Jewish Community Federation 6
Reflector
the
in this
issue
FEDERATION
Volume 68 | Issue 8
OF RICHMOND
STAY HEALTHY & SAFE
Av/Elul 5780
| August 2020
Making children’s faces light up for 21+ years
COMMUNITY CHRONICLES PAGE 3
AGENCIES
PRESCHOOL UPDATE PAGE 6
COMMUNITY
VHM REOPENS TABLE of CONTENTS
PAGE 22 FEDERATION
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AGENCIES
6
SYNAGOGUES
16
HADASSAH
20
COMMUNITY
21
FOUNDATION
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For more than 21 years, volunteers with the Richmond Jewish Coalition for Literacy have been mentoring students. Pictured above are six mentors with a few of their mentees through the years. (TOP ROW/FROM LEFT) Claudia Biegler and Robin Jackson; (MIDDLE) Miriam Davidow, Morty Brown and Bea Fine; and (BOTTOM) Susan Meyers. For reflections from some past and current mentors on this award-winning Federation initiative that has impacted thousands of kids, see Pages 12-13.
.Response to “A HISTORY LESSON - The responsibility Commentary from a community leader
of Richmond’s Jews during the current protests.” Editor’s Note: The following commentary is by Irving M. Blank, a longtime community leader who chaired the Federation’s Jewish Community Relations Committee for nearly 15 years, and served on many local and national boards. By Irving M. Blank ecently, an article appeared in a local publication purporting to be “A History Lesson” and calling the Richmond Jewish Community to action in support of our local and national Black Community. It has been my privilege for the past 50 years to witness and participate in the Richmond Jewish Community’s response to a myriad of human rights issues, including the denial of civil rights to the African-American Community. I take issue with the “History Lesson” that called on our community to repent and suggest that the history portrayed in the article was incomplete, inaccurate and displayed a lack of knowledge of our
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c o m m u n i t y ’s actions in this regard. The fact is that rather than repent, our history is one for which we can and should be very proud. R a t h e r than focusing Irving M. Blank on statements made over 100 years ago by people no one remembers or even knows about, I suggest we focus on our history over the last 75 years. While dealing successfully with many important events unique to Jews, our community has also built institutions like the Weinstein JCC and the Virginia Holocaust Museum that have been dedicated to supporting the African-American Community.
These and other institutions in our community such as the Beth Sholom Home and JFS, have for the last 75 years provided services to the African-American community, have been open to membership to the African-American Community, have had Black board members, and encouraged the application of equal rights under the law for all of our citizens. For almost 15 years, I was privileged to be the Chairman of the JCFR’s Community Relations Committee. In that role, I learned from great Jewish leaders of the role our community played in the furtherance of advancement of opportunity for our African-American neighbors. Our institutions were built and operated with Jewish values and have served thousands in our community every day for the 50 years to which I can attest and certainly for years prior to my personal involvement. While it is important that we continue
to adhere to the values of our religion, it is also important to acknowledge our past accomplishments so they can be a guide to secure a more just and righteous future for all. While we are commanded to act in the face of injustice and that we cannot remain on the sidelines, I would submit we have and are satisfying that commandment. Our history is one of many in our community supporting the arts, mentoring school kids at disadvantaged schools, caring for the aged, providing social work expertise, and bringing home health care to areas of our city in need. Additionally, we have been instrumental in the continued existence of Historically Black Colleges and churches. We have contributed to the expansion of opportunities for the African-American Response to History Lesson. More on page 4 ©2019 TPCK, LLC
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Resilience
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he Torah tells us that Abraham truly became the father of the Jewish people when he heeded God’s call to adopt a sacred purpose, spreading righteousness and justice in the world (Gen. 18:19). The Jewish people would not merely be a people apart, a separate ethnic and political unit, but instead they would be a people bound to a higher calling. Accordingly, every Jew is called upon not simply to believe in the values of righteousness and justice, but to act on them; motivated by moral responsibility, to advocate – as Abraham did – on behalf of the vulnerable and oppressed of all nations. We are at a critical point in our history. We are facing a global pandemic of unknown duration, economic hardships and political and social divides that rip at our core. These times call upon us all to stand together, work together and act together. What we do, how we act and how we respond will set the path for the next decade or longer.
Daniel Staffenberg Chief Executive Officer Jewish Community Federation of Richmond
Federation Happenings
There is much work to be done. Federation along with our local and overseas partners, has responded quickly and strongly to the pandemic. Together we have distributed food, emergency financial support, protected and cared for our elderly, educated our children and connected our community virtually. I have been blessed to participate and witness the beauty of a Weinstein JCC preschool Shabbat, meaningful conversations between teens in Israel and Richmond, and countless acts of generosity, caring and compassion. Our work as a Federation and the system of services we support is more critical than ever. Thanks to the many donors to our COVID-19 Crisis Relief Fund and Annual Campaign, we acted quickly and thoughtfully to support our community in the short term and were able to put hundreds of thousands of dollars into action. Now, as the fallout and impact of COVID-19 becomes clearer, we know we face a serious time for our community. The 2021 An-
JEWISH COMMUNITY FEDERATION OF RICHMOND Presents
COMMUNITY CHRONICLES
Mark Wilf, Board Chair Jewish Federations of North America Owner, NFL Minnesota Vikings Monday, August 10, 5:30 P.M. Register at jewishrichmond.org/communitychronicles
www.JewishRichmond.org
nual Campaign will soon launch, focused on supporting and sustaining our agency partners locally and overseas. This Campaign, and our response will define what our community looks like going forward. We know the agencies, Synagogues and core infrastructures of our community are on the line. We know our Jewish world will look and feel different. What we must decide, through our actions, our generosity and our work together, is how we will come out of the pandemic stronger? The task ahead is not going to be easy, and it will take significant work with each of us digging a little deeper. I am confident our community, with a rich and deep history of responding to assist Jews in need locally, in Israel and around the world, will again step forward. Chazak, Chazak, V’netchazek. Feel free to email daniel@jewishrichmond.org.
Community Chronicles to launch virtually Aug. 10 T
he Jewish Community Federation of Richmond is excited to announce the launch of a new virtual speaker series called, ‘Community Chronicles: stories of resilience, bravery and impact.’ Out of an abundance of caution, we’ve decided to implement Community Chronicles in place of our traditional Annual Campaign Events. So, if you have attended and enjoyed The Grand Event, L’Dor V’Dor, or any other of our Annual Campaign events, you will love this free virtual series. Registration is required and you will received a Zoom link. This series aims to inspire, educate and motivate about our Jewish Community’s collective and ongoing journey in overcoming a variety of obstacles from loss, anti-Semitism and, of course, the global pandemic. We know we are stronger when we come together, and that Federation has the unique ability to convene the community and plan for the future. Each guest speaker will fall under the overarching theme of the 2021 JCFR Annual Campaign – Resilience. We feel this theme is not only representative of the embodiment of our people for its entire history, but also characterizes the driving force that will power the Jewish Community through this difficult time. Our first guest speaker is Mark Wilf, the chair of the Jewish Federations of North America’s Board of Trustees and an attorney and partner in Garden Homes, a real estate development firm. He is also owner/president of the NFL’s Minnesota Vikings and the son of Holocaust Survivors. The virtual event kicks off at 5:30 p.m., and is open to the entire community. The Annual Campaign leadership team led by Chair Amy Nisenson is planning a variety of other amazing speakers for the series. They include James Beard, award-winning chef; Michael Solomonov, founder of Tall Order; Lisa Friedman Clark, who has overcome tremendous tragedy and more speakers! Make sure to register for the series at jewishrichmond.org/communitychronicles, and if you have any questions, contact Jesse Feld, director of development and engagement, at jfeld@jewishrichmond.org.
