Jewish News - August 17, 2020

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Southeastern Virginia | Vol. 58 No. 20 | 27 Av 5780 | August 17, 2020

14 Campaign for Tidewater Mikvah continues

Super Sunday 2021

40 Jewish Book Council’s virtual conference

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43 Celebrating 2020 Graduates!

Supplement to Jewish News August 17, 2020

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Forever Grateful For Our Community It’s times like these that show us what we’re made of. Our community comes together in ways we’ve never expected. We are forever grateful for you, our community, for supporting us during these unprecedented times. We are humbled by your support.

Together, we will get through this.

Keeping you informed at COVID19ResponseAtSentara.com

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All 3 Democrats vying for House Foreign Affairs Committee chair support restricting Israel from using for annexation

Holocaust museum in New York plans to reopen in September

Published 20 times a year by United Jewish Federation of Tidewater.

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(JTA)—All three of the Democrats seeking to become the next head of the House of Representatives’ Foreign Affairs Committee have said they do not want U.S. money to aid Israel’s potential annexation of parts of the West Bank.

Reps. Brad Sherman of California, Joaquin Castro of Texas and Gregory Meeks of New York are vying for the role with the defeat of the current head, longtime pro-Israel voice Eliot Engel, in his New York primary in June.

“I oppose any use of American taxpayer dollars to implement the Annexation Plan or to build any permanent Israeli installation in the West Bank or Gaza,” Sherman said in a statement.

Sherman and Meeks are longtime allies of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, or AIPAC, the country’s largest pro-Israel lobby.

“Not a penny of US taxpayer money should subsidize or enable any unilateral annexation of parts of the West Bank,” Castro said. “Under a twostate approach, America has a responsibility to be an arbiter of peace, which means we need trust and credibility with both Israelis and Palestinians.”

Meeks suggested that aid to Israel could be used as leverage to influence its policy.

“Annexation is anathema to a two-state solution, and America cannot be used by its proponents to justify a pro-annexation position or policy,” he said. “On the contrary, the United States must be explicit in our opposition by applying pressure against Netanyahu should he annex territory, including leveraging US aid.”

Whether or not to withhold U.S. funds to Israel has become a common question posed to politicians since Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont brought it up prominently in the Democratic presidential campaign.

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NEW YORK (JTA)—New York’s Holocaust museum is planning to reopen in September.

The Museum of Jewish Heritage-A Living Memorial to the Holocaust said that pending approval from the city and state, it would open with limited capacity. The museum will be open three rather than five days a week with only a quarter of its previous visitor capacity and additional cleaning protocols.

New York’s museums have been closed since March due to the coronavirus pandemic and have still not been given the green light to reopen by Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

The museum also said it would be extending its popular exhibit about Auschwitz through May 2021.

The world’s largest-ever traveling exhibition about the Nazi death camp has more than 700 original items from Auschwitz and 400 photographs.

“First and foremost is the safety of our visitors and our employees,” the museum’s president and CEO, Jack Kliger, said in a statement. “As people venture out again seeking educational experiences in safe public places, museums such as ours are uniquely qualified to welcome them back.”

The Metropolitan Museum of Art said last month that it was planning to reopen at the end of August following guidelines by the Centers for Disease Control, New York state and New York City.

Terri Denison, Editor Germaine Clair, Art Director Lisa Richmon, Staff Writer Sandy Goldberg, Account Executive Ronnie Jacobs Cohen, Account Executive Marilyn Cerase, Subscription Manager Reba Karp, Editor Emeritus United Jewish Federation of Tidewater Amy Levy, President Alvin Wall, Treasurer Stephanie Calliott, Secretary Betty Ann Levin, Executive Vice-President jewishVA.org The appearance of advertising in the Jewish News does not constitute a kashrut, political, product or service endorsement.

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Tidewater Mikvah’s expansion almost complete. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Special Section: Guide to Jewish Living . . . 15 Freda H. Gordon Hospice welcomes Dr. Jerry McQuain. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Strelitz International Academy 2019–2020 donations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Neighborhood Harvest delivers. . . . . . . . . . 38 Locals attend 2020 Jewish Book Council Conference. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 What’s Happening. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Congratulations to Class of 2020 . . . . . . . . 43 Obituaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Who Knew?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Rosh Hashanah Yom Kippur Mazel Tov Veterans Business Hanukkah

Sept. 4 Sept. 4 Sept. 25 Oct. 9 Oct. 23 Nov. 13

Candle Lighting

Quotable

Contents Upfront . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Briefs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Your Dollars at Work: JAFI’s Project Ten: Global Tikkun Olam. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 COVID-19: Hadassah and Russia. . . . . . . . . 6 Area congregations plan for High Holidays. . 7 Shalom Baby and Shalom Tidewater. . . . . . . 7 The Tavia & Freda Gordon $100,000 Match program at SIA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Jewish educator’s Yo-Semite t-shirt. . . . . . . 10 Charlottesville: A legal suit, 3 years later. . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 “Anti-Semitism is rampant in pro baseball”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Super Sunday. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus of the Tidewater Jewish Community 5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Suite 200 Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462-4370 voice 757-965-6100 • fax 757-965-6102 email news@ujft.org

Friday, August 21/1 Elul Light candles at 7:30 pm

“Prior to 2020, rabbis and temple

Friday, August 28/8 Elul Light candles at 7:20 pm

executives had no reason to believe they would become tech genies” —page 7

Friday, September 4/15 Elul Light candles at 7:10 pm Friday, September 11/22 Elul Light candles at 7:00 pm Friday, September 18/29 Elul Light candles at 6:49 pm Friday, September 25/7 Tishrei Light candles at 6:39 pm

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BRIEFS 17% of American Jews attended a virtual prayer service last month, compared to half of Christians During the pandemic, Jews have attended virtual services, read scripture, or prayed less often than other Americans, and they have given charity and volunteered at higher rates.

Eighty percent of American Jews don’t want special exemptions for houses of worship to reopen—essentially the same percentage as Americans as a whole (79%) and American Christians (74%).

Those figures come from a new survey by the Pew Research Center, published last month. It found that 17% of American Jews had attended virtual prayer services in the last month, as opposed to 33% of all Americans and 49% of Christians.

Before the pandemic, 61% of American Jews attended services in person with at least some regularity, as opposed to 57% of all Americans and 78% of American Christians.

Many American congregations, including many synagogues, have transitioned to virtual services. But Orthodox Jews, who attend services at the highest rates regularly, cannot hold services on Shabbat online because of prohibitions on the use of technology.

The survey found that 57% of Jews have donated to or volunteered with a charity during the pandemic, as opposed to 38% of all Americans. Over a third of Jews have helped friends and neighbors with errands and childcare, essentially the same rate as Americans overall.

In addition, 36% of American Jews have prayed at least weekly during the pandemic and 20% have read scripture, as opposed to 55% of Americans overall who have prayed weekly and 29% who have read scripture weekly. Like Americans as a whole, large majorities of Jews have gotten through the pandemic by watching movies and TV, going outdoors or talking to friends and family on the phone or via video.

The study was conducted July 13 to 19, and surveyed 10,211 U.S. adults, including 250 Jews. The overall margin of error was 1.5%, while the margin of error for Jews was 8.8%. (JTA)

Polish-language paper in Toronto blames Jews for pandemic A Polish-language newspaper in Toronto published an article blaming Jews for the coronavirus pandemic.

B’nai Brith Canada, an organization that fights anti-Semitism, has filed a police complaint over the article published twice by the Głos Polski weekly.

“Propagating the lie that Jews are responsible for COVID-19 must be met with criminal charges, especially when someone does so repeatedly,” said Michael Mostyn, the CEO of B’nai Brith Canada.

According to B’nai Brith, the article blamed the pandemic on the Jewish community, claimed Jews were responsible for the creation of ISIS, and called Israel the source of the world’s problems and “an emanation of the Devil himself.”

The article also claimed that communist revolutionary Vladimir Lenin, Nazi propagandist Joseph Goebbels and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan were actually Jewish. (JTA) Jewish and Black historical cemeteries vandalized in Richmond with Nazi symbol Two historic cemeteries in Virginia, one Jewish and one African-American, were vandalized with graffiti featuring “777,” shorthand for the triskele hate symbol.

The vandalism was discovered at Richmond’s Evergreen Cemetery and at the Sir Moses Montefiore Cemetery in Henrico County on the border with Richmond, the Richmond TimesDispatch reported.

The triskele, or triskelion, looks like three interlocking sevens and was one of many ancient European symbols appropriated by the Nazis and later by white supremacist groups, according to the Anti-Defamation League.

The “777” stand-in for the symbol was spray-painted throughout the Montefiore Cemetery, which was founded in 1886 and is the burial place of many Jewish immigrants from the former Russian Empire, according to the Times-Dispatch.

Evergreen Cemetery houses multiple African American leaders “from the post-Reconstruction and civil rights eras.”

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“These acts of hate degrade and denigrate our way of life. They are designed to stoke fear in the hearts of both Jewish and Black communities. We stand together with our Black neighbors in proclaiming that these cowardly acts have not, and will not break us,” the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond said in a statement. (JTA)

Reagan presidency, which used money from weapons illicitly sold to Iran to illicitly fund right-wing insurgents in Central America.

The Trump administration quit the 2015 Iran nuclear deal in 2015 in hopes of extracting a better deal from Iran through economic and diplomatic pressure.

Israeli government approves $75 million bid for major stake in El Al Eli Rozenberg, the son of millionaire U.S. businessman Kenny Rozenberg, is closer to acquiring a large stake in El Al Airlines.

Israel’s Government Companies Authority agreed to support Rozenberg’s $75 million bid for a 44.9% controlling stake in the country’s flagship airline, which has been laid low by the coronavirus pandemic, the Israeli business daily Globes reported.

Now El Al must decide whether to accept the offer or take a government bailout package that would include a government-backed loan and a stock offering on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange.

Under the bailout, the state would retain a 61 percent stake in the airline, leading again to its nationalization. The airline was privatized in 2004.

Rozenberg, 30, is a resident of Israel and an Israeli citizen. His father, who lives in New York, owns the Centers Health Care, a national chain of nursing homes and affiliated services in the United States. ( JTA)

David Goldfein, Jewish US Air Force chief, is stepping down Goldfein, 60, stepped down as scheduled, The Washington Post reported.

James Mattis, the defense secretary in 2018, had tapped Goldfein to be the country’s next top uniformed military official. In December, just as President Donald Trump was falling out with Mattis over the president’s insistence on pulling U.S. troops out of Syria, Trump instead named Mark Milley, then the army chief, to the role. Mattis quit in January 2019.

Goldfein was named to the top Air Force job by President Barack Obama in 2016.

In June, Goldfein took the unusual step of issuing a declaration on the police killing in Minneapolis of George Floyd, calling it a “national tragedy.” ( JTA)

Elliott Abrams named envoy on Iran issues Elliott Abrams, a longtime foreign policy hawk, is adding Iran to Venezuela in his portfolio of countries whose governments the Trump administration wants to be neutralized.

Axios reported that Abrams would replace Brian Hook, who is stepping down from the Iran job.

Abrams, who since last year has been leading efforts to isolate the Maduro regime in Venezuela, has served multiple Republican presidents. He was involved in the Iran-Contra scandal during the

Israeli research institution to launch human trials of coronavirus vaccine An Israeli national research institute will begin human trials of a coronavirus vaccine after the High Holiday season ends in October.

Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz made the announcement after visiting the Defense Ministry’s Institute for Biological Research in central Israel, about 13 miles from Tel Aviv.

The vaccine has already been tested successfully on animals.

The human trials will be undertaken “in coordination with the Ministry of Health and in line with medical safety protocol,” Gantz said.

In June, Israel signed a deal with the American biotech company Moderna for a potential COVID-19 vaccine. ( JTA)

your dollars at work

A world of change in JAFI’s Project Ten program Lisa Richmon

W

hat if United Jewish Federation of Tidewater could fund one Jewish agency that developed one sustainable-development volunteer program for hundreds of young Jews to perform Tikkun Olam in a dozen countries around the world?

It can and it does.

Jewish Agency for Israel knows that young Jews are choosing social activism over Judaism. With Project 10, healing the world meets real life. It creates a space for these idealistic tech natives who are compelled to move beyond their own families and communities, to evolve Jewishly and help humanity.

Project TEN: Global Tikkun Olam gets the culture-building job done by bringing young Jewish adults from Israel and around the world together to volunteer and study together in Israel or developing regions. Its core programs last two to five months and are developed and operated in cooperation with local organizations

such as orphanages and schools, as well as with Jewish and international NGOs. The volunteers study an integrated curriculum focusing on Jewish values and community, and engage in dialogue, with their peers from around the world, on Jewish identity. Project TEN centers are located in Ghana, Uganda, South Africa, Mexico, Greece and Israel, with new centers opening soon in Cambodia, Angola and Peru. On an annual basis, Project TEN centers welcome some 300 young Jews from Israel and around the world.

Young and socially active Israeli’s who once took their identity for granted are influenced globally by their peer interactions through Project 10. They see Judaism through fresh eyes.

By changing the world, they are forever changed.

This is part of a series of articles spotlighting local and overseas partner agencies that are beneficiaries of the United Jewish Federation Tidewater’s annual Community Campaign.

Celebrating

10

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Virginia Voters: Check this out Natalie Steiner

T

he November 3 election is rapidly approaching, and it is a critical one. Virginians will vote to elect congressmen/women, one senator, and president of the United States.

To be sure you are registered, check with your city’s Voter Registrar for your polling place location or how to make name or address changes. Several rules have changed. Governor Northam has declared November 3 a State Holiday, plus people can now present a document such as a utility bill or bank statement instead of a photo ID to vote.

Due to the coronavirus, voters are encouraged to VOTE BY MAIL. It’s not too early to request an application for a ballot. Call your local Voter Registrar, or check online the website VOTE411 for help. You don’t need an excuse to vote absentee. Just check the box for illness/disability (2A) to complete the application. The deadline to request an absentee ballot is 5 pm on October 23.

Kayla Barney Brain Cancer Survivor Hampton, VA

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Bernard’s Legacy Lives Forever Norfolk architect Bernard Spigel died in 1968 leaving an enduring legacy of homes, schools, theaters and commercial buildings he designed.

In 1983 Lucy Spigel Herman honored her dad by creating a scholarship for future architects administered by the Hampton Roads Community Foundation.

Dozens of past Spigel Scholars are busy today designing buildings for us to enjoy while the scholarship continues to help future architects pay for their education.

Design your own view of a better future by ordering the free Leave Your Mark guide.

Learn how easy it is to honor a family member or create your own lasting legacy.

Leave You r Mark

Explorin g options of your ch for making the most aritable giving

Covid-19

Fiddler star Danny Burstein on life after having COVID-19: ‘I’m not really sure how I’m doing’ Curt Schleier

(JTA)—Danny Burstein, known for his Tony Award-nominated role as Tevye in the most recent Broadway production of Fiddler on the Roof, has detailed his struggles since contracting the coronavirus in a Hollywood Reporter essay.

In his candid account Burstein, who was born to a Jewish father but identifies as an atheist, recalls being hospitalized for five days.

“Four months later—and here’s the honest truth—I’m not really sure how I’m doing. While my symptoms have dissipated for the most part, they also remain in subtle and, on some days, not-so-subtle ways. I can suffer terrible exhaustion. I’ve had swelling in my hands and feet. I had a few weeks where I had

short-term memory loss; that went away thankfully. I read survivor websites and hear from other people who have also experienced this illness in similar ways.

Sadly, it seems anyone who’s suffered with COVID-19 has also had some kind of residual symptoms.”

Burstein, 56, who has been nominated for six Tonys in total, is married to fellow Broadway performer Rebecca Luker— who is battling ALS and also caught the coronavirus.

“No health care worker in their right mind would come to our home as we were both suffering with the aftereffects of the coronavirus. We were very much on our own. The next month was spent pretty much alone in isolation. Despite being dizzy and in a constant state of exhaustion, I was somehow able to care for her.

“I walked to the market at midnight every other night to shop for food when the store was fairly empty. Becca suffered through my terrible cooking. She sweetly never said anything bad about the experimental slop I threw in front of her at dinner.”

Burstein had been performing a lead role in the Broadway adaptation of Moulin Rouge before the virus closed down all theaters. “[T]echnically, our show is still here.

Our marquee is still up, as well as all the quotes and pictures. Will we ever be able to come back together and fall back into that beautiful groove we found? Can a show the size of ours come back and survive such a financial blow? The producers assure us we will. I’m buoyed by that.”

Israel’s Hadassah hospital ‘a partner’ in development of Russian coronavirus vaccine, director says Cnaan Liphshiz

(JTA)—The director of Hadassah hospital in Israel said his institution’s branch in Moscow is a “partner” in the development of what Russian President Vladimir Putin called the world’s first effective coronavirus vaccine.

Dr. Zeev Rotstein was speaking in an interview Tuesday, August 11 with an Israeli radio station shortly after Putin’s assertion that the vaccine has been successfully tried on humans—including his daughter.

Hadassah “is a partner in the clinical

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trials of the new Russian vaccine,” Rotstein said. “It’s being done at Hadassah’s Moscow branch. We’re examining firstly safety levels, it’ll take time.”

The interviewer, Dr. Aryeh Eldad, a physician and former commander of the Israel Defense Forces’ Medical Corps, asked: “So Putin says he already has a vaccine, you’re saying you haven’t finished checking. Which is it?”

Rotstein replied: “We’re doing it simultaneously. In Russia they decided to do the clinical trial in parallel and collect the data, as is customary in the West, as well as allowing some cases that we

call ‘compassion treatments’ for some patients.”

He said Hadassah’s work in Moscow on the vaccine is being led “by the city of Moscow, headed by the mayor, they’re doing fine work, they work differently to us and we adapt our methods to them.”

Hadassah’s work in Russia is unconnected to Israeli efforts to develop its own vaccine, Rotstein said.

Health Minister Yuli Edelstein said Wednesday, August 12 that Israel will speak with Russia on obtaining a vaccine if it’s effective.

Let Your Future Shine Bright!

jewish tidewater

Area congregations dig deep in search of safe and spiritually sound High Holiday services Lisa Richmon

F

rom Reform to ultra-Orthodox and everything in between, Tidewater congregations in pursuit of prayer, have advanced more technologically in the last few months than in 30 years. Prior to 2020, rabbis and temple executives had no reason to believe they would become tech genies, directing congregants to their YouTube channel for High Holiday services or limiting the number of members that can pray in person provided they wear masks and sit apart.

Rosh Hashanah is a month away and some Tidewater congregations are still figuring out what the holidays will look like this year. Questions arise: ‘Can we invite people back safely? How many is too many? What if the numbers of cases surge? What if they drop?’

As of mid-August, this is a sampling of what is planned: Ohef Sholom Temple will hold High Holiday services online, as they have deemed it the most reasonable way to keep congregants safe and healthy under the current pandemic climate. OST online services are open to the community, and accessible on a streaming services page.

KBH, Kempsville Conservative Synagogue is taking a hybrid approach.

Members will be invited to pray in-person, while all others are welcome to join via ZOOM. All High Holiday services at Congregation Beth El will be virtual. The services will be through live streaming and Zoom.

Beth Chaverim will be ZOOM only, with a guest rabbi and will incorporate their soloist and choir.

Shenkman Jewish Center, College of William & Mary, will not have any in-person services, but will get local service information forwarded to students.

B’nai Israel plans to be totally in-person, with restrictions to maintain a safe and healthy worship experience.

ZOOM (and mask) fatigue have caused some synagogues to keep services short.

The tech savior has kept Jews in search of Torah and connection with their spiritual families, from wandering again, feeling totally lost.

The Sept. 7 issue of Jewish News will feature a complete line-up of area congregations’ plans for the High Holidays.

Please look for it.

Shalom Baby! Shalom Tidewater!

S

halom Ya’ll!

Two programs at United Jewish Federation of Tidewater are designed to say ‘welcome’ with a ‘Jewish Southernhospitality flair.‘ Shalom Baby is a project that welcomes babies to the Jewish community and Shalom Tidewater welcomes Jewish people moving to the area.

“We would love to know if you or someone you know is new to the Tidewater area or has recently had a baby,” says Ronnie Jacobs Cohen, UJFT donor relations manager. “UJFT and the Simon Family JCC want to make them feel

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welcome to our Jewish community.”

Nofar Trem, manager of youth and teen experiences, and Cohen are ready to “introduce ourselves, share a welcome basket, and familiarize new comers and new babies with all the wonderful programs, synagogues, and opportunities our Jewish community has to offer,” says Trem.

Contact Cohen at rcohen@ujft.org or 757321-2341 for Shalom Tidewater. Contact Trem at ntrem@ujft.org or 757-321-2334 for Shalom Baby.

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Strelitz international academy

Strelitz International Academy made a match for Jewish education

W

hen Randi and Steve Gordon were looking for ways to honor Steve’s parents, Tavia and Freda Gordon, of blessed memory, they knew approaching Strelitz International Academy to create a match program would be a ‘match made in Jewish education heaven.’

The Gordons were passionate about

Jewish Philanthropy and devoted their lives to supporting Jewish education in Tidewater. From an early age, Tavia was instilled with an understanding that a Jewish Day School education paves the way to create lifelong learners and is the first step touch point in creating community.

