The Reflector 01 2020 by Frederick News-Post

Jewish Community Federation

Reflector

the

in this

issue FEDERATION

OF RICHMOND

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Volume 68 | Issue 1

Tivet/Shevat 5780

| January 2020

SUPER SUNDAY PAGE 18

AGENCIES

RUN-A-LATKE A HIT PAGE 10

COMMUNITY

$40,000 GRANT FOR WEINSTEIN JCC

TABLE of CONTENTS

PAGE 352 FEDERATION

AGENCIES

SYNAGOGUES

COMMUNITY

HADASSAH

FOUNDATION

The family-friendly Richmond Jewish Food Festival will be here for Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend at the Weinstein JCC. Are you ready for homemade stuffed cabbage, brisket, corned beef, Kasha Varnishkes, broccoli and carrot kugels, and Schwarma, delicious selections from Bubbie’s Bakery and much more? As always, admission and parking are free as well as shuttle service, live music and more. And all of this is done by the best volunteers in Richmond!

SEE BACK PAGE FOR MORE DETAILS LEFT: Volunteer Linda Griff holds a selection of baked goods at last year’s Richmond Jewish Food Festival. Photos by Leo Vaynberg.

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Federation welcomes David Brackins as regional security advisor based in Richmond T

o better protect the members of the Jewish community who worship and attend area Synagogues, day schools and other facilities in Richmond and the Virginia Peninsula, the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond and the United Jewish Community of the Virginia Peninsula have partnered with Secure Community Network to enhance their security programs. SCN, made up of current and former military and law enforcement experts, is the official security and safety organization for the American Jewish community. Just as Israel has an Iron Dome to protect its citizens from attack, SCN seeks to provide a “security shield” for America’s Jewish community. To lead this effort, David Brackins has accepted the position of regional security advisor and will be based at the JCFR. Brackins has over 35 years of experience in both government and homeland security sectors. He has worked as a special agent with the U.S. Department of State, a police

David Brackins. JCFR Photo

officer in Virginia Beach and worked with various companies in the private corporate security sector. His experience includes creating, implementing, and directing domestic and security programs focused on safety, executive protection, physical security, crisis management, disaster recovery, and more. Michael Masters, CEO of SCN,

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said, “Given the threats facing the Jewish community, as we saw in Pittsburgh and in multiple foiled attack plots since, increasing the safety and security of the Jewish community is critical. “I am proud of the forethought of our JCFR board in taking proactive steps to protect and secure our Jewish community,” noted Daniel Staffenberg, CEO of the JCFR. “The Richmond area will undoubtedly benefit from Dave’s proven expertise, and we look forward to working with him.” For 85 years, the JCFR has been a unifying force for Jewish communitybuilding and philanthropy. It works to enrich the quality of Jewish life in Greater Richmond by bringing comfort and hope to the vulnerable and by investing in programs that build Jewish knowledge, identity and peoplehood — ensuring the next generation of Jews.

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 Committee

Jewish Community Federation OF RICHMOND

Brackins More on page 35

5403 Monument Avenue • Richmond, VA 23226

(804) 545-8620 Email: reflector@jewishrichmond.org

www.JewishRichmond.org

Mazel Tov to Mark Sisisky

Federation Happenings

Daniel Staffenberg Chief Executive Officer Jewish Community Federation of Richmond

he Board of Directors of JDC, the global Jewish humanitarian organization and overseas partner of the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond, recently elected Mark Sisisky as its next president, a position he will assume in February. A longtime leader in the Richmond Jewish Community, Sisisky has been a member of the JDC board since 2009, serving most recently as the organization’s vice president. A retired managing partner of Heritage Wealth Advisors based in Richmond and president and chief investment officer of New Dominion of Virginia, the Richmond native brings to his new role a formidable background in finance, philanthropy, and a deep commitment to the Jewish people and Israel. “Since I was first introduced to JDC more than a decade ago on a leadership mission to Ukraine, my commitment to the organization has deepened and is unwavering,” said Sisisky. He continued, “It is the greatest privilege to serve as JDC’s president, working with both JDC’s Board and professional staff to ensure our beloved organization remains at the forefront of efforts to transform the lives of Jews and others in great need. “I now look forward to partnering with my colleagues to continue JDC’s ongoing work addressing critical needs with kindness, excellence, and rigor. Among my priorities as president is to unite us behind JDC’s timeless mission and ensure we have the resources, positioning and partnerships to set a course for a Jewish future that is bright and strong.” In addition to his wide-ranging

Mark Sisisky and Sisisky Fellow Michal Coffey visit with children during a JDC Jewish preschool program in Ukraine several years ago. File Photo

work at JDC, Sisisky is an esteemed civic and local Jewish leader in Richmond. He currently serves as a board member of the University of Virginia Hillel and Prime Minister’s Council of JFNA. He previously served as president of the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond, Richmond Jewish Foundation, the United Way of Southside Virginia (which became the United Way of Greater Richmond), the American Red Cross of Southside Virginia, as well as a past trustee at the Community Foundation of Greater Richmond and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Foundation. Sisisky was appointed to the Economic Development Strategic Planning Task Force for The

The board of the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond would like to express our tremendous gratitude to Ellen Moncure. After 31 years of service, she has decided to leave the Federation. For over 3 decades, Ellen has been the heart of the Federation. Her knowledge of our community, her care and compassion for our constituents, and her dedication to our mission is incomparable. Though Ellen will be truly missed, we wish her happiness and success in her future endeavors. THANK YOU ELLEN!

www.JewishRichmond.org

Commonwealth of Virginia and has served four times by appointment to the highly successful Virginia-Israel Partnership. “For more than a century, JDC’s ability to advance its timeless mission and transform the lives of Jews and other people in need has been anchored in the passionate dedication and forward-facing vision of leaders like Mark Sisisky. We are incredibly proud that Mark takes up the role of JDC president with an unwavering commitment to the Jewish values that drive our efforts, to building a rising generation of Jewish leaders imbued with that spirit, and to the innovation and sustainability that are hallmarks of our work,” said Asher Ostrin, Interim CEO of JDC. Among his leadership accomplishments at JDC, Sisisky has invested in the rising generation of Jewish leaders through his creation and permanent endowment of the Mark and Susan Sisisky JDC Global Enrichment Fund of Richmond Jewish Foundation, by which dozens of Sisisky Fellows have traveled on JDC Entwine programs to learn about Jewish communities, global issues, and take action to address these concerns. Sisisky was past chair of JDC’s Former Soviet Union Committee, Budget & Finance Committee, Strategic Financial Planning Task Force, and Annual Board Fund. He is a member of the JDC Schiff Society and currently serves on JDC’s Audit Committee, CEO Search Committee, Executive Committee, Officer’s Cabinet, Global Program Committee, Government Affairs Committee, Investment Committee, Israel Executive Committee, Officers Cabinet, Resource Development Committee and Strategic Finance Committee. For more information, please visit www.JDC.org.

January 2019 Tevet/Shevat 5780 | the Reflector | 3

Jewish Community Happenings

(From left) Dale Moes, Gail Plotkin, Cookie Solodar and Barbara Ebert. JCFR Photos

Inge Horowitz with grandson David Peyton, granddaughter Kasey Harding, daughter Rita Peyton and son-in-law Jeff Peyton.

Inge Horowitz poses with guest speaker Alina Spaulding.

Women of all generations celebrate at L’Dor V’Dor luncheon By Jesse Feld Director of Development & Engagement JCFR f you were to look up the phrase L’Dor V’Dor in the dictionary you first would need a Hebrew-to-English dictionary, and then you would find that the phrase means, ‘from generation to generation.’ Different people and groups have different interpretations of the phrase. One interpretation comes from PJ Library, a program that sends free Jewish children’s books to families across the world every month and is locally funded and supported by the Federation. On its website, PJ Library defines the phrase as, “Making your grandmother’s Matzah Ball soup recipe together, lighting Shabbat candles, and building a Family Tree are all ways you can practice L’dor V’dor. L’Dor V’Dor is all about making connections between generations – and there are many ways that you can do that as a family. Tell stories, pass on recipes, share photos, and just spend time together.” While you may have your own interpretation or understanding of the phrase, the Federation was honored to host over 70 women of all generations to celebrate our people’s time-honored tradition of passing on our story at the Annual L’Dor V’Dor - Woman of Valor event on Sunday, Nov. 24 at the Weinstein JCC. “We are excited to once again bring together so many dedicated women to celebrate the good work of the Federation, and today’s Woman of Valor honoree, Inge Horowitz,” said Amy Nisenson, Women’s Philanthropy chair as she opened the program. “This year, we are proud to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of BBG, and I know many of you participated yourselves and have children or grandchildren in this wonderful youth program.” The group Nisenson referred to, BBG, is BBYO’s sorority and where generations of high school girls have developed their leadership skills, strengthened their Jewish identity, and formed lasting friendships among supportive young women. Nisenson then introduced Leah Weinstock, a current BBG member and the 29th

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Inge Horowitz receives L’Dor V’Dor Woman of Valor Award from community leader Helen Griffin.

(From left) Hannah Rosman, Halina Zimm and Weene Lehman.

Council S’Ganit (president) to talk about her experience in the program. Leah went on to talk about how much she has received from being a part of the program, and how confident she is in her ability to lead because of it. She thanked the Federation, and all the women in the room for their support of BBYO and BBG. Following Leah’s remarks, Inge Horowitz received the Woman of Valor Award with a number of family members on hand. Making the award presentation was longtime community leader Helen Griffin, board member at the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond, Rudlin Torah Academy and also was Super Sunday chair for the past two years. Before Helen did any of that volunteering though, she grew up with Inge as a role model. Helen spoke about how much time she spent in the Horowitz household growing up in Richmond, and how much Inge was an influence to her in her formative years. After speaking on her personal relationship with Inge, Helen went into the details of Inge’s many accomplishments. A longtime leader in the Jewish and general

communities, Inge emigrated with her family from Germany as a child to the U.S. She enjoyed careers as an Occupational Therapist at the Richmond Cerebral Palsy Center and as Educational Consultant in the MCV Department of Child Neurology. Since retirement, she has tutored children, mentored at an inner-city school as part of the Richmond Jewish Coalition for Literacy, co-edited the book, “Understanding Learning Disabilities, volunteered for five years as Executive Director of the Learning Disabilities Council, and currently organizes monthly Book Talks at 5100 Monument Ave. Inge was president of Emek Sholom Holocaust Memorial Cemetery from 1995-2015. She developed the Survivor Room at the Virginia Holocaust Museum, conducted videotaped interviews, and served as a docent at the Virginia Holocaust Museum for 10 years. She graciously accepted the award. She thanked the Federation and all those in attendance, and spoke about L’Dor V’Dor More on next page

www.JewishRichmond.org

Jewish Community Happenings

(From left) Elise Scherr, a previous L’Dor V’Dor honoree; guest speaker Alina Spaulding, Halina Zimm, Hannah Cohen and Sabine Spaulding, daughter of the guest speaker. JCFR Photos

Leah Weinstock, a BBG member and the 29th Council S’Ganit (president), speaks about her BBYO experiences.

L’Dor V’Dor Continued from page 4

the work of her mother who was a role model to her. In her talk, the event’s keynote speaker, Alina Spaulding, delivered inspiring and heart-warming remarks with frequent humor and some serious messages. The energy Alina brought to the room was truly electric, and her story seemed like that of fantasy, while at the same time hitting so close to home for many in attendance. She spoke about how her mother at age 26; her father at 28 years old, and she (then five years old) were able to flee the Former Soviet Union, start a new life in America

and thrive all because of donors to Jewish Federations all over the country. The take-home point that Alina made twofold; first that her story is a unique story, it is a miracle that her family was able to escape the Former Soviet Union and thrive after settling in the United States, the second being that there are hundreds of thousands of unique stories of people whose lives would not be as fulfilled without the work of Federation, powered by each and every donor. The event was a success, and there were examples of L’Dor V’Dor all throughout the day. From learning

and listening to Leah Weinstock, to realizing that everyone who spoke had a role model who taught them something, we should feel good that our Jewish traditions have carried on, and will continue to carry on ‘from generation to generation,’ L’Dor V’Dor. At the time of printing, the JCFR Annual Campaign has raised about $2 million from some 700 donors. If you have not made your gift, or would like to learn more, please contact Jesse Feld at jfeld@jewishrichmond.org or (804) 545-8623.