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Jewish Community Relations Committee
Multiple Dimensions of Justice B
eing an alumnus of Brandeis University, there are a number of things that have always impressed me about the school. First, it’s founding in 1948 was the Jewish community’s response to the anti-Semitism of quotas for Jewish students at elite Universities like Yale and Harvard. Second, the school’s name-sake Louis D. Brandies was a Supreme Court Justice who fought for the David Cohen working class and disenfranchised in our Director country. Third was the school’s seal. EMET Jewish Community Relations (or truth) in Hebrew letters was at the cenJewish Community Federation ter of the seal while the outer ring contained of Richmond this phrase “Truth: Even Unto It’s Inner Most Parts.” After four years at the school and a career in Jewish education and advocacy, I have come to embrace the full meaning and depth of that phrase. In the same way you can take a letter of the Torah and turn it, turn it, and turn it again to seek its full meaning – Truth and Justice I believe have that same property. In the summer of 2020, the Jewish community seems to be wrestling with issues of Truth and Justice that have the same multiplicities of meaning. Amidst the backdrop of our ongoing COVID-19 pandemic – we are searching for our personal truths around the issues of Racial Justice – and what Justice and Sovereignty mean in Israel. In both cases, before we even get to debate the “merits” as they say, we often get stuck on the meanings of words and letters. We believe in racial justice for example as most people do in principle - but are conflicted by what that actually means and who we should partner with to achieve it. We
have local partners in communities of color who we routinely work with, yet, we are not sure how to react or who to talk to when notable celebrities in the black community endorse the same myths and stereotypes about Jews that white supremacists use. In response, NBA legend and civil rights activist Kareen Abdul Jabbar has – along with others - called out those comments as false and unhelpful to the cause. Still, due to understandable caution, many in the Jewish community wonder what it means to support a cause whose national figures engage in this anti-Semitic language – even when others stand up and speak out against it. We struggle with what letters like BLM might represent even as Black Lives Matter has, in the months following the killing of George Floyd, become a national, civil rights call to action and rallying cry for racial justice What are our truths? What is just and right in this case? Is it always our duty to call out anti-Semitism? Yes of course. Is it also our duty to form partnerships in our community so that we can engage and educate rather than withdraw and condemn? Yes, it seems that is a truth as well. Can both be true at the same time and happen side by side? The lesson from my alma matter would seem to be yes. For the deepest meaning of Tzedek, we must embrace both truths. Words and phrases also seem to catch us up as we try to navigate the pending issue of annexation/extension of sovereignty in Israel. It seems that if you use the word annexation, assumptions are made about your political positions toward Israel.
The same is true if you use the term extension of sovereignty. Based on the thesis proposed – truth, even unto it’s inner most parts – can there be truth in both concepts? Can there be less judgment involved as we prepare to wrestle with what actually is enacted by the current government in Israel? In our JCRC (Jewish Community Relations Committee) work, we often wonder if there can be a restoration to civil debate around issues rather than assumptions made ahead of time. In this case, we wonder if people who use either term, for whatever reason, can be seen as loving and supporting Israel – just from their own truth. After reading volumes of articles and sitting through dozens of live webinars and recordings, even Israeli’s can disagree on what terms are used and which course is the right path. Isn’t that something we in the Diaspora should be allowed to do as well? In the weeks and months ahead, the JCRC of the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond will be trying to help the community navigate these “truths” from various perspectives through webinars, social media posts and policy updates. We welcome your participation, your input and your civility. We welcome your open-ness to multiple perspectives on truth and justice - and to helping us strengthen our community even while we may disagree. Reach out to JCRC Director David Cohen at dcohen@jewishrichmond.org. for more information.
Response to History Lesson Continued from page 2
community at The Boys and Girls Clubs, area colleges, YMCA’s, and the legal system. We have played a major role in the increase in the political power of the African American Community over the last 50 years and before. Instead of indicting a family who has had an incredible positive impact in improving the lives of not only our AfricanAmerican community, but our entire community, I submit the article should have been focused on families like Arenstein, November, Lewis, Rosenthal, Plotkin, Markel, Kirschner, Mey-
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ers, Siegel, Weinberg, Weinstein, and dozens of other Richmond Jews who met the call of making our entire community more just and strong through their actions and words. The fact of the matter is that Richmond’s Jewish community has long proclaimed that Black Lives matter. In both our statements and actions, we have been leaders in this city to achieve the shared dreams of King and Heschel. I suggest that an accurate and complete history lesson regarding our com-
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munity is in order and before we are indicted for our past, we should recognize what we have achieved and pledge to continue to teach tolerance through education, as well as provide for the needs of our fellow citizens. History is important, especially to our Jewish community, but it needs to be accurate and complete and not revised to fit a particular agenda. May we continue to go from strength to strength.
In addition to chairing the JCRC for nearly 15 years, Irving M. Blank has served on the board of every Richmond Jewish agency, Temple Beth-El, two separate terms on the National Jewish Community Relations Advisory Committee, and the National Council of AIPAC. He was the recipient of the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond’s Distinguished Community Service Award in 2009 and the Jewish National Fund Tree of Life Award in 1992. He also is a past president of the Virginia State Bar and Virginia Law Foundation and a member of the Virginia Lawyers Hall of Fame. www.JewishRichmond.org
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Weinstein JCC Happenings
Weinstein JCC Preschool 2020-21: A Program Re-imagined T he Weinstein JCC Early Childhood Department is excited to announce a new Preschool model for children ages 2-5 for the 2020-21 school year. After continued research and planning, and in accordance with extended protocols and guidelines due to COVID-19, the department took this challenging time as an opportunity to rethink, re-imagine, and revise some aspects of the program, and as a result the Weinstein JCC’s Early Childhood Department is excited to offer a new preschool program. Beginning in September 2020, the Preschool program will offer the following benefits: • LOWER staff/child ratios **New! • A full-day Preschool program with fewer transitions between classrooms **New! • Extended time for outdoor learning **New! • Enhanced Pre-K classrooms for 4 and 5-year olds to support kindergarten readiness **New! • Highly qualified, nurturing, and dedicated educators and low turnover rates • Personalized, small group experiences for children • Ethical Start and Sheva Jewish Lenses (values-based learning) • Inclusive program with highly trained, dedicated support staff • Garden, Nature and Judaic Specialists • Ongoing professional development for faculty • Daily schedules organized to limit intermingling (due to COVID-19)
• Enhanced Family Club opportunities to strengthen family/community connections • Playgrounds nationally certified by Nature Explore • Accredited by NAEYC since 1988 • Thorough cleaning and sanitation mandated by state guidelines (due to COVID-19) In reflection and as part of the parent’s and educator’s shared masa (journey), the Early Childhood Department has observed many positive changes and enhanced enthusiasm in the children in the childcare program this summer. This awareness is being used to revise and revamp next school year’s program., reflecting the extremely high-quality of educators and experiences the Center’s program provides children and families. Guided by their vision statement, they strive to “honor the sacred relationships among children, educators, families, and the natural world,” and they believe the new program model with smaller class sizes and significant reduction in transitions will further support the vision. Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, the Preschool is limited to 110 enrollment spaces for the upcoming school year. If interested in applying or for more details, go to the weinsteinjcc.org or contact Early Childhood Director Donna Peters at dpeters@ weinsteinjcc.org. The Weinstein JCC is supported, in part, by a generous annual contribution, programming grants and COVID-19 Crisis Relief Funds from the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond.
