Jewish News - February 6, 2023

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Antony Blinken quotes from Jewish prayer during crucial Israel visit

Gabe Friedman

(JTA) — Secretary of State Antony Blinken quoted from a Jewish prayer on arrival in Tel Aviv for a state visit on Monday, Jan. 29, days after a deadly terror attack outside a Jerusalem synagogue set off a violent uptick in Israeli-Palestinian violence across the country.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Blinken invoked a prayer while mourning the seven people murdered during the attack on Friday, Jan. 27.

“On Shabbat, Jews around the world recite the Ma Tovu. Part of that prayer reads, ‘Your great love inspires me to enter Your house, to worship in Your holy sanctuary, filled with awe for You. I love Your house.’ Seven people were killed in Friday’s terrorist attack in Neve Yaakov; many more were wounded,” Blinken said. “Most were leaving a synagogue after prayer. To the families of the victims, we express our most heartfelt condolences knowing that we can never know the depth of your loss. May the memory of your loved ones be a blessing.”

Blinken, who is Jewish, noted that Friday’s attack came on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, which commemorates the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp.

Blinken met with Israeli Prime Minster Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas on Tuesday, Jan. 30 in Ramallah. Blinken told reporters that he would tell both that it is “incumbent on all parties to take urgent steps to de-escalate tension and establish conditions for the security and stability that both Israelis and Palestinians deserve.”

Blinken’s visit is his first to Israel since Netanyahu’s return to the prime minister’s office, which has been marked by high levels of civilian unrest over proposed legislation put forward by his new far-right government. Blinken reportedly urged Netanyahu not to proceed with proposed changes that would weaken Israeli democracy by disempowering the judiciary.

The Jerusalem synagogue attack, the city’s deadliest in a decade, was preceded

by multiple Israeli military raids into the West Bank, which have led to over 30 Palestinian deaths this month.

On Saturday, Jan. 28, Israel highlighted another source of international tension by reportedly directing a drone to bomb an Iranian military facility, setting off an explosion in the city of Isfahan. Israel has long been suspected of bombing sites in Iran and Syria, citing its own security, but an admission of an attack— which the New York Time s, Reuters, and others reported—is rare from an Israeli official.

Similar but smaller attacks have followed since the weekend, and Israel is reportedly preparing for a retaliatory strike from Iran.

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Upcoming Deadlines for Editorial and Advertising

Issue Deadline

Feb. 20 Mazel Tov Feb. 3

March 6 Camp Feb. 17

March 20 Passsover March 3

April 3 Israel at 75 March 17

April 24 Mom/Women/Camp April 7

May 8 Summer at Home April 21

May 22 Dad/Mens May 5

CONTENTS CANDLE LIGHTING QUOTABLE

Friday, February 10/19 Shevat Light candles at 5:22 pm

Friday, February 17/26 Shevat Light candles at 5:29 pm

Friday, February 24/3 Adar Light candles at 5:36 pm

Friday, March 3/10 Adar Light candles at 5:43 pm

—page 24

Friday, March 10/17 Adar Light candles at 5:50 pm

Friday, March 17/24 Adar Light candles at 5:56 pm

“The area has proven to have just about everything we could wish for in a community.”

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the European Commission in Brussels March 25, 2021.

Blinken reportedly urged Netanyahu not to proceed with proposed changes that would weaken Israeli democracy by disempowering the judiciary.

BRIEFS

GEORGE SANTOS, CONGRESSMAN WHO LIED ABOUT HAVING JEWISH HERITAGE, ONCE PRAISED HITLER ON FACEBOOK

Rep. George Santos, the Long Island Republican whose history of lies about his past included that he was a Jewish descendant of Holocaust survivors, seemed to praise Hitler and joke about killing Jews in a newly unearthed, yearsold Facebook post.

In a comment Santos reportedly left under a friend’s post in 2011, the future congressman wrote “hight hitler lolololololololololololol” and “sombody [sic] kill her!! The jews and black mostly lolllolol!!!” A former friend of Santos sent screenshots of the since-deleted comment to Patch Glen Cove. The site confirmed its veracity with the congressman’s former roommate, who also said that Santos used to make jokes about paying the bill at meals, “but he brushed it off saying he was Jewish.”

Santos’ attorney Joseph Murray told Patch the comment “is completely false,” adding, “There is absolutely nothing to talk about.”

The Nassau County GOP has already called on Santos to resign over his lies, which were revealed in a December New York Times investigation published after he won his election, and the Republican Jewish Coalition has said he is no longer welcome at their events. Of particular concern to the local party branch was the congressman’s false claims about his Jewish heritage. Both parties are already lining up possible replacements should Santos step down, including county legislator Mazi Melesa Pilip, an Ethiopian-Israeli Republican.

Santos has thus far refused to step down, and seems to be reveling in the negative attention, having recently been spotted taking selfies at a karaoke bar in Washington, D.C. On Friday, Jan. 27 he gave a speech on the House floor to recognize International Holocaust Remembrance Day. (JTA)

BIDEN PICKS JEFF ZIENTS, JEWISH ADVISOR WHO HELPED LAUNCH DC

BAGEL CHAIN, AS NEW CHIEF OF

STAFF

Days after his first chief of staff announced that he would step down, President Joe Biden announced a replacement: another Jewish advisor, this time an investor in a popular Washington, D.C., Jewish deli.

Jeff Zients led the Biden administration’s COVID-19 response from 2021 to 2022. He had previously held multiple positions in government, including as advisor to the Biden transition team and the Obama administration and director of the National Economic Council, following a career in business.

Zients is also known locally in Washington as the businessman who helped start the chain Call Your Mother, which says it serves “Jew-ish deli favorites.” Now operating in seven D.C.-area locations with an expansion planned to Denver, Call Your Mother offers bagels, smoked salmon, whitefish salad, and black-and-white cookies, as well as an assortment of gear that has turned the Jewish catchphrase into a local fashion statement.

Some of the recipe testing for the deli’s first location was done at Zients’ home, according to  Washingtonian magazine. Zients first connected with Andrew Dana, the Jewish chef behind Call Your Mother and his business partner, through Dana’s father’s friend from summer camp; he reportedly wanted the deli to be called Apples and Honey. Dana told the magazine that Zients had fallen out of communication with him after joining the Biden transition team.

“He has far more important things to worry about than bagels right now,” Dana says.

Starting next month, Zients will take over for Ron Klain, Biden’s chief of staff since he was inaugurated. Klain, who is open about his Jewish identity and tweets frequently about it, reportedly has described himself as worn down by the intensity of the chief of staff role. (JTA)

POP ARTIST PAINTS ‘SIMPSONS’ CHARACTERS AS HOLOCAUST VICTIMS OUTSIDE MILAN HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL

Just before International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Milan’s Holocaust memorial debuted an eye-grabbing new addition on some of its exterior walls: murals of characters from The Simpsons dressed as Jews under Nazi rule.

But the Shoah Memorial Foundation said the well-known Italian pop artist who painted the murals didn’t reach out before creating the series of images, some of which show Homer, Marge, Bart and Lisa Simpson in concentration camp garb.

“We were not involved in the decision process, and found the painting yesterday morning along with everybody else,” a spokesperson told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.

In the end, the foundation didn’t mind the gesture.

“We appreciate the intention behind it, and don’t find it particularly harmful,” said Roberto Jarach, president of the foundation.

The memorial is found at Platform 21 inside the Milano Centrale, the city’s main train station. Around 1,200 Jews were deported to Nazi camps from the platform in 1943. AleXsandro [sic] Palombo, whose style usually involves using figures from popular culture to tackle dark issues, made the murals on the outside of the station.

“These works are a visual stumble that allows us to see what we no longer see. The most terrible things can become reality and Art has the duty to remember them because it is a powerful antidote against oblivion. The horror of the Jewish genocide must be transmitted without filters to the new generations to protect humanity from other horrors such as the Shoah,” Palombo wrote in a statement.

Last March, Palombo painted a mural of Anne Frank on a street in Milan, showing the famous diarist burning a piece of paper with the letter Z on it. The letter has been associated with the Russian military in the wake of its invasion of Ukraine. (JTA)

UNDER PRESSURE FROM THE RIGHT OVER ISRAEL, A JEWISH NOMINEE TO A TOP US HUMAN RIGHTS POST WITHDRAWS

A Jewish nominee withdrew her bid for a top State Department human rights post after a key Republican senator refused to change his mind about what he said were her unacceptable past comments on Israel.

“At present, I don’t see a path forward for confirmation, and after one and a half years, it’s time to move on,” Sarah Margon said in a statement first reported by Politico. President Joe Biden had nominated Margon to be assistant secretary of state for human rights.

James Risch, the Idaho senator who is the top Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, refused to agree to advance Margon’s nomination principally because of her statements on Israel.

Margon had in the past tweeted about supporting disinvestment from Jewish settlements in the West Bank. Hawkish pro-Israel groups, including the Zionist Organization of America, said this was tantamount to endorsing the boycott Israel movement, although Margon in testimony said she did not support a broader boycott of Israel.

Right-wing pro-Israel groups also held against Margon her past employment with Human Rights Watch, a group that has clashed repeatedly with Israel’s government.

A slew of officials in the human rights community backed Margon’s appointment, including, notably, Elliott Abrams, a hawkish pro-Israel voice who held top human rights and foreign policy posts in Republican administrations, including the Trump administration.

Margon likely had the votes to advance on the committee—Democrats are in the majority—and she had the backing of its chairman, Democrat Robert Menendez of New Jersey, one of the most staunchly pro-Israel senators in the body. But the committee has a tradition of “comity,” in which no nominee is granted a vote without the agreement of the committee’s top Republican and Democrat. Menendez would not break with that tradition. (JTA)

Rabbi of firebombed NJ synagogue: ‘We’ve unfortunately been preparing for this’

Philissa Cramer

(JTA)— New Jersey synagogue is crediting recent safety improvements after a Molotov cocktail thrown at its door overnight caused little damage.

Still, Temple Ner Tamid in Bloomfield canceled activities on Sunday, Jan. 29 as the police investigated, marking the second time in recent months that the suburban congregation suspended activities because of an antisemitic incident.

Last November, the Reform synagogue of about 500 families near New York City briefly closed its doors while the FBI investigated a “credible threat” against New Jersey synagogues; an 18-year-old man was later arrested for making a threat online.

The latest incident took place around 3 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 29 when, according to security camera footage, a man approached the synagogue and threw

what appeared to be a Molotov cocktail, a homemade bomb, at the door before fleeing. The man was wearing a ski mask and a shirt that appeared to have an image of a skull and crossbones.

The building suffered only superficial damage, an outcome that Rabbi Marc Katz attributes to the safety investments made over the past several years, funded largely by state homeland security grants. The synagogue has added shatterproof glass to its door and upgraded its security cameras, which generated a relatively clear image of the man who threw the device.

“Everything worked the way it was supposed to,” Katz says. “We’ve unfortunately been preparing for this day for a while, and we were ready.”

The synagogue canceled religious school, where roughly 200 children had been expected, and a rehearsal for the year’s Purim play largely out of concern

that it would be upsetting for community members to see evidence of the assault and the investigation, Katz says. On Monday, Jan. 30. a scheduled book talk by Rabbi Joshua Stanton, whose recent book tackles the challenges facing American religious institutions, was postponed to make way for an evening event focused on the incident.

But Katz emphasizes, including in his communications to community members, that the community’s normal activities were also ongoing. On Sunday morning, he says, he had officiated at a baby naming, and other activities would proceed as planned.

Katz says there had been no warning prior to the incident. But he notes that Montclair has experienced multiple apparently antisemitic incidents in recent years, including swastikas found on playgrounds and etched on desks in the high school.

“Every few months, something happens. But this is the first time that there’s something directly against our congregation to this magnitude,” he says. “If things had been different, like even the wind blowing differently, we could be having a very different conversation.… That’s what’s so scary about this.”

Katz says that even as the incident left him and his congregants shaken, it was not just antisemitic incidents that had created an atmosphere of fear in the community. He says that every year he asks teenagers in the congregation where they feel more unsafe, at synagogue or at school, and every year the answers come back split.

“Our kids are suffering and they’re not just suffering because they’re Jewish,” he says. “So we have to be responding with a bit of a wider lens even than just what our own community is facing.”

Forever Helping Others

Half of America’s 25 most generous philanthropists are Jews. Few give to Jewish groups.

Asaf Elia-Shalev

(JTA)—Jews made up nearly half of America’s biggest philanthropic donors last year, according to a calculation by Forbes of who gave the most money away in 2022.

In a year that saw their fortunes take a hit amid declines in the stock market, America’s 25 “most generous givers” donated a collective $27 billion, up from $20 billion in 2021, for a lifetime total of $196 billion, according to Forbes. They included 12 billionaires with Jewish backgrounds—a dramatic overrepresentation when compared to the proportion of Jews in the overall U.S. population.

The Jews on the list include financier George Soros, who gave away at least $300 million to racial justice and humanitarian work in Ukraine and other causes; businessman and former New York City

PHILANTHROPISTS

mayor Michael Bloomberg with $1.7 billion in donations to charter schools, clean energy, and fighting heart disease; and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, whose charity donated more than $900 million, with much of the money going to fund research into artificial intelligence and genomics at universities.

