Commemorative Issue
75
Tidewater Jewish Community 1947–2013
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2
Welcome T
idewater’s Jewish community
dates back to 1795 when the Moses Myers family arrived
in Norfolk. Ohef Sholom Temple and Beth El Congregation trace their beginnings to 1844.
Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus of the Tidewater Jewish Community 5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Suite 200 Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462-4370 voice 757.965.6100 • fax 757.965.6102 email news@ujft.org www.jewishVA.org
Hebrew Ladies Charity marked 110 years in 2012. So, why all the fuss over 75 years? Because this anniversary celebrates the birth of what is now known as the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, the organization that connects area synagogues, agencies and groups with each other and the global Jewish community. Poring over yellowed newspapers, methodically reviewing file cabinet after file cabinet stuffed with unmarked photographs and searching for digital photographs on cds and hard drives, was a nostalgic trip down memory lane. A third-generation Norfolk native, I knew many of the faces and names I came across. I saw men and women who gave their time and dollars to insure that the Tidewater Jewish community would not only survive, but would thrive. I saw people who began appearing in the paper as small tots or teens and who today hold leadership positions, as well as those who once volunteered and now have stepped aside to allow others the opportunity. Within these pages, we primarily remember and reflect, beginning with the 1960s. A Renewal magazine published in 1986 focused on the earliest years. Today, the community is so busy that an attempt to include all the activities and committees would require a Guide. In fact, Jewish News compiles A Guide to Jewish Living in Tidewater each year. Our first feature is Laine Rutherford’s conversations with children and relatives of the
Terri Denison, Editor Germaine Clair, Art Director Laine Mednick Rutherford, Associate Editor Hal Sacks, Book Review Editor Sandy Goldberg, Account Executive Mark Hecht, Account Executive Marilyn Cerase, Subscription Manager Reba Karp, Editor Emeritus United Jewish Federation of Tidewater Miles Leon, President Stephanie Calliott, Secretary Harry Graber, Executive Vice-President The appearance of advertising in this publication does not constitute a kashrut, political, product or service endorsement. The articles and letters appearing herein are not necessarily the opinion of this publication. © 2014 Jewish News. All rights reserved. QR code generated on http://qrcode.littleidiot.be
community’s early leaders, some who built our buildings, along with our agencies. You’ll read how these kids (a few now in their 70s), were impacted by the visionaries who raised funds and awareness and organizations. Two former editors of the Jewish News, Marilyn Goldman and Reba Karp, share hightlights from the News during their tenures, dating back more than five decades. Those were the days! Hal Sacks’ piece about the famous 400 Club is perfect fun, revealing some of the mysteries of the club of notables. He also provides an article detailing Tidewater’s commitment to Pardes Katz, a community in Israel. Shayna Horwitz compiled a timeline from our collection of Jewish News papers. (The newspaper has had many names over the years, by the way.) And, so, we celebrate another milestone. We celebrate the national and international Jewish community. We celebrate the Tidewater community at large who has embraced and supported our Jewish community. We celebrate that Tidewater has an active Young Adult Division comprised of smart, vibrant Jewish adults who have their own visions and motivations and energy to keep this community alive. We celebrate the past, the present, and, most importantly the future.
Contents
Reflections from Miles Leon and Harry Graber. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 A Legacy of Leaders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 A view of the 1960s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 A view of the 1970s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Secrets of the 400 Club. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Pardes Katz: A retrospective . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Timeline of Tidewater’s organized Jewish community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Leaders of United Jewish Federation of Tidewater. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 Agencies of United Jewish Federation of Tidewater. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102 Tidewater synagogues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Terri Denison, Editor 3
The Checkered Flag Family Is Proud To Join In Celebrating 75 Years Of Hampton Roads’ Organized Jewish Community. Since 1963, we have been serving our community under three banners; the United States Flag, the Israeli Flag and the Checkered Flag. CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR 75TH ANNIVERSARY.
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4
On memory, reflections and vision “W
ithout memory
Miles Leon
the historical and to the grand, but to the building of
there is no culture. Without
our own community. A building that has resulted in a
memory there is no society, no
community that is strongly admired and respected by
civilization, and no future. Not to
all, locally, nationally and internationally who know us,
transmit a memory is to betray it,
interact with us and benefit from us.
to betray the existence of actions Harry Graber
However, our greatest actions were not limited to
We have built institutions such as the Jewish
and lives.” This is but a few of the
Family Service, Simon Family Jewish Community
many thoughts expressed on the
Center, Konikoff Center of Learning-Hebrew Academy
importance of memory by Elie
of Tidewater, Strelitz Early Childhood Center, Freda
Wiesel. Therefore, the commem-
H. Gordon Hospice and Palliative Care Center and
oration of the 75th anniversary of
Tidewater Jewish Foundation – all located on the beau-
the United Jewish Federation of
tiful Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus. We began
Tidewater through this volume
and built the original Beth Sholom Home of Eastern
or in any manner is the desire to
Virginia, now called the Berger-Goldrich Home and part
preserve and to create, to marvel
of Beth Sholom Village.
and to wonder and to respect and
All of this took people of courage and vision; people
to strive not just individually, but
dedicated to the values of Tikkun Olam—Repairing the
collectively.
World. It involved people who drew inspiration for their
In the thoughts, reflections and well wishes
actions from the values and mitzvot of our religion and
expressed in this volume are but a piece of the dreams,
faith. It was people who gave of themselves, their time
achievements and aspirations of a community that
and their funds endlessly and tirelessly, and who served
participated in some of the greatest events in the history
as exemplary role models for every succeeding genera-
of our people. Jewish Tidewater is a community whose
tion so that they could perform better and more wisely.
participants were victims of the Holocaust, liberators of
All of this and more were done, during these last
death camps and a community that ultimately served as
75 years, through the United Jewish Federation of
a safe haven for the survivors of the horrors.
Tidewater. May we go from strength to strength.
It is a community that fought for the creation of the State of Israel and fights to this day for its survival,
“God is hiding in the world. Our task is to let the divine
preservation and its future. We witnessed and were
emerge from our deeds”
firmly involved in the rescue of Jews from dark, threat-
—Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel
ening and heartless countries around the world. We acted in perhaps the greatest exodus of the history of our people—the rescue of Soviet Jewry.
Miles Leon Harry Graber Executive Vice President President United Jewish Federation of Tidewater 5
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A Legacy of Leaders Conversations with children who carry the mantle of leadership by Laine Mednick Rutherford
and agencies that benefit both Jews and non-Jews throughout Tidewater—the Sandler Family Campus,
W
ithout exception,
Jewish Family Service of Tidewater, and Beth Sholom Village, among many others. the 35 men and women
The past presidents also passed on a tangible legacy
who served as presidents of the United Jewish Federation
that touches the Tidewater, national, international and
of Tidewater since its inception are responsible for the
Israeli Jewish communities: a legacy of leadership.
thriving organization known today as the UJFT or, to some, the Federation. Holders of this voluntary position guided the UJFT
Children, grandchildren, even great-children of the earliest presidents fill seats on boards and assume community leadership positions in almost every capacity, and
through its earliest days, nurtured it through its formative
in every Tidewater Jewish organization, agency, and syna-
years, saw its survival in tough financial times, and have
gogue, as well as some national and international boards.
successfully continued to achieve its ongoing mission
Were they pressured to take on leadership posi-
of improving life for Jews and extending Jewish values
tions from their parents, their in-laws, or their siblings?
locally, nationally, and globally.
Was there a defining moment that made them decide to
The past presidents left behind legacies that built
commit themselves so fully to the work the Federation
a strong foundation of belief in the power of collective
does? Why do they want to take on the quite hefty
action; trusting that their friends, families and neighbors
responsibility of taking care of not just their fellow
would see how much more could be accomplished when
Tidewater Jews, but of Jews all over the world?
the community works together. They helped, and those who are living continue to
The Jewish News reached out to some of those who carry this mantle of leadership that was passed on or
help this region remain committed to the Jewish tradi-
modeled to them by generations past, and asked them
tions of tzedekah (charity), tikkun olam (repairing or
to share experiences, inspiration, and their hopes for the
perfecting the world) and education.
generations that will come after them:
In addition, potent reminders of these individuals’ hard work and vision linger physically in the structures 7
8
regent.edu
Bonnie Brand
daughter of Joyce and Leonard* Strelitz (1972–1973)
A
I think that my parents were pioneers in this community—not solely, but my uncle and aunt—Buddy and Arlene, Marvin Simon, Sam and Reba [Sandler], Mickey and June [Kramer]—they were these pioneers that had
mong other leadership positions, Bonnie is a past
gone to Israel, gotten all charged up and came back to
General Campaign chair of the UJFT, chair of
this community and energized it in the Israel direction.
Women’s Campaign, and took several groups and mis-
And I really think that our community has remained
sions to Israel. Bonnie recently accepted a position on the
that way, ever since they started it. We’re lucky that it’s
board of the American Friends of Tel Aviv University.
remained as high a priority as it has.
What was passed on by your parents that inspired you
What do you hope to pass on to your
to take on leadership roles in the Jewish community:
children, to encourage their involvement?
locally, nationally and internationally?
None of my children live here—Lauren is my
My parents were always involved in the Jewish com-
only married child, and I think she and her
munity—it was a kind of focal point of our home life. It
husband have already begun taking leader-
wasn’t just what they were doing outside of the home,
ship roles in their community. Genna lives in
which was a lot of meetings out, and trips to Israel back
Israel, and I hope Benjamin will get involved.
in the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s, but it was inside the home too.
Certainly, we have walked the walk and
It was constant talk about what was going on, where they
talked the talk.
were going next, who they were going to be speaking to
Bonnie Brand
Leonard* and Joyce Strelitz.
The values—I know they’re there. Like I said, I think
tomorrow. Their involvement and what they were doing
a lot of it is who you marry, and whether that person is
was talked a lot about at home.
open to all of these wonderful things that we have lived
It wasn’t just my parents—I think the person you marry does have a lot to do with your involvement, too.
and hopefully showed our children, and whether they’re open to instilling these kinds of values into their kids.
Getting involved in Jewish causes is what drew me and David (Brand, UJFT president 1997–99) to each other.
What are your thoughts about the community’s
We went to American University in the ’70s, and we met
past, and its future?
during a demonstration against Yasser Arafat’s coming
I think that we have a great young adult community
to the United Nations to pass a resolution saying that
coming up through the ranks. The Hineni group in the
Zionism was racism. Both of us were very, very passion-
Young Adult Division has stayed together, and I think
ate, and this cause brought us together. Zionism has been
they are strong. You’re seeing new faces on different
a focal point of David and me from when we started,
agency boards locally; you’re seeing groups traveling to
37 years ago.
Israel together to get the overseas part of the picture. I
If it weren’t for my parents, I don’t know if I would
think as long as we have groups like Hineni that are going
have been out protesting on that step, doing what I was
on the journey together, I think that our community is
doing in 1974. Because if it weren’t for my parents, I
going to be fine. It’ll be great.
would never have had the Israel experience that I had.
I think that my dad—absolutely had the dream—
They took us numerous times as older kids for four to
he was the national chairman of the National Jewish
six weeks at a time, and it was because of them that I was
Appeal, the highest position you can be in what is now
introduced to Israel in such a positive light. I was able to
the JFNA. We are all very, very proud of him for having
see a country really transform itself from my first trip in
done that. That was 1977, but he didn’t just take that role
the early ’70s until today. Both eras were wonderful, but
and stop. It sort of spurred him on to do other wonderful
it’s very different today from 1970 when I first went.
things too. *
Of blessed memory 9
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Robert “Bobby” Copeland past president, 1980–1981
B
obby has been Campaign chair, Federation president, president of the Tidewater Jewish Foundation,
The determination and the character of the people that we met—the determination to survive and create the jewel that was there now was present in 1967. I would say that almost everybody that had the privilege of going ended up in a leadership capacity where
a member of numerous national committees, and a
they could. Buddy and Leonard were national leaders,
current board member of several organizations.
too. They were not afraid; they were willing to ask others to join. And they were incredibly Zionistic—I don’t know
Was there a pivotal moment that caused
where they got it from, but they knew how to ask people to
you to become involved?
get on board. In my life, seeing that skill of being able to
I was relatively new to the community. I had just come
ask somebody to latch onto a dream, or onto a vision—is
out of the [military] service and I was working with
probably one of the most enlightening experiences I ever
Leonard and Buddy Strelitz, and Tommy Hofheimer.
had. If you could ask anybody to share a dream, then you
It was near ’67, and I had never been to Israel before
could sell them a couch. That’s the truth.
and they had, Leonard and Buddy. They had become
All of the things that I’ve been involved with in the
true Zionists. They saw the land, they saw the people,
community—it’s all voluntary. None of it was required,
they saw the energy, they saw the willingness to fight a
except just knowing that we had an obligation. I think
determined foe. They both had visions that are hard to
that we all felt that way. It gave us the confidence, the
duplicate. At that time, the country was recovering from
poise, and the example that you had to do more than the
World War II and the Holocaust. The numbers were
basics. You had to really care. And be willing sometimes
small, but the energy was there and the willingness to
to alienate a certain number of your contemporaries who
persevere was there.
hadn’t seen the message firsthand.
Leonard and Buddy were gracious enough to include
Buddy and Leonard were outstanding here and in
me on the first men’s community mission that we had in
the national community. All of their successes and all
1967. About 40 men went to Israel. Most everyone who
of their knowledge was conveyed all over the south, all
went became enthralled with the people and the country,
over the country, really. They were truly unusual men.
and most of them weren’t necessarily religious Jews. In
Both had different skills, both were equally passionate
fact, I was amazed that it was mostly the Reform com-
about the survival of a country and a tradition—but they
munity—a lot—that led the way to go.
approached it from different ways. They led the cadre of
So, Israel for us wasn’t a religious experience. It
Robert “Bobby” Copeland
men here, the Walter Segaloffs, the Mickey Kramers, the
was more a cultural experience and historical experi-
Sandlers—the apex of all of that leadership was Buddy
ence. We got to see the country presented in the most
and Leonard, and Tommy was extraordinary too.
favorable light. It was organized by the UJA [the United Jewish Appeal, which is now the Jewish Federations of
What do you hope to pass on to your children,
North America] and they were excellent at displaying the
to encourage their involvement?
country and the values that it would lend to the Diaspora
With my children, they saw by example that we truly
Jews and Jews all around the world. They made you
cared. We tried to keep a Jewish home, in the sense at
understand right away that if the Jewish people were to
least culturally we believe deeply in the Jewish values
survive, that if there was anything to the culture, to the
and Jewish traditions—how to live with man, and how to
3,300 years of tradition, that Israel was central to Jews no
live with God.
matter where they lived and that it was going to be the homeland.
I have been on over 30-something missions, and my wife Ann has been on many as well—and my children always saw first-hand how we felt about Israel ourselves, and they were benefactors as well—we went on a family
11
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mission—all of us, when they were younger. As we matured, we took on responsibility in the community— I think it had an effect. They saw I was willing to go to a meeting, or on a mission, and that it meant something— maybe that effort helped with the continuation of life in Israel. Ann and I have 12 grandchildren—part of our
Kim Simon Fink
daughter of Marvin Simon* (1978–79)
K
im and her family’s leadership roles in the community are widespread, running the gamut from
Ohef Sholom Temple presidents, (Marvin and Kim), to Marvin’s leadership roles with Tidewater Jewish
ability to set a standard is that when they get ready to
Foundation, the JCC and UJFT building facilities,
graduate high school, we go three at a time on a family
involvement on committees, fundraisers, advocacy efforts
mission. We go to Israel for four or five days, and tour as
on the local, national and global Jewish stages, to Kim’s
if on a mission. It’s a pleasure on our part to share Israel
involvement as Holocaust Commission chair, JCC and
with them, but it’s good for them to understand just how
UJFT committee work, Melton classes, etc. Her husband
significant Israel is in their daily lives.
Andrew has also given of himself and his talents to OST,
Kim Simon Fink
JCC, UJFT on boards and committees too numerous to What are your thoughts about the
list. Their kids have all been active as well in their temple’s
community’s past and its future?
youth group, OSTY, and the JCC.
This is an extraordinary community. The example the Buddys and Leonards created—and others, there are a
Are there any moments, or events,
whole lot of other people, and I don’t want to omit them
that inspired you to get involved as a leader?
because there were—the truth is this is a community
My earliest memories probably date back to our father,
among the communities. This is a community that’s
Marvin Simon’s involvement with his temple, Ohef
talked about.
Sholom. Many a Friday night was spent racing around
We really probably only have 11,000 people, so not only the amount of money we raise, but the amount of
the Oneg [refreshment] tables after Shabbat services. We began there to know our temple members,
energy we raise, and the amount of caring we raise, and
our community. Many of the same were the pioneers
the example we set as a community is truly so extraor-
involved with growing our Jewish community at large—
dinary, I can’t tell you. We may be fourth or fifth in the
the UJFT.
nation in our fundraising, yet we don’t have the inordi-
Marvin Simon
By the time I was married at OST, and faced with
nately strong financial community that New York or Los
the daunting task of writing more than 350 thank you
Angeles has, but the annual campaign, by anybody’s
notes, I took great pleasure knowing I was also simply
standard is a success here. It takes hard work, it’s drudg-
touching base with life long friends—my extended com-
ery, it’s difficult, but it is important. Every time you
munity family. Dad most certainly taught and led by his
accept a new position, and you try to think if it’s worth it,
commitment.
you realize that each time you always get out more than you put in, and I can’t even tell you why, but it’s true. Being a part of a community —where there are lasting friendships, where you share these missions, where you share experiences, you share your concerns, you
How will you encourage your children’s involvement? They’ve already “got it.” They “got” their grandfather’s active involvement and they patiently experienced ours. When you go to Sunday school or the JCC pre-
share your relations—all of this builds the fabric that has
school, or simply the “J” itself, and your parents are
allowed Jews to persevere and I feel like on my watch, I
running around attending meetings, lecturing, organiz-
don’t want to see anything happen to it.
ing events and fundraisers, you “get it”—just as we did.
*
Of blessed memory 13
Mazel Tov on 75 Years
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What are your thoughts about this
a big proponent of volunteering, of being
community’s future?
involved— both of my parents were.
Every generation worries who will carry the torch, but
My parents were of the mind that you
the next generation is stepping up and I know our kids
don’t wait to be asked or to ask if you can help
and their peers are waiting in the wings.
your community —you just step up and do it,
I think the message is getting sent and received. I
and that when you do, the rewards that come
particularly like some of the innovative programming
at the end of the day are greater than anything
we’re trying regarding leadership training that graduates
you could ever want. I found that to be true for
one age group to the next.
me, too. As kids, we saw our parents being
Nathan Jaffe
involved, being on committees, going to meet-
B
easier for us to “buy-in,” for us to say, “yes.”
son of Lee and Bernard Jaffe* ernard chaired the UJFT’s campaign to raise funds
ings, all the stuff that later on, when we were
Karen, Nathan and Bernard* Jaffe.
asked to participate, we understood. So it was
for the emergency airlift of Ethiopian Jews in 1991,
which raised $94,000 in about 48 hours.
Were there any specific incidents or words of wisdom that compelled you to become active
What are some of the leadership
in the Tidewater Jewish community?
positions you’ve held?
There wasn’t one specific thing; we were just shown by
Since my early 20s when I came back to the area after
our parents that it was important to be involved. My
college, I’ve been involved in the Tidewater Jewish com-
mom, early on in her Judaic community life, started a
munity. First with the Jewish Community Center—I was
Jewish book club with women who were also raising
on the board. Shortly after I got off of the JCC board, I
children. This was an opportunity, once a month, to read
got on the board of Jewish Family Service for about 10
a book, to come to my mom’s house to discuss it, and just
to 12 years, and I was president for two years. I’ve also
to be together. Many of these women became leaders in
been involved with the Federation with events like Super
the community.
Sunday and with raising money that goes to help fund
I still have people coming up to me today, telling me
community agencies and programs that help people all
stories about how they used to be part of my mom’s book
over the world.
club. That’s one of the reasons why my sister, Karen, and
The agency that I’ve been most involved with has
I have tried to continue with this theme, and that’s why
been Jewish Family Service of Tidewater. By getting
we support the JCC and the community with the Lee
involved, I’ve been able to see the different programs that
and Bernard Jaffe* Jewish Book Festival that they hold
are offered in our community, and it keeps me in touch
every year.
with what’s going on—what and where the needs are and what I, and our entire community, can do to help.
