet, and great grand children: Levi Eule, Harper Eule, Lilly Overstreet and Hunter Overstreet. A chapel service was conducted at H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Norfolk Chapel. Interment followed at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Norfolk. The family requests contributions be made to The Leukemia & dolencesSociety, https://givenow.lls.org/.LymphomaVisitwww.hdoliver.com tooffercontothefamily.
JOSEPH HENRY GUTH NORFOLK—Maybe it was the lab he built in his parents’ Cleveland garage when he was nine years old or the “things” his mom found growing in dishes when she opened the refrigerator. Whatever it was, Joe Guth knew early on that he was going to be a Andscientist.that’swhat he became.
ROBERT “BOB” KIRSCHNER VIRGINIA BEACH —Robert “Bob” Kirschner, 91, departed this life on Saturday, July 16, 2022 surrounded by his children, Michele Kirschner Gelernter and Barry Isidore Kirschner. Bob is now holding hands with the love of his life, Marilyn Dauer Kirschner, who passed away on February 5, 2021 after 58 years together.
Riverside Chapel • 7415 River Road Newport News • 757 245-1525 Denbigh Chapel • 12893 Jefferson Ave. Newport News • 757 874-4200 Maestas Chapel • 1801 Baltic Ave. Virginia Beach • 757 428-1112 Approved by all area Rabbis and Chevrah Kadisha • Family owned and operated since 1917 • Affordable services to fit any budget • Advance funeral planning • Professional, experienced, caring staff • Flexible burial options • Flexible payment options Chris Sisler, Vice President, Member of Ohef Sholom Temple, Board member of the Berger-Goldrich Home at Beth Sholom Village, James E. Altmeyer, Jr., President, James E. Altmeyer, Sr., Owner Chesapeake Chapel • 929 S. Battlefield Blvd. Chesapeake • 757 482-3311 www . altmeyerfuneralandcremation . com continued on page 54
The family asks that donations be made to the Hope House Foundation at www.hope-house.org. Altmeyer Funeral Home.
Newton-John had built a prolific and historic career as a pop singer over the decades, performing at Eurovision the year that ABBA won for Waterloo, earning an Oscar nomination for her performance in one of the most successful movie musi cals of all time, headlining her own Las Vegas show, and releasing chart-topping popInhits.1992, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and became an advocate for cancer research. Newton-John went into remis sion for 21 years, but the cancer returned in 2013 and again in 2017. In a 2017 inter view with NBC’s Today Show, she revealed that John Travolta had remained a long time friend and had been supporting her throughout her ordeal with cancer. Over the last two years, the song Hopelessly Devoted To You, which was sung by Newton-John in Grease and hit the top of the Billboard Hot 100 when it was released, regained popularity on TikTok with original covers and talk-box remixes.
OBITUARIES continued from page 53
STEVEN F. SHAMES VIRGINIA BEACH —Steven F. Shames, age 74, passed away peacefully in his home on Saturday, July 23, 2022. Steven was born in Norfolk, Virginia on July 10, 1948, to the late Edward and Ida Shames. He was a loving and devoted husband to his wife Linda for 52 years. He was father to his beloved chil dren, Sarah Shames Ehret and husband Matthew, and Aaron Shames and wife Rachel; grandfather, “Pops,” to Marissa and Ryan Ehret, and Bayla, Simi, and Eden Shames; brother to Douglas Shames and wife Ilene; uncle to Adam Goodman, Allison Zofan, Sam Shames, and Rebecca Schulz, and close and loyal friend to many. His dearest friends, G.L. “Skip” White, Robert Byrum, and Darlene Biggs were considered second family. He was a graduate of Washington & Jefferson College and the William & Mary Law School. He served honorably in the US Army as a Second Lieutenant. Steven was a partner in the law firm of Shames & Byrum, PC, member of the Virginia State Bar, member and past president of the Chesapeake Bar Association, past president of the Norfolk SPCA, four-term chairman of the 1st District Disciplinary Committee of the Virginia State Bar, Divorce Commissioner Circuit Court City of Chesapeake, and adjunct professor of Legal Studies at Tidewater Community College.Agraveside service was held at Forest Lawn Cemetery with Cantor David Proser officiating.Memorial contributions in his honor (memory) may be sent to the Virginia SPCA and Kehillat Bet Hamidrash (KBH) Synagogue of Virginia Beach. Online con dolences may be offered to the family at www.hdoliver.com.
OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN, GREASE STAR AND GRANDDAUGHTER OF JEWISH NOBEL LAUREATE Jackie Hajdenberg (JTA)—Olivia Newton-John, the iconic pop singer of the 1970s and ’80s, died at her home in Southern California Monday, August 7 of the breast cancer she had bat tled for three decades. She was 73. Newton-John was most famous for her starring role as Sandy Olsson, alongside John Travolta’s Danny Zuko, in the 1978 musical Grease, and as the singer of the 1982 hit song Physical Newton-John was born in Cambridge, England, to Brinley Newton-John and Irene Born, the daughter of Max Born, a Jewish Nobel laureate and one of the founders of quantum mechanics. Born, who was a friend of Albert Einstein, moved to England after being suspended from his position at a German university by the Nazi regime, likely saving his life. There, his wife worked to help Jewish ref ugee women find employment. “My mother was very proud of her Jewish heritage and talked about it a lot,” Newton-John told an Israeli news network three years ago. “It’s interesting: Some of my closest girlfriends are Jewish.”
54 | JEWISH NEWS | August 15, 2022 | jewishnewsva.org aspects of the ships’ dining programs. He performed his duties with great passion and pride, including menu and provision planning, food preparation, and cooking for thousands of hungry service men and women. Throughout Bob’s career, his cooking skills were so widely revered that many captains demanded that they ate “chow on Kirschner’s watch.”
Newton-John is survived by her hus band John Easterling and her daughter from her first marriage, Chloe Lattanzi.
MELISSA BESTSELLINGBANK,AUTHOR OF MODERN JEWISH HEROINES (JTA)–Melissa Bank, whose stories of flawed, funny Jewish heroines searching for love and fulfillment won over readers’ hearts around the world, died Tuesday, August 2 at age 61 of lung cancer. Bank’s publisher, Penguin, confirmed her death in a statement. “She captivated generations of readers with her warmly piercing takes on relationships, family and adulthood,” the publisher said. Bank, whom the Los Angeles Times famously dubbed “like John Cheever, only funnier,” published just two books during her career: The Girls’ Guide To Hunting And Fishing, in 1999, and The Wonder Spot, in 2005. But both were bestsellers, and Girls’ Guide was a publishing phenomenon, spending months on the New York Times bestseller list. And both centered around single Jewish women finding their way in the world: Jane Rosenal, in Girls’ Guide, and Sophie Applebaum, in Wonder Spot In the snapshots of their lives, Bank let readers glimpse through interlinked short stories, Jane and Sophie won over ardent fans by refusing to bend to the rules: both those governing the dating scene and the traditions that indebted them to their mothers and grandmothers. Their comic misadventures often intersected with Jewish life. In Wonder Spot, Sophie plays hooky from Hebrew class, considers taking a job with a Jewish newspaper, and contends with a cousin’s bat mitzvah and a sister-in-law’s passive-aggressive attempts to impose kosher rules on her home.Like her characters, Bank grew up in a middle-class Philadelphia Jewish family and lost her neurosurgeon father at a young age. She worked in copywriting as she pursued her career as an author, taking several years to write and revise eachAfterbook.the publication of her second book, Bank became a faculty-writing instructor at Stony Brook University Southampton. She also wrote a screen play for a planned film adaptation of Girls’ Guide that was to have been produced by Frances Ford Coppola, but it has yet to materialize. Suburban Girl, a film based on another story from the book, starring Sarah Michelle Gellar and Alec Baldwin, was released in 2007. Though Bank’s output was small, her effect on the lives of her readers was pro found. “The Girls’ Guide To Hunting And Fishing Shaped My Twenties,” a Buzzfeed headline once proclaimed, and Bank’s readers had that kind of intimate connec tion with her authentic, witty depictions of young adulthood.
After two decades serving his country, Bob was honorably discharged in 1971 in order to spend more time with his wife and his young children in Virginia Beach. Bob’s love and respect for the U.S. Navy never wavered over the remainder of his life, and he relished talking about his time in service with veterans and civilians, alike. After retiring, Bob had a successful career in sales and volunteered his culinary skills by cooking for Men’s Club breakfasts for Ohef Sholom Temple in Norfolk, and by feeding the home less in shelters throughout the Norfolk area. Later in is life, his passion included spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren, Kenzie (27) and Marc Gelernter (24), and Jack (22) and Rex Kirschner (18).
Bob’s pride and delight in his family shone bright whenever he was around them. His infectious smile and sunny disposition, in turn, made him a joy to be around to anyone fortunate enough to cross his path. He has been a guiding light for his children and a role model to his grandchildren. His loving nature and vivacious spirit made Bob a true blessing to his family and friends and we are all better for having known him. A graveside service was conducted at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens. Contributions can be made in Bob’s memory to The American Heart Association. Online condolences may be offered to the family at hdoliver.com.