The Weinstein JCC is open for limited Athletic Wing and lap pool activities for members by registration only. The hours are as follows: Mondays - Thursdays: 6 a.m - 8 p.m. Fridays: 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturdays - Sundays: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. The Center is keeping restricted numbers to comply with the 10-foot social distancing requirement in gyms and continues to provide the safest and most comfortable experience for members. Reservations are required and can be made at: https://weinsteinjcc.org/fitness-aquatics-wellness/fitness/athletic-wing-reopening-information/ To keep up with Weinstein JCC special announcements during the COVID-19 pandemic, visit www.weinsteinjcc.org. For any questions or comments, please email contact@weinsteinjcc.org.
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The Weinstein JCC Preschool, for children ages 2-5, is accepting enrollment for their 2020-21 re-imagined program.
Weinstein JCC Educator, Susan Quick, greets one of her campers as she begins her morning playing on the Capital One Playground.
A youngster receives some hand sanitizer at Weinstein JCC. www.JewishRichmond.org
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Weinstein JCC Happenings
Weinstein JCC Members swim and splash at Camp Hilbert relaxing in the water with their reserved time zones, offering dedicated space for their family members to enjoy. In addition, the Weinstein JCC will also be hosting three Family Float Nights at Hilbert on Tuesday, Aug. 4, Thursday, Aug. 14, and Thursday, Sept. 3. Members are encouraged to bring their own pool floats and come splishn-splash from 6-8 p.m. at one of the upcoming Float Night times.
There will be 10 zones that families can register for, with up to 6 people per zone. The cost of each zone is $35. JCC Members are invited to bring their own dinner and enjoy an evening cooling off together in the beautiful Camp Hilbert pool. It’s a perfect way to make more summer memories! Members can make their reservation for weekend swim time and the Family Float Nights at weinsteinjcc.org.
Members of all ages can reserve time to relax and float around the scenic Camp Hilbert pool each weekend now through Labor Day.
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his summer, the fun in the sun was more than needed by the many JCC members that have swim, dipped and relaxed at the serene and scenic Camp Hilbert pool. Beginning in early July, the spacious
www.JewishRichmond.org
pool at Hilbert, an amenity that JCC members can utilize as part of their membership, opened up for use on Saturdays and Sundays by reservation only. With the new protocols and guidelines in place, families have been safely
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Weinstein JCC Happenings
Ongoing summer research in the Weinstein JCC Early Childhood Department O ne important aspect of the Reggio Emilia Approach to learning is the idea of “Teacher as Researcher.” In the Weinstein JCC Early Childhood Department, the summer faculty has been studying this concept and taking full advantage of the small group sizes and shorter program day length to include time for professional dialogue and reflection. Each day ends with dedicated time as a faculty team to monitor how the summer program is going and to connect with each other since classes do not currently intermingle due to guidelines for preventing the spread of COVID-19. Faculty is nourishing themselves in so many ways: dialogue, journaling, movement, laughter, self-care, study, and physically distant social engagement, all so they can be their best selves to care for the children. Since welcoming children back into the Center on June 22, the faculty and administration quickly noticed that smaller group sizes and the absence of the mid-day transition impacted individual success and feelings of emo- Children are collaborators and learn through intional safety throughout the day for children teraction within their communities. Reggio Emilia Approach Photo and educators alike. Once the children and faculty felt confident as co-learners, to witness their individual face-to-face again, the adults could dedicate path. The thinking process of a child is as time to studying the deeper underpinnings unique and exquisite as a butterfly unfolding of their teaching practice, that magical place its wings for the first time. Teachers must also where intentional dialogue and reflection reflect on their practice with their colleagues slowly and surely strengthen their practical to make meaning as they move forward. And work. what a beautiful Jewish value it is to continuCarla Rinaldi, President of Reggio Chil- ously study, reflect, and grow. dren in Italy, states, “Only searching and The Weinstein JCC Preschool aims to researching can guarantee us that which is evolve with the latest research, including new, that which is moving forward.” In other their own, and always striving to reach their words, to be researchers, we must take time to values-based vision statement. One aspect step back and observe what and how children that feels unique within the program is the are engaging with materials, each other, and attention and time spent in this research themselves. mindset, being open to learning, and valuing What is the child’s process? What are they different perspectives. They have an incredwondering? How can we best support their ible faculty dedicated to their own growth thinking process and help them become their and potential. best selves? The Early Childhood department is eaSo many questions! Curiosity and wonder ger to approach the next steps of their masa fuel the learning process at any age, and chil- (journey, reflection, return, and renewal) as dren are born “searching and researching.” researchers, seeing the opportunities even Educators are fortunate to join their process, in the COVID-19 situation, as the new Preallowing each child to grow and unfold just as school program grows. they need to eventually become who they are For further questions and comments, meant to be. contact Lisa Plotkin, Early Childhood proEducators owe it to the children to slow fessional development director, at down so they may learn alongside children lplotkin@weinsteinjcc.org.
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5400 Club upcoming Zoom programs
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he Weinstein JCC 5400 Club is now holding Zoom programs. All programs begin at 12:30 p.m. Upcoming scheduled programs include: Aug. 3 -- Dr. Carol Summers, University of Richmond, “Make Your Money Fight: War Savings and Patriotic Thrift in the British World , 1939-1945.” Aug. 10 -- Dr. Lauren Bell, Randolph-Macon College, “The U.S. Congress: Co-Equal or Inconsequential?” Aug. 17 -- Dr. Dan Palazzolo, “The 2020 Congressional and Presidential Elections.” Aug. 24 -taché.”
Dr. Fred Beck, “Hitler’s Ambivalent At-
Aug. 31 -- Dr. Jason R. Arnold, VCU, “Truth, Lies, and Democracy in the Trump Era.” Sept. 7 - Labor Day: No Meeting Sept. 14 - Jim Dau, “Addressing the High Prices – and Costs – of Prescription Drugs.” Sept 21 - Dr. Peter Schertz, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, “The Arch of Titus.” Sept. 28 - Yom Kippur: NO MEETING Note: The programs and speakers listed are scheduled in August and September at Reflector press time. Any changes to the speakers/programs will be communicated to members. Registration information with Zoom instructions will be sent to members who have signed up to receive. For more information, reach out to Norman Sporn at n.sporn@gmail.com.
