Jewish Community Federation
Reflector
the
in this
issue
OF RICHMOND
HATE WILL NOT WIN
Have Fun at Israeli Fest
FEDERATION
Volume 67 | Issue 6
Iyar/Sivan 5779
| June 2019
NER TAMID SOCIETY PAGE 2
AGENCIES
ANNUAL MEETING PAGE 8
COMMUNITY
YOM HASHOAH
TABLE of CONTENTS
PAGE 30
FEDERATION
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AGENCIES
8
HADASSAH
11
SYNAGOGUES
20
COMMUNITY
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FOUNDATION
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A celebration of Israel for all ages featuring the Israeli Friendship Caravan Israeli food, Krav Maga, arts and crafts, camel rides and more. Community Israeli Festival Sunday, June 23 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Weinstein JCC
See page 9
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
At the Ner Tamid Society event, attendees listen to the six-year-old daughter of Robyn and David Galpern talk about how she likes RTA. JCFR Photos
• June 17 | 5:30 p.m. JFS Annual Meeting Maymont Nature Center
• June 4 | 6:30 p.m. RTA Chesed Award Celebration Honoring Avery Lynn Weinstein JCC
• June 23 | 7 p.m. ‘Hairspray, Jr.’ Opening Weinstein JCC
• June 13 | 6 p.m. Hadassah L’Chaim to Life Event Dominion Payroll, Scott’s Addition
Federation launches Ner Tamid Society O
ver 25 committed community members attended as the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond’s Ner Tamid Society was officially launched at an appreciation event hosted at the home of Robyn and David Galpern on April 30. The Ner Tamid Society, a group who have made contributions to the Annual Campaign for 15+ years, or if they have made plans to leave a legacy gift to the JCFR. Anyone who has ever been in a Synagogue, knows about the Ner Tamid. This eternal light remains lit in our Synagogues, shuls and temples as a reminder that our people will last forever, and is a symbol of G-d’s eternal presence. This name, Ner Tamid is a perfect fit for this new society. We know
• June 2 | 2 p.m. ‘And Still I Cannot Hate’ Program Byrd Theater
because of the support of these folks, Jewish life in Richmond and all over the world will continue. While Robyn and David were gracious hosts, they were truly outshined by their six-year old daughter, who started off the brief program by telling those in attendance about how much she loves growing up in the Jewish community here, and specifically about all she learns at Rudlin Torah Academy! Life and Legacy Chairs Dan Siegel and Nathan and Nannette Shor finished off the remarks by thanking those in attendance for their perpetual support. For more details on Life and Legacy, contact Jesse Feld at jfeld@ jewishrichmond.org or (804)545-8623.
• Through June 9 Tradegy of War Exhibit Virginia Holocaust Museum
Visit www.jewishrichmond.org for a complete calendar of Jewish community events.
Hate will not win Editor’s Note: The following statement was issued on April 28. he Jewish Community Federation of Richmond, it’s Jewish Community Relations Committee and the Rabbinic Council of Richmond join Jewish Communities, allies and friends of all faiths in expressing our shock and grief as we are again faced with terror and hate in places of worship, this time during the celebration of Passover at the Congregation Chabad Synagogue in Poway, California. The shooting in Poway occurred six months to the day after the brutal attack on Jews in the Synagogue in Pittsburgh. Today’s hate filled shooting comes on a special day in the Jewish calendar, as we bring to an end the holiday of Passover and celebrate Shabbat, our holy day of rest and re-connection with community and family. The events of yesterday morning are currently under investigation as hate crime. There is little doubt that once again we are reminded of the troubling and heartbreaking rise in Anti-Semitism locally and worldwide. It is also a result of and inevitable outcome of the language of hate that has become all too familiar in our society and has resulted in similar attacks on Jews, Muslims and Christians worldwide.
We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the victims and the individual who lost their life and we pray for a full recovery for all those injured in the attack. We remain committed to fighting hate and will rededicate ourselves to building understanding, tolerance and care for our neighbors.
The July Reflector will include an article and photos from the May 30 JCFR Annual Meeting
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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
Longtime community leader Dan Siegel, Life and Legacy co-chair, speaks to community members at the Federation special event. 2 | the Reflector | June 2019 . Iyar/Sivan 5779
Jewish Community Federation OF RICHMOND
5403 Monument Avenue • Richmond, VA 23226
(804) 545-8620 Email: reflector@jewishrichmond.org
www.JewishRichmond.org
Countering Hate
The urgency of this moment Daniel Staffenberg Chief Executive Officer Jewish Community Federation of Richmond
Editor’s Note: This commentary appeared on the Opinions page of the Richmond TimesDispatch on Saturday, May 18
By Daniel Staffenberg and Jonathan Zur The numbers are staggering. The Anti-Defamation League’s recently released “Audit of AntiSemitic Incidents” documented 1,879 attacks against Jewish people and institutions in the United States last year. This total marked a 48% increase over 2016 and a 99% increase over 2015. Statistics from the FBI, the Virginia Office of the Attorney General and other sources reflect a similar rise in hate crimes targeting the Jewish, Muslim and African American communities, LGBT people, immigrants and many other groups in Virginia and across the country. The Richmond region is sadly not immune to these realities. The recent anti-Semitic, racist and threatening graffiti at Godwin
High School and in Henrico County are just two examples. That the three individuals allegedly responsible for these acts have been apprehended is a relief, but the need to actively confront hate remains. Far too frequently, the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond and the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities receive reports of bias or bullying at local schools, threats directed at houses of worship or harassment in public spaces. Whether widely publicized or known only by those targeted, such incidents cause hurt and inspire fear. We are gratified by the outpouring of support and concern from people of all backgrounds in the immediate aftermath of hatred. For example, this solidarity was demonstrated by the more than 2,500 people gathered in unity just days after
the tragic shooting at Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. We regularly receive meaningful expressions of care following hateful acts. These messages let those targeted know that they are not alone. Such outreach is important and sincerely appreciated. But the work of fighting antiSemitism, racism and all forms of bigotry must happen all the time, and especially to prevent incidents from occurring. Proactive work must take place in our schools, workplaces and throughout our communities. The Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities has developed a three-part framework for ways that people can ACT to counter hate: Analyze, Commit and Teach. First, we recommend that individuals analyze how stereotypes and bias have shaped
An eloquent eulogy by a Marine Corps Rabbi O
n May 27th we observed Memorial Day and on June 14th we celebrate Flag Day. It seems like an appropriate time to share a somewhat forgotten episode from over a half century ago that I first heard about soon after becoming an Army chaplain. The battle at Iwo Jima occasioned an eloquent eulogy by a Marine Corps Rabbi that has become an American classic. Rabbi Roland B. Gittelsohn, assigned to the Fifth Marine Division, was the first Jewish chaplain the Marine Corps ever appointed. Rabbi Gittelsohn was in the thick of the fray, ministering to Marines of all faiths in the combat zone. His tireless efforts to comfort the wounded and encourage the fearful won him three service ribbons. The Division Chaplain asked Rabbi Gittelsohn to deliver the memorial sermon at a combined religious service dedicating the Marine Cemetery. He wanted all the fallen Marines – black and white, Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish – honored in a single, nondenominational ceremony. www.JewishRichmond.org
But the majority of Christian chaplains objected to having a Rabbi preach over predominantly Christian graves. Many opposed any form of joint religious service. So, three separate religious services were held instead. One of the Protestant chaplains borrowed the Rabbi’s manuscript and circulated several thousand copies to his regiment. Some Marines enclosed the copies in letters to their families. An avalanche of coverage resulted. “Time Magazine” published excerpts and the entire sermon was inserted into the “Congressional Record.” Rabbi Gittelsohn later reflected, “I have often wondered whether anyone would ever have heard of my Iwo Jima sermon had it not been for the bigoted attempt to ban it.” Here is a brief excerpt from “The Purest Democracy: Sermon on the Dedication of 5th Marine Division Cemetery on Iwo Jima.” “WE DEDICATE OURSELVES, first, to live together in peace the way they fought and are buried in war.
Jonathan Zur President & CEO Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities you, knowingly and unknowingly. Ask yourself what early messages you received about different groups. Identify opportunities to interact with people from different backgrounds and reflect on the power dynamics in those settings. Explore where you can access information that challenges your biases. With that foundation, you then commit to stepping out of your comfort zone. Reflect on what is keeping you from having the hard conversations. What makes them hard for you? And how can Countering Hate More on page 4
Rabbi’s Reflections
“Here lie men who lived America because their ancestors, generations ago, helped in her founding, and other men who loved her with equal passion, because they themselves or their own fathers escaped from oppression to her blessed shores. Here lie officers and men, Negroes and whites, rich men and poor…together. “Here are Protestants, Catholics, and Jews … together. Here no man prefers another because of his faith or despises him because of his color. Here there are no quotas of how many from each group are admitted or allowed. Among these men there is no discrimination. No prejudice. No hatred. Theirs is the highest and purest democracy. “WHEN THE LAST SHOT has been fired, there will still be those eyes that are turned backward, not forward, who will be satisfied with those wide extremes of poverty and wealth in which the seeds of another war can breed. “We promise you, our departed comrades: this, too, we will not permit. This war has been fought by the common man; its fruits of peace must be enjoyed by the common man. We promise, by all that is sacred and holy, that your sons, the sons of miners and millers, the sons of farmers and workers, will inherit from your death the right to a living that is decent and secure.”
Rabbi Dennis Beck-Berman Congregation Brith Achim
Editor’s Note: Rabbi Beck-Berman served over 10 years as an active duty military chaplain and retired as a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve after 21 years of service. He recently celebrated his 25th anniversary as the Rabbi at Congregation Brith Achim. See page 25.
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June 2019 Iyar/Sivan 5779 | the Reflector | 3
Jewish Community Relations Committee
Updates on recent anti-Semitic vandalism in Henrico May 15, HENRICO COUNTY -- Three teenagers have been identified as the people responsible for vandalizing Godwin High School, and a neighborhood near Douglas S. Freeman High School with racist, anti-Semitic, and threatening graffiti. The names of the students accused of vandalism have not been released. The hateful messages were spray-painted on the western Henrico high school Sunday morning, and at residences in the Freeman High School area on Thursday. Charges have been filed with the Juvenile Justice System for the following violations for two suspects in relation to the Godwin High School vandalism: • Misdemeanor trespassing • Felony vandalism • Conspiracy to commit a felony. A suspect thought to be responsible for vandalism in the Regency Mall area has been charged with felony vandalism. Police say there is no credible threat to the school or students regarding the vandalism that occurred on May 12th. “The images are hateful, disgusting and have zero place in society,” Henrico Schools spokesperson Andy Jenks said following the vandalism’s discovery. “We condemn these acts in the strongest terms.” Editor’s Note: This news story is reprinted from recent press reports on these hate and anti-Semitic incidents
Countering Hate Continued from page 3
you overcome those barriers? Additionally, search for local events and organizations that provide opportunities to connect across lines of difference. It is also helpful to prepare some phrases and actions to have ready in case you are confronted with hate. Finally, it is critical to teach what you are learning. Be a light to others by speaking up when you hear misinformation and advocate for inclusive policies and practices. Ask yourself: Who is most harmed by inaction if hate isn’t confronted? Explore what conditions allow hatred to exist in our community. Identify opportunities to advocate for policies that stand against hate and advance equity. What does the ACT model look like in practice? Over the past six months, the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond has joined with the Islamic Center of Henrico, Islamic Center of Virginia, Muslim Community Center of Chesterfield, VCU Muslim Student Association, West End Islamic Center and Randolph-Macon Hillel to convene “Stronger than Hate.” Members of the Muslim and Jewish communities have come together to
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Editor’s Note: The following was shared with the community on May 20 by Daniel Staffenberg and Andrew Fishman. Henrico County police reported on May 14 that three juveniles had been arrested for felony vandalism and related charges in connection with community anti-Semetic incidents in Henrico County. s we shared yesterday morning, the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond and our Jewish Community Relations Committee have been monitoring the incidents of graffiti containing antiSemitic and deeply disturbing images in the West End and at Godwin High School. As an update: The two incidents appear to be unrelated. • We have been in regular contact with John Vithoulkas, Henrico County Manager and Chief of Police Humberto Cardounel Jr.. We appreciate their leadership on these events and their concern and partnership with our Jewish community.