My mom was also very involved in Hadassah—that was a big organization back in the day—and my father held many positions in the Federation and was president
How did your parents influence your
of the JCC. My parents were strong supporters of Israel,
decision to get involved?
from the time when it was a new country and just getting
Both my mom and my dad—their whole thing was
started. They were both very involved with the efforts to
about giving back. My dad worked hard and become a
raise money to be sent overseas. They were behind Israel
successful real estate developer. Because of his success,
100 percent and went there several times. I went with my
and the community he lived in, which he felt gave him so
dad a few times, too—as a father and son thing—and
much, he felt like it was his responsibility to give back—
those are strong memories that I’ll always have. The
not that he had to, but he wanted to. He was always *
Of blessed memory 15
CONGRATULATIONS, UNITED JEWISH FEDERATION OF TIDEWATER
Please join Commonwealth Financial Partners in congratulating the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater as they celebrate their 75th anniversary. As a proud supporter of the community, we know the importance of recognizing organizations that accomplish something that truly matters.
Commonwealth Financial Partners
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biggest thing my dad did was lead the emergency fund-
in our community. So I think we’ll have to make a bigger
raising drive for Operation Solomon that helped rescue
effort in trying to raise money, because the way things
so many Ethiopian Jews.
are, we are always going to be faced with the need for
I can’t say that my dad gave me any specific words
more and more dollars to support these different agen-
of wisdom, like, “Nathan, this is how it goes….” My dad,
cies—whether it’s Hebrew Academy or Jewish Family
though, was famous for this: when people called, whether
Service or the Jewish Community Center.
it was Harry Graber or Betty Ann Levin or anyone
I do think the future is bright, but I think it’s only
else—when they called him to ask him for something,
going to be bright if we get more and more people like
he would always say, “Yes.” He felt like by the time they
Zach and his contemporaries to step up and to start
got to him, it must be really important, and so he was an
getting more involved. I’m not a pessimist, whatsoever,
easy guy to convince. A lot of times, maybe he wasn’t the
in terms of our community. I do think we have a good
first person they’d spoken to, but when it came to our
future ahead of us. It’s just going to entail constant efforts
community—in terms of raising money or being asked
and hard work to maintain what we have.
to do something—he would just do it. And that’s how we were brought up. What do you hope to pass on to the next generation, as far as being an example? I have two stepchildren, and my wife, Beth, and I hope they will become active in the community. My stepson,
Jodi Klebanoff
daughter of Ann and Robert “Bobby” Copeland
J
odi is the current chair of the Women’s Cabinet, past president of Hebrew Academy of Tidewater, past
Zach, is just starting to get his toes wet in the area of
president of Women’s American ORT, and is on the
Jewish community involvement—he was on the Super
UJFT Israel and Overseas committee and the Holocaust
Sunday committee this year. Zach sees both Beth and
Commission of the UJFT.
me involved in the Jewish community and I think he has at least gotten from us that you should be involved in
What was passed on by your parents that
some aspect of your community, that you should have
inspired you to be a leader?
some kind of connection somewhere that makes you part
For me, looking back on my childhood, the tone was set
of it. For him, that might be when he gets married and, if
by both of my parents being real supporters of Israel
he decides to raise his kids Jewish, he’ll send them to the
and being true Zionists. They were both so passion-
Hebrew Academy, where he’ll meet a group of people via
ate about the state of Israel, and that just permeated
that scenario and get more involved.
through our whole upbringing. They led by example—
I do think it’s more and more difficult to get this
the meetings they attended, and all of the Federation
next generation to buy-in. All we can do is what our par-
events, and then, during the ’73 War—I remember that
ents did, and try to lead by example. Our kids see what
being a big time for them.
we do, and see that we’re involved, and we can gently
Jodi Klebanoff
That’s what we knew—all of my siblings. I think the
push for them to get involved, too, but you can’t hit them
whole feeling in our family was that our parents always
over the head with a baseball bat.
instilled in us that it was our responsibility to take care of our fellow Jews, like they were our family. That’s how
What do you think the future looks like
they presented it to us—this is your family. They might
for our community?
not be your immediate family, but it’s our responsibility
Our future is obviously a big question mark. I think all of
to do our part. Whether in Tidewater, in Israel, or the
our agencies are so important, but, unfortunately, with
Diaspora Jew—that was just what it was. We didn’t know
a dwindling Jewish population here it becomes more
any differently. We would take care of our family if they
difficult to sustain all of the different programs we have
17
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H. Lee Kanter, MD, FACC James R. Miller, MD, PhD, FACC Ramin Alimard, MD, FACC Ronald S. McKechnie, MD, FACC, FSCAI Deepak R. Talreja, MD, FACC, FSCAI Ian Woollett, MD, FACC, FHRS Mohit Bhasin, MD, FACC Joseph J. Sposato, DO
Sarah E. Joyner, MD, MPH, FACC, FASE Mary F. Maturi Allen, MD, FACC Robert D. McCray, MD David H. Adler, MD, FACC Venkat R. Iyer, MD
Bassam A. Kawwass, FACHE Administrator
needed us—and this was family. That was really the
What are your thoughts about the community’s past,
push. It was the right thing to do.
and its future?
There wasn’t one event that made me decide to get
One thing that my dad says: if we don’t do it, if we don’t
involved—it was being at the dinner table. That encom-
take care of our own, then who will? There’s nobody else.
passes everything. It was conversations we had. I think
There are so few Jewish people in the world that it’s up to
my parents felt if Israel was strong, then American Jewry
us to take care of our own.
would be strong. They impressed that upon us. And I share that belief. Getting involved—it’s just what we want to do. It
I’m very optimistic about our community. I think we’ll always have our challenges and our struggles—like the Jewish people always have—how have we survived
was never spoken; this is what you should do. My folks
this long? The face of this community may change in
always felt that the people who came before us sacrificed
terms of the buildings and the institutions, but to me
so much to have a state of Israel and be free, I think their
they’re just that—buildings.
position was the least we could do is do our small part
It’s really about the people and what we’re doing
here, in America. They had sacrificed between their wars
that matters. So, in terms of the peoplehood and the
and how much they could give up, and here we were
strength, I think we’ll always have a strong community in
living in America with all our freedoms.
Tidewater that cares about one another, and cares about
For me personally, a turning point was when I went
making the world a better place.
to Israel. I did a high school program there. We studied about Israel and all of the places there, and then we would go visit. It built this Jewish identity I could feel, and that’s when it clicked for me. It wasn’t my parents, this was my thing. I remember being there and feeling like, gosh, I’m home.
Kevin Lefcoe
son of Mavelyn and Sanford “Sonny” Lefcoe* (1974–75, and 1985–87)
K
evin is currently on the UJFT board for a second time, is a Hebrew Academy of Tidewater board
What do you hope to pass on to your children, to encourage their involvement?
member and sits on the Tidewater Jewish Foundation board.
I think that Israel has enriched my own personal life and my own life with my husband [Jay Klebanoff], and I
What was passed on by your parents that
hope that they get that same feeling. That it’s important,
inspired you to be a leader?
but it’s so meaningful. That you’re thinking beyond your
I got to go to Israel a lot when
own life. That there are people who need your help, and
I was young. The first time, I
that you get so much more from giving than receiving. It
was 14. A little later, my father
feels so good that I can do something to make a differ-
was involved in the creation of
ence. It just feels good.
the dental school at Tel Aviv
I’m really proud of my kids—all of them. Arielle
Kevin Lefcoe
University. We stayed at the
is working at a Jewish school whenever she has the
Strelitz’ house then, and my
time—also building her own Jewish identity and making
sister and brother and I were all
Jewish learning fun for others. She has a big heart and
there. We learned to live in Israel—like it was our home,
wants to help the whole world. My youngest, Ben, is very
not like we were on a mission, and a lot of our involve-
involved in BBYO, Habitat for Humanity and Special
ment was just our connection to the land.
Lefcoe family
Olympics—I think that comes from his home and going
My father really first became involved with
to HAT. Noah, too has been to Israel—he did an inten-
Federation around the time of the Yom Kippur War
sive Israeli army boot camp program. He loved it, and
and the operation of bringing the Ethiopians to Israel. I
got to see Israel from a very different perspective.
*
Of blessed memory 19
CONGRATULATIONS ON
75 YEARS.
Thanks for all you do to make our community great.
20
EVMS.edu
remember my mother was always on the phone asking
believe though, that being a member of the JCC, being
for money, and she would always want the names of
a member of the synagogue, inviting my friends to be
people who didn’t want to give, to talk to them. Even
involved, is an example to my girls, and other people,
though they’d hang up and tell her not to call them, the
that it’s okay, that it’s important to not only be involved,
next year, she’d call them again.
but to invite other people to be involved with you.
It wasn’t about me, or you, or him, or them—Mother
I’d like to be an example to other people to be com-
had this ability to put aside the feelings and show everyone
mitted Jews in the community and to Israel, as well. I’ve
that the important thing is not about us. It’s about helping
found that it’s much more empowering to say “Yes,” let’s
others. My parents got involved in not only building Israel,
do that, let’s give it a shot, let’s share information. We say
but in making sure the community’s needs were commu-
no a lot more than we say yes, because we’re scared of
nicated, no matter how they had to do it.
ruffling feathers.
Father was president of the Federation twice, the What are your thoughts about the
only one who did that. The first time, it was his
community’s history, and it’s future?
turn in line. And the second time? When Buddy Strelitz died, he’d mapped out the
If we
I still remain very close with my high school
focus on
friendships with the kids we grew up
the children,
Nobody in those days could go to
future of the community. Supposedly, he had it on some kind of piece of paper— what it was going to take—and my father was the next president on that piece of paper. Buddy said “Sonny has to be president again,” and if Buddy wanted it, Father said he was going to do it. My parents’ example is what led
friends. We’ve managed to maintain close with because we were always together. Norfolk Yacht [and Country Club] or play golf at the Princess Anne Country
we can empower
Club, because we were Jewish. We lived in Norfolk, we went to the
people to be more
me to get involved, and Amy [my wife] is very involved, too. She’s involved with the Women’s Cabinet as their edu-
involved.
cation chair, is a serious student of Jewish history, and teacher, too, and is involved with the Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project—which is a kind of Birthright for Moms. We’re busy, but it’s important to us to be involved.
JCC—a lot—we were all in BBYO, we were all close, and we were all together on Sunday. Even if we weren’t in the same BBYO chapters, we were all there,
playing sports, or doing whatever we did. It was a hangout. That doesn’t exist anymore the way it did when we were kids—the world is a different place. The future of this community has to do with educating the children. That’s what it comes down to.
What do you hope to pass on to your children?
We’re tied up in “things.” I would say that educating the
I feel strongly about instilling in our daughters—Jenny,
children and the community around them is the basis of
Maddy and Rose—a strong Jewish life; living Jewishly,
what the future of the community will be. And I think
and doing the things that are important to us. Family
we’re focused on a lot of how we’re going to raise more
Shabbas, traveling to Israel—the example that we set by
and more money for programs—but I just don’t know
making those phone calls or just being seen around the
how many of them are going to secure the future of the
Center. Things like maintaining our JCC membership,
community. I think our investment needs to be our kids.
even if we don’t all use it—my daughter uses it, and Amy
If we focus on the children, we can empower people
uses it, but as far as me using it? I go there to see my
to be more involved, to make better investments, and to
friends, to have lunch, to go to CRC events, but as far as
say come on, lets’ all be part of this together. That’s what
being a user of Center facilities, I never really have. I do
I’d like to see happen.
21
Congratulations
on 75 successful years
John, Renee, Julia, Jacqueline and Joseph Strelitz 22
Art Sandler
was president of the Sisterhood at one time—temple life was everything back then. There was no social life
son of Reba and Sam Sandler (1968–69) president (1993–95) brother of Steve (pres. 1995–97) *
B
for Jews outside of the synagogue community. People entertained in their homes, or at the synagogue, or in the Amity Club—a local social group. You couldn’t go out to
oth Art and Steve have taken on a number of leader-
restaurants at that time and order drinks because of the
ship roles in the United Jewish Federation
Blue Laws, and Jews couldn’t belong to country clubs, so
of Tidewater.
that’s what you did. My parents were like Jews in other
Art Sandler
southern cities when they were young and moved out Was there an expectation from your parents
of their “ghettos”—the downtown areas—to the sub-
that you and your siblings would be involved?
urbs, which in Norfolk was Wards Corner. That meant
My parents never told us—me or my brother or my
they also moved away from their synagogues, and there
sister—to be in, or seek, a leadership position. Rather,
weren’t any where they moved. This happened all over
our parents, my father and mother, led their children by
the country, but particularly in the south. So the younger
example. They were very involved in the community,
families decided they needed their own synagogues, and
in many ways, many parts of the community—not just
that’s how Temple Israel got built. Which meant a whole
Federation—and as we were growing up, it was just kind
generation of young guys, like my dad, or Sonny Lefcoe
of expected of us to live a life worth living. You know,
or Cal Breit or Carl Katz and a lot of other people—they
a life in the service of others is a life worth living. And
got a chance to become leaders. Had they had stayed
if you did really good stuff, you tried hard and you did
at Beth El or B’nai Israel, where they had been, the old
right, then maybe, maybe you would be asked to be a
guard were the leaders and there was no place for the
leader by your peers. You know, leadership, at least in the
new guys to function. They got to step out from under-
Jewish world, is a privilege. It’s an honor. Your people
neath the old guard and create new institutions.
Sam Sandler*
honor you by asking you to lead. I can remember as a little boy thinking I wanted to
Did anything happen when you were younger that con-
make a difference in the world. My brother Steve and I,
vinced you to be committed to the Jewish community?
all through elementary school and high school and even
There’s a story that Steve likes to tell, and he tells it a lot,
in college, were both involved in our communities, in
and really well. It took place during the Six-Day War. My
student government. We didn’t really spend time on our-
mom and dad were hard-working people, and, like a lot
selves, or on hobbies, because our parents didn’t live that
of people at that time, in the summertime they would
way—our family didn’t spend our free time doing that.
rent a home down at the oceanfront, in Virginia Beach,
We thought we were supposed to make a difference, and
for a month. They really wanted to own a home there
so that’s what we got involved in—those kinds of activi-
though, and not just rent, and when my dad finally could,
ties. For us, it was just a natural, ordinary thing to do.
he put a down payment on a house—a deposit. Just after
Steve Sandler
he did that, the Six-Day War broke out. My dad immeWhy do you think your family became so involved,
diately took the deposit back and gave all of that money
and can you share some of the positions you all have
to Israel. And he never really looked back after that. He
held in addition to being presidents of the Federation?
could have had that house, but he never revisited it.
In my family, titles meant nothing. They still mean noth-
In my family, there was a sense from my parents of
ing. I have no interest in those things, unless I feel I have
social justice. You always treat people with kindness, you
a particular expertise that can benefit someone.
always help other people, you don’t ask anything in return,
I don’t remember titles that my dad had. I know he was an early president of Temple Israel, and as a young man that was a big thing for him, and my mother
you just try and do the right thing. That’s how we lived. I remember kind of liking that. I thought that was cool. *
Of blessed memory 23
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I’m sure many other people lived the same way; it
in too long or stifling the growth of other people. I know
wasn’t just us. My parents were humble people who were
that our family really wants other people to grow, to lead,
generous. We never thought we were wealthy, but we
and to do good things. It’s a tremendous fulfillment for
knew we were generous—in whatever way we could be.
me, and my brother, to see other people flourish, and to
My parents were generous people, and they expected
support them.
that of us. My grandfather Sandler, Leo Max, was a very generous man, too. Annie (my wife) and I have run into
Looking back at Tidewater’s past,
other people over the years who say how generous my
and ahead at our future, what do you see?
grandfather was. And that was a good thing.
Our history is a well-documented history of a Jewish community. It’s the story of other small to mid-sized
What do you hope you’ve passed on to your children,
Jewish communities whose members moved from a
as far as becoming involved in the community?
dense urban environment to the suburbs. We’re like
I’m not asking my children to seek leadership, I’m not
many other southern Jewish communities and we’re not
asking them to get any fame or fortune out of it. I’m
unique in that regard. But our future is much brighter
asking them to work hard and to live a full life. To imag-
than many other communities because we have a good
ine a world much bigger than themselves. We’ve let them
stable economy. Hampton Roads is not dying. It’s not
know that whatever it is that you do, you overdo—be
like Vicksburg, Miss.—which in one era was a thriv-
passionate about it, work hard at it—anything worth
ing Jewish place, but then trade along the Mississippi
doing is worth overdoing. It’s not enough to worry about
changed, commerce changed, and people moved away.
yourself, about making a living and worrying about your
We have a very vibrant community, a very solid past,
family. If you can do more, then you should. That’s what
with good institutions and synagogues, and because we
Annie and I encourage in our children.
have a pretty solid base, we have a good future for thriving Jewish life. We imagine a bright future, and if you
You could have served your two years as president and
can imagine things, you can usually achieve them if you
then found other organizations to lead.
work hard at it. Our real future, our real potential, comes
Why have you, and your family, chosen to stay
because we’re organized, in a strong and good way.
involved in the Federation and the community? One reason is because it fulfills our egos, or my ego. Please don’t make any mistake about people doing things altruistically. You always get something out of what you do. So, one could say that we’re pretty selfish, and we feel fulfilled from being leaders. Another reason that we hang in there for the long-term and keep doing it is because
John Strelitz
son of Arlene and Joseph “Buddy”* Strelitz (1970–71)
J
ohn is a past president of the Simon Family JCC, was a Men’s Campaign chair, and Federation board
member, among other leadership positions.
we have a sense of obligation to our community, to our family. If you view community like a family, and we do,
Why did you become involved in the community?
you have to be really vigilant. If you want it to be really
My parents were always involved growing up—Dad was
good, you have to keep working at it. Not give up on it.
the president of the Federation, my mom was president
Also, if you’re involved in something, you don’t quit
of Women’s Cabinet, and community involvement was
it after you’ve had a title. If you just get the title and then
just part of our house. Then, our family built a home in
you’re gone, it doesn’t seem like the right thing to do. In
Israel in the early ’80s. We still have it; my mom’s been
some organizations, it is that way. You’ve paid your dues,
living there, so feeling a connection to Israel is kind of a
you get promoted up, and then, you’re out. That’s the
natural for me.
problem with titles. That’s why I would emphasize we
John Strelitz
My real involvement in the Federation was when
were never commanded or pre-determined to lead. We
I came back into the community after college. I got
were just asked to get at it, to do things, to be helpful,
involved in Super Sunday and that’s when I understood
and that’s what we do. We do think there should be room
the importance of what I could do. I think that is a good
for other leaders, for more people to come through, and
time for people to really get involved.
organizations have to guard against their leaders being *
Of blessed memory 25
Mazel Tov! Beth and Nathan Jaffe 26
A couple of events stand out that are really memo-
you have to be the first person to do it, and then other
rable for me: my family building a house in Israel,
people will follow.
going on a mission—the Miracle mission—in
My hope
1991, and then going on Men’s missions. I think that going to Israel as an adult has
is that my
really opened my eyes to the needs of the Jewish community, and also, being
family will be a
involved in agencies locally I’ve seen firsthand the needs right here. Are there any words of wisdom that were passed on to you from your parents,
What are your hopes for the future of
major factor in this community’s
that you hope to pass on to your children? My parents taught us that if you’re lucky enough
involvement.
to have resources, you should give back to the
the Tidewater Jewish community? My hope is that my family will be a major factor in this community’s involvement. We’ve been here since 1925, and my grandmother started with B’nai Brith Women, and then my parents, and now me. And I hope my kids continue to be involved and understand the responsibility to the Jewish community—being on boards, giving money and raising money. I’m sure my dad was concerned that we
community and make sure the community is okay.
would not be involved, so my hope and my vision,
I also think my parents never wanted me to forget
is that 50 years from now, my kids will be saying the
the Holocaust. I think we don’t realize that it was only
same thing about their kids—that it is important to be a
75 years ago that they came around to our houses and
part of this community.
killed us, because we were Jewish. We didn’t do anything. We were Jewish. And so you can’t ever forget that. That was passed on to me, and I pass it on to my children. Don’t ever get too comfortable, because you never know…75 years ago, in a modern society, they came with guns and took us away. If we can make our community strong, then that can never happen gain. I hope my children will get involved. I set them up with a foundation when they were bar and bat mitzvah, so that they have to make decisions about where to give their money away. But I think after college—the trip to Israel that they will do, Birthright, will be a real eye opener. My daughter’s looking forward to doing that next year, and I think
Celebrating
75 successful years
that’s the beginning of a lot of young adults understanding what its like to be a leader. My dad always said, if you’re going to be a leader, then you have to lead and other people will follow. And I try to follow that motto. Bobby [Copeland] says that to me too, all the time—if you’re going to be a leader,
Leon “Lonny” Sarfan Sarfan & Nachman, L.L.C. 225 28th Street • Newport News, Va. 23607 Phone: (757) 247-5861• Fax: (757) 245-7233 www.newportnewslawfirm.com 27
S upporting our Community Honoring our Parents
Reba and Sam Sandler
We are honored to be part of this wonderful Jewish Community. Every day we strive to promote the good name and legacy we inherited from our People, The Torah, our grandparents and parents, Reba and Sam Sandler
Steven, Sheri, Art, Annie Dylan, Eva, Katie, Max, Jess, Mitch, Leyla, Wes 28
From the Eight-Page Kitchen a view of the 1960s Inclusion of the wider Jewish community, paid advertising and controversy for the newspaper. by Marilyn Goldman former editor UJF News
Now, after four exhausting hours of sorting through copies of the paper with some missing, the earliest one appeared dated September 1967. The nameplate reads
W
as it my imagination
Jewish Community Council NEWS. On the back page a mailer indicates Norman Berlin is president, Samuel or had I actually kept a
Sandler and Joseph H. Strelitz are vice presidents,
bagful of old UJF News from 43 years before? Through a
Dr. Arthur S. Kaplan and Calvin Breit secretary and
restless night, I searched my memory for clues to bygone
treasurer respectively, Ephraim Spivek is the executive
days and dreamed of past events in piecemeal snapshots.
director and Marilyn Goldman editor. An editorial with
In the morning, I took the elevator down to my storage
my by-line alludes to a prior edition of the paper. “When
unit and pulled out cartons of magazines, cut-up pieces
we went to press in the early days of June the very
of articles, pictures and notebooks. Stuck in a corner I
existence of Israel stood in the balance.… We could not
found what I was looking for—the oversized printer’s
then foresee that Israel would withstand the onslaught
bag marked with the date 1970. I had kept dozens of old
of the Arab world in a brief and stunning victory.” The
newsprint tabloids, replete with changing mastheads,
reference was to Israel’s Six-Day War. The missing copy
type sizes and layouts. I wonder why I saved them.
may have been my first.