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JFS to begin new counseling program for families in Richmond’s East End J
FS is proud to announce a new counseling program that will bring accessible, quality mental health care to children and their families in the public housing communities of Richmond’s East End. This program meets these low-income children and families where they are with the counseling services they need. We are humbled by this opportunity to Transform Lives and Strengthen our Community built in partnership with East End residents, VDH Community Health Workers, and Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority. The project is funded by a grant from Richmond Memorial Health Foundation. RMHF is committed to its mission of fostering an equitable and healthy Richmond Region. There are many “social determinants” that make individuals more likely to suffer from poor mental health, but the World Health Organization names living in poverty as the largest factor. Poverty not only makes children more likely to experience stress and trauma; according to scien-
tific studies, it can physically damage developing brains. Low-income families also struggle to access quality mental health care and face obstacles like transportation, lapses in Medicaid coverage, and missing work for appointments. When JFS hosted focus groups and attended meetings with East End community members and organizations this winter, we heard how profound the need was. One Community Health Worker said, “if you live here (in public housing) you’ve experienced trauma.” None of us could have foreseen how much more pressing that need would be in March with the onset of the covid-19 pandemic. The virus not only affects individuals in low-wage jobs at a higher rate: families in poverty, often Black and Hispanic, are also far more vulnerable to the pandemic’s economic and mental health effects. JFS’ East End Children/Youth Counseling Program will begin in the Fairfield Court Resource Center in September, with Whitcomb, Creighton, and Mosby Courts to follow. The Community Health Workers are essential health
care workers, so the Resource Centers, like JFS, never closed during the stay-at-home order. With Medicaid now covering telehealth counseling, we will be there to provide mental health care to children and their family members. We are profoundly grateful to have built this program in collaboration with East End residents, Community Health Workers, Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority, the Virginia Department of Health, Peter Paul Development Center, VCU Health, Richmond Public Schools and Head Start, and the Richmond Memorial Health Foundation. The result of this collaboration is a community-directed, client-focused program to meet children, youth, and their families with the trauma-informed care they need in this unparalleled moment and beyond. Jewish Family Services is supported, in part, by a generous annual contribution, a programming grant to support the Jewish Care Line and COVID-19 Crisis Relief Funds from the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond.
Jewish Family Services Annual Report 2019 - 2020
To view and read JFS Annual Report, visit https://www.jfsrichmond.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AR-2020.pdf
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JFS Happenings
A live webinar from three notable gerontologists on social isolation in senior living communities, ageism, and death and dying (3 CEU/3 Contact Hours).
Many thanks to the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond for sending JFS a PPE kit to help keep our staff safe as we continue serving our community! We are profoundly grateful for their support, especially in these challenging times.
Proudly Serving Richmond Since 1991
HOMESTYLE GREEK AND ITALIAN
JFS offers a big thank you Monument Heights Baptist Church for the goodie bags delivered to office! Their volunteers have been distributing “thank you for serving the community” treat bags around Richmond, and stopped by JFS recently. JFS caregivers and counselors are grateful for the well-wishes and the snacks!
Dine-in seating now available!
Call for take out and curbside pick up!
9068 WEST BROAD STREET
270-6026 www.JewishRichmond.org
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Jewish Community Happenings
Mentoring children has been a passion for hundreds
Inge Horowitz and her mentee, Victoria, a few years ago. She volunteered with the first group of mentors in 1998 and faithfully helped children for more than 10 years.
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ne hour a week can make a difference to a child! What about an hour a week over 21 years by a dedicated cadre of men-
tors? In 1998, a group of volunteers recruited and organized by the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond began a unique inschool mentoring initiative called Richmond Jewish Coalition for Literacy. Over this period, it’s estimated that hundreds of volunteers have reached and impacted thousands of young children – first at Swansboro Elementary School in Richmond and then for the past five years at Laburnum Elementary School in Henrico County. “Our initiative followed a similar one in Boston,” said Miriam Davidow, a RJCL co-founder who was a staff member at the Federation during this early period. “It was part of the Federation’s Community Relations Committee initially and modeled after the National Jewish Coalition for Literacy.” She said, “Our primary goal was to help children learn to read by the third grade.” RJCL was placed at Swansboro by Community In Schools, a school-based support service for Richmond Public Schools. It was the first such mentoring initiative at a Richmond Publci School. A request went out to the Jewish community for volunteers and a number of people stepped forward. Davidow said, “It was pretty spectacular with the people who soon stepped up to volunteer such as Bea Fine, Inge Horowitz, Susan Meyers and others. And many stayed on for many years joined by many more.” “We met so many diverse needs to make a difference in the lives of the kids. Since it was so new, we needed to train the school administration, teachers and support staff on how to work with us. And we had to learn how to work with them.” She has mentored a number of kids through the years, trying to begin working with them in first grade. “Our goal was to give them a little push they needed. We knew one hour a week would help and also showed that someone cared for them. We became a little piece of their lives and did our part. We became an extra cheerleader for them.” Early on, Davidow was quickly assisted in the planning and recruiting by Claudia Biegler who became a co-founder after mentoring at Crestview Elementary School for several years. Like Davidow and several others, Biegler has been a mentor since 1998. Biegler has been involved in education her entire adult life.
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RJCL mentors with a group of students at a school closing event several years ago at Swansboro Elementary.
Longtime mentor Sandi Fogelson and her mentee.
When she learned about the Federation’s initiative, she readily volunteered. “I have always had a passion for children and worked with kids since high school. It was a natural thing for me to become involved with RJCL. I liked being with children, one-to-one and making a difference.” As a teacher, she explained, this generally is not possible working one-on-one but as a mentor this is a great opportunity. “This was very powerful for me.” Biegler has mentored a host of children through the years. Along with Davidow and others, they helped recruit more and more volunteers. After a few years, RJCL began offering Readers’ Cafes at Swansboro where the mentors could work with five or six students at a time. “I always mentored one child and also led a Readers’ Cafe on a weekly basis. I can only guess I worked with hundreds of kids through the years as did many other mentors.” She noted many of the mentees are young adults and have gone on to college and careers.
Dr. Steven Linas having lunch with his mentee.
“We showed them that someone cares,” Biegler noted. To recruit volunteers for The Readers’ Cafe, the mentors said it was like an Oprah Reading Group. “Just let it be with children.” Looking back, she said, “The children loved us and the teachers loved us. We came in with a positive spin.” Children often would wait at their classroom doors for their mentor to come that day. The mentors became room mothers and room fathers and functioned somewhat like a PTA. She remembers one young student who did not have a mentor. “He came up to me one day and said, ‘how can I hire you.’” This remark has always had a special remembrance on how the children liked their mentors. “Every child wanted a mentor.” Many special programs have been held through the years like Book Tastings, holiday concerts, special lunches and more. The larger programs involved the entire school. In addition, mentors, Federation profesMentoring More on next page www.JewishRichmond.org
Claudette Lewis, a long time mentor and current Swansboro RJCL chair, with some students at a school closing event.
sional staff and Federation leaders have taken part in Read Across America Day events on an annual basis for years. The event celebrates the birthday of Dr. Seuss - Thodore Geisel. Seeing a way to expand, RJCL began mentoring at Laburnum Elementary School with Readers’ Cafes in the 2015-16 school year and this would be their sixth year there if COVID-19 had not upended things. Another early leader of RJCL is Susan Meyers who became a mentor in the first year. She has remained for all these years and served as a co-chair for several years. She believes she has made a difference. She was a high school teacher before moving to Richmond. “I always liked working with kids. This was an opportunity to have a nice volunteer experience. It appealed to me, and I am still doing it after all these years.” She recalls that for many years there were 40 to 50 mentors who frequently volunteered for several years. She remembers all her mentees and from time-to-time has run across some in the community. “One little boy got in trouble in his classes, but with me he was a delight. He was always polite and funny.” One young girl she got to know well and following her from 1st to 5th grade. “This was really nice. We had a relationship and I got to see her growing and learning to read and write and much more. It was very gratifying. She was happy to see me come back every year. I got to see her social and emotional growth and this was great.” Meyers said the school administration and teachers were “most welcoming to us. The principal, Mrs. Farr ,was so appreciate that we were helping the kids and the school.” In 2000, Swansboro held a Volunteer Appreciation Program for RJCL mentors where they were honored and recognized by Principal Farr. A number of recognition events were held by Swansboro for the mentors over the years. Through the years, RJCL has received other recognition. In 2010, the Richmond Mayor and City Council passed a resolution saluting RJCL, in particular for the leadership the volunteers played in Swansboro’s 100th Year Community Celebration. Also in 2010, RJCL mentors received a President’s Award from Federation President Jim Weinberg. In 2013, Davidow was recognized with a Governor’s Volunteer Award for her efforts with RJCL and the Michah Initiative. www.JewishRichmond.org
Dan Dubansky, who along with his wife, Deane, both mentored and enriched the lives of a group of boys at Swansboro over eight years. They formed a lasting relationship with them that started with tutoring and evolved into many special experiences. They are known as “Mr. Dan” and “Mrs. Dan.”