In fact, Tavia’s parent’s, Mollie and Isaac,

were founding members of the Hebrew Academy of Tidewater—back in 1955—on Shirley Avenue in Norfolk. Jewish education was also important to Freda, who saw the value of leading a life from Jewish morals, teachings, and ethics. It was Tavia and Freda’s dream to encourage community support to increase the donations

towards the school’s donor fund.

With the excitement around the school’s name change from The Hebrew Academy of Tidewater to Strelitz International Academy, in 2019, the Gordons felt it was the perfect opportunity to put Tavia and Freda’s vision to work.

“We felt that was the right time to

Thank you to our generous donors that qualified for the $100,000 Gordon Match Program Rachel and Marc Abrams Lindsey and Todd Aftel Laura and Beau Allegood Jennifer Rush and Jason Alper Sheila and David Anderson Xunyun Zhang and Chris Arney Avraham Ashkenazi Atlantic Union Bank Katrin and Jens Balsliemke Babbi and Brad Bangel Bay Disposal Jean and Roy Beasley Dee Dee and Andrew Becker Susan and Jon Becker Darci and Danniel Berkovich Marcia and Amos Berkovich Beth Berman and Daniel Griff Nicole Bernal Marylene Besse Paula and Michael Blachman Amber and Kyle Brady Bonnie Brand Rashi and Levi Brashevitzky Susan and Herb Brewer Linda Bridges Elyssa Brinn Amy and Jeff Brooke C&F Mortgage (NMLS# 147312) – Erin Balaban Leigh and Andrew Casson Celia K. Krichman* Charitable Trust Ellyn and Stephen Chapel Abigail Cochran Melanie and Barry Cohen Sean Cohen Colliers International Virginia Danyelle Conner John Crank Linda Maxwell and Sam Crawford Sharon and Scott Debb Jonathan P. Decker Beth and Rich DeLeo Melanie Brown and Steven Dodge

Dozoretz Family Foundation Aaron Drory Patricia Cook and Rodney Duckworth Susan and Jim Eilberg Rachel Ellenson Catherine Elmore Ed Epstein Eric Joffe Construction Mona and Jeff Flax Roberta Fleishman Kristy and Adam Foleck Marcy and William Forster Linda Peck and Barry Friedman Mairin and Patrick Genova Ross Glasser Carly and Chen Glikman Wendy Goldberg Brigitte and Drew Gottlieb Judith and Mitchell Greenberg Nikki and Jonathan Greenberg Carol and Ralph Greenhut Jessica Griffin Laurel Stairs and Michael Griffin Jeri Jo and Bill Halprin Hampton Roads Workforce Council Evelyn Hirsch Gloria Hoffman Ildiko and Ulf Hoffman Ellen and Phillip Hubbs Jennifer Ivy Carol and Joel Jason Leanelle Goldstein and Denny Jenkins Janet Jenkins Joan and Eric Joffe Jennifer Josephberg Trisha and Chris Kaprielian Janet and William Kass Ellen and Larry Katz Alene and Ron Kaufman Michelle and Jeffrey Kingsland Terri Kraly Cindy and Ron Kramer

8 | Jewish News | August 17, 2020 | jewishnewsva.org

Leeraz and Yogev Kremisi Lauren and David Lanier Amy and Kevin Lefcoe Barbara Leibowitz Adam Leiderman David Leon Arnold Leon Rebecca and Brad Levitt Shelby and Jacob Lovelace Gabriela Maciel Rychel and Aaron Margolin Vivian and Burke Margulies Alexandra Marlins Paola and Noah Matilsky Merna and Michael Matilsky Cheryl McAuley and Jimmy Cox Marlene Miller Crystal and George Mitzner Karen and Robert Mize Mattea and Alexander Monk Heather and Doug Moore Deborah Moye Michal and Ronnie Newman Emily and Joel Nied Evan Nied Jo and Bill Nossen Alison and Jason Ohana Lorna and Roy Orleans Alicia Pahl-Cornelius Caitlin and Nathan Pearsall PNC Bank Alex Pomerantz Janis and Mark Prock Jan and Edward Reed Remedy Intelligent Staffing Audrey and Henry Rhone Lavette Ricks Kelly and Jason Rippard Tammy and Anthony Rivera Nancy Bangel and Mark Robbins Lynette Rodriguez Lisa and Murray Rosenbach

Barbara and Neal Rosenbaum Philip S. Rovner Professional Development Fund Miriam Brunn Ruberg and Arthur Ruberg Sara Jo and Joel Rubin Shikma and Danny Rubin Vee Samonte Terri and Lonny Sarfan Stephanie Scaliatine Marge and Stephen Schechner Susan and Eric Schwartzman Patti and Paul Seeman Orit and Guy Seiderman Lynn and Robert Seltzer Sallie and Alan Shapiro Becky and Jason Silverstein Carin and Mike Simon Simon Family Foundation Slone Chiropractic Eric Smith Abigail Snell Jane and Ed Stein Emily Steinhilber and Dylan Hawkins Ruth and Ludwig Sternlicht Brian Strelitz E. J. Strelitz Maureen Sullivan Maureen Tamares Linda and Clarke Thrasher Timothy Johnson Insurance Agency Kathy Manning and Harry Truslow Palmer Truslow Utomwen and Jaocb Uduaghan Barbara and Paul Walker Elizabeth and Neil Waranch Judy Warner Amy and Eliot Weinstein Barbara and Michael Weissman Diane and Sam Werbel Robyn Wiggins Lori Wiley Catie Williams Priyanka Mohandoss and Hira Yamben

Strelitz international academy

LOCAL RELATIONSHIPS MATTER MEET:

Ira M. Steingold, Esq.

Freda and Tavia Gordon.

motivate new generations of givers in our community,” says Randi Gordon. “Our family has always been proud to support the Strelitz International Academy and secure a future for lifelong learning in our city. We knew a match program honoring Tavia and Freda would attract others to share our passion.”

The Tavia & Freda Gordon $100,000 Match program was created through the Tavia & Freda Gordon Philanthropic Foundation, and all gifts were matched from—new donors, increased annual gifts, and lapsed donors—during the Strelitz International Academy’s 2019-2020 annual campaign. The three categories of gifts that were eligible for the match program were SIA’s Annual Donor Fund, SIA’s Golf Tournament, and grants.

There was a lot of excitement and buzz surrounding the Tavia & Freda Gordon $100,000 Match program, and SIA was able to secure 102 increased gifts, 27 lapsed gifts, 53 new gifts, totaling 182 gifts, which made the match!

“People were willing to support this wonderful program and increase their gifts to the school because of the incentive of the match” says Heather Moore, SIA Head of School. “The school community promoted the program by creating a “match day,” where students and teachers dressed alike; this increased parent

102 increased gifts through the Tavia and Freda Gordon $100,000 match program

participation towards the match. The match certainly inspired many members of the next generation to ensure the future of Jewish education in Tidewater.”

“We are grateful and humbled by their generosity” says David Cardon, SIA board president. “The Gordon family have always been pioneers and an excellent example of generational giving and devotion to our school community. We are glad that our donors took advantage of such a great opportunity for the school.

It was really an all-around successful match.”

For inquires or donations towards Strelitz International Academy’s 2020-2021 Annual Donor Fund, please contact Carly Glikman at CGlikman@strelitzacademy.org or 757-4244327 ext. 4188

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national Jewish educator’s ‘Yo Semite’ T-shirt back in spotlight following Trump gaffe Esther Kustanowitz

(J. the Jewish News of Northern California via JTA)—When Berkeley resident Sarah Lefton awoke on Tuesday, August 4, her phone was lit up with notifications.

While she was sleeping, President Trump had signed the Great American Outdoors Act, a piece of legislation that will protect the nation’s parks and finance the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

What prompted the calls, however, was that Trump had mispronounced the name of one of America’s most famous parks, calling it “Yo Semites” and thus invoking, albeit unwittingly, a T-shirt Lefton had created in 2004.

“I went to Twitter and there were hundreds of notifications,” she says. It didn’t take long to discover that Lefton’s friend, Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg, had given a shout out to her more than 114,000 followers.

“Brilliant,” Lefton tweeted in response.

“You can still get them from Afikomen in

Berkeley and the National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia!

I was there first, Trump.”

Lefton, a Jewish educator and media consultant, immediately put in an order for hundreds of T-shirts with her Bay Area printing company, to be shipped to retailers near and far who expected a sudden swell of orders after the presidential mispronunciation.

Kristen Kreider, director of retail and visitor experience at the Jewish museum in Philadelphia, said in an interview that while 15 shirts might be sold in a typical month, there were already 54 orders by Tuesday afternoon. By midday the following day, that number had grown to 500 orders.

Lefton came up with the T-shirt idea during her years at Camp Tawonga, the Jewish summer camp in Yosemite Valley where she was first a camper and then marketing director from 2001 to 2005.

She was inspired, she said, by visitors’ unintentional mispronunciations of the

park’s name.

One day she said the name out loud and realized it could be separated into two words and given a more Jewish context.

She created one shirt for herself using her home screen printer, and was wearing it one day walking in her San Francisco neighborhood.

“It must have been Saturday, because I ran into these two Jews in kippahs who were like, ‘Girl, where did you get that [T-shirt]? That is awesome!’ And I said, ‘Oh, I made it.’ And they were like, ‘Oh my God, make us one.’”

Lefton wondered if other people would actually buy them, so she put in a minimum order of 12. She created a basic website—JewishFashionConspiracy. com—with just the one product featured, fed some friends pizza in exchange for stuffing envelopes, and the business was born.

Camp Tawonga remained a part of the “Yo Semite” story, as Lefton stored the T-shirts “in huge boxes under my

desk, thanks to the loving indulgence of my supervisors.” And Jewish Fashion Conspiracy went on to sell additional items, including boxer shorts and underwear reading “a great miracle happened here” and additional T-shirts with tongue-in-cheek phrases like “Jews for Jeter,” “Geltdigger” and “Red Sea Moving Company.”

The “Yo Semite” shirts pop up every now and again, even when they don’t get an inadvertent mention from the presidential podium. “One time I was walking around the Metropolitan Museum of Art and I saw a guy wearing a ‘Yo Semite’ T-shirt and I was so excited to approach him!” Lefton says.

Lefton has resurrected the JewishFashionConspiracy.com website a few times in the past, and thought she might do it again now. “But in this pandemic moment, I just can’t,” she says. “I don’t have the koach (strength) to stuff envelopes and deal with the post office… also thank you Mr. President.”

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anti-semitism It’s been 3 years since Charlottesville. We’re suing to break the cycle of terror that followed.

Amy Spitalnick

NEW YORK (JTA)—Three years ago this month, the country watched in horror as neo-Nazis and white supremacists attacked Charlottesville, Virginia. Three years later, as far-right extremists continue to spread disinformation, hate and violence, it’s clear that “Unite the Right” was a harbinger of what would follow— and that we still have much to learn from that weekend.

My organization, Integrity First for America, is supporting a coalition of Charlottesville residents in a federal lawsuit against the individuals and groups that orchestrated the violence. The trial is scheduled for October.

These extremists didn’t come to Charlottesville to peacefully protest the removal of a Confederate statue, as they claimed. Rather, for months in advance, in private social media chats, they methodically planned a weekend of violence.

“Next stop: Charlottesville. Final stop: Auschwitz,” they wrote amid discussions of which weapons to carry and whether they could claim self-defense if they hit counterprotesters with cars.

And that’s exactly what happened.

First, the violent tiki torch march, meant to evoke the KKK and Nazis, with chants of “blood and soil” and “Jews will not replace us.” Then, the next day, the attack on downtown Charlottesville, culminating in James Fields driving his car into a crowd of peaceful counterprotesters— exactly as planned in those chats—and killing one, Heather Heyer.

Charlottesville—and the many incidences of white supremacist violence that followed—were not accidents. They are part of a cycle in which each attack is used to inspire the next one, nearly always online: the white supremacist who killed 11 at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh communicated with the Charlottesville leaders on the far-right site Gab before his attack; the Christchurch shooter painted on his gun a white power symbol popularized by one of our Charlottesville defendants; the livestreamed Christchurch attack in turn inspired massacres in Poway, El Paso and

elsewhere.

In all cases, the attackers were motivated by anti-Semitic and racist conspiracies, like the idea that the white race is being systematically replaced by Black and brown people—with Jews as the puppet masters.

Now, even during a global pandemic and a national reckoning on racism, the cycle continues. Far-right extremists have tried to bomb hospitals and turn the coronavirus into a bioweapon against Jews and other minorities. Others, like the white supremacist group Identity Evropa (a defendant in our Charlottesville suit), have spread disinformation—posing as “antifa” on Twitter to urge violence in white neighborhoods. Meanwhile, vehicle attacks have skyrocketed, with dozens reported since May, like the KKK leader who plowed his car into a crowd of Black Lives Matter protesters in Richmond, Virginia.

So how do we break this cycle? To begin, we must understand how these extremist leaders and groups operate.

We must acknowledge the central role of social media in allowing these white supremacists to find one another, connect and plan and promote violence. White supremacists are no longer meeting in the woods wearing white hoods. Rather they’re connecting online—turning social media into a place where extremists conspire before their car attack memes and other violent hate become real world action.

While there are some in power who seek to legitimize white nationalism—and the anti-Semitism, racism, Islamophobia, xenophobia and other forms of hate that fuel it—social media companies have no obligation to allow it on their platforms.

For the sites that have built business models on platforming extremism, domain registration and web hosting services can act.

Second, we need to understand how these white supremacists use disinformation and deception to pit communities against one another.

The fake antifa tweet was intended to fuel racial tensions, pitting white neighborhoods against Black Lives Matter protesters in an effort to undermine the

critical message of the protesters. This is the same tactic we saw when white supremacists posed as Jews online to spread anti-Black hate and sow tensions between our communities.

From the antifa boogeyman to the fake accounts, to the age-old canard that George Soros is paying the racial justice protesters, it’s all part of a larger effort to distract and deflect—a tactic used frequently by the Unite the Right leaders.

Finally, we must treat the crisis of violent extremism with the urgency it deserves.

Anti-Semitic and other forms of extremism tend to fall out of the news and off people’s radar until the next attack.

This is compounded by a federal government that won’t treat far-right extremism with the urgency it requires. Instead, it also deflects by blaming antifa and offers dog whistles and, increasingly, explicit support to the far right—while disinvesting in counter extremism and dramatically

cutting civil rights investigations.

In the absence of federal leadership, it makes brave private plaintiffs like ours especially vital. With this Charlottesville lawsuit, we are taking on the leaders and groups at the center of this movement, holding them accountable in court for the violence they orchestrated, with the potential to bankrupt and dismantle them through large civil judgments.

Three years after Unite the Right, history continues to repeat itself. When the leaders of this violent movement are put on trial this fall, our plaintiffs will take a critical step toward breaking this cycle of violence. But this country will fail them, and the Charlottesville community, if we don’t finally take the lessons of that horrific weekend to heart.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of JTA or its parent company, 70 Faces Media.

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anti-semitism Former Major League player Cody Decker says anti-Semitism is ‘rampant’ in pro baseball Gabe Friedman

Local and Experienced…a winning combination!

(JTA)—Former pro baseball player Cody Decker said that anti-Semitism is “rampant throughout baseball” and that an Oakland Athletics coach should be suspended for making a Nazi salute after a game.

Decker, who played briefly for the San Diego Padres and for Israel’s national team in the World Baseball Classic, spoke candidly on the topic with TMZ Sports on Saturday, August 8. He detailed several instances over the course of his career in which he was singled out for being Jewish and called Jewish slurs by fans and teammates.

Decker said that while playing a minor league game against the Frisco Rough Riders in Texas, several members of the opposing team called him and fellow Jewish teammate Nate Freiman “kikes.”

He also said he was fired from a team the day after being called into a coach’s office to “explain my Judaism to him because he was born again Christian.”

And in 2012, Decker said he was at a bar with teammates when a group of girls asked him to leave the table when they

found out he was Jewish.

The talk was spurred by a recent incident involving Oakland A’s bench coach Ryan Christenson, who was widely criticized for making a Nazi salute—he claims “unintentionally”—after a recent game against the Texas Rangers.

“In the world today of COVID, I adapted our elbow bump, which we do after wins, to create some distance with the players,” Christenson said in a statement earlier this month. “My gesture unintentionally resulted in a racist and horrible salute that I do not believe in. What I did is unacceptable and I deeply apologize.”

Decker said he accepted Christenson’s apology but that he should be educated on the issue and suspended nonetheless.

“Actions have consequences. That’s not cancel culture, that’s life,” Decker said.

Decker took issue with the A’s response for saying it “looked like a Nazi salute.”

“No, he did a Nazi salute. He did a Nazi salute twice,” Decker said. “Let’s not sugarcoat around it…I really, really despise their response. I hate every half-measure response Major League Baseball always makes.”

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(JTA)—A website dedicated to selling face masks featuring images of the Holocaust has stopped selling the masks and said it would shut down on Aug. 11.

HolocaustFaceMasks.com, which had sold fewer than 10 masks as of July 29, had marketed masks emblazoned with famous pictures of the Holocaust. One showed a child with his hands raised at gunpoint and an image of crematoria at a concentration camp.

The site stopped selling the items apparently because of the backlash it received.

“We have removed items with the most complaints, and our other items will remain available until we close the website August 11,” its homepage said.

The message defends the intention

behind the site and appears to implicitly criticize Jews who objected to it. The site’s founder told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency in July that he believes requiring face masks could lead to something like the Holocaust “or even more sinister.”

Anti-Semitism watchdogs have called such comparisons an unacceptable trivialization of the Holocaust.

“Unfortunately and understandably, many had emotional reactions to the original designs and the concept behind them was not considered,” the message on the site reads. “The reaction to demand that people should not be able to express their opinion that tyranny is afoot, is troublesome. This reaction is especially troublesome when it is made by those who claim to have the strongest associations with one of the most tyrannical events in human history.”

21

Super Sunday

How is this Super Sunday different from all other Super Sundays?

Sunday, September 13, 10 am–1 pm Amy Zelenka

PREDICTION: This year’s United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s Super Sunday Community Phone-a-thon will go down as “one for the record books.” Am I predicting an all-time high in the number of cards closed or the total of dollars raised?

Not necessarily (although I hope so).

I am predicting a Super Sunday unlike any that our community has held before— not at the Sandler Family Campus (or at the old Hebrew Academy on Thompkins Lane, or at the old JCC on Newport Avenue). But rather a Super Sunday spread out across the community and held in host homes, manned by small groups of community volunteer callers.

This is Super Sunday in the time of COVID in Tidewater. And we are excited to see how it goes.

Super Sunday will take place very early in this year’s 2021 Campaign calendar. Instead of wrapping up the campaign, this year’s Super Sunday will actually kick it off.

Small groups will gather in host homes where Super Sunday “Survival Kits” will be staged in advance. The kits will contain (among other things) the 2021 UJFT Pledge Cards for the donors being called that day. We’ll also set up a few covered calling spaces on the “back lawn” of the Sandler Family Campus (weather permitting), to allow small groups of callers to participate in that way, as well.

Caller training will take place live via zoom at 9:45 am and 11:15 am.

Calling teams from all locations will zoom throughout the event for periodic Super Sunday totals updates, to engage in a bit of friendly rivalry, and to learn how the dollars they are raising are used to build and strengthen community.

Super Sunday is a long-held and much loved tradition in Tidewater, and we didn’t want to sacrifice this year’s event

to COVID-19. As with everything we do, every call we make, every program we offer, we want to engage and inspire our volunteers and donors by bringing all into the uniquely Jewish and truly meaningful things we do…TODAY, TOMORROW, TOGETHER.

As with everything we do, every call we make, every program we offer, we want to engage and inspire our volunteers and donors by bringing all into the uniquely Jewish and truly meaningful things we do…TODAY, TOMORROW, TOGETHER.

PREDICTION: This Super Sunday is going to be great!

If you’d like to host a small group at your home, or if you’d like to sign up for a Super Sunday volunteer calling shift (10–11:30 am or 11:30 am–1 pm), visit www.jewishva.org/supersunday.

If you have questions about the event, about hosting, or about volunteering, contact Amy Zelenka, UJFT campaign director, at 757965-6139 or azelenka@ujft.org.

jewishnewsva.org | August 17, 2020 | Jewish News | 13

Tidewater

Federation and Foundation’s one day campaign raises nearly $8,000 for new Tidewater Mikvah

E

arlier this month, United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and Tidewater Jewish Foundation teamed up to raise funds for the new Tidewater Mikvah. The brief, one-day campaign raised nearly $8,000 for the project.

“This was a very successful campaign,” says Sarah Lipman, president of the Jewish Women’s Institute. “We were able to raise more awareness and the muchneeded funds for the new community Mikvah. It has been a pleasure to work with the Federation and Foundation in this endeavor.”

The expansion, called Mikvah Taharas Chaya, will serve the needs of women in the Tidewater Jewish community and bring them together to engage in their personal and spiritual mikvah experiences.