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socialize, build trusting relationships and plan volunteer opportunities. Similarly, the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities’ Standing Together program is a diverse, interfaith coalition that engages the greater Richmond region to stand in solidarity with targeted communities by promoting justice and advancing human dignity, inclusion and equity. This group has convened many community events to support learning, relationship building and demonstrations of solidarity. But there is so much more to be done. The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. This is no time for apathy or complacency. This is a time for vigorous and positive action.” This moment in 2019 demands the same urgency that Dr. King spoke of in 1967. For it is going to take all of us working together to fight the rising tide of bias. Daniel Staffenberg is chief executive officer of the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond. Contact him at dstaffenberg@jewishrichmond.org. Jonathan Zur is president & CEO of the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities. Contact him at contact@inclusiveva.org.
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We at the Federation feel strongly that both the police and leadership of Henrico County are taking the events extremely seriously and working to bring the perpetrators to justice. Mr. Vithoulkas shared just this afternoon, “that those responsible will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” • There will be additional police presence and monitoring at all of our local Jewish institutions in Henrico County. This will serve as additional support to the security plans and infrastructure already in place. There are no direct threats to any of our Jewish institutions and these patrols are in place out of an abundance of caution. • We have reached out to our partners at BBYO and the Jewish Student Union to offer support and information to the students and families at the schools impacted. • We have been in contact with our elected officials and will be working with them to identify and build actionable steps to help secure our
communities and fight these hateful acts. • PJ Library has produced a useful guide to assist in talking with your children about these events. You can find the resources by visiting https://pjlibrary.org/beyond-books/pjblog/ january-2017/how-to-talk-to-your-kidsabout-scary-situations. • Our Federation is grateful for the continued support of Henrico School leadership and Law Enforcement. We remind everyone in our community to remain aware and report anything suspicious or concerning to the authorities. If you see something, say something. Please feel free to contact either one of us if you have any questions or concerns. Daniel Staffenberg Chief Executive Officer 804-545-8622 Andrew Fishman JCRC Director 804-545-8626
Did You Know? The Jewish Community Federation of Richmond provides annual contributions to Birthright Israel. Since 2000, more than 1,400 Jewish college students and others from the Richmond area have taken part in Birthright trips. www.JewishRichmond.org
Enterprise Circle facilitates panel of self-starters O
ver 30 community members got up early for the latest Enterprise Circle breakfast, held at the Weinstein JCC on Tuesday morning May 14. The theme of the panel was, “Building from the Ground Up,” and featured three local entrepreneurs who built their businesses from scratch. All are Richmond natives. Prior to the program, Federation CEO Daniel Staffenberg addressed the group on a couple of matters. Most notably, Staffenberg remarked on the recent passing of community leader Stephen Meyers. Among his multitude of accomplishments, one was creating the Enterprise Circle. The Enterprise Circle was the perfect molding of Meyers’ entrepreneurial spirit mixed with his unwavering passion for the Jewish community. Staffenberg noted that without Steve’s leadership some 13 years ago, we would not be there for the panel today. The panelists David Fratkin, Jeff Marks and Greg Samuels were led in discussion by moderator Sam Davis III, principal of The Davis Group. As he’s done before, Davis did a great job asking the panelists thought provoking questions about how they got to where they are today, what role the Jewish community plays in their personal and professional lives and so
much more. Davis and the panelists were introduced by John Jay Schwartz, Enterprise Circle chair. While all three panelists had selfmade businesses, each business is unique to one another and they all arrived in different ways. Fratkin is the founder and president of Dominion Payroll, Richmond, which he co-founded in 2002, and also is managing partner of Tang & Biscuit and First Colony Winery. Marks is president of Promotional Considerations, Inc., which he established in 1984. Samuel’s is on the tech side of things, and is the CEO of Solvaria, which provides IT project management, process engineering and database management support to clients in the public and private sector. All three had insightful wisdom and opened up a little window to their daily business processes. Thank you to the panelists and Davis for their time and willingness to come out and share their stories. Thanks also to the Enterprise Circle Committee. Look for more from the Enterprise Circle, and if you would like more information on how to get involved, contact Jesse Feld at the Jewish Federation by calling (804) 545-8623 or emailing jfeld@jewishrichmond.org.
Capt(From Left) David Fratkin, Sam Davis III, John Jay Schwartz, Jeff Marks and Greg Samuels pose after the program. JCFR Photos
Greg Samuels answers a question from a community member.
Federation CEO Daniel Staffenburg speaks to Enterprise Circle atttendees about recent events in the community.
How to make Rugelach! D
elicious Rugelach abounded at the Keneseth Beth Israel kitchen as the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond partnered with KBI for “The Recipes That Make Us: Rugelach.” KBI member Elly Goldberg taught the group of young professional Richmonders the right combination of ingredients to make the wonderful flakey treat. After a great demonstration, participants were able to mix their own dough, as well as roll out their own personal pastries while choosing their own fillings to go inside (chocolate being a very popular choice). Everyone went home with Rugelach in hand, dough to make at home, and a copy of the recipe to make Rugelach for years to come. Looking for more exciting events through the Federation and Network JCFR? Contact Amanda Braun (804) 545-8621 or abraun@jewishrichmond.org. www.JewishRichmond.org
Attendees begin mixing dough for making Rugelach. A small plate of Rugelach. All attendees took home some of the treats and the recipe. Elly Goldberg welcomes the group before explaining the process of making Rugelach. JCFR Photos
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June 2019 Iyar/Sivan 5779 | the Reflector | 5
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e wanted to check in with community members to see how they want to receive their Reflector each month. At present, we distribute printed copies to more than 3,300 homes each month via a delivery contract with the Richmond-Times-Dispatch. Our newspapers are delivered via T-D carriers in the early morning from a list the Reflector provides. As always, you do not need to be a subscriber to the T-D to receive the Reflector. Sometimes, however, we know T-D carriers may miss a delivery and we would like to know. We want all our monthly readers to get their printed copies. But we and the T-D circulation department do not know you
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Going Green will help save us money. Unfortunately, we are experiencing some reduction in advertising the last few months. This trend is affecting all printed newspapers as you may know. So, Going Green will help us watch our costs. We have no current plans to change any of our distribution methods. If you want to continue to receive the printed Reflector, there is no need to do anything. And if you are happy Going Green, you do not need to do anything either. But, let us know if you are experiencing delivery issues or have questions. Thanks. Again, thanks for your help and support.
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6 | the Reflector | June 2019 Iyar/Sivan 5779
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Join us for the Trip of a Lifetime!
$1999 per person double occupancy Land Only $1,600 single supplement - additional cost Optional Post Mission Trip to Petra - additional cost
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ou rely on your friends to provide you with information that you can trust. The Reflector has served Richmond's Jewish Community for more than a half a century and is one of those friends. The Reflector provides pertinent information about everything from local agency developments, meetings, Synagogue and organization news to major events in the area, in Israel and around the world. A true friend, The Reflector provides a synopsis of what is happening in the region and the people who are making things happen in Jewish Richmond. The Reflector serves as that valuable resource to stay connected with your Jewish community. Ad revenues and an annual allocation only take care of some of the expense to produce the monthly newspaper. So, we rely on our Friends for help. Please see the enclosed remittance envelope; complete the form on the envelope and return it to us with your contribution. Thank you for being a Friend!
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June 2019 Iyar/Sivan 5779 | the Reflector | 7
Nearly 200 Weinstein JCC members and supporters attended this year’s event.
Board President Sara Villalona delivered her report highlighting the Center’s accomplishments, and thanking staff.
Photos by Tom Topinka
Weinstein JCC’s Annual Meeting ‘state of mind’ N early 200 members and community participants attended the Weinstein JCC’s 2019 Annual Meeting, where staff and board members said “thank you!” for another great year. This year’s theme was “New York style” and guests enjoyed the delicious selection of deli-themed food and beverages from Anything Goes Catering. The evening was dedicated to former board member, president, and longtime supporter of the Weinstein JCC, Stephen Meyers. Board member and close friend, Andy Brownstein delivered heartfelt remarks about Stephen. Current board president, Sara Villalona delivered her report, highlighting the current fiscal year’s many events supporting the Center’s focus of harmony and inclusion, as well as thanking the staff of the Weinstein JCC for their ongoing work and commitment to the Weinstein JCC’s members and mission. Sara also honored devoted and passionate Weinstein JCC board member and supporter, Allen Cohen, with this year’s President’s Award. In his CEO report, Rick Nelson, spoke about the Center’s role in Jewish peoplehood. He stated, “Strengthening the collective consciousness of Jews as a global ‘People’ is more important and relevant than ever before, in building, and sustaining, a thriving Jewish collective. In today’s global world, being part of the Jewish People offers access to
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Opening the Annual Meeting, JFT performer and annual award-winner, Corrinne Brager, sang “Hatikvah.”
a unique global network with a rich sense of identity, meaning, and joint purpose.” Following his remarks, Rick and Weinstein JCC COO Orly Lewis, distributed awards to staff members reaching milestone anniversaries with the Center, with two staff members receiving 35 years of service awards! Weinstein JCC volunteer awards were handed out by Sarah Arenstein, current member of the Weinstein JCC Leadership Academy, and past president, Richard November. Those receiving annual awards were: • Corinne Brager—Arenstein Family Excellence in Youth Service Award • Greg Bishop—Leroy B. Goldberg Annual Meeting More on page 10
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In Memoriam of Stephen Meyers
fter a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s disease, former Weinstein JCC president and long-time board member, Stephen Meyers, passed away in April at the age of 79. Stephen was born and raised in Richmond and was a devoted member of the Weinstein JCC for his entire life. He could be seen in various parts of the building almost every day. He served on the Weinstein JCC board in various capacities for almost 20 years and was President from 1992-1994. He was a recipient of the Weinstein JCC’s highest honor, the Bernstein Award. Stephen was also one of the few Richmonders to serve as a Board member on the JCC Association of America. The Weinstein JCC was not Stephen’s only non-profit passion. He served on the Boards of the Beth Sholom Home and the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond, and received that organization’s highest honor, the Distinguished Community Service Award, for, among other things, founding the highly successful Enterprise Circle program. Civic service was also very important to Stephen, and he served in various capacities throughout the Richmond community, for he strongly believed that service to
the wider community was just as important as service to the Jewish community. Stephen is survived by his wife of 52 years, Susan, his daughters Liz and Leslie, and her wife Alicia, three grandchildren, a sister, Dorothy, and a brother, Gedalia, and many nieces and nephews. This year’s Weinstein JCC Annual Meeting was dedicated in honor of Stephen Meyers. May his memory be a blessing and an inspiration to all of us. Written by Andy Brownstein (presented at the Weinstein JCC Annual Meeting) www.JewishRichmond.org
Second Stage performance Hairspray Jr. and Sh
Weinstein JCC Happenings
Patrons of the Arts Series Subscriptions NOW AVAILABLE! We are thrilled to
introduce the 2019-20 Patrons of the Arts Season
We hope you will join us for another robust season of arts and entertainment bringing culture and community together!
These are just a few highlights: SEPTEMBER An Evening of Cabaret featuring Natan Berenshteyn and Deb Clinton
DECEMBER Stephen Sondheim’s musical “Gypsy”
Israeli Fest attendees can once again look forward to fun-filled activities like camel rides, henna tattoos and more! Contributed Photo
JANUARY The Adolf-Adams JCC Forum: 100 Years of Leonard Bernstein ~ A Tribute
Israeli Festival - Fun for the whole family on June 23
MAY Violins of Hope Chamber Concert performed by musicians from the Richmond Symphony
POA signature events sell out! Visit weinsteinjcc.org or call 545.8644 to reserve your spot.
