15 minute read
SYNAGOGUES
.Beth Sholom Happenings
Beth Sholom Senior Living Annual Meeting
Beth Sholom Senior Living hosted its Virtual 2020 Annual Meeting, “A Year In Review” on Sunday, Oct. 25.
The meeting was presented virtually to a “room full” of guests!
Jonathan Joseph, outgoing chairperson, gave a warm welcome. He then introduced Rabbi Randi Nagel, who presented a heartwarming opening prayer followed by a musical performance by Jody Smith, Life Enrichment team member at Beth Sholom.
She serenaded all with “Hatikvah” and the National Anthem.
The event marked the end of Jonathan Joseph’s 2-year term as the board chairperson for Beth Sholom.
At this meeting, Ellen Renee Adams, president of the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond, performed the installation of the new Chairperson Janet Gale, along with the other o cers, Ben Humphreys, Vice Chairperson/Treasurer; Stanley Ullman, Secretary; Morris Funk, Chief Executive O cer; and new Board member Melissa Brownstein.
Janet Gale has been a member of the Beth Sholom Board since 2014. She also served on the Board of Circle Center Adult Day Services and on the Development Committee of the Greater Richmond Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.
In addition, she has a certifi cate in gerontology through the American Society of Aging. Janet currently is the director of Extended Care Marketing for McKesson Medical-Surgical.
Incoming Board Member
Janet Gale Beth Sholom Photos
Melissa Brownstein
“Employee of the Year,” Samantha Goodman, with CEO Mo Funk.
Melissa Brownstein, is an active has been awarded Beth Sholom’s volunteer at Beth Sholom. “Employee of the Year” for her
In addition to her involvement hard work and dedication to Beth with many events, for the last 2 Sholom Senior Living and our years she has served on Beth Sho- residents and family members. lom’s Mah Jong Madness Commit- Patti Patrus, o ce assistant at tee. Welcome to the Board Melissa! The Woods Independent Apart-
CEO Morris “Mo” Funk, ments, was awarded “Rookie of closed the meeting with an emo- the Year” for her “can do” attitional “Year In Review.” He illus- tude with a smile. trated what life has been like for the Patti is always willing to lend a Beth Sholom Senior Living Com- helping hand when called upon! munity since COVID-19 descended Congratulations and thank you, upon us. Sam and Patti!
He extended his utmost grati- We are pleased to welcome tude to the Beth Sholom Team, the Jamie Agee, admissions and marBoard of Directors, residents, fami- keting coordinator, to the Beth lies, and the Community for their Sholom Team! hard work and endless support! Jamie comes to Beth Sholom Other Beth Sholom News with a wide range of experience
Beth Sholom recently an- and talents. She is a graduate of nounced the 2020 employee hon- James Madison University and an ors. Samantha or “Sam” Good- accomplished violinist. Acclaimed man, director of Life Enrichment, for “playing with the heart and
“Rookie of the Year,” Patti Patrus, with CEO Mo Funk.
Jamie Agee, the new Beth Sholom admissions and marketing coordinator, is an accomplished violinist.
soul of a virtuoso,” we’re looking main page of our website: forward to working with Jamie www.bethsholomliving.org. and hearing her play! In keeping with the tradition
Beth Sholom’s Lunch & Beth Sholom’s CEO, Morris Learn virtual event, “Living with “Mo” Funk, started shortly after Dementia During COVID-19” arriving in 2018, all team memon Nov. 10 was well attended. bers on campus will receive a Presenter, Michael Skrajner, the holiday turkey to share with their director of Research and Innova- family. tion at the Hearthstone Institute, Over 300 turkeys will be disdiscussed how COVID-19 has tributed! This was made possible changed all of our lives, especially through generous donations from those living with dementia and of- the community. fered many useful tips for family Thank you to all! members and caregivers. For more about Beth Sholom.
Beth Sholom is a certifi ed email communications@bslcc.org.. Memory Care Center of Excel- We hope you can join us! lence for the Hearthstone Insti- Beth Sholom Senior Living tute’s I’m Still Here® approach is supported, in part, by a to dementia, the only program of generous annual contribution, programming grants its kind in Virginia. and COVID-19 Crisis
If you were unable to join us Relief Funds from the Jewish Commufor this event, see his video on the nity Federation of Richmond.
Beth Sholom and Generations Home Health Proudly Serving the Richmond Community Generations Home Health provides in-home skilled medical care and personal care designed to competently meet important needs of our neighbors. Whether you are recovering from illness or injury, managing a chronic disease, or simply trying to improve your quality of life in retirement, Generations has the multi-disciplinary team that can ensure you achieve optimal health outcomes while in the comfort of your own home. For more information contact us at (804) 421-5270.
Generations Home Health is jointly owned and operated by Beth Sholom in Richmond and Beth Sholom Village in Virginia Beach.
Beth Sholom’s mission is to provide quality and comprehensive residential, health care and community-based services to individuals of all faiths, in a manner that refl ects our Jewish traditions and values. For information call us at (804) 750-2183 or visit us online at bethsholomliving.com.