The search into my past was precipitated by a
Marilyn Goldman
Like many women of my time, I stayed home raising
chance meeting with Terri Denison in the lobby of
my three children and wrote freelance for several pub-
Harrison Opera House the evening before. She asked if
lications. Ephraim “Fri” Spivek probably saw my work
I would write an article about the years I was editor of
and called me to come in for an interview at the coun-
the UJF News for a special edition magazine. My initial
cil’s office on Spotswood Avenue in Norfolk. Whatever
reaction was that I don’t remember enough about the
arrangements were made dealing with a job description,
time to write an article. Instead, I said, “I’ll think about it
hours, and pay are lost in memory. But I do recall the
and call you.”
council’s small office space, which meant that I would 29
work at home laying out the paper in my kitchen.
UJF News, May 1970.
Fri and I quickly developed a close working relationship, in which I greatly benefited from his intellect and worldview. He accepted my insistence on a policy that
the subject for the evening, “After Auschwitz
UCLA study funded by the Jewish Post and
included the wider Jewish community, even
Can One Believe?” He answers the ques-
Opinion from 1965 to 1969 found two-thirds
outside when it was appropriate, although,
tion with a question, “Is there an after? The
of Americans view Jews unfavorably.”
it was not to everyone’s satisfaction. Still, he
Holocaust was a rupture between Jew and
never told me to drop an editorial and dealt
man, man and man, events and history—
with whatever controversy arose without
madness on a cosmic scale. The Holocaust
involving me. I wasn’t totally immune, how-
was a farce…it can have no meaning.”
ever, after each edition I received plenty of
In Tidewater and elsewhere Jews were
I
t’s official.
The paper sports a new name
and logo, UJF News, published by the also
newly named organization, United Jewish Federation of Norfolk and Virginia Beach.
irate calls, and sometimes a compliment. It
still dealing with the ghost of the Holocaust.
But, are we united? My ad agency husband,
was all part of the job.
It was not unusual to hear of support for
Dan Goldman, believes the paper should
Israel discussed in terms of dual-loy-
include advertising. “It has an upscale market
the May 1969 issue shows a captioned picture
alty. Regardless of the Israel component,
to attract advertisers,” he says,
of a still gaunt, Elie Weisel, appearing at
anti-Semitism was pervasive as reported by
Ohef Sholom Temple in Norfolk to speak on
the UJF News in the January 1969 edition. “A
Twenty-five years after the Holocaust,
Mazel Tov on 75 years of providing for the needs of the Jewish Community of Tidewater.
Thanks for all you do. Susan and Jon Becker
30
“
Advertising adds interest, readership and eventually will pay for the publication.’’ Valid arguments, yet,
each time I broach the subject to the Federation it’s rejected—there are those who prefer that the Jewish paper remain within the Jewish community. It took nearly two years from my initial proposal to the front page headline, “Advertising Acceptance Milestone for UJF News.” That story was picked up by the national wire service JTA, the Jewish Telegraph Agency.
T
hrough the efforts
of many like Joseph Strelitz,
first president of the new UJF, and brother,
Leonard Strelitz—who would later become United
Israeli soldier praying as seen by participants in 1969 UJA Young Leaders Mission.
Jewish Appeal’s general chairman—national and inter-
organization. Mr. Nathan was anxious to respond to
national figures appear at our doorstep. Former Vice
Ambassador Rabin’s remarks of the previous evening.
President Hubert Humphrey arrives on March 27, 1969
“Mr. Rabin says I am a dreamer. The whole state of
to speak at a UJF dinner. “He is surrounded by a slew
Israel was a dream. And so far, our practical men have not
of reporters and area leaders at the airport. The Vice-
succeeded in bringing us any closer to peace,” said Nathan.
President is a dynamic presence, clearly enjoying the
A pilot during World War II, one of the youngest
large contingency that greets him. A reporter asks if he
officers in the British RAF, Nathan also served in the
is pro Israel (he was here for UJF). “I’m not pro Israel or
Israeli Air Force. “I’ve seen enough killing not to love
pro Palestinian,” he replies, “I’m pro peace.”
war. Violence solves nothing and our children are grow-
The month before, Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. and hero of the Six-Day War, Yitzhak Rabin, is the keynote speaker at the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce
ing up knowing nothing else.” Still, he admitted, “we have no choice.” After his second goodwill flight to Egypt, Nathan
Conference dinner. He tells the sizable audience, “We
returned to Israel and was given the choice of paying a
find it difficult to understand how the Arabs can hate us
$400 fine or spending 40-days in jail. “I refused to pay
enough to go to war against us three times.… We don’t
the fine. I thought it cheapened my gesture. I spent the
need their recognition, but peace cannot be achieved
40-days in jail, and gave $400 to an army hospital,” he said.
with the assumption that Israel does not exist.” At the chamber’s dinner, a most astonishing meeting occurred: In the middle of Rabin’s speech, he paused to stare at a man seated in the audience, then gestured for him to stand. “Ladies and gentlemen,” the ambassador said, “this is my fellow countryman, Abie Nathan. Remember him, he thought he could achieve peace by himself, and flew a plane to Egypt (an enemy country). My friend is a dreamer.” Nathan showed no reaction, sat down and Rabin’s speech continued. The next day, after many calls I located Abie Nathan to request an interview for the UJF News. We met at a downtown hotel, where he was in transit awaiting the arrival of a Norwegian freighter bound for the African Coast. He was a volunteer with a Biafra relief
Ambassador Yitzhak Rabin (center) with top UJF campaign leaders Milton Kramer, 1968 chairman; Joseph Strelitz, National UJA Cabinet member; Leonard Strelitz, National UJA Executive Committe member; and Dr Arthur Kaplan, 1968 UJF campaign co-chairman.
31
While serving his sentence, he read about the Biafra
Nathan had been portrayed in the press as a sort of
situation, and was moved by the horror of starving chil-
crackpot. I found him to be credible, well-spoken and
dren.… “Some said this is not our problem, but there are
undoubtedly sincere.
many Jews who felt as I did and we began Israeli Relief. The world must not turn its back again, as they did with us in the concentration camps,” Nathan said. Nathan was born in Iran, grew up in India, where
“W
e only have an eight-page
kitchen,” Dan says
as he steps gingerly over layout pages on the
floor spilling over to the kitchen table and into the dining
he attended a Jesuit school. In 1966, he returned to India,
room. I remind him that incorporating advertising in the
bringing a plane load of food. Prime Minister Indira
paper was his idea. The UJF News is growing rapidly,
Ghandi met him at the airport. “I go to countries that are
mostly due to Harriet White taking over the job of adver-
really against us, and try to help them and they say, an
tising manager and a revitalized Jewish community.
Israeli came here.…” The Biafra, trip was his fourth and last. “It’s time to go home, my country needs me,” he said. He planned an offshore radio station in the middle of the Mediterranean. He would broadcast to Arab and Israeli listeners…. “I’ll tell the Arabs we want peace day and
A
new
JCC building on Newport Avenue in Norfolk
is under construction The Federation office will
move there…building completion is scheduled for the summer of 1970. In the same issue, there’s a story of a UJA Young Leadership Mission to Austria and Israel, comprised
night and Israelis the same.”
of 40 people from across the country including Morty
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32
and Bootsie Goldmeier, Ralph and Mindy Futterman, Dan and I. We were taken to an old estate on the outskirts of Vienna in a secluded area, where Jewish immigrants from the Soviet Union are processed for departure to Israel, or if they qualify to the United States. There, a staff of Israeli doctors, nurses and foreign service experts assist the immigrants. When we arrived, they had left their homeland only days before under difficult circumstances— perhaps forever. It was unimaginable how they were feeling. We tried communicating with them as best we could in spotty French, Polish, Yiddish. We departed resolved to help others flee Soviet oppression. The following day, our group traveled 200 miles outside of Vienna to Mathausen concentration camp. The horror of the Krematorium is like nothing in this world, a place where everything remains as it was during the Holocaust. Naked adults and children were led to the showers where not water, but poison gas was dispensed. The dead bodies were removed for quick disposal to the ovens. We stood holding on to one and another overcome with grief. After Austria, Israel was a welcome sight. Among the distinguished Israelis we met—including high government officials and military leaders—the one that stands out was the brilliant, flamboyant, mid-western born rabbi, Herbert Friedman. He was the executive chairman of the United Jewish Appeal, who commuted between the U.S. and Israel, where he and his wife maintained a second home. We found him—or he found us—several times during our travels across the country. Dressed in his usual attire of flowered pants and brightly colored shirts, one could hardly miss the striking figure with white hair and tanned face reflecting days spent in the hot, Israeli sun.
33
Our Visitors Herbert Friedman, a reform
Yitzhak Rabin, Israeli prime minister, military hero,
rabbi, served as an Army chap-
statesman in 1974, signed a Disengagement Agreement
lain in World War II. He was later
between Israel and Egypt. He was awarded the Nobel
recruited by David Ben Gurion for
Peace Prize in 1994, with Shimon Peres and Yasar Arafat,
the Haganah, to transport illegal
for leading the country into uncharted territory to make
Jewish immigrants to Palestine. As
peace with the Palestinians. In 1995, he was shot at a
CEO for United Jewish Appeal, he
peace rally by a right-wing Israeli and died an hour later.
raised more than $3 billion for Israel and was the archi-
He was 73.
tect for donor mission trips to the fledgling nation—a standard in Jewish philanthropy today. In 2008, he died at 89.
Hubert Humphrey, the 38th Vice President of the United States, after losing his bid for the presidency to Richard Nixon, reentered the Senate in 1971. A trailblazer for civil rights and social justice, he remained there until his death at 67 in 1978. He was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Freedom and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Elie Weisel, 84, Holocaust survivor, received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1986, for speaking out
Abie Nathan, maverick anti-war
against violence, repression and
activist, built and ran his Voice of
racism. He is the author of 58
Peace radio station for 21 years,
books and the world acclaimed
attracting 30-million Arab and
memoir, Night. Following heart
Israeli listeners. In 2008, Israeli
surgery in 2011, he wrote Open Heart about his experi-
President Shimon Peres learning of
ence. He continues to teach at Boston University and is a
Nathan’s death at 81, paid tribute to
powerful advocate for human rights across the globe.
him as did some Palestinians. “His dreams of peace inspired the Oslo Peace Agreements and treaties with Jordan and Egypt.”
34
At the Hotel Accadia overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, our
the night and part of the day in an uneasy truce. Inside the bunkers
group spent the morning on a leisurely third breakfast while scan-
where we taken, exhausted Israeli soldiers sprawled on the floor
ning newspapers reporting on the fighting in Israel when Friedman
stared at us in disbelief—we shared their feelings. Some smiled at
arrived. “Look at you! Think of your poor families worrying about
seeing Americans in their midst in our UJA hats touring the area.
you in the foxholes.” After the laughter subsided, he briefed us for
Across the water, Egyptian troops were clearly visible.
two-hours on conditions in Israel. We clamored for more. “See the
Rabbi Friedman on schedule met us at the Desert Inn in the
country for yourselves. Make your own judgments. In 10 days, I
heart of the Negev. Over dinner, we talked with him, eager to relate
will meet you in the Negev, where we will prepare to climb Masada.
all we had seen in the past week. That night in mid-July, we sat out-
Then, we will talk again.”
side under a dark, desert sky; chilled by the air and the story he told.
The following days were hectic. We traveled by bus to the Syrian and Jordanian borders, and under armed guard to Hebron. Then we flew to El Arish, where a bus waited to take us down the Sinai
In his magnificent voice, he recounted the history of Masada, one of the most tragic events in Jewish history. At dawn the next morning, with Rabbi Friedman in the lead
Peninsula. On the long journey to the Suez, we heard guns firing in
explaining to us the various sites, we climbed the great rock of
the distance and smelled smoke. Several times the bus driver was told
Masada, above the Dead Sea to Herod’s ceremonial palace. We stood
by our Israeli military guards to stop while they checked the situa-
at the earliest known synagogue, and saw the sites of the ritual baths.
tion ahead. We joked among ourselves that it would fine if we turned
Throughout, was the image of the 960 Zealots who killed themselves,
around and missed the war. Not likely, our Israeli hosts were deter-
rather than surrender to the Romans three years after the destruc-
mined that we see the Suez as planned. When we arrived, we found
tion of the Temple of Jerusalem in 70 ad. At our final stop before
the Israelis and Egyptians had been exchanging fire throughout
descending, the rabbi spoke to us once more. He united the past with
35
Mazel Tov
celebrating the jewish community
the present, connecting the Jewish people and the State of Israel.
A
t home in
December 1969, my editorial
reads…. “The local press reported the
Jewish Community Center refused permission for the (Vietnam) Moratorium to be held on Center grounds because it fell on the Jewish Sabbath…. Two years ago when the Poor People’s March came to Norfolk, we congratulated the JCC on its courageous stand in offering food and housing to marchers, while other Jewish institutions did not. It too fell on the Sabbath…. How do you differentiate between the Black’s struggle for equal rights and the protest of our youth against the Vietnam War in which they might die?” By 1970, activism was exploding in the country with anti-war sentiment on college campuses joining in with civil and the women’s rights movements. I was ready for new challenges. My final issue was 12-pages. It had jumped from four pages when I started. Fri’s farewell column touches
Michael Salasky, Attorney at Law 700 Monticello Ave., Suite 350 Norfolk, Va. 23510 (757)627-3333 www.mikesalasky.com
me and brings a smile…. “She has crossed swords with many on her concepts of how a Federation-owned newspaper can escape, be independent, and still serve the community in which it’s published.” The last editorial June, 1970, I wrote, “It would seem inconceivable that every American has not suffered the most acute pain over the blood spilled in Vietnam, Cambodia, and on our college campuses….
Mazel Tov Gina and Neil Rose
But, the Jewish pain is different in this case. Three of the four students killed at Kent State were Jewish, which is not to suggest they were shot because of their religion. They were not. Two of the students were non-militant dissenters and the third a bystander. “Jewish adults are the most liberal of the religious denominations in the country.
So are most of their children, who maintain a sizable presence on college campuses. Perhaps, we should ask ourselves what are we teaching our children?
After 90 years, our story still begins
with you.
“As I leave these pages I am awed by our youth, who believe they can change the world. Until then my hope, my fervent wish, is that they will pass this place safely.”
F
our decades later
after reviewing that
period, I feel privileged to have been
the editor to document the beginning of the federation and UJF News, as we emerged from the shadows of the Holocaust into an era of Jewish pride and support for Israel. The old bag of newspapers turned out to be useful after all.
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for the
future Congratulations on 75 Years! Michael, Lori, Bern, Jake & Ross Glasser
37
Congratulations on75 Years
F R O M Y O U R F R I E N D S AT T H E C H R I S T I A N B R O A D C A S T I N G N E T W O R K 38
Those were the days my friend. The Tidewater Jewish community has come a long way since it was organized in 1937. by Reba Karp, Jewish News editor emeritus
A
nd those who can
remember along with me,
will think back 30 years to the old Federation building on
Reba Karp, editor emeritus, Jewish News.
Newport Avenue. I was the designated editor and put out the first UJF News in tabloid format on Oct. 6, 1973. Dr. Sanford “Sonny” Lefcoe was United Jewish Federation of
dedicated to working
Tidewater president and Zvi Almog, an Israeli import,
for the special cause
was the executive director. Sales manager for UJF News
of Israel and our local
was Diane Leiderman.
community.
I didn’t stay very long that first time, as I was to leave
I will prob-
for other jobs twice before I returned for the third time
ably do a lot of
on May 28, 1978. This time I stayed and remained as
name-dropping and
editor of the UJF Virginia News until I retired in 2004.
ask for forgiveness
The four other executive directors during my tenure
from those who are
were Michael Fischer, A. Robert Gast, Gary Rubin and
not mentioned due to
Mark Goldstein. Just before I retired, Harry Graber took
space limitation and a faulty memory.
over the reins of the Federation after serving as executive director of Jewish Family Service. UJFT has had many staff members, quite a few of them staying for years,
T
he
Tidewater Jewish community has come a long
way since it was organized in 1937. Miriam Kroskin
39
campaign of $4.51 million, under the chairmanship of Amy Levy. During the years since UJFT’s formation, there have been many offices, starting with a modest room in the Nusbaum Building, which was located on Plume and Granby Streets. This was followed by its location in the old JCC building on Spotswood Avenue. But the years I remember best were at the former Norfolk Academy on Newport Avenue near Ward’s Corner, sharing a campus with the Jewish Community Center and Jewish Family Service.
Charles Goldman and Gary Rubin.
was the first woman’s campaign chair in 1936 and remained a tireless worker for Jewish and community causes for many years. In l945, the Norfolk Jewish Community Council was formed. In l968, the council name was changed to the United Jewish Federation of Norfolk and Virginia
Jewish Community Center on Spotswood Avenue.
The UJFT was to outgrow its space there and
Beach. In April, l981, the Portsmouth Jewish Federation
renovated part of the building, with the generosity of the
merged with UJFT of Tidewater, blending the region
Glasser Family. The UJFT was now housed in the Rose
into one unity with one purpose.
Frances and Bernard Glasser Pavilion.
In July 1948, the UJFT announced a “near record campaign of $490,000.” Compare that to the latest 2013
Based on the 2002 demographic study by Old Dominion University, funded by UJFT, it was determined that many people in the Jewish community were moving to Virginia Beach. The decision was made to rent temporary offices in Kempsville, while undergoing an intensive building fund campaign, under the leadership of Bob Josephberg and Bobby Copeland and a committee of volunteer capital campaign fundraisers. In 2004, the beautiful and sprawling Reba & Sam Sandler Family Campus opened, housing not only the UJFT, the Simon Family JCC and Jewish Family Service, but now also the Hebrew Academy of Tidewater.
B
ut, backtracking again,
On Sept. 24 1984, the
UJFT embarked on an ambitious project and
published its first four-color magazine, Renewal. In the beginning, we had six issues a year, plus a newspaper every other week. Another ambitious project was the 50th anniversary celebration of the Federation, officially
Sonny Lefcoe and Bob Gast.
40
marked with the publication of Renewal in 1988. Both
Mazel Tov
celebrating the jewish community
Ellie Lipkin in the lobby of the JCC on Newport Avenue.
publications were to receive numerous awards. Bootsie Goldmeier served as the first female president of the Federation during this time. One of those most active in the Federation during my early years was Mickey (Milton) Kramer. I remember him as a quiet spoken gentleman. His son Ron was later to follow his dad and became Federation president in 2003. Past presidents during the early years included Sam Sandler, Marvin Simon, Bobby Copeland, Sonny Lefcoe and Marc Jacobson. Lefcoe was the only president to serve two terms. (See complete list on page 100.) Sydney Gates, a past campaign chairman and president, became sales manager of the News and Renewal magazine when he was 78 years old, retiring 20 years later! Sam Sandler, who I remember with
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affection, was ever willing to talk with me and would frequently begin the answer to my question of that day with, “Ah, heck,
Congratulates Tidewater Jewish Federation on their 75th Anniversary!