More than 70 women listen to remarks by BBG teen leader Leah Weinstock at the special event. www.JewishRichmond.org

January 2019 Tevet/Shevat 5780 | the Reflector | 5

Jewish Community Relations Committee

Legislative Reception highlights JCRC’s 2019-2020 Legislative Agenda By David Cohen Director, JCRC he Jewish Community Federation of Richmond and its Jewish Community Relations Committee held their annual Legislative Reception on Dec. 4 in celebration of the Jewish community’s strong ties to the legislature, local officials and local law enforcement. It also was a celebration of recent accomplishments – like the Henrico County Public School System’s recent decision to include Yom Kippur as a recognized day off for students in next year’s school calendar – along with religious holidays from other minority faith groups. The event was held at the Virginia Holocaust Museum in Richmond to focus attendees on the importance of two main agenda items for the night: • Increased state funding for non-profit security needs, and • Strengthening of the commonwealth’s existing mandate to teach Holocaust/Anti-Bias education in middle and high schools. The gathering also featured Speaker-Designee Eileen Filler-Corn from NOVA who has the honor of being the first woman and first Jewish person to ever serve as the Speaker of the House of Delegates in the commonwealth.

JCRC Chair Amy Melnick-Scharf called upon the attendees to support efforts to have the Governor include $5 million in non-profit security grant funding in this year’s budget. Unfortunately, Of course, this is all due to the recent rise in violent attacks against the Jewish community and the increased vitriol aimed at all minority communities. Her comments also focused on how the attempt to strengthen Holocaust education in the commonwealth was one way of getting at the root causes of anti-Semitism and all forms of bias and bigotry. The Federation event saw one of its largest crowds in recent memory and included representatives from Governor Ralph Northam’s office, Senator Tim Kaine’s office and Senator Mark Warner’s office. The gathering also served as a lead up to Virginia Jewish Advocacy Day on Wednesday, Feb. 5. Please visit jewishrichmond.org/jcrc for more information on the JCRC Legislative Agenda and Virginia Jewish Community Advocacy Day. For more information, Contact JCRC Director David Cohen (dcohen@jewishrichmond.org) for details about any of these events or about getting more involved with the work of the JCRC.

(From left) Jeff Scharf with Delegate Schulyer VanValkenburg.

(From left) Kim Bobo, executive director, Virginia Interfaith Center; Roberta Oster and Ric Arenstein.

6 | the Reflector | January 2020 Tevet/Shevat 5780

(From left) Donald Glazer, JCRC Director David Cohen, Miriam Davidow, Delegate Debra Rodman, JCRC Chair Amy Melnick-Scharf, Richard Samet, Frances Goldman and JCFR CEO Daniel Staffenberg. JCFR Photos

Attendees listen to remarks from JCRC Chair Amy Melnick-Scharf.

(From left) Delegate Debra Rodman with Susan Geller.

Rabbi Gary Creditor and Delegate Dawn Adams.

Senator-Elect Ghazala Hashmi talks with Craig Pinsker.

(From left) Anna Feld and Ashley and Chris Noel. www.JewishRichmond.org

Jewish Community Relations Committee

SAVE THE DATE Virginia Jewish Advocacy Day (From left) Arif Sikder, Don Glazer, Suja Amir, Mohammed Abbamin and Salaam Bhatti from the Virginia Poverty Law Center pose for a photo. JCFR Photos

Wednesday, February 5 8 a.m - 2 p.m.

Hosted by the Jewish Community Relations Committee of the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond JCFR President Ellen Renee Adams welcomes officials, law enforcement and community members at the Legislative Reception at the Virginia Holocaust Museum.

St. Paulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Episcopal Church 815 E. Grace St., Richmond The cost is $36 for the event. To RSVP and arrange transportation, visit www.jewishrichmond.org. Dietary Laws to be observed.

(From left) JCFR President Ellen Renee Adams, Delegate Debra Rodman, SpeakerDesignee Eileen Filler-Corn, Delegate-Elect Rodney Willet and Brian Moran, Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security, Commonwealth of Virginia.

For details, contact David Cohen, Director, Jewish Community Relations Committee, JCFR (804) 545-8626 or dcohen@jewishrichmond.org.

www.JewishRichmond.org

January 2019 Tevet/Shevat 5780 | the Reflector |7

Beth Sholom Happenings

Beth Sholom Richmond launches I’m Still Here™ approach to dementia and Alzheimer’s Care B

eth Sholom celebrated the launch of our new program – Hearthstone Institute’s “I’m Still Here” approach in dementia care on Sunday, Nov. 3. A large crowd filled the Sara Bell November auditorium to learn from Dr. John Zeisel, founder of Hearthstone Institute and developer of the pioneering, engagementfocused memory care philosophy, I’m Still Here™, who spoke about the program. The Beth Sholom partnership with the Hearthstone Institute to implement the I’m Still Here approach in all of its memory care units in Richmond is the only program of its kind in Central Virginia. “In striving for excellence in our memory care services, we sought to create environments that foster independence to allow people to flourish despite the severity of memory loss,” said Morris Funk, president and CEO, Beth Sholom. “By implementing this philosophy in our communities, our residents have increased opportunities for engagement, connection, and purpose, resulting in improved functioning and a higher quality of life.” The I’m Still Here approach transforms and enriches the lives of those living with dementia and Alzheimer’s. It represents a radical paradigm shift in dementia care by eliciting an unprecedented level of true engagement from participants, enabling them to remain creative and actively engaged throughout their lives. Beth Sholom is a certified I’m Still Here™ Center of Excellence. To achieve this certification all staff working in Memory Care at the community participated in a six-month on-site training program, which includes intensive training in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, communication techniques, and life enrichment. The I’m Still Here program has been shown to successfully reduce the common symptoms associated with dementia-related illnesses such as anxiety, agitation, aggression and apathy. The skills-based approach tailors activities to an individual’s cognitive abilities and strengths, and increases self-esteem and independence in participants. By offering choices throughout the day and encouraging independence, residents continue to learn, connect, and contribute to the world around them. “One of the most significant challenges for persons living with cognitive impairment is the stigma,” said John Zeisel, president and founder of Hearthstone. “The I’m Still Here™ approach provides us with a powerful tool for overcoming this stigma because it generates a belief that every person has an innate capability to learn, succeed, and remain engaged

despite the severity of their memory loss.” More than five million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias. The goal of the I’m Still Here approach is to ensure that every person living with this challenge still has an opportunity to learn and have meaningful, purposeful experiences regardless of the severity of their memory loss. The approach is designed to create opportunities for connection and empowerment by focusing on strengths that remain, instead of dwelling on the losses of dementia. Founded in 1992 to provide innovative non-pharmacologic treatment programs for people living with dementia, Hearthstone has become a world leader in the field of caring for the memory impaired with their evidenceand research-based approach. The outcomes observed as a result of this applied philosophy include greater engagement, language expression, accessing of memories, and emotional connectedness. It has contributed to a reduction in the administration of anti-psychotic medications, behavioral incidents, and resident falls. To learn more about “I’m Still Here” and Beth Sholom call (804) 421-5355 or visit BethSholomLiving.org. Beth Sholom Senior Living is supported, in part, by a generous contribution and programming grant from the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond.

Beth Sholom Senior Living has been caring for Richmond seniors for over 73 years. We pride ourselves in providing comprehensive, compassionate health care for individuals of all faiths and strive to accommodate their personal and lifestyle needs as well. Beth Sholom residents enjoy a home-like setting in a campus atmosphere. Located at 1600 John Rolfe Parkway, Henrico County. For information, call (804) 750-2183 or visit bethsholomliving.com.

8 | the Reflector | January 2020 Tevet/Shevat 5780

Community member Judith Levy and Dr. John Zeisel. Beth Sholom Photos

Dr. John Zeisel, founder of Hearthstone Institute, poses for a photo during an interview with Jessica Noll at WTVR-TV6.

www.JewishRichmond.org

Beth Sholom Happenings

BETH SHOLOM’S EXCITING NEW BENEFIT EVENT

Beat the Winter Blues with us at Richmond’s new entertainment spot!

(From left) Ben Humphreys, Brian Gale, Janet Gale, Morris “Mo) Funk and Rick Gary gather to kick off the Beth Sholom turkey giveaway. Beth Sholom Photos

Beth Sholom continues tradition: a free turkey for the holidays! O

nce again, in the spirit of the season, through generous donation, Beth Sholom Community gave each and every employee a turkey forthe holidays! Beth Sholom directors and board members joined Morris “Mo” Funk, president and CEO at the Healthcare Center at Beth Sholom to distribute over 375 turkeys to employees. The turkeys were purchased with

funds raised by Beth Sholom’s Board of Directors to show their appreciation for the employees. “Our employees are our best asset. I’m happy we are able to do something special for them. It’s their hard work and dedication that keep things running smoothly and the high-quality care and service we are known for. They are truly appreciated,” said Mo Funk.

Friday, February 7th 1:00-4:00PM

Lots of fun challenges and great prizes to win! You don’t have to be a golfer to play and win! Includes heavy hors d’oeuvres to enjoy and 2 free drink tickets per person. Contact (804) 421-5355 for details about sponsorships & tickets.

1600 John Rolfe Parkway, Richmond, VA 23238 | www.bethsholomliving.org | (804) 750-2183

SAVE THE DATE! Sunday, March 29th, 2020

We are looking forward to an amazing day to benefit the residents of Beth Sholom! 11:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. $36 per ticket. Parkside Assisted Living

in the Sara Belle November Auditorium 1550 John Rolfe Parkway, Richmond, VA

Volunteers are needed to serve on our planning committee! If you or someone you know would like to volunteer, please contact 804-421-5355 or mguidon@bslcc.org

Several Beth Sholom employees drop by for their free turkeys. www.JewishRichmond.org

January 2019 Tevet/Shevat 5780 | the Reflector | 9

Run-a-Latke sets record for number of participants

ith a record number of runners participating, the 10th Annual Habib Family Run-a-Latke 5K and 1-Miler on Dec. 15 at the Weinstein JCC was the most successful run since Rudlin Torah Academy launched the event. When the 5K started at 10 a.m. under beautiful, sunny skies, 371 runners/walkers had registered for the race, the most ever. The Run-a-Latke has grown from a small event, mostly for families, in the Virginia Farm Bureau Insurance parking lot off West Creek Parkway in Goochland County, to a chiptimed race that draws many serious runners. Uniquely among local 5K races, it features Latkes, donuts and hot chocolate at the finish. “We are thrilled beyond words that the 10th annual race was our most successful yet,” said race director Wendy Weisberger. “Our sponsors, volunteers, and of course the runners themselves, all together made the day a lot of fun for a lot of people. We’re looking forward to next year and many more!” The 5K winners and their times were:

Men’s – Alan Cole Lewis of Mechanicsville (17:45.76), Sam Longest of Richmond (18:01), and Alex Seabury of Richmond (19:21.77); Women’s – Gabi Wechsler of Henrico (18:59.41), Rachel Crytser of Mechanicsville (19:33.46), and Rebecca Hayes of Richmond (19:55.63). The 1-Miler winners were: Alexander Klestzick and Nathaniel Rakofsky; and Tatum Ralston and Alina Zagorodnyuk. Sponsored by the Habib Family, Designer Deliveries, and many others, the Run-a-Latke’s proceeds benefit Rudlin Torah Academy on Patterson Avenue. This year’s race also was supported by the volunteer efforts of 35 U.S. Army Soldiers from Fort Lee. For more information on RTA or to schedule a school visit, call (804) 353-1110 or visit www.rudlin.com Rudlin Torah Academy is supported, in part, by a generous contribution and programming grant from the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond.

RTA Happenings

Runners at the start of the 5K race at about 10 a.m. on Dec. 16. Photos by Ben Freedlander.

Participants in the 1-Mile Run at the starting line.

Posing for a photo are the top three finishers in the Men’s and Women’s 5K and also the winners in the 1-Mile event. Wendy Weisberger, chair of the Run-a-Latke event is on the far left, kneeling.

SAVE THE DATE! RTA Kindergarten Open House February 4, 7:30 p.m. 3809 Patterson Avenue

Join us and learn about RTA’s exceptional dual curriculum, dynamic faculty and staff, and core values of Education-Community-Judaism. RTA is a K-8 day school open to the entire Jewish community.

Ms. Latke greets runners at the finish line of the 1-Mile race.

For more information, please call the school office at (804) 353-1110. Stellar Education for Every Jewish Child

10 | the Reflector | January 2020 Tevet/Shevat 5780

www.JewishRichmond.org

JFS Happenings

Free Adoption Workshop with Attorney Colleen Quinn Thursday, January 16, 2020 6:00 - 7:30 PM 6718 Patterson Avenue

Traverious is one of the children featured this November on WTVR CBS 6. Contributed Photos

RSVP to adoption@jfsrichmond.org to reserve your seat.