The following are some reflections from other mentors. Inge Horowitz was an original mentor at Swansboro and continued for many years. “It was so gratifying.” She said, “I had a whole succession of nice kids. What we as mentors do is very important. One always felt appreciated by the principal and teachers.” She recalls one mentee in particular. “Victoria was a third grader when I first me her. She struggled at first but slowly improved and showed marked progress. She needed less help as time went on.” Horowitz also worked in other areas with the mentee and others such as understanding concept of money and even vegetables. “We read “Tale of Peter Rabbit” and I brought in lettuce and parsley. Victoria had never seen or tasted parsley and she was so happy to see and taste it.” Dr. Steven Linas became a volunteer to join his wife, Marci, who has been a longtime mentor and helped created the Readers’ Cafe. They are among several couples who mentored during the years. Dr. Linas noted, “While it’s impossible to quantify results in a scientific way, my interactions with children at both Swansboro and Laburnum have convinced me that my presence has enforced, or maybe re-enforced, the importance of a strong, dependable male figure. My kids have enjoyed our time together and have thrived because I continually and humorously challenge them with questions about grammar, pronunciation and usage.” He continued, “One may only hope that this intervention will produce positive results in both classroom and real life settings.” Robin Jackson has been an active mentor for 12-14 years and served as co-chair at Swansboro for 5 years. She noted, “I have always liked working with children and always thought literacy is important for students. I took my son, Matt, to the library twice a week and reading was so important to both of us. And Matt later became a mentor for several years.” Jackson said, “I’ve had so many memorable experience with the children and the special events we put on. We did Book Tasting events where all the students read books that had to do with food or had food in their title and then the mentors served the foods for the students they had prepared for all to try. They learned about different kinds of ethnic foods - including Jewish foods - and
it was great to see them try chili or different kinds of vegetables for the first time!” “The hugs and the smiles are what make it rewarding.” Katy Yoffy was a mentor for about 10 years and served as co-chair of the program at Swansboro for several years. “I actually saw an article in the Reflector about Swansboro, called Claudia, and the rest is history!! Shortly into my first year, as a classroom helper, I started bringing my therapy dog, Doobie, to school and the children would gather around him and read. That in itself was the highlight of all my time mentoring. We had our challenges with revolving staff, but all in all, working with the children and seeing them light up when we got to school was the best! I continually worked with two young ladies through their time at Swansboro until they went to middle school, or moved out of the area.” Claudette Lewis became a mentor at Swansboro in 2013 after retiring as a Special Education teacher for many years. She stepped up to being co-chair of the program at Swansboro last year. “(After retiring) I now had extra time and I realized that I missed working with children. I have only mentored one student from the time that she was in kindergarten until she completed 5th grade. Watching her develop into a kind and insightful young lady was the most rewarding part of the experience.” She continued, “Despite learning and personal challenges, she worked hard and valued our partnership. Whenever a new school year started, she was always excited to see me, and that made the experience special and easy. Because of my background, I enjoyed preparing activities to build her academic skills, especially reading. The most rewarding part of my experience was seeing my student’s face light up with pride when she saw how excited I was about her progress” She noted, “From my perspective, the most important impact that RJCL mentors have is reinforcing with our students that they are special and that they have someone who cares about their well being and progress. Over the years, RJCL volunteers have had an impact on students in many other ways, including boosting literacy skills with the Readers’ Cafe program and providing additional enrichment activities. Some volunteers serve as classMentoring More on back page
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Beth Sholom Happenings
New garden beds for residents at Woods
Max Zagorodniy, the son of one of the tenants at The Woods Apartments at Beth Sholom Senior Living, volunteered to make new garden beds for residents to enjoy. A general contractor with VMAX, Zagorodniy and his team donated their time and the materials to construct eight new garden beds. Beth Sholom is so thankful, and our tenants are excited to start their gardens in a beautiful new raised garden bed. Thanks to Max, Brian and Arien!
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www.JewishRichmond.org
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Beth Sholom Happenings
ONLINE AUCTION Starting September 10, 2020
Mah Jongg Madness
You may recall Mah Jongg Madness was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to continue the tradition, we are excited to share that our Mah Jongg Madness Silent Auction is coming to you online September 10th! Please join in the fun and bid on the incredible items we have to offer this year! Find details on our website: www.bethsholomliving.org or our Facebook page: Beth Sholom Senior Living Proceeds to benefit programming at Beth Sholom. For more information call (804) 421-5355 or email BethSholomCommunications@bslcc.org Thank you for your continued support!
1600 John Rolfe Parkway | Richmond, Virginia 23238 | Main (804) 750-2183
Beth Sholom receives several grants Beth Sholom is pleased to report that it has received some good news from the Department of Homeland Security in the form of a grant to improve security measures. The funds will enable Beth Sholom to expand its badging system, enhance security cameras around the property and upgrade some of the outdoor lighting. This action is based on significant support and advocacy from the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond and assessments from Federation Regional Security Advisor Dave Backins. Beth Sholom is now in the process of determining the timing of those upgrades. In addition, Beth Sholom has received a COVID-19 Communicative Technology Grant from the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance. With this funding, Beth Sholom will be adding iPADs, wireless headphones and tripods to assist with our family virtual visits and our residents’ telemedicine appointments. www.JewishRichmond.org
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he dedicated staff members at Beth Sholom Senior Living have continued to receive special gift bags, lunches and more from many people and organizations over the past few months recognizing them for serving on the front lines. The employees in all departments want to thank everyone for their amazing support and kindness during the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit its Facebook page where photos are displayed.
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August 2020 Av/Elul 5780 | the Reflector | 15
Beth-El Religious School Happenings
By Ramona L. Brand Director of Youth Learning Cre -ZOOM-ativity!! CampTBE virtual enrichment classes were a great hit! ozens of families took advantage of Temple Beth-El Religious School’s summer virtual camp programs. Utilizing the best of technology, synchronous activities, family engagement and stimulating creativity, our summer camps took us around the world and into our own Richmond backyard for great summer fun. Our rich tradition of stories from all aspects of Jewish culture came to life during a drama/ storytelling camp with Ramona Brand and guest actress, Sandy Ryder of Wild Swan Theater in Ann Arbor, Mi. Campers delighted in numerous stories from the Torah, Talmud, folklore and famous Jewish writers. Stories were performed for and by campers, enlivened by quick costume changes and zoom prop magic! The Art of Jewish Papercutting, with teacher Miriam Aniel, engaged families together in learning about the history and uses of this beautiful art form. Participants made their own Hamza and Magen David papercuts with some surprising results! Campers learned some intri”cut” ways to fold paper to create beautiful and delicate designs. Families toured Richmond on Sunday, July 19 for the Jewish Richmond History Tour. Using the app Actionbound participants followed clues, took online quizzes, posted pictures, solved puzzles, and learned about our incredible Jewish imprint on Richmond. The clues led to the final destination where a surprise was hidden! Afterward all met on a Zoom meeting to make a special keepsake together. This scavenger hunt should be available for the greater Richmond community shortly. Many thanks to Miriam Aniel for taking our city tour to new virtual heights!! What was it like to be a boy or girl living in the
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Synagogue Happenings
In these photos, Beth-El children together with their families take part in Camp Activities.