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ark your calendars for our community’s Israeli Festival on Sunday, June 23, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Weinstein JCC. The Center is again thrilled to host The Israeli Friendship Caravan to continue a tradition of more than 40 years! The Scouts will kick-off the event with a performance at 11 a.m. Other family friendly activities to follow will include camel rides, a petting zoo, arts and crafts, henna tattoos, Krav Maga and more. Admission to the Israeli Scout performance plus many of the activities are free. Food and camel rides will be available for purchase. To volunteer or for more information, contact Jennifer Adams at jadams@weinsteinjcc.org. Israeli Day is made possible by the generous contributions of Allianz Partners, the Eddie Lapkin Israeli Scout Fund of Richmond Jewish Foundation, The Richmond Council For Jewish Education with funding from the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond and the Weinstein JCC. Want to host a an Israeli Scout? www.JewishRichmond.org
Additionally, there are openings for families who may be interested in hosting an Israeli Scout this summer. Hosting an Israeli Scout is a wonderful way to experience the culture of Israel with your children – without having to leave Richmond. The Scouts are student ambassadors for Israel who love to share their songs, dance and message of peace with others. Many local families have opened their homes in the past and continue to support this unique opportunity. For more information about hosting an Israeli Scout, contact Kim Goldstein at kimg710@gmail.com. For information on Israeli Fest, call (804) 285-6500.
Youth Theater Program presents ‘Hairspray, JR.’ Opening night is June 23
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FT’s Second Stage Theater presents, ‘‘Hairspray, JR.!” Don’t miss this family friendly, TonyAward winner for Best Broadway Musical that tells the story of one girl’s inspiring dream to dance and change the world. Piled bouffant-high with laughter, romance and deliriously tuneful songs, ‘‘Hairspray JR.’’ celebrates diversity and brings audiences to their feet with its positive message and uproarious sense of humor.
The 1950s are out and change is in the air! With artistic direction by Taylor Bernard and music direction by Stephen Rudlin, come and see this amazing community youth theater program in action. Opening Performance: Sunday, June 23 at 7 p.m. Other Performances: June 24, 26, and 27 at 7 p.m. and June 30 at 2 p.m. Tickets: $15 Adults/$12 Children under age 18. Get your tickets at weinsteinjcc.org.
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CEO Rick Nelson addressed the crowd. Photos by Tom Topinka Former Weinstein JCC board president and annual award-winner, Shelley Gouldin, with daughter, Evie, and son, Jarrett.
Board member and long-time family friend, Andy Brownstein, paid tribute to former board member and president, Stephen Meyers. Board member and annual award-winner, Greg Bishop, with staff member Victoria Sheridan.
5400 Club June programs June 3 - Jack Berry, “Richmond Region Tourism.” June 10 - Second Day Shavout. Richard Becker in Piano Recital June 17 - Peggy Watson and Celeste Miller, “University of Richmond: The Osher Institute.” June 24 - Dr. Robert Clifton, former dean, Medical College of Virginia. Note: EnRich for Life will return after the summer. For club details, contact Norman Sporn at n.sporn@gmail.com.
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Annual Meeting Continued from page 8
Leadership Award • Shelley Gouldin – Esther, Edith & H.J. Bernstein Volunteer Leadership Award New board members installed by past Weinstein JCC President Shelley Gouldin included: Claudia Biegler, Helen Griffin and Bob Weisberger. The evening’s entertainment featured two toe-tapping performances from Jewish
Family Theatre productions, including a number from “Shrek the Musical” by Madison Cox, and another from “Annie,” performed by Lucy Caudle and Mark Persinger. For more information about Weinstein JCC programs and activities, call (804) 2856500. Also visit www.weinsteinjcc.org.
www.JewishRichmond.org
Hadassah Happenings
L’Chaim to Life celebration event set for June 13
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adassah Richmond’s L’Chaim to Life will be an evening you will not want to miss. L’Chaim to Life, celebrating Hadassah’s almost 900 local life members, will take place Thursday, June 13 at 6 p.m., at Dominion Payroll, Scott’s Addition, 3200 Rockbridge St. This event is open to the entire community and all are welcome to attend. Bring your spouse, your children, your friends! Be counted among those who will be celebrating Hadassah’s members. Here in Richmond we have 26 ladies who have been members over 50 years! Richmond’s Summer Israeli Scout from 1980 returns as the keynote speaker. Tamar Raz (Tami) is now the CEO of Hadasit, the technology transfer arm of Hadassah. Tami boasts a successful track record of bringing medical innovations from the lab to the marketplace. We are thrilled to welcome Tami here for this special event and hope to show her the same warm welcome we did 39 years ago. The evening will include a wine happy hour, featuring music by the talented Susan Greenbaum, followed by dinner. A brief fashion show, with clothing from Alton Lane Custom Men’s Clothier and Levy’s, will be beautifully modeled by men and women from our community. And of course, you will not want to miss hearing Tami speak about the amazing advances coming from Hadassah and Hadasit. The cost for this beautiful evening is $75 per person, with proceeds going to the important and lifesaving
work being done in the medical field by Hadassah. Please send your check, made payable to Hadassah Richmond, for your reservation to Nannette Shor, 2813 Harding’s Trace Lane, Richmond, VA 23233. There will be an opportunity to support Hadassah in a drawing to win amazing items such as a wine tasting for 20 at Total Wine & More, his and hers Citizen watches, 8 custom shirts and an Elijah Craig bourbon tasting party at Alton Lane Custom Men’s Clothier, a Levy’s gift certificate, Richmond’s best restaurant certificates and so much more. If you are unable to attend, please consider showing your support through a donation. Contact Hedy Lapkin at hedylapkin@gmail.com, (804)687-8626, or Nannette Shor at shornannette4@ gmail.com for more information.
To see more Jewish Community events, visit the Calendar section at www.jewishrichmond.org.
Richmond Hadassah 50 Year Life Members Richmond Hadassah is pleased to honor these Life Members who have graced our chapter for over 50 years!
Evelyn Kessler- 50 years
Charlotte Bader - 50 years
Hedy Lapkin- 52 years
Cynthia Becker - 51 years
Tillie Linder- 50 years
Florence Blank - 56 years
Susan Lockhart- 50 years
Bee Brown - 50 years
Jane Lowenthal- 50 years
Selma Cantor - 57 years
Barbara Rubin- 52 years
Golde Feldman - 50 years
Carol Sear- 51 years
Beatrice Fine - 50 years
Rhoda Sheintoch- 50 years
Joyce Fratkin - 50 years
Hattie Shocket- 66 years
Gail Grandis - 50 years
Marilyn Spiro- 51 years
Carolyn Guertin - 57 years
Judi Struminger- 52 years
Harriet Horowitz - 50 years
Rosalie Wasserman- 50 years (If we have your information wrong or if you are missing from this list, please contact us!)
Pat Janner - 53 years Willa Kalman- 52 years
www.JewishRichmond.org
Lyn Kocen- 50 years
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June 2019 Iyar/Sivan 5779 | the Reflector | 11
We care about your care.
Beth Sholom Happenings Beth Sholom is proud to introduce our home health company, Generations Home Health--a full-service home health company. This addition to our services strengthens our mission to provide compassionate and comprehensive healthcare. In-home care provides the assistance and support system a family needs!
Skilled & Daily Living Care We offer our services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Generations Home Health (804) 421-5270 www.genhhs.com Beth Sholom Community (804) 750-2183 www.bethsholomliving.org
Beth Sholom Lifecare Community
Beth Sholom emloyees, staff and residents enjoy themselves at their spring picnic at Penn Park on May 8. Contibuted Photos
Beth Sholom celebrates at picnic in Penn Park T he Beth Sholom Community kicked off spring with a picnic in Penn Park on Wednesday, May 8. The Park was alive with residents, families and employees. Unidine, Beth Sholom’s food service provider catered a full spread, including hot dogs, hamburgers and variety of desserts. This event was part of a weeklong celebration for our nurses week and Beth Sholom employees.
Penn Park, located on the Beth Sholom campus, was created in memory of John Penn (1934-1994) in1995. We were thrilled to have Marcia Penn join us at this celebration! For information on Beth Sholom activities, call (804) 750-2183 or visit bethsholomliving.com. Beth Sholom is supported, in part, by a generous contribution from the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond.
Beth Sholom CEO Morris “Mo” Funk with Marcia Penn. Resident Barbara Greenberg
For more photos from the Beth Sholom picnic, see page 15
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12 | the Reflector | June 2019 Iyar/Sivan 5779
www.JewishRichmond.org
JFS HAPPENINGS
(From left) JFS Volunteers Linda Gay and Tanya Wohner at May’s Enrich for Life program.
A year to remember: Celebrating JFS’ 2018-2019 accomplishments O n June 30, JFS’ 2018-2019 fiscal year ends and we are proud to have continued a 170-year old tradition of caring for Richmond’s citizens, seniors and families and broadening our reach to transform more lives. We began this year with all of Richmond’s Jewish organizations coming together to create the Richmond Jewish Care Line to respond to Jewish individuals and families in crisis. Today, when someone makes a call to (804) 525-8299; the Jewish Care Line number, they are connected with caring and experienced JFS Care Managers who will confidentially work with them, side by side, on the issues they are facing. In eight months, the Richmond Jewish Care Line has supported 27 members of the Richmond Jewish Community throughout their journey back to stability. Also in the fall, JFS’ 1st VicePresident Sandy Sisisky challenged her friends to be the difference for low-income seniors by purchasing fresh packages of underclothes, socks, and hygiene products for JFS lowincome clients who would normally go without these basic necessities. (From left) Susan Meyers, Susan Craven-Johnson and Mort Thalhimer at JFS’ past-presidents reunion. www.JewishRichmond.org
Because of Sandy’s success, JFS established the Care Closet and asked the Jewish community to continue to collect items along with gift cards. Through the generosity of the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond board, the JFS board and individual donors, JFS low-income clients have access to toiletries and new clothing and can look forward to special occasions with their caregivers. This year we continued to expand our services by providing low-income seniors who often face financial challenges like tax
issues, high debt burden, elder financial continuing to help others as needed. abuse, or financial scams with one-onDuring the year, we also continued to one consulting to help ease their financial pursue our mission of transforming lives burdens. with Connecting Hearts at JFS. Thanks to a Thrive grant from United Connecting Hearts works with the Way of Greater Richmond and Petersburg, Department of Social Services to find JFS-certified personnel will help those who adoptive families through our Heart cannot afford these services for free. We Galley, match events and 30 kids in 30 days have already been able to assist a handful of clients and are looking forward to JFS 2018-2019 More on page 14
Save the Date
RSVP by May 31 to Maya Barnett, mbarnett@jfsrichmond.org, 804-282-5644 ext. 231
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June 2019 Iyar/Sivan 5779 | the Reflector | 13
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JFS 2018-2019 Continued from page 13
campaign with CBS, Channel 6. We are grateful to have Connecting Hearts as part of our team and proud to be a part of finding the children in foster care their forever families. Back in 2017, JFS started our PCA School to provide high-quality education and certification to aspiring health care workers. Because of the last two years of positive feedback and success, in April, JFS expanded our reach and opened the JFS East End PCA School. Currently, 16 East End residents are receiving their 46-hour training to be a PCA and start their home-health career assisting JFS’ senior clients with daily activities. This current class is at capacity and there is a waitlist for future East End PCA classes, providing East End residents the opportunity to begin their career in the fastest growing field in health care. Also, by providing the East End residents with PCA training, more East End seniors will have the opportunity to stay in their own homes as they age with JFS Home Care. This would not have been possible without our community partners: The Peter Paul Development Center; Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority; Bon Secours, VCU Pathways program; VCU Health Impact; Richmond Public Schools; and Head Start. We are grateful to have all of our community
ABOVE: East End PCA Student practices how to take blood pressure
RIGHT: PCA student learns how to make a bed while ensuring the comfort of the client
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partners as part of our mission of Transforming Lives and Strengthening our Community. One new partner this year was a team of Executive MBA Students at VCU made possible by a generous gift from Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods. JFS served as a case study for a team of VCU Executive MBA students as they researched how to best market care management services in Richmond. We learned valuable insights about the business of health care and how to best brand JFS to expand the number of lives transformed. It is also a year full of celebration. Established in 1849; JFS is now 170 years old! We began our 170th year by hosting reunions honoring our history and will culminate in our 170th Birthday Party. We hope you will join us on Oct. 6 from 4-6 p.m. at the Virginia War Memorial as we celebrate our past, present, and future. You don’t have to wait until October to celebrate with JFS. Join us for the 2019 Annual Meeting on June 17 as we install our new board, officers and highlight the many accomplishments from our previous year. Learn more and RSVP online at www. jfsrichmond.org or call JFS at 282-5644. Jewish Family Services is supported, in part, by a generous contribution and IMPACT GRANT from the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond. www.JewishRichmond.org
RTA kindergarten takes a ‘trip to Israel’ T
Morah Perel Sherman and her kindergarten class enjoy a moment at the Kotel. Photos courtesy of Susan Press
(From left) IDF (Tzahal) training at special Israel program with kindergartners Hadara Weinberger and Yoshi Mizrahi and Shaarei Torah student Hudi Bart.