Connecting Hearts at JFS partners with WTVR CBS 6 S

ince 2015, Connecting Hearts at JFS has celebrated with the “A Hand to Hold” campaign in partnership with WTVR CBS 6. Every day in November during Adoption Awareness Month, CBS 6 features a child or sibling group in foster care awaiting adoption in central Virginia on “Virginia This Morning,” the evening news and their website and social media outlets. The awareness campaign’s reach has grown every year. As the fifth year of “A Hand to Hold” drew to a close, Connecting Hearts Program Director Will Pitzer was still catching up on the flood of emails and calls from families, some about specific children and others about foster care and adoption in general. “CBS 6 featured 31 children, and 153 families reached out to Connecting Hearts,” Pitzer shared. Social media is another major component of “A Hand to Hold.” CBS 6 also shared children’s stories on their Facebook and Twitter accounts. This year, the posts garnered more than 13,000 likes, 15,000 shares and 23,000 video views in Richmond and beyond. There are more than 5,500 youth in Virginia’s foster care system and roughly 1,100 of them are waiting to be adopted. If these children “age out” of the foster care system without being adopted, their futures www.JewishRichmond.org

can be bleak. Connecting Hearts at JFS’ mission is to connect children in Virginia’s foster care system with permanent, loving homes through adoption. “The goal of the campaign is both to find these 30 kids or siblings forever homes, but also to raise awareness about the other 1,100 children in need of permanent, loving homes who aren’t featured,” said Pitzer. The children featured in “A Hand to Hold” are of all races and ages, with diverse interests and personalities, and were put in foster care through no fault of their own. Connecting Hearts arranges professional portraits for all of them so their smiles and stories can touch the hearts of potential adoptive parents. For each child or sibling group highlighted, CBS 6 shares both their portrait and a snapshot of their personality. Traverious is one of the children featured this November, and his spotlight included a little bit about him: “Traverious is an active nine-yearold boy who loves hands-on activities, building with toys and understanding how things work. He is curious, innovative, observant and resourceful. Traverious is respectful, enjoys playing with peers his age, has a great sense of humor and he loves playing outside.” “The foster care system is not well

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understood,” Pitzer said, “Campaigns like ‘A Hand to Hold’ are essential to spread the word, recruit foster parents and find permanent, loving homes for every child in central Virginia. We are profoundly grateful for our partnership with CBS 6!” To learn more about Connecting Hearts at JFS or how to become a foster or adoptive parent, call 804-308-5946 or email jwpitzer@connectingheartsva.org. If you’d like to see more of the features,

visit Connecting Hearts’ Facebook page at facebook.com/connectingheartsva. For more informaton about JFS, visit www. jfsrichmond.org, contact Morgan Goad at mgoad@jfsrichmond.org or call (804) 282-5644 ext. 231. Jewish Family Services is supported, in part, by a generous contribution and a programming grant to support the Jewish Care Line from the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond.

January 2019 Tevet/Shevat 5780 | the Reflector |11

Get your tickets for the Culinary Event of the Year!

Weinstin JCC Happenings

he Weinstein JCC is looking forward to the 2nd Annual Center Plate featuring James Beard award-winning chef Alon Shaya on Thursday, Feb. 27. The Center is excited to announce that the event will be hosted by Melissa Chase of 103.7 Play. New this year, the Center will be offering a food-focused live auction that will highlight premier dining experiences in the Richmond area. Extremely limited tickets are available– $180 for individual tickets and $250 VIP tickets that include a pre-event meet and greet reception and signed book. Visit weinsteinjcc.org for additional information and to purchase your tickets. Proceeds from this signature fundraising event help support the Weinstein JCC’s mission and keep our programs, resources and services accessible to all in our community for

Parents and children learned together through games, obstacle courses, songs and crafts as part of the larger Global Day of Jewish Learning program.

every age, stage and ability. Our goal is to ensure every person that walks through our open doors can find a home away from home at the Weinstein JCC. For questions, contact Jennifer Adams, Weinstein JCC Special Events manager, at jadams@weinsteinjcc.org or (804) 545-8659.

Contributed Photo

A meaningful Day of Learning

ReelAbilities Festival celebrates T diversity and inclusion F

or the ninth consecutive year, the Weinstein JCC is proud to be a participant in the ReelAbilities Film Festival, dedicated to promoting appreciation and awareness of the lives, stories and artistic expressions of people with different abilities. On Feb. 11-13, the ReelAbilities Diversity and Inclusion Festival, presented by Karen and Ken Olshansky, will offer three cultural arts programs in the areas of film, theater and visual art, with the intention of bringing together the community to explore, discuss and celebrate the diversity of our shared human experience. Kicking off the festival on Tuesday, Feb. 11 at 7:30 p.m. is the screening of the Israeli film, “Shoelaces.” Nominated for eight Ophir Awards (Israeli Academy Awards) including Best Film, “Shoelaces” is a wholly engaging, tender family “dramedy” about the knotty relationship between an aging, irascible mechanic and the exuberant special-needs son he abandoned long before. Through the film’s portrayal of a relationship full of love, rejection and codependency, it manages to shed some light and question the importance of human life, human connection and if life is even possible without either one of them. Tickets are $12/$10 JCC Members/ Included in the Arts+Ideas subscription and available for purchase at weinsteinjcc.org/events. On Wednesday, Feb. 12 at 7 p.m., the community is invited to the Weinstein JCC Sara D. November Gallery opening and program, IdentityRVA: Exploring Our Humanity. The photo exhibit consists of 22

individual portraits of diverse people in the Richmond community. While each individual person has a story to share of how they have been empowered by their differences, the photos capture the subject without stereotype or expectation. Kim Brundage, Identity RVA curator and photographer, along with many of the individual participants of this unique exhibition, will share their inspiring stories of strength, courage and diversity. A reception will follow the program to allow guests an opportunity to meet and mingle with Brundage and the exhibit participants. This event is free and open to the community. Identity RVA: Exploring Our Humanity focuses on the humanity in everyone and strives to raise awareness and explore issues around how we are all more alike than we might think despite some of our differences. This program and exhibit fits in perfectly with the goal of the ReelAbilities Diversity and Inclusion Festival, which is to celebrate differences and explore how people are more alike than different. The exhibit, sponsored by Hirschler, will remain on display through March 6.

ReelAbilities More on page 14

12| the Reflector | January 2020 Tevet/Shevat 5780

he first Global Day of Jewish Learning was held at the Weinstein JCC on Nov. 17 and proved to be an enlightening day of learning and community engagement. Over 130 community members came together to learn from local Rabbis and Jewish educators as they reflected on the theme “Speaking Volumes.” The Weinstein JCC Preschool also collaborated with other Jewish schools to host a track geared toward young families that included a variety of interactive learning stations.

The Center would like to recognize event chairs Helen Griffin, Weinstein JCC board member; and Sarah Arenstein Levy, Weinstein JCC Leadership Academy participant; for all their efforts to make this event a success. Special thanks to the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond, Virginia Holocaust Museum, and Richmond Rabbinical Council for their partnership to bring this unique learning opportunity to the Richmond Jewish community.

Community Rabbis and Jewish educators gather for an historic group photo. (From Left) Rabbi Ahuva Zaches (Congregation Or Ami); Rabbi Yossel Kranz (Chabad of Virginia); Rabbi Hal Schevitz (Congregation Or Atid); Rabbi Scott Nagel (Congregation Beth Ahabah); Rabbi Shlomo Pereira (Chabad of Virginia); Rabbi Dennis Beck-Berman (Congregation Brith Achim); Cantor Sarah Beck-Berman (Congregation Beth Ahabah); Megan Ferenczy (Virginia Holocaust Museum); Rabbi Adam Winston (Keneseth Beth Israel); Rabbi Michael Knopf and Cantor Dara Rosenblatt (Temple Beth-El). www.JewishRichmond.org

. Parenting and youth development expert

Weinstin JCC Happenings

Dr. G to speak at the Weinstein JCC on Jan. 15 O

Dr. Deborah Gilboa, MD (Dr. G) Contributed Photo

www.JewishRichmond.org

n Jan. 15, Dr. Deborah Gilboa, MD (Dr. G) will speak about strategies for adults to help the people (kids, coworkers, parents) to be resilient. She’ll help participants redefine resilience, draw on it, teach it, and notice how the life stresses actually serve to illuminate moments of wonder and magic. The practicalities of doing that, and the guiding principles that will make it possible, allow adults to ensure a better future for their children. Dr. G will demonstrate teaching kids intentionality (kavana) in the midst of routine (keva), how to thrive in our environments, and how to feel stress and gratitude at the same time. An internationally respected parenting and youth development expert, Dr. G is the founder of AskDoctorG.com. She is an industry leading speaker, author, social influencer, and media personality. She inspires audiences with relatable stories and easy tools to develop crucial life skills in children, teens and young adults ages 2-22. Her beloved, user-friendly parenting activity books, “Teach Resilience: Raising Kids Who Can Launch!” “Teach

and MSNBC.com. Dr. G is a board-certified attending family physician at Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill Health Center, caring for diverse patients from 100+ countries, speaking 61 different languages. Her fluency in American Sign Language and her work with the deaf community has received national recognition and was the focus of her service as an Albert Schweitzer Fellow. She resides in Pittsburgh with her four boys. With generous support from Richmond Jewish Foundation’s Rachel B. Banks Youth Fund, the Weinstein JCC Early Childhood Department is pleased to invite parents and educators of young children to the Weinstein JCC on Wednesday, Jan. 15 from 6:30-8:30 p.m., for an evening with Dr. G. Participants can register online at weinsteinjcc.org/events. Tickets are $12 for JCC Members and $15 for non-members. Tickets will also be available at the door. Contact Early Childhood Curriculum and Professional Development Director Lisa Plotkin for more information at (804)5458661 or lplotkin@weinsteinjcc.org.

Responsibility: Empower Kids with a Great Work Ethic,” and “Teach Respect: That’s My Kid!” are designed for today’s busy parents with age specific tips and ideas for building character in kids. Dr. G is also the author of the critically acclaimed book, “How to Get the Behavior You Want ... Without Being the Parent You Hate!” and “Dr. G’s Guide to Effective Parenting” (Demos Publishing, LLC), which breaks down 60 key challenges faced by parents of kids primarily in their pre-teen years. As a television personality, Dr. G gives straightforward advice (with a dose of humor) that helps wade through the stress, doubt, and guilt that all parents feel at one time or another. She is a regular on NBC’s TODAY and has appeared on numerous other local and national television talk shows and news programs throughout the U.S., including The Doctors, The Hallmark Channel’s Home and Family, Good Morning America, Fox News and The Rachael Ray Show. Additionally, she regularly contributes to Today.com, Huffington Post Parents, Your Teen magazine, Parents magazine

January 2019 Tevet/Shevat 5780 | the Reflector | 13

Get registered for summer camp fun

Weinstin JCC Happenings

Campers pose for photos at (left) Camp Hilbert and Camp Ganim.

ark your calendars! The Weinstein JCC’s annual Summer Camp Registration Day will be held on Sunday, Feb. 2 from noon to 2 p.m. This exclusive, member’s only event is the perfect time to meet and talk to camp directors, fill out and turn in forms, and

ensure your camper will have the summer of a lifetime in any of the elite camp programs. Sessions fill up quickly on Registration Day, so this event is one not to be missed. If that isn’t reason enough to attend, the Weinstein JCC will also be offering a special, one-day only discount of 10 percent off

registration fees! If you’re not yet a member of the JCC, this is the perfect opportunity to join and take advantage of one of the many perks and benefits a JCC membership provides. Stop by and take a tour of our beautiful facility, or you can register online at weinsteinjcc.org.

Be on the lookout for the 2020 Camp Magazine with all camp details that will be available online at weinsteinjcc.org the week of Jan. 20. For questions about Camp Registration Day, please contact Leslie LaBrie at llabrie@ weinsteinjcc.org or (804)545-8650.

Weinstein JCC Preschool 2020 Open House: Jan. 22 O

n Wednesday, Jan. 22, from 10 to 11:30 a.m., come learn about the Weinstein JCC’s programs for children, ages 2-5, and tour the Early Childhood Department and award-winning playgrounds! Learn more about the unique, inclusive and highly-regarded Weinstein JCC Preschool which features: • Child-centered programming for children, ages 2-5, inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach, with low child-to-teacher ratios • Enrichment classes such as sports, cooking, art, dance, swim lessons, science and more • “Ethical Start” curriculum, teaching values and ethics

ReelAbilities Continued from page 12

Youngsters enjoy the sliding board at the Weinstein JCC Preschool.