Reba. You know what I want to say better than I do.” However, that proved to be only partially true, for after chatting with him,
BBYO Eastern Region
he knew exactly what he wanted to say as he was very much on top of what was happening in the community. His sons, Art and later Steve, also served the Federation as presidents. Arnold Leon, a past cam-
Mazel tov and thank you for your continued support.
paign chairman, recently had the honor
41
of installing his son Miles as Federation president. And then, of course, there were brothers Leonard and Buddy Strelitz, both of
Congratulations
UNITED JEWISH FEDERATION OF TIDEWATER
for 75 Years of Dedicated Service to the Hampton Roads Community
whom served as UJFT presidents. Leonard was to rally the call during the Yom Kippur War in Israel and was the voice that put the community’s fund raising efforts to support Israel on the move. He later would serve as National Chairman of the United Jewish Appeal. No less involved was Buddy, who was chairman of the Norfolk School Board and president of American Friends of Tel Aviv University, who died unexpectedly in 1984. Many years after Buddy’s death, I had the opportunity to be a guest of Buddy’s wife, Arlene, in their home in Hertzliya, Israel during one of my visits to Israel as a member of a UJA mission.
I
n
May 1986 then Governor Gerald L.
Baliles established the Virginia Israel
Commission to “Develop plans for a broad series of exchanges—of people, ideals and
S.L. NUSBAUM Realty Co.
exhibits…” to be carried out during the
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period preceding Israel’s 40th birthday. The
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Tidewater members of the Advisory board
partnership was reinvigorated in 1996 by then Governor George Allen. Among the were Art Sandler, Dr. Edward Karotkin, and Mark Dreyfus.
www.slnusbaum.com
T
he
Virginian-Pilot devoted an entire
section to Israel’s First Fifty Years on
Sunday, May 11, 1998.
CONGRATULATIONS FROM
Brian H. Saucier “GLENN’S BROTHER”
T
he
United Jewish Federation of
Tidewater represents about 12,000
Jewish people in our growing region. How fortunate we are to have such a vibrant community of agencies and synagogues helping to celebrate our Jewish lives. Many names run through my thoughts as I reach back to remember the earlier days and
42
no less involved were the women: Karen Jaffe, Annabel Sacks, Bootsie Goldmeier, Janie Stein, Ellie Lipkin, Joyce Strelitz, Toni Sandler, Karen Lombart, Connie Jacobson, Annie Sandler, Marcia Hofheimer, Deb Segaloff and Ann Copeland and many, many more, for alas, I can remember the faces, but the names escape me.
T
he
Holocaust Commission was officially formed
during my tenure. Of special interest here was
Sandler Family Campus
the interviewing and documenting all the remaining survivors. These interviews were later compiled under
some of his thoughts. The wisdom behind some of these
the leadership of Laura Miller, who was the driving force
chats I carry with me to this day.
in raising the funds to put all the interviews into a book titled To Life, which won a National Jewish Book award. The survivors were frequent visitors to the JCC campus and Federation office on Newport Avenue. One
A
h, those indeed
were the days, but the wonder of it
all continues with a community focused on the 21st
century as it moves forward.
of these was Nandor Lazar who was happy to help the Federation and JCC with organizing and sorting mailings, etc. He would often pop in to see me and share
—A special thanks to my friend and a former UJFT staff member Kathy Eckert, who helped me remember and write the article.
43
44
Secrets of the 400 Club revealed Members have all been involved in some aspect of the Jewish community. Sydney Gates had another idea. However losses, gains, and time have brought the two concepts closer together, as will be revealed below. Strictly speaking the 400 Club is a misnomer. The ages of the original five members added up to only 398. They were Sydney Gates, Lester Sherrick, Morton Kushner, Archie Harris and one kid still in his 50s, Marvin Simon. I used to tell Sydney Gates that as a bunch of merchants they should call it “The 398 Club, Marked Down from Four Dollars.” The whole number thing quickly became moot as they immediately allowed Sidney Gates, Leonard Strelitz, Sam Sandler, Buddy Kantor, Marvin Simon, Morton Cushner and Lester Sherrick.
by Hal Sacks
Buddy Kantor, a youth not yet 70, into the club as a “full member.” Sydney was the treasurer, secretary, and unpaid and unappreciated general factotum. His task was to
T
hirty years ago,
send out the meeting notice each month along with the venue, which varied from such places as Burroughs as the newly hired campaign
(Military Highway) to The Circle (Portsmouth) to AJR
director for the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater
Doubleday’s (Ghent) and Johnny Lockhart’s (Tidewater
(so named due to the merger of the Portsmouth Feder-
Drive). Several times a year they were in for a real treat—
ation with the United Jewish Federation of Norfolk and
having lunch at the Sandler warehouse.
Virginia Beach), I had tried to create an affinity group of
Sydney would read the minutes:
past leadership—a group that would meet quarterly to
“No minutes.”
receive briefings on what was going in the community.
“Treasurer’ report: No money in the treasury.” 45
“Agenda: No agenda.” “Let’s eat.” So what did they do at these exclusive meetings? Well, they told dirty jokes, talked over old times (like who was arrested when their floating poker game was raided by the police), and recalled the peccadilloes of various contemporaries in the Jewish community of the 1920s, 30s and 40s. Membership was initially restricted to Federation presidents, JCC presidents, or chairmen of the “drive” (as the Federation’s Annual Campaign was dubbed). Their motto was: “No fancy stuff for the 400 Club; just fellowship for old friends.” Membership restrictions were relaxed to include anyone over 60 who had worked hard for the Jewish community and were still active one way or another. Somehow Leonard Strelitz and Sam Sandler made it in, followed shortly by Bernard Jaffe, Mickey Kramer, Sam Weisberg and Sam Swersky. And in time Arthur Kaplan, Sonny Lefcoe, Julian Rashkind, Malcolm Rosenberg and Henry Zetlin were inducted. Of course, there was no “induction” ceremony, just a phone call inviting the new member to lunch. They are all of blessed memory now, but they have left an indelible mark on our community. Survivors of the “old” 400 Club include Tavia Gordon, Arnold Leon, Marc Jacobson, Kurt Rosenbach, Morty Goldmeier, Bob Rubin, Dave Furman, Walter Segaloff, and the undersigned.
BRAVO on 75 successful years! Thank you for supporting Hurrah Players and our entire Tidewater community. In Special Memory of
Mr. Alan Nusbaum
Every day we continue to be thankful for what the 400 Club did to create this beautiful campus. When, in 2003, Steve and Art Sandler (inducted despite their youth) asked the Club to assure them that it would back the Simcha Campaign if they took the lead, the members responded with more than $8,000,000 in pledges. Within two weeks of breaking ground, the example set
46
by the Sandler and the Simon families and the 400 Club resulted in pledges in excess of $20,000,000. But what of the 400 Club now? Some old friends remain; some new friendships are being made; not many dirty jokes or racy stories. In many respects the Club is as different as the Tidewater Jewish community has become in three decades. When the original group kicked things off 30 years ago, our agencies were small and almost 50 percent of our Campaign dollars
A gathering of the 400 Club with family members in 2005.
were allocated to the United Jewish Appeal. However, in many ways the Club is very much the same. Still relevant, its members have all been involved
constituents, and affiliates. Mostly it’s schmoozing, talking about the
in some aspect of the Jewish community—Federation, Foundation,
Jewish world, and expressing our gratitude that we can continue to
agencies and synagogues. Meetings are once a month for lunch
gather in harmony.
and fellowship and, from time to time, to receive briefings from the
As Sydney Gates used to say, “Don’t call us, we’ll call you.”
Federation, the Tidewater Jewish Foundation, and their recipients,
Mazel Tov on seventy-five years of dedicated service to our Jewish community and a special Todah Rabah to the professionals of the Beth Shalom Village and Berger-Goldrich Home.
KASS LAW FIRM, P.L.C. Dedicated to Representing the Injured Since 1982 William E. KaSS, ESq. aaron F. KaSS, ESq. (757) 397-7777 www.kasslawfirm.com
47
ISRAEL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA
Mazel Tov to the community on 75 years APRIL 2
SANDLER CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, VIRGINIA BEACH
Co-presented by
Laura, Jerry, Bill and Eric Miller
Full Festival schedule at vafest.org or call 757-282-2822
and
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congratulates
UNITED JEWISH FEDERATION OF TIDEWATER as they celebrate their
75th anniversary!
48
Pardes Katz a Retrospective
An Israeli sister community with Tidewater for more than 20 years Pardes Katz is located outside of Tel Aviv
by Hal Sacks
As the newly hired assistant executive director and Campaign director of UJFT, I accompanied Morty
I
and Bootsie Goldmeier, Mavolyn and Sonny Lefcoe
instituted Project Renewal, a plan to twin Diaspora com-
ger connection with Israel and I asked UJA to find a
munities with 69 Israeli neighborhoods and communities
neighborhood not too far from Tel Aviv with which our
that had slipped beneath the safety net during Israel’s
community might become involved.
(both of blessed memory), and Connie Jacobson on the
n 1978 Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin
UJA mission. It was my belief that we needed a stron-
formative years. Predominantly inhabited by Sephardic immigrants who watched later waves of immigrants occupy the new housing they had expected to move into, these communities became urban centers of unemployment and poverty where drug, alcohol, spousal and child abuse were commonplace. The Tidewater Jewish community declined to participate at that time. About five years later, Morty Goldmeier became General Campaign chairman of The United Jewish Fund, administered by the newly named United Jewish Federation of Tidewater (a merger of the United Jewish Federation of Norfolk and Virginia Beach with the Jewish Federation of Portsmouth, including the few Jewish families in Suffolk). Concurrently, a national United Jewish Appeal (UJA) Chairmen’s Mission to Israel took place.
Hal Sacks in Pardes Katz.
49
that after a heavy rain their tent camp was flooded and kibbutzniks came down from the hills to rescue them.) We were first taken on a tour of the neighborhood. Mavolyn melted into tears when she met the children in a Moadonit (a safe environment for at-risk children who could not go home after school for fear of being abused by a male relative). They were being tutored by volunteer high school students. We were shown how adult children of the original residents were now able to purchase their apartments from the state at a very reasonable price. It was obvious that those buildings were cared for with pride by the new owners, while the others were allowed to decay. Our visit to the Matnas (Community Center) was Children at Pardes Katz.
depressing. It was basically a shell of a building (constructed with Project Renewal funds); the interior of Following a morning visit to Yad Vashem, most of
the building was essentially unfinished. The Wolfson
the other chairmen and their accompanying party were
family of England had pledged the naming gift but never
scheduled to visit their Project Renewal neighborhoods.
finished paying the promised sum and work had stopped
We had the afternoon off, we thought, until we were
on the Center. Its director, Pnina Gutman, was in a daily
approached by a chunky spitfire of a woman, Sarah Josef,
battle with the Bnei Brak municipality for funds, which
an activist (volunteer). Sarah insisted we accompany her
were minimally and grudgingly provided to Pardes Katz
and quickly led us to a cheroot (Arab taxi). And so we
because of its non-ultra orthodox direction.
were introduced to Pardes Katz and two other activists,
Finally, the Goldmeiers, the Lefcoes, Connie, I and
Tzion Shaked and Chaim Avraham, both veterans of the
the three activists crowded into a miniscule living room
Israeli Air Force and several wars. Project Renewal had
with 10 other community leaders, and enjoyed a delicious
paid for a course in how to become a community activist.
taste of Iraqi home hospitality. We promised to come
(Sadly, years later, Chaim Avraham’s son, Benyamin,
back and to help.
was wounded, captured and killed while patrolling on the Lebanese border. I had attended his bar mitzvah and
hood in ultra-orthodox Bnei Brak (the famous religious
M
town named in our Haggadah), was about the same size
decade earlier, along with an additional $168,000 second
in population as our Jewish community. The neighbor-
line in support of Israel’s needs following the Lebanese
hood was inhabited mainly by Iraqi, Yemeni, Morrocan,
war of 1982. Federation President Marc Jacobson,
and Iranian Jews brought to Israel in the 1950’s during
Executive Vice President Bob Gast, and I went to Israel
Operation Magic Carpet. At the time, Israel was just
to meet with the board of the Matnas, representatives of
getting on its feet after the War of Independence and had
the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI), Israel State Social
practically nothing to offer them. At first they lived in
Service professionals and Municipality of Bnei Brak
tents, then in shacks called “Asbestonim,” and finally in
leaders. We asked them to decide what project Tidewater
tiny state-owned apartments that were quickly outgrown
should undertake.
visited Chaim and his wife when a street in the neighborhood was named Benyamin Avraham Street.) Pardes Katz, a traditional but not Haredi neighbor-
as the immigrant families multiplied. (Sarah remembered
orty Goldmeier went on to have the most
successful Annual Campaign in the history of Tidewater up to that time, finally sur-
passing the dollars raised during the Yom Kippur War a
In 1984, a small mission of young adult leaders went to Israel and visited Pardes Katz. Among others on the
50
mission were Annie and Art Sandler, Bonnie and David
assistant director, Michal Zehavi, our community built
Brand, Alice and Harvey Davis, and Mimi and Warren
and furnished a new kindergarten, provided computers
Karesh. Upon their return they came to a meeting of
for the library, a piano for the social hall, and a kitchen-
the UJFT executive committee and demanded that we
ette for the senior meeting room. When the olim from
“twin” with Pardes Katz. They pledged significant sums
the former Soviet Union immigrated to Pardes Katz we
of money to get the ball rolling.
funded, with private donations from Tidewater indi-
Mavolyn Lefcoe couldn’t get those children out of her thoughts.
viduals and matching funds from the municipality and the Association of Matnassim (similar to our Jewish
Marc Jacobson and I made a quick trip to Israel to
Community Center Association), the construction of the
learn that both the residents and the professionals agreed
Tidewater Education Wing consisting of three class-
that what was needed was a Childhood and Parenting
rooms, initially used as ulpanim and still in regular use
Center staffed by qualified professionals who could
by more recent olim from Ethiopia.
provide child-care instruction to parents and psychological testing and treatment for children. (We spent 48
Supported the creation of a dental clinic
hours on the ground in Israel and returned so quickly
at the Matnas:
that jet lag was never a problem.) Our community agreed
When the Virginia Israel Commission was created, Dr.
immediately and pledged to raise $500,000, matched
Sonny Lefcoe was chairman of the science committee and
by $500,000 from JAFI, and a grant of land from the
through his work with the Tel Aviv University School of
Municipality of Bnei Brak.
Dental Medicine we were able to establish a dental clinic
Within weeks we had pledges of $400,000 and
at the Matnas. For the first decade of its existence, the
drawings were in hand for the Joseph Strelitz Family
clinic was staffed by American dentists, recruited mainly
and Pre-School Center. We sent $100,000 to JAFI and
by Dr. Calvin Belkov.
scheduled a groundbreaking for 1985. By coincidence, a
The American dentists were given visiting faculty
Congregation Beth El mission to Israel took place at the
status by Tel Aviv University and their airfare was paid
same time and the ground breaking was witnessed by
by UJFT as was the rent in an apartment for their use.
more than 60 people from Tidewater. There was only
Among the dentists who worked there were Sonny, Gene
one problem. The whole project was a set-up by Bnei
Kanter, and Jerry Weinstein (all of blessed memory)
Brak—the land promised was not given and the whole
as well as the dean and assistant dean of the School of
project was cancelled when we were unable to agree
Dentistry, Medical College of Virginia, which donated a
upon the aegis under which the facility would be oper-
dental chair and other equipment, and of course Calvin,
ated. The Federation board, however, agreed to use the
who remains the source of help we go to for the clinic.
income from the funds raised to support programming
At present, the clinic is staffed only by Israeli
in the community. (Miracle of miracles, our $100,000
dentists. It is still a great success, providing care to the
was refunded by JAFI.)
community at 40 percent of the established rates, except in the case of the truly needy for whom care is free, and is
O
ver the next
a source of income to the Matnas. 15 years we did the following: Conducted a Summer Kefiada:
Supported programming and capital expansion
College students, mostly from Tidewater were trained at
at the Matnas:
our JCC by Michal Zehavi (who succeeded Menachem
The Pardes Katz Matnas flourished under the direction
Horovitz as director), or one of her staff to conduct a day
of a dynamic new director, Menachem Horovitz, who
camp, in English, for sixth and seventh graders in Pardes
consistently won awards for running the best matnas
Katz. The counselors stayed with families in the neigh-
of its size in Israel. With the help of his staff, and his
borhood, and after camp closed were given a tour of Israel
51
with Israeli college students. UJFT paid their airfare and
making them part of an American Jewish family for the
the students paid a nominal amount to the host family for
summer. The JCC’s Linda Berger (of blessed memory)
their food. At one time this was the largest Kefiada in Isra-
made this program an important part of her life, and
el. UJFT sent about $10,000 annually for scholarships for
when we lost Linda the program was discontinued for
children from the poorest families. (HAT teacher, Shuli
lack of a qualified staff person to manage it.
Einhorn and her family hosted Craig Einhorn who led the first group of Kefiada counselors to Israel. They married
Supported programs outside the Matnas:
and have two great kids who have graduated from HAT.)
Moadonitim: A “home environment” for at risk children was provided by the municipality as was the staff. Our
Supported a Nitzanim Program:
community furnished about $5,000 annually which was
Nitzanim means to “rise up.” The program brought four
used for a television set, a videotape player, and trips to
Pardes Katz rising high school seniors to Tidewater for
the zoo, a circus, or a play to enrich their lives.
the summer. Their airfare was shared equally between the family, the Matnas, and UJFT. They were trained in Israel
Ha noar hoved: We provided minimal, but meaningful
and worked in our JCC day camp, enjoying home hos-
support to this Histadrut (Labor Party) youth group.
pitality with families having kosher homes and teenage children. The Nitzanim spent weekends with their host
Bnei Brak Therapeutic Center: This center, technically out-
families who went out of their way to show them a good
side the neighborhood, served mostly Pardes Katz children
time: trips to Washington, D.C., the beach, camping,
who were marginally educationally delayed and needed
In proud service to Tidewater’s Jewish Community for centuries.
18th Century
19th Century
20th Century
21st Century
Norfolk Academy has served Norfolk’s Jewish community since educating Moses Myers’ children in the 18th century, and has a long-standing tradition of participating in and supporting the work of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater. Mazel tov and thank you to the United Jewish Federation for strengthening our region for 75 years. norfolkacademy.org
52
757.455.5582
extra help in “keeping up” at school. Some children also had social problems as well. We furnished equipment on an irregular basis. Histadrut Community Center: This was an even more run-down institution than the Matnas, but we were able to help it, although not on a regular basis. For example, we
of Southeastern Virginia
A Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Specialists of Tidewater, PLLC
Congratulates the UJFT for 75 outstanding years!
furnished the salary for a part-time music teacher and music keyboards for a class of elementary students who a year later treated us to a wonderful concert.
M
indful of the role
activists played in
attracting Tidewater to Pardes Katz, it
was determined that a new cohort of activists needed to be recruited and trained. We engaged the Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) and the JDC Center for Lay Leadership, under the supervision of Nili Amos-Itman, group facilitator and Shimon (Shimku) El-Ami, program director. Work began with a group of 11 volunteers, funded by a grant from the Israel and Overseas Committee of UJFT. Among the projects the activists continue to be engaged in are: • Fund raising within the municipality and getting donated items from local shops and businesses to distribute food packages to 200 needy families at Rosh Hashanah
Michael Sperling, MD Alex Williams, MD
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and Pesach. • “Adloyada” A Purim Carnival. • Back-to-School Fair—school supplies are sold at reduced prices to local residents. Particularly needy families receive school bags and writing materials. Demographic changes in the community have made our work there more problematic. The Matnas made adjustments to accommodate the cohort of children
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provided. Michal has arranged a separate section of the
an extremely impoverished Haredi neighborhood.
library for books approved by Haredi leaders, and has
Michal is attempting to negotiate a situation in which
arranged some changes in the summer camp program
she runs their Matnas, as well as ours in exchange for
where separation of sexes is appropriate.
some support from the municipality for the Pardes Katz
Over the years, our effort in Pardes Katz has
Matnas.
resolved itself in assisting the Matnas in its programming for the community. We have discontinued support
Current Programming:
of the Moadonitim (daycare for at risk children), the
1. More than 100 infants and toddlers are in day care and
Educational Therapeutic Center, and the Histadrut
another kindergarten room has been built and furnished.
Youth Group (HaNoArHoved), but have determined
• This past summer 73 children received a scholar-
that they are continuing to receive support from the
ship for camp.
Municipality of Bnei Brak.
• The library has 2,000 subscribers.
The Matnas is engaged in a quiet struggle with the
• 150 teens are involved in a variety of projects.