Lower East Side of New York in 1914? Our campers found out all through the third week July. Through the story of Jewish American Girl Doll, Rebecca Rubin, campers experienced the challenges and joys of being a Jewish immigrant in the early 20th century. Campers made pickles, learned some Yiddish, sang songs and played games of the era. They made a toy from a button, prepared for Shabbat by making their own mini clay challah and fabric Challah cover. Families enjoyed the great outdoors in Temple Beth-El’s nature center with a program designed to delight the senses. This program is ongoing and can still be scheduled for your family. Contact Ramona at r.brand@bethelrichmond.org to arrange a visit. These summer programs brought our students together for some much needed socializing and creative learning! Camp Beth-El was a great success and every session was “sold out”! Garden Explorers Available from July 20 - August 21 (excludes Saturdays). Schedule individually with Ramona. Need some outdoor activity? Come to the Religious School Nature Center for some summer exploration. Look for butterflies, have a scavenger hunt, find prayer in nature, conquer the low-ropes course, hike through the woods. What’s Jewish about nature? Come find out! Schedule an individual family visit at a convenient time. We will practice health and safety guidelines to enable a one on one family experience outdoors.
Beth-El More on next page www.JewishRichmond.org
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Synagogue Happenings
Temple Beth-El brings High Holy Days online W
e invite the greater community to join us as we safely stream all services and events for the upcoming High Holy Day season. Be inspired and moved by the sweet voice of our amazing Cantor Dara Rosenblatt and the passionate energy of our learned Rabbi Michael Knopf. You’ll experience the friendliness of our members and the rich history of our beautiful sanctuary, ALL from the comfort or your own home! Keep an eye on our High Holy Days web page at bethelrichmond.org/HHD2020, which will include all the details and registration. You’re also welcome to call Tess Goldblatt, our new executive director, at 804-355-3564 ext. 104 with any questions.
Beth-El Religious School Registration
ABOVE: Families and individuals on Zoom taking part in the Papercutting special activity. RIGHT: The Farzad family take a selfie while on the Treasure Hunt.
www.JewishRichmond.org
Registration for the 2020-2021 Religious School year is open! For Pre-K through 10th grade: Our innovative and child- centered approach to Jewish learning provides a dynamic environment where Jewish education is joyous, fun, inspiring and spiritual. Skill level Hebrew enables students to learn at an independent pace and move comfortably toward mastery. Our creative program incorporates electives, hands-on learning, and interactive education. NOTE: In response to the changing guidelines for educational programming due to the Covid-19, the Religious School is developing a flexible fall program to include both virtual and classroom instruction. The health and well-being of our students and teachers is a primary concern as we develop the fall schedule. General school schedule: Grades: Pre-K - 2nd / Sundays 9 a.m. - noon; Grades: 3-7/ Sundays 9 a.m. - noon and Wednesdays, 4:15 p.m. - 6 :14 p.m. If you are interested in learning more about our school, contact Ramona at r.brand@bethelrichmond.org. • Temple Membership is not required for families with students in grades Pre-K through 2nd grade and 8-10. • For online registration, visit https://www.bethelrichmond.org/school Opening Day will be Sept. 13. Stand by for more information!! Beth-El Brown Religious School is Hiring Teachers Passionate about Jewish Education? Want to make a difference and an impact? Are you creative? Can you think outside the box when it comes to Jewish education? Do you want to give kids authentic and thought provoking Jewish experiences? If you answer yes to these questions, you belong here! Teach in a dynamic learning environment where education is joyous, fun, inspiring and spiritual. Seeking teachers for both Hebrew and Judaics instruction. For information, to receive an application or to be placed on an email list for upcoming events, contact r.brand@bethelrichmond.org.
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Getting ready for the new school year
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Synagogue Happenings
In-person and online learning at the Helen and Sam Kornblau Religious School of Congregation Or Atid By Alison Litvin s the summer progresses and the days stretch, Or Atid teachers are busily preparing for the new school year. Staff at the Helen and Sam Kornblau Religious School look forward to the day students and families can gather together again, singing “Hinei Mah Tov” and truly rejoicing in how wonderful it is to be together. Most importantly, everybody wants to feel safe and comfortable upon returning to the school and seeing each other in person. While continuing to monitor local conditions, the school is preparing for a combination of inperson and online learning in the fall. Staff are reviewing guidelines from the governor and following plans made by area school districts to ensure all reopening policies are up-to-date and implement best practices. In-person learning prioritizes preschool and lower elementary grades. Online learning offers both synchronous and asynchronous options for students. Teachers are updating the curriculum and their lesson plans to enable a smooth and seamless transition when classes move online or return to the classroom. The spring of 2020 brought many sudden challenges, but our teachers were swift to adapt to the online medium. Classes were shifted to address the growing need for togetherness, and teachers met each week virtually to explore new ways to interact through Zoom. In the virtual classroom, students learned about Jewish holidays, culture, and mitzvot, with interactive lessons featuring scavenger hunts and collaborative drawings. Connecting through the screen, students shared bits of their everyday lives while discovering new ways to interact with the Jewish values embedded in the school’s curriculum. Teachers took advantage of Zoom’s screen-sharing annotating abilities to offer unique classes for students. Examples include: • Celebrating Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s Declaration of Independence, via a virtual birthday party complete with music and online cake decorating. • In the weeks leading up to Shavuot, students counted the Omer together each Sunday, learning about each of the 7 sephirot. To help students review the sephirot, teachers adapted the classic classroom board game Apples-to-Apples to be played through Zoom.
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• As the school year drew to a close, families celebrated with a virtual Paper Plate Award Ceremony to honor student and teacher achievements from throughout the year. • The school’s first video-yearbook highlighted memories from the 2019-2020 school year, inspiring teachers and families alike that when our community comes together, we can overcome anything. In preparation for the upcoming, new school year, teachers are returning to the school to update their classrooms. To establish social distancing, class layouts include multiple student stations and centers spread around the room and building. Classrooms are being structured to limit student size, giving teachers the ability to safely supervise their class and allow students in each room to safely choose the activities they practice, simultaneously tapping into a child’s natural curiosity for learning. As staff continue to update safety guidelines, teachers are dedicated to staying true to Or Atid’s roots and curate an experience that engages each student, making meaningful connections to Jewish culture and community. The Kornblau Religious School is always open to interested families who are looking to start, continue, or explore their own Jewish Journey. Whether the classroom is virtual or in-person, students discover new ways to interact with Jewish holidays and traditions, Israeli culture, Hebrew and Tefillah, and the weekly parsha. For more information about the school, please contact Education Coordinator Alison Litvin, at relschool@oratid.org, or call Congregation Or Atid at (804) 740 - 4747.