14 | the Reflector | January 2020 Tevet/Shevat 5780

The ReelAbilities Diversity and Inclusion Festival will round out its schedule of events with the Kesem Inclusive Theatre Project on Thursday, Feb. 13 at 7:30 p.m. This project provides a comprehensive adult theatre education experience from process to performance. This year, Kesem will be performing Foxes and Storks, a mosaic of scenes and monologues inspired by classic fables, fairy tales,

• Award-winning outdoor play-scapes and gardens with a strong focus on nature education • Preschool from 9 a.m. to noon; early morning (7:30-9 a.m.) and extended afternoon (noon-6 p.m.) childcare available • Support team to facilitate student and classroom success Families of all faiths enjoy the Weinstein JCC Early Childhood programs! For information on the Open House or Early Childhood registration, contact Early Childhood Director Donna Peters at (804) 545-8617 or dpeters@weinsteinjcc.org.

and modern works. Having been shaped around the participants’ unique abilities and interests, the performance features original writing composed by the ensemble interspersed with traditional tales. In Hebrew, the word “Kesem” means magic and the Kesem Players look forward to sharing some of their magic with the Richmond community! The Kesem performance is free and open to the community. For questions, contact Leslie McGuigan at lmcguigan@weinsteinjcc.org. www.JewishRichmond.org

Limited tickets available to annual Adolf-Adams JCC Forum event J

amie Bernstein, the oldest daughter of revered composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein, will be the featured guest of this season’s AdolfAdams JCC Forum on Saturday, Jan. 11 at 7:30 p.m. at the Weinstein JCC. The event, A Tribute to Leonard Bernstein Through Story and Song, is presented by McGuireWoods and McGuireWoods Consulting. In this very special evening, Jamie will share her deeply intimate story about her legendary father, the family he raised and the music he composed, including the fantastic set of characters that populated the Bernstein’s lives such as the Kennedy’s, John Lennon, Stephen Sondheim, Jerome Robbins and Betty (Lauren) Bacall. Grammy nominated singer and Broadway actress, Alexandra Silber, will perform a selection

ongs weave us together and connect us to our people and our communal experiences. Join the community on Saturday, Feb. 1 at 7:30 p.m., for Woven Together: Experiencing Peoplehood through Song, a post-Shabbat musical experience presented by The Horwitz Family. Led by Cantor Sara Beck Berman of Congregation Beth Ahabah and Cantor Dara Rosenblatt of Temple Beth-El, the Cantors, along with piano accompanist, Natan Berenshteyn, will take the audience on a musical journey through song. Beginning with Havdalah, we will move together from a place of distinction to a place of togetherness through songs from Mizrachi, Sephardi, Ashkenazi and Israeli traditions. A dessert

Weinstin JCC Happenings

of Bernstein’s music, creating an extraordinary evening consisting of both story and song as a tribute to 100 years of this remarkable man. Arts + Ideas sponsors and subscribers at the Promoter Level and Above are invited to a preevent reception sponsored by Susie and Ronnie Adolf. Immediately following the program, all guests are welcome to join Jamie and Alexandra for a post-event reception and book signing sponsored by Virginia Linen Service. Visit weinsteinjcc.org to purchase tickets. This program is included in the subscription for all Arts + Ideas subscribers. For questions, contact Leslie McGuigan at lmcguigan@weinsteinjcc.org.

Game Day: Jan. 12

Woven Together: a communal musical experience S

reception sponsored by MoranReevesConn will immediately follow the program. For tickets and more information, visit weinsteinjcc.org/events. Advance ticket price is $25 for general public and $22 for JCC members $22. Tickets at the door will be $28. For questions, contact Leslie McGuigan at lmcguigan@weinsteinjcc.org.

The Weinstein JCC is supported, in part, by a generous contribution and programming grant from the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond.

SAVE THE DATE Weinstein JCC & Hadassah Game Day Sunday, Jan. 12 • 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

ome join the Weinstein JCC and Hadassah as we join forces again for an exciting fun-filled day of your favorite games. Just bring your friends, your Mah Jong set, bridge cards or your favorite game and we supply the rest. Your cost of just $30 includes morning and afternoon snacks, a hot catered lunch, table rental, door prizes, a raffle and lots of socializing at the JCC. Proceeds from the event and raffle will go to Hadassah Hospital & the WJCC Older Adult Programs. Tables will open at 10 am. RSVP to the Weinstein JCC Front Desk at (804) 285-6500 or Shari Menlowe-Barck at (804) 545-8611 by Jan. 8. Checks should be made payable to “Weinstein JCC” and mailed to: Weinstein JCC 5403 Monument Avenue, Richmond, VA 23226. ATT: Shari Menlowe-Barck No money will be taken at the door so kindly RSVP early! As part of our Mitzvah for the day, please consider bringing canned goods or nonperishable items for our Elmer Toth Food Pantry. For event information and details contact Shari Menlowe-Barck at 545-8621 or sbarck@weinsteinjcc.org. Look forward to seeing you there!

5400 Club for January The following are programs for January. Jan. 6 -- Robert Gillette, “Hyde Farmland: What You are to Be, You Are Now Becoming. The Meaningful Lives of Thalhimer’s Rescued Teenagers.” Jan. 13 -- Gary Flowers, “Humanitarian: Mrs. Maggie Walker and the Values of Self-Determinism.” Jan. 20 -- No Meeting: Richmond Jewish Food Festival Jan. 27 -- EnRich For Life/ Food for Thought Program: Al Shallow, “The Medicine Wagon Show - Quackery and Fads Yesterday and Today.” (Kosher Lunch at 11:15 a.m.; speaker at noon. RSVP is a must to Shari Menlowe-Barck at (804) 545-8611 or sbarck@weinsteinjcc.org. Make your reservations today! Look for details on the classes following the speaker at 1:30 p.m. For club details, contact Norman Sporn at n.sporn@gmail.com.

www.JewishRichmond.org

January 2019 Tevet/Shevat 5780 | the Reflector | 15

Synagogue Happenings

Or Atid’s Helen and Sam Kornblau Religious School News By Alison Litvin Education Coordinator hough the year has been 5780 for a few months, hello to 2020 and Happy New Year to all! Winter break is almost over and students and teachers alike are looking forward to new opportunities the new semester will bring. December flew by, with students ending the semester and celebrating Hanukkah with two holiday festivals. Or Atid’s Youth Education Committee hosted a school-wide Hanukkah carnival for all, baking cookies for tiny hands to decorate, making many a Menorah, and organizing a letter exchange between students and Lone Soldiers in Israel. Hanukkah is a special time of year, celebrating the miracle that happened in Jerusalem together. The Lone Soldiers, young men and women who move to Israel to join the Israel Defense Forces, live and serve in the very land for which the Maccabees fought for Jewish sovereignty. The legacy of the Maccabees lives on, and students enjoyed making Hanukkah cards and artwork to share with the modern-day Maccabees of Israel. Families gathered together for Or Atid’s tastiest new tradition - the Latke CookOff. During the month of December, students analyzed and broke down the

components of the traditional Latke recipe, then compared its structure to potato pancakes around the world. Students worked together to create their own unique recipes, and families came together to prepare, fry, and taste-test each dish. With bellies full of Latkes, the night was a delicious success enjoyed by all. Or Atid teachers will be joining Jewish educators across Richmond for a community teacher appreciation luncheon during RCJE’s Professional Development Workshop on Jan 5. The Kornblau Religious School is always open to interested families who are looking to start, continue, or explore their own Jewish Journey. In class, 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, and to schedule a tour, please contact Education Coordinator Alison Litvin, at relschool@oratid.org, or call Congregation Or Atid at (804) 740-4747.

Last year, Or Atid students (from left) Jackson Gwaltney and Zachary Mollen enjoy a variety of Latkes from the Latke Cook-Off.

Rabbi Hal Schevitz and three students taste and like original Latkes last year.

During Or Atid’s Chanukah Carnival, Or Atid Youth Education Chair, Michal Coffey, and her daughter, Sara Beth, have some fun.

16| the Reflector| January 2020 Tevet/Shevat 5780

www.JewishRichmond.org

Synagogue Happenings

Original recipe Latkes prepared by students of the Kornblau Religious School in 2018. (Contributed Photo)

The Or Atid Latke Squad Jacob Greenberg & Gillian Perschetz Garden Vegetable Latkes Ingredients • 1 Sweet Potato (shredded) • 1 Russet Potato (shredded) • ½ cup Onion (shredded) • ½ cup Carrot (shredded) • ½ cup Bell Pepper (diced) • 1 tsp. Garlic Powder • 2 Eggs • 1 tbsp. Flour • Cream Cheese (to top)

april 21 - 30, 2020 RVA

Israel

Directions Step 1: Wash and peel both types of potatoes. Grate the russet potato and drain completely by wringing the potato through a cheesecloth. Then, grate the sweet potato and onion and add together in the bowl. Add shredded carrot, and mix.

8 5 t h A N N I V E R S A RY M I S S I O N

Step 2: Dice the bell pepper and combine with mixture. Step 3: Add flour and eggs and mix well. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Add additional flour, one tablespoon at a time, if the batter is runny. Step 4: Heat oil in a skillet, and test with a small piece of batter. If it sizzles immediately, it’s ready. Working in batches, drop one tablespoon of batter in the oil and flatten slightly into circles. Fry until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes on each side. Step 5: Remove latkes from heat and drain on a plate lined with paper towels. Top with cream cheese, and enjoy! C

www.JewishRichmond.org

January 2019 Tevet/Shevat 5780 | the Reflector | 17

.Community members Jewish Community Happenings

donate more than $105,600 on Super Sunday

n Sunday, Dec. 8, in about three hours, nearly 70 volunteers had meaningful conversations with community members and raised $105,634 for the Federation’s 2020 Annual Campaign. The co-chairs for the second year in a row were Helen Griffin and her grandson, Pete Chumbris. Campaign Chair Adam Plotkin, said, “Wow, what a Sunday we had! Thank you to everyone who came out, volunteered and donated to the Federation Annual Campaign on Super Sunday.” He added, “Your involvement truly made this year’s Super Sunday the most effective one we’ve had in years. Thanks to the generosity of Let’s Give RVA, and the forethought of the JCFR Allocations Committee, there was $26,000 in incentives made available for local Jewish agencies and Synagogues that participated in the day. Seven different organizations were represented by the overwhelming 67 volunteers who took part.” As a result of the most number of volunteers calling on Super Sunday, board support, most

new donors reached and most gifts received, Rudlin Torah Academy will receive $21,000 in incentives. In addition, Congregation Or Ami will receive $5,000 for securing the most increased gifts. The Super Sunday total included 31 pledges from new donors and 70 increased pledges to the Campaign. The Federation would like to thank the following businesses and organizations for donating door prizes for volunteers: • University of Richmond Yehudis Gruber talks to a community member during Super Sunday. JCFR Photos • Lustre by Adolf • PJ Library • Perly’s As a result of Super Sunday and subsequent pledges over the past two weeks, the Campaign total is about $2 million from some 700 donors, as the Reflector goes to press the week of Dec. 18. It’s not too late to support the 2020 Annual Campaign. To make a gift, contact Jesse Feld, director of Development and Engagement, at (804) 545-8623 or jfeld@jewishrichmond.org.

Shmuel Soloveichik makes a call.

(From left) Abby and Miriam Olihnenco.

(From left) Joshua Follick and Russ Jennings prepare to make calls.

18| the Reflector| January 2020 Tevet/Shevat 5780

www.JewishRichmond.org

Malky and Moshe with their father, Josh Goldberg, and General Campaign Chair Adam Plotkin. The two children had just made a cash donation during Super Sunday.

RTA alumni at Super Sunday gather for a photo: (Front/left) Emily Dolganski, Jennifer Adams, Sorah Plotkin (with Berel Aharon) and Robyn Galpern; (Back) Josh Goldberg, David Hecht and Pete Chumbris.

(ABOVE) Super Sunday CoChair Pete Chumbris holds up a PJ Library apron as a door prize for a volunteer as the Federationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jesse Feld announces the winner.

(From left) Robyn Galpern, Susan Adolf, Lynn Schwartz and David Galpern were among 67 volunteers.

Thank you to our Super Sunday volunteers

thank you!