One thing that stands out about these Jewish philanthropists is that almost none focuses giving on the Jewish community. Only Lynn and Stacy Schusterman of the Tulsa oil dynasty, who are paired together on the list, are prominent donors to Jewish causes.

Jewish community, Spokoiny offers three explanations. One is, simply, assimilation. “They don’t necessarily have a strong Jewish upbringing or Jewishness does not play a major role in their lives, and in that way, they are not different from the rest of us,” Spokoiny says.

Another reason is that, given their immense resources, some prefer to tackle massive global issues such as climate change or pandemics. And lastly, Spokoiny says, some philanthropists think that being associated with Jewish causes might not fit with their political aspirations or personal brand.

George Soros: +$300 million in 2022

Michael Bloomberg: +$1.7 billion

Jim and Marilyn Simons: +$1.9 billion

Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan: +$900 million

Edythe Broad and family: +$340 million

Steve and Connie Ballmer: +$800 million

Sergey Brin: Newcomer to the list

Lynn and Stacy Schusterman: +$370 million

Michael and Susan Dell: +$177 million

Donald Bren: +$470 million

Dustin Moskovitz and Cari Tuna: +$670 million

George Kaiser: +$120 million

To be sure, many, if not all of the others have given at least small amounts to Jewish charities. In 2021, for example, Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, announced $1.3 million in gifts to 11 Jewish groups; last year they distributed more than $900 million in total, according to Forbes. Meanwhile, former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer and his wife, Connie, have donated at least $1 million to the Jewish National Fund; they gave away more than $800 million last year. And Michael Dell, the founder of the Dell computing company, donated the land for a Jewish community center in his home of Austin, Texas, and supported a recent renovation.

But only the Schustermans, who donated $370 million last year, have prioritized Jewish giving with hundreds of millions of dollars over their decades of involvement in the Jewish communal world.

It’s hard to make comparisons to the past and say whether Jews at the apex of philanthropy ever tended to focus on Jewish causes because the level of wealth today is almost unprecedented, according to Andrés Spokoiny, president and CEO of the Jewish Funders Network.

“Historically, individuals, except for during the Gilded Age, perhaps, didn’t amass these types of fortunes, and there weren’t many Jews at this economic caliber,” Spokoiny says.

As to why many of the philanthropists don’t dedicate themselves to the

Mark Charendoff, who ran the Jewish Funders Network before Spokoiny, is now president of the Maimonides Fund, which has emerged as a major Jewish charity in recent years. He echoed some of the same explanations as Spokoiny. He also says that in past generations, wealthy Jews who wished to enter philanthropy didn’t always have the option of donating outside the Jewish community.

“Universities, hospitals, symphonies weren’t always excited about having Jewish donors, particularly active ones,” Charendoff says. “Now you would be hard-pressed to find a not-for-profit that isn’t eager for Jewish representation.”

Successful fundraising by Jewish recipients in what Charendoff calls the “more competitive landscape” of today will require long-term investments in fostering Jewish identity, he says.

“If we want the biggest philanthropists to give more Jewishly, then we need to invest more in Jewish education and engagement for all Jews,” he says.

WITH JEWISH ROOTS WHO MADE FORBES’ “AMERICA’S MOST GENEROUS GIVERS” LIST.

“If we want the biggest philanthropists to give more Jewishly, then we need to invest more in Jewish education and engagement for all Jews.”

Toby

Axelrod

BERLIN (JTA)—For second gentleman Douglas Emhoff, the final hours of a fiveday working trip to Poland and Germany brought everything into focus.

It was here in the underground information center in Germany’s central Holocaust memorial that Emhoff sat down with several survivors, including two who had recently fled war-torn Ukraine.

Sitting in a small circle, they shared their stories. One of them “was saved in the Holocaust as a young baby, settled in Ukraine and then just had to flee again. And she was taken in by Germany,” Emhoff said in remarks immediately following the meeting. “It was a real emotional and intense way to finish the trip.”

The journey, which he undertook with Deborah Lipstadt, the U.S. special envoy to monitor and combat antisemitism, included visits to Krakow, Poland; to the nearby memorial and museum at Auschwitz-Birkenau; and to the Polish village of Emhoff’s ancestors, Gorlice.

It was all intended to feed into the design of a “national action plan against antisemitism” that Emhoff is working on with Lipstadt and others. The second gentleman has made combating Jew hatred his main focus since entering the White House, touring college campuses to talk on the subject and leading events with Jewish organizations.

But this trip, which began on Friday, Jan. 27 aligning with International Holocaust Remembrance Day, took Emhoff’s efforts onto the international stage—and brought him back to his ancestral Jewish roots.

Emhoff’s two days in Berlin were a whirlwind. On Monday, he met with U.S. Ambassador to Germany Amy Gutmann, Germany’s commissioner of Jewish life Felix Klein and other leaders. On Tuesday, he and Lipstadt took part in an interfaith roundtable hosted by the Central Council of Jews in Germany, before visiting a historic synagogue in former East Berlin and meeting with

members of the community. He also visited three Holocaust memorials in the city center: one dedicated to Sinti and Roma victims of the Nazis, another to homosexual victims, and finally Germany’s massive Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe.

Speaking to the small gathering of Muslims, Christians, and Jews hosted at the Central Council headquarters, Emhoff said he could not help thinking of his grandparents, who had escaped persecution in Poland and settled in the United States.

“They found opportunity and freedom,” he said, “and now, 120 years later, their great-grandchild is the first Jewish spouse of a United States president or vice president, who is working to combat hate and antisemitism. That’s something isn’t it?” he said, as if pinching himself.

“It’s a remarkable full circle.”

“I was very impressed by the young Muslim man [Burak Yilmaz], who is organizing trips for young Muslims to visit Auschwitz,” said Rabbi Szolt Balla, who serves a congregation in Leipzig and is rabbi for the German Armed Forces. “It was a very good and productive thing to meet in this circle,” he added.

Emhoff told reporters the purpose of the trip was to share best practices and feed ideas into the “national action plan” that he is working on with Lipstadt, U.S. Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom Rashad Hussain and White House Liaison to the American Jewish community Shelley Greenspan.

Emhoff told reporters that he would be addressing the United Nations in early February.

Emhoff’s last official act here was his

meeting with survivors. He changed his schedule just in order to meet with them and listen to their stories.

Sonja Tartakovska, who had survived a Nazi mass shooting operation in her village during World War II, told Emhoff how she had to flee Ukraine last year without a change of clothing. She is one of the Ukrainian Jews whom the Claims Conference brought to Germany last spring.

The fact that former Holocaust victims were now seeking refuge in Germany was not missed.

“We have been talking about the Holocaust, talking about antisemitism, about violence and oppression and here in Europe all these years later these things are still happening through this unjust, unprovoked war,” Emhoff told reporters.

Thru March 13. See store for details.

‘Emotional and intense’: Douglas Emhoff’s trip to Poland and Germany brings him back to his Jewish ancestral roots

Local and Experienced…a winning combination!

Two Israeli tech firms to pull funds out of the country, citing risk posed by Netanyahu government

Philissa Cramer

(JTA)—The Israeli founder of an international payroll company that provides services to Toyota and Microsoft has announced that she will move her company’s money out of Israel over concerns about its new right-wing government.

Eynat Guez, a co-founder and CEO of Papaya Global, which was valued at $3.7 billion in 2021, made the announcement Thursday, Jan. 26 on Twitter. Her announcement came the morning after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended his government’s proposed judiciary reforms and after weeks of mounting warnings, from within Israel and abroad, that the reforms could harm Israel’s credit rating. Netanyahu dismissed those warnings on as overblown.

“Following Prime Minister Netanyahu’s statements that he is determined to pass reforms that will harm democracy and the economy, we made a business decision at Papaya Global to withdraw all of the company’s funds from Israel,” Guez tweeted. “In the emerging reform, there is no certainty that we can conduct international economic activity from Israel. This is a painful but necessary business step.”

Guez has emerged as a leader within Israel’s vaunted tech sector in protests against the new government, speaking at a rally of tech workers in Tel Aviv that took place last month amid protests around the country. The rallies are largely focused on the governing coalition’s judiciary proposals, including legislation that would allow the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, to overrule Supreme Court decisions.

In her speech, Guez said she had been encouraged to raise money for Papaya Global from the United States, a common step for Israeli firms, but had resisted because she wanted to live in Israel and raise her children there, the way her parents had after immigrating from their birthplaces in Morocco and Tunisia.

She also noted that $54 billion in capital from abroad had been invested

in Israeli companies in the past three years. “Without a democracy, we’d never have these $54 billion,” she said. “And not the tens of thousands of employees who joined the high-tech sector in recent years.”

Guez said foreign investors had been calling with concern about whether Israel’s democracy was crumbling. “Just like in Brazil, Venezuela, and Hungary, no leading investor or financial institute will let his billions stay in a country with a crumbling democracy,” she said. She added, “Let’s say this loud and clear: Startup Nation without a democracy cannot stand.”

A second, smaller Israeli tech company is also moving its bank accounts out of Israel, according to the Israeli tech publication Calcalist. The firm, Disruptive AI, raises money for artificial intelligence startups and manages $250 million in funds.

Guez did not further explain Papaya’s business decision and how it would affect the company or its employees. The company, which says it manages more than $3 billion in payroll for companies in 160 countries, entered the ranks of Israel’s “unicorn” tech firms in early 2021, meaning that it was valued at over $1 billion. It raised $250 million against a valuation of $3.7 billion later that year.

Israel’s tech sector has been experiencing the same downturn as the global tech sector, in which sweeping layoffs have been taking place. Last year was the worst since 2014 for the number of Israeli companies being acquired or going public.

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“Let’s say this loud and clear: Startup Nation without a democracy cannot stand.”

Alleging exclusion, Jewish faculty boycott James Madison University’s Holocaust commemoration event

Andrew Lapin

(JTA)—An event that took place at James Madison University on Thursday, Jan. 26 to mark International Holocaust Remembrance Day was scheduled to feature lectures about the legacies of Auschwitz and the intersection between white supremacy and antisemitism. There was also a planned recitation of a poem and a musical performance.

Not on the docket: support for the event from the school’s Jewish faculty and staff.

Dozens of them announced in an open letter that they would boycott the event, titled “An Evening Conversation on the History and Legacy of the Holocaust,” citing concerns about its appropriateness. Of particular concern, according to multiple people familiar with the situation, was

a planned performance by the university’s provost, a pianist, during a segment titled “Music as Refuge in the Holocaust.”

“There was no refuge for those targeted by the ‘Final Solution,’” said the open letter, which was unsigned but said it had the support of “24 of Jewish JMU Faculty, Faculty Emeriti, and Staff.”

The letter, which the school’s student newspaper The Breeze published, said the planning of the Holocaust event had “disrespected and disparaged Jewish individuals, dismissed Jewish participation and failed to reflect the inclusive values that JMU purports to foster.” The letter criticized the university’s decision not to solicit input from Jewish faculty in planning its event, as well as the decision to invite the rabbi of a neighboring community to give a community address, rather than centering the local rabbi.

That rabbi, Jeffrey Kurtz-Lendner of Beth El Congregation of Harrisonburg, says the event had been planned with little to no input from Jews, and that three Jews who were added to the planning committee late in the process later resigned en masse. More than a dozen Jews had been involved in planning the previous year’s event.

In an interview, Kurtz-Lendner compared the event to “a Martin Luther King observance planned by an entire committee of white people.” He joined the boycott and did not encourage his congregants, who include James Madison professors, to attend. He says the rabbi listed on the original program, from a Reform synagogue about 30 miles away in Staunton, would not attend, either.

“The program looked wholly insensitive,” he says. Instead of being a

commemoration of the Holocaust, it looked like it was turned into an opportunity for celebration.

That idea appeared to be rooted in the inclusion of music during the event. Maura Hametz, the Jewish chair of the university’s history department, said she had successfully argued against including instrumental music during last year’s commemoration, citing prohibitions in Jewish tradition against instrumental music in times of mourning.

“Biblically we don’t use instrumental music, as Jews,” to commemorate the Holocaust, she says. “If you use the instruments, it’s a celebration.” The proposal to include a musical interlude, she says, also had a history in “medieval church music, so that doesn’t track with what is good for us.”

continued on page 10

continued from page 9

The belief that Holocaust commemorations cannot include music is not universally held; some commemorations have featured music written by Jewish composers as acts of resistance or remembrance. International Holocaust Remembrance Day was created by the United Nations in 2005 to mourn all victims of the Holocaust, distinct from Yom HaShoah, the Jewish holiday that takes place in April and was established by the Israeli government to commemorate specifically Jewish Holocaust victims.

Still, Hametz made the case against music last year, so when she saw that this year’s event was again scheduled to include musical selections, she says, “It did surprise me.” She ultimately decided to boycott the event and sign the open letter.