Beth Sholom wishes you a safe and Happy Hanukkah
Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care Parkside Assisted Living & Memory Care Woods Apartment Living The Healthcare Center Rehabilitation, Skilled & Long Term Care Generations Home Health Skilled Home Healthcare
1600 John Rolfe Parkway, Richmond, VA 23238 | www.bethsholomliving.org | 804-750-2183
Hanukkah-Reflector 2020.indd 1
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A “Creation story” scavenger hunt for rainbow colored leaves. Beth-El Photos
By Ramona L. Brand
Director of Youth Learning October and November were bustling months for the religious school, both on Zoom and inperson.
Regular Sunday sessions resumed on Oct. 18 and we were all delighted to see each other again in Zom classrooms. Our teachers are amazing and their creativity, energy and care shines through everything they do. In addition to using stimulating visual Zoom friendly teaching tools, teachers will do whatever it take, including delivering supplies to their students’ homes to provide synchronous hands-on activities.
The school has conducted two in-person sessions under strict Covid safety guidelines and will continue to o er opportunities for bringing students and teachers together when recommendations allow.
In October our Pre-K, Kindergarten, and Grade 1 students didn’t let the rain stop them from enjoying a “Creation” scavenger hunt in our Nature Center.
We found a rainbow’s worth of colorful leaves. Then they raced through an obstacle course to find Aleph Bet letters! It was great fun to be together!
In November our teens had a perfect evening to celebrate Havdalah together. After leading a peaceful Havdalah ceremony, the Teen board directed icebreakers and games! The teens are looking forward to celebrating Hanukah together this month.
December Religious School Calendar:
Sundays: Dec. 6 and 13
Wednesdays: Dec. 2, 9, 16
Confirmation meets: Dec. 6
Religious School Hanukah Celebration:
Sunday, Dec. 13
Hanukah celebrates the rededication of the Second Temple in the second century BCE after the Hellenist Syrians had desecrated it. It is a holiday that also celebrates resilience in the face of overwhelming odds. Not only a rededication of physical space, Hanukah is also a rededication of the spirit in order to make that space a sacred one.
The Religious will celebrate Hanukah joyously even in the face of our current challenges. With both a virtual and drive-by event we will enjoy holiday light and spirit with our families! The Hanukah party is open to all. Email Ramona at r.brand@bethelrichmond.org for Zoom information.
Schedule and Party Info
9-10:30 a.m: Virtual Party on Zoom
Storytelling Duo Once Upon A Story with Sandy Ryder and Ramona Brand perform Hershel and the Hanukah Goblins; Breakout rooms - Virtual Dreidel, Kahoots games, Hanukkah Jewpardy, Dance Party room, photo booth and more! Community candle lighting with Rabbi Knopf and Cantor Rosenblatt 11:30 a.m. - noon: Drive By Car Parade and Hanukah Gift pick-up
Decorate your car, dress up for Hanukah and be part of the parade! Best car wins a prize! Meet in the school parking lot to show o your Hanukah spirit and pick up your family gift.
Temple Beth-El Zoom Tot Shabbat Services Saturday, Dec. 5
For families with children age Birth -5 / Open to the entire community
December Theme: Hanukkah
At 10 a.m., families with children from 0- 5 can enjoy a Shabbat service geared filled with music, stories, movement and more. A musical, meaningful service designed for wiggles.
For more information on any programs, email Ramona at r.brand@bethelrichmond.org.
Racing through the obstacle course to get to the Hebrew letters.
Teens enjoying a socially distanced Havdalah.
By Alison Litvin Education Coordinator
December brings the Festival of Lights, the Hanukkah holiday fi lled with candle lit Menorahs, dreidels to spin, and Latkes to eat. The Helen and Sam Kornblau Religious School of Or Atid is ready for a Hanukkah celebration like no other; bringing together new and old traditions for a festive holiday season.
Or Atid families will come together on Friday, Dec. 18 to welcome Shabbat in a virtual, Hanukkah-themed service. Lighting the candles via Zoom means everyone is at home, but the spotlight feature allows each family to share their menorah with the congregation.
With songs and games blended with the Friday Night Service, the interactive program o ers a new way for families to celebrate Hanukkah online, bringing the community together as classes and families take turns leading the service.
As the fi rst semester comes to a close, teachers, students, and families are excited to continue a favorite tradition with the 3rd annual Latke Cook-O . Now virtual for the fi rst time, classes will explore various potatopancake recipes from around the world to discover new fl avors - and new potential - for the traditional Latke recipe.
Students will break down the Latke recipe by identifying the role each ingredient plays, trying new pairings and fl avor profi les to develop their own unique recipes for a new Hanukkah celebrations - of decoratype of Latke. During the last week of classes, families team up to prepare their Latke recipes at home, sharing and spotlighting their latkes with the school. Family-favorites from previous years include Plantain Latkes with an Avocado Crema, Mozzarella-stu ed Latkes, and the surprisingly delicious S’mores Latkes. Though this year’s Latke Cook-O may be virtual, families look forward to coming together to test each recipe, and by the end of the cook-o everyone will discover a new favorite latke.