Franklin Wolf

Marjorie Menacker www.JewishRichmond.org

Pete Chumbris - Co-Chair Helen Griffin - Co-Chair Ellen Renee Adams Jennifer Adams Susan Adolf Aliza Asher Devorah Aronowitz Michael Aronowitz Yehoshua Aronowitz Rabbi Dovid Asher Rivka Bart Rabbi Yosef Bart Elliott Bender Heather Braverman Debbi Braverman Zach Brenner Emily Dolganski Karen Farzad Anna Feld Cynthia Shoham Follick Janet Follick Joshua Follick David Galpern

Sorah Plotnick Tzofi Rendon Jahaziel Rendon Keith Rakofsky Matthew Rosen Alissa Salomonsky Henry Salomonsky III Lynn Schwartz Sandy Sisisky Rivka Skaist Yosef Skaist Rachel Soloveichik Shmuel Soloveichik Logan Staffenberg Elliot Warsof John Weinberg Laurie Weinberg Bob Weisberger Franklin Wolf Alexander Wolman

Robyn Galpern Frances Goldman Brian Greene Dana Griffin Yehudis Gruber David Hecht Russell Jennings Beth Jones Jacqueline Jones Yali Klestzick Rabbi Yossel Kranz Wendy Kreuter Steve Leibovic Kristen Litchfield Marjorie Menacker Eric Miller Nate Mulberg Amy Nisenson Abby Olihnenco E. Olihnenco Miriam Olihnenco Adam Plotkin Elliot Plotnick

January 2019 Tevet/Shevat 5780 | the Reflector | 19

Synagogue Happenings

Beth-El Religious School Happenings By Ramona L. Brand Director of Youth Learning Nesiyah Family Services esiyah, means journey. What does it mean to take a journey? Several definitions include the words trip, passage, voyage, wandering, and the act of traveling from one place to another. This is an apt description of what it means to delve into a Jewish learning. Jewish learning takes place in the classroom, during youth events but most importantly in the synagogue. Jewish learning is a family journey, one that must be taken together. The value of passing Judaism “L’Dor V’Dor,” from one generation to the next, is so important that it is included in the Kedushah. In the V’ahavta, we are instructed to teach our children diligently. Sending children to religious school is an important factor in passing our traditions from one generation to the next. Having family experiences together is also crucial in making Jewish practice an important legacy. Our Nesiyah family services provide an opportunity to experience as a family and community, life-cycle events, such as Consecration and Confirmation and Shabbat. Our Nesiyah Shabbat services include participation by our children and engage the family in celebrating Shabbat together. January Nesiyah Family Shabbat Saturday, Jan. 18, 10 a.m. 3330 Grove Ave. in the Sanctuary January Religious School Calendar: Sundays: Jan. 12, 19 and 26 Wednesdays: Jan.15, 22 and 29 Pre-K, KOACH & Confirmation- noon, Jan. 26 KOACH - grades 8 & 9 meets from 10 a.m. - noon Confirmation class meets from 10:30 a.m. - noon Temple Beth-El Tot Shabbat Services Saturday, Jan. 4 For families with children from infants to age 5. Open to the entire community. Families can enjoy a Shabbat service geared for young children and filled with music, stories, movement and more. A musical, meaningful service designed for wiggles. Meet at 11:15 a.m.in the Kiddush Room at 3330 Grove Ave. Stay for Kiddush lunch after services.

Youth Programs Our Youth Groups offer social programs outside Religious School hours. Participates have fun while deepening their engagement with each other and to their Judaism. Some events only for the kids and teens, some are for the entire family! Some events will be free, while others will have a small fee or donation to support the activity/project. The teen group is led by our teen board under the guidance of our Youth Programs Coordinator Simona Spiegel. Teen Winter Social Saturday, Jan. 18 Warm up your winter with a friends, games, food and fun. Details TBD. For more information contact Simona Spiegel at youthcoordinator.bethel@gmail.com Interfaith Friendship Club Community Social Action Potluck Sunday: January 19 What: The Interfaith Friendship Club brings families from different backgrounds together in order to honor our diversity while celebrating our unity. Good food, games, activities and conversation brings all closer together. We make new friends and deepen our connections. This month we will perform social action projects together and focus on issues of social justice. Our communities have gathered together for mutual support in recent times of pain and grief. Let us resist pain and hate by joining hearts in joy and understanding. This is for families of all ages. Time: 5 -7 p.m. Location: Albert Hill Middle School, 3400 Patterson Ave. Cost: Free, bring a Nut-free, vegetarian dish to share. The special event is in collaboration with Congregation Or Atid, First Baptist Church, Seventh Street Christian Church and The Islamic Center of Virginia. Thanks to Richmond Jewish Foundation’s Rachel B. Banks grant. For more information or to RSVP contact: coordinator.otmb@gmail.com Contact Ramona L. Brand, Director of Youth Learning at (804) 355-3564 ext. 111 or r.brand@ bethelrichmond.org to learn more about our vibrant Jewish education and our remarkable congregation or visit http://www.bethelrichmond.org/education/brown-religiousschool/ to find a registration form.

Attendees got to play a People Bingo icebreaker game.

(From left) Ramona Brand, Temple Beth-El; Alison Litvin Congregation Or Atid; Jayme Babczak, Seventh Street Christian Church; Simona Spiegel, Temple Beth-El; and Ann Carter,First Baptist Church; pose together at the first Interfaith Friendship Club gathering in November.

Two girls proudly show their Hanukah crafts.

20| the Reflector| January 2020 Tevet/Shevat 5780

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Synagogue Happenings NOVEMBER THEATRE ARENSTEIN STAGE

FEBRUARY 7 MARCH 1, 2020 t ke c i t F ch SREts a e CE sea onFEN mium 23 5 $ de rd/Pre h Feb

BY AUGUST WILSON DIRECTION BY TAWNYA PETTIFORD-WATES

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VIRGINIA REPERTORY THEATRE DOWNTOWN | 804-282-2620 | VIRGINIAREP.ORG

Beth-El teens in action sprucing up their bulletin board.

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January 2019 Tevet/Shevat 5780 | the Reflector | 21

Synagogue Happenings

Beth Ahabah Congregants of all ages packaged 1,500 meals for the hungry in October. Contributed Photos

Mitzvah Corps: working together for a better community F

rom the halls of the Goldburg Auditorium to the banks of the James River, Beth Ahabah volunteers come together to perform acts of Tikkun Olam, repairing the world. In 2019, the Tikkun Olam Committee piloted a new program. Instead of focusing on a once-a-year, multi-project Mitzvah Day, the committee planned at least monthly Congregation-wide projects integrated with the religious school curriculum. Each week, while collecting Tzedakah, the teachers introduce the next Mitzvah Corp project and discuss the middot that the project fulfills; for example, feeding the hungry, comforting the mourner, or being good stewards of the environment. Mitzvah Corps launched with two dozen congregants sprucing up Hebrew Cemetery prior to the High Holidays. In addition, the 4th grade students created containers to hold rocks for visitors to leave on headstones. During the High Holidays, the congregation also collected nearly 6,000 pounds of food for the food bank at FEEDMORE to help assuage local hunger. Religious School families also collected food and home care items for the Pantry at Beth Shalom Woods.

In late October, 100 adults and children packaged 1,500 meals for Rise Against Hunger. Beth Ahabahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s packaged meals became part of 285,120 meals from Richmond that will feed school children through the program Muslim Aid in Somalia. In November, more volunteers spent the afternoon cleaning part of the James River Park system at Belle Isle. The current projects are collecting donations for Richmond Animal League and an already fully subscribed volunteer day at the Richmond SPCA. Future projects include activities with residents at Beth Sholom Senior Living in January, Cooking for HomeAgain Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Shelter in February, volunteering at Shalom Farms in May and a Campus-wide Clean Up in June. The committee continues its years long commitment to provide, prepare and serve lunch once a month for the Friends of the Homeless Lunch Program at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church. For more on Beth Ahabah events and activities, call the office at (804) 358-6757.

22| the Reflector| January 2020 Tevet/Shevat 5780

Volunteers Victoria and Graham Sheridan help clean headstones at Hebrew Cemetery.

Families help clean up Belle Isle.

For more Beth Ahabah news, see Pages 25 and 26 www.JewishRichmond.org

Synagogue Happenings

Or Ami happenings in January R

abbi Ahuva’s acclaimed “Introduction to Judaism” course will begin on Tuesday, Jan. 7 from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m., and continues every other Tuesday for 16 weeks. The class will cover diverse approaches to Jewish thought, Jewish life cycle events, holidays and values. You do not have to be a member of Or Ami, or Jewish to register. “Introduction to Judaism” will be of interest to those considering converting to Judaism or simply wanting to learn more about our customs and beliefs. Tuition is $50 ($36 for Or Ami members) and may include a partner, friend or family member at no additional cost. Registration is offered online or call the Or Ami office at (804) 272-0017. It’s never too late to enroll your child in Torah Tots or Religious Education. We also have Sarah’s Tent, Or Ami’s Shabbat program for preschool children and their families will be held on Saturday, Jan. 11. This free event, which is open to

members and non-members alike features live guitar music from Rachel Wolman as well as a pizza-making activity led by Joel Moses. Along with our Shabbat service, we will have fun games to play. Speaking of play, plan to join us on Saturday, Jan. 25 from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. for Or Ami’s family game night. Bring a favorite game to share on this enjoyable evening. More play is scheduled for February 22nd when our OATY teens have their fun(d) raiser, Trivia Game night. From 6:30 pm until 8:30 we will have dinner and competitive trivia! The cost is $10 for adults and $7 for children under the age of twelve. The maximum cost per family is $25. January is packed with fun events including Reel Theology Movie night on Sunday, Jan. 19 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.

Rabbi Ahuva’s “Introduction to Judaism” 16-week course will kick off Jan. 7, 7 p.m.

Bring snacks to share and don’t forget about the lively conversation after the movie. For movie details, call the office at (804) 2720017. Congregation Or Ami is a dynamic, sacred community (Kehillah Kedoshah) located on the Southside of Richmond, which welcomes people of all backgrounds seeking spiritual fulfillment and engagement grounded in principles of the Reform Jewish

Movement. Join us for worship on Friday evenings and for Torah Study most Saturday mornings. Want to know more about Or Ami? Contact us at Belong@Or-Ami.com or check us out at www.Or-Ami.com, follow us on Facebook at face-book.com/OrAmiRichmond, or catch us on Twitter@oramirichmond. We welcome your interest and your inquiries.

Need help hearing over the phone? See what your callers say with Captioned Telephone Service. Using the latest in voice recognition software, Captioned Telephone Service displays captions of your conversations, as you listen. Call or visit us online to see how it works and learn how to get a captioned telephone for you or your loved one. 866-894-4116 (Voice) 866-246-9300 (TTY) varelay.org

CapTel is a registered trademark of Ultratec, Inc. • Third-party charges may apply: the Hamilton CapTel phone requires telephone service and high-speed Internet access. Wi-Fi capable. FEDERAL LAW PROHIBITS ANYONE BUT REGISTERED USERS WITH HEARING LOSS FROM USING INTERNET PROTOCOL (IP) CAPTIONED TELEPHONES WITH THE CAPTIONS TURNED ON. IP Captioned Telephone Service may use a live operator. The operator generates captions of what the other party to the call says. These captions are then sent to your phone. There is a cost for each minute of captions generated, paid from a federally administered fund. To learn more, visit fcc.gov. • Third-party trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners.

Synagogue Happenings

Richmond Community gathers at KBI to honor veterans By Judy Levine-Maizels n Friday, Nov. 15, Keneseth Beth Israel honored veterans at its 8th Annual Veterans Day Shabbat Dinner. Serving over 140 people including local veterans and their families, this has become a highly anticipated event. This year included an amazing meal prepared by a group of wonderful volunteers as well as museum quality History in Washington, D.C. KBI thanks all veterans for their displays of Jewish soldiers lost in combat as well as Jewish Medal of Honor service. For more on KBI programs, contact recipients provided by the National Museum of American Jewish Military the office at (804) 288-7953.

Rashi Class at KBI E

Drew Alexander, teacher of the KBI Rashi class Contributed Photo

A photo taken during the event set-up of the many pictures of veterans. Photos by Judy Levine-Maizels

A close up of the photos on display at the 8th Annual Veterans Day Shabbat Dinner.

very Shabbat morning at KBI, some Shul goers at KBI sneak out of Shacharit (morning) services early (apologies to Rabbi Dovid Asher) and head downstairs, to further their Jewish education with the foremost commentator on the Chumash (Torah), the one and only Rashi. A note about Rashi: Rashi is an acronym that stands for Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki. Rashi was a medieval French Rabbi who authored a comprehensive, clear commentary on the Torah,

which is accessible to all levels of Torah students. As if learning the Rashi commentaries weren’t enough, this KBI class is taught by Drew Alexander. For those who don’t know Drew, he is a wonderful, down-to-Earth, erudite Chassidic teacher with the patience of Hillel. The class is for any level, from beginner to expert, and requires no previous knowledge of Hebrew. Although Rashi is common in most Chumashim (Torah books), Drew also brings in other sources, such as the Chayenu, to expound on more difficult portions of the text. (The Chayenu is a compilation of the teachings of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson.)