The boycott was supported by one of the university centers sponsoring the event, the Mahatma Gandhi Center for Global Nonviolence. Its director, Taimi Castle, issued a statement to the student newspaper saying the center would “spend time reflecting on how we can support the

Jewish community at JMU in addressing the harm caused by these actions.”

The university says it had reached out to “a spokesperson for this group” of critics and planned to hold a meeting “to gain further understanding and collectively work on a path forward.”

The provost did not play piano at the event that was ultimately held, according to people who attended. The event also began with a statement read by the university that acknowledged the controversy but did not apologize for it.

The episode comes amid broad questions about the role of Jews in efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in universities and workplaces. Jewish critics of the emerging field of diversity, equity, and inclusion have charged that antisemitism is not always treated as similarly offensive to racism or homophobia, despite also being rooted in hatred based on identity. The Jewish open letter signers also cited a recent statewide report on antisemitism in Virginia as reason to take their concerns about Jewish representation at the university seriously.

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Attn: Taffy Hunter, Human Resources director.

James Madison’s Holocaust Remembrance Day event was sponsored in part by the university’s equity and inclusion office, and the associate provost for inclusive strategies and equity initiatives was scheduled to deliver opening remarks and moderate a question-and-answer session at the event’s end.

“This event is to create an opportunity for people to learn about the lived experiences of others and honor the Holocaust Remembrance Day through educational and solemn means,” Malika Carter-Hoyt, the school’s vice president of diversity, equity, and inclusion, said in a statement, which did not mention Jews or antisemitism.

“I acknowledge the letter and express compassion toward the concerns outlined by faculty,” Carter-Hoyt said. But she also defended the planning and suggested that having Jews on the planning committee had not been a specific university priority.

“Committee members were selected based on substantive expertise and commitment to the creation of an event that properly marks the occasion,” she wrote. “No one was included or excluded explicitly based on a particular protected characteristic.”

James Madison University, located in Harrisonburg, is a public college with about 21,000 students. About 1,200 of them are Jewish, according to Hillel International, which offers some services on campus but does not have a building or rabbi there. The chapter’s vice president was listed as a participant on the evening’s program, and read a poem by Primo Levi, an Italian Holocaust survivor.

Josh Shulruff, the university staff advisor for JMU Hillel, says that the Hillel students wound up participating in the event because he had connected them to the organizers before learning of the objections the local Jewish community had to its planning.

“I am part of the reason they got mixed up in this mishegas,” he says. “They were in a tough spot, and they just managed it with incredible poise and professionalism.”

Shulruff also signed the boycott letter and was one of the Jews who left the event planning committee after determining that their concerns weren’t being heard. Those Jews who left the committee had sent a

private letter to the interim director of the center for civic engagement expressing their concerns about the lack of Jewish input.

He hit his breaking point with the committee, he says, when he learned they had invited the rabbi from the next town over to participate instead of the local rabbis, a move he called “blatant tokenism.”

But he emphasizes, “I don’t think this is a campus that’s overrun by Jew hatred. I think this was a case of not listening to people trying to warn them the ship was heading in the wrong direction.”

The school also does not have a Jewish studies department, despite what Hametz says had been extensive lobbying by faculty members to establish one. Alan Berger, who launched Jewish studies departments at Syracuse and Florida Atlantic universities, was billed as a keynote speaker at the event.

James Madison’s provost Heather Coltman, who was scheduled to play piano at the Holocaust memorial event and also previously worked at Florida Atlantic University, has an uneasy relationship with the school’s faculty. The faculty senate recently sought to condemn her for reportedly retaliating against the authors of a report on transparency at the school.

Frances Flannery, a professor of the Hebrew Bible who said she was the only Jewish studies professor on campus, says she had signed the letter because she believed the university had taken “a giant step backwards” in Jewish relations since the previous year’s Holocaust memorial event.

“Whatever their intentions, they have failed to create a climate of inclusion and respect for expertise and Jewish experience,” she says. Multiple Jewish university staff say that they wanted the university to issue a proper apology for how the event was planned, and for the administration to promise there would be no retaliation against its critics.

While there are courses taught on Jewish topics, the lack of a separate department means that Jewish representation on campus is limited, Hametz says.

“There is no spokesperson here for the Jewish community,” she says. “There’s no central voice to say, ‘Hey, why is this happening? How is it possible that you go ahead with a Holocaust event with no Jewish people on the committee?’”

JScreen’s fourth annual Jewish Genetic Screening Awareness Week

February 5–11

Local Relationships Matter

MEET:

Atlanta, Ga.—A national non-profit public health initiative dedicated to preventing genetic diseases, JScreen’s fourth annual Jewish Genetic Screening Awareness Week is taking place Sunday, Feb. 5 to Saturday, Feb. 11.

10%

Initiated in 2020 with organizational partners across the nation, JGSAW serves to educate the community about the importance of screening for genetic diseases and to raise awareness about testing resources. The goal for JGSAW is to continue to drive awareness about the importance of genetic testing to encourage more people to get screened and to gain the support of donors who make JScreen possible.

Now in its 10th year, JScreen makes genetic testing simple, accessible, and affordable with its easy-to-use at-home saliva kits. JScreen’s reproductive test gives prospective parents a deep understanding of their genetic makeup and the risk of having a child with a genetic disease. If a couple’s risk is elevated, genetic counselors privately address their results by phone or video teleconference and provide options to help them plan for the health of their future children.

JScreen’s cancer genetic test alerts a person to their risk for hereditary cancer. Anyone with positive results can take action for the prevention or

early detection of many common cancers.

By providing convenient at-home access to cutting-edge genetic testing technology, patient education, and genetic counseling services, JScreen strives to prevent devastating genetic diseases and ensure a healthy future for all.

Why genetic testing matters

Eighty percent of babies with genetic diseases are born to parents with no known history of that disease. Through early genetic screening, potential parents can determine the risk of having a child with a genetic disease before pregnancy, giving them options for family planning and helping to ensure the health of their future children.

Approximately 10% of cancers are hereditary, meaning they are related to genetic changes that are passed down in a family. Cancer genetic testing identifies people who are at risk so they can take action to prevent cancer or detect it at an early, treatable stage.

During JGSAW, JScreen is offering a $72-off coupon code. People can register for testing at www.jscreen.org and use code JGSAW23 at checkout to receive the discount.

For more information about JScreen testing and to become a donor, visit www.jscreen.org.

Stephen Merritt , CPA & Barbara Merritt , CPA

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We are very passionate about using local businesses. In fact we use our clients as vendors whenever possible. Developing relationships locally is very important and it helps the local economy grow. We also believe that local businesses provide better service because they care.”

“We used two national providers before them and there is no comparison. Our experience with Payday has been far more positive. A live person answers the phone....no prompts. You talk to a human! They are always helpful, helpful, helpful, with prompt responses to information requests. The customer service is always easily accessible and responsive. We know we can call them on behalf of our clients and get the information we need quickly, a big time saver for us. In fact, we strongly recommend Payday to our clients for their payroll needs.”

Our client relationships are anything but transactional. We are long-term partners, dedicated to the success of our clients, and most importantly, their people.

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of cancers are hereditary

Karaoke

30th Annual Virginia Festival of Jewish Film February 23–March 1, 2023

The Virginia Festival of Jewish Film, presented by Alma & Howard Laderberg, marks its 30th Anniversary with another exciting line-up of five films. This year’s films include topics as wide-ranging as modern Israeli friendships, the joy in getting older, hiding during the Holocaust, and the Jewish history of Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello.

Registration for all five films and the festival season pass is available now at JewishVA.org/FilmFest. For more information, contact Hunter Thomas, director of Arts + Ideas, at HThomas@UJFT.org.

Preceded by the short film West Bank Story

Directed by Moshe Rosenthal | 2022 | Israel Hebrew with English Subtitles | 100 Minutes

Thursday, Feb. 23 • 7:30 pm

Cinema Café Kemps River, 1220 Fordham Drive, Virginia Beach

Meirand Tova are a retired couple living in an upscale Tel Aviv apartment complex. With their children grown and off on their own, the parents are left with each other— which, after 46 years, has gotten stale.

The couple meets Itzik, their confident, flashy bachelor neighbor in the penthouse upstairs. When Meir and Tova visit Itzik for karaoke night, things begin to change. His influence is invigorating: Almost immediately, the couple finds themselves more attentive to their looks, more adventurous, and eager for their neighbor’s flattering attentions. But like wallflowers unexpectedly befriended by the cool kids, they also rapidly become over-dependent on their new pal.

TICKET INFORMATION

The BIG Saturday Night Film & Celebration: $25

Individual tickets for other films: $12

Kids Night Out Babysitting is available at the Simon Family JCC for the BIG Saturday Night Celebration of Jewish Film. Registration is required in advance. Space is limited. Register at JewishVA.org/KNO-FF.

THE BIG SATURDAY NIGHT CELEBRATION OF JEWISH FILM iMordecai

Includes a conversation with a star of the film, followed by a champagne and dessert reception with klezmer music by Bagels & Fraylox

Directed by Marvin Samel | 2022 | United States | English | 102 Minutes

Saturday, Feb. 25 • 7:30 pm

Zeiders American Dream Theater, 4509 Commerce Street, Virginia Beach

Aheart-warming movie based on a true story, iMordecai stars Academy Awardnominated and two-time Emmy-winning actor Judd Hirsch (star of the Emmy-winning sitcom Taxi, and films Ordinary People and Independence Day ) as Mordecai Samels and Academy Award-nominated actress Carol Kane (Hester Street) as his wife, Fela. Both are Polish Holocaust survivors living in Miami. Their son, Marvin (Academy Award-nominated actor Sean Astin, The Lord of the Rings), is an ambitious cigar maker trying to support his own family while still being there for his aging parents.

When Mordecai’s ancient flip phone breaks, he starts to take lessons from Nina (newcomer Azia Dinea Hale), a young employee of Ultratech. She tutors Mordecai on his new iPhone, opening him up to all kinds of novel experiences and adventures, which make him feel like a kid again. An uplifting comedy and a love letter to the city of Miami, iMordecai urges all to live our one life to the fullest.

VIRGINIA FESTIVAL OF JEWISH FILM

Sponsored by KRS Law

The Levys of Monticello

Includes a conversation with members of the film’s creative team and Vice-Admiral Herman A. Shelanski, US Navy (ret.)

Directed by Steven Pressman | 2022 | United States | English | 71 Minutes

Sunday, Feb. 26 • 2:30 pm

The Samuel C. Johnson Theater at Norfolk Academy 1585 Wesleyan Drive, Norfolk

WhenPresident Thomas Jefferson died in 1826, he left behind a mountain of personal debt, forcing his heirs to auction off most of his possessions and sell off his iconic home, Monticello. In 1834, Monticello was pur-

chased by Captain Uriah P. Levy, the first Jewish commodore to serve in the US Navy. A deep admirer of Jefferson’s scholarship and dedication to religious liberty, Levy and his family would go on to own Monticello for nearly a century—far longer than Jefferson and his descendants.

This remarkable documentary uncovers the incredible legacy of the Levy Family while confronting the racism and antisemitism that remain part of the narrative surrounding the national landmark. (In partnership with Congregation Beth El.)

Next Stop, Greenwich Village

An evening dedicated to a longtime friend of the festival, Mal Vincent. Introduction by Rabbi Michael Panitz.

Directed by Paul Mazursky | 1976 | United States | English | 111 Minutes

Monday, Feb. 27 • 7:15 pm

Naro Expanded Cinema, 1507 Colley Ave, Norfolk

Freshout of college, Larry Lapinsky (Lenny Baker) leaves Brooklyn and moves to Greenwich Village. Larry comes from a traditional Jewish home and though his mother, Faye (Shelley Winters), wants him to get a steady job, he tries to make it as

an actor. He quickly takes his place among some young creative types, including girlfriend Sarah (Ellen Greene) and writer Robert (Christopher Walken). Larry is soon on the verge of a career breakthrough, but his mother finds it hard to let go.

Farewell, Mr. Haffmann—Adieu, Monsieur Haffmann

Preceded by the short film Colette

Directed by Fred Cavayé | 2022 | France, Belgium

French with English Subtitles | 115 Minutes

Wednesday, March 1 • 7:30 pm

Beach Cinema Alehouse, 941 Laskin Road, Virginia Beach

InNazi-Occupied Paris in 1941, all members of the Jewish community are instructed to come forward and identify themselves to authorities. Dedicated jeweler Joseph Haffmann, fearing the worst, arranges for his family to flee the city and offers his employee François Mercier the chance to take over his store until the conflict subsides. But his own attempts to escape are thwarted, and Haffmann is forced to seek his assistant’s protection. It’s a risky proposition for both men, and one that Mercier’s wife Blanche is skeptical of. Tensions rise as the three live in fear of being discovered by the Nazi occupiers. This gripping, morally complex thriller about greed, survival, and courage is replete with Faustian bargains and surprisingly dramatic plot turns.

Beyond the Festival:

A celebration of Israel @75 Celebrate Yom Ha’Atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day, with Life in Stills

Includes a conversation with PhotoHouse owner and costar, Ben Peter

Directed by Tamar Tal-Ana | 58 minutes | Israel | Hebrew with English Subtitles

Wednesday, April 26 • 7:30 pm

Cinema Café Kemps River, 1220 Fordham Drive, Virginia Beach Free, Limited seating, registration strongly suggested.