“There are women who use the Mikvah every month, those who go before their wedding or holiday, those who are curious, and those seeking spiritual rejuvenation. It is one of our most ancient traditions—the ritual bath—that binds us to generations that came before,” says Naomi Limor Sedek, president and CEO of Tidewater Jewish Foundation. “Not every woman will choose to use the Mikvah, but every woman in the Jewish

community should have the opportunity and access to a mikvah if they so choose.

Accessibility to building blocks of Jewish life is a commitment of the Jewish community, it enables Jewish life to flourish.”

The funds raised will help complete the Mikvah’s expansion. In addition to a much more comfortable and beautiful space, the Mikvah incorporates innovations in water treatment, energy conservation, and is handicap accessible.

“It has been a pleasure to work on

this community-wide campaign,” says Barb Gelb, director of development at the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater.

“The response we got from community members from every denomination was very supportive and generous. We are taught that building a Mikvah should precede building a shul or even the purchase of a Sefer Torah. By building the new community Mikvah, we will ensure Jewish continuity in Tidewater for decades to come.”

While the waters from Tropical Storm Isaias flowed into the Mikvah, the storm created complications for those who wanted to support the Mikvah campaign, but were without power on August 4. The link to support the Mikvah campaign, jewishva.org/mikvah, will remain active for the remainder of the month to enable more opportunity to support the Mikvah.

Jewish News upcoming issues Now available online the Friday before the pubication date Business Innovation, advancements and news

Salute to

tidewater Jewish Military Connections

Rosh Hashanah September 7

Yom Kippur September 21

14 | Jewish News | August 17, 2020 | jewishnewsva.org

Mazel Tov October 12

Veterans October 26

Business

November 9

Jewish Living Guide to

in tidewater

Supplement to Jewish News August 17, 2020

jewishnewsva.org | August 17, 2020 | Guide | Jewish News | 15

Guide to Jewish Living in Tidewater

Find it

Jewish Holidays 5780

Adults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18–20, 27, 28

All holidays begin at sundown on the evening before the date listed.

Arts and culture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Religious Holidays 5781

Beth Sholom Village . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Camps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20, 23 Cemeteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12, 20, 22 Community Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Community Centers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20, 21 Congregations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Disabilities and Inclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22, 28, 24, 25, 26 Financial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Fitness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Freda A. Gordon Hospice + Palliative Care of Tidewater . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Health and Fitness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Strelitz International Academy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Holiday Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Jewish Family Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Jewish Professionals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus . . . . . . 21 Rehab Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Senior Adults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22, 29 Services and Organizations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Simon Family JCC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Social Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Tidewater Jewish Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 United Jewish Federation of Tidewater . . . . . . . 18 Young Adults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Young Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19, 20 Youth Programming and Organizations . . . 22, 32

16 | Jewish News | Guide | August 17, 2020 | jewishnewsva.org

Rosh Hashanah September 18–September 20, 2020, Jewish New Year Yom Kippur September 28, 2020, Day of Atonement Sukkot October 2–9, 2020, Feast of Tabernacles Shmini Atzeret October 10, 2020, Eighth Day of Assembly Simchat Torah October 11, 2020, Celebration of the Torah

Hanukkah December 10–8, 2020, Festival of Rededication, also Festival of Lights Tu BiShvat January 28, 2021, New Year for Trees Purim February 26, 2021, Story of Esther Pesach March 27–April 4, 2021, Passover Days of the Omer Seven weeks from the second night of Pesach to the day before Shavuot Lag BaOmer April 30, 2021, 33rd day of counting the Omer Shavuot May 17 - 18, 2021, Festival of Weeks, commemorates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai Tish’a B’Av July 18, 2021, The Ninth of Av, Commemorates destruction of the two Temples Tu B’Av July 24, 2021, Jewish holiday of love

Modern Holidays 5780 Yom HaShoah April 8, 2021, Holocaust Memorial Day Yom HaZikaron April 14, 2021, Israeli Memorial Day Yom HaAtzma’ut April 15, 2021, Israeli Independence Day

Guide to Jewish Living in Tidewater

Dear Readers,

L

ife in Jewish Tidewater looks a lot different in August 2020 than it did in, say, February 2020. But, as we all know, appearances aren’t everything.

While we may not appear to be together, it doesn’t mean that we aren’t. Consider what’s happening with our congregations – most have found ways during this COVID-19 pandemic to hold virtual worship services, classes, and meetings. Some are even hosting

R I S T O R A N T E I N S P I R E D

B Y

I T A LY

social events.

The same applies to Jewish Book Festival events, Israel Today conversations, and even ‘Missions’ to Israel and Bulgaria. JCC members are exercising—in-person and on-screens—and kids were able to attend a virtual Camp JCC. Through COVID-19, Jewish Tidewater’s agencies are continuing to serve and thrive, creating new methods of connection.

The information in this Guide, however, does not address the specific virtual offerings and events of Jewish Tidewater. The primary reason that we’ve chosen to stay away from listing, for example, which programs or services are virtual, is the evolutionary nature of the pandemic and our response to it. Plus, this is an annual publication, and who knows what the future will bring. I certainly don’t. But what I am confident in is that Jewish Tidewater will remain a vital community that continues to plan and present events, health and human services, and activities that nurture souls, bodies, and the emotional well-being of a diverse Jewish community. And, that is exactly what the Guide to Jewish Living in Tidewater reflects.

NOW

These pages are jam packed with phone numbers, websites, and email addresses with people ready to respond to all sorts of inquiries.

I hope you keep this Guide handy and use it throughout the year. It’s a terrific resource.

Stay safe and healthy,

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Guide to Jewish Living in Tidewater

Community Resources United Jewish Federation of Tidewater

5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Suite 200, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 757-965-6100 JewishVA.org facebook.com/UJFTidewater info@ujft.org Executive Vice President/CEO: Betty Ann Levin United Jewish Federation of Tidewater nurtures a dynamic, committed, inclusive, and caring Jewish community, guided by its values and mission to support and preserve Jewish life.

Almost 1,400 generous community members donate each year to the UJFT Community Campaign. Funds are distributed to trusted Jewish agencies and institutions as part of a thorough allocation process. This model of communal giving assists Jewish agencies and organizations at home in Tidewater, in Israel, and in Jewish communities around the globe.

UJFT cares for those in need, aids Jews in danger, enhances Jewish security, and promotes Israel.

Gifts help UJFT partners provide healthcare, social services, Jewish cultural and educational programs, and initiatives that improve human relations. As a result, UJFT, as part of the Jewish Federations of North America, impacts Jewish lives around the world.

Community Campaign Director: Amy Zelenka, 757-965-6139, azelenka@ujft.org UJFT holds an annual community fundraising effort each year to help meet the needs of Jews locally, globally, and in Israel. More than 100 local Jewish volunteers raise funds for the Campaign in partnership with a small staff of development professionals.

Campaigners strive to engage all donors in the community in discussion of Jewish values and concerns. In addition, the Federation seeks to provide opportunities to show donors how their support impacts beneficiaries at home and abroad.

The Community Campaign runs on UJFT’s fiscal year, July 1–June 30.

At the end of the campaign year, the UJFT board of directors allocates funds based on recommendations by the Finance committee for distribution to the local community, and by the Israel & Overseas committee, for distributions to international and Israeli agencies and organizations.

Donations to the Annual Campaign are welcome at any time, and can be made securely online at JewishVA.org/Donation.

Men’s Division JewishVA.org/mens-cabinet Director: Amy Zelenka, 757-965-6139, azelenka@ujft.org UJFT’s Men’s Division is dedicated to engaging the community in support of the Federation’s Community Campaign. The Men’s Division is comprised of more than 40 volunteers who serve the Tidewater Jewish community by soliciting gifts of support.

These volunteers help ensure funding is available for Jewish education, health and social welfare, the fight against anti-Semitism, enhanced security, emergency services, and crisis relief.

18 | Jewish News | Guide | August 17, 2020 | jewishnewsva.org

Women’s Division JewishVA.org/women facebook.com/JewishWomen757 Director: Amy Zelenka, 757-965-6139, azelenka@ujft.org The Women’s Division is the women’s fundraising arm of the Federation’s Community Campaign, providing the women of the community with opportunities for volunteerism and philanthropy at all levels.

At the helm of the Women’s Division is the Women’s Cabinet, which meets regularly to learn what’s happening in the Tidewater Jewish community and the Jewish world and to put that knowledge to use informing donors as they engage in conversations around philanthropic giving.

Members of the Women’s Cabinet serve as ambassadors and role models for women of all ages in the community, taking the lead in volunteer fundraising for the Women’s Division of the UJFT Community Campaign and reaching out to engage other women in the Jewish community through events and activities throughout the year.

Young Adult Division (YAD) and Young Leadership Campaign (YLC) JewishVA.org/yad facebook.com/YAD Interim Young Leadership Campaign Managers: Amy Zelenka and Barb Gelb The Young Adult Division of UJFT promotes social, cultural, leadership, and philanthropic opportunities for young Jewish adults.

Both YAD and YLC foster Jewish identity, involvement, and responsibility among young Jews in Tidewater, in order to sustain and enrich the vibrant Jewish community at home, in Israel, and around the world. YAD aims to cultivate relationships, build networks, and develop highly skilled leaders to ensure the future of the Jewish community. YLC seeks to engage young philanthropists and campaign advocates, to educate and encourage their peers and others about the importance of Jewish community giving.

YAD hosts numerous programs such as monthly happy hours, holiday parties, business networking, and Shabbat dinners, as well as men- and women-specific programs.

YLC spearheads the community’s annual fundraising phone-a-thon, Super Sunday.

YLC and YAD recruit promising young members of the Jewish community for participation in their Hineni! leadership development program, where future leaders learn about the Federation’s mission. They learn together, network, grow leadership skills, and most importantly, create community. Hineni! fellows are invited to participate in a week-long, exclusive mission to Israel, heavily subsidized by the Tom Hofheimer Fund, and known as the Tom Hofheimer Young Leadership Mission.

Guide to Jewish Living in Tidewater Society of Jewish Professionals

Shalom Baby

JewishVA.org/societyofprofessionals Donor Relations Manager: Ronnie Jacobs Cohen 757-321-2341, rcohen@ujft.org The Society of Jewish Professionals (SOP) is dedicated to educational, social, and philanthropic activities, and provides opportunities to network, socialize, and become active through a financial commitment to the Community Campaign. Members also serve as role models for their colleagues, family, and friends, and provide funding for Jewish survival, welfare, and continuity.

SOP is an evolution of the once separate groups Maimonides and Business & Legal Societies, whose members decided to merge in light of their common Jewish and communal interests, and to enjoy the programming and benefits. All healthcare, business, legal, media, real estate, entrepreneur, and service provider professionals are invited.

JewishVa.org/ShalomBaby Manager of Youth and Teen Experiences: Nofar Trem, 757-321-2334, ntrem@ujft.org Shalom Baby is an exciting gift bag delivery program made possible by a partnership between the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater/Simon Family JCC and Strelitz Early Childhood Education Center and PJ Library. Whether this is a first or fourth child, birth, or adoptive, Shalom Baby wants to help parents celebrate the arrival by showering them with fun and relaxing gifts and helpful resources for Jewish babies.

Shalom Tidewater JewishVA.org/ShalomTidewater Donor Relations Manager: Ronnie Jacobs Cohen, 757-321-2341, rcohen@ujft.org The Tidewater Jewish community is a hub of activity, spanning five cities: Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, and Suffolk. Shalom Tidewater offers a wealth of resources for newcomers to the Tidewater Jewish community to help everyone find their place whether affiliated or unaffiliated, Jewish by birth, Jewish by choice, or interfaith.

Community Relations Council JewishVA.org/CRC facebook.com/CRCUJFT Senior Director: Robin Mancoll, 757-965-6120, rmancoll@ujft.org Director: Megan Zuckerman, 757-965-6112, mzuckerman@ujft.org The Jewish Community Relations Council of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater champions a thriving Jewish community locally, in Israel, and around the world and leverages the strength of our diverse and vibrant Jewish community to promote a just and democratic society by leading, convening, educating, and advocating.

The JCRC engages in constructive dialogue, creates educational opportunities, and maintains positive exchanges with public officials and government, the media, the Jewish community, as well as with other faith and ethnic communities throughout Tidewater.

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Guide to Jewish Living in Tidewater The JCRC offers numerous opportunities for engagement for the entire community throughout the year, including Virginia Jewish Advocacy Day and the popular speaker series, the Israel Today Forum.

Be A Reader (BeAR) JewishVA.org/BeAR Program Associate: Leigh Casson, 757-321-2304, lcasson@ujft.org The Be A Reader (BeAR) literacy program of the Jewish Community Relations Council of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater was created more than 20 years ago as a community-wide effort to help at-risk, struggling readers acquire the skills and love for learning that lead to personal happiness and future success.

BeAR works with eight Title I elementary schools and pairs a volunteer mentor with a student for an hour each week to read, work on spelling and vocabulary, and provide students with a sense of stability.

Since there is no shortage of children that need assistance, the program’s capacity is solely dependent on its number of volunteers. BeAR welcomes volunteers to help children learn to read.

The Holocaust Commission HolocaustCommission.org facebook.com/holcommission Director: Elena Barr Baum, 757-965-6129, ebaum@ujft.org The Holocaust Commission encourages teachers, students, and the community to apply the lessons of history to the moral decisions they make each day. The Commission offers programs, resources, and community events related to Holocaust education and remembrance. Dedicated volunteers from the community guide and foster the Holocaust Commission’s work.

Among its many events and programs, the Holocaust Commission offers What We Carry, a multimedia program for schools, community, and military groups; a yearly community gathering for Yom Hashoah, the commemoration day of the Holocaust; the annual Elie Wiesel Writing and Visual Arts Competitions for students; annual educators’ awards, and Biennial Educators’ Conferences.

The Holocaust Commission’s website provides more information on how to participate in and support its various programs.

PJ Library Manager of Youth and Teen Experiences: Nofar Trem, 757-321-2334, ntrem@ujft.org Something magical happens when parents sit down to read with their children. PJ Library sends free Jewish children’s books to families each month, sharing stories that can help foster conversations about important values and traditions. Families with kids ages six months through eight years old with Judaism as part of their lives—affiliated, unaffiliated, interfaith, or non-traditional—are welcome to sign up by visiting pjlibrary. org. Children from ages eight to 12 can select a new free book each month by signing up for PJ Our Way. Local PJ Library and PJ Our Way programs bring the books to life with other PJ kids.

Jewish News JewishNewsVA.org facebook.com/JewishNewsVA Editor: Terri Denison, 757-965-6132, tdenison@ujft.org Published 20 times annually, Jewish News connects the Tidewater Jewish community with news of Jewish interest from local, national, and global spheres.

The Jewish News is delivered to thousands of mailboxes each month, and reaches tens of thousands through its easy-to-navigate website. Electronic editions of Jewish News are available online.

Hal Sacks Jewish News Archives JewishNewsVA.org news@ujft.org Research, laugh, remember, and browse through the Hal Sacks Jewish News Archives, an online site to access past issues of the Jewish News since 1947.

CAMP GAN ISRAEL

Chabad House, 1920 Colley Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23517 www.ganizzy.org Director: Rashi Brashevitzky, 757-616-0770 Camp Gan Israel, “Gan Izzy” is part of the largest worldwide network of Jewish day camps. At Gan Izzy, campers’ days are filled with games, crafts, field trips, sports, swimming and more—all with a Jewish twist! Each day of Gan Izzy also includes prayers and a Jewish lesson delivered in a child friendly and relevant fashion. The Gan Izzy experience is filled with great spirit and a love for Jewish heritage—campers have been known to wait all year long to return to Gan Izzy and start the fun all over again!

Sababa Beachaway

www.sabababeachaway.org 516.499.5349 A Jewish co-ed sleepaway camp in Virginia Beach, Sababa is committed to helping young people grow their best sense of self, build meaningful relationships, immerse themselves in passionate, fun pursuits, and stoke their innate spiritual flame while having a great time at the beach.

Campers have the opportunity to gain expertise in specialties that include sailing, scuba diving, surfing and seaside media, make new friends and experience Shabbat on the beach.

Residing at Old Dominion University, Sababa’s ultimate goal is to have campers leave camp with the knowledge that they matter, not for who they may become in the future, but rather, for who they are today.

For boys and girls, rising fifth–12th grade. Two-week sessions.

Sababa Beachaway is a recipient of the Foundation for Jewish Camp Incubator Grant, funded by the Jim Joseph and Avi Chai Foundations.

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Guide to Jewish Living in Tidewater

Simon Family JCC Summer Camp

Simon Family JCC | Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus 5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 757-321-2334, fax 757-489-4427, www.campjcc.org Camp JCC provides children with a rich and unique day camp experience. This dynamic program allows every child to explore their interests and try new activities within a safe camp atmosphere. For two-year-olds through eighth grade. CIT opportunities for ninth and 10th graders. Summer camp runs mid-June through early August, with “Last Blast” camp offered in the weeks between our regular camp weeks and Labor Day.

Community Centers Reba and Sam Sandler Family campus of the tidewater Jewish community

by each agency. Mechanics, heating and cooling, food services—including the Cardo Cafe—janitors, landscaping, and security is a function of the Campus. This enables the individual agencies to concentrate on serving the Jewish community and reduces spending.

Simon Family Jewish Community Center

Simon Family JCC on the Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus 5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 757-321-2338, fax 757-489-4427, www.SimonFamilyJCC.org CEO: Betty Ann Levin The Simon Family Jewish Community Center serves the entire Jewish and greater Tidewater community—from infants to seniors. Everyone is welcome, regardless of faith. It is a division of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater.

WELLNESS

5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462 757-965-6100 Facility Director: Glenn Saucier When the Jewish agencies moved to the Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus in 2004, a department was established to assume the operations formerly administered

Director: Tom Purcell, 757-321-2310 The JCC has an expansive Fitness Center, three indoor pools, an outdoor water park, gymnasium, pickleball courts, and more in the state-of-the-art facility. The JCC also offers more than 30 free group exercise classes weekly, such as Spin, Pilates, Zumba, and Yoga. Members get discounts on Personal Training, as well as discounts on such classes as karate.

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Guide to Jewish Living in Tidewater SPORTS, RECREATION, AND AQUATICS

ARTS + IDEAS

Athletics Director: Tom Edwards, 757-321-2308 A variety of aquatics, sports, recreation, athletics, and youth and adult athletic leagues such as basketball, tee ball, tennis, pickleball, and a swim team are offered at the Simon Family JCC. JCC membership is not required to participate, but does provide discounts.

The JCC also offers children and adult swim lessons, lap lanes for fitness swimmers, and an outdoor waterpark.

Manager: Patty Shelanski, 757-452-3184 pshelanski@ujft.org Leon Family Gallery Rotating exhibits featuring Israeli or Jewish artists from around the globe.

The Lee and Bernard Jaffe Family Jewish Book Festival An annual celebration of Jewish authors, books, and ideas which seeks to enrich Jewish culture by presenting themes that engage, educate, and inspire.

Virginia Festival of Jewish Film As one of the longest-running Jewish film festivals in the country, the Virginia Festival of Jewish Film, presented by Patricia and Avraham Ashkenazi and Alma and Howard Laderberg, educates and engages diverse Tidewater communities, Jewish and nonJewish alike, by presenting world-class film premieres, repertory cinema, and associated programs that are inspired by Jewish or Israeli history, heritage, and values.

Southside Chapel • 5033 Rouse Drive Virginia Beach • 757 422-4000

Israel Fest Simon Family JCC’s biggest outdoor community event of the year, Israel Fest celebrates Israel’s birthday with authentic Israeli street food, Israeli art and jewelry, camel rides, and so much more.

SENIOR ADULT PROGRAMS

Chris Sisler, Vice President, Member of Ohef Sholom Temple, Board member of the Berger-Goldrich Home at Beth Sholom Village, James E. Altmeyer, Jr., President, James E. Altmeyer, Sr., Owner

Maestas Chapel • 1801 Baltic Ave. Virginia Beach • 757 428-1112

• Family owned and operated since 1917 • Affordable services to fit any budget

KONIKOFF CENTER FOR LEARNING Chesapeake Chapel • 929 S. Battlefield Blvd.

Chesapeake • 757 482-3311

• Advance funeral planning • Professional, experienced, caring staff • Flexible burial options • Flexible payment options

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Programs Department Associate: Jill Grossman 757-965-6137 or JGrossman@ujft.org.

Celebrations and fun activities with friendly company are offered for adults of all backgrounds. With a multitude of opportunities throughout each week, the program’s mission is to encourage senior adults to participate in educational, cultural, spiritual, fitness, and social programs to increase health, well-being, and connection to other individuals and the Jewish community.

Limited transportation to JCC programs and events is available through Transportation Services from Jewish Family Service. Contact Jody Laibstain at 757-459-4640.

Riverside Chapel • 7415 River Road Newport News •757 245-1525

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JewishVA.org/kc Director of Jewish Innovation: Sierra Lautman, 757-965-6107 JewishVA.org/kc, slautman@ujft.org Tidewater’s hub for experiential Jewish education and engagement at the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and Simon Family JCC. Through high-impact, innovative learning experiences including programs, classes, workshops, and symposiums that span generations and interests, the Konikoff Center for Learning engages, educates, equips, and inspires individuals to deepen their Jewish knowledge and connection.

