what’s happening Gain Insights and Inspiration from a diplomatic “insider” at UJFT’s Annual Campaign Kickoff celebration Dennis Ross Tuesday, September 20, 5:45-6:45 pm Sandler Center for the Performing Arts Free and open to all members of the Jewish community, RSVP information below In addition to Ross’ conversation,
Laine M. Rutherford
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Campaign leaders including Gross will opportunity
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what the result of the presidential election may mean for
Jews in Tidewater, in Israel, and in comDennis Ross
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world presents itself—for free, from an internationally renowned, bi-partisan veteran diplomat at the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s Annual Campaign Kickoff. Among other highlights, the event features a special briefing with Ambassador Dennis Ross who has been a confidant and advisor to five U.S. presidents, a prize-winning author, and a “peace process junkie” who spent the past 30 years trying to resolve the IsraeliPalestinian issue. Ross’ analysis and insights at Campaign Kickoff will be tailored specifically for the Jewish community during a catered cocktail and hors d’oeuvres reception held on stage at the Sandler Center for Performing Arts, prior to his appearance there before a general audience at the Israel Today/ Virginia Beach Forum (For more details, see ad on page 16, and related article on page 31). “Ambassador Ross has spent much of his career working with both Republican and Democratic administrations on matters affecting Israel and the Middle East peace process,” says Laura Geringer Gross, chair of this year’s Annual Federation Campaign. “I look forward to hearing [him] discuss his long time service in the field, and with the
speak briefly. They’ll share details of some of the most pressing challenges facing Jews today, and outline the Federation’s plans to address those issues through support for the Annual Campaign. “Campaign Kickoff is held during or near the beginning of the Jewish New Year, a period of true introspection, commitment to cause, and positive growth,” says UJFT president Jay Klebanoff. This year, event organizers changed the presenter, the format, and the venue— from the stage at Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus to the stage at Virginia Beach’s Sandler Center for Performing Arts, 201 Market St. “No matter where it’s held, or who the featured guest may be,” community leader Karen Jaffe says, “showing up to this event and others is important. Attendance and participation are key ingredients in ensuring challenges are met, and fellow Jews are not forgotten—because the problems never go away.” “Coming to the Kickoff is one of the best ways to learn about the impact you make when you give to the Federation,” Jaffe says, “and you can get involved right away. Come to Kickoff for a fresh start to our Jewish New Year.” RSVP for the Annual Campaign Kickoff by Sept. 15—the first 100 people to RSVP will receive complimentary tickets to hear Ambassador Ross’ Forum presentation. (Regularly $40) For more information, visit www. JewishVA.org; to RSVP, email pmalone@ ujft.org or call 757-965-6115.
peace process.”
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Open House at Ohef Sholom Temple Sunday, September 11 10 am–12 pm
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hef Sholom Temple will host an open house for prospective members to learn about the congregation. Rabbi Rosalin Mandelberg, who brings warmth, vitality and wisdom to her spiritual leadership; Cantor Wally Schachet-Briskin, who inspires worship with his beautiful voice and music; and Interim Associate Rabbi Deborah Bodin Cohen, noted children’s author who heads up OST’s interfaith efforts, will all be there. Tours of Ohef Sholom’s building, including its Greek Revival sanctuary, which will soon celebrate its 100th birthday, will take place. The Children’s Service led by the clergy, will be open to attend, as well as a mini-Torah Study session led by Dr. David Metzger of OST’s Adult Ed Committee. Committees will also be explained. For example, for those who consider themselves a “Jew of the Heart” who finds inspiration in the Services and spirituality of Judaism, the Worship Committee or Mussar program might be of interest. Those who consider themselves a “Jew of the Mind,” who are motivated by the philosophy and heritage of American Reform Judaism, might want to consider the Adult Ed Committee. And those who are a “Jew of the Hand,” inspired by Tikkun Olam (healing of the world), who might want to
hear about the Caring Committee. These and numerous other Committees will have representatives on hand to talk about their mission and upcoming programs. OST’s director of Family Learning, Chris Kraus, will talk about the exciting changes he has been instituting at the Religious School, the area’s largest. OST students explore Judaism not only in the classroom but also via cooking, dance, yoga and other exploratory experiences. The Judaica Shop, which offers one of the largest collections of Judaica in Tidewater, will also be open. For more than 170 years, Ohef Sholom has served as one of the leading congregations in Tidewater. “A House of Prayer for All Peoples,” the inscription above its famed columned sanctuary entrance, reinforces the congregation’s mission to accept, foster and nurture Judaism in all its dynamic variations. Ohef Sholom is located at 530 Raleigh Avenue in Norfolk. For more information, call the office at 625-4295.
Nexus Interfaith Dialogue: Faith and Election 2016
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omplementing the What’s at Stake?: Election 2016 series—the Nexus Interfaith Dialogues,” will also focus on the election. Since 1998, this hallmark Center for the Study of Religious Freedom program at Virginia Wesleyan College, sponsored in partnership with the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities, has served as a point of connection to foster open and respectful dialogue among people of differing faiths or of no faith. The fall 2016 Nexus programs will focus on how different faith perspectives shape attitudes towards key issues, political parties and individuals. Participants will discuss how their faith informs and influences how they make decisions. The first program in the series is:
Jewish and Muslim Perspectives on Election 2016 Monday, September 26, 7–8:30 pm Moderator: Cathy Lewis, Host of HearSay with Cathy Lewis, WHRV 89.5 FM Panelists: Dr. Mohamed Abdous (Muslim); Rabbi Jeffrey Arnowitz (Jewish Conservative); Rabbi Alexander Haber (Jewish Orthodox); Dr. Ahmed Noor (Muslim); Blocker Hall Auditorium, Virginia Wesleyan College
For more information call 757-455-3129 or go to vwc.edu/elction2106.