Atthe age of 96, Miriam Weissenstein never imagined that she would be facing a new chapter in her life. When The Photo House—her late husband’s life’s work— was destined for demolition, she knew she needed help. A special relationship is forged between Miriam and her grandson, Ben, as they join forces to save the shop and its nearly 1,000,000 negatives that document Israel’s defining moments. Despite the generation gap, Ben and Miriam embark on a heart-wrenching, humorous, and touching journey together.

Presented by the Jewish Community Relations Council of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, Simon Family JCC, & Community Partners’ 12th Annual Israel Today Series.

Association of Holocaust Organizations’ winter conference offers insights and opportunities

Elka Mednick

Oneof the first items of business when someone is new to a role is to reach out to colleagues in the field to better understand how things work and learn best practices. I was fortunate to have the beginning of my tenure as director of United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s Holocaust Commission coincide with the Association of Holocaust Organizations winter conference in January.

Longtime Holocaust Commission member Wendy Auerbach and I traveled to Florida to spend three days learning about the Holocaust educational landscape from experts working on various projects and from various perspectives. Though the overarching theme of the conference was how to utilize theater to

educate people in and out of the classroom, lectures were presented by professors, museum professionals, community organizations, and theater groups. It was fascinating to learn how middle school drama teachers, with the assistance of theater producers, can reach students by combining survivor testimony and student-led productions.

Conference participants discussed the challenges facing the professional community. Issues of how to support teachers and students in a changing educational landscape and the reduced number of survivors who can tell their own stories were among some of the difficulties covered.

Despite the present challenges facing the world of Holocaust education and awareness, we left the AHO conference with professional contacts and great strategies that I believe will help UJFTs Holocaust Commission grow, enabling us to build upon its existing strong foundation.

To learn more about the Holocaust Commission of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, visit holocaustcommission.org, or contact Elka Mednick, director of UJFT’s Holocaust Commission, at emednick@ujft.org or call 757-965-6112.

andInvestingRetiring

Investing and Retiring

Dear Readers,

L ast month I listened to an Apple News In Conversation podcast featuring an interview with Steve Lopez, author of Independence Day: What I Learned About Retirement From Some Who’ve Done It and Some Who Never Will

In his mid-60s and considering retirement for himself, Lopez, an L.A. Times columnist, interviewed a wide array of people—a priest, a rabbi, a couple of famous comedians, as well as plenty of non-famous folks—seeking advice on becoming a retiree.

Norman Lear told Lopez he will never retire. “Life,” he says, “is about swinging in a hammock…if something gets you out of the hammock, that’s all you need.”

At 96, Mel Brooks, who also says he’s not retiring, suggested Lopez work part time so that “you get to do what you love to do, and you get to find out if there’s something else you might love just as much.” In other words, don’t make a drastic change without first trying it on.

Lopez also spoke with people who are traveling around the world on sailboats, and others whose finances didn’t work out as hoped and are now working shifts in big box stores.

What I learned from the podcast is pretty basic…there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to retirement.

Stephanie Adler Calliott, Bernie Mayer, and Ed Karotkin—three people with different working professions (finance, social work, physician)—share in this section what their retirement lives are like. One thing they have in common: they are happy with their decisions! The interviews begin on page 20.

Investing and planning for retirement are crucial to eliminating the “Am I going to run out of money?” concern. Jeff Chernitzer, a personal financial specialist, offers some general advice, including questions everyone considering retirement should ask themselves. Page 18.

Of course, there’s more, including an interview with Sandee Lefcoe, who at nearly 80, just created an online puzzle/word game.

Whether you’re retired, thinking about it, or just starting your career, we hope you find this section interesting and inspiring. And even though you might enjoy lazy days swinging in your hammock, we hope you also find an exceptional reason to get out of it.

Terri Denison Editor

Forever Helping Others

Investing and Retiring

Preparing for retirement: Investing in your personal future

Terri Denison

The question looms for most everyone in the workforce: When will I know I’m financially prepared to retire?

Jeffrey S. Chernitzer, CPA/PFS (Personal Financial Specialist), a wealth advisor with Buckingham Strategic Wealth, agreed to offer Jewish News readers some areas to consider and questions individuals should ask themselves when planning for their future.

Jewish News: How long have you been working with clients on their retirement plans?

Jeff Chernitzer: More than 30 years.

JN: When should planning for retirement begin?

JC: There is a Chinese proverb that says, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now.”

Time, spending, and saving are the three biggest factors to consider when thinking about retirement. These are also the three areas that you have the most control over, as well. It is never too early to start planning for the future.

JN: What questions should people answer before making the decision to retire? Or, as they work towards that goal?

JC: Two things come to mind: Are you financially ready? And are you mentally prepared? Think about how you will spend your time in retirement. We have seen people fully prepared for the financial aspects of retirement choose to go back to work because they so strongly identified with their profession that they couldn’t stay away from it.

It’s important to think through what you will do with the extra time you will have when you stop working. Often, individuals will choose to continue working later in life, but perhaps part-time. Either way, it’s important to have a plan in place so that work is optional, not a

requirement.

JN: How do you help clients prepare for retirement?

JC: We use a holistic planning approach in addition to asset management. We help clients with tax planning, cash flow planning, Social Security planning, estate planning, charitable giving, and business transitions. Beyond the financial aspects, we work with clients to plan for the legacy they wish to leave for their family and community.

JN: How does someone know they will be financially secure in retirement?

JC: This is a difficult question. A technical answer, or the general rule of thumb, is that your money will last you for 30 years if you only take out 4% of your investable assets per year. That can be a helpful gauge for someone considering their security in retirement. However, even the best financial plans are subject to change. Whether it’s tax rates, inflation, market performance, or health status, we do not have full control over all the variables involved in our financial lives. Unfortunately, not everyone can plan for every eventuality. The best financial plans are flexible.

Great software tools are available that allow you to use your information to get

a projection on what retirement may look like in your circumstance.

JN: Is there a magic age for retirement? How does someone know they will be financially secure in retirement?

JC: The magic age is the age you want to retire. There are some folks who want to retire early, perhaps in their mid/late 30s who live minimally in their 20s to make that a reality. There are others who are searching for a more balanced lifestyle and stick to the “tradition” of retiring when they reach Social Security age. Some people would choose to retire early if they had the financial means to do so. Others have the financial means to retire early but love their work and choose to work their whole life.

JN: Have you had clients retire before they were fully prepared? With what results?

JC: We have had clients retire even though the software I mentioned earlier predicted they were not financially prepared, but they knew that they may have to make lifestyle changes sometime in the future as a result.

JN: What is your #1 piece of advice for anyone contemplating retirement?

JC: Seek professional guidance from a fee only advisor to help develop a plan. It’s important to find an advisor who will take into consideration both the financial and emotional aspects of planning for your financial future.

JN: Last words?

JC: I would encourage you, even if you don’t feel prepared or that you aren’t where you should be at this point in your life, many people will live into their 90s and older, so start planning today. It’s not too late!

Jeff Chernitzer, CPA/PFS, may be reached at jchernitzer@buckinghamgroup.com or 757-533-4103.

A scholarship that Bernard’s daughter, LucySpigel Herman, created at the community foundation to honor him helps future architects pay for their education.

Jeffrey S. Chernitzer.

With

Filling days with family, friends, and activities Stephanie Adler Calliott

Terri Denison

Jewish News: Where were you educated?

Stephanie Adler Calliott: I attended the University of Maryland College Park and had the best four years as a Terp. My college roomies and I are still very close.

JN: What was your work history?

SAC: When I graduated from college, I wanted to be an actress or a bank branch manager. With zero talent, the actress thing didn’t work out. I applied to and got turned down by every bank Management Associate program in Virginia, Maryland, and DC. So, I put my typing skills to work and started out as a glamorous college-educated hourly temp with a brokerage company. So much for starting at the top! I got my licenses, said YES to everything,

and then spent almost 30 years in executive management at Bank of America and Wells Fargo Wealth Management—helping families create, grow, manage, and distribute their wealth. I followed that with eight years as SVP at Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters helping people give the gift of good health to children who needed it. Meaningful work at both ends of my career.

JN: When did you retire? SAC: I retired in 2018.

JN: What convinced you to take the leap?

SAC: Retirement can be a blindfolded leap into the unknown, which can either invigorate or frighten you. I have found retirement to be a gift of joy—saying “yes” to things I’d never had enough time to

enjoy such as visits to the fields in Pungo, birthday lunches on a weekday, babysitting grandchildren, reading a book in the middle of the day, learning pickleball, traveling mid-week, more cooking, more mahj, and many hours of nothing.

JN: Did you have a plan for what you would do with your time?

SAC: I knew I’d find new things to do, but waking up that first morning with an empty calendar was a big change. I didn’t have a “from-now-on-I’ll-do-this” plan, but I knew the things I wanted to do more of.

JN: Now that you’re a grandmother (yikes!), how has that impacted your retirement days?

SAC: I never knew how much joy I’d find in grandchildren. Some women grow up wanting to babysit, become mothers, and ultimately grandmothers. I always worked, and when my son asked “Mom, now that you’re retired, do you want to babysit a few days/week?” I was frozen with fear. Yikes. What if I’m not good at this? What if I’m not that woman? What if I don’t like it? But of course, I said “uh, sure. I’d be happy to help.” It was a great gift. I knew right away that I WAS that woman. I WAS good at it. I WAS lucky to have this opportunity. I didn’t know my heart could get any bigger. And I cannot get enough of it.

JN: Where do you volunteer? Do you have a favorite place?

SAC: I resigned from a lot of boards when I retired. I stayed involved in some civic activities (chair of the Norfolk Retirement System, vice chair Virginia College Building Authority, and as a jury commissioner) and some community activities (United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, ACCESS College Foundation). My favorite place is with my family.

JN: Do you use your professional skills in some of your volunteer work?

SAC: Women are not always kind to each other in the workplace. Competition has a way of creating friction—some try to outrun other talented versus pulling them alongside. So, I’ve tried to mentor women in many aspects of that juggling act—collaboration at work and a healthy home life. It’s not always easy. But it’s always worth it.

JN: Do you have any days just to relax? If so, what do you do?

SAC: Every now and then I do a little bit of nothing. But my most enjoyable days are filled with activity, family, and good friends.

JN: Did you start picking and preserving after you retired?

SAC: I remember my friends asking, “want to go strawberry picking with us tomorrow?”

And I’d respond “uh, no. It’s a Wednesday. I’m working.” “Take the day off!”

And I’d reply, “I’m not taking a vacation day to go strawberry picking!” But once I retired, I found myself picking peaches, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, figs, and buying bushels of corn and tomatoes. The next thing I knew, my sister taught me how to can and I was up to my elbows making jams, salsa, sauces, and relish. It was and still is so much fun. And delicious!

Stephanie Adler Calliott (center) with her sisters Anne Adler Abraham and Dana Adler Rosen.

Investing and Retiring

JN: You always seem to be connecting… house hunters with sellers, room seekers with landlords, volunteers, etc. Did you do this pre-retirement?

SAC: I’ve been a connector. From day one. Can’t turn that off!

JN: What about travel? Are you and Don and/or your sisters able to hit the road more often?

SAC: We love to travel. We do family trips, friend trips, and college roomie trips. The gift of free time has just increased the ability to go and do.

JN: What has been a favorite destination?

SAC: There are so many beautiful places to visit and I’ve been fortunate. On paper, it sounds extravagant. In real life, it was joyful and fulfilling: biking the San Juan Islands, a jeep ride on safari, a cooking class in Greece, the markets in Italy, hiking in Croatia, the beauty of Lake Louise, cooking hotdogs over a fire pit at Douthat State Park, a lobster roll on a working dock in Maine. The best money I’ve ever spent has been on travel. And the trip I’ll remember forever is the April 2018 one to Israel with my sisters and our dad—a lifelong dream destination for him.

JN: In general, are you glad you retired? Do you ever miss working?

SAC: Retirement has been great. The timing. The opportunity. The benefits. I loved working. And I love not working. I find that I’m happiest wherever I am.

JN: Do you feel any healthier? Less stressed?

SAC: Free time can definitely lead to a healthier lifestyle.

JN: Do you have any advice for someone considering retirement?

SAC: My husband once read that a happy and fulfilling retirement depends on your having 12 “things.” It doesn’t matter what they are. Hobbies. Activities. Things that are yours. Maybe your list is tennis, reading, family, gardening, coin collecting, etc. It doesn’t matter. People who retire with nothing other than their job may have a difficult time. My list is long. I wish I had more time to do everything.

JN: Last comments?

SAC: Do what makes you feel good. Not at the expense of others, of course. Be charitable. Be kind. Be grateful. Be good. Be you.

Stephanie Adler Calliott (second from left) with her family.

Playing a good balance Bernie Mayer

Terri Denison

Jewish News: Where are you from and where were you educated?