YOUTH PROGRAMMING B’nai B’rith Youth Organization (BBYO) Jewish students 9th–12th grade Benita Watts, 757-407-6167 BBYO involves Jewish teens in meaningful Jewish experiences, guiding them into leadership positions that will last a lifetime. Teens meet weekly, on weekends, from September through June at the Simon Family JCC, and focus on community service and social action programs with their chapters, BBG (girls) and AZA (boys). The teens attend a variety of regional and national conventions.

Guide to Jewish Living in Tidewater CHILDREN AND FAMILY PROGRAMS Program Manager of Kids Connection: Sarah Cooper, 757-321-2306, scooper@simonfamilyjcc.org Children’s classes including cooking classes, dance classes, gymnastics, and yoga are offered year round. We also host a monthly Kids Night Out program and school break camps. Need to plan a birthday party? Let us help! Age 3 through elementary school.

Camp JCC Simon Family JCC | Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus 5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 757-321-2334, fax 757-489-4427, www.campjcc.org Camp JCC provides children with a rich and unique day camp experience. This dynamic program allows every child to explore their interests and try new activities within a safe camp atmosphere. For two-year-olds through eighth grade. CIT opportunities for ninth and 10th graders. Summer camp runs mid-June through early August, with “Last Blast” camp offered in the weeks between our regular camp weeks and Labor Day.

CONGREGATIONS B’NAI ISRAEL CONGREGATION

420 Spotswood Ave., Norfolk, VA 23517 757-627-7358, fax 757-627-8544 www.bnaiisrael.org, office@bnaiisrael.org Rabbi Sender Haber ORTHODOX B’nai Israel Congregation is an exciting, family-oriented full-service Orthodox synagogue in the heart of a diverse and dynamic Jewish community in the Ghent neighborhood of Norfolk. It offers daily morning and evening prayer services. The synagogue houses the Norfolk Area Community Kollel, BINA High School for Girls, and the Norfolk Community Mikvah. It is affiliated with the Orthodox Union and the National Conference of Young Israel.

• Adult classes • Children’s programming • Teen programming

CHABAD LUBAVITCH OF TIDEWATER/ CHABAD HOUSE

1920 Colley Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23517 757-616-0770, Fax 757-616-0772 chabadoftidewater.com Rabbi Aron Margolin, Rychel Margolin, Rabbi Levi Brashevitzky, Rashi Brashevitzky Established in 1979, Chabad Lubavitch of Tidewater is dedicated to increasing the awareness, knowledge, and observance of Judaism in Tidewater by reaching out to all Jews, regardless of age, affiliation or level of observance.

Chabad participants experience the joy and celebration, the intimacy and compassion, the wisdom, and knowledge that is inherent in Jewish life and learning.

Chabad of Tidewater responds to both the material and spiritual needs of the Jewish community through classes, counseling, Shabbat and holiday celebrations, and innovative programming for children and adults.

• Women’s Rosh Chodesh Society • Jewish Learning Institute • Shabbat Youth services • Jewish Art Calendar To help support Chabad of Tidewater, visit chabadoftidewater.com/donate.

CONGREGATION BETH CHAVERIM

Temple.Office@bethchaverim.com Jim Hibberd, Soloist Chad A. Bornstein, president, 757-477-3585 REFORM Founded in 1982, Beth Chaverim has been affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism since 1984.

• Religious School • Services at Temple Emanuel Social Hall at the beach • 7 pm Friday Night Services

COMMODORE URIAH P. LEVY CHAPEL

Corner of Maryland Ave. and Gilbert St., Naval Station Norfolk 757-559-1836 Rabbi Gershon Litt gary.litt.ctr@navy.mil UNAFFILIATED The Commodore Levy Chapel is the oldest land based Jewish Chapel on a Naval Station in North America. Established in 1942 and named for Commodore Uriah Philips Levy in 1959, the Levy Jewish Chapel celebrated 50 years of service to God and Country in 2009. Access to worship services is available to Active Duty and Reserve Military, their dependents, military retirees, and Civil Service employees. Guests are allowed, when accompanied by sponsors from the above groups or by special permission from the Base Chaplain’s Office.

CONGREGATION BETH EL

422 Shirley Ave., Norfolk, VA 23517 757-625-7821, fax 757-627-4905 bethelnorfolk.com, noelle@bethelnorfolk.com Rabbi Murray Ezring Cantor Wendi Fried Rabbi Arthur Ruberg, Rabbi Emeritus Head of School: Dr. Eran Livni Executive Director: Pam Gladstone CONSERVATIVE As the oldest Conservative synagogue in Virginia, Beth El has been translating Jewish practice into purposeful living for more than 169 years. Beth El provides a full educational program for all ages, diverse religious services and ritual moments, cultural events, and participation in social action projects within the Jewish community and beyond. Beth El holds daily morning and evening services, as well as weekly Shabbat services every Friday evening and Saturday morning. See website for service times and links.

• Religious and Hebrew School • Adult clubs and classes • Teen programming

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Guide to Jewish Living in Tidewater

Kehillat Bet Hamidrash Kempsville Conservative Synagogue

952 Indian Lakes Blvd., Virginia Beach, VA 23464 757-495-8510 kbhsynagogue.org, kbhsynagogue@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/kbhsynagogue Chazzan M. David Proser CONSERVATIVE Kempsville Conservative Synagogue (Kehillat Bet Hamidrash) is a place for traditional, yet egalitarian, Jews to celebrate all things Jewish in a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.

KBH was established in 1978 and is centrally located in Tidewater, not far from Town Center and the Sandler Family Campus in Virginia Beach. As a small congregation, members have the opportunity to play an active role in the life of our synagogue.

The synagogue strives to provide opportunities for prayer, learning, socializing, celebrating life-cycle events, and supporting its local and greater Jewish community.

Kehillat Bet Hamidrash (KBH) shares various activities with its programming partner, Temple Israel.

• Shabbat and Holiday services.

• Shared Religious School and Youth Programs • Adult clubs and classes • Shabbat Experience for young families

Ohef Sholom Temple

530 Raleigh Ave., Norfolk, VA 23507 757-625-4295, fax 757-625-3762 ohefsholom.org, linda@ohefsholom.org Rabbi Rosalin Mandelberg Cantor Jennifer Rueben Executive Director: Linda Peck Religious School Director: Kitty Wolf Music Director: Charles Woodward Lawrence A. Forman, Rabbi Emeritus REFORM Founded in 1844, Ohef Sholom Temple is the largest and oldest Reform congregation in Tidewater. Services take place Friday nights at 6:30 pm and Saturday mornings at 10:30 am.

Ohef Sholom Temple is committed to welcoming all who are in search of a spiritual home, including interfaith families, LGBTQ, singles, and empty-nesters. A Union for Reform Judaism congregation, Ohef Sholom is committed to innovative worship, deep Torah learning, fostering meaningful relationships, and tikkun olam (bettering our world through social action).

• Religious school for preschool through grade 10 • Programming for babies and toddlers, children, teens, and families • Intro to Judaism classes • Diverse adult study opportunities • Dynamic, musical worship • Social justice and social action initiatives • Library • Gift shop • Archives • Youth Groups

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TEMPLE EMANUEL

424 25th St., Virginia Beach, VA 23451 757-428-2591 www.tevb.org, office@tevb.org Rabbi Marc Kraus Office manager: Gail Gogan CONSERVATIVE Temple Emanuel is a thriving oceanfront Jewish community located in Virginia Beach.

It is intimate, accepting, and open to all. Temple Emanuel embraces the many ways to express Jewishness and spirituality, welcoming people of all family situations, ethnicities and sexual orientations. Located at the beach, it offers a relaxed, informal atmosphere with creative worship services as well as cultural programming for all.

Religious School is cutting edge.

Learn more about Temple Emanuel at www.tevb.org/about.

TEMPLE ISRAEL

7255 Granby St., Norfolk, VA 23505 757-489-4550, fax 757-489-3425 templeisraelva.org, TempleIsraelVA@aol.com Rabbi Michael Panitz Executive Director: Nancy Tucker CONSERVATIVE/MASORTI Temple Israel is a vibrant, egalitarian, full-service synagogue that has served the local Jewish community for over 65 years by meeting the spiritual, educational, life cycle, and social needs of its diverse membership. Through the fulfillment of mitzvot, it provides opportunities for meaningful Jewish living for its members.

Temple Israel maintains a full schedule of joint programs with the Kempsville Conservative Synagogue and is a stakeholder with KBH and Congregation Beth El in the Patricia Sarah Ashkenazi Religious School and high-school level Midrashah, providing for the Jewish educational and social needs of children and teens. Adult education is one of the hallmarks of Temple Israel, including ongoing studies on a variety of topics, as well as adult bar and bat mitzvah classes.

Temple Israel enthusiastically embraces tikkun olam (repairing the world) and values every individual’s unique participation. With a perspective embracing both tradition and the challenges of today’s world, Temple Israel welcomes innovative ideas and new voices into its family.

The congregation is moving forward with an ambitious program of making its facilities more fully accessible.

• Daily, Shabbat, and holiday worship services • Adult Clubs and Classes • Library • Gift Shop

Temple Lev Tikvah (Heart of Hope)

The Church of the Holy Apostles 1593 Lynnhaven Parkway, Virginia Beach 757-617-0334 or 757-937-8393 Rabbi Israel Zoberman Reform The newest Jewish congregation in Hampton Roads meets in The Church of the Holy Apostles in Virginia Beach. The church is the world’s only Episcopal and Roman Catholic congregation. Now, it is the only place in the world where Episcopalians, Roman Catholics, and Jews meet under one roof.

Rabbi Dr. Israel Zoberman is the founder and spiritual leader.

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Guide to Jewish Living in Tidewater

TIDEWATER CHAVURAH

tidewaterchavurah.com 757-499-3660 or 757-495-0730 Rabbi Cantor Ellen Jaffe-Gill Contact: Carol or Betsy INDEPENDENT Tidewater Chavurah, is a “synagogue without walls” involved in Jewish fellowship.

Formed in 1998, Tidewater Chavurah has been an alternative to the formality of religious institutions since its inception. Tidewater Chavurah welcomes singles, couples, and families in interfaith marriages, people of all ethnicities, gender identities, and sexual orientations while remaining a small, vibrant, and friendly group. The Hebrew word, chavurah, means “fellowship” and generally denotes a group of like-minded people who interact within a Jewish context.

Tidewater Chavurah uses prayer books of the Reform movement. Rabbi Jaffe-Gill also leads holiday celebrations and facilitates Jewish-themed learning experiences.

Education Patricia Sarah Ashkenazi Religious School

Head of school: Dr. Eran Livni eran@bethelnorfolk.com, 757-625-7821 Patricia Sarah Ashkenazi Religious School is a partnership of Congregation Beth El, Temple Israel, and Kehilat Beit Ha-midras. The school’s primary goal is to prepare the young generation to carry on Judaism in the 21st century. The school has developed a pioneering Montessori-based program for students from three years old to 12th grade.

Chaye Sarah (Sundays, 9 am–12 pm) introduces children from three years old through 7th grade to Torah, mitzvot, prayers and blessings, rituals, Hebrew, Israel, Jewish history, and more in multi-age classes and with hands-on Montessori-Judaica materials.

United Hebrew School 2.0 is a midweek individual tutoring program which guides students to the deep meanings and beauty of liturgical Hebrew.

The Community Midrashah (Sundays, 5:30 -7:30 pm) invites teens from 8th through 12th grade to deal with real world questions of Judaism during weekly sessions.

Almost all teachers and tutors are professional educators dedicated to their own continuous Jewish learning. An enthusiastic team of teenage assistants provides students with role models of how to grow up as young Americans Jews.

BINA High School

425 Washington Park, Norfolk, VA 23517 757-627-BINA (2462), fax 757-627-2461 binahighschool.com, aharpaz@binahighschool.com Menaheles: Aviva Harpaz Norfolk’s first and only Orthodox Jewish High School for young women, BINA opened in 2007. The BINA experience enables each student to develop her love for Hashem, His Torah and the Jewish people. In a supportive and challenging academic environment, students are given the skills to excel in both Judaic and General studies.

BINA’s knowledgeable and professional faculty foster a love of learning and pride in achievement. A BINA student is taught to be proud of her heritage, concerned for her community, and prepared for her future.

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Guide to Jewish Living in Tidewater

Strelitz International Academy Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus 5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 757-424-4327 strelitzinternationalacademy.org Facebook: Strelitz International Academy Head of School: Heather Moore, hmoore@strelitzacademy.org Director of Admissions: Carin Simon, csimon@strelitzacademy.org

Enrolling students from six weeks old through grade five.

Full-care and summer programs available.

Founded in 1955, the Strelitz International Academy is the first Primary Years International Baccalaureate Candidate School in the area. SIA students are guided by four core Jewish values: Kehillah (community), Kavod (honor), Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), and Torah v’Lishman (love of learning).

Starting with the infant care program, Strelitz offers parents a nurturing and safe place to ensure the growth and development for their baby. The infant curriculum focuses on sensory activities and exploration, stories, songs, and floor time.

As an International Baccalaureate Candidate School, the Early Years students are seen as inquirers of the world around them. Students experience the joy of learning through hands-on activities and nurturing teachers. SIA students learn math and literacy skills, experience Jewish holidays and global learning through books, arts and crafts, songs, games, and creative play.

Primary Years (K-5) students are recognized for their strengths and become part of a caring community of learners. The SIA curriculum includes language arts, science, math, social studies, Jewish culture, Hebrew language, music, violin, art, P.E., and more. Through its inquiry-led trans-disciplinary framework, the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program challenges students to think for themselves and take responsibility for their learning as they explore local and global issues and opportunities in real-life contexts.

Strelitz International Academy is open to students of all faiths from six weeks old to grade five. SIA is accredited by the Virginia Association of Independent Schools (VAIS).

Graduates are ready to meet the challenges of today’s fast-paced world, as evidenced by their acceptance and seamless transitions into the top independent schools, International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program, and public school academies.

What makes the Strelitz International Academy special?

• SIA is the only International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program candidate school in the area.

• Large and sunny classrooms with bathrooms and sinks.

• Indoor and outdoor play areas.

• Music, library, swimming, and physical education instruction.

• Cooking center and Outdoor Learning Garden.

• Comprehensive technology program using Chromebooks, ActiveBoards, Coding and Robotics Clubs, and student led news program.

• Advanced Science Program taught in the school science lab starting in kindergarten.

• Global learning experiences through field trips, virtual learning, and community service experiences.

• Suzuki Violin program starting in kindergarten.

• Generous financial aid available.

• Accreditation by the Virginia Association of Independent Schools.

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Institute for Jewish Studies and Interfaith Understanding at Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University 2024 Batten Arts and Letters, Norfolk, VA 23529 757-683-6816 odu.edu/al/institutes/ijiu, amilliga@odu.edu facebook.com/IJIUatODU Director: Amy Milligan, PhD The Institute for Jewish Studies and Interfaith Understanding (IJIU) is an interdisciplinary academic program at Old Dominion University dedicated to creating strong, inclusive learning experiences that deepen understanding of Jewish thought, history, and culture.

IJIU sponsors research, academic programs, engagement activities, and collaboration with community partners to promote diverse Jewish perspectives about significant local and global issues, address anti-Semitic acts and other forms of hatred, and encourage dialogue between people of all faiths and beliefs.

Norfolk Area Community Kollel

420 Spotswood Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23517 757-655-1836, nack@norfolkkollel.com, norfolkkollel.com Rosh Kollel: Rabbi Boruch Danziger Executive Director: Rabbi Gershon Litt Rabbi Ephraim Davis Rabbi Moshe Prager Rabbi Eliyahu Segal Rabbi Shmuel Katz Rabbi Yehuda Brickman Rabbi Aron Slone Rabbi Noach Gruen Norfolk Area Community Kollel offers Jewish classes and programming regardless of affiliation or practice. Their philosophy is Torah-based and centers on gaining spirituality through personal growth through rich Torah heritage. The Norfolk Kollel offers programs at college campuses and high schools, as well as lunch and learn programs, “one on one” study sessions, and can “tailor-make” a Jewish education program for specific needs. The motto of the Kollel is “Inspiration Through Education.”

Talmudical Academy

Yeshivas Aish Kodesh 612 Colonial Ave., Norfolk, VA 23507 757-623-6070, dwatyak@gmail.com Executive Director: Rabbi Shmuel Katz Judaic Principals: Rabbi Shaul Lefkovitz and Rabbi Avrohom Weinreb General Studies Principal: David Rowzie Administrative Director: Debbie Wilson Yeshivas Aish Kodesh is geared toward the student striving for excellence in Limudei Kodesh and General Studies. The school aims to facilitate the spiritual, personal, and academic growth of talmidim, with an eye toward producing well-rounded bnei Torah. Yeshivas Aish Kodesh meets these goals with a full, balanced schedule. The curriculum features Gemara shiurim in both Iyun and Bekius, as well as regular classes in Chumash, Navi, Halacha, and Tefillah. Yeshivas Aish Kodesh offers a general studies

Guide to Jewish Living in Tidewater program taught by state-certified instructors.

Yeshivas Aish Kodesh’s facilities feature a Beis Medrash, state-of-the-art classrooms, a well-stocked library, and a recreation/work-out room. The students can participate in varsity and junior varsity basketball, as well as intermural football. The students have regular opportunities to participate in pick-up basketball games, swimming, ice skating, and other activities.

Yeshivas Aish Kodesh views experiential learning as an integral part of the Yeshiva’s approach. Visiting and interacting with Gedolei Yisrael, an energetic Oneg Shabbos, a heartfelt kumzitz—ways in which the special ruach and warmth that characterizes Yeshivas Aish Kodesh is extended.

Join our Beth El family for the live streaming of virtual services at www.bethelnorfolk.com.

TORAS CHAIM

3110 Sterling Point Drive, Portsmouth, VA 23703 757-686-2480 toraschaim.net Toras Chaim is an Orthodox Jewish Day School committed to providing quality Judaic and general studies education in a Torah environment for infants through eighth grade.

The school day is divided into two curricula. First, it offers an academic program of high rigor with a superior set of learning objectives which is accredited by Advanc-Ed, formerly the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Second, it offers a religious curriculum that teaches original texts and traditions that ground the students in a sense of their Jewish heritage and traditions founded on national standards created by Torah Umesorah, the national Jewish day school organization.

The staff of Toras Chaim is comprised of committed educators. Religious instruction is taught by religious leaders who live the traditions and values they teach. Secular academics are taught by certified teachers who are exceptional in their fields and who convey both the content and the flavor of their studies.

The school year at Toras Chaim also contains many exciting and fun activities to enrich the students’ experience. Students celebrate Jewish holidays, participate in league sports, spelling bees, geography bees, and writing contests that help them be the best that they can in whichever area is their strength.

Hillel at Old Dominion University

422 Shirley Avenue Norfolk, VA 23517 757.625.7821 www.bethelnorfolk.com

Best wishes for a happy, healthy New Year– L’Shana Tovah Tikatevuh

757-559-1836, rabbilitt@oduhillel.org Director: Rabbi Gershon Litt Hillel is the home to the Jewish student community with social activities, educational events, and holiday celebrations on and off campus. Visit www.JewishVA.org/Hillel.

William and Mary Hillel

Shenkman Jewish Center PO Box 8795, Williamsburg, VA 23187 Director: Rabbi Gershon Litt, rabbilitt@wmhillel.org 757-559-1836 William and Mary Hillel is open to all Jewish students and is the Jewish organization at William and Mary. Hillel offers social, religious, cultural, and Israel related events, led by student leadership and professional staff. The Shenkman Jewish Center is the new home for W&M Hillel offering kosher meals, programs, and services.

757-425-9191 · www.FlaxLaw.com 303 34th Street, Suite 7, Virginia Beach, VA 23451

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Guide to Jewish Living in Tidewater

Foundation Tidewater Jewish Foundation

Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus 5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Suite 200 Virginia Beach, VA 23462 757-965-6111 foundation.jewishva.org President and CEO: Naomi Sedek Director of Philanthropy: Kaitlyn Oelsner The Tidewater Jewish Foundation (TJF) serves the entire Tidewater Jewish community by securing endowments to ensure its future. Serving as Jewish philanthropic advisors, Tidewater Jewish Foundation helps connect philanthropists with needs. TJF helps those leaving legacy gifts maximize their impact in the areas of service they care about the most. TJF houses endowments to support synagogue life, summer camp experiences, the gift of building relationships with Israel, and Jewish educational opportunities.

Founded in 1984, TJF has distributed more than $200 million in grants to Jewish and secular charitable organizations. Originally founded as a single endowment fund, TJF has grown to more than $105 million in assets, representing nearly 1,000 active charitable funds managed on behalf of individual donor advisors, the Federation, and more than a dozen local affiliate agencies and synagogues. TJF works closely with donors and their professional advisors to implement tax-advantaged charitable giving strategies that often involve multi-generational philanthropy.

TJF leads the community’s planned giving efforts and is currently directing the LIFE & LEGACY™ program, which has, so far, secured $20 million in estimated future commitments for the benefit of the Jewish community. The four-year program is founded on the principle that everyone, regardless of age, wealth, or affiliation, can make an enduring financial impact for future generations.