he second week of May, Rudlin Torah Academy held a special Yom Ha’atzmaut program in honor of the State of Israel’s 71st birthday. The RTA kindergarten class celebrated Israeli Independence Day with a virtual trip to Israel. Led by their teacher, Morah Perel Sherman, the students engaged in activities that gave them the sense of experiencing a real trip to Israel. The class visited Eilat and snorkeled to see colorful fish and played with sand and shells. They visited a Kibbutz and fed animals with hay, rode a horse, and gathered eggs. At the Dead Sea the children enjoyed playing with sand and tossing beach balls. All of the children had grueling Army training at Tzahal (Israeli Defense Force) that included an obstacle course and fitness training. In Tel Aviv, they got to relax and eat in the café. They also loved creating art in the artist city of Tzefat, and fishing in the
RTA Happenings
RUDLIN TORAH ACADEMY RICHMOND HEBREW DAY SCHOOL
Stellar Education beautiful Kinneret Lake. for Every Jewish Child A real treat for us was riding on the Haifa Express, a boat that took us to Haifa where the children went bird watching with binoculars. One major highlight of their trip was visiting the Kotel/Wall in Jerusalem where they prayed and put a special note into the Wall. The assistance of the kindergarteners’ ‘big sisters’, the talented students of Shaarei Torah High School, helped make this RTA highlight even more special! While the kindergarten class was preparing for their trip, the rest of the school enjoyed a Yom Ha’atzmaut program that began with an inspiring rendition of “Hatikvah” and continued with an impressive “Hebrew Bee” competition led by Morah Kindergartners Dena Cantor and Moshe Devorah Aronowitz. Goldberg playing with snow at Har Harmon. A special dessert treat for Rudlin Torah Academy is the whole school topped off the supported, in part, by a generous activities on this festive day! contribution from the Jewish For more news at RTA or to Community Federation of schedule a visit, call (804) 353Richmond. 1110 or visit www.rudlin.com.
Beth Sholom Picnic Continued from page 12
Beatrice Goldberg enjoys a hot dog and more. www.JewishRichmond.org
Gloria Brown
Beatrice Fine and Tamika Battle.
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June 2019 Iyar/Sivan 5779 | the Reflector | 15
Martha Edmonds (left) and Cassandra Wright enjoy painting with students at the Neve Michael Children’s Village, which is the only multi-disciplinary children’s home in Israel.
Rabbi Gary Creditor is comforted by Daniel Staffenberg at the Children’s Memorial at Yad Vashem. All photos by Nancy Wright Beasley
Looking back at a meaningful Interfaith Journey By Nancy Wright Beasley Everyone must know that within them burns a candle and no one’s candle is identified with the candle of another. It is our obligation to work hard to reveal the light of our candle, and make of it a great torch to enlighten the whole world - Rabbi Abraham Isaac Ha-Cohen Kook
S
ome came alone, as I did, and others two by two, our lights of faith inextricably tied to the ancient land of Israel. Thus, on Sunday, March 31, 2019, 31 pilgrims … four Jews (including Rabbi Gary Creditor, Rabbi Emeritus of Temple Beth-El) and 27 others, primarily Christians (including Reverend Alex Evans, pastor of Second Presbyterian Church) … began their interfaith journey, the fifth one sponsored by the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond. The interfaith pilgrimages began in 2013, an idea that evolved after Marvin Daniel visited Israel. “I was a non-Jewish spouse who had decided, along with my wife, to raise our children Jewish. I wanted to see firsthand what I had given my sons,” Marvin says. “After going on the Federation’s 75th anniversary trip to Israel in 2000, I discovered that I had, indeed, given them the gifts of people, faith, country, heritage and language.” That trip included 80 Jewish individuals and three non-Jews, including Marvin, who asked about seeing Christian sites not normally on the itinerary. What resulted was a visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, which included several Jews, an “a-ha” moment for Marvin. Subsequently Marvin met with Samuel Asher, then the
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Federation’s executive director, and Cathy Plotkin, Marvin’s Jewish sister-in-law. The plan for future interfaith trips, which have had about 125 participants, was formed with Marvin and Cathy co-chairing all five now. “I’ve volunteered for the Federation for more years than I can remember,” Cathy says, “but the five interfaith journeys to Israel have been among the most personally rewarding of anything I’ve done. To be able to see Eretz Yisroel through the eyes of first-timers and to share in this remarkable place with those of different faiths gives me an almost inexplicable high.” Ages of the 2019 participants ran the gamut, from Alexander Lester-Abdalla, 26, a seminary student, to Sylvia Fine, 82, a retiree, who loves to travel and credits a spike in knowledge to the experience. “When you are older, you find out how little you know and how much there is to know,” Sylvia says. “This trip increased my understanding exponentially.” For Kathleen Murphy, a Second Presbyterian member, visiting the Western Wall was especially meaningful. “My mom was Jewish but never visited Israel before she passed. I was bringing my prayers, questions and story to the Kotel (Hebrew for the Western Wall), but I was also bringing her. The weight of this opportunity was immense.” So immense, in fact, that Kathleen began to weep and found herself embraced by another pilgrim. “Ginger (wife to Rev. Evans) let me cry on her shoulder. Then we walked arm in arm to the Wall, where I inserted my
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Katherine Todd, pastor of Forest Hill Presbyterian Church, takes time to reflect while on the boat in the Sea of Galilee.
prayers into a little crevasse,” Kathleen says. “It was Shabbat, the holiest part of the week for Jews, and incredibly emotional in the best way.” Cassandra Wright and her husband, Doug Heuman, were also participants. “My husband’s family and mine include evangelical, nominal and progressive Christians; Jews by birth and by choice; a Buddhist or two, and non-
believers,” Cassandra says. “I grew up Episcopalian but abandoned the church as a young adult and never returned.” Her interest initially cultural, Cassandra continues, “I now have a renewed commitment to Israel, a deeper love for Judaism, and a fervent hope for peace not only in the holy land but also on earth. Our shared humanity supersedes all Interfaith Journey More on next page www.JewishRichmond.org
(From left) Reverend Alex Evans with Rabbi Gary Creditor, faith leaders for the Interfaith V Journey to Israel, pose for a photo.
Interfaith Journey Continued from page 16
religious differences.” Any differences we had were primarily physical. Daniel Staffenberg, CEO of the Federation, resembled a mother hen gathering chicks, tirelessly checking to make sure all were comfortable and accounted for and offering a hand to steady us over the ever-present cobblestone streets. We first visited the Neve Michael Children’s Village, which is supported by the JCFR, where we gave out crayons and art supplies. The students and pilgrims painted and played soccer together. One student even played a saxophone solo for us, while Rabbi Creditor held his sheet music. Martha Edmonds traveled with her daughter, Amy Thompson. “To be together in places where the stories she shared with me as a child was truly an amazing gift to both of us,” Amy says. “My mom, who just turned 80, introduced me to the stories of the Bible before I could even walk or talk. Not only was she my first Sunday school teacher, she and my dad truly live the messages of the Bible every day.” It was a time of drastic ups and downs, both physical and spiritual, including visits to currently operating churches and a Muslim mosque. We even visited an ancient Synagogue whose keys were kept safe by a Muslim. The trip to see holy sites was juxtaposed by crawling inside underground Israeli soldiers’ bunkers used during warfare and later hearing a lecture from an Israeli army colonel who led the team that built a 27foot, 450-mile wall that separates Jews and Palestinians. With few handrails, we struggled up and down winding ancient hand-hewn www.JewishRichmond.org
The memorial to Uziel Spiegel, who died at
stone steps visiting sites where Jesus Auschwitz at 2 1/2 years old. His parents, Abe and his disciples shared the Gospel and Edita Spiegel, had the Children’s Monument and performed miracles. We didn’t built to honor his memory go inside, but saw the doorway of the room where Jesus ate the Last Supper (a Seder) with his disciples, as well as the site where he was supposed to have been crucified and buried. We were met everywhere by hundreds of pilgrims and their guides jostling for an opportunity to experience Lent in Israel. Some lit candles, while others cried, kissing the walls and stones, as they knelt to pray. The sunshine broiled as we saw remnants of outdoor theatres where humans were sacrificed to animals or through gladiator contests, walked along ancient temple sites and learned of newly discovered antiquities. At every juncture, we learned historical facts and heard Bible readings (from pilgrims) and from our guide, Marty Friedlander, an Orthodox Jew. We laughed together and we cried together, especially after seeing the Children’s Memorial at Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Memorial Center. Complete darkness prevailed in the hollowed out underground cavern housing the memorial. We instinctively reached for a handrail, although we couldn’t see it or each other, as we inched along the inky darkness. Suddenly, there were thousands of tiny flickering candles (a customary Jewish tradition to remember the dead) and the reverent recitation of previouslyrecorded names, ages, and countries, the only memory remaining of the 1.5 million Jewish children killed during the Holocaust. Brilliant sunshine blanketed us as we exited the memorial, many
This wreath from the JCFR was placed at the Children’s Memorial at Yad Vashem by the oldest and youngest pilgrims of the 2019 interfaith journey, Sylvia Fine and Alexander Lester-Abdalla .
The entrance to the Children’s Memorial at Yad Vashem.
Interfaith Journey More on next page
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June 2019 Iyar/Sivan 5779 | the Reflector | 17
Rabbi Gary Creditor met Holocaust survivors Jacob Kalamitskas (black striped shirt) and his brother, David, during the interfaith journey. The brothers, native Lithuanians, now live in Israel. Photos by Nancy Wright Beasley
of us visibly shaken. For once, there was complete silence. Rabbi Creditor explained the message of Kaddish. Sylvia Fine and Alexander Lester-Abdalla laid a wreath from the JCFR. When he turned toward the monument to lead the prayer, the Rabbi’s shoulders trembled and he began to cry. Daniel walked forward and gently placed his arm around his friend, magnifying one of the most poignant moments of the trip. Never have I felt the weight of my journalistic work on the Holocaust as I did then. At our farewell dinner, we were asked to share some of our experiences. Many spoke of how they had found a deeper understanding of Judaism, as well as their Christian faith, all expressing gratitude to those who led the program. What I shared with the group was that if a poor Catholic farm family had not risked their lives to save thirteen Jews in Lithuania during the Holocaust, there could have been four more names of little boys recited at the children’s memorial. It brought home the unmitigated joy I experienced when I introduced Rabbi Creditor to two of those boys, now men, whom I’ve written about: Jacob Kalamitskas, 84, and his brother David, 80, now Israel residents. Pastor Alex (Evans), helping to lead his first interfaith experience in Israel, says, “This was a powerful chapter in my life and faith and , I think, a most meaningful venture for everyone on the trip.” He continues, “Through the lens of this interfaith venture, we learned so much about the sensitivities, complexities and beauty of this land that is so integral to who we are and who God calls us to be. We shared laughs, grew in love and care, experienced worship, and even danced on a boat in the Sea of Galilee together. We returned home with deeper insights about
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Pilgrims took turns serving each other bread and wine during the final Sunday morning service in Jerusalem.