Bernie Mayer: I am from Cincinnati, Ohio. My undergraduate degree was from Miami University (Ohio), and I completed my Master of Science in Social Work at The

Old Point Insurance

University of Louisville (Kent School of Social Work).

JN: When and why did you move to Tidewater?

BM: My wife, Debbie, and I moved to the area in 1982. I had secured employment at The Barry-Robinson Center as a counselor.

JN: What was your work history?

BM: For the last 20 years of my career, I was a Liaison Counselor with the Southeastern Cooperative Educational Programs (Secep). I worked in both Virginia Beach and Chesapeake. My school programs served children with an emotional disability. Experiences prior to this included employment in residential treatment with children. Also, prior to graduate school I was employed as a youth counselor at a community center in the inner city of Cincinnati (1976-1977).

JN: When did you retire?

BM: June 2014

JN: What convinced you to take the leap?

BM: I realized during my last year of employment that I had given all that I could give, and I needed a change.

JN: Did you have a plan for what you would do with your time?

BM: I had a partial plan which included: I would increase my musical performance (I started performing in a band when I was 14 years old, usually playing Bar/Bat Mitzvah parties for folks a year younger). Another idea was to increase my time to exercise. Finally, I knew that I would do some volunteering. I just did not have a plan yet where I would volunteer. I decided to take that first summer off and just rest. Then in the fall, I started thinking about where I would volunteer.

JN: You’re a musician, did you desire more freedom to play and entertain?

BM: I wanted to increase my performing, but not substantially. I realized that I could

do more during the week if I desired. Presently I perform in a duo a couple of times a month at an area restaurant. I play the guitar and violin. I am also participating in a co-songwriting project with Gene Lempert, a local songwriter.

JN: Where are you volunteering? Do you have a favorite place?

BM: I volunteer at several places, through different organizations:

• Jewish Family Service Meals on Wheels since 2014. In addition, I’ve volunteered with JFS (other programs) for more than 25 years (as needed).

• Prime Plus Adult Day Services in Norfolk since 2014 (I sing to the participants and I have read to them in the past). I am there two days every week for one hour each time. Also for two years I have performed one hour a week at the M.E.Cox Center, also a program of Prime Plus.

• BeAR (Be a Reader) at Williard Elementary School in Norfolk.

• Kroc Center two days a week, assisting children with their homework and sitting in on their music program.

• ForKids on an occasional basis. In the past I participated in their after-school homework program.

Each of the volunteer activities is equally special to me. I really enjoy singing to seniors very much.

JN: Do you use your professional skills in some of your volunteer work?

BM: I am applying my knowledge of working with people to each activity. It allows me to be patient and empathetic. Of course, having the musical background has assisted in performing at the senior programs.

I try to set aside time to exercise throughout the week. Also, I have days where I do not go anywhere and do not keep to a schedule. During those times I listen to music or watch sports shows. I think a good balance of activities and non-activities is important in retirement. Sometimes I have lunch with former co-workers, as well.

JN: Did you start walking with your friend after you retired?

BM: One of my weekly activities is walking with a good friend with whom I

worked for many years. We started walking together after we both retired. It is something that both of us try very hard not to miss.

JN: What about travel? Are you and Debbie able to hit the road more often?

BM: What is most significant is that since I was no longer restricted to just summer, spring and winter breaks, we are able to travel in the fall or spring. We have increased our travel time since I retired.

JN: What has been a favorite destination?

BM: We have enjoyed going to music festivals in the eastern part of North America. We have especially enjoyed going to Florida and Canada for festivals.

JN: In general, are you glad you retired? Do you ever miss working?

BM: I am very glad that I retired. I believe the volunteering that I am doing is sufficiently taking the place of the desire to be working. I get a lot of satisfaction from still helping others. Also, being able to apply my musical ability is appealing.

JN: Do you feel any healthier? Less stressed?

BM: The answer to both is “Yes!” I have much more time to walk/work out and sometimes see other retired folks who are my friends.

JN: Do you have any advice for someone considering retirement?

BM: The main thing I would say is to really weigh the pros and cons of retiring (don’t be impulsive about the decision). Try to imagine yourself retired and then decide if that is something you could live with at this time and in the next few years. Talk it over with others that have been retired and see what their experience has been (both good and bad).

JN: Last comments?

BM: After retirement take a lot of time to decide the next step(s). Volunteering has really worked for me.

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Terri Denison

Jewish News: Where were you educated?

Edward Karotkin: I earned my Bachelor

Interests are important Edward H. Karotkin, MD

of Science degree at Union College, Schenectady, New York; and attended medical school at Wake Forest, formerly Bowman Gray School of Medicine.

JN: What was your work history?

EK : I have been on the faculty of EVMS since 1978 in the department of pediatrics and division of Neonatal/Perinatal Medicine.

JN: What brought you to Tidewater?

EK : The opportunity to join a relatively new medical school and participate in its growth. Also, the weather and Jewish community.

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JN: When did you retire?

EK : I stopped seeing patients actively this past July 2022. I’m still teaching, interviewing prospective pediatric residents, and doing some medico-legal consulting.

JN: What convinced you to take the leap?

EK : It was time, I will be 80 in a few weeks.

JN: Did you have a plan for what you would do with your time?

EK : I do have a plan: pursuing more time sailing, working in my metal studio at home, and spending more leisure time with family.

JN: Do you plan to spend more time with your grandchildren and did they impact your decision?

EK : Spending more time with grandchildren did impact my decision to some degree.

JN: Even when you worked full-time, you did a lot of volunteer work…both fascinating medical trips and general assistance with local organizations…Jewish, medical, and others. Do you plan to continue?

EK : I do plan to continue volunteer work, but probably not as much as I did a few years ago.

JN: Do you have any days just to relax? If so, what do you do?

EK : No real days set aside to relax. I like being busy. A few hours a day to read is great.

JN: You’re a sailor. Do you plan to take more and longer trips?

EK : We do plan to take more trips. We have a 46-foot sailboat and plan to take a few 10–14 day trips up the Chesapeake Bay this summer.

JN: What about travel? Do you and Betsy hope to travel more often?

EK : We do hope to travel a bit more, although we are perfectly happy to be home. Often the best part of a trip is coming back to our home.

JN: What has been a favorite destination?

EK : We have probably two favorite destinations: Skiing out west in Aspen or Park City—although we have “hung up the skis.”

I will give my relatively new ski boots to my son. Not sure he wants the onepiece outfits, although they will probably come back in style.

JN: In general, are you glad you retired? Do you miss working?

EK : I am happy I retired. I had a great career and think retiring at age 79 represents a pretty good run. I enjoyed my time as a neonatologist but can’t say that I am sad or miss getting up in the middle

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Ed and Betsy Karotkin.

of the night to see a sick baby.

JN: Do you feel any healthier? Less stressed?

EK :I feel great and never really felt stressed in my job as a physician.

JN: Do you have any advice for someone considering retirement?

EK : My only advice would be to make sure you have interests to keep you occupied during your retirement years and have enough savings to enjoy this period in your life.

JN: Last comments?

EK : One of the best choices Betsy and I made was to move to Tidewater in 1978 and start a career here and become involved in our Jewish community. The

area has proven to have just about everything we could wish for in a community.

Ed and Betsy Karotkin with their grandhildren.

Ed and Betsy Karotkin with family in Israel.

Never too old for this puzzler Sandra

Lefcoe

New chapters and challenges seem to have always been the norm for Sandee Lefcoe. During the early years of her marriage, for example, she worked at the University of Virginia Hospital in Recreational Therapy in the psychiatric unit. Then, with one of her best friends, she started a stationery business where they helped people with invitations for Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, weddings, and other events.

“My husband, Vann Lefcoe, passed away in 1996,” says Lefcoe. “A few years later, I started Suited For Success in his memory where I provided free clothing to men and women going back to work who couldn’t afford to buy appropriate clothing.”

Lefcoe’s first grandchild was born several years later, and on the plane home, she began writing about his bris, which turned into the beginning of her writing children’s books. Meet Penny P. Parker was one of her first books, followed by Darcy Darling Girl Detective. Others may be found on Amazon by searching Sandra Ellen Lefcoe.

During COVID, knowing that many people weren’t working, and children were home most of the time, Lefcoe says she wanted to do something that was fun and free for them. “I started a blog, which

Investing and Retiring Do

Staff Report

can be found at pennypparker. com. My character from one of my books is the narrator of the blog.”

Her latest project is a word game/puzzle. “I have been doing puzzles since I was a kid. My mother was a puzzler and that’s how I got started at a very young age. A year ago, I was playing a new online game and thought to myself how much fun it would be to put together a game of my own. And, so I did.” Lefoce’s game, Puzzle Yuzzzle, went Live on Saturday, January 21, 2023.

“I refer to it as a word game rather than a puzzle,” she says. There are five questions. After answering each question correctly, players take the first letter of each answer and unscramble the letters to make The Word of The Day. Each puzzle is available to play for 24 hours, with a new game every day.

“It’s lots of fun and the whole family can participate,” she says.

Play Puzzle Yuzzle at puzzleyuzzle.com.

“I don’t believe you’re ever too old to follow your dreams,” muses Lefcoe. “I will be 80 this year.”

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Sandra Lefcoe.

TIDEWATER JEWISH FOUNDATION

Teens learn about and practice charitable giving

Naomi Limor Sedek

TheB’nai Tzedek Teen Philanthropy Program encourages teens to become involved in tzedakah by establishing a fund for Jewish charitable giving. The program also aims to help teens explore what Jewish values are important to them for positively impacting the world.

Tidewater Jewish Foundation hosted a B’nai Tzedek Teen Philanthropy Program event at the Sandler Family Campus on Sunday, Jan. 29. Teens from area congregations and schools, as well as Tidewater’s Shinishim, Aya Sever and Alma Ben Chorin, participated in the afternoon event.

“We met with teens in the community to talk about making a change and the legacy we leave behind,” says Sever.

After reading a short story and discussing how making an impact on a

person can change their entire world, the Shinshinim encouraged the teens to think about their desire to be role models and impact the people around them. The group held a very interesting conversation about the importance of leaving a mark and what makes people influential.

Jewish Tidewater’s teens are engaged in their school communities making a difference, and that was evident during the conversations.

The teens also participated in an activity to visualize their aspirations and creatively express their feelings and thoughts about what they want their legacy to look like—as well as what they must do today to achieve those future goals.

During the program, the group shared the Jewish values and texts that demonstrate their impact is rooted in Jewish faith traditions.

Opening a B’nai Tzedek fund offers teens an opportunity to play a part in improving the community and the world. It’s easy to begin the process. A donation of at least $250 to the Tidewater Jewish Foundation establishes a fund in a teen’s name. TJF will match the gift with another $250 for a starting fund balance of $500. Teens can learn about the needs of the Jewish community—locally, in Israel, and around the world. Each year, fund holders, these teens, can grant 4% of their fund to a Jewish charity of their choice.

In essence, parents are empowering their kids to take ownership of their own philanthropy—a valuable life-lesson to instill.

Naomi Limor Sedek, is president and CEO of Tidewater Jewish Foundation.

Alma Ben Chorin, Jonah Kass, Nisan Bates, Logan Simon, Aya Sever, and Issac Zito.

Jewish Community Relations Council and Holocaust Commission have new directors

Robin Mancoll

Aftera national search, United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s program department started 2023 with new directors for its Holocaust Commission and Jewish Community Relations Council. Both directors quickly immersed themselves in their roles with projects and events.

JEWISH COMMUNITY RELATIONS COUNCIL

a nonprofit that harnesses the unique power of alumni to counter antisemitism on campus. Prior to his work fighting antisemitism on college campuses, Bond worked on campaigns—for candidates of both parties, as a Hillel Springboard Fellow, and more. He is also an advisory board member for Mosaic Visions, an action-oriented organization representing Jews of Color.

A lifelong learner with a degree in Economics, minors in Political Science and Leadership, and a Certificate in Jewish Leadership, Bond is pursuing a Master of Arts in Jewish Professional Leadership through a distance learning program with the Spertus Institute.

As a professional in the Jewish communal field, Bond understands the intricacies of community engagement, effective programmatic design, and passionate relationship building. From political organizing to combating antisemitism, UJFT leadership is confident that Bond’s experiences make him a welcomed and beneficial addition to the UJFT team.

HOLOCAUST COMMISSION

legislative issues of importance, education, and advocacy for the State of Israel, as well as fighting antisemitism, hate, and bigotry have made her an invaluable part of UJFT’s team. She says she is excited to take on this new role and be able to build upon the strong foundation that was developed by her professional predecessors and the Commission members she has had the privilege of working with for years.

To congratulate Mednick and Bond on their new roles or to get involved with one of these UJFT committees, contact them at EMednick@ujft.org and JBond@ ujft.org.

Joel Bond joined UJFT as the new director of the Jewish Community Relations Council last month. Bond most recently worked at Alums for Campus Fairness,

Elka Mednick, who served as assistant director of the UJFT’s Jewish Community Relations Council, now serves as director of the Holocaust Commission, following years of serving on the commission as a lay leader.