These pictures above and below are examples on how students celebrated their achievements at the end of the school year with a virtual Paper Plate Award Ceremony!
RIGHT - After a lesson in Netzach, endurance and determination, Or Atid students worked together to draw a virtual garden, inspired by their hopes and goals for the future.
www.JewishRichmond.org
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Chabad Happenings on Zoom
Synagogue Happenings
Chabad of Virginia continues to offer special classes and events on Zoom. For more information, visit www.chabadofva.org.
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Friendship Circle Happenings
(From left) Elian and Natalie.
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riendship Circle of Virginia is spotlighting our Friends@home program, which has moved Virtual! Since Friends@home moved virtual, the program has grown to over 20 friendships! This is a core Friendship Circle program where two teens can video chat with a child or teen with disabilities. It’s just an hour a week! Building friendship is what Friendship Circle is all about. The Teen Leadership Board has started to Spotlight the Friendships on Instagram’s - projectfriendship_va and on Friendship Circle’s Facebook page. Here are a couple of spotlights. Friends@Home Spotlight Featuring Natalie and Eliana Introducing Eliana and Natalie, two friends that have grown closer and closer during all of our Birthday Circles and Friends@Home calls! These girls love to talk, play with toys, and read books and they
www.JewishRichmond.org
Jacob on a recent Zoom talk with his friends, Casey and Caleb.
can’t wait to hang out more soon. They’ve been friends for about 6 years! Friends@Home Spotlight Featuring Rees, Omika, and Nishka! These girls love to talk about music and art! In fact, all of the girls are very artistic. Nishka loves painting and drawing , Omika is an avid music appreciator (Jimi Hendrix!) , and Rees loves to immerse herself in photography. Nishka, Omika, and Rees are very happy to have found a way to make a new friendship during this quarantine. Featuring Caleb, Casey and Jacob These guys love to talk about sports and current events. They play trivia games that Caleb loves to create! If you want to be a part of virtual Friends@home or learn more go to friendshipcircleva.org
(Clockwise from the top) Rees, Omika and Nishka.
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Hadassah Happenings
An update from Hadassah Richmond By Robin Jackson t’s a different world today and a different Hadassah Richmond. And while we can’t be together, we can still communicate and learn and work together; and we must still continue to donate to Hadassah to keep us on the forefront of groundbreaking medical advances! Get ready to continue a fun-filled summer and into fall with Hadassah Richmond! The Branch Podcast Join Hadassah Richmond on Wednesday, Aug. 19 at 7:30 p.m. to discuss Hadassah’s very own The Branch Podcast: Season 1, Episode 13, Kid Power. Talia dances, loves drawing, and traces her Muslim ancestry back to Jerusalem’s Old City. Shali is the wise-cracking son of an Israeli rapper. The teens met by joining Israel’s only youth movement for peace. Listen as they teach us what it means to be Kids4Peace. Listen to the podcast here: https://www.hadassah.org/multi-media/podcasts/branch-episodes/episode-13-kid-power.html Then RSVP to Ann Eisenberg at annbeisenberg@gmail.com to reserve your spot and get the Zoom link to participate! Enjoy all of the Branch podcasts that offer a glimpse into the everyday lives of Jews and Arabs in Israel forging meaningful relationships. Presented by Hadassah and hosted by Dina Kraft, The Branch shines a light on the stories of people living the example of a shared society. Together. Even though it’s complicated. One Book, One Hadassah August 20, One Book, One Hadassah - Hadassah announces that they will interview six authors each year, all women. The next one will be with Anna Solomon, who will talk about her new book, “The Book of V,” on Thursday, Aug. 20.
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“The Book of V” is a bold, kaleidoscopic novel intertwining the lives of three women across three centuries as their stories of sex, power, and desire finally converge in the present day. Please contact Deborah Cohen at deborah.cohen2468@gmail.com, if you have any questions or suggestions about Hadassah Richmond Book Group or programs! Accessories I Used to Love Fundraiser While we are home, many of us are cleaning out closets and drawers and wondering what to do with all the STUFF!! How about donating accessories you used to love to Hadassah Richmond! We will take jewelry, scarves, and handbags in good condition. When life returns to normal, we will have a great sale -so stay tuned. What a fun way to rehome your loved items and support Hadassah! We have members available for contactless pickup if you’d like to get started with your purge. Contact Leslie Baron at bubbielou57@gmail.com for details or to arrange pick up. Sept. 13, Southern Seaboard Region Fall Virtual Meeting November, Hadassah Super South Turkey Trot, virtual 5K. Stay tuned for more virtual programs, and some exciting Chanukah activities! Show someone you care with a Hadassah certificate or card! Your donation enriches the lives of millions & is 100% tax deductible! To place an order, contact Marsha Marks (marsha@emarks.net or 804-285-8188), Frona Colker (fronacolker@comcast.net or 804-747-0220) or Marian Winer mfw118@ verizon.net or 270-7898). Due to the current situation in the world and our community, Hadassah Richmond has made the difficult decision to postpone the Elinor Bloom Marshall Humanitarian Award Event, which was scheduled for October of this year. We will honor Ann Eisenberg when the time is right.
www.JewishRichmond.org
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Jewish Community Happenings
For the status of Network JCFR upcoming Zoom or other events and details, contact Amanda Braun at abraun@jewishrichmond.org. Also, visit jewishrichmond.org/network or www.instagram.com/jcfrichmond/
Looking For Help The Jewish Community Federation of Richmond has a detailed list of resources on its website to help community members during the COVID-19 pandemic. For details, visit https://www.jewishrichmond.org/response-to-covid-19. www.JewishRichmond.org
Looking for ways to stay connected
Our community has stepped up to provide opportunities for learning and connection across greater Richmond and the world. Check out the Community Calendar for opportunities and online resources by visiting www.jewishrichmond.org/calendar. Don’t forget to follow our Facebook page for more ways to connect! Visit ww.facebook.com/JCFRichmond.
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Virginia Holocaust Museum Happenings
A recent visitor looks at a series of pictures in one of the Virginia Holocaust Museum’s exhibits. VHM
photos
VHM welcomes visitors with COVID-19 protocols T
he Virginia Holocaust Museum has reopened with special safety and health guidelines and precautions for visitors. volunteeers and staff. VHM has taken the steps necessary to ensure the safety of visitors, volunteers and staff. As always, the Virginia Holocaust Museum is free and open to the public. However, we ask that you sign up online to visit the museum. This will allow us to space groups out who are visiting the museum in order to maintain social distancing.” Among the safety measures in place are the required wearing of face coverings for visitors, staff and volunteers (as required by Executive Order), with exceptions for young children. Masks will be available at the VHM front desk. Visitors will be asked to conform to a one-hour visit. There will be a limit on the number of guests in the museum at all times. The museum is open Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. To review all the guidelines for a visit and to register, visit https://www.facebook.com/VHMrichmond/.
Several people tour the museum soon after the re-opening.