Have you ever wondered, “Wow, that is an interesting part of the Parasha (Weekly Torah portion), but something is really bothering me about it”? Then, guess what, you are in great company. It may turn out that Rashi asked the same question way back in the 11th century! And you thought you were the only one that had those doubts. Indubitably, every week Drew asks the class, “So, now that we have read the plain English (or Hebrew), what is bothering Rashi?” The participants then spend their time, like the Rabbis of the Talmud, debating various positions and arguments provided in the text--and ultimately agreeing (or disagreeing) with Rashi’s position.

Whether they agree or disagree with Rashi, they all connect with why he was such an amazing Chacham [wise person and Torah scholar]. The class offers a panoply of other benefits as well, some of which you may be surprised to learn. For beginning Hebrew students, the grammar lessons given by Rashi and Drew are just invaluable. The class may also spur attendees to want to learn more Hebrew--and they can gain that knowledge by attending one of KBI’s Hebrew classes, given by Rich Goldberg. For more information about the Shabbat morning Rashi class at KBI, please contact the Synagogue office.

KBI investing in the future: parking lot addition T

he gateway to Keneseth Beth Israel just got a lot bigger. The board is excited by the Synagogue’s recent growth and with it the need for more parking. In November, that number went from 36 parking spaces to 51 spots – 15 more places to park when volunteering for the Food Festival preparation, participating in Shabbat and weekday services, or attending a class. In recent years, KBI has grown in membership, and the new parking lot welcomes those new to Richmond as well as those locals, long-time members who will now experience a new first impression of one of Richmond’s oldest Jewish institutions. Founded in 1856, KBI has moved from Mayo Street (1869), 19th Street (1908), to the Boulevard (1948), and eventually to its current

24| the Reflector| January 2020 Tevet/Shevat 5780

A photo of Keneseth Beth Israel’s freshly paved, expanded parking lot. Photo credit: Jeff Lessin location on Patterson Avenue. Since the move west in 1970, the building has been a warm place full of vibrant Jewish learning, community, and prayer. The parking lot, on the other hand, reached 48 years old this year and was in desperate need of replacement. In September, the board voted to make the necessary investment for our future as a congregation and to pave the parking lot. Like many major structural costs, these expenses could have threatened to make a significant dent in our annual

budget. The shul would like to thank the donors who made this lot expansion possible, especially a dear friend of the congregation, Mr. Marcus Weinstein, who is the grandson of our late past-president, Mr. Frank Roth obm. Our inspired donors have contributed towards making the expanding home for Richmond’s traditional Jewish practice much more welcoming and more safe. On behalf of the KBI board, we would like to thank those who enabled these improvements to come to fruition. www.JewishRichmond.org

Synagogue Happenings

Make the choice today to impact the future. Call (804) 545-8656 to include a gift in your will or trust.

robert@rjfoundation.org www.createlegacy.org

Choral Workshop and Community Havdalah Concert set for Saturday, Feb. 8 By Cantor Sarah Beck-Berman ongregation Beth Ahabah invites all to celebrate Shabbat Shirah with our artist-in-residence for the weekend, Cantor Linda Hirschhorn! Cantor Hirschhorn is an acclaimed singer, songwriter, choir director and storyteller whose songs and arrangements have been published in major anthologies, and her compositions have become staples of youth and adult choruses around the country. One of Cantor Hirschhorn’s passions is bringing together groups of all singing levels and abilities and teaching them concert-level choral music that is simple yet sophisticated enough for all to enjoy. I invite you to register now for a Choral Workshop led by Cantor Hirschhorn on Saturday, Feb. 8 from 4-5:30 p.m. Participants will learn a few songs that we will perform during Cantor Hirschhorn’s Havdalah Concert later that evening! The workshop is free but registration is requested. Visit bethahabah.org/event/choral-workshop-2020.html to register. The Community Havdalah Concert is free and open to all, beginning at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8. Along with Cantor Hirschhorn’s fabulous voice and storytelling, the concert will feature a few pieces performed by Choral Workshop participants. Cantor Hirschhorn’s previous performances have been compared to “Joan Baez and Carole King rolled into one amazing vocalist.”

www.JewishRichmond.org

For more information about these events, or to receive advanced copies of the Choral Workshop music after registration, contact Cantor Sarah Beck-Berman at 804358-6757 (ext. 317) or cantorbeckberman@bethahabah. org. To listen to her music and learn more about Cantor Hirschhorn, visit www.lindahirschhorn.com.

January 2019 Tevet/Shevat 5780 | the Reflector | 25

Jewish Community Happenings

Repairing the World: Commemorating International Holocaust Remembrance Day Terry L. Schultz, Chair, Outreach Committee, Beth Ahabah Museum & Archives he Beth Ahabah Museum and Archives’ (BAMA) newest board member, Renate Forssmann-Falck, was recently interviewed by Win Loria as part of the museum’s oral history project. Renate is active at Congregation Beth Ahabah, attending regular services, participating in Chavurah programming, serving on a variety of Temple committees and volunteering to tend the Temple grounds so all can enjoy its beautiful shrubs and flowers. Renate spoke with us about her life growing up in Germany, her successful career as a psychiatrist and her happy marriage to Hans Falck, who fled Nazi Germany in 1939. We have written this article to coincide with International Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 27. Renate was born in the Black Forest in 1943 and graduated from a gymnasium in Hinterzarten, Germany, in 1962. She attended the Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz to study archeology but switched to medicine. She received her degree from Heinrich Heine University in Duesseldorf in 1968. She completed a residency in internal medicine and in 1974 moved to the U.S. to begin a second residency in psychoanalytic psychiatry at Menninger Clinic in Topeka, Kansas. It was there that she met and married the love of her life, Hans Falck, a distinguished professor of social science. Renate later taught at the Department of Psychiatry at the Medical College of Virginia, specializing in borderline personality disorders. She was in private practice until her retirement. During a recent visit to Germany, Renate was witness

to the planting of Han’s family’s Stolpersteine. Translated as stumbling or tripping stones, these memorials are designed to force one to stop, think, remember, and honor persons who were victims of the Holocaust. German artist Gunter Demnig is responsible for laying the Stolpersteine. He began this controversial art project in 1992 to commemorate individuals at exactly their last place of residence or work before falling victims to Nazi terror. Each brass plate measures 3.9 inches by 3.9 inches and is inscribed with the names and life dates of victims of the Nazi extermination or persecution. His work reminds us of those Jewish persons (and other victims of the Holocaust) who were murdered, deported, exiled, or driven to suicide. Demnig exemplifies the Talmudic saying, “a person is only forgotten when his or her name is forgotten.” To date, more than 70,000 stones have been embedded in sidewalks in front of homes and workplaces--and in the facades of the homes themselves-in Germany and other European countries. In her interview, Renate describes her relationship with her father, an accomplished surgeon who received the Nobel Prize for medicine in 1956. She also recounts his earlier life as a member of Hitler’s SA and his service in the German Army during World War II. After the war, he was imprisoned and underwent de-Nazification until 1948 when he regained his license to practice medicine. Renate has spent a good deal of her adult life attempting to reconcile her family’s past with her own convictions. Her search led her to Rabbi Jack Spiro and she adopted Judaism as a way of life in 1984. She states, “Judaism is about repairing the world . . .you focus on the here and now and what counts is the here and now.” Renate adds that Tikkun Olam is engraved in her being. She wants to create a better place to live and hopes we all develop this

Hans Falck’s (OBM) family Stolpersteine was recently completed in Germany. Contributed Photo value of caring for each other and leaving the world a little better than we found it. Renate’s search serves to challenge all of us to work for a better community. As you view a picture (above) of Renate’s visit to Germany, consider the words of Eli Wiesel, who reminds us, “to forget would be dangerous and offensive and to forget the dead would be akin to killing them a second time.” To learn more about BAMA’s oral history program, contact William Obrochta, executive director, Beth Ahabah Museum and Archives, at wobrochta@bethahabah.org. If you are interested in supporting the work of the BAMA, please consider a donation. Your help supports the only institution dedicated to preserving and studying the history and culture of Richmond’s Jewish community, helps preserve community and family records and Judaica and strengthens Jewish identity through changing exhibitions. This museum is Richmond’s museum of Jewish history and culture. We are located at 1109 W. Franklin Street and are open Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. - to 3 p.m. For information, call (804) 353-2668 or visit bethahabah.org.

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 late 2019 request. As always, we thank the community for supporting the Reflector.

Ronnie and Susan Adolf

Leonard and Penny Goldberg

Stuart Linder

Tommy Baer

Gail and Stuart Grandis

Rochelle Lubman

Francine Blum

Peter Greenberg

Sheldon Milstien

Peter and Sarah Coyne

Patrice Ann Haber

Martin Nathanson

Lee Dranoff

Edith Himelbloom

Myrna Norman

Ron Friedman

Inge Horowitz

Robert and Shirley Reinhard

Sharon Garrett

Jay Ipson

Martin Ross

Eddy and Lou Gelrud

Bev and Sid Koerin

Sylvia Tregar

Gail and Sam Genderson 26| the Reflector| January 2020 . Tevet/Shevat 5780

Reggie Levet

Rebecca and David Winston

Safe Surfin’ - Nosh and Knowledge

Jewish Community Happenings

The Women of Beth Ahabah and Weinstein JCC Safe Surfin’ Nosh and Knowledge The Women of Beth Ahabah and the Weinstein JCC Feb 23,2020, 12:30pm

id you know that 11 percent of teen girls, ages 13-16; 24 percent of high school teens, ages14-17; and 33 percent of college-age students, ages 18-24; have been involved in sexting? Oh, do you know what that is? Are you aware of cyberbullying? Or that posting information, pictures or bragging about your child may embarrass them now or in the future? We grew up with bullying in the schoolyard. Today it is on the computer or cellphone; threatening and harassing texts, rumors posted on social media, embarrassing pictures. Forty-five percent of 10-12 year old children in the U.S. have smartphones with their own service. Safe Surfin’ is actively providing us with the tools to keep our children and, oh by the way, our seniors safe. Safe Surfin’ Foundation was formed in 1998. It was one of the first of 10 in the country as an educational arm of the Southern VA Internet Crime Against Children Task Force. Safe Surfin’ Foundation protects our children from online predators through education because our child’s innocence can never be

replaced. Their mission is to implement and continually support nationwide internet safety education for students K-12, their parents, teachers, community members, and law enforcement at minimal or no cost to the recipients. Please be a part of this extraordinary program that the Women of Beth Ahabah and the Carole and Marcus Weinstein Jewish Community Center are presenting on Feb 23, 2020, starting at 12:30p.m. with registration and lunch prepared by the JCC Café followed by our program for children, young adults, parents and grandparents. We want to keep our families safe, be smart, aware and proactive and never have to get a phone call. You can follow Safe Surfin Foundation (safesurfin.org) on Facebook and Youtube. See their stories Please contact the Weinstein JCC 804.288.6091 or Congregation Beth Ahabah 804.358.6757 for more information and reservations.

Camp Sababa For ALL rising Kindergarten – 6th grade Jewish students Counselor in Training Program for rising 7th & 8th grade Jewish students

August 10-14, 2020 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

ooking for a fun way for your kids to explore their Jewish roots this summer? Sign up for Camp Sababa! For the last seven years, kids from all over Richmond have

enjoyed getting connected to Judaism through singing, dancing, nature, crafts, drama, and special themes like Jewish Time Travel, Hiking Through Israel, and Color Wars. Our special Israeli Madrichim bring modern Israel to our campers. Make sure your child is in on the action! Sababa is Hebrew slang for “cool,” and Camp Sababa is the coolest way for your children to make new friends over the summer and have fun in a Jewish environment! • For whom? For ALL rising Kindergarten – 6th grade Jewish students Counselor in Training Program for rising 7th & 8th grade Jewish students ••••••••••••••••••••• • When? Monday-Friday, August 10-14, 2020 from 9 a.m.- 4p.m. (Friday camp is over at 3 p.m.) • Where? The location TBD • Goals? TO HAVE FUN through outdoor activities, music, crafts, games, etc. To meet Jewish students from around Richmond and make new friends from Israel • Staff? Education Directors and teachers from participating schools and teen Madrichim Cost? $125 EARLY BIRD – Registration Deadline April, 1, 2020 $150 for all 5 days final Registration Deadline July 15, 2020 $40 for the CIT Program

For more information, contact your Education Director or Sara Rosenbaum at the Federation office at 545-8629 or srosenbaum@jewishrichmond.org.

www.JewishRichmond.org

January 2019 Tevet/Shevat 5780 | the Reflector | 27

Jewish Community Happenings

Hanukkah at the Hof

(From left) Jen Cook-Asaro and Emily Cook-Asaro are holding the Gingerbread house they won as a special prize bundle. A total of eight prizes were given out. JCFR Photos

All Hanukkah sweater wearers gather for a photo while having some fun while enjoying all of the nightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities.