Mednick’s passion for and commitment to Tidewater’s Jewish community (and beyond) when it comes to taking on

Robin Mancoll is chief program officer, United Jewish Federation of Tidewater.

Joel Bond.

Elka Mednick.

IT’S A WRAP

JCC Seniors— Great people, great programs, great space

Robin Ford

The new membership year for the JCC Seniors Club is off to a great start, due in part to its active year in 2022. There is so much going on with this mainly retired and very active group that it’s hard to know where to start or who to feature. Here are a few “honorable mentions” and senior antics from last year that are still going strong this new year.

Patsi Walton, Seniors Club president, leads the meetings. Her strength and determination are an inspiration every single day. Walton always does her job with a smile. She works tirelessly to

ensure good meetings with tons of food, excellent information, and fun entertainment—who could forget “Elvis” and “Frank Sinatra?” The monthly meetings involve weeks of planning and preparation and always come together beautifully.

Sherry Lieberman served as the senior programming director for many years and always managed to make the job look “like a day at the beach.” Today, Lieberman is not only the liaison for the Seniors Club, but she continues to run the Seniors Book Club with a committed group of members who faithfully come to the meetings in person and via zoom. Lieberman started the Senior Book Club in 2008, which has now read more than 180 books, poems, and short stories.

is welcome.

To learn more about United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and Simon Family JCC’s senior programs, contact Robin Ford, senior adult coordinator, at 757-321-2304 or rford@ujft.org.

The Great Decisions Series

at

Norfolk Academy

10 am to Noon

February 11

Climate Migration

Dr. Erika Frydenlund

Old Dominion University

February 18

War Crimes

Amb. David Sheffer

Council on Foreign Relations

February 25 (Virtual)

Economic Warfare

Dr. Anand Toprani

U.S. Naval War College

March 4

Iran at a Crossroads

Dr. Farzaneh Milani

University of Virginia

Free Donations kindly accepted

For more information and to register: hrwac.org

Then, of course, there are the Cardo Seniors at the beloved friendship tables. These groups can be seen with six to 10 chairs crowded around a square table meant to seat four people. They talk about everything from politics, food, social media, kids, and grandkids (and even a few great-grandkids), and there’s always room to tell jokes. They fill the Cardo with laughter, love, and wisdom.

After missing two years of the Simon Family JCC Senior Seder due to quarantine, this beloved annual event was reinstated in 2022. Chazzan David Proser of KBH Synagogue led the model Seder, which included traditional holiday food and the Simon Family JCC’s Dave Flagler on guitar. It was a fantastic event filled with tradition, friends, family, and a deep appreciation for being able to gather again. This year’s Senior Seder is just around the corner.

The JCC Seniors Club is for anyone over 55 years old. Whether joining the JCC Book Club, the JCC Seniors Club, is something for everyone and everyone

JCC Senior members crowd around a ‘friendship’ table sharing news, stories, information, and Cardo food.

Seniors Club members listen to their program after enjoying a lunch together.

Registration for 2023 Senior Seder begins in late February.

JCC Youth Basketball League earns cheers during ODU game

Sierra Lautman

ZackBodner, CEO of the Oshman Family JCC in Palo Alto, Calif., spends much of his time reflecting on how to ensure that Jewish life remains meaningful, relevant, and joyful for future generations.

Through reflections and conversations with colleagues and friends, Bodner concluded that too much time is spent thinking and talking about “being” Jewish when the conversation should be about “doing” Jewish.

“Judaism lives in the actions,” says Bodner. “Who your parents are, who converted you, when you converted to Judaism to ‘join the family,’ isn’t nearly as important as the choices you make in life. Don’t keep your Judaism in the closet. Wear it proudly and DO Jewish.”

Bodner’s book, Why Do Jewish: A Manifesto for 21st Century Jewish Peoplehood, is one part “how to” and one part love letter to Jewish peoplehood. The book was selected as part of the Lee and Bernard Jaffe Family Jewish Book Festival. Community members who have read it have shared how the book’s stories and framework are adding richness to their Jewish life.

The Konikoff Center for Learning of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater welcomed Bodner to Virginia Beach for a very busy 24 hours last month. Bodner spent his first evening in town with local Jewish parents who are also Jewish professionals or lay leaders. Over dinner, they discussed how each family “does” Jewish in their homes and reflected on how the varied experiences and values make Judaism beautiful.

Bodner spent the entire day before his community program leading discussions with many of Tidewater’s Jewish professionals and lay leaders. He met with UJFT and JCC staff members, synagogue clergy and presidents, Jewish agency executives and lay leaders, and local Jewish educators. Finally, he shared a community presentation on his framework for doing Jewish in the 21st century.

One day of discussion around the “doing” of Jewish, the Tachlis, the purpose, and the brass tacks was not enough. “Why Do Jewish?” is a question that the Jewish

people must continue to ask themselves. Whether connecting to Judaism through Tikkun Olam, the arts, cooking, community, holidays, rituals, learning, Israel, or spirituality, Jews must identify their values and live in the actions of doing Jewish.

For more information about the Konikoff Center for Learning or opportunities to “do” Jewish in Tidewater, contact Sierra Lautman, senior director of Jewish Innovation at the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, at SLautman@ UJFT.org or visit JewishVA.org/kcl.

The Old Dominion University men’s basketball team played Georgia State on their home turf at Chartway Arena in Norfolk on Thursday, Jan. 19.

But for many in attendance, the highlight of the evening came at halftime: When young athletes from the Simon Family JCC Youth Basketball League played a scrimmage. At least 38 JCC kids and their families—in both the K to 2nd grade and 3rd to 5th grade leagues—enjoyed a night in the stands and on the court.

The long-running partnership between the Simon Family JCC Youth Basketball League and ODU always creates a special experience for kids and their proud parents. And this night was no different. The excitement was palpable as Tom Edwards, athletic director, escorted the young players to Chartway Arena for the first time since the start of the COVID pandemic.

Running up and down the court, the players entertained the crowd, which cheered each time a basket was made.

The JCC Youth Basketball League, which is nearly 70 years old, runs through March 5 with games held on Sunday afternoons at 1 and 2 pm.

For the complete season schedule, visit jcc.jewishva. org/youth-athletics.

Jewish community of Tidewater gets down to the Tachlis—the brass tacks

Brian Berusch

Nina Kruger, Melissa Kass, Zack Bodner, Amie Harrell, and Gabi Kochera.

Ron Kaufman, Chazzan David Proser, Zack Bodner, and Alene Kaufman.

Martha Javinsky, Mara Bates, Nina Kruger, and Nicole Gamboa.

JCC Youth Basketball League at Chartway Arena.

Emma Rivera with ODU mascott, Big Blue.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

New Year, New You series aims to help people reach 2023 health goals

Michael Roizen: Wednesday, Feb. 15, 12 pm, online, free

Michelle Segar: Wednesday, March 15, 12 pm, Sandler Family Campus, $12 (includes lunch)

Hunter Thomas

Toassist people in achieving their health goals in 2023, United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s Lee and Bernard Jaffe Family Jewish Book Festival, in partnership with Simon Family JCC’s JFit, created the New Year, New You series.

The festival’s New Year, New You series began on Wednesday, Jan. 25 with Heidi Skolnik, a thought leader in nutrition. Skolnik has overseen performance nutrition for the School of American Ballet, at The Juilliard School, and has served as team nutritionist for multiple major league sports teams, including the New York Giants, New York Nicks, and New York Mets. She spoke to an attentive crowd over lunch at the Sandler Family Campus about preventing, and even reversing age-related weight gain.

The series continues in February and March with Dr. Michael Roizen, chief wellness officer emeritus, at the Cleveland Clinic, and Michelle Segar, an award-winning researcher and health coach. Sandra Porter Leon, director of nutrition, The Neighborhood Harvest and Tom Purcell, Simon Family JCC’s wellness director, will interview both speakers.

Roizen will explain how cutting-edge science and technology will revolutionize people’s ability to live longer, younger, and better. Speaking online, Roizen will unpack a wide swath of medical phenomena— from reengineering aging cells to DNA manipulation to bionic bodies—to show how increased longevity will change lives and culture. He will also provide a concrete

action plan for good health, a youthful appearance, mental vigor, and strong finances in this new world.

Segar will explain the surprising reasons why so many eating and exercise plans crash when they come up against real life. Referring to these conflicts as “choice points,” she will offer a fresh solution that will liberate attendees from past diet and workout regiments and allow the discovery of an easy, flexible, joy-infused decision tool that will guide them to finally achieve and maintain eating and exercise goals.

Tickets for Segar’s presentation are $12 for general admission or $6 for those 55+. Lunch is included. A signed book and lunch bundle is available for $37 until March 8.

Registration for both events can be found at JewishVA.org/NYNY.

For more information, contact Hunter Thomas, director of Arts + Ideas, at HThomas@UJFT.org.

The Lee & Bernard Jaffe Family Jewish Book Festival is held in coordination with the Jewish Book Council, the longest-running organization devoted exclusively to the support and celebration of Jewish literature.

Lisa Barr, author of New York Times bestselling novel, Woman on Fire, to speak in Tidewater

Wednesday, March 21, 12 pm Chrysler Museum of Art

Hunter Thomas

Woman on Fire, a New York Times bestseller, is a gripping tale of a young ambitious journalist embroiled in an international art scandal centered around a Nazi-looted masterpiece. The situation forces the ultimate showdown between passion and possession, lovers and liars, history and truth.

After talking her way into a job with the leading investigative reporter in Chicago, Jules Roth is given an unusual assignment: locate a painting stolen by the Nazis more than 75 years earlier. The piece is legendary expressionist artist Ernst Engel’s most famous work, Woman on Fire

Lisa Barr is a New York Times bestselling author of multiple novels. In addition, she served as an editor for the Jerusalem Post, among other publications, and has

been featured on Good Morning America and Today. Actress Sharon Stone is set to produce and star in the upcoming film adaptation of Woman on Fire Barr will speak as part of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and Simon Family JCC’s Lee and Bernard Jaffe Family Jewish Book Festival in partnership with UJFT’s Holocaust Commission and the Chrysler Museum of Art Book Club. This event is free and open to the community, with pre-registration required. For details and to register, visit JewishVA.org/BookFest.

For more information, contact Hunter Thomas, director of Arts + Ideas, at HThomas@UJFT.org.

The Lee & Bernard Jaffe Family Jewish Book Festival is held in coordination with the Jewish Book Council, the longest-running organization devoted exclusively to the support and celebration of Jewish literature.

Lisa Barr.

Michelle Segar.

Dr. Michael Roizen.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

What is happening in Israel??

Renowned Israel Journalist Gil Hoffman to speak at Temple Israel Sunday, February 12, 4 pm

Mark Solberg

Afterthe fifth election in four years, Israeli politics is even more balagan than usual. There are 12 parties in the Knesset. Six are members of Benjamin “Bibi” Netanyahu’s ruling coalition. The new government has been described as the most right-wing in Israeli history. (Likud is the most moderate of the lot.) Netanyahu’s coalition has promised (among other things) to expand settlements on the West Bank, “reform” Israel’s Supreme Court (allow a simple majority of the Knesset to overrule Supreme Court decisions), and increase the power, authority, and income of the religious establishment.

Before he had a chance to make any progress on expanding settlements or increasing benefits for the ultra-religious, open hostilities broke out between Netanyahu and the Supreme Court. On January 18, less than three weeks after the new government was sworn in, the Supreme Court struck down the appointment of Shas leader Aryeh Deri as interior, health and rotating finance ministers. Shas is the second-largest party in Netanyahu’s coalition, and Deri is one of Netanyahu’s most important political allies. Shas declared that if Deri doesn’t serve as minister, they’ll withdraw from the coalition, thereby bringing down the government.

Shas’ threat notwithstanding, Netanyahu fired Deri on January 22.

That’s a snapshot of ha matzsav in Givat Ram at press time.

What could possibly go wrong?

First is the possibility of the sixth election in four years. That, all by itself, could fairly be considered “gone wrong.” The good news is, only Israel could pull it off and still be a democracy. The bad news is, if there is a new election, it won’t be any prettier than the last one, and the outcome won’t be much different.

So, what else could go wrong? Can anything go right? How will the new government’s policies affect Israel’s relationship with the United States and with the American Jewish community? How will it affect “the peace process,” relations with the Arab world, and the Iranian nuclear theat. And that’s just right in the neighborhood.

If anyone can begin to answer these questions, it’s Gil Hoffman. He was chief political correspondent for the Jerusalem Post from 1998 to 2022. During that time

he interviewed political and military leaders and covered 10 Knesset elections. In May of 2022 he was appointed executive director of Honest Reporting—an Israel-based NGO combating media dis information about Israel and Zionism.

Hoffman was born and educated in the U.S., grad uating magna cum laude from Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism. He brings to Honest Reporting nearly 25 years of experience as the leading English language political journalist in Israel.

At Temple Israel, Hoffman will go beyond the headlines and share his insights on the political whirlwind raging in Israel. This program is presented by The Temple Israel Endowment Fund and Jewish Community Relations Council of United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, Simon Family JCC, & Community Partners’ 12th Annual Israel Today series.