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Returning Exhibit: Auschwitz/Oswiecim T
he Virginia Holocaust Museum invites visitors to its Auschwitz/Oswiecim exhibit, a temporary exhibit designed as a commemoration to local Survivors who endured this notorious camp. It serves to illustrate its significance within Nazi ideology. It is located on the museum’s 2nd floor. For more information, visit https://www.vaholocaust.org/?exhibition=auschwitzoswiecim
‘Beyond Duty’ exhibit continues at VHM The VHM is pleased to announce that its “Beyond Duty” exhibit has been extended through the Fall 2020. The core of the exhibition is comprised of the stories of 9 diplomats who were recognized as “Righteous Among the Nations.” The stories represent diversity: different countries of origin, various countries where they operated different types of rescue actions taken in various stages of the Holocaust. The stories are woven into the historical chain of events of the Holocaust, along with more specific historical background relevant to each of the 9 stories. While the countries of the free world were reluctant to help Jewish refugees, and while most diplomats continued to employ standard procedures, only very few felt that extraordinary times required extraordinary action and were willing to act against their governments’ policy. Only a small minority mustered the necessary courage to recognize the significance and consequences of obeying their superiors’ instructions. The free exhibit is made possible by the Embassy of Israel in Washington and Yad Vashem. To visit the VHM, guests must register at this time.
www.JewishRichmond.org
Making it easier to support our community T
By Robert Nomberg president & ceo richmond jewish foundation
he RJF Board of Directors recently modified several policies to make it even easier to support our community through increased grants. These new policy changes are designed to support our community through: • More flexibility for current donors • Greater accessibility for new donors • Increased philanthropic dollars for our community Effective July 1, 2020, two major policy changes affecting donor advised funds (DAF) and endowed funds went into effect. The minimum balance for a DAF has been lowered from $2,500 down to $1,000. $5,000 is still required to begin a DAF and the minimum grant recommendation remains $100. And, for endowed funds, the minimum amount needed to start a fund has been lowered from $10,000 down to $5,000. Jeffrey Scharf, RJF board chair, stated,
“It’s our intent to make philanthropy easier for as many people as possible and to remove any barriers in the way of granting money from RJF funds to the community. Lowering the threshold for new endowments and allowing more money to flow from DAFs, especially during these challenging economic times brought on by COVID-19, are in the best interest of our donors and the charities that they cherish.” DAFs are designed for donors to recommend grants anytime to qualified nonprofits in the Jewish or general community - schools, hospitals, the arts, social services, and more in the U.S. or Israel. • Allow donors to centralize giving from one source • Can involve all family members • May name children as successor advisors Donors receive a tax deduction when do-
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Foundation Happenings
nating to their fund but can take their time to gift to the charities of their choice With endowment funds, after donating and receiving an immediate tax benefit, donors will collaborate with the Foundation to select qualified nonprofits in the Jewish or general community to provide annual grants in perpetuity. • Established for charitable organizations or fields of interest • Fixed percentage of the fund distributed annually • Established during lifetime or after Richmond Jewish Foundation is managing over $41 million in 271 separate funds including donor-advised funds, endowment funds, and over two dozen Jewish agencies, schools, and local nonprofits. Contact me at robert@rjfoundation.org to learn more about these changes or to discuss how to create your own fund.
Thank you Friends of Reflector The Reflector staff and Jewish Community Federation of Richmond thank the following for their donations to the Friends of Reflector during our Spring 2020 request. As always, we thank the community for supporting the Reflector. Stay healthy and safe.
Ellen Renee & Louis Adams Susan & Ronnie Adolf Tommy & Betty Baer Steve Bernstein Marilyn Blake Rhona & Irving Blank Vivian L. Burton Frona & Alan Colker Peter & Sarah Coyne Jerome Feldstein Mr. & Mrs. Frank Friedman Sam & Gail Genderson Edith Glock jULIE & Michael Goodman Joan Goodstein Edith Himelbloom Ellen Hofheimer Inge Horowitz Randy & leon Howard Robert Hyman
Jay Ipson Robin Jackson Jane & Joel Knox in memory of Leon Salamon Stuart Linder Charles & JoAnn Myers Richard & Ellen November Photo Ops by Adrienne Sheila Preville Marty Ross Wallace Saval Renee Sherman Lenora Solodar Dr. I.N. Sporn Sylvia Tregar Nancy Walter Arlyn Webber Vickie & Chuck Weitzenhofer Marshall Wolf Halina Zimm
REFLECTOR
THE
How good & pleasant it is for brethren to dwell in unity. The Reflector is published monthly by the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond. Copy must be received two-and-a-half weeks prior to the date of publication. The Reflector reserves the right to edit or refuse any copy or advertisement submitted. Views expressed by guest writers and reader’s letters do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond. Call for information about advertising in The Reflector at 545-8655. Acceptance of advertising does not endorse or guarantee Kashruth.
Ellen Renee Adams, President Daniel Staffenberg, Chief Executive Officer Raymond (Skip) Kozakewicz, Editor Sara Rosenbaum, Director of Impact and Community Planning Jesse Feld, Director of Development and Engagement David Cohen, Director, Jewish Community Relations
Jewish Community Federation OF RICHMOND
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Mentoring
Continued from page 13
Alredo Esqueda, a former Swansboro student, is proud to pose after he graduated from George Wythe High School in 2017. He was mentored by Marci Linas in 1st-3rd grades. He was the first in his family to graduate high school and attend college.
room helpers in the lower grades. During the past couple of years, I have assisted in coordinating our volunteers by working closely with Swansboro’s Communities in Schools Coordinator, with the city-wide Micah program, with Sara Rosenbaum from the JCF,R and especially with Robin Jackson, who has led RJCL’s work with Swansboro for many years. I am amazed by the dedication and longevity of so many of our volunteers! “My work with RJCL and Swansboro is an opportunity to stay engaged with children and to let them know that I care about their education and success. This extraordinary and challenging time will likely bring a change to our mentoring model, but I hope that we will be able to continue to connect with and support students at Swansboro.” Another community member, Phyllis Ellenbogen, mentored for 8 years with 2 mentees at Swansboro -- one for five years -- and then volunteered in the 3rd grade classroom at Swansboro for a year. She next moved to Laburnum to join Claudia and other mentors to read with students during Readers’ Cafes. She participated for close to 4 years. She noted, “Once my own kids were on their own, I was looking for a volunteer opportunity and knew several RJCL mentors who really loved the experience they were having. Doing this appealed to me because I know that a good early childhood education is important for children and that educational resources and opportunities are not equal in all communities.” Ellenbogen continued, “I have enjoyed getting to know the children. I really believe that the Readers’ Café program – reading books together in small groups at lunchtime – has a positive impact on students because there is more opportunity to read out loud and for them to express themselves than in the classroom. It is fun for them to be in this ‘special’ group.” She still recalls with fondness her first mentee. “She was so hardworking and always positive about things. And an absolute pleasure to work with! She wrote to me after she was in middle school (sending the letter through her cousin, who had a mentor at Swansboro.) She told me she was in gifted classes and was doing well! I still think of her and hope her positive attitude probably helped her succeed!” Through 20 years, the RJCL mentors have tried to build self-confidence with their mentees so they would succeed in school. They have been proud of their efforts to see children blossom and read and speak with enthusiasm. There are many more stories. All are disappointed they may not be able to mentor for part or all of this year. The next issue of the Reflector will share more stories and reflections from other mentors not able to be included in this issue. www.JewishRichmond.org
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Jewish Community Happenings
Longtime mentor Jacqueline Jones with students.
Susan Greenbaum, a mentor at Laburnum Elementary School, leads a Readers’ Cafe.
Children pet Doobie, a therapy dog, that mentor Katy Yoffy brought to Swansboro Elementary School for several years. They enjoyed reading to the dog.
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August 2020 Av/Elul 5780 | the Reflector | 24