The LIFE & LEGACY™ program is a partnership between eight local synagogues and Jewish agencies and is jointly funded by The Harold Grinspoon Foundation and TJF. Other TJF programs include the Simon Family Passport to Israel, the Stein Family Scholarship, the B’nai Tzedek Teen Philanthropy Program, and the One Happy Camper Program.

Additional TJF services include sponsored donor advised funds, fund matching for charitable life insurance, charitable bequests, charitable trusts, reserved life estates, and charitable IRA distributions and designations.

Anyone can be a philanthropist. Contact one of TJF’s philanthropic advisors to learn how to bring legacy dreams to reality.

services and organizations American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC)

Southern States Area Director: Doni Fogel 404-817-1636, dfogel@aipac.org The mission of AIPAC—the American Israel Public Affairs Committee—is to strengthen and expand the U.S.-Israel relationship in ways that enhance the security of the United States and Israel. The national organization engages with and educates decision-makers about the bonds that unite the two countries, and how it is in America’s best interest to

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strengthen those bonds and help ensure that the Jewish state remains safe, strong, and secure.

AIPAC is a bipartisan organization of U.S. citizens. A registered domestic lobby supported by private contributions, AIPAC does not receive direction or financial assistance from Israel, any national organization, or any foreign group. AIPAC is not a political action committee. It does not rate, endorse, or contribute to candidates.

For more than 60 years, AIPAC has worked to make a difference, building a better tomorrow for the United States and Israel.

American Jewish Committee (AJC)

Regional Office Director: Alan Ronkin 202-785-5475; washington@ajc.org; www.AJC.org Facebook.com/AJCGlobal Twitter.com/AJCGlobal American Jewish Committee’s regional office serves as the local gateway to AJC’s global Jewish advocacy network. Often called the State Department of the Jewish People, AJC builds relationships with diplomats and world leaders to keep Jews safe and promote Israel’s place among the nations. With more than 30 offices in the U.S. and around the world, AJC secures the well-being of the Jewish people and Israel while promoting democratic values for all.

ADL (Anti-Defamation League)

Senior Associate Regional Director, ADL Washington, D.C. Regional Office: Meredith R. Weisel, 202-261-4610, mweisel@adl.org, adl.org The Anti-Defamation League is a leading anti-hate organization. Founded in 1913 in response to an escalating climate of anti-Semitism and bigotry, its timeless mission is to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment to all.

Today, ADL continues to fight all forms of hate with the same vigor and passion. ADL is the first call when acts of anti-Semitism occur. A global leader in exposing extremism, delivering anti-bias education and fighting hate online, ADL’s ultimate goal is a world in which no group or individual suffers from bias, discrimination or hate.

ADL has emerged as one of the most formidable anti-hate organizations because of its ironclad commitment to protecting the rights of all people regardless of their race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or level of ability. Since its inception, ADL has believed that America only would be safe for its Jewish people if it was safe for all its people—and that when it was truly safe for all its people, it also would be safe for its Jewish community. ADL’s work has expanded to address antiSemitism across the globe.

ADL works to protect all marginalized groups from the devastating impacts of extremism, reduce bias in individuals through education, and create an environment of laws and norms where all groups are treated fairly, and hate has no home.

Recognized as one of ADL’s most innovative and effective offices, the ADL Washington, D.C. regional office serves the District of Columbia, Maryland, North Carolina and Virginia, carrying out the mandate “to stop the defamation of the Jewish people…and to secure justice and fair treatment to all.”

B’NAI B’RITH OF TIDEWATER

Arnold Gamsey Lodge #1195 Officer: President: Wayne Martin, 757-855-0227 Financial Secretary: Jim Eilberg, 757-222-2277 Founded in 1843, B’nai B’rith is dedicated to building a strong sense of Jewish identity and unity within the Jewish community.

Guide to Jewish Living in Tidewater

Brith Sholom Center of Virginia Inc.

LeeAnne Mallory, secretary, 461-1150 or Brith.sholom1@ gmail.com Brith Sholom Center of Virginia Inc. is a nonpolitical organization which aims to foster and perpetuate the spirit, ideals, and traditions of Judaism.

Membership is currently at 250. Applications for men and women 21 years and above are available for new membership.

Activities include dinners, dances, trips, entertainment, and cultural events. Its philanthropic endeavor is to support Jewish education and community organizations that provide services, plus international groups that assist needy causes.

Brith Sholom meetings take place on the first Sunday of each month (except July and August) at 11 am at Beth Sholom Village in Virginia Beach.

Friends of the IDF

www.FIDF.org Alex Pomerantz, director of Virginia 757-472-9054, alex. pomerantz@fidf.org Jasmine Amitay, development associate, 757-371-2562, jasmine.amitay@fidf.org FIDF is a 501c3 not-for-profit corporation, established in 1981 by a group of Holocaust survivors. It is a non-political, non-military organization that provides for wellbeing of the soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), veterans, and family members.

FIDF is committed to providing these soldiers with love, support, and care to ease the burden they carry on behalf of the Jewish community worldwide. The organization offers educational, cultural, recreational, and social services programs, as well as facilities that provide hope, purpose, and life-changing support for the soldiers who protect Israel and Jews worldwide.

Hadassah

hadassah.org Hadassah Southern Seaboard Region Sharon Goretsky, vice president, 757-535-9633 In New York in 1912, the first group of Hadassah was chartered after its founder, Henrietta Szold returned from Jerusalem. The second chapter of Hadassah was chartered in Norfolk, Va. One hundred and eight years later, Hadassah’s Norfolk-Virginia Beach chapter is re-energized and excited to serve all of Tidewater.

Hadassah is the largest Jewish women’s organization in the United States. With more than 300,000 members, associates, and supporters across the country, Hadassah brings Jewish women together to affect change and advocate on critical issues such as medical care and research, women’s empowerment, domestic advocacy in the United States, and the security of Israel.

Through the Hadassah Medical Organization’s (HMO) two hospitals, the world-renowned trauma center, and the leading

research facility in Jerusalem, Hadassah supports the delivery of exemplary patient care to more than one million people every year. HMO serves without regard to race, religion, or nationality and earned a Nobel Peace Prize Nomination in 2005 for building “bridges to peace” through equality in medical treatment.

HEBREW LADIES CHARITY SOCIETY

Representative: Frances Levy Birshtein, 757-572-3817 Hebrew Ladies Charity Society of Tidewater supports Jewish Family Service’s food and financial assistance programs.

Jewish Museum and Cultural Center

607 Effingham St., Portsmouth, VA 23704 757-391-9266, jewishmuseumportsmouth.org Administrator: Barbara Rossen The Jewish Museum and Cultural Center is housed in the beautifully restored Chevra T’helim Synagogue, the interior of which is a rare surviving example of Eastern European Jewish Orthodoxy. The Center offers lectures, exhibits, a summer music series, as well as school programs, adult programs, and tours.

JEWISH WAR VETERANS of the United States of America

B’nai Israel B’nai Israel Congregation

Congregation

Old Dominion Post 158 Adam Goldberg, Post Commander, 831-917-3996 Follow at: facebook.com/JWVPost158VA/ Join at: jwv.org/membership/explore-membership/ The oldest active Veterans organization in America, chartered in 1896 by an act of congress, the Jewish War Veterans brings together citizens of the USA with joint ties of a common Jewish heritage and the experience of serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. It is the organization’s goal to apply experiences in the military as civilians to “be of greater service to our country, our community, and above all to our fellow veterans.”

JWV Post 158 works to instill the tenets of the National HQ’s mission within the local community by imparting true allegiance to the USA and love of country and flag, combating bigotry and darkness wherever originating and defending whomever it targets, preserving the spirit of comradeship to fellow veterans and their families, honoring the memory and shielding from neglect the graves of the community’s heroic dead, and most importantly to preserve the memories and records of those men and women of the Jewish faith who “did us proud by bearing the brunt of battle in the patriotic service of our great country.”

The Orthodox Synagogue for ALL Synagogue Jews The Orthodox for in Hampton Roads ALL Jews in Hampton Roads

B’nai Israel is truly a family B’nai Israel is truly a family where Jews of differing levels where Jews of differing of observance feel right at levels of observance home. feel right at home.

Call us today and

We are your synagogue for we’ll connect you with every day, Shabbos, and all Shabbos meal the holidays—especially accomodations! the high holidays. For more information, please call:

(757) 627-7358

(757) 627-7358

420 Spotswood Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 420 Spotswood Avenue23517 Norfolk, VA 23517 office@bnaiisrael.com office@bnaiisrael.com

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Guide to Jewish Living in Tidewater

National Council of Jewish Women

Established nationally in 1893 and locally in 1905, NCJW is the oldest Jewish women’s organization in the U.S. The group’s educational and legislative efforts have helped bring about action in areas of concern to women and children. The local Endowment Fund functions as the Tidewater Council of Jewish Women under Jewish Family Service Foundation Philanthropic Fund Agreement. Donations may be made to the TCJW Fund through JFS, 5000 Corporate Woods Dr., Virginia Beach, VA 23462.

The Norfolk Mikvah and Mikvah Taharas Chaya

425 Washington Park 757-627-7358 or 757-277-4662 The Mikvahs serve the entire Jewish community.

The Mikvah recently completed an exciting renovation and expansion to better serve the Jewish women of Tidewater. As part of the launch of the new mikvah facility, educational opportunities are being offered on the role the Mikvah plays in marriages and communities.

To schedule an appointment for a conversion, call 757-627-7358. For more information, sponsorships, learning opportunities, and appointments for women, call or text Chamie Haber at 757-277-4662.

ORT AMERICA

Abbie Laderberg, 757-497-7238 Facebook.com/Tidewater ORT ORT America supports vocational and technical training for Jews around the world.

More than 300,000 students are enrolled in the ORT network of schools and training programs, which include comprehensive and vocational high schools, colleges, apprenticeship programs, and teacher training institutes. Like Tidewater ORT on Facebook.

Social Services Beth Sholom Village

Skilled Nursing, Rehabilitation, Long Term Care, Memory Care, & Assisted Living 6401 Auburn Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23464 757-420-2512, fax 757-424-0657 David R. Abraham, Chief Executive Officer bethsholomvillage.com Since 1980, Beth Sholom Village has served as the only nursing facility in Hampton Roads that embodies traditional Jewish values, customs, and traditions. BSV is a kosher facility that observes all major Jewish holidays and traditions. BSV is proud to serve residents and patients of all religions.

Under the umbrella of Beth Sholom Village, falls Freda H. Gordon Hospice and Palliative Care as well as Generations Home Health and BSV Transportation LLC. Professional affiliations exist with Jewish Family Service of Tidewater, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Glennan Center and Services, as well as ECPI University.

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The Berger-Goldrich Health Care & Rehabilitation Center

6401 Auburn Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23464 757-420-2512, fax 757-424-0657 Administrator: Rebecca Moralez, RN, LNHA The Berger–Goldrich Health Care & Rehabilitation Center is a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility with a memory care unit. The Berger-Goldrich Health Care & Rehabilitation Center recently completed a major renovation. All resident and patient rooms now have a walk-in shower and an upgraded bathroom. The rehabilitation gyms have been expanded and upgraded, and the common and multipurpose areas have new and modern décor.

The Berger-Goldrich Health Care and Rehabilitation Center offers: • A coordinated approach to care, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy in two state-of-the-art therapy gyms. One gym includes a practical kitchen for residents to relearn skills necessary for their return home • Team of nursing personnel, therapists, social workers, and an activities department with certified activity therapists • Dentist, ophthalmologist, and podiatrist care available on site • Out-patient physical therapy department • Kosher meals and snacks Daily and Sabbath services, as well as holiday services • The Kantor Café. Open to the public, kosher; serves breakfast, lunch and snacks • Special Care Unit for residents with advanced dementia • Beds certified for Medicare and Medicaid in private and semi-private rooms • Excellent staff-to-resident ratio • Hair salon with a full-time hairdresser • Outdoor gardens, patios and secure courtyards • Auxiliary Gift Shop The Berger-Goldrich Health Care & Rehabilitation Center is a recipient agency of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, Tidewater Jewish Foundation, The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, and BSHEV Foundation.

The Terrace at Beth Sholom Village

1049 College Park Blvd., Virginia Beach, VA 23464 757-282-2384, fax 757-361-0151, bethsholomvillage.com Administrator: Mikelle Rappaport, LNHA Seniors who are no longer able to live on their own, find a new lease on life at The Terrace at Beth Sholom Village. The Terrace, a Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Assisted Living Center, can accommodate 85 residents in 69 units. The Terrace provides gracious assisted living where residents can live comfortably in their own studio, one or twobedroom apartment.

Four levels of care are offered to assist residents with their activities of daily living in a secure and comfortable environment. Three kosher meals are served daily by the wait staff in the dining room, and snacks and drinks are always available in the Club Room.

The activity calendar is filled with entertainment, outings, art programs, and a wide variety of in-house activities, including daily exercise. A caring staff provides scheduled transportation for shopping and doctor appointments. Licensed nurses attend to residents’ regular medical needs and are available for more urgent situations.

The Memory Enhancement Unit allows residents with Alzheimer’s or dementiarelated illness to be as independent as possible within a safe and secure environment.

This secure unit has 18 individual apartments, which surround a well-lit central atrium with areas designated for dining, activities and relaxing.

Guide to Jewish Living in Tidewater

Jewish Family Service Of Tidewater

MAIN OFFICE Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus 5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Suites 300 and 400, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 Chief Executive Officer: Kelly Burroughs Administration 757-321-2222 Counseling and Adoption 757-459-4640 Personal Affairs Management/Guardian Program 757-938-9130 Home Health 757-489-3111; Fax 757-489-1958, jfshamptonroads.org PENNINSULA OFFICE United Jewish Community of the Virginia Peninsula 401 City Center Boulevard Newport News, VA 23606 757-223-5635 Jewish Family Service of Tidewater, Inc. is a home health and social service agency providing a continuum of solutions to those in need throughout Tidewater, regardless of religion or financial status. The Hebrew Ladies Charity Society began this work in 1865, which continued through the 1900’s until Jewish Family Service was established in 1946 and incorporated as Jewish Family Service of Tidewater, Inc., in 1969.

The agency has earned a national reputation of responding to community needs by the creation and expansion of programs for children, youth, families, older adults, persons with developmental disabilities, and persons who experience chronic mental illness.

JFS depends on the generosity of the Jewish and the broader Tidewater communities for support. Local funding sources include United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, Tidewater Jewish Foundation, United Way of South Hampton Roads, United Jewish Community of the Virginia Peninsula and many generous foundations and donors.

ADOPTION Jewish Family Service is a licensed child placement agency offering services to guide families through the beginning of a family through adoption.

Professional staff counsel birth parents and assist adoptive parents. Adoption Resources staff are cognizant of Virginia law and are experienced in working with attorneys and other agencies to facilitate parental placement adoptions and domestic adoption. Counseling services are offered to any family facing an unplanned pregnancy.

CARE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM This program assists individuals and their families in assessing the medical, personal, and social service needs of older adults. By partnering together with the client and their families or legal guardians, JFS helps design long-term care plans that allow elderly people to remain in their own homes for as long as possible.

Care managers address the practical needs of daily living with older adults. Programs include kosher Meals on Wheels, volunteer friendly visitors, senior companions, and transportation services.

COMMITMENT TO HEALTHY LIVING Spring Into Healthy Living provides opportunities for education, fitness, and fun. Activities include the JFS Run, Roll, or Stroll (a race along the Virginia Beach boardwalk), seminars, and speakers on a variety of topics to encourage healthy bodies, minds, and spirits.

COUNSELING FOR ALL AGES Life is full of transition and change. JFS recognizes that sometimes individuals and families need support and help to navigate these changes. JFS provides individual, couple, family, and group counseling services to people of all ages, regardless of affiliation. JFS offers grief counseling through the Dozoretz Center for Family Healing, a community resource center established to help people of all ages cope with the death of a loved one, family illness, relocation, or divorce, separation, or remarriage. The Jessica Glasser Children’s Therapeutic Pavilion at JFS offers an engaging play-therapy room, which provides a comforting place for children and teens to learn to cope with life issues.

Therapists are highly trained, master’s level, Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), many of whom hold special training in grief, child/teen issues, family stress and gerontology. JFS counseling services are covered by Medicare and Medicaid, and by many private health insurance companies. Services may be provided on a sliding scale fee basis to those without insurance who qualify.

FOOD and FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE In Virginia, more than 170,000 families live below the poverty level. Many of these families are unable to obtain nutritious food. To combat this growing problem, JFS partners with the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia to operate a Community Food Pantry. Individuals and families, regardless of affiliation, can receive food assistance once a month. The Pantry is open Monday and Tuesday, 10 am to noon. Hunger happens in Jewish households, too. For Jewish individuals in need of kosher food, JFS operates its Milk and Honey Food Program.

Financial assistance is available for Jewish families coping with unplanned financial debt and obligation. Case managers help with budgeting, financial planning, and payment arrangements. This program is made possible by the generosity of the Pincus Paul Fund of the Jewish Family Service Foundation and the endowment fund of Hebrew Ladies Charity Society, along with the support of United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and United Jewish Community of the Virginia Peninsula. Individuals and families fund special projects, including holiday food baskets, Hanukkah gifts for children, grocery certificates, and assistance with utilities and rent.

JFS receives food from many generous donors throughout the community. Families or organizations interested in a food drive or to bring food or other household supplies to support the pantry, should contact JFS. Restocking of shelves is always needed.

JFS HOME HEALTH CARE With many years of experience, JFS clinicians have developed an excellent reputation for providing quality, compassionate, patient-focused care.

JFS’s Medicare-certified skilled home health agency is accredited by the Community Health Accreditation Partner (CHAP) and has built a reputation of providing quality care for decades. This is validated by client outcomes data and patient satisfaction results, as well as by physicians in the community.

Skilled home health care is reimbursed by Medicare and private insurances. When individuals face surgery, serious illness, and the process of recovery, physicians may prescribe skilled home health care to help patients heal and rehabilitate at home.

Patients have the right to choose a home health care provider and can convey to the hospital discharge planner or physician that JFS is that choice.

JFS skilled home health offers a comprehensive array of services provided by highly skilled professionals:

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Guide to Jewish Living in Tidewater • Professional nursing care by Registered Nurses (RNs), including a Certified Wound Care RN • Physical, occupational, and speech therapists • Medical social work • Home health aides • Wellness/Recreational Therapist

EMBRACE HOME CARE: PRIVATE DUTY SERVICES Embrace Home Care offers certified nursing assistants and nurse’s aides to provide services such as dressing, bathing, and personal, private care while hospitalized, transportation and accompaniment to medical appointments; meal preparation, shopping, companionship, and family support. For more comprehensive care, Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) can provide medication administration, blood pressure monitoring, catheter care, diabetes management, tube feedings, and other services.

Embrace Home Care also offers the services of a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who can help explore other areas of need for the older adult living at home.

OLDER ADULT SERVICES JFS helps ensure that older adults live with dignity and the greatest degree of independence possible. Agency professionals work closely with patients, families, healthcare providers, and other organizations to design comprehensive care plans to help meet the medical, social, nutritional, and recreational needs of older adults receiving support services through JFS.

PERSONAL AFFAIRS MANAGEMENT/GUARDIANSHIP The Personal Affairs Management (PAM) Program at JFS safeguards the personal and financial affairs of vulnerable, incapacitated adults with physical, cognitive, and/ or mental disabilities. Guardian and/or conservator services are provided based on court order. The PAM Program has been recognized as a Model Program by the Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging and is approved as a Regional Public Guardian and Conservator Program by the Virginia Department for the Aging and Rehabilitative Services. On-call case management is available 24 hours a day to improve clients’ quality of life and manage personal and medical care.

SPECIAL NEEDS JFS offers a variety of services to support persons with special or differing needs, and is grateful for funding for these services from United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, United Way of South Hampton Roads, and private donors who care about the social and emotional inclusion of persons with special needs. JFS currently offers these services for persons with special needs: • SIMCHA, a socialization and recreation group for Jewish adults with mental illness, offers cultural and recreational outings.

• CHAVERIM provides cultural, social, and recreational opportunities for Jewish individuals with developmental disabilities.

• Special Needs camp: In cooperation with the Simon Family JCC staff, children with special needs are integrated into summer programs and activities, enabling them to participate with their non-disabled peers.

Freda H. Gordon Hospice & Palliative Care of Tidewater Administrator: Thomas Elder, RN CHPN 5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Suite 500 Virginia Beach, VA 23462 Office: 757-321-2242, 757-452-6937

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www.hpctidewater.com telder@hpctidewater.com Freda H. Gordon Hospice and Palliative Care agency was formed in 2012.

Hospice & Palliative Care of Tidewater’s vision is to exceed the expectations of its patients and families in providing outstanding care, and encourage patient choice resulting in improved quality of life. The hospice team is committed to providing comfort and dignity through physical, emotional, and spiritual support. As health professionals, HPCT is dedicated to educating the community about hospice benefits.

HPCT offers a comprehensive array of services for adults who want to manage their end-of-life healthcare needs in their own homes, nursing home, or assisted living home.

Youth Groups B’nai B’rith Youth Organization (BBYO)

Jewish students 9th–12th grade Benita Watts, 757-407-6167 BBYO involves Jewish teens in meaningful Jewish experiences, guiding them into leadership positions that will last a lifetime. Teens meet weekly, on weekends, from September through June at the Simon Family JCC, and focus on community service and social action programs with their chapters, BBG (girls) and AZA (boys). The teens attend a variety of regional and national conventions.