This year’s classroom may be virtual, but that doesn’t limit sta or students from discovering new ways to engage with Jewish holidays and traditions, Israeli culture, Hebrew and Tefi llah, and the weekly Parsha.
For more information about the school, and to learn about our approach to distance learning, please contact Education Coordinator Alison Litvin, at relschool@oratid.org, or call Congregation
Happenings at Brith Achim
December is arriving, so Latkes, tions, Menorahs, Latkes, etc. - for a Dreidels and Menorahs are grand “Temple collage” as part of our on our minds at Congregation Brith annual party. Achim. Our festivities, fi lled with story and
The ongoing pandemic is trigger- song will be on Sunday, Dec. 13 at 7 ing many Hanukkah-themed Zoom p.m. Imagine the choruses of “I have events celebrating the Hebrews defeat- a little Dreidel!” ing the Greeks, to liberate and conse- Larry Katz continued our lecture crate The Temple. series in November with a discussion
November kicked o our NFL of Judaism in China. Along with the collaborative watch parties. On Dec. theme of “gelt,” Dr. David Goldstein 5 at 8 p.m., we will ring in the holi- will present “Working with Somebody days with our fi rst collaborative movie Else’s Money: Getting and Spending night. Our app-based video watch Grants, Contracts and other Fund party will feature a collection of Ha- Sources” on Dec. 24 at 8 p.m.. nukkah-related videos for all to enjoy. For information on any of these We supply the movies; you supply the activities, contact David Goldstein at popcorn! drdaveg@gmail.com or the Synagogue
December also features our Zoom o ce at (804) 732-3968. Wishing you Hanukkah party. Congregants are all a Happy and Healthy Hannukah contributing pictures from their own from Congregation Brith Achim! Or Atid at (804) 740 - 4747.
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In Memoriam
November 10 took one of the most active and loved members of Richmond’s
Jewish community, Congregation Brith Achim’s Helen Gutworth. Helen had been
a leader in Hadassah and at Brith Achim for decades. She not only served as
an o cer in both organizations, but also maintained memberships and taught
Hebrew School at other area Synagogues. She will be deeply missed.
Rabbi Ahuva Zaches speaks at the Annual Richmond Humanitarian Awards Celebration about Or Ami’s partnership with the Interfaith Dialogue Group (The Bon Air Interfaith Trialogue). The Trialogue recently received the Distinguished Merit Award from the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities.
Or Ami happenings
Or Amiens celebrating their first ever Havdalahween hosted by John and Laurie Weinberg.
Everyone attending the Havdalahween had a wonderful time. These days, being around folks we haven’t seen in awhile makes every celebration – no matter how socially distanced, very special.
We are proud to announce that Or Ami, in partnership with the Interfaith Dialogue Group (The Bon Air Interfaith Trialogue) recently received the Distinguished Merit Award from the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities.
This award is for our 15 years of building ties between Jews, Muslims, and Christians. To view the clip on our website, visit https://or-ami.com/interfaith-trialogue/ Or Ami also partners with ReEstablish Richmond and continues to reach out to congregations and local Jewish organizations to provide information on the plight of the world’s refugees, the refugee resettlement process, and how to get involved.
Marilyn Breslow, our congregation’s social action coordinator, spoke at Temple Beth El’s Shabbat services and is available to speak to any group who’d like more information about the refugee’s situation, volunteering, and/or becoming involved in advocacy. With funding from the Religious Action Center for Reform Judaism, Or Ami was able to purchase instructional materials for refugee adults who want to learn English.
Our youth group filled 100 bags with picture dictionaries, workbooks, whiteboards, etc. which will be used by volunteers and students. ReEstablish Richmond provides the training and matches tutors to newcomers who will use these materials as they engage in online learning.
Our virtual Book Club continues to meet. On Jan. 4, the selection, “Wandering Stars,” by Jack Dann, is a sci-fi short story collection, and on Feb. 1, we will discuss “The Lake on Fire,” by Rosellen Brown. Please contact office@ Or-Ami.com for links to these or any other events.
Virtual Shabbat Services are held online Friday evenings from 7:30 to 8:30, and Torah Study is held on Saturdays, from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. in Zoom format.
A Virtual Oneg is hosted following the services by members of Or Ami’s Board. Information about service and Oneg links are provided to those who request it and go out on Friday afternoons.
For more information on any of our programs or to obtain links to zoom events, please contact our office at (804) 272-0017 or office@or-ami.com.
Would you like to know more? Contact us at Belong@Or-Ami.com or check us out at www.Or-Ami.com. You can follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/OrAmi-Richmond, or catch us on Twitter@oramirichmond. All inquiries are always welcome.
Or Amiens celebrate at Havdalahween.
Or Ami Teen Youth members work on learning project promote refugees learning