The pilgrims climbed a hill opposite the Sea of Galilee where the Beautitudes were read.
our shared history and the importance of that sacred land. It was especially meaningful to be in constant conversation with Rabbi Creditor and our Jewish sisters and brothers.” Of leading his second interfaith journey, Rabbi Creditor says, “I have always seen Israel through a personal Jewish historical and religious prism. I have lived and studied in Israel, but with Pastor Evans and the wonderful participants I witnessed their particular spiritual reaction to a land we all call ‘holy.’ This interfaith pilgrimage was a unique experience, a privilege for many opportunities to engage in conversations where we shared our innermost thoughts and questions openly and honestly. The most moving moment for me was at the conclusion of our visit to Yad Vashem as I expressed my feelings after seeing not only the murder of six million Jews but also the annihilation of the Eastern European Jewish civilization.” He continues, “For me, the State of Israel is the promised resurrection of the Jewish People. In sixteen years, our granddaughter will don the uniform of the
18| the Reflector| June 2019 Iyar/Sivan 5779
Two Israeli soldiers took a lunch break from their security duties and stopped to say hello with their “friend” to members of our interfaith group.
Israel Defense Force to defend the Jewish people, as witness of my families’ return to the homeland after two thousand years of forced exile. It was a gift to share this time and place with Pastor Evans and our wonderful group.” The Sunday prior to our departure, we gathered in a hotel room where two goblets of wine and two loaves of bread rested on a table. After pilgrims read from the New Testament, Pastor Evans invited us to participate in our own way, inviting individuals to carry a goblet and loaf to serve each other. I considered it an honor to serve Rabbi Creditor, who explained he was not having communion but “an extension” of his breakfast. His gesture brought me to tears and heightened my enormous respect for him. I learned so much from him on this trip, which multiplied what I’d learned
when attending his Bat Mitzvah classes as I was writing my first book on the Holocaust. He taught me another lesson in graciousness by allowing me to serve him during a Christian service. It was a special memory I’ll treasure forever, along with the friendships I made. One of the pilgrims, Katherine Todd, pastor of Forest Hill Presbyterian Church, later posted this for her fellow travelers: Do not be dismayed by the brokenness of the world. All things break. And all things can be mended. Not with time, as they say, but with intention. So go. Love intentionally, extravagantly, unconditionally. The broken world waits in darkness for the light that is you. ~ L.R. KNOST@ Nancy Wright Beasley. All rights reserved. 2019.
About Nancy Wright Beasley
Nancy Wright Beasley, a Christian, has written on the Holocaust for over 20 years of her 40-year journalistic career. Her books, “Izzy’s Fire: Finding Humanity in the Holocaust” and “The Little Lion: A Hero in the Holocaust,” the latter adapted for the stage, have been used in schools and universities in the U.S. and abroad. She has recently produced a one-act play, “Saving Sara,” soon to be debuted. The play recounts how Sara Gillman (Pliamm), now a physician in Toronto, Canada, was saved from almost certain death in Kovno Ghetto during the Holocaust in Lithuania. Presentations are available: nancy@nancywrightbeasley.com. www.JewishRichmond.org
‘An eye-opening’ journey to Israel Editor’s Note: The following was written from Israel near the end of the Federation-sponsored Interfaith Journey in April. By Daniel Staffenberg CEO, Jewish Community Federation of Richmond can’t begin to convey how special it is to be writing this message from Israel. I have spent the last 10 days traveling the land I have visited over 25 times, yet I am seeing and experiencing things I have never seen before. I joined the most amazing group of Jews and Christians on our fifth Interfaith Journey to Israel. The trip, a brainchild of Cathy Plotkin and Marvin Daniel, has been eyeopening in many ways. We engaged with each other in meaningful, open and caring dialogue, found hidden commonalities, differences and friendship. The trip has allowed us to examine the full complexities of Israel, through meetings with Palestinians, Israelis, thought leaders and opinion makers. We have created Zionists, discussed the negative impact of BDS, explored shared history and traveled Israel in a meaningful way. We all have questions that remain to be answered and conversations which need to continue, however the impact of our journey together will be a lasting one. Each of the 31 individuals on the trip has been touched deeply by the experience. They have vowed to return to Richmond as an ambassador, teacher and to work together to strengthen our interfaith community. Personally, this has been one of the most unique and interesting trips I have ever led. I have seen Christian sights, explored Israel through the eyes of so many first timers and been challenged, supported and inspired by each of my fellow travelers. I will be leaving in a few days better understanding Israel’s place in the hearts and history of our Christian and Muslim friends. I will leave with my love of this land strengthened and renewed yet again, in new and meaningful ways. I am grateful to Cathy and Marvin and our two amazing clergy, Pastor Alex Evans and Rabbi Gary Creditor for their leadership and inspiration throughout the journey. I return to Richmond more excited than ever to bring our entire Jewish Community to Israel in April 2020. There is no better way to inspire connection and community then traveling to Israel. I can’t wait to work with our community leadership to build out meaningful itineraries that share the depth and breadth of this country. To engage in those meaningful conversations that create lifelong friendships, memories and commitment to each other and our community. To have fun, and laugh and explore together.
I
Next Year in Jerusalem, Daniel www.JewishRichmond.org
Interfaith Trip particpants gather for a photo at the Old Jaffa Port.
Photo by Martha Branch
Editor’s Note: The poems below were written by Interfaith Trip participants, Alexander Lester-Abdalla and Sam Highfill after returning home to Richmond.
Jerusalem By Alexander Lester-Abdalla I am overwhelmed. In a lower room With no windows Friends gather around wine and bread. We sing, we pray, we reflect on the layers and diversity within these walls and underneath our feet: So much blood, so many tears, so much joy. And here we humbly stand and walk Above the source of life and love. The epicenter of God’s creation: both dark and bright. It is as if this gushing source is tapped into my veins and yearning to spring forth … My brain tries to contain. And as my body wishes to be set free to rush with the water I am reminded that God always wins And I weep softly With a smile Knowing that I am in (Al-Quds), (Yerushalayim) Jerusalem.
An Interfaith Journey, 2019 By Sam Highfill A van from home to DC, then a flight to JFK. An El Al flight to Tel Aviv, and all within a day. This was just the start of an eleven-day affair. A whirlwind trip through Israel and all the history there. Agreement from the start that any question can be asked. Every comment valued and no judgement would be passed. A land with rich diversity, old history and new. The homeland for so many faiths…Muslims…Christians ... Jews. Lots of noted differences, yet even more we share. The further back in time you go the more they come to bare. We journeyed as community, some Christians and some Jews. We shared a need for learning and exploring different views. Bonds were being formed, bonds of love and of respect, and bonds of understanding sometimes found as we’d reflect. We heard so many stories, more perspectives every day. We shared so much emotion every step along the way. Tiny acts of kindness, acts of gentle understanding, evidence that hearts and minds were open and expanding. Eleven days together on a journey of the soul, with love and understanding as the overriding goal. An interfaith community. An interfaith affair. An interfaith experience like none you can compare.
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June 2019 Iyar/Sivan 5779 | the Reflector | 19
Synagogue Happenings
Soles4Souls: Beth Ahabah volunteers came together to sort and bundle shoes for those in need in the U.S. and around the world. Beth Ahabah Photos
Baking: Volunteers prepared lasagna for Mt. Moriah meals that are served each month to those in need.
Mitzvah Day is a success for Beth Ahabah M
ore than 100 volunteers turned out to clean up Belle Isle, spend time with residents of Beth Sholom Home, care for abandoned animals, clean tombstones, collect shoes, and complete other projects on April 28 for Congregation Beth Ahabah’s Mitzvah Day. With the enthusiastic leadership and support of students from the religious school, Mitzvah Day was once again a success. Religious school students and their parents cleaned up trash on the trails at Belle Isle, cleaned the enclosures at Richmond SPCA and spent quality time with the residents of Beth Sholom Home. Volunteers also sorted and bundled shoes for donation to Soles 4 Souls, baked lasagna and desserts for the HomeAgain men’s homeless shelter, wrote welcome letters for newly arrived refugee families, made comfort blankets for patients at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU, and picked up trash and scrubbed tombstones at Hebrew Cemetery. Cemetery: The Hebrew Cemetery received a little spring cleaning. For more on Beth Ahabah events, call (804) 358-6757.
Beth Sholom: Beth Ahabah young people building relationships with Beth Sholom residents.
SPCA: It’s a tough job cleaning up after the pups and kitties at the SPCA, but spending time with the animals made it a rewarding experience.
Responding with Care to those in Need Confidential. Compassionate. Understanding.
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www.JewishRichmond.org
Or Ami Happenings in June A
The teen Madrichim with their Kindergartener children. Beth Ahabah Photos
Congregation Beth Ahabah Religious School by the numbers A nother successful year ended on May 5 for Beth Ahabah’s religious school. More than 160 enthusiastic students, their loving parents, 26 teen madrichim, 17 dedicated teachers, 2 erudite clergy and 6 jack-of-all trade staff celebrated with ice cream on the steps of the historic sanctuary. A terrific year, highlighted by moving into a beautiful new lobby and office space, concluded after 28 weeks of Hebrew, Prayer, and Judaics classes, 6 student- parent parallel learning session, 4 parent socials, 5 holiday celebrations, and innumerable “Happy Sunday” greetings. Everyone wished each other a fond fair well for the summer and looked forward to seeing each other again in the fall.
Monday night April 15 was the last night of at Beit Midrash. Everyone celebrated with Hamentashen and good cheer a during the last session of combined teen and adult learning. At Beth Ahabah, Jewish learning begins at birth with Tot Shabbat and continues at the Barbara and William B. Thalhimer, Jr. Religious School. Three year olds through seventh graders meet from September through mid-May on Sunday mornings from 9:1511:45 a.m. Eighth through tenth graders meet on Monday evenings from 7- 8:30 p.m., October - early May. For information, contact Heather Dinkin at hdinkin@bethahabah.org or at (804) 358-6757.
successful academic year for our children is winding down. However, education continues throughout the summer at Congregation Or Ami. Rabbi Ahuva Zaches will offer an Intermediate Hebrew class at Or Ami this summer. This class is for anyone who can already pronounce Hebrew letters and vowels and wants to learn what is actually being said. The class is open to the greater Richmond community. Tuition is $36 for Or Ami members; $50 for non-members. Classes are held every Tuesday in July and August from 7 8:30 p.m. beginning July 2 and ending August 27. The deadline to register is June 25 at https://or-ami.com/intermediate-hebrew. On June 1, Network JCFR will host a LGBTQ/Ally Havdalah at The Tottering Teacup (3222 W. Cary St., Richmond, VA 23221) from 8-9:45 p.m. Rabbi Ahuva will lead the Havdalah service. To RSVP and for questions, reach out to Amanda Braun at the Federation at abraun@jewishrichmond.org or (804) 545-8621 We hope to see you there! Pride Shabbat On June 7, Congregation Or Ami will have a Pride Shabbat that will include themed readings and songs, intermingled with Shabbat evening prayers. Our song leader for the evening will be Rachel Wolman. Please bring rainbow Challah and cookies for our oneg.
Book Club The Or Ami Book Club will meet on Monday, June 3 at 7 p.m. at Or Ami to discuss the book, “Pops: A Fatherhood in Pieces” by Michael Chabon. The Book Club will take the summer off, and resume in the fall. Future Book Club selections are: “The Moving Kings” by Joshua Cohen (Sept. 9); “Dinner at the Center of the Universe” by Nathan Englander (Nov. 4); “Devotion” by Dani Shapiro (Dec. 2); and, “Matzoh Ball Gumbo” by Marcie Cohen Ferris (Jan. 6, 2020). All book lovers are welcome to join us. Reel Theology Reel Theology will be held Sunday, June 16 at 6 p.m. This event is free, and provides a nice way to meet members of Or Ami and their guests. Please bring a snack to share. There will be a brief discussion following the film. Religious School If you find yourself considering Religious School for your children or grandchildren, please note that Congregation Or Ami’s Religious School offers an innovative approach to education. At Or Ami, each grade chooses electives such as art, theater, music, building projects, social action, photography, nature and more. Every lesson is designed to simultaneously encourage Jewish literacy and equip children with practical life skills.
Or Ami More on page 23
The Beth Ahabah teachers are recognized for their efforts.
Two preschoolers pose for a photo with their teen Madrichim.
www.JewishRichmond.org
The Beth Ahabah Madrichim gather together.