NFTY: The reform Jewish Youth Movement

Mid-Atlantic Region—NFTY-MAR REFORM nfty.org/mar, nftymar@urj.org Reform Jewish teens from North Carolina, eastern West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Washington DC, and far-eastern Tennessee comprise NFTY-MAR. Members come together for learning, fun, worship, community service, and fellowship to help young Jewish adults build and strengthen lifetime ties with each other and Reform Judaism.

Congregation Beth Chaverim

Robin Herbol 757-692-9509 Beth Chaverim Youth Group (BEACHY) participates in NFTY-MAR events. For students in grades 9–12.

Ohef Sholom Temple Youth

757-625-4295 OSTY Advisors: Robyn and Paul Weiner, ostyadvisors@gmail.com Ohef Sholom Temple’s Youth Group (OSTY) is for students in grades 8–12. JOSTY, the Junior Ohef Sholom Temple Youth group, is for 6th and 7th graders. Members participate in community service, regional, and national conventions, religious, and other “just-for-fun” events. Members also develop leadership skills, build community with each other and create lifelong memories.

OSTY is affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism’s NFTY, the Reform Jewish Youth Movement.

United Synagogue Youth (KADIMAH) Kadimah CONSERVATIVE

Guide to Jewish Living in Tidewater Congregation Beth El, Temple Israe,l and KBH co-sponsor youth programs for students in grades 6–8. The group promotes synagogue identification, fosters friendships, and makes Judaism an integral part of life. Activities are recreational, social, and religious and are tied into the philosophies of the Conservative Jewish Movement.

CEMETERIES B’nai Israel Cemetery Cromwell Road, Norfolk, Va., 757-627-7358

Forest Lawn Cemetery Granby Street, Norfolk, Va., 757-441-1752

Gomley Chesed Cemetery

Shell Road near Frederick Blvd. and George Washington Highway Portsmouth, Va., 757-484-1019

Hebrew Cemetery

Princess Anne Road and Tidewater Drive, Norfolk, Va., 757 441-2576

Mikro Kodesh Chesapeake, Va., 757-965-6100

Princess Anne Memorial Park 1110 North Great Neck Road, Virginia Beach, Va., 757-481-1097

Rosewood Memorial Park Cemetery 631 N. Witchduck Road, Virginia Beach, Va., 757-497-8925

Woodlawn Memorial Gardens 6309 E. Virginia Beach Blvd., Norfolk, Va., 757-461-4054

Workmen’s Circle Chesapeake, Va., 757-965-6100

jewishnewsva.org | August 17, 2020 | Guide | Jewish News | 33

Guide to Jewish Living in Tidewater

Icelandic Jewish cookies: A dessert with a fascinating story to tell Rachel Ringler

Y

ou’ve heard of the wandering Jew, but have you heard of the wandering Jewish cookie?

As Jews move from country to country, they pick up recipes, spices and dishes along the way. Sometimes, even after a Jewish community is no more, their food remains, an echo of a world that once was. Such is the case of the “Jewish cookie” from Iceland.

Recently I learned of a cookbook, The Culinary Saga of New Iceland, Recipes From the Shores of Lake Winnipeg, compiled by Kristin Olafson Jenkyns, a writer with forbearers from Iceland. Her book documents the history and culinary traditions of immigrants from Iceland who settled in North America at the end of the 19th century. Many of them moved to Manitoba, Canada, on Lake Winnipeg, where they formed a community that came to be known as “New Iceland.” In the section of the book titled “Cakes and Cookies,” following classic Icelandic foods like skyr, smoked fish, and brown bread, are recipes for cookies traditionally eaten on Christmas. Their name in Icelandic is gyðingakökur, which translates to “Jewish cookie.”

How did “Jewish” cookies end up in a cookbook filled with the food of Icelandic immigrants to the New World? You can be sure that there weren’t many, if any, Jews among those settlers 150 years ago. Yet there are three recipes for Jewish cookies nestled between other traditional sweets like Vinarterta and ginger cookies.

Olafson Jenkyns is not sure how they came to be part of the culinary canon of the New Icelanders. Her guess is that the Jewish cookies came to Iceland by way of Denmark.

For hundreds of years, Iceland was closely tied to Denmark; traders and merchants, some of them Jewish, moved back and forth between the two countries. Perhaps the cookies came via that trade route.

And how did those “Jewish” cookies land in Denmark in the first place? According to Gil Marks, author of Encyclopedia of Jewish Food, Jewish butter cookies originated in Holland.

Many of the Jews who were expelled from Spain and Portugal in the 15th and 16th centuries found a safe haven in Holland. There they merged, “…their Moorish-influenced Iberian fare with the local Scandinavian cuisine. Instead of olive oil, they used the butter found in great quantity in Dutch cookery to create small rich morsels, still called Joodse boterkoeke (Jewish butter cookie) in Holland.”

Until today, Dutch Jews serve those cookies on Hanukkah and Shavuot and at other dairy meals.

From Holland, the cookies spread to Denmark where they became a traditional pre-Christmas treat.

As is the case with all immigrants, when the Icelanders left their homeland in 1875 for the New World and created the community of New Iceland in Canada, they brought their culinary traditions with them. Gyðingakökur were part of that tradition. “The cookies must have been popular for them to have made it from Denmark to Iceland to New Iceland,” said Olafson Jenkyns.

In scouring through old cookbooks from the New Iceland community, Olafson Jenkyns found these three recipes for Jewish cookies— slightly different one from the next but all most definitely known as “Jewish.” One recipe was from a cookbook, circa 1915, from Reykjavik, Iceland. The other two came from community cookb ooks from New Iceland from the middle of the 20th century. In Gil Marks’ book, the Jodekager, or Jewish cookie recipe, was attributed to Denmark. His recipe is very similar to the Icelandic ones—all have lots of butter, all are rolled out into a thin dough, and then cut into rounds. And all are topped with a wash and a sweetener that combines sugar and nuts.

Are the cookies Icelandic? Canadian?

Dutch? Or Danish? No matter where you find them, the name is the same, hearkening back to a Jewish presence and the Jewish bakers who created them.

This recipe originally appeared on The Nosher.

34 | Jewish News | Guide | August 17, 2020 | jewishnewsva.org

Icelandic Jewish cookies This recipe for gyðingakökur comes from The Culinary Sage of New Iceland, Recipes From the Shores of Lake Winnipeg.

Ingredients: For the dough: 2½ cups flour ½ teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon ground cardamom ¾ cup butter, cut into ½ inch cubes 1 egg For the topping: 1 cup cold, strong coffee 1 cup blanched slivered almonds, coarsely chopped 1 cup crushed sugar lumps (coarse bits, not fine)

Directions: 1. Stir flour, salt, and cardamom together.

2. Work the butter into the flour mixture by rubbing it between your fingers, as if you were making a pie crust.

3. Beat egg with a fork and add to dough. Combine well.

4. Wrap in wax paper. Chill thoroughly (at least 1 hour) until firm.

5. R oll out dough on wax paper until ¹/8 inch thick. Cut in 1½-inch rounds with a cutter. Brush tops with coffee; mix the almonds and sugar and sprinkle generously on top.

Press down gently with your hand to help the almondsugar mixture stick.

Place on greased baking sheets and bake at 350 F. for about 12 minutes or until lightly golden brown.

Jewish Tidewater

Dr. Jerry McQuain joins Freda H. Gordon Hospice and Palliative Care of Tidewater as medical director

T

he Freda H. Gordon Hospice and Palliative Care of Tidewater recently welcomed Dr. Jerry McQuain as medical director.

McQuain earned his master of physical therapy degree at West Virginia University, graduating valedictorian of his class. He received his medical degree (also class valedictorian) from Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Colorado in 2012.

After completing an Internal Medicine residency with Exempla Saint Joseph Hospital in Denver—and several years into full-time practice—McQuain knew something was missing. He wanted to return to what called him into the medical field: people over metrics.

“I love interacting with people, learning their stories, walking with them

through their illness and building a mutually trusting and beneficial relationship,” says McQuain.

So, inspired by his family’s experience with his grandmother’s care, McQuain decided to make a change to hospice and palliative medicine. “As a specialty, hospice and palliative medicine never assumes to know what’s best for a person, but rather meets that person exactly where they are on their journey and helps navigate illness and life.”

After completing an Integrative Medicine fellowship with the University of Arizona in Tucson, McQuain took a Hospice and Palliative Medicine fellowship at Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk.

McQuain says there is often confusion between palliative medicine and hospice

September 13, 2020 Calls from 10 AM until 1 PM

care and it’s important to know and understand the difference. “Hospice care is intense palliative medicine at the end of life. Palliative medicine is a specialty designed to benefit individuals facing illness that rob them of an optimal quality of life or even limit their life, and is available at all phases of life, often providing care for many years,” he says.

“When I first came to Hampton Roads, patients, families, and the community were quick to let me know they felt Freda H. Gordon Hospice and Palliative Care of Tidewater was the best. The staff is specifically trained to deal with each population and have a long reputation of utilizing fellowship-trained physicians,” says McQuain.

“I am truly fortunate to be part of the team and to continue learning from them.”

When he’s not taking care of patients,

Dr. Jerry McQuain

McQuain enjoys relaxing with friends and family, yoga, meditation, cooking and working out.

For more information about Freda H. Gordon Hospice and Palliative Care of Tidewater, visit https://www.hpctidewater.com/ or call 757-321-2242.

Super Sunday

This year’s UJFT Super Sunday Community Phone-a-thon will look very different as it will take place with small groups of volunteers calling from host homes.

Want to spend a couple of hours with some of your friends or neighbors?

You can make the calls from your porch or back deck! We’re looking for community members to host these small groups.

Federation will deliver a “Super Sunday Survival Kit” for each host location, which will include (among other Super Sunday “staples”) pledge cards and bagels!

Take part in something fun, meaningful, and super vital to our community!

If you’d like to host a group, please contact Amy Zelenka at azelenka@ujft.org or 757-965-6139.

Volunteer at https://federation.jewishva.org/super-sunday-2021 jewishnewsva.org | August 17, 2020 | Jewish News | 35

Gifts and Pledges for the 2019–2020 school year $50,000 and above Tavia and Freda Gordon* Philanthropic Foundation Celia K. Krichman* Charitable Trust United Jewish Federation of Tidewater

$20,000–$49,999 Anonymous Dozoretz Family Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Kramer Mr. and Mrs. Jerrold Miller Tidewater Jewish Foundation

$10,000–$19,999 Mr. and Mrs. Jon Becker Mrs. Bonnie Brand** Mr. and Mrs. Robert Copeland Givens Group, Inc—Mr. and Mrs. Edward Reed Mr. Daniel Gordon Mr. Mark Gordon Mr. Raymond Gottlieb Simon Family Foundation Mr. Brian Strelitz** Mr. E. J. Strelitz**

$5,000–$9,999 Beazley Foundation The Armond and Rose Caplan* Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Steven Gordon Joffe land Companies— Mr. Howard Joffe Jones Lang LaSalle Americas Miss Jennifer Josephberg Mr. and Mrs. Robert Josephberg Mr. Arnold Leon Mr. Steven B. Sandler Mr. and Mrs. Peter Segaloff Southern Bank Mr. and Mrs. Ron Spindel TowneBank

$2,500–$4,999 Mr. and Mrs. Brad Bangel Rabbi Levi and Rashi Brashevitzky Mrs. Libbie Kaplan Mr. and Mrs. Jay Klebanoff

Krug Foundation Dr. and Mrs. Noah Matilsky S. L. Nusbaum Realty Company Mr. and Mrs. John Strelitz Wall, Einhorn & Chernitzer, PC

$1,000–$2,499 Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Benson Ms. Beth Berman and Mr. Daniel Griff Brith Sholom Center of Virginia, Inc. Mr. Steven Dodge and Ms. Melanie Brown Dr. and Mrs. Ronald* Dozoretz Mr. and Mrs. John Finguerra Gold Key Resorts Ms. Wendy Goldberg Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Greenhut Hampton Roads Workforce Council Harbor Group Management Company Hercules Fence Company, Inc. Dr. and Mrs. Abbey Horwitz Mr. Lester Horwitz Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Jaffe Dr. Denny Jenkins and Dr. Leanelle Goldstein Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Kingsland KPMG LLP Dr. Sarah Laibstain and Dr. Matthew Tice Mr. David Leon Mr. and Mrs. Miles Leon Rabbi and Mrs. Hakan Menda Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Moore National Disaster Solutions, LLC Mr. and Mrs. Joel Nied Mr. and Mrs. Edward Reed Ruth’s Chris Steak House Cmdr. and Mrs. Paul Seeman Dr. and Mrs. Alan I. Shapiro Dr. and Mrs. Ludwig Sternlicht Virginia Wealth Management Group, Inc.

36 | Jewish News | August 17, 2020 | jewishnewsva.org

$500–$999 Dr. and Mrs. Marc Abrams Allegra FootPRINT Fund Dr. Jason Alper and Dr. Jennifer Rush Mr. Avraham Ashkenazi Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Bangel Helen Jayne and Melvin Barr* Philanthropic Fund— Mr. and Mrs. Burt Barr Bay Disposal Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Amos Berkovich Beth Sholom Home of Eastern Virginia Mr. and Mrs. David Cardon Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Drory Equity Title Company LLC Eric Joffe Construction Corp.

Faggert & Frieden P.C. Alan and Esther Fleder Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Friedberg Frieden Wealth Management —Mr. Jody Balaban Mr. Michael Griffin and Ms. Laurel Stairs Ms. Marcia Hofheimer Mr. and Mrs. Joel Jason Ms. Janet M. Jenkins Jormandy LLC Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Kantor Dr. David and Mrs. Sofia* Konikoff Mrs. Adel Kruger Dr. and Mrs. Robert Laibstain LEDIC Management Group, LLC Mr. and Mrs. Richard Lombart Ms. Joan K. London Dr. Michael Matilsky and Dr. Merna Matilsky Monarch Properties, Inc Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Peck Mr. and Mrs. Giorgio Ribolini Mr. and Mrs. Jason Rippard Mr. Mark Robbins and Ms. Nancy Bangel

Mr. and Mrs. Murray Rosenbach Dr. Richard Rosenblum and Ms. Gabrielle Schwartz Mr. and Mrs. Lonny Sarfan Mr. and Mrs. Ian Scaliatine Dr. and Mrs. Ivan Schiff Mr. Rand E. Shapiro Mr. and Mrs. Britt Simon Mr. Eric Smith Mr. and Mrs. Edward S. Stein Stein Investment Company, LLC—Mr. Jeff Stein Mr. Lawrence Steingold Sussex Development Company Mr. and Mrs. Eliot Weinstein

$100–$499 Mr. and Mrs. Beau Allegood Altmeyer Funeral Home Mr. Chris Arney and Ms. Xunyun Zhang Anonymous (3) Atlantic Union Bank Ms. Jasmine Amitay B’nai Israel Congregation Beach Eye Care Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Becker Mr. and Mrs. Michael Blachman Dr. and Mrs. Herbert Brewer Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Brooke Ms. Melissa Buchberg Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Buxbaum C & F Mortgage Corp.

(NMLS# 147312) Mrs. Erin Balaban Ms. Stephanie Calliott and Mr. Don London Lt. Barry Cohen and Melanie Cohen Colliers International Virginia, LLC Copy-Fax Mr. John Crank Mr. Jonathan P. Decker Mr. Rodney Duckworth and Ms. Patricia Cook Eastern Virginia Orthodontics—Drs. Shivar and Peluso

Mr. Frankie Edmondson— City of Portsmouth Dr. Edwin Epstein Ms. Jennifer Fike Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Flax Dr. and Mrs. Adam Foleck Mr. and Mrs. Richard Foleck Ms. Erin Forster Mr. and Mrs. William Forster Mr. Barry Friedman and Ms. Linda Peck Mr. and Mrs. Robert Friedman Mr. and Mrs. Ehud Gartenberg Glasser & Glasser, PLC—Mr. and Mrs. Michael Glasser Mr. and Mrs. Charles Glickman Mr. and Mrs. Chen Glikman Dr. and Mrs. Norman Goldin Mr. and Mrs. Abe Goldstein Mr. and Mrs. Allen* Gordon Mr. and Mrs. Erik Gordon Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Gottlieb Mr. and Mrs. Harry Graber Mr. Mitchell Greenberg and Ms. Judith Shapiro Dr. and Mrs. Fredric Gross Mr. and Mrs. William Halprin Mr. Dylan Hawkins and Ms. Emily Steinhilber H. D. Oliver Funeral Apartments Mrs. Evelyn Hirsch Mrs. Gloria Hoffman Mr. Marty Hollander and Dr. Caryn Hollander Mr. and Mrs. Mark Hoover Mr. and Mrs. A. J. L. Huns Dr. Daniel Isaacman and Ms. Francine Kohen Mrs. Connie Jacobson Dr. and Mrs. Alan Jaffe Mrs. Irene Janow Mr. and Mrs. Eric Joffe Mrs. Sylvia Kaplan Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Kass Mr. and Mrs. William Kass

Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Kaufman Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Kline KMG Prestige, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Kreger Howard and Alma Laderberg* Restricted Fund Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Laibstain Mr. and Mrs. David Lanier IV Larrymore Foundation Dr. Darryl L. Lefcoe Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Lefcoe Lefcoe Family Partnership Mr. Jay Legum Mr. and Mrs. Martin Leiderman Dr. and Mrs. Bradley Levitt Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Littman Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Lovelace Mr. Richard Marten and Ms. Nancy Lowenberg Ms. Cheryl McAuley and Mr. Jimmy Cox Mid-Atlantic Dermatology Center, PC—Dr. Michael Gross Mrs. Tanya Miller Mr. Bruce Moore No Frill Bar and Grill (Spotswoods Food) Mr. Jason Ohana and Dr. Alison Ohana Mr. and Mrs. Roy Orleans Partners in Construction, LLC Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Pearsall PNC Bank Mr. Alex Pomerantz Poole Brooke Plumlee PC Mr. and Mrs. Mark Prock Rashkind Family Foundation Remedy Intelligent Staffing— Mr. and Mrs. Shmuel Itzhak Mr. and Mrs. Louis Richman Mr. and Mrs. Neal Rosenbaum Mr. and Mrs. Laurence Rossen Philip S. Rovner Professional Development Fund Rabbi Arthur M. Ruberg and Mrs. Miriam Brunn Ruberg

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Rubin Mr. and Mrs. Joel Rubin Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Samuels Dr. and Mrs. Stephen Schechner Dr. Alfred Schulwolf Dr. and Mrs. Eric Schwartzman Mr. and Mrs. Carl Scimeca Ms. Francie Segal Dr. and Mrs. Robert Seltzer Mr. and Mrs. Michael P. Simon Mr. and Mrs. Sanford Simon Mr. and Mrs. Scott Singor Siska/Aurand Landscape Architects, Inc. S. L. Nusbaum Insurance Agency, Inc. Dr. and Mrs. Lonnie Slone Mr. Steven Stein Mr. and Mrs. Burle Stromberg Ms. Maureen Sullivan M. L. Tazewell The Spindel Agency Mr. and Mrs. Clarke Thrasher Timothy Johnson Insurance Agency, Inc. Towne Benefits Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Trub Mr. Harry L. Truslow and Ms. Kathy Manning Mr. and Mrs. Paul Turok Dr. Paul Walker and Mrs. Renee Walker Rabbi and Mrs. Paul Walker, M.D. Mr. and Mrs. Mike Wasserberg Mr. and Mrs. Justin Wayne Harry & Miriam Weisberg* Family Restricted Fund Dr. and Mrs. Michael Weissman Mr. and Mrs. Sam Werbel Williams Mullen Foundation Mr. Hira Yamben and Mrs. Priyanka Mohandoss

Up to $99 Mr. and Mrs. Todd Aftel Ms. Shayla Allen Mr. and Mrs. David Anderson Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. Alan Arnowitz Mr. Gabi Arnowitz Mr. Simmy Arnowitz Mr. and Mrs. Jens Balsliemke Mr. and Mrs. John Baugh Mr. and Mrs. Roy Beasley

Ms. Zohar Ben Moshe Mrs. Frances Berger Mr. and Mrs. Danniel Berkovich Ms. Nicole Bernal Mr. Andrew Bernstein Lt. Col. and Mrs. Charles Bernstein Mr. and Mrs. James Besse Ms. Janell Bethea Ms. Tiala Blocker Mr. and Mrs. Kyle Brady Ms. Linda Bridges Ms. Elyssa Brinn Ms. Theresa Briscoe Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Brooke Mr. and Mrs. Brian Carnazza Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Casson Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Chapel Mr. Jeffrey Chernitzer Ms. Abigail Cochran Ms. Ronnie Cohen Mr. Sean Cohen Ms. Bre’Elle Colbert Ms. Courtney Colbert Ms. Melanie Columbus Ms. Tanya Conley Ms. Danyelle Conner Mr. Sam Crawford and Ms. Linda Maxwell Dr. and Mrs. Scott Debb Mr. and Mrs. Rich DeLeo Mr. Aaron Drory Mr. James Eilberg and Dr. Susan Eilberg Ms. Rachel Ellenson Ms. Catherine Elmore Dr. Eric Friedman and Ms. Rebecca Zimmerman Ms. Vivian Forman Mr. and Mrs. Lester Gamboa Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Genova Mr. Ross Glasser Mr. and Mrs. Allen Goldstein Mr. and Mrs. Damian Gordon Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Greenberg Ms. Jessica Griffin Dr. and Mrs. Guerry Grune Mr. and Mrs. David L. Haas Mrs. Shirley Schulwolf Hainer Ms. Janetta Hamilton Ms. Jameisha Harris HBA Architecture & Interior Design, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Ulf Hoffmann Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Hubbs Ms. Jennifer Ivy Ms. Karen Jaffe