Betty Ann Levin, who was the exec utive director for 15 years after Graber’s tenure, echoes his sentiments, noting that Engel has been “the heart and soul of JFS for so many years. She always had the best interest of the agency, our clients, and the community at heart!” Holding many positions at the agency over the years, both in direct service with clients, and in administrative roles, Engel began her career at JFS working with refugees from the former Soviet Union, helping them transition to the United States. She helped them find employment and housing, made sure their kids were in school, and did everything possible to make them feel accepted in their new homes. When she went to the airport to welcome the refugees, her young sons would go with her as a part of the wel come party. She says that was her most rewarding time, “I could see the impact I was making in real time. My family could see how important the hours spent work ing Iriniawere.”
At the time of her husband’s accident, Harry Graber was the executive director, and she remembers his sadness being almost matched with her own when he found out about Stuart. “Nancy’s dedi cation to Jewish Family Service was so intense and heartfelt that it was almost palpable,” says Graber. “It was a deep reflection of her Jewish values and love of a community in which she grew up and spent her entire life. Nancy’s professional work was truly inspirational, benefiting JFS clients and motivating her fellow colleagues. I truly enjoyed every day I worked alongside Nancy Engel.”
“I could not have gotten through any of that or my dad dying shortly after if not for Jan and JFS,” says Engel. She chose JFS for counseling when she was grieving the loss of her parents, then she chose JFS to help when her husband, Stuart, got into a serious automobile accident.
Photo courtesy of JFS
Kvitko was one of those refu gees who directly benefited from Engel’s support. Kvitko, who now works for JFS in the accounting department, fondly remembers meeting Engel for the first time at the airport in Norfolk. “From my first step arriving in the United States in Norfolk, Nancy was there to meet me and has always helped me with everything!”
jewishnewsva.org | August 15, 2022 | JEWISH NEWS | 55 JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE
Over her more than three decades, she has watched the Jewish community come together to support one another: local businessmen helping to find refugees jobs and steady careers, doctors and dentists offering free health services, synagogues adopting families, and children getting an education from Hebrew Academy. As the social services programs at JFS grew and developed, she says it opened her eyes about humanity and what people in this community needed and could offer. “This community should never let JFS go or stop supporting people like me… It’s about everyone coming together and that is always what JFS has been about.”
It was bound to happen one day… Nancy Engel, Jewish Family Service’s executive administrative assistant, retired on August 4 after serving the organization for more than 33 years.
“I didn’t plan on working here this long, but I never planned on leaving either,” Engel says with a laugh. “From offices that were on the side of the JCC basketball courts to where we are now, I am so pleased and proud of what we have accomplished. It was like watching my children grow!”
“I love this place,” she says through teary eyes. “I love all it has done for me. I love what I was able to do for the people, for the community that needed someone’s help. It’s a happy ending.”
The JFS leadership team at Nancy Engel’s retirement party: Fletcher Neville, Jamie McMahan-Adler, Brooke Rush, Kelly Burroughs, Lisa Benjamin, Nancy Engel, Dorothy Salomonsky, Debbie Mayer, and Jan Ganderson.
At the time of her husband’s accident, Engel was working in human resources for the Home Health department. “It made me realize what was needed that much more when it came to care; knowing there was someone like my Stuart that I was helping.”AtJFS, says Engel, “I wanted to give back to the place that had given so much to me.”This desire was so evident that Jeff Cooper, who served as JFS board pres ident, 2016–2019, commends Engel on her dedication and knowledge. “I was particularly grateful for her insights into the goings-on at the agency during my time as president as we were facing major strategic decisions,” says Cooper. “I always knew she had the best interests of the agency at heart.”
Photo courtesy of JFS Nancy Engel.
“I wanted to give back to the place that had given so much to me.”
Engel’s life was so entwined in JFS that when she speaks about it, it is reminiscent of someone talking about where they grew up or their hometown. When asked how her experience is as a client and employee she smiles and says, “It was so clear that we were a family. Everyone offered love and kindness and support at a time when I really needed it.” Even members of the board, says Engel, would check in on her and make sure she had what she needed.
Kelly Burroughs and Brooke Rush
Nancy Engel: Cheers to 33 years
Engel’s journey didn’t start in a typical employee-employer relationship; it was much more personal. In 1987, Engel’s mother was dying of cancer and she turned to a neighbor, Jan Ganderson, for some help. Ganderson, a registered nurse, worked for Jewish Family Service and was able to connect Engele with a nurse and home health aide through the agency.
DRIVEN
CheckeredFlag.com Deeply rooted in the Hampton Roads community for 58 years, Checkered Flag is devoted to giving back to the thousands of loyal customers in our community. To that end, we partner with over 65 local educators, charities and community services to create economic opportunity, improve public health, education, and perhaps most importantly of all, inspire civic engagement and service. We’d like to help everyone in our community live their best life. TO help others thrive and succeed.
CMYCYMYCMYMCK CF_Driven22_JN_Thrive2.pdf 1 5/27/22 4:15 PM