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June 2019 Iyar/Sivan 5779 | the Reflector | 21
Shalom Farms Executive Director Dominic Barrett shows Or Atid students one of many hoop houses on the property, explaining that this is where most of the plants will begin to grow. Or Atid Photos
Or Atid Helen and Sam Kornblau Religious School had a very busy spring Or Atid School News ith such a warm and pleasant spring season, it felt a lot like summer at the Kornblau Religious School as we wrapped up the 2018-2019 school year this past May. With the sun shining, students spent time in the great outdoors, visiting Shalom Farms, tending to the school garden, and enjoying the new outdoor classroom. Now that the school year is over, here’s to a safe and happy summer vacation!
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Gillian Perschetz and Miles Noah transfer zinnia starts into the ground, which will attract many pollinators to the farm during the summer season.
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Congregation Or Atid Happenings Shabbat in the Park: June 7 n Friday, June 7, Or Atid families will be celebrating Shabbat at Deep Run Park, listening to the sounds of nature as we welcome Shabbat. The event is BYOD - Bring Your Own Dinner, and families are invited to eat together at 6 p.m. The outdoor service with Rabbi Hal Schevitz will begin at 6:45. Shavuot Program June 8 The Or Atid Adult Education Committee, in collaboration with Rabbi Hal, is planning an evening program for Tikkun Leil Shavuot on Saturday, June 8.
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A trip to the farm At the end of April, 3rd-6th grade students traveled to Shalom Farms in Midlothian. Shalom Farms works within the Richmond community to provide easy access to healthy food for all families. Students toured the farm, learning about greenhouses and hoop houses which control the temperature for plants as they first begin to sprout. Students were amazed to see the thousands of plant starts that would one day feed hundreds of Richmond families. Then, students rolled up their sleeves and put on their sun hats - it was time to start planting! With a little help from teachers and parents, students transferred a row of over 400 zinnias sprouts. These flowers are very popular among the bees and will attract pollinators to the farm. It’s important for bees and butterflies to visit the farm because the crops need to be pollinated several times in order to reach their peak flavor. After returning to the school, students made their own seed paper using local wildflower seeds. After the paper had dried, students wrote inspiring messages to the flowers on the paper and planted them in the school garden. As the seeds sprout, the paper decomposes and fertilizes the soil. Over the summer, the flowers will grow and bloom, attracting pollinators and keeping the garden alive and healthy. The Little Spacecraft that Could On the last day of instruction, the school was visited by special guest, Sheila Pour, who read the story “The Little Spacecraft” to students.
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On the holiday that celebrates our receiving the Torah at Sinai, the Rabbi will lead a discussion on the topic “Who Wrote the Torah, according to the Torah?” Attendees will explore what the Torah says about its own authorship and how that impacts our understanding of Torah and Mitzvot in our lives. Dairy desserts and refreshments will be served. For more information, call the office at (804)740-4747.
After transferring 400 zinnias at Shalom Farms, students helped plants settle into their new home by watering them. The water helps the roots grow strong in the new soil.
The picture book follows the journey of Berrie, the Israeli spacecraft built by SpaceIL for a mission to the moon. The story is based off Berrie’s real-life counterpart, Beresheit, and explains space travel and exploration with beautiful illustrations and a powerful message about inclusion and determination. What made the story reading all-themore meaningful, was that the author of the book, Dr. Mom or Yael Schuster, attended the Kornblau Religious School, many years ago, and it was her mother, Sheila Pour, who read the story to students. Though the real Beresheit may have crashed, it was an inspiring morning for everyone. End-of-the-Year BBQ The summer season marks the arrival of BBQ season, and families wrapped up the school year with a BBQ party to celebrate everything students
Or Atid member, Sheila Pour, reads the story, “The Little Spacecraft,” written by her daughter, Yael Schuster. Many years ago, Yael attended Or Atid’s religious school, and now her story is being shared with students.
accomplished over the year. Teachers prepared Paper Plate Awards for each student, highlighting their individuality and the energy they brought into the classroom. Field games were played, burgers and hot dogs were eaten, and the freshly completed mural was signed by students as they marked their handprints along the wall. 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 visit, contact Education Coordinator Alison Litvin, at relschool@oratid.org, or call Congregation Or Atid at (804) 740 - 4747. www.JewishRichmond.org
Zev Klein Contributed Photos
Keith Rakovsky and Gabriel R.
(From left) Shmuel F., Avraham G. and Scoutmaster Russ Stein. Contributed Photo
Boy Scouts awarded with scholarship from Sroka/Karp KBI hosts welcoming Men’s Memorial Fund of RJF Learning Program every week T S Avi Gunzburg, Yehoshua G., and (right) Naftali Rubin
wo Boy Scouts from Troop 613, Shmuel F. and Avraham G., were awarded scholarships from the Sroka/ Karp Memorial Fund of Richmond Jewish Foundation to attend a Jewish Boy Scout Summer Camp in New York. They will be joining 50 other
Scouts from across America and Israel. Kosher food will be prepared, and Shabbat services will be conducted by the youths. If you would like to learn more about Troop 613, contact the KBI office or send an email to Ben Melton at meltonbmm@gmail.com.
Or Ami Continued from page 21
Or Ami also offers a Torah Tots program that meets every other Sunday. For more information, visit http://Or-Ami.com/school. Please join us for Shabbat services on Fridays, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Join us as well for Torah Study Brunch, which is held most Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. Attendees, members and nonmembers, range from college age to our most senior learners. Please bring food items to share while enjoying a lively yet respectful discussion of the Torah portion being studied. All points of view are encouraged. Plus “anything said in Torah Study, stays in Torah Study.” www.JewishRichmond.org
For more information, or to verify the date of the next Torah Study Brunch, please call Or Ami’s office. Congregation Or Ami is located at 9400 West Huguenot Road, Richmond, Virginia 23235. At Congregation Or Ami, you can explore how Jewish wisdom, custom and celebration can play a role in your life. Want to know more about Or Ami? Contact us at Belong@Or-Ami. com, check us out at www.Or-Ami.com follow us on Facebook at facebook. com/OrAmiRichmond, or catch us on Twitter @oramirichmond. We welcome your interest and your inquiries.
troll into the KBI Weger chapel any Sunday morning after Shachrit (morning Minyan) and you will find a diverse group of men chatting, learning, and eating. They are studying basic Jewish concepts, including Kashrut, Shabbat, prayer, and daily life. They are learning Gemara (commentaries on Jewish Oral Law) or studying the Torah reading for the upcoming week. They are learning Daf Yomi (a page of Gemara), trying to complete the cycle of Talmud learning which occurs over the course of seven years. A quick glance will reveal men of all ages, including fathers and sons; long time study partners, Yeshiva students, and graduates; individuals who lack a knowledge of Hebrew who are learning Talmud, Torah, or the Prophets for the first time; men in the process of conversion, who are tackling their first Jewish text and learning with a partner about the religion which will become an integral part of their life; and those who have a keen interest in learning about Judaism’s sacred writings to enhance their own spiritual or intellectual growth. Attendees come from diverse backgrounds, and each member brings his own unique abilities and desire to learn more about Judaism and its traditions. KBI’s Sunday Open Beit Midrash is
a program that was introduced several years ago. The program, which is facilitated by Rudlin Torah Academy Principal Rabbi Yosef Bart, encourages men from the Richmond community to come and personally experience Torah learning. Members of the Beit Midrash engage in small group or one-to-one learning. The program is attended regularly by a group of 10 – 20 men and boys learning a wide variety of topics including Chumash, topics in Jewish law, as well as other Jewish topics of interest. KBI Rabbi Dovid Asher is a regular participant and assists in helping attendees find topics and study partners. The Beit Midrash is a warm and welcoming place. In addition to postdavening learning, a hot breakfast is provided by Diana Rubin, wife of a regular participant, who feels Torah learning is the foundation for Jewish life, for the present and future. The Sunday morning learning program is open to participation by men of all backgrounds. For information or to find a study partner, contact the KBI office at (804) 288-7953 or email KBI@ kbrichmond.com.
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Beth-El happenings
Beth-El 8th and 9th graders shop for supplies that they used to make Self-Care bags to be distributed to homeless individuals in the community. Beth-El Photos
Beth-El School happenings
Dara Rosenblatt
Shoshanna Schechter
By Ramona L. Brand Director of Youth Learning Beth-El Religious School Intentional Jewish Education mong the many goals of Temple BethEl Religious School is to provide an intentional and comprehensive Jewish education, a challenging task in a supplemental setting in which students attend between 3-5 hours a week. The sweeping changes in Synagogue/ home life landscape that have taken place into the 21st century have necessitated innovative thinking and transformed the delivery of Jewish education. Anna Pava in her article “Redefining Jewish Education: Federations’ Goals for a New Century” writes, “As noted by Jonathan Sarna (relying on concepts developed by John Dewey), throughout its history, Jewish education in North America primarily focused intentionally on knowledge acquisition (prayer and Torah literacy).” She continues, “Living Jewishly – the howto of holidays and rituals, of faith and communal obligation – came only incidentally, the result of merely living in Jewish community. But religious practice and ethnic tribalism have shifted in recent decades. Larger culture now challenges rather than reinforces Jewish living; the incidentals of Jewish living have disappeared for most. Intentional Jewish education has become the only way most Jews can discover what it means to be Jewish.” This past year our students have been engaged in intentional Jewish education, designed to make connections beyond the classroom and into active Jewish practice. Whether through cooking/baking, acts of Mitzvot, field trips into the community, environmental projects, holiday practice, Hebrew/text study, and literature and website exploration; our students have been challenged to grow introspectively and externally in Jewish living. It’s been a great year, which, as always has flown by too quickly. September will come around soon enough and we’ll be ready for another year to excite, inspire and challenge our students to live intentional
Sisterhood Speaker Luncheon featuring Cantor Dara Rosenblatt Wednesday, June 5, noon- 1:30 p.m., Grove Avenue, Social Hall Becoming Cantor: A Modern Woman’s Journey: Join us for a luncheon as we hear about Cantor Rosenblatt’s life. All are invited. Sisterhood member, $12; non-member, $18. Register at bethelrichmond.org/event/speaker2019 For questions, email tbesisterhood1@ gmail.com Shavuot Services, Dinner, & Program Saturday, June 8, 6-9:30 p.m., Grove Avenue. Femininity, Purity, and the Sacred: Jewish, Christian, and Muslim Women in Modern Israel/Palestine Lecture by special guest and BethEl member Shoshanna Schechter, MA, Ed.D (ABD). In a land where three major world religions collide, believers see and feel the holy in almost every corner of every neighborhood. Many view the “Holy Land,” the “axis mundi,” the place where heaven and earth meet, so those who visit
or reside in the land may feel compelled to perform and practice specific rites, rituals, and ob-servances in a more open and expressive manner. In this talk, Shoshanna Schechter will focus on the experiences of Jewish, Christian, and Muslim women in Israel and the Palestinian Territories as they attempt to draw closer to the divine. Come to any or all parts of the evening at Grove Avenue. The full schedule is: • 6 p.m.- Erev Shavuot Services (Kiddush Room) • 6:30 p.m. - Dairy dinner, $10 each, (Social Hall) RSVP at bethelrichmond.org/ event/shavuot2019 • 7:30 p.m. - Program (Kiddush Room); Lecture is followed by audience Q&A Information & Planning Meeting for December 2019 Adult Israel Trip Wednesday, June 12, 7:30 p.m., Kiddush Room, Grove Ave. Join us to find out more about this gastro-trip exploring Israeli food, wine, and art! Please register for this meeting at bethelrichmond.org/event/tripinfo.
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Jewish lives. Registration for the 2019_2020 Religious School year is open! For Pre-K through 10th grade: Our innovative and child-centered approach to Jewish learning provides a dynamic environment where Jewish education is joyous, fun, inspiring and spiritual. Skill level Hebrew enables students to learn at an independent pace and move comfortably toward mastery. Our Nesiyah program incorporates electives, hands-on learning and interactive education. Pre-K2nd / Sundays 9 am -noon; Grades: 3-7/ Sundays 9 a.m. - noon and Wednesdays 4:15 -6-:15 p.m. New this year: Optional Wednesday Hebrew class enrollment for 2nd graders (member families only). Easy on-line registration: https://www. bethelrichmond.org/school_enrollment.php Temple Membership not required for families with students in grades Pre-K through 2nd grade Beth-El is hiring teachers Passionate about Jewish Education? Want to make a difference and an impact? Are you creative? Can you think outside the box when it comes to Jewish education? Do you want to give kids authentic and thought provoking Jewish experiences? If you answer yes to these questions, you belong here! Teach in a dynamic learning environment where education is joyous, fun, inspiring and spiritual. Beth-El is seeking teachers for both Hebrew and Judaics instruction for Sundays, 9 a.m. - noon and Wednesdays, 4:15- 6:15 p.m. For more information about the Religious School and all our activities and events, email r.brand@bethelrichmond.org.