Municipality of Bnei Brak, which would like to see it closed because it represents, just as our JCC does, a more
2. A new program begun this past year was a support
secular approach to serving the community. The direc-
group for 15 single moms that were counseled and
tor, Michal Zehavi, has been asked by the Municipality
guided. Their children were kept in day-care while the
to open and run a Matnas deep within Bnei Brak, serving
moms received an enriching course in life skills. The
Congratulations to the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater on 75 fabulous years
75
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Matnas is about to open a second course for
and see if the name could be changed and
another group of moms.
then we could look at what could be done. To conclude, Tidewater came late to
3. Volunteers continue to provide
the Project Renewal table. We have
monthly food packages for 60
In
families and for 240 families at holidays.
Beta Israel families were
tinue to need help?”
We have a special Ethiopian group for kids needing help in studies, social skills and
The answer is simple. Each wave of immigrants, from North Africa to
Pardes Katz
assigned to our Matnas.
Ethiopia to the Soviet Union and from Ethiopia again have made their
was unlucky to
start in Pardes Katz. The most successful fami-
get us as
daily life.
F
years, does Pardes Katz con-
some ways
4. More than 60 new
inally, the exterior
been asked, “Why, after all these
of
the Matnas has had no
maintenance since it was built
a twin.
lies move out, to Petah Tikvah, Ramat Gan, or any slightly better community, making room for new immigrants.
in the early 1980s. The entrance
In some ways Pardes Katz
is unappealing and needs reno-
was unlucky to get us as a twin.
vation. This will cost about $125,000.
Neighborhoods like Holon got New
Our usual partners, the Municipality and
York City, which built major facilities. But we
the Association of Matnassim are unlikely
have stayed with it and my annual visits have
to provide matching funds. Michal has been
served to assure me that we have and are
advised that there was no way Tidewater
continuing to make a difference in the lives
would even consider an effort to raise funds
of the residents. It is almost 30 years now,
for a building named for the Wolfsons, a
and where once I was asked by a resident,
family that didn’t pay all it pledged in the
“Vos is dos tidevasser?” any visitor from our
first place and has not provided any money
Jewish community today will be given a red
in 30 years. I suggested that she consult JAFI
carpet welcome.
98
BRITH SHOLOM OF VIRGINIA
Celebrating 98 years of being active in the Jewish community and still going strong! For information, call Joe Goldberg (757) 467-0688 or Bruce Longman (757) 718-4303 55
56
Tidewater’s organized Jewish community Highlights of the past 75 years as recorded in the community’s Jewish newspaper, now the Jewish News. by Shayna Horwitz
1947
September 4 – Henry Morgenthau, Jr., general chairman of the 1947 United Jewish Appeal, former
August 10 – Norfolk’s B’nai B’rith Lodges throw a benefit dance to raise funds for Hillel and Displaced Persons in Europe.
Secretary of the Treasury and one of America’s most distinguished Jewish citizens, meets with Norfolk leaders of United Jewish Fund. December 3 – Memorial Service for Rabbi J. D.
1950
April 3 – American actor, radio star, and humanitarian,
Gordon pays tribute to the memory of this man who
Eddie Cantor speaks to the community at the United
gave himself to the Norfolk community for 40 years.
Jewish Fund Rally, focusing on the need to help the hundreds of thousands of newcomers who had gone
1948
January – Station WTAR begins to offer a regular Sunday morning feature known as “Your Rabbi Speaks,” featuring Rabbis Joseph Schecter and Malcom Stern. February – Leaders of Norfolk’s first Young Adult Division: Harry Weisberg, Morris Friedman,
to Israel since the end of the war. April – The Norfolk Section, National Council of Jewish Women, establish the “Bargain Shop” to help solve the Jewish Family Service financial issues. July – Fifty-six children enjoy the launching of the first JCC Summer Camp, which is held at Seashore State Park. The camp is so successful they plan to enlarge it for the next year.
Leonard Strelitz, Morton J. Gaba, executive director, JCC, Milton H. Kaplan, co-chairman, Geoffrey Myers, chairman, and Dave Friedman, Campaign chairman.
57
August 20 – Special ceremony to honor
July – Local Council members are
Virginia Beach’s first synagogue, Temple
appointed to the Council of Jewish
Emanuel, whose members had previously
Federations and Welfare Funds: Herbert
met in the home of Nat Polis.
Altschul, member of the budget services committee; Lester S. Sherrick, member of community organization committee; and Jewish Community Center on Spotswood Avenue.
1952
June 24 – Secretary of the Interior Oscar L.
Temple Emanuel.
September – Congressman Emanuel Celler of New York visits Norfolk on Yom Kippur to speak on the progress of the State of Israel, its growth and needs, and
behalf of the State of Israel 500,000,000
the importance of American Jewry’s par-
Independence Bond Issue.
ticipation in the rebuilding of the Israel. October – Adult Education launches “Time
Brownies and Girl Scout Troops, “real-
Out For Women” program to include
Popkin and Stanley Buckman, are
izing that the children of today are the
classes on flower arranging, ceramics,
selected to represent Norfolk Jewish teen-
leaders of tomorrow.”
and beginners bridge, as well as speakers
agers at the annual Nation Jewish Youth
December – Young Adult Club launches
Conference because of their outstanding
Young Adult Forum, including topics
work for the Jewish Youth Council.
such as “How To Be Happy Though
October 12 – JCC launches Adult School, based on the theme “An Opportunity to
Unmarried” and “Self Hate and The Jewish Young Adult.”
Explore Your Jewish Heritage.” October 15 – Dedication of the new Beth El Temple, along with the celebration of the Centennial Ball with musical guest, Zvi Schooler. December 10 – Beth Sholom Home for the Aged is transformed into a statewide institution with management and finan-
1953
January – Center Council of Jewish Women
moves in on June 30, 1952).
Virginia commemorates the Three Hundredth Anniversary of Jewish Settlement in America.
and women over 60, with more than 80
H. Lehman visits to speak on the
members the first year.
national tercentenary theme, “Man’s
January 8 – Chaplain Garson Goodman is Forces Award of the Union of Orthodox
(Norfolk Jewish Community Council
January – Norfolk Jewish Tercentenary
March 20 – New York Senator Herbert
of participating Virginia communities.
Center at 700 Spotswood Avenue
1955
launches “Golden Age” Club for men
designated as the recipient of the Armed
June – Opening of Jewish Community
on children’s psychology.
Historical Exhibition at the Bank of
cial control vested in a board of directors
1951
Opportunities and Responsibilities Under Freedom.” March 11 – Sue Gordon crowned as 1955
Jewish Congregations of America.
Queen Esther at the Center Purim
Chaplain Goodman served on the
Carnival (3,000 people attended the
battlefronts of Korea and was ordained
carnival).
through the Hebrew Theological College in Chicago. April – H. Hilton Rubin, veteran UJF
April 21 – Morton Cushner, treasurer of the Norfolk Jewish Community Council, is honored at dinner, titled “A
worker, general solicitation captain in
Tribute in Honor of Thirty-five Years of
1953 campaign, is awarded the first “Star
Community Service.”
Campaigner” award for being the first “over-the-top” worker in the campaign.
58
cal relations committee
Chapman speaks to the community on
September – JCC begins to sponsor August 31 – Two local teens, Howard
Harry Elson, member of the national-lo-
July – Executive Director of the Jewish
February 1 – Hebrew Academy of
Community Council, Morton J. Gaba,
Tidewater, the first all day school in the
goes on a two week UJA Mission to Israel
state of Virginia, opens its doors to the
and Africa.
first grade.
September – Jewish Family Service helps
September 12 – Cornerstone laying ceremony of Temple Israel.
June 18 – Jewish Center Day Camp opens
more than 30 individuals file for resti-
on 110-acre plot purchased by commu-
tution under the agreement between
nity in Kempsville area; 250 children
the West German government and the
attend.
Conference on Jewish Material Claims
July 1 – Israel’s Ambassador to the United
against Germany (which provided over
States, Abba Eban and his wife, visits
$29,000,000 to victims).
the Tidewater Jewish community at
Temple Israel.
the Ambassador’s Dinner and Ball to finish off the “Security Month for Israel”
1956
Campaign.
January – Beth Sholom Home Campaign
September – Beth Sholom Home of
September – Hebrew Academy of Tidewater opens up for second semester at new home, 3605 Llewellyn Ave, for 35
reaches goal to build state-wide Beth
Virginia employs first professional direc-
students and two classes; Rabbi Samuel
Sholom Home for the Aged in Richmond.
tor, Leon Cantor.
Lichtenstein serves as director of the
Groundbreaking takes place on May 19, 1957.
school, Dr. Harold Burstein is president of the board.
Part of a chain in history linking a strong past and a bright future... Proud member of the Tidewater Jewish Community since 1850
757.625.7821
422 Shirley Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23517
www.bethelnorfolk.com 59
HAMG-165 Jewish News 75th Anniversary Ad 5.25x8.125 final_2_HR.pdf
1
11/26/13
5:22 PM
1957
January 20 – JCC begins to offer “Sunday Funday” for children, including sports, theatre, and hobby shows. May – Women’s Division (led by Mrs. Alan Fleder, Mrs. Bernard Glasser, Mrs. Matt Hurwitz, Mrs. Leonard Strelitz, and Mrs. Stanley Salasky) reorganizes campaign and sees a 30% increase, which focuses
good help...
on women making a contribution in their own name, regardless of the amount of their husband’s pledge.
your home for good health
1958
January 12 – The Arnold Gamsey B’nai
is in your neighborhood
B’rith Lodge No. 1195 is named 1957 “Organization of the Year” at the Jewish Community Council’s Annual Meeting; Norman Berlin, president of B’nai B’rith,
now offering same-day appointments
accepts the award for his organization. June – 317 children enjoy the Summer
With over 175 board-certified physicians and practitioners at more than
Day Camp program at the Kempsville
50 Hampton Roads locations, Bon Secours Medical Group is bringing
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world-class care directly to your neighborhood. Our physicians are currently accepting new patients. To learn more, visit or call us at
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Kempsville $150,000 Campaign). September 7 – B’nai B’rith Kempsville Karnival benefits the Kempsville Recreation Area Building Fund. November 13 – Bertram S. Nusbaum, Jr.
BON SECOURS MEDICAL GROUP
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and Harry Pincus, Jr. are named the first recipients of the Jewish Community Council Past Presidents Award for Young Leadership (under age of 35). November 27 (Thanksgiving) – Norfolk Jewish Community Council celebrates Israel’s 10th Anniversary.
60
1959
March – Led by Jewish Navy Chaplian, Charles D. Mintz, the Norfolk JWB
Embracing Every Moment.
Armed Services Committee and the USO-JWB, “Operation Passover” stocks the USS Roosevelt and USS Intrepid with religious materials and food so crew members can properly celebrate the holiday on a seven-month sea tour. October 18 – Writer Meyer Levin, author of Eva, Compulsion and My Father’s House, opens the Jewish Community Center 1959–1960 Lecture Series. December 13 – The Jewish chapel at U.S. Naval Station, Norfolk, is officially named in honor of Commodore Uriah Phillips Levy, United States Navy, 17921862. Bertha Snyder, chairman of the Norfolk-Portsmouth Jewish Community Council Armed Services Committee, is the program chairman.
1960
December 16 – The Norfolk Chapter of Women’s American ORT celebrates its first birthday as the newest organization to be affiliated with the Jewish Community Council. It starts with 30 women and grows to 210 in just one year.
Freda H. Gordon Hospice & Palliative Care of Tidewater congratulates the Jewish community on 75 years. We are proud to provide a much-needed service of comfort and care to our community. The emphasis of hospice care is on providing comfort, not a cure, and on the family, not just the patient. We focus on the quality of life, not its duration…so you can embrace every moment together. FREDA H. GORDON
Hospice & Palliative Care OF TIDEWATER
757-321-2242 www.hpctidewater.com
1961
March – Virginia Israel Mission takes
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May 10 – Eleanor Roosevelt speaks to the women’s division at a dessert luncheon. April – Of the 63 restitution claims filed
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1962
April 2 – Norfolk Mayor Fred Duckworth proclaims April 2nd as “UJF Day,” led by Joseph L. (Buddy) Kantor, UJF Campaign chairman, and his two vice chairmen, Sam Sandler and Marvin Simon, where a room is set up for 100 volunteers to focus solely on solicitations for the day. May 25 – Humorist Sam Levensen speaks
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November 10 – Nationally syndicated
1963
December – Mrs. Miriam Kroskin is hon-
human relations newspaper colum-
ored as she is chosen to be the delegate to
nist, Ann Landers, kicks off the Jewish
the 26th World Zionist Congress held in
Arnold Gamsey Lodge No. 1195 B’nai
Community Lecture Series, her event
Jerusalem. Kroskin was president of the
Brith Distinguished Service Award for a
is titled: “Troubles – What Else” (937
Norfolk Chapter of Hadassah twice, as
lifetime of meritorious and distinguished
people attend).
well as served two times as president of
February – Jake Goodman is awarded the
service to Judaism, his community and its people. February – The Norfolk Jewish Community Center puts on the Broadway Musical
the Seaboard Region. December – Campaign sees more than 35%
1964
increase, but still does not meet $300,000
January – Community Council launches
Finian’s Rainbow with an all-star cast and
drive to raise $550,000 to purchase
production staff of friends and relatives.
Norfolk Academy campus on Newport
March 21 – Executive vice chairman of
Avenue for the JCC. Dr. Herbert Bonnie,
mark (which had not been hit since 1950).
1965
January – Campaign raises more than
the National United Jewish Appeal,
Marvin Simon, Irwin Berger, Ben Paul
Rabbi Herbert A. Friedman, addresses
Snyder and Joseph Mersel participate in
$340,000; first time in more than 15
the Initial Gifts Meeting of the Men’s
the negotiations.
years to raise over $300,000; Campaign
Division.
chairman, Bernard Glasser; Women’s
May 16 – Jewish Family Service appoints
Division, Mrs. Joyce Strelitz.
its first executive director, Miss Hazel Roman.
What’s as important as building a strong case?
Building a strong community. We congratulate the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater on 75 years of outstanding work in Hampton Roads. At Williams Mullen, we blend the law, government affairs and economic development to help find new solutions that grow our clients and community. Thank you for joining us in new ways of thinking that help us all to grow. For additional information about Williams Mullen, please contact: H. David Embree Howard E. Gordon William L. Nusbaum Lawrence R. Siegel 757.629.0612
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Congratulations to the UJFT for Many Great Years! December – The Ladies Auxiliary of Jewish War Veterans Post 158 sends “living letter” recording tapes to Vietnam for use by U.S. Servicemen during Chanukah and Christmas.
1966
January – JCC moves to the Academy grounds and plans are announced for a $1.4-million campaign to finance construction of a modern cultural and recreation center. It has 900 members. November 19 – The Norfolk Jewish Community Council is awarded by the Council of Jewish Federations and
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Welfare Funds the annual W. J. Shroder Memorial Award, “for superior initiative in the advancement of Social Welfare.” December 11 – The Community Relations Council, led by Harry Pincus, Jr., goes to Washington D.C. to offer 1,500 petitions of protest from Tidewater Jews on discriminatory treatment of Jews in the Soviet Union by the Soviet government.
Providing Care to Children and Adults for Over 60 years
1967
April 16 – Senator Abraham Ribicoff speaks to the community at the Annual Dinner Meeting, which sees 15% increase in pledges from the previous year. June – Due to the fast action and motivation of the CRC and leaders of the community, the Norfolk Jewish community, along with neighbors and Christian allies,
Congratulations UJFT on 75 years of compassion and caring that makes a difference. Keep doing great things!!!
successfully sends more than $1,800,000 (including bonds) to Israel for support during the Six Day War. October 9 – The Jewish Community Council is given a new name to avoid confusion with the JCC. It’s new name: The United Jewish Federation.
64
Come Join Us! December 14 – Norfolk Chapter of Women’s American ORT opens the doors to their first resale shop, ACT II, on Colley Ave.
1968
January – Leonard Strelitz is chosen “Man of the Year” by The American Jewish
In our Temple family, you are welcome at our table, in our school, at worship, and at... • • • • • •
Sisterhood events Men’s Club breakfasts Adult Learning classes Interfaith family programs Children’s Shabbat Services Family Shabbat Dinners
Times Outlook for his work on behalf of Israel. March 14 – Author and Holocaust survivor, Gerda Weissman Klein, speaks to the Women’s Division on behalf of the United Jewish Appeal. Campaign sees 60% increase from previous year. May – Morris B. Gutterman (past president of Jewish Community Council) is appointed to the Circuit Court as judge
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and becomes the first Jew in the history of the Commonwealth to achieve this distinction. June 30 – JCC has outdoor regulation AA-size swimming pool with plexiglass dome dedication. Miss Norfolk cuts the ribbon at the ceremony. September 28 – Israel ambassador Yitzhak Rabin and news analyst David
Mazel Tov
celebrating the jewish community
Schoenburn speak at a statewide meeting of the Young Leadership Conference in Norfolk. October 21 – Norfolk ORT chapter receives Golden Honor Roll Awards from National Board for surpassing its goals in gaining new members and re-enrollment for previous members.
1969
January – Launch of “Lunch with the Rabbi” on the Naval Base, sponsored by the Commodore Levy Chapel and the Armed Services Committee.
C harles s. Nusb aum , C PC u 5 0 0 W est 2 1 s t street, suIte 3 0 0 NO r F OlK, V I rGI NI a 2 3 5 1 7 7 5 7 - 6 2 2 - 4 6 5 3 • FAX 7 5 7 - 6 2 4 - 1 5 7 3 W W W. Nusb aum I NsuraNC e. C Om
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Toras Chaim Congratulates the Tidewater Jewish Community on 75 Years of Success.
January – Twenty-six local men go on a one week, fact-finding mission to Israel: UJA Operation Israel, led by Leonard Strelitz, Joseph Strelitz, Milton Kramer, Dr.
Toras Chaim
Sanford Lefcoe, and Rabbi Harold Hahn. March 27 – Former Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey speaks to the community about the threat in the Middle East and the necessity for the existence of Israel. April 20 – Elie Wiesel, Holocaust survivor and author, makes his first visit to the community as part of the Jewish Community Lecture Series. June 8 – The Tidewater community cele-
May we continue to grow together for another 75.
Mazal Tov
brates its first One Million Plus Dollar United Jewish Fund Campaign at a Victory Rally at Lake Taylor High School where UN ambassador Yosef Tekoah of Israel gives a major address. November – Marks the first time in the history of the United Jewish Federation newspaper that paid advertising is accepted for the long-range purpose of becoming a more informative, self-supporting community newspaper.
befo r e
a fter Congratulations from Turok Architecture - Residential
66
1970
January – Virginia Governor Mills Godwin, Norfolk Mayor Martin, Virginia Beach Mayor Dusch and Portsmouth Mayor Barnes sign proclamations asking for “Full rights and freedoms of Soviet Jews to be able to leave that country.” V. H. Nusbaum, Jr., Joseph Strelitz, Ephraim Spivek, Milton Kramer, Marvin Simon, Carl Katz, Dr. Sanford Lefcoe, Richard Glasser, Sam Sandler and Thomas Hofheimer attend the signing. October 11 – Jewish Community Center
May we continue
to grow for another 75 years and beyond.
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has a two-week long dedication of the nearly completed building. Three thousand people are members.
1971
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March 11 – At the Ruby Division Luncheon and Musical Show, the Women’s Division campaign surpasses the $100,000 mark! Arlene Strelitz is chairman of the Women’s Division. May – The CRC and Tidewater Jewish Youth Committee welcome Ella Tamshe, who emigrated to Israel from the Soviet Union, at a rally for Soviet Jewry at the City Park.
1972
February 13 – Dedication of the new JCC on Newport Avenue in Norfolk! September – Jewish Studies courses are offered at Old Dominion University. November – Norfolk sends 12 people on
Congratulations from Cindy and Ron Kramer and Family
first mission trip to Russia.
67
Mazel Tov
celebrating the jewish community
December – The Tidewater Virginia Region of Women’s American ORT sweeps many of the highest awards at the National Board Conference, held in Jerusalem (including: highest percentage of net gain in membership, first region in the country to complete assignment, honor roll and ORT School of Engineering completion).
1973
April 29 – First community-wide memorial Holocaust program, attended by the mayors of Norfolk and Virginia Beach, as well as Representative G. William
Congratulations from L.E. Ballance Electrical Service, Inc.
Whitehurst and Lt. Gov. Henry Howell takes place. October – The Norfolk Jewish community gathers with volunteers of all ages and all
75 Years and Counting! Congratulations UJFT!
levels of faith, along with the Christian community to rally in support of Israel during the Yom Kippur War. Leonard and Joyce Strelitz are honored with the Prime Minister’s Silver Medal, one of Israel’s top honors.