Free and open to the community with RSVP required. For more information, or to register, visit JewishVa.org/israeltoday or contact Elka Mednick at emednick@ujft. org or 757-965-6112.

Tanta’s Attic encore appearance presented by Tidewater Chavurah

Betsy Blank

even more items for sale than last year since it was such a rousing success.

Wanted:

Jewish themed items to make this flea market even better than last year’s event. “Tanta’s Attic” created such interest and resulted in such a great outcome last year at Israeli Fest that it is being offered again.

Jewish themed artwork, books, tchotckies, or holiday-related items such as menorahs, Seder plates, candle sticks, and more are all requested. Someone else might be ready to enjoy them, give these items a second life, and create new memories.

Tidewater Chavurah would like nothing better than to offer

Contact Betsy at bblank18@verizon.net or 757-495-0730 to arrange for donated items to be picked up for Tidewater Chavurah.

Israeli Fest will take place at the Simon Family JCC on Sunday, April 30. Stop by the Tanta’s Attic booth to check out the newest treasures.

Gil Hoffman.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Foundations of Jewish Family Living Sundays, beginning February 26, 10:30–11:30 am Ohef Sholom Temple, Free

February 26: Creating Jewish Space

March 26: Living Beyond the Day-to-Day

April 23: Birth of a Nation

Thisfour-class series offered as a partnership between United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and Ohef Sholom Temple will explore the values embedded in the stories that inform Jewish holidays and traditions, and leverage these lessons to bring the conversation home to families with confidence and enthusiasm.

PJ Library in Tidewater’s Operation Hamantaschen Sunday, March 5, 4 pm, Sandler Family Campus

It’snearly time for the annual Operation Hamantaschen at the Simon Family JCC.

These classes are open to all parents in the community. Registration is required. For more information, contact Sierra Lautman at SLautman@UJFT.org. Visit JewishVA.org/FOJL to register. All classes held at Ohef Sholom Temple on Sunday mornings.

Come in costume, reserve a timeslot for your family and friends to make hamantaschen together, and enjoy Purim games and crafts while waiting for the cookies to bake.

This year, Camp JCC and representatives from regional Jewish sleep away camps will be present to share information about summer camp and lead Purim activities. All ages are welcome. Teens ages 13 and up

can sign up to help with the event and earn community service hours by emailing Nofar Trem at ntrem@ujft.org.

For more information or to register, visit JewishVA.org/OH.

ANN ZUCKERMAN MEMORIAL SCHOLAR IN RESIDENCE WEEKEND

B’nai Israel to host Rabbi Bentzion Shafier

Friday, March 3–Saturday, March 4

February 11

Climate Migration

Dr. Erika Frydenlund Old Dominion University

February 18 War Crimes

Amb. David Sheffer Council on Foreign Relations

February 25 (Virtual) Economic Warfare Dr. Anand Toprani

Nowin its fourth year, the B’nai Israel Congregation

Ann Zuckerman Memorial Scholar in Residence Weekend will feature Rabbi Bentzion Shafier for a weekend of learning and exploration.

Rabbi Shafier is the author of Stop Surviving and Start Living, Finding and Keeping Your Soulmate, The Torah Lifestyle, Two Minutes to Bitachon, and most recently, 10 Really Dumb Mistakes that Very Smart Couples Make. Founder of theshmuz.com, a popular 45-minute weekly shiur listened to by people all over the world, Rabbi Shafier has introduced Torah content via live webinars, videos, articles, and more. In addition to the website, his podcast, The Shmuz, can be found on Apple, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and other podcast streaming apps.

Rabbi Shafier’s weekend in Tidewater is packed with speaking engagements. On Friday night at B’nai Israel, Rabbi Shafier

will give a d’var Torah immediately following Mincha and Kabbalas Shabbos at 5:45 pm and will speak again at an oneg scheduled for 9:15 pm. The talk given at the oneg is titled, Finding the Justice in a Seemingly Unjust World. On Shabbos morning, he will speak during davening services at 10:45 am. Babysitting will be available during this time. The Scholar in Residence Weekend will continue Saturday night at 8:30 pm at the Simon Family JCC. There, Rabbi Shafier will give a presentation, Some of the 10 Really Dumb Mistakes that Very Smart Couples Make, in which he will discuss some of the ideas from his newest release.

This Scholar in Residence program is in partnership with the Konikoff Center for Learning of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and is sponsored by the Zuckerman and Brooke families in memory of Anne Zuckerman, who loved Torah

learning, and passed this love down to her children and grandchildren. Her legacy continues through the annual Scholar in Residence program.

For additional information and to register, visit JewishVa.org/TheShmuz or contact Sierra Lautman at slautman@ujft.org.

Rabbi Bentzion Shafier.

CALENDAR

THROUGH MARCH 29, WEDNESDAYS

Jews in America: Insiders and Outsiders (online), A 10-Week Melton Course. Led by Dr. Amy K. Milligan, Old Dominion University’s director of the Institute of Jewish Studies and Interfaith Understanding, students will discuss seminal developments in American life, through the lens of Jews straddling their status as both insiders and outsiders. Registration $295. 6:45 pm. For more information and to register, visit JewishVA.org/KCL or contact Sierra Lautman at slautman@ujft.org or 757-965-6107.

THROUGH MARCH 30, THURSDAYS

Exploring a Forgotten World: A Social History of Medieval Jewry, A 10-Week Melton Course. Rabbi Michael Panitz brings to life an exotic era in Jewish history, revealing the inner thoughts of reallife characters through the Cairo Genizah, a collection of 400,000 worn-out scraps, text fragments, and documents buried for centuries. 6:45 pm. Registration $295. For more information and to register, visit JewishVA.org/KCL or contact Sierra Lautman at slautman@ujft.org or 757-965-6107.

THROUGH FEBRUARY 26

Book Smart, A six-week course taught by Rabbi Margolin and Rabbi Brasheveitzky of Chabad of Tidewater in partnership with the Konikoff Center for Learning of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater.

Uncover the magic of Jewish books through an immersive tour of its central titles and influential authors. Attend classes in person at the Chabad House on Sunday mornings, or at the Sandler Family Campus on Thursday evenings. An option to join by Zoom will also be made available. For more information or to register, visit myjli.com/learn/tidewater or call 757-616-0770.

FEBRUARY 7, TUESDAY

Madam: The Biography of Polly Adler, Icon of the Jazz Age with Debby Applegate Watch from Home, 12 pm.

Madam is the biography of Polly Adler (1900- 1962), the most infamous and influential madam in Jazz Age New York. This colorful and unusual history of Jewish life is told through the perspective of a “good Jewish girl” from a Russian shtetl who immigrated to Brooklyn and rose to become “the Female Al Capone” and one of the most renowned Jewish-American women in the 20th century. Presented by the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and Simon Family JCC’s Lee & Bernard Jaffe Family Jewish Book Festival. Free, registration required to receive the link to join online. For more information and to register, visit JewishVA.org/BookFest or contact Hunter Thomas at HThomas@UJFT.org.

FEBRUARY 8, WEDNESDAY

Date With The State 2023. Join the Jewish Community Relations Council and Jewish community members from across the Commonwealth for Virginia Jewish Advocacy Day in Richmond. Lobby members of the Virginia Legislature on issues important to am. the statewide Jewish community. Bus leaves from the Sandler Family Campus at 7 am. $36 helps defray the cost of transportation and kosher lunch. For information or to register for the day (pre-registration is required by Feb. 1), visit JewishVA.org/DWTS or contact Elka Mednick, JCRC assistant director, at emednick@ujft.org or 757-965-6112.

FEBRUARY 12, SUNDAY

Temple Israel Endowment Fund and Jewish Community Relations Council of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, Simon Family JCC, & Community Partners’ 12th Annual Israel Today presents Beyond the Headlines with Gil Hoffman at 4 pm at Temple Israel. Hoffman, executive director of Honest Reporting, an Israeli NGO dedicated to combatting disinformation about Israel in the media, will share his thoughts and experiences of going beyond the headlines daily. Free and open to the community. For more information, or to register, visit JewishVa.org/israeltoday or contact Elka Mednick at emednick@ujft.org or 757-965-6112. See page 33.

FEBRUARY 15, WEDNESDAY

The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code to Be Younger Today and Even Younger Tomorrow with Dr. Michael Roizen . Watch from Home, 12 pm.

Thanks to new medical innovations, living longer will also mean living younger—both physically and mentally—allowing you to extend your best years and live your best life. Dr. Michael Roizen, M.D. will outline concrete steps to take to stay younger longer. Presented by United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and Simon Family JCC’s Lee & Bernard Jaffe Family Jewish Book Festival in partnership with Simon Family JCC’s JFit. Free. For more information and to register, visit JewishVA.org/BookFest or contact Hunter Thomas at HThomas@UJFT.org. See page 34.

FEBRUARY 23, THURSDAY

A retired couple living in an upscale Tel Aviv apartment complex find themselves invigorated after a karaoke night with their new confident, flashy bachelor neighbor in his penthouse upstairs. The 2022 film  Karaoke kicks off the 30th season of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and Simon Family JCC’s Virginia Festival of Jewish Film presented by Alma and Howard Laderberg. 7:30 pm. Cinema Café Kemps River. Tickets $12. Limited seating, pre-purchase strongly suggested. Visit JewishVA.org/filmfestival for more information or to purchase tickets.

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.

Employment Opportunity

Director, Women’s Philanthropy & Affinities

United Jewish Federation of Tidewater seeks a creative, articulate, and well-organized individual to work within Women's Division and other targeted (small affinity) areas of the general Campaign. The primary role is to engage new donors, cultivate relationships, and solicit donations to advance Federation’s mission.

The Women’s Campaign Director will organize and facilitate the activities of Women’s Philanthropy Committee, which can include lay leadership development and succession planning; women’s ratings and assignments; outreach to new donors; stewardship of existing donors; and serving in a key senior professional role on the development team. The position requires a Bachelor’s degree with (3) three or more years’ experience in fundraising or equivalent combination of relevant education, experience and skills required; excellent customer service skills, and experience in volunteer management. Strong knowledge of basic office computing, including MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams), Zoom and basic database management skills required. (Proficiency in Power BI and Abila Millennium products a PLUS). Must be able to work off-shift hours including nights and weekends, as needed.

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience.

Complete job description at www.federation.jewishva.org

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

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

Equal Opportunity Employment

Employment Opportunity

Development Strategist

Virginia-based or remote considered

Tidewater Jewish Foundation (TJF) is a $125 million regional community foundation which supports the Jewish communities of Southeastern Virginia. TJF supports the development, investment, and management of endowment funds for numerous area agencies and synagogues including two Jewish day schools, United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, Beth Sholom Village, and Jewish Family Service.

The Development Strategist should integrate presentation delivery, have active listening skills, and probing techniques to cultivate relatedness through dialogue. In concert with and trained by the CEO, the Development Strategist will shape TJF’s multi-generational endowment development plan including teen philanthropy, LIFE & LEGACY, and Jewish Future Pledge Programs.

Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree with at least two (2) years’ experience in one or more of the following: marketing, financial planning, sales, community relations, development/fundraising, foundations and/or grant making. Non-profit experience not required; however, is a plus. Proficient use of MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Adobe Acrobat, required. Salesforce experience a plus; ability to work within and understand customized database to include becoming proficient.

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience.

Complete job description at www.jewishva.org/TJF

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

Attn: Taffy Hunter, Human Resources director.

OBITUARIES

JASON MARCUS HIRSCHFELD

NORFOLK—Jason Marcus Hirschfeld passed away unexpectedly early Saturday, January 28, 2023 at the age of 48.

Jason was an award-winning photographer of 20 plus years covering everything from NASCAR to Olympians, to past and sitting presidents and pretty much anything else in between, with a special penchant for sports photography. Native to Portsmouth, Va., he worked for The Virginian-Pilot, The Associated Press and had recurring bylines for such entities as The New York Times, The Washington Post, Getty Images and ESPN, to name a few. He was a mentor to many, whether it was through his passions for photography or sports and he loved a good story, especially when it involved good people, good food or a good game.

He is preceded in death by his father Richard Hirschfeld, his paternal grandparents Gene and Mary Hirschfeld and his maternal grandfather Stanley Bangel.

Jason is survived by his loving wife of 22 years, Michelle; their daughter Caylee, with whom he shared a love of music and UNO; their son Ethan, to whom he passed on his affinity for baseball and basketball; their beloved chocolate lab Kirby aka “The Moose”; his dear mother Karen Bangel; his maternal grandmother Frances Bangel; brothers and their wives, Kevin and Shelby Hirschfeld, Mark and Kim Milby, Eric and Megan Milby and Todd and Shannon Hirschfeld; in-laws Roy and Brenda Matejcek; brother-in-law Brent Matejcek; sister-in-law Crystal Matejcek and her husband Danny Maxwell; and nieces and nephews, Tanner, Lexi, Lanie, Jack, Nick, Ella, Maggie, Sarah, Tenley, Emilie, Afton, Asher, Tristyn and Bryce; as well as a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and friends.