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Photo by Krista Fidlow
Contributed Photo
Pre-K-Teva: Pre-schoolers get ready to plant marigolds while learning about the environment. www.JewishRichmond.org
Rabbi Dennis Beck-Berman with family members (from left) daughter Cantor Sarah Beck-Berman; his wife, Julie; and daughter, Rachel Beck-Berman. Contributed Photos
Super Spring happenings at Congregation Brith Achim S pring is a very busy season at Congregation Brith Achim Mike Packer and Rabbi Dennis Beck-Berman hosted Petersburg Mayor Parham and students from Petersburgarea schools. The children had a long discussion of Jewish practices and Torah study. The mayor facilitated this unusual interaction, as this was the first time many of the children had ever been in a Synagogue. 25th Anniversary Celebration Saturday, May 4, brought our longawaited 25th anniversary celebration of Rabbi Dennis Beck-Berman as the spiritual leader of Congregation Brith Achim. A wide range of religions spanning churches, mosques and Synagogues from the Petersburg and Richmond areas joined us. Local political leaders were in attendance, including Mayor Parham, State Senator Rosalyn Dance and other officials helping congratulate our Rabbi. Cantor Sarah Beck-Berman, eldest daughter of Rabbi and Julie BeckBerman and Cantor of Congregation Beth Ahabah, Art Bloom and Mike Packer were our musical guests for a special version of our Saturday morning service, which was followed by an incredible dairy Oneg.
www.JewishRichmond.org
Brith Achim member David Goldstein in his Flying Squirrels jersey.
Letters, well-wishes and heart-felt thank-yous were published in a booklet that was read at the celebration and later given to the Rabbi, including heartfelt thanks from the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond, Weinstein JCC leadership, and our temple congregants. We are looking forward to another 25 years with Rabbi Beck-Berman! Sunday May 5 featured another in our series of fantastic opportunities for the Jewish community in south central Virginia: A Sunday Richmond Flying
Squirrel’s baseball at The Diamond. We schedule monthly gatherings of food, fun and drink around the baseball games, picking Sunday games for their family promotions (i.e., free Kid’s Club attendance and shirts for the first 1,000 fans) and to avoid conflicts with our Friday night and Saturday morning services. Contact David Goldstein at drdaveg@ gmail.com for a list of all the games to which you may purchase discount vouchers to the Richmond Flying Squirrels. Upcoming events Our usual social events, such as craft days and movie nights, are joined by a few special upcoming events: • June 9 features a special Shavu’ot dinner and Yizkor service. A dairy dinner from our Kosher kitchen will precede the special service. • June 14 is our annual Kosher barbecue sponsored by Roland Spector in memory of
his wife Gerry. The cookout features Kosher hamburgers, hotdogs and side dishes. The congregation looks forward to this popular event, not least of which is because of the desserts donated by members. • June 21 and 22 will be the B’nai Mitzvah of Hope and Harrison Murray. Everyone has been anticipating their leading the Friday night and Saturday morning services! Call the office for details on any of our scheduled events. Our traditional social responsibility activities are ongoing. Our regular volunteering at the local soup kitchen is June 3 and June 10. Sisterhood is collecting toiletries for a local women’s shelter. Charlene Tiller is the point of contact for lending a hand on these and donations are always welcome for the women’s shelter! Contact David Goldstein to find out about other events that are not included in this article.
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June 2019 Iyar/Sivan 5779 | the Reflector | 25
Community Happenings
For ALL rising Kindergarten – 6th grade Jewish students Counselor in Training Program for rising 7th & 8th grade Jewish students
Jackie Sherman enjoys the Jewish Cooking Club she helped create. Contributed Photo
‘One of the best decisions’ By Jackie Sherman Class of 2019 y involvement with Jewish Life at VCU began after meeting the director Chana Rivkah outside the library during Passover. She engaged me with a smile and generously handed me a special meal. I was shocked from the kindness of this interaction, and knew I had to follow up with Chana. I later joined Sinai Scholars and
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met weekly with other thoughtful students, and even had the opportunity to create a Jewish Cooking Club within the program itself. Joining Jewish Life at VCU was easily one of the best decisions I made as an undergrad because of the community I met there. Editor’s note: Jackie Sherman is from Falls Church and is an International Studies major.
Sign up today F
August 13-17, 2018 9am-4pm ** NEW EXTENDED TIME *** LOCATION ***601 N. Parham Rd
VA 23229 – Temple Beth El Religious School or the 10th summer,Richmond join a host of A highlight of the week is when the campers for another fun-filled week campers are joined by Israeli teens visat Camp Sababa. The registration dead- iting Richmond as part of the Partnerline is July 15. ship2Gether Tikkun Olam Exchange The week-long program is designed program. and run by the Richmond Council for JewWhen? This summer, the camp will ish Education, a committee of the Jewish run from Aug. 12-16. Community Federation of Richmond. Where? Temple Beth-El Religious The group of educators from all the local School, 601 N. Parham Road, RichSynagogues and agencies gather together mond. Looking for a fun way for your kids to explore their Jewish roots this summer? Sign up fo to put on this amazing camp Staff ? all Education directors Camp Sababa! For one-of-a the last kind seven years, kids from over Richmond have and enjoyed getting connected to Judaism through singing, teachers dancing, from nature, crafts, drama, and and special themes each summer. During the session, campers participating schools like Jewish Time heritage Travel, Hiking Through Israel, and Color Wars. Our special Israeli Madrichim explore their Jewish and Hebrew teen Madrichim from Israel. bring modern Israel to our campers. Make sure your child is in on the action! through different themes. Cost? $125 and July 15 is final Sababa is Hebrew slang for “cool,” and Camp Sababa is the way;for your Past themes include Israeli Cities, deadline; $150 for coolest all 5 days; $40 forchildren to newand friends overmore. the summer and have fun in a Jewish environment! the CIT Program. Jewish Timemake Travel much th more information or to register Campers have For time artsKindergarten and crafts, For whom? ALLfor rising – 6 gradeFor Jewish students th th in Training Program for rising 7 & 8 grade Jewish students games, cookingCounselor and meeting friends for this summer, contact Sara RosenWhen? Monday-Friday, August 13-17, 2018baum from 9am-4pm at (804) 545-8629 or srosenbaum@ from different congregations and around jewishrichmond.org Richmond. Where? 601 N. Parham Rd Richmond VA 23229 – Temple Beth El Religious School
Beth-El Confirmation students help Swansboro students 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, 2018 $150 for all 5 days final Registration Deadline July 14, 2018 $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.
Swansboro Elementary School students show their appreciation. Contributed Photos
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or their Mitzvah Project, the 2019 Confirmation Class at Temple Beth-El helped the students of Swansboro Elementary School in Richmond. The school, which is part of the Richmond Jewish Coalition for Literacy, was in need of hygiene kits for some of their students. Many of the students lack the supplies for basic hygiene and Rabbi Michael Knopf and his students answered the call. They made over 100 kits that included shampoo, soap, toothpaste and a toothbrush, deodorant, a washcloth and a comb. Each kit also had a note of support and encouragement written by the students.
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Beth-El Confirmation Class students assemble hygiene kits.
The school was in great appreciation for this kind gesture. And the students learned about giving back to the community. Members of the confirmation class are: Sarah Beller • Millie Buckberg • Morgan Gerson • Mara Glock • Madeline Green • Grace Hessberg • Parker Morgan • Claudia Sachs • Cameron Webne • Erika Webne • Rebekah Wright. RJCL is sponsored and supported by the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond and generous donors. For information on how to become a RJCL mentor, contact Sara Rosenbaum at (804) 545-8629 or srosenbaum@jewishrichmond.org. www.JewishRichmond.org
HONEYMOON ISRAEL RICHMOND
Apply 8/15 - 9/26, 2019 for a March 2020 trip! HMI provides subsidized 10-day trips to Israel for committed couples with at least one Jewish partner. Questions? Email richmond@honeymoonisrael.org or sign up to learn more: honeymoonisrael.org/sign-up. @honeymoonisrael
Susan Adolf receives a congratulatory hug from YWCA Richmond CEO Linda Tissiere after she receives an Outstanding Women of the year honor at YWCA luncheon on April 26. YWCA Photos.
Susan Adolf receives YWCA honor for Volunteerism L ongtime community leader Susan Adolf was honored at the 39th annual YWCA Richmond Outstanding Women of the Year luncheon on April 26 at the Richmond Marriott. She was recognized for Volunteerism. A retired vice president of Saxon Shoes, she chaired the Weinstein JCC 50th Anniversary celebration, is a past chair of the Women’s Division of Jewish Community Federation of Richmond and current co- chair of the Student Division of JCFR that enlightens students about Tzedakah. She also is a member of auxiliary board of Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU among her many volunteer board endeavors. Adolf has received a number of honors from Jewish community agencies. www.JewishRichmond.org
Susan Adolf addresses attendees at the luncheon.
When is the right time? T here are two grave-acquisition categories of people. The first are those who wait until someone dies to purchase the grave. They are either superstitious or they fall into the category of delinquent delayers. Like folks who wait until they’re at the airport to purchase a ticket for the next flight, they pay a premium price, and they risk not finding a seat on the desired flight. The second category are the people who wisely plan ahead, selecting both the cemetery and the location of a grave years before the need occurs. It may be a single grave or a group of graves for an entire family. They know that in time, prices tend to go up, and therefore would prefer to pay the current price. For those who plan ahead, Richmond offers an attractive option. Emek Sholom is not only for Holocaust survivors. Rather, it is the final resting place for anyone of the Jewish faith who chooses this historic place as their final resting place. Furthermore, Emek Sholom is an egalitarian Jewish cemetery. Non-Jewish husbands or wives may rest beside their Jewish spouses. And if cremation is the
choice, there is precedent for that also at Emek Sholom. The only requirement is that any service conducted be a Jewish service, and grave markers bear only Jewish symbols. It is a grave matter of which I must speak. You see Emek Sholom Holocaust Memorial Cemetery is the place where I will rest for all eternity. This will be my defiant shout-out of “NEVER AGAIN”. The cemetery lies at the foot of the Emek Sholom Holocaust Memorial, the only representation of 460 of our blessed loved ones who were consumed in the flames of the Holocaust. Their names are etched into the memorial that was declared, in 1999, a Historic Landmark in the State of Virginia, with listing on the National Register of Historic Places, as the second earliest Holocaust memorial in North America. The purchase of additional land has just increased the limited number of sites available. A gravesite can currently be purchased for $1,955, but economic necessity will require an increase next year. Come join scores of others Nov. 10, 2 p.m., for the annual Kristallnacht Memorial Service at Emek Sholom. Or contact us to arrange a tour of this hallowed ground.
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Survivor Henri Maizels lights a candle at the Yom HaShoah Observance on April 28. VHM Photos
Guest speaker Doron Ezickson, regional director, Anti-Defamation League, addresses an estimated 200 people at the Yom HaShoah Observance at the Virginia Holocaust Museum.
Yom HaShoah Observance features ADL guest speaker T
he Virginia Holocaust Museum paused to remember and honor the memory of the six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust during its annual commemoration of Yom HaShoah on Sunday, April 28. It was an especially sad day for the observance in view of the deadly attack a day earlier at the Chabad Synagogue in Poway, Calif., which left a woman dead and several others wounded, including the Chabad Rabbi. In his opening remarks, VHM Executive Director Samuel Asher condemned the vicious Chabad shootings and expressed his deep sorrow and condolences to the victims of the heinous attack by the lone shooter.