1974
January – Multi-media presentation of “And Behold, the Tree Sings is presented at the Center Theater which offers a fascinating look at the history of Norfolk’s Jewish community from its beginnings with the Myers family through present day (later wins first place in Special Events category given by the G.A. of the Council of Jewish Federations and Welfare Funds).
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February 10 – Women’s American ORT is the Convening organization for the Women’s Plea for Human Rights for Soviet Jews (joined in by nine other sisterhood organizations) to raise awareness and dedicate themselves as the situation worsened for Soviet Jews. March – Largest state-wide screening for Tay-Sachs disease, with help from MCV and EVMS, accomplished at the JCC. May 5 – Local Holocaust survivors, Mrs. Leah Kaplan and Mr. Shalom Steinbach, lead speakers’ bureau to raise awareness for Holocaust Memorial Day.
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Tidewater teens at Gadnah Camp in Israel.
July 14 – Fifteen area teens leave for a month-long trip to Israel, the culmination of the community’s Summer Institute for Jewish Living, conceived and directed by Lois and Barry Einhorn. September – The Hebrew Academy takes registration for kindergarten through 8th
Teagle & Little Third Page Block (T&L to do)
grade for the first time. September – In its 22nd year, the Norfolk Jewish Community Center officially becomes the The Jewish Community Center of Tidewater. October 20 – Zubin Mehta conducts the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra at Chrysler Hall. December – Gregori Teitelbaum, a Russian émigré the Tidewater community helped to get to Israel, thanks the community for their efforts.
69
Marriage Ending? December – Marvin Simon is honored with Israel’s Prime Minister’s Silver Medal, one of Israel’s highest awards.
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Mazel Tov to the UJFT
April – The Hebrew Academy of Tidewater opens its doors to its new home on Thompkins Lane, the first permanent location since its inception in 1956. November – Community holds rally of 2,000 strong with guest speaker Major General David Ofer of the Israeli Army to support Israel and protest the antiZionist resolution passed by the UN General Assembly. December – Joseph Strelitz is installed as national chairman of United Jewish Appeal at a conference in New York. Israeli Defense Minister Shimon Peres is the guest of honor at the banquet.
1976
March – American actress, Valerie Harper of Rhoda, travels to Israel with a Tidewater mission. Although not Jewish, she says she is a Zionist. March – “ORT is part and parcel of Israel,” says Edythe Harrison upon her return from Israel where she toured six ORT centers. June – Robert M. Rubin, UJFT president, names V.H. “Pooch” Nusbaum, Jr. Tidewater Missions chairman for the historic “This Year is Jerusalem” mission in conjunction with the national UJA conference in October.
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1977
December 17 – Jewish Family Service announces that of the 5,000 Soviet refugees that were granted permission to immigrate to the United States on Dec. 14, one family, the Felds, joins Tidewater’s community.
1978
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April – PANORAMA, a four-day Israeli fair that requires 600 volunteers and focuses
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August – Jewish Family Service is selected by the “Make America Better Committee” of the Norfolk-Chesapeake Board of Realtors, for its outstanding volunteer services. September – JCC first offers pre-school classes. October – Jewish Family Service receives accreditation by the Council on Accreditation of Services for Families and Children, making it one of only three organizations accredited by the Council in Tidewater. December – Community sends more than 160 members to Israel on the Mission Renewal. December – Beth Sholom Home and the United Jewish Federation announce they will partner to create a fund within the UJF endowment fund to secure the future for the new Beth Sholom Home of Eastern Virginia.
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1979
December – Beth Sholom Home launches its first annual “Switch Day,” an effort to make Christmas Eve special for the non-Jewish staff to feel “at home for the holidays.”
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1980
January – ORT Centennial February – The Young Adult Division is formed under the leadership of Marshall Bonnie as chairman with a kickoff party
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MAZEL TOV ON YOUR 75th ANNIVERSARY!
of “endless wine and cheese” at the Ramada Inn. September 1 – The new Beth Sholom Home of Eastern Virginia admits its first residents at 6401 Auburn Drive in Virginia Beach.
www.capitalcamps.org Ribbon cutting for Beth Sholom Home.
72
September 14 – Dedication ceremonies are held for Beth Sholom Home, with more than 1,400 people attending. November 18 – The Norfolk Chapter of
Mazel Tov
celebrating the jewish community
Hadassah (the second chapter formed in the United States), celebrates its 50th anniversary with a “Golden Jubilee.”
1981
January – The first successful Super Sunday, led by David Brand and Phyllis Katz, raises $204,730. April 29 – Merger of two Federations— Portsmouth, and Norfolk and Virginia Beach—creates the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater. A. Robert Gast, is executive director. June 15–18 – Eleven community members go to Israel to attend the first World Gathering of Jewish Holocaust Survivors, a conference held as a reunion and “a celebration of life.” October 29 – Wolf Blitzer, Washington correspondent for the Jerusalem Post, speaks to the Women’s Division.
Adam, Seth and Jillian White
Wolf Blitzer
1982
October 15 – The newspapers of the Tidewater and Peninsula areas combine, along with their federations and as a result, the UJF News becomes UJF Virginia News.
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October 31 – Dedication of Beth Sholom Sands takes place, with Mayor Louis R. Jones and Congressman G. William Whitehurst in attendance.
1983
January – Abraham Foxman, associate national director and director of the International Affairs Division of ADL, and Norman Olshansky, regional director of ADL, speaks to the community on Anti-Semitism. Admiral Wesley McDonald, Commander-in-Chief, Atlantic Fleet, Virginia Beach Police
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Chief Charles Wall, and Dr. Albert Ayers, Superintendent of Norfolk Public Schools attend. April 17 – World-renowned clarinetist, Giora Feidman, performs at Beth El Temple. May 5 – Allan Ryan Jr., director of the
Congratulations to UJFT on 75 years of serving the community.
Office of Special Investigations, the branch of the Department of Justice that was established to track down Nazi war criminals, is the speaker for “A Holocaust Commemoration for Days of Remembrance.” June – The first Navy Jewish Lay Leader Program is held at the Commodore Levy Chapel at the Norfolk Naval Station.
1984
May – The United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s Endowment Fund becomes a newly enhanced entity, the Tidewater Serving the community for more than 30 years
Jewish Foundation, as a result of the steady growth of the assets of its component funds—which had doubled in the
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previous three years.
November 29 – After Morty Goldmeier’s visit in September, the Tidewater Community Mission to Israel begins a Project Renewal field studies in the community of Pardes Katz, and after mission participants give input at the UJF executive meeting, it is announced that Pardes Katz is adopted as a Project Renewel/Twinning Community—culminating with “Community Caravan,” a $550,000 commitment over a five-year period, and the Joseph H. Strelitz Family and Pre-school Center in Pardes Katz.
1985
February 10 – Shlomo Carlebach performs for the youth of all of the Peninsula Congregation Sunday Schools at a Joint Sunday School Program followed by a concert for the community at the JCC. February 7 – “Life Saving Campaign” is approved by the board of directors of UJFT to enable every campaign supporter to make a separate, one-time gift for “Operation Moses,” the historic resettlement in Israel of more than 10,000 Ethiopian Jews. April 18 – U.S. Representative Tom Lantos, the first and only survivor of the Holocaust to be elected to the United States Congress, is the guest speaker at the annual Yom Hashoah remembrance service. September 12 – Community Leadership Mission to DC, sponsored by Women’s Division, has 36 participants and spends
In appreciation to the Jewish community for supporting Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Virginia Bechirah Chofshit Freedom of Choice – a fundamental Jewish belief. Bechirah is choice. Chofshit is free. “I did not find the world desolate when I entered it. As my father planted for me, so do I plant for my children.” Talmud Ta’anit
the day on Capitol Hill in briefings. October 25 – The celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the Jewish community in the Tidewater/Peninsula area begins. The celebration includes a festival of the arts with 18 artists and six performing artists.
75
November 23 – General Alexander Haig is guest speaker at the UJF Gala DinnerDance for the 1986 Campaign. November – The Tom Hofheimer Medical Mission is established to create an ongoing cooperative exchange of physicians between Israel and the Eastern Virginia Medical School for mutual education, research and the sharing of expert technical capabilities associated with comprehensive patient care.
1986
March 9 – Groundbreaking ceremony of the Joseph H. Strelitz Family and Pre-school Center in Pardes Katz, led by Arlene Strelitz; UJFT president, Dr. Sanford Lefcoe; Project Renewal co-chairman, Marc Jacobson; Twinning committee chairwoman, Alice Davis; associate executive director, Hal Sacks;
World ORT
and JCCT director, Neil Perlman. April – Jewish Family Service receives
congratulates United Jewish Federation of Tidewater on reaching this major milestone of 75 years of exemplary service to the Jewish community.
one of the two Project Hometown Grants given in the Southeastern area by American Express. It shares the grant with the Norfolk Senior Center to supplement the Adult Day Care Program —which represents the first time that
Tidewater is home to many members and supporters of ORT, and the Jewish Federation is one of our major partners in providing educational services to the Jewish communities in Israel, the FSU, Latin America and elsewhere around the world. Dr. Jean de Gunzburg President
Shmuel Sisso Director General & CEO
Harry Nadler North American Representative
a sectarian agency and a non-sectarian agency works together to provide a specific set of programs for the Jewish community. May – Governor Gerald Baliles announces the Virginia-Israel Commission, a yearlong program for the exchange of both people and ideas—15 members from Tidewater are among the members of the Commission. October 16 – First Annual Women’s Division “Chai Society” luncheon to honor contributors of $1,800 takes place.
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we just want to say
1987
January 23 – When Natan Sharansky and Yuri Orlov testify at a Commission of
s n o i t a l tu
a r g Con
to the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater
Inquiry in Washington to investigate
YOU LOOK GREAT FOR
the charges of massive Soviet human rights violations, five Tidewater delegates attend: Ellie Lipkin, chair of CRC; Dr. Barry Einhorn and Rabbi Stuart Altshuler, co-chairs of Soviet Jewry Task Force; Florence Goldin, chair, Soviet Jewry Commission; and Dr. Gary Rubin, assistant executive director of UJFT. September 21 – World-renowned violinist Itzhak Perlman opens the Tidewater Jewish Forum with the Virginia
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75
November – The State Board of Education approves and recommends the use of a Holocaust and Human Rights Curriculum in Virginia’s secondary
From our 75 years of continued service to yours,
schools. The curriculum is a cooperative project of the State Department of Education and the Virginia-Israel Commission’s Committee on Education
Mazel Tov to the UJFT!
and the Holocaust. December 3 – Natan Sharansky speaks
Men’s Club, Ohef Sholom Temple
at a Freedom Rally at Norfolk’s Center Theater with more than 1,000 Tidewater residents participating.
“Where Fellowship & Camaraderie Meet Service & Support” Est. 1938
December 6 – More than 500 people from Tidewater joined a group of 200,000 in Washington to demonstrate against human rights policies prohibiting reliHonor before Honors
December 19 – Opening night of Theater, an original musical celebrating
the story of Jewish life in Tidewater for the last half century.
years
Child-Centered Environment
the past 50 years of the Jewish commuthe Roof and The Sound of Music to tell
85
d 1927 she i l b a E st
“Jubilation 50” at Norfolk’s Center
nity—it borrows music from Fiddler on
www.ohefsholom.org
Educating Children
Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev’s gious freedom for Soviet Jews.
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Honor before Honors
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77
November – Commodore Uriah P. Levy,
1988
namesake of the destroyer U.S.S. Levy as
January 10 – The Portsmouth chapter of
well as the first permanent Jewish Chapel
Hadassah gathers at Gomley Chesed
ever built by the U.S. armed forces (the
to mark the Diamond Jubilee Year of
Commodore Levy Chapel at the Naval
National Hadassah and the 200th cele-
Station in Norfolk) is honored at the
bration of the signing of the American
Jewish Hall of Fame.
Constitution. A dramatic reading of Two Flags Unfurled features Rabbi Arthur Steinberg, Susan Krohn and Zelma Rivin
1989
Sam Sandler, Nathan Sharansky and Reba Sandler.
April 30 – Sam and Reba Sandler are
with musical accompaniment by Rabbi
November – Annabel Sacks, president
Philip Krohn, Telma Peck and Leah
honored with the “Natan Sharansky
of Jewish Family Service, announces
Wohl. Dr. G. William Whitehurst is the
Soviet Jewry Freedom Award,” which is
that a new branch office is open in
guest speaker.
presented to them by Natan Sharanksy
Virginia Beach to help better serve the
himself in conjunction with the Union of
community.
Councils for Soviet Jewry.
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December 17 – Rabbi Samuel Sobel is recognized at the rededication of Commodore Levy Chapel, which celebrates 30 years of continuing service to fleet and community. Chaplain Sobel originally dedicated the chapel three decades ago.
1990
March – The Hebrew Academy of Tidewater launches its first annual March Mumbles, a program that focuses on the importance of public speaking and stage presence for third, fourth, and fifth graders. April – Sam Sandler, Leonard Strelitz, and Marvin Simon chair the Operation Exodus campaign in Tidewater, which is created to help the absorption of Soviet Jews in Israel as anti-Semitism has resurged in the Soviet Union and more than 1,000,000 Jews are applying for exit visas. Jewish Family Service creates the Soviet Jewish Resettlement program.
Check presentation for Operation Exodus.
October – Under the leadership of Paul Peck, Young Leadership and the Young Adult Division (YAD) – each with its own constituency, goals, and agenda – merge to encompass singles and couples between the ages of 22 and 40.
We congratulate the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater on 75 years of devoted service to the Jewish communities in Hampton Roads and worldwide. We look forward to continuing to work together to make the world a better place. Your friends and supporters at
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December – The Community Relations Council launches Project Ahava for the Jewish community to help feed the homeless during the last week in December.
1991
February – “Solidarity Gathering for Our American Troops in the Gulf and our Friends in Israel” at the JCC, program participants include: Dr. Charles Goldman, president of the UJFT; Vice Mayor Rev. Joseph Green Jr. of Norfolk; Mayer Meyera Oberndorf of Virginia Beach; Rabbi Shlomo Goder of B’nai Israel; LCDR E. Arnold Siegel, Chaplain Corps, U.S. Navy; Charlotte Greely, wife of AQ1 Bruce Greely, USN, who now serves America in the Gulf, Jill Werbel, a student at the Hebrew University in
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Israel; Rabbi Israel Zoberman of Beth Chaverim; Rabbi Arthur Steinberg of Temple Sinai; the Rev. Donald Dunlap of Freemason Street Baptist Church; Father John Dorgan of Sacred Heart Church; Rabbi Arthur Ruberg of Beth El Temple and Rabbi Paul Cohen of Ohel Sholom Temple. May 26 – The Tidewater community begins to resurge its push for the Operation Exodus Campaign to help
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DePaul Medical Building 110 Kingsley Ln., Suite 410 Norfolk, VA 23505 757-423-2400
828 Healthy Way Suite 300 Virginia Beach, VA 23462 757-965-6165
the recent rescue of Ethiopian Jews and continued mass immigration of Soviets to Israel. Karen Jaffe, co-chair of the 1991 Women’s Division’s UJFT Campaign, joins the original vanguard to coordinate the continued efforts of the campaign. August 28 – Marcia Hofheimer, UJFT president, accepts an award on behalf of the community presented by the United Jewish Appeal for the community’s record-setting Operation Exodus campaign, which is currently at $4.1 million.
October – Sandra Leon, chair of the Holocaust Commission, conducts an hour long session entitled “One Human Race: A Multi-Media Approach to
Mazel Tov!
Combating Prejudice in the Classroom” during the 27th Annual Meeting of Virginia Social Studies Educators, in hopes to expand the Holocaust Commission’s agenda from teaching exclusively about the Holocaust to also providing teachers with written and audio-visual materials to address the subject of prejudice with their students. November – The Maimonides Society launches its inaugural year and escalates to 67 local physicians under the leadership of chairman Dr. Mark Greenspan and the steering committee: Dr. Leigh Baltuch, Dr. Alan Bartel, Dr. Robert Fink, Dr. Martin J. Goldberg, Dr. Milton
Congratulations on 75 great years! Jay Wilks, Susan Alper and Steven Harwood Wilks, Alper and Harwood, P.C. 150 Boush St., Suite 700 • Norfolk, VA 23510 • (757) 623-6500
Goldin, Dr. Randolph J. Gould, Dr. Edward Karotkin, Dr. Holly Puritz, Dr. Alan Wagner, Dr. Steven Warsof, and Dr. Stephen Wohlgemuth.
1992
April – Kim Simon Fink, chair of the Speaker’s Bureau of the Holocaust Commission, with the help of resources from WHRO-TV and WTKR TV News, produces a documentary video, A Story of Remembrance, to be available for local schools when survivors are no longer available to speak to students. April 30 – Author and Holocaust survivor, Gerda Weissman Klein is the guest speaker for Yom Hashoah where the unveiling and dedication of the Holocaust Memorial sculpture, built by local artist Vic Pickett, outside of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, on Newport Ave takes place.
Celebrating
75 successful years 81
November – Tidewater is among six Jewish Federations nationwide to win two Gold Awards in the 1992 CJF Public Relations Award Competitions, in the “Best Special Brochures” and “Best Campaign Brochures” categories. Also, the UJF Virginia News receives a Silver Award in the category for “Best Newspapers With Ads” (Marcia Hofheimer, president of UJFT; Dr. Gary N. Rubin, executive vice president of UJFT; Reba Karp, editor of UJFT Virginia News).
1993
Summer – After the Simon family challenges the community to meet the $150,000 they donate toward the formation of a fund in the Tidewater Jewish Foundation, the Simon Family Passport to Israel Program is launched by Richard and Landa Glasser—Passport to Israel helps send young people to Israel. November – The Rambam Society of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater open 7 days a week
holds its first event with 39 dentists in its charter and is created to work with the dental clinic in Tidewater’s twinned city
Mazel Tov on 75 Years
in Israel, Pardes Katz.
Dr. Sonny Lefcoe with Dr. Herbert Judes, chairman Department of Operative Dentistry in Israel.
WESTBURY MARKET/PHARMACY/KOSHER FOOD 8903 Three Chopt Road • Richmond, Virginia
(804) 285-0962
82
December 11 – Led by co-chairs, Dr. Bernard and Lois Einhorn, the opening night of the First Virginia Festival of Jewish Film takes place. Six Jewish films premiere from Israel, Britain, Sweden, Denmark, Czechoslovakia, Norway, and France.
Dr. Barry and Lois Einhorn.
1994
January 20 – Thanks to the help of Bob Josephberg and Larry Siegel, the Tidewater community has the chance to view Schindler’s List before its local release. Anna Perl—a Virginia Beach resident whose name was on Schindler’s List—shares some of her memories with the audience before the viewing. June – Under the leadership of Sandra Leon, the Holocaust Commission of the UJFT organizes an educational conference to help teachers deal with increasing prejudice and violence in the
Mazel Tov on 75 years of Great Community Work
classroom. The conference is underwritten by Tidewater area public and private schools, the National Conference of Christians and Jews, Robert Goodman,
Dr. Abbey & Brenda Horwitz
Sr., the National Diffusion Network, S.L. Nusbaum Realty, NSU, ODU, Marvin and Marilyn Simon, and Telsa and Arnold Leon.
83
October – Led by David and Bonnie Brand,
December – Ellen Sacks, Norfolk Act
1995
Tidewater’s Yachad Mission is the first
II Shop chair, presents two awards to
to visit Jordan under the auspices of the
the Norfolk Act II store from the 20th
UJA, blazing the trail for other communi-
National Board Conference of Women’s
Sarajevo Jewish community, speaks
ties to follow.
American ORT. The store wins the
about his observations of Jewish life in
“Superstore Award” for sending in
the war zone that used to be Yugoslavia
by Paul Peck and Nathan Jaffe, Governor
contributions exceeding $20,000 and the
with members of the Maimonides and
George Allen announces that earlier in
“15% Net Gain Retail Enterprise Award.”
Rambam Societies, Tidewater attorneys,
the week he signed an executive order for
Tidewater is the only area in the country
Young Leadership, and the Community
a Virginia-Israel partnership.
with three ORT consignment shops.
Relations Council of the UJFT.
November – At an AIPAC event co-chaired
March – Ivan Ceresnjes, president of the
April – Odessa Musical Troupe, Migdal Or, helps the community celebrate the successful completion of UJFT’s 1995 Campaign with a performance at Sandler Hall at Temple Israel.
Pawnbroking has been a Bress family tradition for over 70 years so we understand the importance of longevity.
Congratulations to UJFT on 75 years of great service to the Tidewater Jewish community.