Dr. Ivor Kaplan and Dr. Susan Kaplan Mr. Trisha Kaprielian Mr. and Mrs. Larry Katz Mr. and Mrs. Irv Kempner Mr. Logan Kent Mrs. Lillian Kozak Mr. and Mrs. R. Mark Kozak Mr. and Mrs. Robert Kraly Mr. and Mrs. Yogev Kremisi Ms. Deborah Kurtz Ms. Jacquie Lam Mrs. Shirley Legum Mrs. Barbara Leibowitz Mr. Adam Leiderman Mr. and Mrs. Sheal Lisner Rabbi and Mrs. Gershon Litt Mr. John Lomogda and Ms. Julie Blumenthal Ms. Gabriela Maciel Marathon Consulting— Erin Davis Rabbi and Mrs. Aaron Margolin Mr. and Mrs. Burke Margulies Mrs. Alexandra Marlins Ms. Diana Matchett Ms. Brianna McRae Mrs. Marlene Miller Ms. Phyllis Minsberg Mr. George Mitzner and Ms. Crystal Ton-Mitzner Mr. and Mrs. Robert Mize Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Monk Ms. Deborah Moye Mr. and Mrs. Yale Nesson Network For Good Mr. and Mrs. Ronnie Newman Mr. Eli Nidam and Ms. Mazal Sibony Mr. Evan Nied Mr. and Mrs. Bill Nossen Mr. and Mrs. Charles Nusbaum Ms. Alicia Pahl-Cornelius Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Prate Mr. and Mrs. M. David Proser Mr. and Mrs. Ace Purvis Mr. and Mrs. Henry Rhone, Sr. Mr. and Mrs. Jack Richlen Ms. Lavette Ricks Mr. and Mrs. David Rippard Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Rivera Ms. Mirta Rivera Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Rodriguez Dr. and Mrs. Reuven Rohn

Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Rosenberg Mr. and Mrs. Ricarde Samonte Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Sandler Miss Abigail Seeman Mr. and Mrs. Burt Segal Mr. and Mrs. Nathan J. Segal Mr. Guy Seiderman and Mrs. Orit Amar Seiderman Mr. and Mrs. Louis Silverman Mr. and Mrs. Jason Silverstein Mrs. Dorothy Slone Ms. Abigail Snell Ms. Arleen Sobel Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Straub Ms. Maureen Tamares Mr. Palmer Truslow Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Uduaghan Mr. and Mrs. Todd Waldman Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Wall Mr. and Mrs. Neil Waranch Ms. Judith Warner Ms. Katelin Watson Ms. Judith White and Mr. John Young Ms. Robyn Wiggins Ms. Lori Wiley Ms. Catie Williams Ms. Chrystal Willis Ms. Sylvia Wilson Mr. and Mrs. Shachar Zach Mr. and Mrs. Ari Zito

ENDOWMENTS Bass Family Memorial Restricted Fund Harry & Sylvia Belkov* Memorial Scholarship Fund Leon & Florence Berlin* Memorial Fund William* and Carole Bernstein EZRA Annuity Abraham and Malka Bornstein* Memorial Fund Julian Colby* Memorial Unrestricted Fund Bessie Dozoretz* Scholarship Fund Ronald Dozoretz* Scholarship Fund Rosa K. Frieden* Memorial Unrestricted Fund Tavia and Freda Gordon* Scholarship Fund HAT Supporting Unrestricted Fund Hebrew Academy Scholarship Fund Zena Herod Endowment Fund

The Lester & Barbara* Horwitz Restricted Fund Leola Banks Jaffe* Unrestricted Fund of HAT Carl J.* & Juliet A. Katz Unrestricted Fund Barry and Reatha Kantor Scholarship Fund of HAT Alene Jo Kaufman Endowment Fund Klebanoff Family Philanthropic Fund Kramer Family JFN/PEJE Fund Celia Krichman* Unrestricted Fund Selma and Leon Leach* Restricted Scholarship Fund The Lorna Legum Rising Star Award Fund Jeff & Elayne Littman Philanthropic Fund James London* Athletic and Outdoor Program Marguerite Marx* Jewish History Collection Ada R. Michaels* Faculty Development Restricted Fund Reba and Samuel Sandler* Memorial Fund of HAT Lonny & Terri Sarfan Philanthropic Fund Segaloff Family JFN/PEJE Fund Sarah and Samuel Sonnenberg* Memorial Fund Harold and Reva Sprung* Technology Endowment Celia Stern* Fund of HAT Solomon and Sylvia Yavner* Fund The Teachers’ Endowment Fund

GIFTS IN KIND A.R.E. Health Center & Spa Aldo’s Ristorante Alicia Pahl-Cornelius Baker’s Crust Balance Therapeutic Massage Birdland Records Boyer’s Diamonds Charles Barker Automotive— Nathan Drory Cheri’s Skin & Nail Bountique Chez Madeleine Cindy Kramer Commodore Theatre Decorum Diamonds Direct Dick’s Sporting Goods Foundation Duck Donuts

Either Ore Jewelers Fink’s Jewelers Flo Pilates Frances Kahn Freemason Abbey Restaurant Garden Gazebo Gary Allen Hair & Skin Care Golf Headquarters Hot House Yoga Il Giardino Inlet Fitness Jacobson Fine Papers Jake’s Place Jason’s Deli Jungle Golf Kitchen Barn Long Jewelers Mary’s Nail-tique Mizuno Mr. Shawarma Nauticus Norfolk Tides NYFO Princess Anne Country Club Quality Shop Restore-Hyper Wellness & Cryotherapy Ruth’s Chris Steak House S.Ray Barrett Dry Cleaners Saladworks Sandfiddler Café Steinhilbers Renee and John Strelitz Studio Bamboo The Lemon Cabana The Porch on Long Café The Route 58 Deli The Sandler Center The Skin Ranch & Trade Company The Spa & Laser Center Tidewater Drive Storage Center LLC Todd Rosenlieb Dance Total Wine & More Towne Insurance— Brad Moses Trader Joe’s Tribal Axe Trish Boutique Tupelo Honey Virginia Aquarium Virginia Stage Company Virginia Symphony Orchestra Zelenka Family *of blessed memory **denotes a family gift

Todah Rabah! Thank you for investing in the Global leaders of tomorrow! jewishnewsva.org | August 17, 2020 | Jewish News | 37

Profile

The Neighborhood Harvest delivers on its promise to deliver and disrupt Lisa Richmon

D

on’t call John Stein a disruptor. Those who know him best describe Stein as a gentle soul who avoids self-promotion and harsh words. The Baker’s Crust and Neighborhood Harvest CEO they see is always ready to rally behind an innovative food product or service that makes money while making a difference. Mistaking his edge-free persona for passivity could be written off as small-picture thinking.

Stein co-founded The Neighborhood Harvest in 2015 with Thomas Vandiver, a former William & Mary Raymond A. Mason School of Business student, and Baker’s Crust chief financial officer, Eric Coble.

The idea to form a company sprouted from a breakout session during a Sustainability/Green Supply Chain class taught by Stein and Coble. Vandiver was Stein’s student. Their big idea, a greenhouse that lets sunlight in and allows basil to grow hydroponically year-round, got Vandiver a good grade and two great business partners.

In the beginning there was basil.

Simple and sustainable. Stein and his partners were hooked.

They named the company Smart Basil LLC and built an 18,000-square-foot greenhouse in Suffolk selling hydroponic basil to Sysco, supplying local restaurants and food service.

Their basil business boomed until the market tanked due to a shift in import and trade laws.

The company responded by selling hydroponic micro-greens and lettuces to grocery stores where their products became part of the national supply chain.

Stephanie Fowler is director of public relations and marketing for The Neighborhood Harvest. According to Fowler, the grocery store path was neither optimal or aligned with their mission.

“Seeing our greens, greens that were fresh and gorgeous when we harvested them in our greenhouse, looking lackluster in the grocery store coolers, was a bit of a disconnect. In that equation, you just can’t control what the delivery conditions are like or how long your product sits on a shelf. That’s when we stepped outside the national supply chain to reach our

38 | Jewish News | August 17, 2020 | jewishnewsva.org

customers directly through the regional food shed. Remember the romaine lettuce scares?” says Fowler. “This model insulates us from crops that are affected by those conditions.”

At the intersection of the trend toward home delivery and community supported agriculture, Smart Basil became The Neighborhood Harvest.

If Stein wouldn’t choose disruptor to describe his impact, what would he call The Neighborhood Harvest?

“I would say that The Neighborhood Harvest is a contributor to the local food shed, positioned to become a household name. We deliver an expanding list of products including nutritious, freshly harvested local lettuce and microgreens.

I think of us more like a partner who forged relationships with local farmers and small businesses that produce, grow and prepare top-quality food items within our local community and throughout the state.”

When Pandemic 2020 hit and quarantine life stuck, The Neighborhood Harvest

leveled up as a first responder to meet the increased need for meal delivery through its Virginia Beach-based Harvest Kitchen. This arm of the business was already crafting house-made snacks, appetizers, and quick meal solutions for delivery to its customers. As many area restaurants were closing, Stein turned to beloved chef Andrea Di Carlo, known from the original La Bella Italia restaurant, to create classic savory sauces and Italian dishes such as spinach lasagna, eggplant parmesan, and chicken parmesan. With this move, The Neighborhood Harvest succeeded in taking worry off the table and gave customers around Tidewater, and up to Richmond, the opportunity to order prepared foods, grocery items, and their favorite Italian meal w ­ ith the peace of mind in knowing everything was safely grown, prepared, handled, and delivered.

The Neighborhood Harvest became “The Farmer’s Market Delivered to your Door” and “Your Favorite Italian Restaurant Delivered to Your Door.”

Profile farmers who become our partners.

The Neighborhood Harvest is leaving its tracks all over Virginia for customers seeking products sourced responsibly, and meals prepared and delivered fast and fresh. “Whatever we do, we source the best quality vegetables and meats, and ingredients we can find, some of which we grow ourselves,” says Fowler. The expanding list of farmers’ market items include local milk, organic produce, grass-fed beef, pasture-raised meats and eggs, hydroponic lettuces and fresh-baked bread from local bread partner Baker’s Crust.

Last month, Jewish News and Stephanie Fowler of The Neighborhood Harvest spoke.

Jewish News: What have you learned about customers? What unique need do

you fill? Who is your dream customer?

Neighborhood Harvest: Early on we identified our ‘recurring’ regular customers as people who love Farmers Markets and people of all ages who care about what they eat and take good care of themselves. Our customer understands that their favorite thing at the FM might not be there every time they go because this is a seasonal market.

We also appeal to people with specific nutritional needs who want to know the source and stories behind the food.

Most often, our customers value convenience. And as you advance in age, or in your career, it’s harder to get out and get to every single market. That’s where we come in. We go to the Farmer’s Markets and love meeting other vendors and

JN: What sets TNH apart from Hello Fresh or other delivery services?

NH: The only thing we have in common with other delivery services is wheels!!

Our harvest to delivery is a day or two, much faster than grocery store chains.

That’s how we ensure the freshest product possible. You know exactly where your food came from and how long it’s been sitting. When you get other products, you have no clue how long it’s been sitting on the shelf. You may pay $1 more for a bag of our lettuce but it’s entirely possible it will last for two weeks in your fridge and still be crisp and crunchy.

Even our delivery is different. Your food is delivered to your neighborhood in bags with your name on it.

Everything has been hand-counted just for you. We hear all the time how helpful our customer service people are when people are trying to navigate the new dishes and the seasonal produce.

A huge part of our business is keeping customers motivated as we grow. One very strong engagement tool on social media is fast-motion videos featuring healthy ingredients to prepare salsa, salads, and lightning-fast lunches.

JN: If John Stein were a Netflix original, what genre would best describe him? What about Thomas Vandiver?

Comedy? Romance? Drama? Adventure?

Horror? Science Fiction?

NH: “John is definitely an adventure story with a central character who is a romantic at heart. He’s both spun up and laid back, kind of like a quirky Matthew McConaughey character. Maybe with a little Woody Harrelson thrown in.

Thomas is an action film with a downto-earth, but sarcastic central character, like someone Mark Wahlberg would bring to life. Practical, too and yet he’s still so young. Both have vision. John is the big-idea guy with industry expertise. Thomas is hands-on, sets goals, and executes. In real life, they’re very complementary characters.

JN: What’s next? What special needs

you hope to fill for people seeking organic, healthy and freshly prepared food?

NH: One unique response on our part has been developing the Harvest Kitchen in Virginia Beach. Right now customers can order many of the classic dishes chef Andrea made popular at La Bella. We are also working on Mexican dishes like chicken enchiladas and Mexican rice. On our FB feed, we get a lot of requests for vegetarian and vegan meals and are excited to meet that demand.

Disruption of the national food chain is exactly what we do.

Seafood is our next big category. The coastal area is ideal so we’re working on ways to bring the freshest, healthiest fish sourced responsibly. We’re still perfecting details like packaging. Salmon is first on the list. It should be ready by fall 2020.

John Stein’s roots as a culinary trailblazer date back to 1993, when research led him to meet with wheat farmers in preparation for his first mission-driven partnership. Together with a French pastry chef, he conceived the first Baker’s Crust, located at Hilltop in Virginia Beach, fusing a high-end deli/ cafe with a rustic European style bread market, thus introducing artisanal breads and pastries to the local market.

Breaking bread in true European fashion lured local diners, top chefs and restaurateurs, ushering the kind of growth that led to multiple locations, while surviving several zigs and zags along the way.

“At first, I didn’t love that word.” says Stein, referring to the disruptor label. “But disruption of the national food chain is exactly what we do.”

jewishnewsva.org | August 17, 2020 | Jewish News | 39

what’s happening Locals attend Jewish Book Council 2020 Virtual Annual Conference Patty Shelanski

E

ver wonder how the books and authors are chosen for the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and the Simon Family JCC’s Lee and Bernard Jaffe Family Jewish Book Festival?

Last month, 20 community members, along with five staff professionals, took part in the Jewish Book Council’s virtual annual conference in July to help choose this upcoming year’s featured authors and books.

This year’s Lee and Bernard Jaffe

groups’ favorites.

The Book Festival Committee thoughtfully discussed more than 260 authors and books, resulting in a list of almost 60 to pursue. The list included books and authors from every genre and walk of life. From cookbooks to self-healing, saying Kaddish to a beach read, dealing with anxiety and depression, to venturing onto a racetrack— all of which fit the Festival’s mission to educate and inspire through Jewish works of literature.

The staff then took over. Working through the Community Calendar, scheduling as many authors as feasible, and sending the authors requests—was a multi-day task. If the past is any gauge, the committee is optimistic that an exciting, full, Book Festival schedule that spans the programming year is in the offing.

Although this year’s Lee and Bernard

Family Jewish Book

260

Festival will still offer a great variety of engaging speakers

authors were discussed

by Jewish Book Festival committee

and books.

Over three long days in mid-July, conference “attendees” participated in eight 90-minute sessions via Zoom, where recently published authors were allotted two minutes to pitch their book and presentation skills.

Each session hosted up to 35 authors.

To say it was a whirlwind is an understatement! Speed dating is the only analogy that comes to mind…. Conference attendees were asked to grade each author on topic, presentation, and how they would fit into Tidewater’s Book Festival’s overall mission.

At the end of each day, the 25 participants met to discuss the authors’ presentations, and the list was whittled down to the

Jaffe Family Jewish Book Festival will not look like festivals of the past, it will still offer a great variety of engaging speakers and books. The programming will be virtual, at least to start the programming year, which makes it possible to increase the number of authors that visit Tidewater, and provides the community with more opportunities to participate in the Jewish Book Council’s offerings.

To learn more about United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and Simon Family JCC’s Lee and Bernard Jaffe Family Jewish Book Festival, how to join the committee, or about other Arts + Ideas programs, contact Patty Shelanski, Arts + Ideas manager, at pshelanski@ujft.org or 757-452-3184.

40 | Jewish News | August 17, 2020 | jewishnewsva.org

Jewish Book Council’s Annual Conference was attended this year by 25 members of the Tidewater Jewish community via zoom.

what’s happening Tidewater Chavurah to begin holidays with Rosh Hashanah seder

Virginia author, Rachel Beanland, to discuss her novel: Florence Adler Swims Forever

Friday, September 18, 7 pm

Wednesday, August 26, 2 pm, Free, via Zoom

T

idewater Chavurah will kick off the High Holidays with an online Rosh Hashanah seder rather than a traditional worship service. The seder will bring together a number of households via Zoom to celebrate the New Year with blessings and foods representative of the season.

Although the ritual is not widely known among most North American Jews, the Rosh Hashanah seder has been a staple of Sephardi and Middle Eastern Jews since the early Common Era and is beginning to catch on among Ashkenazi Jews. Much briefer than a Passover seder, the Rosh Hashanah seder does not focus on a story from Jewish history, but rather on what participants hope the new year will bring.

For example, the Rosh Hashanah seder plate typically contains a pomegranate, whose many seeds represent the good deeds to be undertaken during the year, and a fish head or head of lettuce, denoting leadership. Beans or black-eyed peas stand for prosperity and the ability to dispense tzedakah, because the Hebrew word for black-eyed peas is related to the Hebrew for “increase.” Of course, the

traditional apples and honey are present, representing hopes for a sweet year.

“As a congregation without walls, it’s natural for Tidewater Chavurah to think outside the box when it comes to programming for the High Holidays,” says Rabbi Ellen Jaffe-Gill, the chavurah’s spiritual leader. “During this very strange year in which we’re forced to be apart physically, the Rosh Hashanah seder allows members and friends a chance to visit one another at home while participating in a meaningful introduction to the themes of the holidays.”

Tidewater Chavurah will continue High Holiday observance with more traditional services on Rosh Hashanah morning and Yom Kippur, to be broadcast via Zoom from Rabbi Jaffe-Gill’s home.

For more information on Tidewater Chavurah’s Rosh Hashanah seder, including how to connect on Zoom, call Carol Smith at 499-3660 or Betsy Blank at 495-0730, or email Rabbi Jaffe-Gill at rabbicantorejg@ gmail.com.

High School sophomores, juniors, and seniors Being born to lead doesn’t mean you’re a born leader.

Rachel Beanland

R

achel Beanland will discuss her debut novel, Florence Adler Swims Forever with the Tidewater and Richmond communities during a program presented

by United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and the Simon Family JCC’s Lee and Bernard Jaffe Family Jewish Book Festival, in partnership with the Weinstein JCC of Richmond.

In the early 1930s, Atlantic City was the Jewish Riviera. Families flocked to ‘America’s Playground’ each summer to enjoy lazy days at the beach and weekly Sabbaths together. Even the looming

threat of war across the Atlantic didn’t interfere with the fun.

The Adler family is one such family, settling in to enjoy another wonderful summer. When tragedy strikes, the family must come to terms with the truth. Based on a true story, Beanland’s family saga is a breath-taking portrait of just how far people will go to protect loved ones, as well as an uplifting portrayal of how the human spirit can endure, and even thrive, after a tragedy.

Beanland, a fiction and essay writer, earned an MFA in creative writing from Virginia Commonwealth University and holds bachelor’s degrees in art history and journalism from the University of South Carolina. She lives in Richmond, Virginia with her husband and three children.

To register, contact Patty Shelanski, Arts + Ideas manager, at PShelanski@ ujft.org or Jill Grossman, program associate, at JGrossman@ujft.org.

Find Florence Adler Swims Forever at a local independent bookseller, or wherever books are sold.

A

JC’s Leaders for Tomorrow (LFT) program is designed to empower rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors with leadership and advocacy skills, a refined global perspective, and access to a growing network of trailblazing thought leaders.

LFT takeaways include a resume that reflects true leadership potential grounded by the ability to analyze current events with a Jewish lens, possess an expanded view of Jewish history, and confidence in knowing how to advocate for things these teens believe in.

LFT sessions take place once a month, November–May. There is no cost to apply

Visit us on the web jewishnewsva.org or participate. The 2020–21 program will take place online until it is safe to gather in person.

Questions? Contact Monica Azhdam at azhdamm@ajc.org or 202-776-5434. Go to ajc.org for more information or to apply.

Follow us on Facebook JewishNewsVA jewishnewsva.org | August 17, 2020 | Jewish News | 41

Tuesday

BOB JOSEPHBERG

September 15, 2020

Calendar

August 19, WEDNESDAY Get your ZOOM on with Jake. Join the JCC Seniors Club for a virtual lunch gathering and fun entertainment. Learn to ZOOM at this virtual talk/tutorial/teaching session with Jake.