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Asher noted the attack on the last day of Passover took place just six months after the deadly shootings in the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh that claimed 11 lives. About 200 people attended the museum observance that featured guest speaker Doron Ezickson, regional director, Anti-Defamation League. The scheduled keynote speaker, Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of ADL, was in California due to Chabad Synagogue attack. In his remarks, Ezickson addressed the attack at the Chabad Synagogue while at the same time discussing “the state of hate in our world.” Ezickson said, “Today, we again gather in the aftermath of unspeakable hate, and we join in memory of the latest victim, Lori Gilbert-Kaye, who gave her life for no reason other than her Jewish faith.” He also noted this was six months to the day of the “Jewish massacre” at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. “Over the past couple of months, the narrative of contemporary antiSemitism and other forms of hate have been punctuated by increasingly hateful movements and violence committed by those who have no shame about their hate or their ability to act on their anti-Jewishness,” he noted.
The acts of anti-Semitism at the Unite the Right Rally in Charlottesville have helped fuel the attacks at the Tree of Life Synagogue and the rash of other anti-Semitic attacks, he said. “There is a darker, sinister reality that we face as Jews now that undermines Jewish security in America. This has impacted our relative calm and sense of acceptance, inclusion and status we hold in our society.” He noted it is depressing to learn from a recent poll some 41 percent of American adults do not know what Auschwitz was. It is more disturbing, he said, that 66 percent of millennials polled have never heard of Auschwitz. “This ignorance is not excusable. In fact, it is dangerous and allows hate to breed,” Ezickson noted. Throughout history, he said, antiSemitism always has been prevalent and, at times, has risen up and returned with a vengeance. There have always been voices who expressed hate and anti-Semitism like those in Charlottesville who shouted “Jews will not replace us.” He alluded to symptoms that are “powering” these voices of hatred. “To bigotry, no sanction. To persecution, no assistance,” wrote George Washington to a Hebrew congregation in Rhode Island in
1790, he noted. “Ezickson said, “My friends, that is the true America.” He said America was founded on the core principles of faith. “That is the America we must fight for. Yet, we live in a divided country now with much partisanship and ideology that pull us apart.” He alluded to incidents on college campuses and to the words of an elected congresswoman for their anti-Semitic rhetoric. “It is coming from the far right and far left.” “This elevation of hate is not limited to the United States,” Ezickson noted. He reviewed a number of incidents of hatred and anti-Semitic actions around the world including in France, United Kingdom, Germany, Hungary and many other countries. “What is happening should be a wake-up call for all Americans. The Unite the Right Rally was just a beginning for us in Virginia.” He described the No Place for Hate education initiative ADL has introduced at all middle schools in Henrico County and many other schools around the country. Ezickson urged attendees to stand up and speak out against anti-Semitism and hatred whenever they hear or see it. Yom HaShoah More on next page www.JewishRichmond.org
Six of the winners of the Carole Weinstein Prizes for Tolerance and Justice in the Visual Arts pose with Carole Weinstein.
VHM Executive Director Samuel Asher speaks to attendees. VHM Photos
“Speak out against hatred; that is what you must do. We need all our leaders to stand up against hateful rhetoric. I am not just focused on elected officials. The buck does not stop at one politician’s hands or several politician’s hands ... in reality it is not about politics but about principles ... all leaders whether in the oval office ... in the college president’s office or elsewhere,” he said. “It is time to step forward, clearly and quickly to denounce all forms of hatred,” he said. He concluded,“What is positive is most Americans are people of good will. People of all walks of life are standing with us as we witnessed yester-
day. People are fighting hatred. They are not staying still. We must stand on the shoulders of the people who came before us who stood up for hatred. We owe it to them. We have seen the cost of silence.” He noted, “The Shoah has taught us to remember and to act.” Student Art Contest Also at the event, the winners of the 13th annual VHM Student Art Contest were announced and recognized by community leader Carole Weinstein who is a generous supporter of the art contest. She said the concept of Voice was the focus of the Virginia Holocaust Museum’s
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2019 Visual Arts Contest. She read a quote by Elie Weisel: “There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest.” She explained that students were asked to respond to Elie Wiesel’s quote and show us through their artwork an issue they are passionate about and how they hope to bring about positive change in their community by using their voice! A total of 89 students from over 40 schools across the state submitted entries to win Carole Weinstein Prizes for Tolerance and Justice in the Visual Arts. The Yom HaShoah Service
of Remembrance was led by Rabbi Dennis Beck-Berman and Cantor Dara Rosenblatt and included first, second and third generation Sur-
vivors and their family members lighting six candles to honor the memories of the six million Jews murdered by the Nazis.
‘State of Deception’ exhibit at VHM
he traveling exhibit, “State of Deception,” which opened at the Virginia Holocaust Museum on May 1, will close July 14. The Nazi Party developed a sophisticated propaganda machine that deftly spread lies about its political opponents, Jews, and the need to justify war. But Nazi propaganda was much more complex than that. For the Nazis to achieve power and pursue their racial policies and expansionist war efforts, a much more nuanced picture had to be painted—one that would appeal to broad swaths of the population, not just a fanatical extreme. The exhibition reveals how shortly after World War I, the Nazi Party began to transform itself from an obscure, extremist group into the largest political party in
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Second generation Survivors Maurice Schwarz, in front, and Alex Keisch, back, light a candle.
democratic Germany. Hitler recognized how propaganda, combined with the use of terror, could help his radical party gain mass support and votes. He personally adapted the ancient symbol of the swastika and the emotive colors of red, black, and white to create the movement’s flag. In doing so, Hitler established a potent visual identity that has branded the Nazi Party ever since. The Nazi Party took over all communications in Germany. It marshaled the state’s resources to consolidate power and relentlessly promote its vision of a “racially pure,” utopian Germany that needed to defend itself from those who would destroy it. Jews were cast as the primary enemies. As Germany pushed the world into war, Nazi propaganda
rationalized Germany’s territorial expansion as self-defense. The exhibition was underwritten in part by grants from Katharine M. and Leo S. Ullman and The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, with additional support from the Lester Robbins and Sheila Johnson Robbins Traveling and Special Exhibitions Fund established in 1990 and Dr. and Mrs. Sol Center. This exhibit was produced by the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. The VHM is located at 2000 East Cary St., Richmond. It is open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Admission and parking are free. For information, visit www.vaholocaust. org or call (804) 257-5400.
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June 2019 Iyar/Sivan 5779 | the Reflector | 29
Chabad Happenings Shavuot Ice Cream Party Come hear the Ten Commandments and enjoy a delicious ice cream party at Chabad of Virginia on Sunday, June 9! Services begin at 10 a.m. with a special opportunity for all of the children to get up close and personal with the Torah, followed by our famous ice cream party. Don’t miss it! This event is free. Open to the entire community. Visit chabadofva.org for more details.
A big thank you from Friendship Circle of VA Friendship Circle of Virginia wants to thank all of our community members and corporate sponsors for making our 1st Bowl4Friendship event on May 19 an amazing success! It was sold out too! See you again next year! Find out more and get involved at www.friendshipcircleva.org
National Jewish Retreat Please join us for this incredible, 5 star Jewish Retreat Weekend. The National Jewish Retreat includes today’s most sought-after speakers and lecturers, workshops, entertainment, and the most amazing gourmet Kosher food you have ever had! This year the retreat is in nearby Washington, D.C. Aug. 13-18. For more information, contact Melissa Brownstein at melissa@chabadofva. org or call (804) 740-2000, ext. 2.
The Paula Carl Mega Challah Bake ark your calendars, the Mega Challah Bake is coming back! We are delighted to announce that The Paula Carl Mega Challah Bake, a partnership between Hadassah and Chabad of Virginia, is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 15, from 3-5 p.m. For questions or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Melissa Brownstein at melissa@chabadofva.org or by phone, (804) 740-2000, ext. 2.
M
BYRD THEATER SUNDAY, JUNE 2 • 2 P.M.
The community is invited to this free event History Has Meaning ... It’s Not Just Random Events Richmond VIDEO Premier of the 80th Anniversary of Kristallnacht Program from Emek Sholom Holocaust Cemetery Guest Speakers Delegate Debra Rodman and Qasim Rashid Author, Lecturer, Television/Radio/Op Ed. Contributor/Media Consultant for CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, Washinton Post With Gratitude for our Sponsors To RSVP or for information, contact Alex Keisch at alexkeisch5@gmail.com
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www.JewishRichmond.org
Foundation Happenings
Will this be the year you create your legacy? W
By Robert Nomberg president & ceo richmond jewish foundation
www.JewishRichmond.org
e recently celebrated the close of the third year of our community’s Life & Legacy program. Life and Legacy is designed to increase awareness of the importance of creating bequests for endowments for our Jewish community. Ten of our synagogues and agencies are participating in the multi-year training and marketing initiative. In three years, over 345 families have pledged to create over 481 legacies for over $20 million. If national trends hold true, over 90 percent of these gifts will come from a donor’s will. Your will is an important way of looking after the future of your family and friends. After taking care of loved ones, for many people, the next priority is leaving a gift to a charity. But what is the best way to go about doing this? What exactly is a Legacy? The dictionary defines a legacy as: money or property bequeathed to another in their will. A will ensures your wishes are carried out. Many people don’t realize that Jewish charities are heavily reliant on legacy gifts. While a high number of Jewish community members support at least one charity throughout their lifespan, most don’t realize the importance of naming them in their will in order to continue their support and really make a difference. That’s why it’s important to take action now, as nobody knows what tomorrow brings. We’re here to help. Preparation is everything If you don’t prepare your will properly, you will have no control over what happens to your money and other assets after you pass away. The government will determine how your assets are distributed, with the possible consequence that what you leave behind passes to beneficiaries you would not have selected. You should seek legal assistance when drafting a will to make sure everything is in order and as you wish. We are available if you want to talk with us about finding an advisor; there are plenty of properly trained people out there (you could also ask family and friends for a recommendation). The size of your Legacy doesn’t matter As we’ve mentioned, legacies are a very important source of income for many charities, and it doesn’t matter what size your gift is, rest assured it will be put to good use, greatly appreciated and combined with gifts from others. There are many Jewish charities for the poor and needy, and for these people especially, even the smallest gift can make so much difference. Some people believe that only wealthy people leave money to charity when they die, however this isn’t the case. Without the generosity of people leaving a legacy in their will, many of the charities we know and support today wouldn’t exist.
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
Finding a cause and making a will Writing a will is relatively inexpensive and easy when drafted by a properly qualified professional and as we’ve said, the gift you make can be as small or large as you like. You may have a favorite cause, or are close to a certain charity because they helped you or somebody you love. There are Jewish charities here in Richmond, nationally, and in Israel helping children, the elderly and infirm – whatever your passion or area of interest, there is a Jewish charity that could benefit greatly from your gift. Just give the name of the charity to your professional advisor when next updating your will. Changing a Will to include a Jewish charity If you want to leave a gift to charity but have already made a will, that is not
a problem, there is a simple way you can change it: by writing a codicil. A codicil is a document used to make minor changes to a will that has already been written. If you already have a will and an attorney, ask about amending your will and they will take you through the process while you decide which Jewish charity or charities you want to include in your legacy gift. We at RJF want you to experience the good feelings of having a wellconsidered and well-crafted will (or other comprehensive estate planning document). We encourage you to take care of this very important matter. And to help you, we offer a secure online interactive “wills guide” which can be accessed at https:rjfoundation.giftlegacy.com/willsguide. We can also be reached at Robert@ rjfoundation.org or (804) 545-8656.
The July Reflector will include an article and photos from the May 29 Life & Legacy Celebration
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June 2019 Iyar/Sivan 5779 | the Reflector | 31
Israeli Festival A celebration of Israel for all ages featuring the Israeli Friendship Caravan There will be Israeli food by Yossi Goel, Krav Maga, arts & crafts, camel rides, henna tattoos, backgammon and more! Israeli Friendship Caravan community show and activities are FREE. Food and camel rides available for purchase. Please RSVP at 285-6500.
Sunday, June 23
an v a r Ca
ow: 11AM-12PM h S y t i n u C om m
Activities &
Cafe: 1
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This event is made possible by the generous contributions of Allianz Partners, the Eddie Lapkin Israeli Scout Fund of the Richmond Jewish Foundation, The Richmond Council of Jewish Education with funding from the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond and the Weinstein JCC. www.JewishRichmond.org
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