Bress Pawn Shop • 721 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23510 757-625-4228 • www.bresspawnshop.com
84
April 30 – Bootsie and Morty Goldmeier are presented with the Pinnacle Award from the Beth Sholom Home of Eastern Virginia for their continued support of the Home over the last quarter century. May 21 – The Hebrew Academy of Tidewater celebrates its 40th Anniversary
Celebrating 75 successful years!
by honoring Reba and Sam Sandler and their family for their commitment to family and the Jewish community. August 6 – Nancy Engel, director of Refugee Resettlement for Jewish Family Service, presides over a press conference at the JCC to counter anti-immigrant sentiment that is growing in the U.S. The Virginia Council of Churches, the Community Relations Council of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, and Refugee and Immigration Services of the Catholic Diocese of Richmond attend. December 10 – After 13 years of gathering at the Roman Catholic Church of the Ascension, Congregation Beth Chaverim celebrates the official opening of its own synagogue.
1996
April 13 – Jewish Family Service marks 50
In Honor of Ms. Ina Levy and Ms. Joyce Strelitz
years as an agency at the Omni Hotel Waterside. May – the Tom Hofheimer Medical Mission moves its focus toward establishing a relationship between the Schneider Children’s Medical Center of Israel and EVMS and the Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters in Norfolk.
Ohef Sholom Temple’s Sisterhood congratulates 75 years of the United Jewish Federation Come visit the largest selection of Judaica in Tidewater at OST’s Judaica shop!
530 Raleigh Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23507
www.ohefsholom.org
85
July 25 – The newly established VirginiaIsrael Advisory Board meets for the first time, its formation recommended by the Virginia-Israel Partnership in order to provide continuity for an on-going relationship between Virginia and Israel and was signed by Governor George Allen on April 17. On the Board from Tidewater
75 Anniversary
th
Happy
are: The Honorable Mark Earley, Besianne Tavss Shilling, Art Sandler, Jeffrey Breit, and Dr. Ed Karotkin. October – Annie Sandler, Toni Sandler, and Sonia Stein are delegates at the first-ever Lion of Judah International Conference held in Jerusalem, where 500 women are representing 35 countries, 25 states, 65 U.S. communities, and 23 emerging Jewish communities from around the world.
1997
April 4 – Miriam Brunn Ruberg, director of Jewish Education for the UJFT,
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Shabbat,” a communal effort to ment of Shabbat (coordinated by the Enhancement of Jewish Life Committee of the Jewish Education Council). August 25 – The United Jewish Federation
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Edward Jones celebrates 75 years of the Jewish News.
of Tidewater and Tidewater Jewish Foundation move into their new home at 5029 Corporate Woods Drive as Jewish Family Service makes plans to remodel and expand their offices.
Ruth A Pano
Financial Advisor
October – The Hebrew Academy of
.
Virginia Beach, VA 23452 757-651-0488
Tidewater opens the doors to its new Technology Center and Classroom Computer Network, which comprise the basic infrastructure for the utilization of Member SIPC
86
Multi-Media Technology in the school.
December 11 – The Honorable Jerome B. Friedman is invested as United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Virginia – the first Jewish Federal Judge in the State of Virginia to be appointed by the President of the United States. December 21 – “Commonwealth and Community: The Jewish experience in Virginia” exhibit that examines the many aspects of the Jewish community’s role in Virginia’s growth opens at The Chrysler Museum.
1998
Kaufman & Canoles is pleased to celebrate the UJFT’s 75 years of service to the Jewish Community. Mazel Tov!
January 31 – Actor Henry Winkler is this year’s UJFT Community Gala featured speaker at the Omni Hotel. David Brand
B’nai Israel Congregation
is president of the UJFT. Chairing this event is Paula and Michael Blachman and Brenda and Larry Klar. April – The Holocaust Commission of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater
The Orthodox Synagogue for ALL Jews in Hampton Roads
sponsors its first Annual Elie Wiesel Writing Competition for Students.
1999
February 25 – Thirteen African American and Jewish teenagers are the first class
B’nai Israel is truly a family where Jews of differing levels of observance feel right at home.
of Operation Understanding Hampton
Michael E. Barney
mebarney@kaufcan.com 757.491.4040
Robert C. Goodman, Jr. rcgoodman@kaufcan.com 757.624.3238
Laura Geringer Gross lggross@kaufcan.com 757.624.3308
David Kamer
dkamer@kaufcan.com 757.624.3175
Roads, a program to rekindle and rebuild the historic relationship between
Call us today and we’ll connect you with Shabbos meal accomodations!
African Americans and Jews representing the Jewish community are: Lois and Barry Einhorn, OUHR advisory board co-chairs; Romy Lipkis, Brandon Rossen, Ari Lazier, Rachel Tabakin, Rachel Berman, Josh Stein, Stacey Rashti, Jessica
(757) 627-7358
Smith, and Jodi Sacks, OUHR program
420 Spotswood Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23517 office@bnaiisrael.com
director.
www.bnaiisrael.com
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March – Led by Frances Levy Birshtein
May 6 – The Maimonides Society of the
and Ronnie Jane Konikoff, BE A Reader
UJFT welcomes Dr. Zvi Feine, director
(BEAR) is launched as a literacy project
of the American Jewish Joint Distribution
of the UJFT that brings together volun-
Committee in Romania and JDC Deputy
Financial Advisor
teers of different religious, racial, and
Director for Israel, with Dr. Alan Wagner,
(757) 631-5530
ethnic backgrounds to make a difference
chairman of the Maimonides Society.
in the lives of children.
Feine leads a discussion about health care
Jones Zittrain Wealth Management Gregory S. Zittrain
Laurie Zittrain Jones, CRPC® First Vice President–Wealth Management Wealth Management Advisor (757) 631-5515
March 25 – The first class of 10 Certified
in Eastern Europe and the Former Soviet
Nursing Assistants working under Beth
Union and the Jewish community’s
Sholom Home’s new scholarship program
response.
complete their clinical and course work, and graduate.
June – Rachael Wagner, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Alan Wagner, is among 26 teenagers in the United States to receive the 1999 Bronfman Youth Fellowships under a program designed to develop future com-
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88
munity leaders committed to the concept of Jewish unity.
History of the Kempsville Conservative Synagogue October 17 – Edie Harrison, founding president of the Norfolk chapter and Tidewater Region of ORT, and Joyce Strelitz, co-founder, are honored at the 40th anniversary celebration of Women’s American ORT in Tidewater with special speaker Justice Richard Goldstone at the Harrison Opera House.
2000
April – The Hebrew Academy of Tidewater introduces the Voyage to Israel as a feature of the school’s curriculum, a 16-day program in Israel for graduating eighth
I
School of Tidewater. We also participate in Machar, Kadima, and USY youth groups.
In 1983, after holding our minyan in several locations, the congregation purchased five acres of land. Today, Kempsville Conservative Synagogue offers religious and social programming for a small, but participative and intimate congregation.
After 33 years, Kempsville Conservative Synagogue continues to offer traditional education and religious opportunities for all family members. Our members take an active part in all facets of the synagogue, from leading services to administrative functions and maintenance. We proudly express our commitment to the perpetuation of Judaism.
n 1977, a group of Jews joined to form Kehillat Yisrael, a synagogue in the Kempsville section of Virginia Beach. The next year, another small group of families formed the synagogue Bet Hamidrash. Soon, these two groups merged as Kehillat Bet Hamidrash (House of Prayer), also known as the Kempsville Conservative Synagogue or KBH. Together, we created a synagogue rooted in Jewish faith and learning in Virginia Beach.
Through the ongoing hard work and dedication of volunteers, Kempsville Conservative Synagogue maintains a respected position in the Tidewater Jewish community. We affiliate with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism and the United Hebrew
With our programming partner, Temple Israel of Norfolk, we offer study groups, joint holiday services, weekly Sunday school, and adult education programs.
Visit us at www.kbhsynagogue.org and then join us at 952 Indian Lakes Boulevard in Virginia Beach.
grade students conducted under the auspices of the Jewish Agency. June 1 – With Bonnie Brand as the Women’s Campaign 2000 chairman, the Women’s goal of $1,000,000 is met and
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kbhsynagogue
surpassed for the first time! October – In a unified response to the recent uprising in violence in Israel, the community comes together in “A Solidarity Gathering for Israel and Peace” on the grounds of the Hebrew Academy
RATUL ATIONS G N O C
of Tidewater, co-sponsored by the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and the Hampton Roads Board of Rabbis. October – Jay Klebanoff, president of Jewish Family Service, announces that in response to the needs of the Williamsburg Jewish community, JFS is opening an office in that city.
2001
January – Jodi and Jay Klebanoff head the Blue Ribbon Campaign to remember and honor the three Israeli soldiers who were
to the
UJFT! From the
Woodway Company/Steingold Family
Ira, Lawrence, Joe, & Sam
kidnapped on Oct. 7, 2000, by Hezbollah, including Benny Avraham, son of Haim Avraham of Tidewater’s sister city in Pardes Katz.
89
SHALOM tidewater Are you newish and Jewish in the Tidewater area or do you know someone who is? Starting over in a new town can be overwhelming. The Shalom Tidewater team is here to make the transition into our community easy and enjoyable. Contact Shalom Tidewater’s Community Concierge today and start knowing the Tidewater Jewish community! B’nai B’rith of Tidewater • BBYO • B’nai Israel Congregation • The Berger-Goldrich Home Beth Chaverim • Beth Sholom Village Bina High School • Brith Shalom Center Business & Legal Society • Camp Gan Israel • Camp JCC • Chabad of Tidewater The Commodore Uriah P. Levy Chapel Community Mikvah • Community Relations Council • Congregation Beth El • Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning Gomley Chesed Synagogue • Hadassah Hebrew Academy of Tidewater • Hebrew Ladies Charity Society • ODU Hillel Holocaust Commission • Hospice & Palliative Care of Tidewater • JCC Seniors Club Jewish Family Service of Tidewater • Jewish Museum & Cultural Center • Jewish News of Southeastern Virginia • Jewish War Veterans Old Dominion Post #158 Kempsville Conservative Synagogue Norfolk Kollel • Lost Tribe Motorcycle Club Maimonides Society • Marilyn & Marvin Simon Family Jewish Community Center NFTY • Ohef Sholom Temple • ORT • PJ Library • Reba & Sam Sandler Family Campus • Shalom Tidewater • Shir Darom Strelitz Early Childhood Center • Temple Emanuel • Temple Israel • The Terrace Tidewater Chavurah • Tidewater Jewish Foundation • Toras Chaim • United Hebrew School • United Jewish Federation of Tidewater • USY • Vaad HaKasharus of Tidewater • Yeshivas Aish Kodesh • YAD
shalomtidewater.org (757) 452-3180 90
May 22 – The Marvin Simon, Joyce Strelitz,
November 26 – More than 550 commu-
and Walter Segaloff families are among
nity members attend briefings on the
the 11 families who are instrumental in
“War on Terrorism, Israel-U.S. Relations
purchasing a rare set of the Survivor’s
and Middle East Peace,” with speakers
Talmud—a publication of the Talmud
Honorable George Allen, United States
made by the US Army on German soil
Senator; Howard A Kohr, executive
in 1948. The set is put on exhibit at the
director, American Israel Public Affairs
Chrysler Museum and dedicated to
Committee; the Honorable J. Randy
Leonard Strelitz.
Forbes, United States Congressman,
July – Tidewater’s Melanie Stein, a rising
Virginia’s 4th District; and the Honorable
junior at James Madison University,
Ed Schrock, United States Congressman,
takes home the bronze medal in the 100
Virginia 2nd District.
meter back stroke and a silver in the 400 meter medley relay at the 16th Maccabiah games in Israel. August – Directed by Miriam Brunn
2002
January – Sponsored by the Community
Ruberg, the Florence Melton Adult Mini
Relations Council of the UJFT, members
School, a school for adult Jewish learning
of Tidewater’s Christian and Islamic
that provides the opportunity to acquire
clergy and community leaders hear and
a foundation in Jewish knowledge in a
participate in a teleconference with Alon
systematic way over a period of two years,
Pinkas, Israeli Consulate General, at a
is launched in Tidewater.
meeting at the UJFT.
November – Led by Ron Kramer, the 2000 General Campaign chairman, Alan Frieden, 2000 Men’s Division chairman, and Bonnie Brand, 2000 Women’s Division Chairman, The United Jewish Federation of Tidewater is awarded the prestigious Sapir Award for Campaign Excellence in recognition of outstanding performance.
Proud to partner with UJFT to achieve success through inclusion for 75 years! 5511 Staples Mill Road, Suite 202 Richmond, VA 23228 Ph: (804) 515-7950 | Fax: (804) 515-7177 contact@inclusiveva.org www.inclusiveva.org
April – More than 2,000 demonstrate their support for Israel at the CommunityWide Israel Solidarity Rally that includes speakers: Rev. John Capellaro of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Norfolk; U.S. Congressman for Virginia’s 4th District Eric Cantor; Marcia Hofheimer, chairperson of the IsraelNow Campaign; Hagit Segev Moisis, a teacher at the Hebrew Academy of Tidewater; and
We are grateful to have participated in the community’s many successes.
Rabbis Arthur Ruberg of Beth El and Benjamin Shull of Temple Emanuel; Virginia Beach Mayor Meyera E. Oberdorf, State Senator Nick Rerras and U.S. Representative Ed Schrock. June 26 – Beth Sholom Home holds groundbreaking for the expansion and refurbishment of the nursing home and begins construction of The Terrace, the region’s first Jewish assisted living complex.
Congratulations on an outstanding 75 years!
September 4 – Book-signing and culminating event of three years’ work resulting in the publication of To Life: Stories of Courage and Survival, led by Laura Miller, To Life chair, takes place.
October 6 – The Hebrew Ladies Charity and its 800 members celebrate the organization’s 100th anniversary with “A Tribute to 100 Years of Caring” to honor
Bootsie & Morton Goldmeier
CONGRATULATIONS ON 75 YEARS!
the founders (of blessed memory) and their children and grandchildren.
Bert Lowenthal 91
Omar’s Carriage House Catering
October 9 – Ehud Barak, former Prime
June 1 – The Reba and Sam Sandler Family
Minister of Israel, speaks at Chrysler
Campus Site Dedication kicks off with
Hall. He delivers a message of confidence
the first Simcha Games and includes
that the first war of the 21st century, the
brief remarks from Virginia Beach Mayor
war against terrorism, can and must be
Meyera Oberndorf; Bob Josephberg and
won to preserve the freedoms and liberty
Bob Copeland, co-chairs of the Simcha
we know in our “Western Civilization.”
Campaign; UJFT President Ron Kramer; community leaders Marvin Simon and
Full service catering for your special day, including bar/bat mitzvahs, graduations, private dinners and wedding receptions. 313 W. Bute St. Norfolk, VA 23510 757.622.4990 omarscarriagehouse.com omarscarriagehouse@verizon.net
92
2003
March – Larkspur Middle School hosts a reception for local Holocaust survivors
Steve Sandler; and the premier of the song Celebrate the Moment, written by Zeke Panitz. September 4 – To Life: Stories of Courage
and Holocaust Commission members,
and Survival is awarded first place in the
where students recite poetry they have
National Federation of Press Women’s
written for the survivors and everyone
2003 Communications Contest in the
has a chance to plant a tree.
nonfiction book category.
October 31 –Jewish Family Service honors
February – Two and half years since its
March – The Simon family and the
52 “new Americans” in a ceremony
inception, the Norfolk Area Community
Tidewater Jewish Foundation announce a
where all of those recognized are Jewish
Kollel creates Shalom Hampton Roads,
new system to honor donors who make a
refugees from the former Soviet Union
the area’s first Jewish radio program, to
lasting gift to the Jewish community: The
who were resettled in Tidewater by JFS,
be hosted by two of the Kollel’s founding
Simon Family Legacy Society.
and have since obtained United States
members, Rabbi Ephraim Schwartz and
citizenship.
Rabbi Aryeh Gibber.
May 16 – The Terrace at Beth Sholom
March – Brenda Klar, a past president of the
Village, a Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Assisted Living Center, has its official
board of the Berger-Goldrich Home at
grand opening, with its religious cultural
Beth Sholom Village, receives the pres-
center furnished from North Carolina’s
tigious Trustee of the Year Award from
Temple Emanu-El in Weldon, which
a major financial gift to create an Early
the Association of Jewish Aging Services
closes its door the same day as the grand
Childhood Center on the new Sandler
for her dedication since the late 1980s and
opening.
Family Campus to establish a strong
involvement in the growth and develop-
foundation for lifelong learning in a
ment of the Home and the creation of the
dynamic, supportive and enriching
Terrace.
2004
January – The Strelitz family announces
Jewish environment.
Our Board of Directors Congratulates The Tidewater Jewish Federation on
75 successful years serving our Jewish community.
93
September 12 – Led by event co-chairs,
February 13 – More than 300 people gather
Marilyn Simon and Ann Copeland,
at the Reba and Sam Sandler Family
the community celebrates the grand
Campus to honor Rabbi Aron and Rychel
opening of the Reba and Sam Sandler
Margolin for their 25 years of leader-
Family Campus with an auction, sports
ship in Tidewater, with heart-warming
competitions, arts and crafts, fitness
tributes from Alene Kaufman, Rabbi
demonstrations, bingo, moonwalks, and
Arthur Ruberg, Rick Bass, Jon Becker,
more, as more than 2,200 attend.
Stanley Peck, and Rabbi Yankel Krantz of Chabad of Richmond.
2005
January 21 – Temple Israel and the area’s
Grand opening celebration of Sandler Family Center.
April – Jewish Family Service launches its first annual “Week of Healthy Living” with health education programs, a health
largest predominately African American
fair featuring local practitioners, and the
church, Calvary Revival, partner to pres-
First Annual “Run, Roll or Stroll” held at
ent an historic service and concert called
Norfolk Botanical Gardens. Amy Moss
“Shabbat Shirah: A Song for the King”
Levy is JFS president and Betty Ann
to commemorate both the story of the
Levy, JFS executive director.
Crossing of the Red Sea and the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King.
In Honor of
Morton Cushner Campaign Chairman 1941
Mickey & Stuart Held 94
May 10 – The Auxiliary Religious-Cultural
May 20 – Ten local high school students
Center at the Berger-Goldrich Home
who participate in Panim organize
is officially dedicated after the Spring
DARFEST, a concert to raise funds for
Luncheon due to the efforts of Pansy
the people of Darfur and southern Sudan
Perlman, auxiliary president, and Bernice
and highlights stories of Lost Boys living
Moses, luncheon chair.
in Hampton Roads. DARFEST also
October – The United States Naval
showcases bands of local high school
Academy opens the Uriah P. Levy Center and Jewish Chapel, named for Esther
students, as well as provides information. Children of the founders of Hebrew Ladies Charity Society.
June 25 – More than 600 community
and William Miller, parents of Jerry Miller. The academy estimates that some
(The event raises close to $10,000!)
May – Hebrew Academy students host Lost
members, service people, and dignitaries,
1.5 million visitors will tour the facility
Boy of Sudan Deng Awuou at the school’s
such as Senator Carl Levin, are gathered
during its first year.
Model Seder, where they explain the rituals
on board of the USS Harry S. Truman
and symbols that recount the Jews escape
as a Holocaust Torah is dedicated to the
from slavery and Deng describes his escape
Norfolk-based aircraft carrier.
from Sudan to freedom in the U.S. June 3 – Peninsula leader, businessman, and
2006
January – Tidewater Jewish Foundation
first ever Tidewater Women’s Mission to
philanthropist Walter Segaloff is honored
Israel, celebrating Israel’s 60th birthday in
as the first recipient of the Franklin O.
the city of Jerusalem.
Blechman Lifetime Achievement Award
Jerry and Laura Miller cut the ribbon at the dedication ceremony of the Jewish Chapel in Annapolis, Md.
August – Forty women take part in the
September – Bina High School, Norfolk’s
for Community Leadership.
first all-girls orthodox school, opens its
September – JCC launches “Kid’s
doors with 12 students in the ninth and
Connection,” a before and after school
10th grades. It is housed at Ohef Sholom
activity program.
Temple.
2007
March – The Jaffe Jewish Family Service in
2008
February 21 – Gabrielle Barr, Emily
Budapest is created through the gener-
Bernstein, Simon Fink, Jean Goodman,
announces its launch of the Program
osity of the Jaffe family. It will provide a
Kerri Horwitz, Rachel Kozak,
Endowment to encourage contributions
comprehensive continuum of welfare and
Jodi Laderberg, Erin Leon, Rachel
specifically to a program that will ensure
social services for the entire Hungarian
Schoenbaum, and Mitch Waranch are
that it thrives today and continues for
Jewish community.
presented with a Human Rights Award
tomorrow.
by the Virginia Beach Human Rights
March – Jewish Family Service celebrates its
Commission “for promoting human
60th anniversary after the Hebrew Ladies
rights and inter-group understanding in
Charity Society established an indepen-
our community” through their involve-
dent Jewish Family Service in 1946.
ment in planning and coordinating DARFEST. June 28 – Rabbi Rosalin Mendelberg sings the Star Spangled Banner prior to the start of the Tide’s game at Harbor Park, Jaffe Jewish Family Service participants.
the evening of Ohef Sholom Temple’s Men’s Club Annual Harbor Park Picnic.