Open and free to all seniors with RSVP. 12 pm. For more information or to RSVP (required), contact Jill Grossman at 757-965-6137 or jgrossman@ujft.org.

10:30 am: Registration opens 12:00 pm: Tee-off

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August 26, WEDNESDAY Virginia author, Rachel Beanland will discuss her debut novel, Florence Adler Swims Forever with the Tidewater and Richmond communities. 2 pm. To register and for more information, contact Patty Shelanski at pshelanski@ujft.org or Jill Grossman at jgrossman@ujft.org.

September 13, SUNDAY ANSWER THE CALL. Super Sunday in the time of COVID-19 will be virtual, spread across the community, and held in host homes. 10 am–1 pm. For more information, contact Amy Zelenka at 757-965-6139 or azelenka@ujft.org.

September 15, TUESDAY 32nd Annual Bob Josephberg Classic Golf Tournament for Strelitz International Academy will be held at Bayville Golf Course, 4137 First Court Road, Virginia Beach.

Registration deadline is September 4. For more information, contact Carly Glikman at 757-424-4327 or cglikman@strelitzacademy.org.

September 18, FRIDAY Tidewater Chavurah will kick off the High Holidays with an online Rosh Hashanah seder with blessings and foods representative of the season. For more information, call Carol Smith at 757-499-3660 or Betsy Blank at 757-495-0730 or email Rabbi Jaffe-Gill at rabbicantorejg@gmail.com.

SEPT. 4

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.

New ‘kosher Netflix’ streaming service in Israel lets viewers skip the immodest parts

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42 | Jewish News | August 17, 2020 | jewishnewsva.org

Marcy Oster

J

ERUSALEM (JTA)—Israelis who don’t want to see racy content have a new streaming service that allows them to skip the immodest parts.

The Tov TV service, dubbed the “kosher Netflix� by the Israeli daily Haaretz, is geared toward observant Jews who follow the religious laws of modesty.

Women prescreen films and television series to identify the problematic content, according to the newspaper report.

Viewers can choose their level of censorship, from a warning text that pops up during a scene, allowing the viewer to press a button and skip that part, to shows in which some content is previously erased. Some shows are taboo,

including Game of Thrones, according to Haaretz.

The service, which has been two years in the making, is the brainchild of Israeli businessman Israel Zeira, who supports the national religious Jewish Home party. Zeira has already invested over $1 million in the project, according to Haaretz.

Tov TV believes its target audience includes about 400,000 Israeli households, according to the report.

Its content library now contains about 400 viewing hours with 170 titles, but the company plans to add up to 40 viewing hours a month, according to Haaretz.

The newspaper reported that a similar model exists for airlines, which censor some content to make it family-friendly.

class of 2020

Mazel Tov to the Class of 2020!

G

raduation ceremonies and celebrations for the Class of 2020, whether for high school, college, or graduate school, came to a screeching halt because of COVID-19.

Another casualty of the pandemic.

Still, imaginative celebrations took place via ZOOM, drive-by parades, and streaming, among other methods…all with far less pomp and circumstance…but with plenty of creativity and emotion.

Jewish News celebrates all graduates, in addition to those recognized here.

Mazel Tov to the Class of 2020 on your accomplishments and achievements!

Sarah Blais SCHOOL: Cape Henry Collegiate DEGREE: High School Diploma with honors HONORS: Faculty Award for academic excellence SPECIAL NOTES: National Honor Society, peer tutor, studied classical ballet PLANS: James Madison University, majoring in biology PARENTS: Pam and David Blais

Sarah Blais.

Leora Friedman Schools: Kempsville High School Class of 2020, Graduating with Honors Tidewater Community College Class of 2020, Associates of Science (Business Administration), Graduating with Honors Honors: Governors Medallion Special Notes: Varsity Soccer, DECA (Executive Vice President), National Honor society, National Business Honor society, Spanish Honor society (Treasurer), Future Business leaders of America, Kempsville Leadership workshop staff Plans: Leora will be studying Quantitative Finance at James Madison University in Fall 2020 Parents: Jonathan and Michal Friedman

Leora Friedman.

Rachael Stromberg School: Norfolk Academy Degree: High School Diploma, May 2020 Honors: 2020 Honor Roll Graduate, 2018/2019 BBYO Chapter President Activities: Participated in Norfolk Academy’s Winter Musical, member of the Norfolk Academy Varsity Crew Team, NA German Exchange Program 2019, and BBYO. Plans: Entering James Madison University, Fall 2020 Parents: Robin and Burle Stromberg

Kacey Cooper School: Norfolk Academy Degree: High School Diploma Honors: Honor Roll student for entire Norfolk Academy career Special Notes (Activities): 4-year Varsity Soccer, 3-year Varsity Volleyball, Medical Scholars Program, Internship Virginia Oncology, Peer Counselor, China Exchange Program Plans: Attending Washington & Lee University in Fall 2020 Parents: Betsy and Erik Cooper

Rachael Stromberg.

Kacey Cooper.

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Hillel’s Jewish College Bound website connects incoming Jewish college students directly to the Hillel staff at the college or university they will attend. Help

students embark on the next phase of their Jewish journey.

Start the process today: Jewish College Bound Email ichavin@hillel.org with any questions.

jewishnewsva.org | August 17, 2020 | Jewish News | 43

Obituaries Frances Sinker Berger Norfolk—Frances Sinker Berger, 92, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 31, 2020 in a local hospital.

She was a longtime clerk for Newport Pharmacy and later Colley Pharmacy in Ghent for many years. Born in Kenbridge, Virginia, she was the daughter of the late Lena Gordon Sinker Weger and Samuel C. Sinker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bernard Berger.

Mrs. Berger was a graduate of Radford College and was a member of B’nai Israel Congregation and its Sisterhood. She was a life member of the Hadassah and a member of the Beth Sholom Home Auxillary.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Susan B. Weintraub and husband, Byron of Sarasota, Fla.; a son, Nathan Berger of Norfolk; three grandchildren, Benjamin Berger and wife, Christine, Erica Weintraub Kominsky and husband, Ethan, and Aaron Weintraub; and seven great grandchildren.

A graveside funeral service was conducted in Woodlawn Memorial Gardens with Rabbi Sender Haber officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to B’nai Israel Congregation, 420 Spotswood Ave., Norfolk, VA 23517. H. D. Oliver Funeral Apts. Online condolences at www.hdoliver.com.

Shirley Farfel Berman Norfolk—Shirley Farfel Berman of Norfolk, Virginia, passed away at home on July 14, 2020, at age 86.

She was a graduate of Woodrow

Wilson High School in Portsmouth, Virginia, and was the valedictorian of her class. She received her college degree at Old Dominion University while a mother of four children. She was the daughter of the late Paul and Olga Snyder Farfel and was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Larry W. Berman, M.D. Shirley worked for many years at Norfolk Social Services, and was an active volunteer with the American Cancer Society and Lee’s Friends. She was a loving and devoted wife, and an amazing mother and grandmother.

She is survived by her children Dr. Stuart Berman and wife, Ileana; Bruce Berman and wife, Shari; Douglas Berman and wife, Jodi; Paula Lefkowitz and husband, Michael; her brother, Dr. Arthur Beryl Farfel and wife, Carole; and her nine grandsons, Jacob, Ben, Josh, Avi, Zach, Ethan, and Charlie Berman, and Robby and Andrew Lefkowitz.

Graveside funeral services were held in Gomley Chessed Cemetery in Portsmouth, Va. with Rabbi Sender Haber officiating.

HD Oliver Funeral Apts. Memorial donations may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be sent to the family at hdoliver.com.

Eli Saul Chovitz Virginia Beach—Eli Saul Chovitz, 90, died on Tuesday, August 11, 2020 in Virginia Beach, Virginia surrounded by his loving family and friends.

Eli was born in Boston, Mass. on May 5, 1930, the son of Philip and Bessie Chovitz. He was a longtime resident

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of Portsmouth, Va. and a graduate of University of Virginia law school.

Eli is survived by his wife Ann, daughter Lisa Tretola (Vince), daughter Jan Lane (Rick), son Philip (Laura), and his granddaughter Katy Ann Snyder. He is also survived by his brother Bernard and sister-in-law Jackie Chovitz, and many dear cousins.

The family would like to express their utmost appreciation to Dr. Fleming and the staff at Virginia Oncology. Words cannot express our gratitude to “Team Eli” at Beth Sholom Village for their support, kindness and compassion.

To leave a condolence online visit www.altmeyerfh.com.

Contributions to Beth Sholom of Virginia or Temple Israel in Norfolk, Va.

Aaron Benjamin Cohen Norfolk—Aaron Benjamin Cohen, 76, passed away July 26, 2020. A native of Lakewood, New Jersey, he was the son of the late Louis and Marion Cohen.

He was a retired CPA who excelled in his private practice and made long-term connections with many of his clients. He enjoyed being involved in both Jewish and community organizations and served on many of their boards. He was an active member of B’nai Israel Congregation in Norfolk and supported the synagogue and Toras Chaim School with his time and money.

In addition to his parents, Aaron was predeceased by his three older brothers Paul, Mark, and Norman Cohen and his grandson, Nic Cohen.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Ruth Japha Cohen; his children and their spouses, Jeffrey and Elise Cohen, Andy and Tee-Jay Cohen, and Amy and Sid Bridge; grandchildren Tirtze, Kayla, Feivel, Sachy, Gilad, and Adele Cohen, Emma Cohen, Bekka Bridge Rube and her husband Yosef, and Rena, Lila, Shmuel, and Miriam Bridge and great granddaughter Shoshana Rube, sister-in-law Fredi Perlmutter; as well as numerous other extended family and dear friends.

Graveside services were held at B’nai Israel Cemetery in Norfolk with Rabbi Sender Haber officiating. H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts. Online condolences may

be offered to the family at hdoliver.com.

Donations may be made to B’nai Israel Congregation or Toras Chaim School.

Stanley Edward “Stan” Garfin Chesapeake—Stanley Edward “Stan” Garfin, 83, passed away after an extended illness on Tuesday, August 4, 2020 in a local hospital.

Stan was born in Mason City, Iowa to the late Sam and Florence Garfin. Stan was a graduate of the University of Iowa with a major in speech and communications. He started his career in radio at WKIB in Mason City as a disc jockey before relocating in 1961 to WTAR in Norfolk, Va. Stan was with WTAR for over 25 years starting in radio and later as their sports director before retiring as a local TV personality. After retirement, Stan worked in advertising and sales.

In 1992, Stan met the “love of his life,” Marilyn Fried and they were married, working, traveling, and enjoying life together for over 25 years. Together they published Stan Garfin Publications, a direct mail magazine.

Surviving Stan is his devoted wife, Marilyn; and their blended families, daughters, Elaine Garfin Salsbury (Marshall) of Baltimore, Md., Judi Spilka Showalter (Willie) of Chesapeake; a son, Jeffrey Spilka (Melissa) of Goodyear, Arizona; six grandchildren, Brian, Jesse, Ruth Ann, Henry, Spencer, and Rosalie; and one great granddaughter, Maya.

A graveside service was held in Forest Lawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions to Congregation Beth El or to the National Kidney Foundation. H. D. Oliver Funeral Apts. Online condolences may be sent to the family through www.hdoliver.com.

Penny Laster Norfolk—Penny Laster (83) passed away peacefully on August 6, 2020.

Born Emily Elizabeth in Roanoke Rapids, N.C., she was always known to family, friends, and neighbors as Penny.

She is predeceased by her loving husband, Don of more than 40 years and by her beloved daughter, Joy Atkinson.

Penny is survived by her children Don Laster Jr. (Jeri), Lorna Orleans (Roy) and five grandchildren, Paul Atkinson

Obituaries Jr., ( Julie), Gavin Orleans, Samantha Atkinson Lanier (Barry), April Orleans and Zachary Laster. She is also survived by her beloved great-granddaughter and namesake, Emily Lanier.

A private graveside service took place.

Please see the full obituary at www. hdoliver.com. Contributions to the local American Cancer Society.

Lenore Shapiro Norfolk—Lenore Shapiro of Norfolk, Virginia, passed away on July 24, 2020.

She was born on December 4, 1931.

Arrangements entrusted to Altmeyer Funeral Home–Southside Chapel.

Morris Victor Shelanski W ynnewood, Pa.—Morris V. Shelanski, M.D., called “Doc” by many, passed away peacefully at home in Wynnewood, Pa, the morning of 23 July 2020.

He lived a long and fruitful life and he leaves us one month shy of 99 years of age. The son of Lithuanian immigrants, Dr. Shelanski grew up poor in South Philadelphia with a childhood that nurtured his exceptional intellect and intense curiosity. He earned an academic scholarship to Harvard College, then later his M.D. and Master Surgeon degrees from McGill University. He began his professional career as a surgeon at Philadelphia General Hospital, where he met, and later married the love of his life, Rita, a registered nurse. They were married for 65 years.

Dr. Shelanski served in the United States Naval Reserve as a doctor doing special research in chemical warfare protection for both the Army and Navy, and was promoted to Lieutenant Commander. After the Navy, he worked with his brother, Herman, at Industrial Toxicology Laboratories in Philadelphia, and both were among the nation’s first toxicologists. Together they invented Povidone-Iodine, commonly known as Betadine, an iodine-based anti-bacterial liquid, in use now since 1953 in hospitals and clinics throughout the world as a pre- and post-surgical wash. This has helped save millions of lives. He started his own company, Product Investigations,

Inc., testing many chemicals, substances and cosmetics for safety and efficiency for both the government and commercial marketplace.

While at Harvard, he took coursework in archeology and ancient civilizations that kindled his passion for classical art and antiquities. Dr. Shelanski amassed a much-admired collection over 40 years and was well known at antique stores from Philadelphia to Boston. His passion for collecting was tempered only by Rita, and he often had one of his children sneak the latest painting or Chinese vase into a closet in the house, lest he be caught and have to face her wrath.

He was a true Renaissance man in terms of his talent for calligraphy, multiple patents for “ahead-of-their-time” technical medical devices, expertise, unwavering devotion to the Sunday New York Times Crossword Puzzle, and love of classical music and high-end, high-fidelity stereo equipment.

Above all else, Morris Shelanski was a deeply kind and generous man who loved his large family. Nothing made him happier than to have them all together for Shabbat dinners, where he would hold court afterwards for hours telling jokes and hilarious stories.

He leaves his much-adored wife Rita, his five children, Joseph (Sharon),

Herman (Patty), Samuel, Anne ( John Dougherty) and Stephan. His legacy also includes 12 beloved grandchildren and two great-grandchildren in a long, happy life guided by the ethics and morals of Judaism. The world is a better place because of him, and he will be greatly missed.

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jewishnewsva.org | August 17, 2020 | Jewish News | 45

Who knew?

ChaiFlicks, the ‘Jewish Netflix,’ is here Stephen Silver

I

t was only a matter of time: A Jewish Netflix has arrived.

That moniker is probably the best description of ChaiFlicks, a film and TV streaming platform focused on Jewishthemed movies that launched last week.

It helps that its creators were once in business with the real Netflix.

Neil Friedman, founder of the Jewishfocused distribution company Menemsha Films, said he sold two films to Netflix: the 2015 bakery-set drama, Dough and the 2016 Israeli film The Women’s Balcony.

But since then, Netflix has shifted its focus to its original offerings.

In 2017, when Netflix passed on another film that the founders were distributing—1945, a rare Hungarian production about the effects of the Holocaust—the idea for ChaiFlicks began.

“We realized then and there that if we were going to have our films on [a subscription video on demand] channel, we would have to initiate our own channel,” Friedman says.

The service was offered earlier this year in a beta version for Menemsha Films’ mailing list subscribers, spokesman Gary Springer says. The service is now open to all at a price point of $5.99 a month, or $65.99 a year. ChaiFlicks also offers a 14-day free trial.

It’s launching with more than 150 titles, including feature films, documentaries, shorts, and other entertainment, all of it either Jewish- or Israeli-themed.

While it doesn’t have nearly as much content, ChaiFlicks also offers something that newer, bigger streaming services like HBO Max and Peacock don’t: It’s available on every major streaming platform, including Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV, as well as both iOS and Android mobile devices, in addition to a desktop version. The tech for the site is powered by the video platform Vimeo.

“We have not had any issues with Roku or Amazon,” Friedman says. “We are a small niche streaming service and that has its advantages so as not to affect the preexisting ecosystem in the VOD and

streaming worlds.”

The ChaiFlicks lineup at the start includes Natasha, A Home on the Range: The Jewish Chicken Ranchers of Petaluma, Holy Land Hardball, In Search of Israeli Cuisine, Heading Home: The Tale of Team Israel, the show Soon By You, and other titles that might be familiar to those who follow the Jewish film festival circuit. Shekinah: The Intimate Life of Hasidic Women and Bulgarian Rhapsody are among the titles that will come to the service in the week after launch.

“We started ChaiFlicks…as soon as the pandemic hit in March, as we had the advantage of owning 80 Jewish and Israeli titles of our own,” Friedman says. “Since such time, although still in the beta stage for the channel, we have been acquiring third-party product for ChaiFlicks to the extent that we as of today have 150 titles for ChaiFlicks alone.”

As the service continues to acquire third-party programming, Friedman says, he and his two co-founders expect that Menemsha titles will become a minimal part of the ChaiFlicks presentations.

Those co-founders are Heidi Oshin, a fellow Menemsha Films staffer, and Bill Weiner, who once worked for the large production company now called Regency Enterprises.

Friedman estimated that the service will add about three new films per week.

Categories include comedy, drama, documentaries, food, music, sports, LGBTQ stories, shorts, The American Sephardi Federation presents…and specific categories for individual countries and regions, which include Israel, Europe, France and South America.

Also, on the way, according to the spokesman Springer, is a partnership with the Jewish Women’s Theater in Santa Monica, California, and agreements with some Israeli film companies.

Eventually there will be content that premieres on ChaiFlicks, mostly special live debut events.

“We will need to provide that ‘wow’ factor to the subscribers with premieres on ChaiFlicks,” Friedman says. “However, for now we want to retain the sequential windowing not to upset existing relationships in the first four stages of release.”

(JTA)

46 | Jewish News | August 17, 2020 | jewishnewsva.org

Dirty Dancing sequel starring Jennifer Grey announced Gabe Friedman

I

t’s official: A Dirty Dancing sequel is coming, and it’s starring Jewish actress Jennifer Grey, who played Frances “Baby” Houseman in the 1987 original.

Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer confirmed the news to Deadline, while keeping the plot secret.

“It will be exactly the kind of romantic, nostalgic movie that the franchise’s fans have been waiting for and that have made it the biggest-selling library title in the Company’s history,” Feltheimer said on a company call, according to Deadline.

The site had reported on the rumor last month.

Jewish filmmaker Jonathan Levine, known for helming 50/50 and Warm Bodies, will direct. Grey, 60, will also executive produce the film.

The original movie took place at a resort in the Borscht Belt, the vacation destination popular with New York Jews for decades in the mid-20th century, which has also been lovingly depicted in the hit show The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.

A poorly received prequel of sorts, Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights, was released in 2004. (JTA)

Epic Israeli series Beauty Queen of Jerusalem to feature Shtise’ star Michael Aloni Gabe Friedman

P

roduction is underway on what is being billed as one of the most ambitious Israeli TV series’ ever.

The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem, Sarit Yishai-Levy’s epic bestselling novel about a fictional Sephardic family, is being produced by the country’s Yes Studios of Fauda and Shtisel fame and will feature four languages, including Ladino.

Shtisel star Michael Aloni, along with Hila Saada of The Baker and The Beauty and Itzik Cohen of Fauda, will feature in the cast.

From Deadline: Set in the early-mid 20th century, the

ambitious series will chart the passionate and tragic history of a family living through the Ottoman Empire, The British Mandate, and Israel’s War of Independence. The multi-generational historical melodrama will shoot across the country in Hebrew, English, Ladino, and Arabic.

“We have all fallen in love with the story of the Armoza family and cannot wait to see it materialize on screen,” Yes managing director Danna Stern told Deadline.

“The initial two-season order is a show of confidence in the story-telling abilities of all involved.” (JTA)

Seth MacFarlane adapting Herman Wouk WWII novels for miniseries Curt Schleier

F

amily Guy creator Seth MacFarlane is adapting Herman Wouk’s epic World War II novels The Winds of War and its sequel, War and Remembrance, into a limited TV series for NBCUniversal.

Wouk, who died last year at 103, wrote numerous popular works of fiction—Majorie Morningstar (about a young Jewish woman who wants to become an actress), Youngblood Hawke (about a young writer supposedly modeled on the novelist Thomas Wolfe) and The Caine Mutiny, for which he won the Pulitzer Prize.

The author, an observant Jew, also wrote This Is My God, a book summarizing the tenets of Judaism intended for both Jews and non-Jews.

The Winds of War and War and Remembrance established the author’s reputation as a master of historical fiction works featuring stories of personal conflict set against significant events. In this case, the books follow the experiences of Navy officer Victor Henry and his family from the German invasion of Poland through the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan.

The two books had already been turned into a seven-part ABC miniseries in 1983 starring Robert Mitchum, Ali MacGraw and Jan-Michael Vincent. The miniseries, which remains among the most popular in television history, won five Emmy Awards and was nominated for 11. (JTA)

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