Well over 115 young professionals joined us for Hanukkah at the Hof at the Hofheimer building on Broad Street on the evening of Dec. 12. Enjoying Latkes and Sufganiyot, we were thrilled to have Robyn Galpern speak about her connection to Federation, give away eight prize bundles throughout the evening, and enjoy the company of the young Jewish Community in the greater Richmond area. We are happy to close a busy 2019 of Young Professional events with this wellattended evening, and canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait to see everyone in the New Year! For future events, please contact Amanda Braun at abraun@jewishrichmond. org or (804) 545-8621. Four Hanukkah at the Hof celebrators pose for a photo while wishing all a Happy Hanukkah.

28| the Reflector| January 2020 Tevet/Shevat 5780

www.JewishRichmond.org

Jewish Community Happenings

(From left) Debbi Braverman with Salome and Amalya. Contributed Photos

this way to a screen-free zone At Jewish overnight camp, kids discover who they are—and who they want to become—while having the time of their lives. They jump into the lake, dash across the pool, and learn important life skills. And they do it all without an internet connection. Plus, you might be eligible for UP TO $1000 OFF your camper’s first summer. Find your perfect camp at

OneHappyCamper.org.

For more information, contact JCFR CEO Daniel Staffenberg at daniel@jewishrichmond.org.

(Seated/from left) Bob Siegel, Skyler and Ephraim; (standing) Zalmi and Jeremy.

Better Together holds Thanksgiving event

TA students welcomed community seniors for a wonderful Thanksgiving Better Together Event at the school! Better Together featured student presentations, projects, themed menu and great conversations. RTA students

www.JewishRichmond.org

and seniors give back and pack donated food to be shared with senior friends in Richmond community. For more information, email bettertogetherrva@gmail.com or contact Sorah Plotnick at (516) 642-9067.

RTA students, seniors, teachers and friends pose for a photo during the event.

January 2019 Tevet/Shevat 5780 | the Reflector | 29

Jewish Community Happenings

Richmond Jewish Readers ll are welcome to join us for coffee and conversation at Richmond Jewish Readers Book Club scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 15 at 7 p.m. We will be discussing the book “Dona Gracia’s Gold Pendant,” by Michal Aharoni Regev. This historical novel is a story of love, jealousy, intrigue, mortal terror – of family secrets, courage, and devotion. It depicts the wide-ranging journey of Doña Gracia Nasi, a wealthy young Jewish widow from a family of forced converts, exiled from Spain in the 16th Century. A courageous leader, Doña Gracia Nasi used her wealth and connections to operate an underground railroad that saved hundreds of her fellow Spanish and Portuguese conversos (Jews who had been forced to convert to Catholicism) from the horrors of the Inquisition. Some historians have called her the most important Jewish woman since Biblical times. The discussion will be led by Rabbi Yossel Kranz and feature special guest Rabbi Shlomo Pereria. These coffee and conversations are open to all. They are free of charge and held at Chabad Community Synagogue, 212 North Gaskins Road, Henrico County 23238.

Chabad Happenings for January 2020

The Village Women’s Strength. Jewish Wisdom. Shared Experience. oin our amazing Village, women of all ages, backgrounds, talents and experiences, to support each other as we go through life. The power and energy of women coming together to face our challenges is an immeasurable source of strength for us all. Our first meeting drew 30 women from all over the greater Richmond Community, to share their insight and explore issues together. The Village plans to meet monthly. Please join us for our next gathering on Sunday, Jan. 5 from 3-5 p.m., at Chabad of Virginia, 212 N. Gaskins Road, Henrico County. This is a free. Refreshments will be served. Kindly RSVP to Melissa Brownstein at melissa@chabadofva.org

JLI’s Newest Course he Rohr Jewish Learning Institute (JLI) is the world’s preeminent provider of Jewish learning. JLI’s mission is to make Jewish learning accessible and personally meaningful to every Jew, regardless of background or affiliation. We are grateful to have Rabbi Shlomo Periera continue to lead us in another fascinating JLI course titled. “Judaism’s Gifts to the World.” Once considered preposterous, many of Judaism’s revolutionary teachings are today’s universal values that are taken for granted. An analysis of Jewish contributions past and present allows us to define ways in which Judaism can continue serving as a beacon of light and wisdom for all

humanity. As always our JLI courses are open to the whole community Jewish or otherwise. No previous knowledge is required. If you are not sure this course is for you, you are cordially invited to “test drive” the course by attending the first lesson for free. This course will begin on Thursday, January 30 and will be a 6-week course. Classes will be offered both in the morning and evening for 6 consecutive Thursdays. Tahe cost is $120 for Non-Members and $90 for Members. For more information or to register, please contact Rabbi Shlomo Pereira, shlomo@chabadofva. org or Melissa Brownstein, Program Director, melissa@chabadofva.org or by phone at 740-2000, ext. 2.

Friendship Circle Friendship Circle of Virginia had a very busy Fall Calendar filled with Adaptive Horseback Riding and Buddy Soccer! To join our programs go to FriendshipCircleva.org or call 804-740-2000x 4.

30| the Reflector| January 2020 Tevet/Shevat 5780

www.JewishRichmond.org

Jewish Community Happenings

Natan Sharansky will be awarded 2020 Genesis Prize NEW YORK (JTA) — The Genesis Prize Foundation has announced that Natan Sharansky, a Jewish refusenik, prolific leader in the Soviet Jewry emigration movement and former Israeli politician, will be awarded the 2020 Genesis Prize. The Genesis Prize, dubbed the “Jewish Nobel,” was started in 2013 and is financed through a permanent $100 million endowment. The annual award honors “extraordinary individuals for their outstanding professional achievement, contribution to humanity and commitment to Jewish values.” Sharansky was selected to honor “his extraordinary lifelong struggle for political and religious freedoms, emphasizing the relevance of his work in today’s world,” the Genesis Prize Foundation said

in a news release. In 1977, Sharansky was jailed by the communist authorities for his pro-Zionist, pro-democracy efforts and spent nine years in Soviet prison. A child chess prodigy, he kept himself sane in solitary confinement by playing chess in his mind. “I played thousands of games, and I won them all,” he told TheNew York Times in 1996, the year he also managed to beat chess champion Garry Kasparov. Through the efforts of his wife, Avital, who lobbied governments around the world, Sharansky was released in 1986 and immigrated to Israel, where the couple raised two daughters. As a politician and later as the head of the Jewish Agency for Israel, Sharansky advocated for the rights of

Natan Sharansky Contributed Photo

Israeli immigrants, religious minorities and women. Previous winners of the prize include New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, Michael Bloomberg and Itzak Perlman. In 2018, the Genesis Prize Foundation canceled its ceremony after winner Natalie Portman said she wouldn’t visit Israel due to “distressing” events in the country.

“Even in democracies our freedoms cannot be taken for granted,” said Stan Polovets, co-founder and chairman of the foundation. “Natan’s ideals and vision are as relevant today as they were in the 1980s when he took on the totalitarian Soviet regime – and won.” Sharansky will be honored in Jerusalem on June 18.

To see more Jewish Community

In Memoriam Barry Chernack

events, visit the Calendar section

1947 - 2019

he community mourns the passing of Barry Chernack, a devoted community servant who spent most of his life trying to make the world, especially the

Richmond community, a better place for all. As President of the Jewish Community

at www.jewishrichmond.org.

Center in 1990-1992, his keen intellect, his broad vision, his generosity of time and resources were a blessing to both the Jewish and general community.

ay his family find comfort in the knowledge that so many share their loss and that he will live on forever in the memory of a grateful community.

www.JewishRichmond.org

January 2019 Tevet/Shevat 5780 | the Reflector | 31

The

Virginia Holocaust Museum Happenings

The Virginia Holocaust Museum’s logo was redesigned by Amy Mendelson Cheeley in 2013.

Annual Report outlines successes

he Virginia Holocaust Museum outlined a number of successes during the past year and reviewed many special programs, exhibits and more in its recent 2019 Annual Report. The following is the Message from the Director, Samuel Asher, executive director. The Virginia Holocaust Museum plays a unique role in preserving and documenting the Holocaust in our community, and across the Commonwealth. Through our permanent exhibits, temporary exhibits, educational programming, and outreach, the Museum employs the history of the Holocaust, and other genocides to educate and inspire future generations to fight racism, bigotry, and prejudice. In 2019, we welcomed over 46,000 visitors (including 8,000 students), from all 50 States, and more than a dozen International countries. EXHIBITS/ARCHIVES/COLLECTIONS: We continued the renovations of the permanent exhibits, by adding information on the Death Marches and the Final Solution; additional changes are also planned for next year. The Museum’s first traveling exhibit on the Auschwitz concentration camps, will be loaned out to Emory and Henry College in the coming months. The Archives department also conducted a Behind the Scenes Tour for the Richmond and Charlottesville’s Hadassah Chapters in October. Traveling exhibits included VL Cox’s Break Glass: A

Violins of Hope Spring 2020

Alternatives to the final logo were designed if the final logotype is not appear legible or is not the dimensions for the piece or project. Horizontal Logotype

Final Logo

Against Dark, Solid Backgrounds

Conversation to End Hate; USHMM’s State of Deception, Yahad In Unum’s Holocaust By Bullets: In the Soviet Occupied Territories, Israel Embassy’s Beyond Duty, and Kennesaw State University’s Tragedy of War. EDUCATION: Yom HaShoah was held in April with over 200 members of the community in attendance and with Doron Ezikson, Regional Director of Anti-Defamation League (ADL), as the keynote speaker. The Student Art Contest- Carole Weinstein Prize for Tolerance and Justice in the Visual Arts – was also awarded in conjunction with Yom HaShoah. This summer the Museum held its annual, Alexander Lebenstein Teacher Education Institute with Longwood University. TEI is named in honor of Holocaust survivor, Alexander Lebenstein (OBM) who was committed to Holocaust education. This year’s Institute included two courses: From Context to Classroom, and Genocide in the 20th Century, with 45 teachers in attendance from all over the Commonwealth. We began programming with the 2nd & 3rd Generations of the Shoah, including a Voices of the Generations program with Julie Kohner and a special briefing with Doron Ezikson, Regional Director of ADL. We conducted two days of modern genocide talks with survivors from Rwanda and Cambodia with middle school students in March and also talked about Darfur with middle school students in April. We worked with Facing History and Ourselves, and Yahad In Unum, to hold professional development workshops on “The Persistence of Hate: White Supremacy Movements and Contemporary AntiSemitism,” and “Holocaust by Bullets.” STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS: The Museum expanded its strategic partnerships by working with the Byrd Theater in January to screen Who Will Tell Our Story: The Story of Emmanuel Ringelblum and the Oyneg Shabbes Archive and Schindler’s List, for International Holocaust Remembrance Day. We partnered with University of Richmond and the University of Haifa on a historic Holocaust Scholars

LOGO

The initials VHM are set in Myriad Pro Bold and incased in the “VHM Blue” circle. Virginia Holocaust Museum underneath is set in Myriad Pro Semibold and the letters are tracked so that the widest part of text lines up with the edges of the circle.