95
November 6 – Matisyahu performs at the NorVa and right before the show asks the Jewish community to come together for minyan—backstage!
2009
April 2 – Miriam Seeherman, who has
2010
January 16 – For the first time in the history
August 1 – The First Annual “Sababa” Sunday, organized by rising college sophomores Staci Eichelbaum and
of the Commonwealth of Virginia, a
Elyssa Bernstein and co-sponsored by
Republican governor has a rabbi partici-
the Community Relations Council, is an
pate in the inaugural ceremonies – Rabbi
event for college students to celebrate and
Israel Zoberman.
learn how to advocate for Israel.
April 18 – After the devastating earthquake
October 2 – Ed Karotkin, MD, is honored
volunteered more than 50 years of her
that rocked the people of Haiti, local
alongside President Bill Clinton, recipient
time and talent to ensure equality,
Panim students plan Bouncing Back: a
of the 2010 Charles E. Horton Award for
opportunity, and enrichment to all
3-on-3 basketball tournament that raises
Humanitarian Service, in the category
residents of Tidewater, is honored at the
$2,350 to donate to American Jewish
of Physician, at this year’s Physicians for
Humanitarian Awards of the Virginia
World Services and the Natan’s opera-
Peace annual gala reception.
Center for Inclusive Communities.
tion—Giving Hope to Haiti.
September – Telsa Leon is awarded the prestigious Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award for outstanding service and devotion to the worldwide Jewish community at the Lion of Judah conference in New Orleans.
Congratulations to UJFT for 75 years! In loving memory of
Marvin Simon who shared his passion of Tzedakah and Tikkun Olam with his coummunity, his children and his grandchildren. Heidi and Ben, Leah, Wayne and Alex Kim and Andrew, Simon, Dustin and Erica Shelly and Britt, Sydnie and Logan
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2011
May 3 – Dr. Rick Hodes, MD, medical
May 27 – Back by popular demand, JCC’s
director of Ethiopia, American Jewish
“Fresh on Fridays” returns. Farmers from
Joint Distribution Committee, speaks at
Pungo to the Eastern Shore sell a variety
to Honor Israel at the Founder’s Inn,
the Sandler Family Campus as part of
of organic and locally grown fresh fruits
an event of Christians United for Israel
JFS’ 7th Annual Week of Healthy Living.
and vegetables every week. Baked goods
March 6 – More than 1,000 attend a Night
(CUFI) aimed at strengthening bonds
May 13 – For the first time in Hampton
and other items are also sold. June 1 – Virginia Israel Advisory Board’s
with Israel and express support for the
Roads, the Jewish Motorcycle Alliance’s
Jewish people.
annual Ride to Remember comes to
Ralph Robbins speaks at the Simon
the JCC with more than 200 motorcy-
Family JCC at an event sponsored by
nity gathers to present a Torah scroll to
cles and even more members from the
the Community Relations Council of
the USS George H.W. Bush, purchased by
community.
the UJFT in partnership with Tidewater
March 13 – The Tidewater Jewish commu-
the Tidewater Jewish Foundation through
May 15 – More than 200 guests gather
Jewish Foundation. June 12 – Second Annual Sababa Sunday
the auspices of the Leonard R. Strelitz
at Beth Sholom Village for its 30th
Talmud Fund, and Joyce Strelitz and her
Anniversary Gala to eat, drink, and
for college-aged students takes place at
family and friends.
honor the past presidents of the board of
the Simon Family JCC. Staci Eichelbaum
directors.
and Kara Frank co-chair the event.
May 1 – Ruth Kapp Hartz is the keynote speaker for the Holocaust Commission’s annual Yom Hashoah event, held this year at Ohef Sholom Temple.
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congratu
lations
Mazel Tov! Old Dominion University congratulates the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater on their 75th anniversary.
odu.edu 98
June 22 – Two years of leadership training
October – Twenty-eight Jewish women
December – The partnership between
culminate when 15 young adults embark
travel to Havana, Cuba for a four-day visit
UJFT and area synagogues is revitalized
on a journey to Israel. For seven days,
to the Jewish community with UJFT’s/
with the creation of the Synagogue-
graduates of the Hineni! Institute for
Joint Distribution Committee’s women’s
Federation Partnership, which includes
Leadership Development Program, spon-
mission.
grants for synagogues, the establishment
sored by the Simon Family Foundation,
October 23 – Hebrew Ladies Charity
trek through Israel, learning history,
celebrates 110 years of service with a
politics, social and security issues, and
luncheon at Beth Sholom Village. More
experience first-hand how UJFT dollars
than 200 attend, where children and
support Jews worldwide.
grandchildren of the original founders are honored.
2012
April 29 – More than 1,300 people
November 27 – The Community Relations Council’s Israel Today series begins with
December – Jewish Family Service launches its Past President’s Society. December – Freda H. Gordon Hospice the Gold Care Seal of Approval from the Joint Commission.
Amos Guiora, former Commander of the IDF School of Military Law, Judge
Independence Day festival at the Simon
Advocate for the Navy and Home Front
Family JCC.
Command. He speaks to a standing
its Spring Luncheon with guest speakers
and area-wide events.
and Palliative Care of Tidewater receives
attend Yom Ha’Atzmaut, the Israel
May 10 – UJFT’s Women’s Cabinet holds
of the area’s first Community Concierge
room only audience at the Sandler Family Campus.
Taly Shaul and Zoya Shvartzman from Hungary. They are introduced by JDC executive board member Karen Jaffe. June 3 – Nearly 60 years after Temple Sinai left Ohef Sholom Temple, Temple Sinai returns, merging with the Norfolk synagogue in a multi-faceted ceremony. June 4 – Simon Family JCC’s Florence Melton Adult Mini-School holds its 10th graduation. June –Congregation Beth Chaverim marks its 30th anniversary. June 7 – Hebrew Academy of Tidewater hosts a farewell reception for Zena Herod, outgoing head of school. More than 200
MAZEL TOV UJFT! Congratulations on
75 YEARS
of faithful service!
people attend. July – Fifty-one Jewish men from Tidewater head to Israel with the second Men’s Leadership Mission, organized and primarily funded by Steve and Art Sandler. The men hear from top-notch speakers, visit unique sites and experience firsthand the visceral connection that exists today between Jews and Israel.
www.v i c p p .o rg 99
Leaders of United Jewish Federation of Tidewater Presidents rchie J. Harris 1945–1946* A Ben Simon 1946–1947* Lester S. Sherrick 1948–1949* Albert G. Hofheimer 1949–1950* Harry Elson 1951–1952* Joseph L. Kanter 1953* Hyman H. Block 1954–1955* Bertram S. Nusbaum, Sr. 1956–1957* Morris B. Gutterman 1958–1959* Sydney J. Gates 1960–1961* Ralph S. Margolius 1962–1963* Paul M. Lipkin 1964–1965 Norman Berlin 1966–1967* Sam Sandler 1968–1969* Joseph H. Strelitz 1970–1971*
Leonard R. Strelitz 1972–1973* Sanford L. Lefcoe 1974–1975** Robert M. Rubin 1976–1977 Marvin Simon 1978–1979* Robert O. Copeland 1980–1981 Marc Jacobson 1981–1984 Sanford L. Lefcoe 1985–1987* Bootsie Goldmeier 1987—1989 Charles Goldman 1989–1991 Marcia Hofheimer 1991–1993 Art Sandler 1993–1995 Steve Sandler 1995–1997 David Brand 1997–1999 Annabel Sacks 1999–2001 Toni Sandler 2001–2003 Ron Kramer 2003–2005
Alan Frieden 2005–2007 Abbey Horwitz 2007-2009 Lonny Sarfan 2009–2011 Alvin Wall 2011–2013 Miles Leon 2013–
General Campaign Chairmen 1935 – Dr. Louis Mendoza* 1936 – Harry H. Kanter* 1937 – Ben Simon* 1938 – Harry H. Mansbach* 1939 – R ichard D. Hofheimer* 1940 – S ylvan Altschul* 1941 – M orton Cushner, David Friedman*, Alan Nordlinger*
Community IS OUR MIDDLE NAME.
Tidewater Community College operates as a true reflection of the community we serve, founded on shared goals of mutual respect and admiration for every single student. With more than 150 college transfer, career & technical, and workforce development programs, there is something for everyone. No matter where you’re headed in life, start here. Visit tcc.edu today for information.
TCC.EDU C H E S A P ECAHKE ES A P EIA K EN OI R FNOOLRKF O L K| 100
| P OPRO RT TSSMMOO UUTTHH I
I
|
757-822-1122
S U SF FUOFLFK O LI K V I IR G I NVIIAR BGEIANCIHA
BEACH
1942 – A rchie J. Harris* 1943 – William Nordlinger*, Louis Tabakin* Julius A. Myers* 1944 – Ben Paul Snyder* 1945 – Joseph Hecht*, Harry Elson* Lester S. Sherrick* 1946 – Dr. Dudley Cooper* 1947 – A rchie J. Harris* 1948 – D avid Friedman* 1949 – Herbert J. Gerst* 1950 – L eo S. Baydush* 1951 – L ouis B. Fine* 1952 – A rthur Cooper*, David Krug* 1953 – George M. Gordon* 1954 – Norman Berlin* 1955 – Sydney J. Gates* 1956 – J oseph Klein* 1957 – J ake Goodman* 1958 – S am Robbins*, Julian Rashkind*, Sam Weisberg 1959 – R alph S. Margolius* 1960 – A rchie J. Harris* 1961 – P aul M. Lipkin 1962 – J oseph L. Kantor 1963 – S am Sandler* 1964 – L eonard R. Strelitz* 1965 – Bernard Glasser* 1966 – Joseph H. Strelitz* 1967 – Stanley Waranch 1968 – M ilton Kramer* 1969 – R abbi Harold Hahn* 1970 – Marvin Simon 1971 – Dr. Sanford L. Lefcoe* 1972 – D r. Arthur S. Kaplan* 1973 – Dr. Robert M. Rubin 1974 – L awrence I. Brenner 1975 – Bernard Jaffe* 1976 – Dr. Sanford L. Lefcoe* 1978 – David Furman 1979 – Thomas L. Hofheimer* 1980 – Sam Sandler* 1981 – Marc Jacobson 1982 – Dr. Charles J. Goldman 1983–1984 – Tavia Gordon 1985 – M orton Goldmeier 1986 – James M. Kline 1987–1988 – A rnold Leon
1989 – D r. Harvey Davis 1990-1993 – A rt Sandler 1994-1996 – Steve Sandler 1997-1998 – T oni Sandler 1998-2000 – Ron Kramer 2001-2003 – A lan Frieden 2003–2005 – Miles Leon 2005–2007 – Bonnie Brand 2007–2008 – L onny Sarfan 2008–2010 – J ohn Strelitz 2013 – A my Levy
Women’s Campaign Chairs 1936 – Mrs. Philip Kroskin (Miriam)* Mrs. Charles L. Kaufman, Sr. (Doris)* 1945 – Mrs. Philip Kroskin (Miriam)* Mrs. Bernard Beskin (Virginia)* 1946 – M rs. Alvin Margolius (Elise)* 1948 – M rs. Lee A. Gifford (Helen)* 1951 – M rs. Leo S. Baydush (Ida)* 1953 – M rs. Myer Herzberg (Lena)* 1954 – M rs. M. G. Stadler (Jeanne) 1957 – Mrs. Alan Fleder (Esther)* 1958 – M rs. Alan Fleder (Esther)* 1959 – Mrs. Herbert Altschul (Rachelle) 1960 – Mrs. V. H. Nusbaum, Sr. (Justine)* 1961 – M rs. Sydney J. Gates (Goldie)* Mrs. Harold L. Groh (Audrey) 1962 – Mrs. Harold L. Groh (Audrey) Mrs. Bernard Salzberg (Edythe) 1963 – Mrs. Stanley L. Harrison (Edie) Mrs. Sam Weisberg (Phyllis) 1964 – Mrs. Paul M. Lipkin (Ellie) 1965 – Mrs. Oscar Warner (June)* 1966 – M rs. Leonard R. Strelitz (Joyce) 1967 – Mrs. Philip Kroskin (Miriam)* 1968 – Mrs. Stanley Waranch (Carole) 1969 – Mrs. Roger A. Horne (Isabelle)* 1970 – Mrs. Geoffrey H. Myers (Betty) 1971 – Mrs. Joseph H. Strelitz (Arlene) 1972 – Mrs. Sanford L. Lefcoe (Mavolyn)* 1973 – Mrs. Sanford L. Lefcoe (Mavolyn)* 1974 – Ms. Bette Kanter 1975 – Mrs. Louis L. Rostov (Beverly)* 1976 – Mrs. Burton Moss (Marcia) 1977 – Mrs. Robert O. Copeland (Anne) 1978 – Mrs. Fred H. Rosenblum (Barbara)
1979 – Mrs. Samuel H. Rosenblatt (Trudy) 1980 – M arcia Hofheimer 1981 – Bootsie Goldmeier Jane Stein 1982 – Bootsie Goldmeier Jane Stein 1983–1985 – Jane Stein 1985–1986 – Dottie Goldman 1986–1987 – A nn Zukerman 1988–1990 – M imi Karesh 1990–1992 – A lice Davis 1992–1994 – Karen Jaffe 1994–1996 – Toni Sandler 1996–1997 – A nnabel Sacks 1997–1999 – A nnie Sandler 1999–2001 – Bonnie Brand 2001–2003 – Phyllis Lannik 2003–2005 – Terri Sarfan 2005–2007 – L aura Miller 2007–2009 – K aren Lombart 2009–2011 – A my Levy 2011–2013 – L aura Geringer Gross 2013 – J odi Klebanoff
Women’s Presidents 1968–1970 – Mrs. Leonard R. Strelitz (Joyce) 1970–1972 – Mrs. Philip Kroskin (Miriam)* 1972–1974 – Mrs. Paul Lipkin (Ellie) 1974–1976 – Mrs. Geoffrey Myers (Betty) 1976 – Mrs. Joseph Strelitz (Arlene) 1977 – Mrs. Paul Lipkin (Ellie) 1978–1980 – Mrs. Sanford Lefcoe (Mavolyn)* 1981–1982 – Marcia Moss 1982–1983 – Barbara Rosenblum 1984–1986 – Bootsie Goldmeier 1986–1987 – Ann Copeland 1988–1990 – Ann Zukerman 1990–1992 – Mimi Karesh 1992–1994 – Alice Davis 1994–1996 – Karen Jaffe 1996–1997 – Toni Sandler 1997–1999 – Annabel Sacks 1999–2001 – Annie Sandler 2001–2003 – Annabel Sacks 2003–2005 – Phyllis Lannik 2005–2007 – Terri Sarfan
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Agencies of United Jewish Federation of Tidewater United Jewish Federation of Tidewater 5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 757-965-6100 www.jewishva.org Executive Vice President: Harry Graber
Jewish Family Service 260 Grayson Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 757-321-2222 www.jfshamptonroads.org Executive Director: Betty Ann Levin
Beth Sholom Village 6401 Auburn Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23464 757-420-2512 www.bethsholomvillage.com Executive Vice President/CEO, David R. Abraham
Marilyn and Marvin Simon Family Jewish Community Center 5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 757-321-2338 www.simonfamilyj.org Center Director: Scott Katz
Hebrew Academy of Tidewater 5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 757-424-4327 www.hebrewacademy.net Head of School: Rabbi Mordechai Wecker
Tidewater Jewish Foundation 5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 757-965-6111 www.jewishva.org President and CEO: Philip S. Rovner
Linda FOX-JARVIS and Team
The Mother-Daughter Team of Hampton Roads congratulates United Jewish Federation of Tidewater on its 75th anniversary!
Realtors You Can Trust with Over 30 years of Real Estate Experience and Expertise! 757-490-1254 Lfoxjarvis@mindspring.com www.foxhomelink.com 102
Tidewater Synagogues B’nai Israel Congregation Chabad Lubavitch of Tidewater Congregation Beth Chaverim Congregation Beth El The Commodore Uriah P. Levy Chapel Gomley Chesed Kempsville Conservative Synagogue Ohef Sholom Temple Temple Emanuel Temple Israel Tidewater Chavurah
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Thank you, Tidewater, for partnering with The Jewish Agency to secure the Jewish future for generations.
Happy 75th!
The Rose Frances & Bernard Glasser Health & Wellness Center
For over 30 years, Beth Sholom has proudly served the community. Congratulations on this milestone anniversary!
Beth Sholom Village has a medical clinic for adults who need expert primary care? Open to the public, the Health and Wellness Center offers routine and acute lab work, immunizations and Coumadin checks, as well as diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of chronic diseases. Lara Nance, an experienced nurse practitioner and clinic director, is ready to see you.
w w w. b e t h s h o l o m v i l l a g e . c o m 104
Call 961-3055 to make an appointment.
The Health and Wellness Center is: • Open Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. • Accepting of most major insurance and Medicare. • Now offering pre-employment drug screening for your company. Call for details.
MAZEL TOV! יום הולדת שמח
Yom Huledet Sameach to the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, celebrating 75 years of commitment to our Jewish community and the world. Ensure the next 75 years of the UJFT. Endow your gift through the Tidewater Jewish Foundation. (757) 965-6111 jewishva.org 105
75
Celebrating
Years
In 1912, in response to a great need in the community, a group of nine Jewish ladies formed the Hebrew Ladies Charity Society, from which Jewish Family Service was formed in 1946. From our humble beginnings, today we continue to serve a great need in our community, providing home health care, counseling, food and financial assistance, guardianship, transportation, older adult services, and more to thousands of people of all ages, races and religions. We are proud to have been a part of the Jewish community for over 75 years and we look forward to a bright future.
You never know when you’ll need help, but you’ll always know where to find it.
www.jfshamptonroads.org 106
Happy 75 Years UJFT! The Simon Family Jewish Community Center is proud to be part of the history of our community – so proud that “community” is part of our name. The Simon Family JCC is more than just a fitness center. You will find programs for the entire family – infants through teens, adults to seniors. We are especially proud of our children’s programs which include Camp JCC, Kids Connection before- and after-school care program, and youth sports leagues where your children will meet new friends and develop team spirit. The JCC also enriches the Tidewater community by hosting the Jewish book, film and Israel festivals and the art shows and live entertainment that are offered throughout the year. We are a community center for Tidewater … plus a great fitness center that offers 60-plus free group exercise classes to its members who, after working out, can relax in one of three heated indoor pools year round and an outdoor pool and water park from Spring to Fall. At the Simon Family JCC everyone is welcome. Congratulations to every Jew living in Tidewater for being a continuing part of this 75 year experience.
Simon Family Jewish Community Center on the Reba & Sam Sandler Family Campus of the Tidewater Jewish Community 5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 SimonFamilyJCC.org | 757-321-2338
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L’Dor V’Dor
years from generation to generation Our Jewish community in Tidewater formally organized itself 75 years ago. From generation to generation we have thrived here and have enriched the local community as well. United Jewish Federation of Tidewater celebrates this 75th birthday of our community in which each and every Jew is a vital part. This is a birthday for every Jewish person in Tidewater. We are all 75 years old in that we continue to energize and sustain this community for more generations to come. UJFT is proud that we are playing a part in this process by supporting more than 20 local Jewish organizations, including Jewish Family Service of Tidewater, the Simon Family JCC and all of our synagogues. To everyone in our community,
Happy 75th Birthday! Kol Hakavod!
On the Reba & Sam Sandler Family Campus of the Tidewater Jewish Community 5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Suite 200, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 www.JewishVA.org | 757-965-6100
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Ruth’s will said a lot about her. What does your will say about you?
As a “pink lady” Ruth Goodman accumulated more hours than any other volunteer at the Norfolk hospital where she greeted visitors. Before she died in 1995, Ruth arranged for a bequest to the Hampton Roads Community Foundation to give good health to the community she and her husband Victor loved. This year 21 students are studying to become physicians, pharmacists and other medical professionals thanks to scholarships generated by Ruth’s generosity. Many more Goodman Scholars will follow every year forever. Write your prescription for a better future by ordering a free bequest guide. Learn how easy it is to leave a gift for charity. Call 757-622-7951 or visit leaveabequest.org.
Adding charity to your will or IRA
A quick guid
e to the plea sure and pr omise of charitable bequests
•
www.leaveabequest.org. (757) 622-7951
Thanks to hundreds of generous donors like Ruth Goodman, since 1950 the community foundation has awarded more than $180 million in grants and scholarships to improve life for people in southeastern Virginia. 3
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