A Graveside service was conducted at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Norfolk. Online condolences may be shared with the family at hdoliver.com. Memorial

donations may be made to the American Heart Association.

LIBBIE B. KAPLAN

SARASOTA, FLA.—Libbie B. Kaplan passed away on Wednesday, January 25, in Sarasota, Florida. She was 96 years old.

Libbie was born on February 4, 1927 to Florence Brenner Bernstein and Isadore Bernstein in Lebanon, Pa. She graduated from Newport News High School in 1943 and began college at William and Mary. While in College, she met her husband of 67 years, Norfolk native Albert Kaplan and they were married in 1947. Libbie later finished her college education at Old Dominion University and taught in the Norfolk City school system for over 25 years. Her first years were as a sixth-grade teacher. She soon finished her master’s in special education and began to float between several of the Norfolk elementary schools working with students who had learning difficulties in reading.

Her husband Albert died in 2013. They were predeceased by their daughter Janis who also taught elementary school for the Norfolk public schools.

Libbie is survived by a son, Jay, living in Jerusalem and two grandchildren, Shayna Kaplan of Atlanta, Ga. and Solomon Kaplan of Maryland, and a brother, Allan Bernstein of Baltimore.

Donations may be made to the Albert and Libbie Kaplan Scholarship Fund in Special Education at Old Dominion University, the Albert and Libbie Kaplan scholarship Fund in Special Education at the American Friends of Bar Ilan University, the Janis Kaplan Media Center at Hershorin Schiff Community Day School of Sarasota, Florida, or Beth Sholom Village, Virginia Beach, Va.

The funeral took place at Forrest Lawn Cemetery, King David’s Gardens III, Norfolk.

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

CLARE KRELL

VIRGINIA BEACH —Clare Krell passed away peacefully on January 29, 2023.

She lived the life of a loving wife, a wonderful mother, adoring Savta and was loved by many.

Clare is preceded in death by her parents Jacob and Sylvia Eichenbaum, her devoted husband David H. Krell, and their beloved son, Joshua J. Krell.

Born in New York in 1933, Clare went on to marry and move with her husband David, of blessed memory, to Rahway, New Jersey where they raised their three children. As the children grew into young adults, she relocated to Virginia Beach in 1977. Clare was a dedicated social worker and gave 33 years of service to Jewish Family Service of Tidewater.

Left to cherish her memory is daughter Deborah (Shlomo); son William (Cindy); grandchildren Jennifer (Matt), Alicia (Bryan), Monique (Raj), Seth (Jamie), Isaac, Daniel; 5 beautiful great-grandchildren; and extended family.

A graveside service was at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Norfolk. To honor the memory of Clare Krell, donations can be made to Jewish Family Service of Tidewater or to Beth Sholom Village.

TWO CLEVELAND JEWS RETURNING FROM A FUNERAL DIE IN PLANE CRASH OUTSIDE NEW YORK CITY

Bob Jacob (Cleveland Jewish News and JTA)—Two Cleveland-area Jewish men flying a single-engine plane were killed Thursday, Jan. 19 when their plane crashed in White Plains, N. Y., shortly after takeoff.

Binyamin (Ben) Chafetz of Beachwood and Boruch Taub of Cleveland Heights, two heavily Orthodox suburbs of Cleveland, were killed when the plane being piloted by Taub developed engine trouble and crashed near Westchester County Airport while attempting to make an emergency landing. The two were returning home after a funeral in the New York area.

Their extended Jewish communities were reeling even before the crash and their deaths had been confirmed by authorities, after Chafetz sent messages to a WhatsApp group after the plane experienced trouble, apparently intending to message his wife.

OBITUARIES

In the messages, which circulated widely on Orthodox social media, he told his wife he loved her and their children and asked for their community to say tehillim, or psalms, a common response to crises.

Two Jewish emergency groups responded quickly in White Plains, where the plane was apparently seeking to make an emergency landing. Misaskim of Brooklyn, which provides crisis coordination and services for the bereaved, and Chaverim of Rockland County, a volunteer emergency service, both arrived on the scene within an hour and worked with local authorities.

The plane was not located for more than five hours after sending a distress signal. Authorities located the wreckage on a small island inside a reservoir near the airport, their search made more difficult because of heavy rain and storms.

The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the cause of the crash. Taub had radioed the FAA to report low oil pressure, shortly followed by a mayday signal.

The two men were experienced pilots, the plane’s owner told a Cleveland TV station. Chafetz was the owner of an e-commerce company who attended Congregation Zichron Chaim, an Orthodox synagogue in University Heights, and Taub was the owner of an automotive and transmission business in Cleveland Heights.

BOB BORN, JEWISH MAKER OF PEEPS MARSHMALLOW CANDIES

(JTA)—Ira “Bob” Born, the son of a Russian Jewish immigrant who founded the company that makes Peeps candies, has died. He was 98.

Born was the former president of Just Born Quality Confections, the 100-yearold family-owned candy company in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, that makes Mike and Ikes, jelly beans and Goldenberg Peanut Chews, but is probably best known for the marshmallow treats that are staples in Easter baskets.

In 2012, the company acquired Goldenberg Peanut Chews, a venerable Philadelphia brand that had recently dropped its kosher “pareve” certification.

Ross Born, Bob’s son and co-CEO of the company, explained to New Jersey News the difficulty in sourcing ingredients for the candies and spoke about the family’s commitment to Jewish causes in the Lehigh Valley and beyond. (Peanut Chews are kosher dairy; Peeps are not kosher.)

He also spoke about his father’s innovations as head of the company, which the elder Born joined in 1945 after graduating from Lehigh University with a degree in engineering physics and service in the U.S. Navy. Born had been accepted to medical school but fell in love with the business.

After Just Born acquired a maker of marshmallow candies in 1953, Bob Born devised a way to greatly speed the process. At the Bethlehem factory, huge machines squirt armies of the chickshaped confections onto a conveyer belt, on which they glide past little guns that paint on the eyes.

Bob Born also cut down on waste when he figured out what to do with Mike and Ike candies that emerged misshapen in the manufacturing process: He remelted the candies, added a hot cinnamon flavor to mask their original taste, and repurposed them as Hot Tamales.

“That was his nature. He didn’t say, ‘No, we can’t do something.’ He said ‘Well, we’ll figure it out,’” Ross Born told the Lehigh Valley News

Bob Born was born on Sept. 29, 1924, in New York City. His father, Sam Born, had been a rabbinical student from Berdichev, Ukraine, before his family fled to Paris, where he learned the art of chocolate-making. After opening a factory and store in Brooklyn, Sam brought his brothers-in-law, Irv and Jack Shaffer, into the business. A nephew, David Shaffer, is currently board chair and co-CEO of Just Born.

Bob Born retired after almost 40 years at Just Born and moved to Florida, where he was chairman of a literacy program in an underserved community.

In addition to his talents as a candymaker, Born was a musician, woodworker, chess player, and photographer, according to his son. In 2019, the city of Bethlehem declared Feb. 15 as “Bob Born Day.”

Ross, a past president of the Jewish

Federation of the Lehigh Valley, told the local newspaper that his father will be remembered as a “real mensch”—Yiddish for a person of integrity and honor.

“He was a kind person, he was generous with his talents, sharing his abilities. He was very fair minded: he wanted to embrace differences rather than just

tolerate them,” Ross Born said. The family asked that contributions be made to the American Technion Society, Israel Guide Dog Center, or any literacy program.

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

Spielberg’s Fabelmans earns seven Oscar nods, WWI epic with anti-Nazi past gets nine

Andrew Lapin

(JTA)—The Fabelmans, Steven Spielberg’s autobiographical drama about his Jewish upbringing, had an expected strong haul of Oscar nominations, picking up seven nods.

A remake of a movie once targeted by the Nazis, a blockbuster embroiled in a lawsuit with an Israeli family, and a documentary by the program director of the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival also got recognized in a list jam-packed with Jewish characters, stories, and artists.

Spielberg’s movie overcame an anemic box office showing to score nominations in the major categories of best picture, director, and screenplay for Spielberg and celebrated Jewish playwright and screenwriter Tony Kushner. The directing nomination brings Spielberg’s total nominations in the category to nine, tying him with Martin Scorsese for the second-most directing nominations in Oscar history.

The film also scored acting nods for Judd Hirsch, who is Jewish, and Michelle Williams, who recently said she is planning to raise her two children with Judaism.

The Fabelmans was the best picture nominee with the strongest Jewish themes, but it wasn’t the only one. The psychological drama Tár, starring Cate Blanchett as a problematic conductor, picked up six nominations, including for picture, actress, and director; the film weaves Jewish mysticism into its storytelling.

All Quiet On The Western Front , Netflix’s new German-language adaptation of the classic 1929 novel about the horrors experienced by German soldiers during World War I, was also nominated for nine Oscars, including best picture, international feature, and adapted screenplay. The film’s source material was once banned and burned by the ascending Nazi Party, which believed its anti-war stance made the German military look weak and constituted a threat to their plans for world domination.

When the book’s initial 1930 film adaptation, directed by Jewish filmmaker Lewis Milestone, was released in Germany, Nazis led by Joseph Goebbels set off stink bombs, released mice into the theaters and called the movie a “Judenfilm” (or “Jewish film”). Germany and Austria banned the film from being shown in their countries, and the public censorship campaign led the novel’s author, Erich Maria Remarque, to renounce his German citizenship (Nazis were erroneously labeling him as a Jew).

In response, Jewish studio head Carl Laemmle Sr., agreed to heavily edit the movie and remove material deemed objectionable to the Nazis in order to improve its commercial prospects in Germany. One possible silver lining for the remake’s producers: The 1930 film went on to win best picture that year.

Back to this year’s Oscars: Top Gun: Maverick, the action blockbuster sequel, picked up four nominations, including for best picture. The film’s distributor, Paramount, is currently embroiled in a copyright lawsuit with the family of Israeli journalist Ehud Yonay, whose magazine article about a Navy fighter pilot school was the basis for the original Top Gun in 1986. In November, a judge dismissed Paramount’s attempts to throw out the suit and ruled the Yonay family could proceed with their claims.

The writer, director, and actress Sarah Polley also scored a nomination for best adapted screenplay for her drama Women Talking, about a group of abused women in an isolated Mennonite community, which was also nominated for best picture. Polley has a Jewish biological father, whose secret parentage she explored in her 2013 documentary Stories We Tell

The Jewish film producer Gail Berman also scored her first Oscar nomination for producing best picture nominee Elvis, while Jewish producing partners Darren Aronofsky and Ari Handel scored their own best picture nomination for The Whale. The movie, which Aronofsky

directed, stars Brendan Fraser (also nominated) as a morbidly obese English professor.

In the performing categories, one actor was nominated for playing a real-life Jewish convert: Ana de Armas received a best actress nomination for her portrayal of Marilyn Monroe in Netflix’s Blonde Monroe converted to Judaism in the 1950s and remained devoted to the religion even after divorcing her husband, Jewish playwright Arthur Miller.

Also, veteran actress Jamie Lee Curtis— whose father, Golden Age Hollywood actor Tony Curtis, was Jewish—picked up her first-ever Oscar nomination for her supporting role as a sinister tax officer in the multiverse sci-fi comedy Everything Everywhere All At Once Curtis is nominated in the category alongside her co-star Stephanie Hsu, who is also known to fans of the very Jewish TV series The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel as Mei Lin, a Chinese restaurant owner who gets together with co-lead Joel Maisel. Early buzz on the upcoming fifth season of Maisel says that Hsu’s character will convert to Judaism.

Another Everything Everywhere co-star, Jewish actress Jenny Slate, helped a different film score an Oscar nomination in the best animated feature category: the stop-motion mockumentary Marcel The Shell With Shoes On. Slate co-wrote the feature with her ex-husband Dean Fleischer-Camp, who directs; Slate also voices the lead role of Marcel. However, she is not one of the nominated producers on the film.

All The Beauty And The Bloodshed, a portrait of the outsider artist Nan Goldin and her years-long activism campaign against opioid manufacturers the Sackler

family, was nominated in the best documentary feature category and is favored to win. The film documents how Goldin was born to Jewish parents but had an emotionally abusive family life and left home in her teens. The Sacklers are also Jewish.

The documentary short category saw the second nomination in a row for Jewish filmmaker Jay Rosenblatt, whose documentary How Do You Measure A Year? chronicles many years of his daughter Ella’s birthdays. Rosenblatt is the program director of the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival.

Veteran Polish filmmaker Jerzy Skolimowski was also nominated in the international feature category for his drama EO, told from the perspective of a donkey. Skolimowski’s father was a member of the Polish Resistance and his mother hid a Jewish family in their house during World War II.

Jewish composer Justin Hurwitz, who won an Oscar for his work on La La Land, was nominated again for the score for Babylon, a follow-up production with that film’s director, Damien Chazelle.

And in the original song category, Jewish songwriter Diane Warren extended her nomination streak to 14 for the number Applause, from the feminist documentary Tell It Like A Woman. Warren has never won a competitive Oscar but did receive an honorary Academy Award last year.

The Fabelmans.

Presented by Alma & Howard Laderberg

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