Logotype by itself

White Text

White Monochromatic

ANNUAL REPORT 2019 2019 Annual Report layouts REV 11-12-2019.indd 3

11/13/19 1:33 PM

Symposium called “The Future of Holocaust Memory: A Global Consideration of Commemoration Held In the American South” in September. We partnered with Richmond and Charlottesville Hadassah Chapters on October 6. In October, we honored John Grisham with the Rule of Law Award, and David Bobzien, posthumously, with the Civility in Law Award, as part of our Rule of Law Day program. In addition, Jewish Community Federation’s Legislative Reception was held at the Museum in December. We completed the renovations for the Barbara & Fred Kort Foundation Archival Reading Room, and Holocaust Education Classroom. As we come to the end of 2019 we mark a very productive year for the Museum. I would like to first thank our Chairman, Marcus M. Weinstein, and the members of the Board of Trustees. I would also like to honor our dedicated docents who provided tours to more than 8,000 students this year. And finally a special thank you to our Museum members, supporters, and community partners who help make it possible to continue all the programs, and events that we do each year. Sincerely, Samuel H. Asher Executive Director The full Annual Report is available on the museum’s website at www.vaholocaust.org.

irginia Holocaust Museum and Virginia Museum of History and Culture will partner to bring violins played by Jews during the Holocaust to Richmond next year. Amnon Weinstein began curating his collection just over two decades ago, which debuted in North America in 2012. The museums will tell the stories of the violins while on display in interactive exhibits and in live concerts played by Richmond Symphony and other local musicians across various venues in Richmond. The museum is located at 2000 East Cary St., Richmond. There also is free offstreet parking More details coming soon. For details on a special concert at the Weinstein JCC, visit: https://weinsteinjcc.org/events/violins-of-hopechamber-music-concert

32 | the Reflector | January 2020 Tevet/Shevat 5780

www.JewishRichmond.org

Virginia Holocaust Museum Happenings

Dr. Charles Sydnor receives award from Chairman Marcus Weinstein.

VHM Annual Meeting V

irginia Holocaust Museum held its Annual Meeting on Dec. 10 at the museum. Chairman Marcus Weinstein, welcomed attendees followed by an Invocation and Family Story by Rabbi Dovid Asher. At the meeting, Chairman’s Awards were presented to Survivors Halina and Alan Zimm. During the presentation, they were recognized for speaking to hundreds of groups over the years. Mr. Weinstein noted, “Halina urges students to learn from differences and be kind to one another. She also urges people not to be silent when they see injustice. She is a role model to all of us.” In addition, an award for Exemplary Service as a Board member and executive director of the Museum was presented to Dr. Charlie Sydnor. He now serves as the Executive Director Emeritus and Senior Staff Historian of the VHM, and was previously its President and Executive Director from August 2013 to July 2015. Prior to assuming leadership responsibilities at the Museum, he served for six years as the www.JewishRichmond.org

Major Gifts Officer in the Institutional Advancement Division of Emory & Henry College--his alma mater and the institution he served as President from 1984 to 1992. Dr. Sydnor’s professional journey has been along a varied career path with history always at the center as the red thread connecting each of his career, with other ‘stops’ including Ohio State, Vanderbilt, Longwood, Hampden-Sydney, the Commonwealth Public Broadcasting Corporation, and the Governor’s Office under former Governor Charles S. Robb. Rabbi Scott Nagel told the history of Rabbi Isaac Mayer Wise - the recipient of the final medal in the Jewish American Hall of Fame. Samuel Asher, VHM excutive director, provided a State of VHM report to the attendees. He noted, “it is a privilege to work with Marcus Weinstein and Carole Weinstein for the betterment of our community and the VHM.” In his remarks, he said a study by the Schoen Consulting

Group found that “the more Americans know about the Holocaust, the more likely they are to keep away from racism, intolerance and Anti-Semitism. The reverse is also true. When people have not heard about the Holocaust, they are more likely to tolerate Anti-Semitism and other forms of hatred. There are other statistics that are cause for concern – about a third of Americans believe that only 2 million Jews or fewer were killed during the Holocaust.” He called for an effort in Virginia to bolster Holocaust education and educate many more people about the Holocaust. “At the Virginia Holocaust Museum, we are the keepers of the Memories.” He noted the importance of having programs for teachers and referenced the museum’s Teacher Education Institute held each summer. “The bottom line is this … When we educate the teachers in TEI, the teachers bring their students back for class tours. This is how we maximize holocaust education for the teachers and students.”

Halina Zimm accepts the Chairman’s Award from Marcus Weinstein.

January 2019 Tevet/Shevat 5780 | the Reflector | 33

Hadassah Happenings

ORDER YOUR 2020 MAH JONG CARDS Get ahead of the game. Order your 2020 Mahjong cards now. All cards are the same price whether you order them directly or through Hadassah, so why not support our local

Save the date for Hadassah’s annual Health Program The ABC’s of CBD. – come learn all about CBD (cannabidiol) products and their uses. Ask all the questions about everything you have wanted to know… Sunday, Feb. 23 from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. at the Weinstein JCC. Light refreshments will be served. Our speaker is Emily Gicewicz, PharmD. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy from Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Science in Albany, N.Y. She moved to Richmond to complete a Community Practice-based pharmacy residency program at Virginia Commonwealth University. She is a PGY-1 community resident at Bremo Pharmacy here. To RSVP, mail your check payable to Richmond Hadassah for $10 to Marilyn Trownsell, 3203 Klaus Court, Glen Allen, VA 23060. RSVPs must be received by Feb.7.

Hadassah Chapter? Cards are $8 for Standard size and $9 for large size. Use the convenient order form below and send It along with your check made payable to “HADASSAH” to Toby Rosenthal; 4412 Bromley Lane; Richmond, VA 23221

Name:______________________________________________________________________________ Address:____________________________________________________________________________ City____________________________________

State ______________________

Zip________________________ Phone:________________________________________ Mah Jongg id:___________________ Regular______________ Large_____ ________

Note: See Page 13 for GAME DAY on Jan. 12 and Page 7 for Virginia Jewish Advocacy Day on Feb.5.

34| the Reflector| January 2020 Tevet/Shevat 5780

www.JewishRichmond.org

Foundation Happenings

RJF celebrates 40th Anniversary with $40,000 Genesis Fund grant

T By Robert Nomberg president & ceo richmond jewish foundation

o celebrate Richmond Jewish Foundation’s 40th Anniversary, the Board of Directors awarded the Weinstein JCC a $40,000 competitive Genesis Fund grant. Miriam Davidow, Grants Committee chair, explained, “We originally received seven thoughtful requests for funding designed to enhance Jewish life in Richmond. After narrowing the list to four finalists the grants committee unanimously selected the Weinstein JCC’s project. We look forward to celebrating this forward-thinking and exciting project with the JCC and the entire community.” Following their Global Day of Jewish Learning’s success, the Weinstein JCC successfully submitted their Genesis Fund request for, “Celebrating Jewish Richmond: 1700’s to the Present.” This celebration, planned for October 2020, will begin with a family Shabbat dinner. The celebration will continue Saturday night with an evening of music, dance, poetry and more with a musical and historical journey through time that celebrates Jewish life in Richmond. Storytelling and performances by some of Richmond’s most iconic Jewish artists will bring the community together for an educational and entertaining experience with friends. The celebration will conclude Sunday with festivities modeled after the JCC’s inaugural

Global Day of Jewish Learning that will include a day of multiple educational experiences led by local Rabbis around a themed-topic or a keynote speaker of national stature for an uplifting message of Jewish peoplehood. Plans also include the creation of an exhibit, with the participation of local agencies, synagogues, schools and museums, featuring a timeline of cultural and historical events spanning 200+ years of Jewish life in Richmond. The exhibit will remain open to the public in the Sara D. November Gallery including educational outreach opportunities to supplemental schools and throughout greater Richmond as part of CultureWorks annual celebration of arts and culture. The exhibit will be gifted to the Beth Ahabah Museum and Archives for permanent display. The three-day celebration, as outlined above, will be a community-wide celebration where individuals from all denominations, geographic areas, and affiliations will find common ground in history and learning. This project promotes community building through education and engagement. It honors our past and inspires our future. The goal is that the programs will create opportunities for our community to connect and hopefully will inspire all

involved to continue to engage in the Jewish community, activities and Jewish organizations in the future. Weinstein JCC Chief Executive Officer Rick Nelson said, “The Weinstein JCC is honored to be chosen as the recipient of this important Genesis Fund grant. The funds will be used to help further our mission of building meaningful relationships and providing opportunities for educational experiences guided by Jewish values and culture.” He noted, “We thank the Genesis Fund Grant Committee and Richmond Jewish Foundation board for their continued commitment supporting our community.” The first Global Day of Jewish Learning was held at the Weinstein JCC on November 17 and proved to be an enlightening day of learning and community engagement. Over 130 community members came together to learn from local Rabbis and Jewish educators as they reflected on the theme “Speaking Volumes.” Members of the RJF grants committee include Miriam Davidow (chair), Rosann Bocciarelli, Josh Goldberg, Dan Rosenthal, and Jessica Samet. To learn more about RJF’s Genesis Fund or how to create a fund supporting the charities of your choice please contact me at 804-545-8656 or robert@rjfoundation. org.

Brackins Continued from page 2

The Federation raises several million dollars in Richmond each year to fund agencies locally — including the Weinstein JCC, Rudlin Torah Academy, Synagogues, and community-building institutions as well as numerous social-service programs to care for those in need in Richmond. Federation-funded agencies also work to advocate on important social issues and provide a strong foundation for Jewish life and identity-building on college campuses and in communities across the United States. In Israel, Federation is changing lives by helping to settle immigrants, assisting in times of crisis and engaging in special partnerships with Hadera Israel. Federation also supports programs in more than 70 other countries, aiming to combat anti-Semitism, www.JewishRichmond.org

provide a lifeline of vital services to the frail and vulnerable, rebuild Jewish communities and help rescue and resettle those in peril. The vital work of these programs and agencies is coordinated by our long-time overseas partners — The Jewish Agency for Israel and the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), as well as other non-governmental organizations. In cooperation with The Jewish Federations of North America and working in partnership with a network of local, national and international beneficiary agencies and programs, we touch countless lives each year. Secure Community Network, a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization, has served since 2004 as the official homeland security and safety initiative of the

organized Jewish community in North America. Established under the auspices of The Jewish Federations of North America and the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, SCN works to enhance the safety and security of those within 147 Federations, the 50 largest Jewish non-profit organizations in North America and over 300 independent Jewish communities. SCN aims to foster a culture of empowerment, collaboration and vigilance, ensuring that Jewish organizations, communities, as well as life and culture can not only exist safely and securely, but flourish. Learn more at securecommunitynetwork.org. To reach Brackins, call (804) 545-8660 or email dbrackins@jewishrichmond.org.

January 2019 Tevet/Shevat 5780 | the Reflector | 35

Rudlin Torah Academy students entertain attendees with their singing last year. Photo by Leo Vaynberg.

Allan Pollack performs some classics during Super Sunday last year. Photo by Rich Goldberg

Pictured in the three photos (clockwise from above) are • the start of a falafel • some side dishes – Tzimmes, a hot dog, pickle on a stick, kasha varnishkes and a broccoli kugel • and portion of Latkes Photos by Leo Vaynberg

Great food, lots of fun set for Richmond Jewish Food Festival! I

n just a few weeks’ time, the familyfriendly Richmond Jewish Food Festival returns to the Weinstein JCC on the Sunday and Monday of Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, Jan. 19-20, from 11:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. each day. Back again this year are our signature dishes, homemade stuffed cabbage, brisket, corned beef, Kasha Varnishkes, broccoli and carrot kugels, and Schwarma. Don’t forget to stop by Zadie’s Bar and try our Israeli wine selection or a cold beer! Not that adventurous? Then grab a Dr. Brown’s cream soda or coffee to go, along with a selection from Bubbie’s Bakery. There you’ll find delicacies such as Rugelach – cinnamon/walnut www.JewishRichmond.org

and chocolate/raspberry, mandelbrot – chocolate chip and chocolate/cherry, almond horns, and rainbow and apple cakes. As always, vegetarian, vegan, and nogluten items are available. Everything is strictly Kosher, and all ingredients are peanut- and dairy-free. While you enjoy your meal, you’ll be entertained by live music on both Sunday and Monday. Performing again this year are My Son The Doctor, the

Klezm’Or’Ami’m and Alan Pollack. And of course, there will be performances by children’s choirs and musicians from local schools. Before you leave, don’t forget to check out our Shuk, where you’ll find jewelry, hair accessories, 100 percent Turkish towels, and more. Getting to the festival is easy. The complimentary festival shuttle transports guests parked in the neighborhood across Monument Avenue to and from the Weinstein JCC. Remember, admission, entertainment, and the festival shuttle are all absolutely free! For everything else, cash and major credit cards are readily accepted. We have the best volunteers in

Richmond! Should you need assistance in getting your food or with anything else, just ask – any of our volunteers would be glad to assist. Check the festival website – RichmondJewishFoodFestival.com — often, as it is updated regularly with the latest information. We want you to love Jewish food, entertainment, and culture as much as we do! The 2020 Richmond Jewish Food Festival is proudly sponsored by Weinstein Properties, the Weinstein JCC, Designer Deliveries, Party Perfect, and Allianz Partners. See you at Richmond Jewish Food Festival on Jan. 19-20.

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