Jewish News Supplement Dads & Grads (June 2024)

Father’s Day

TJF staff

Pete Kramer was a quiet, yet influential man who believed that true legacy was not measured in financial wealth but in the values and actions one instilled in their children.

DADS & GRADS

A father‘s influence: The legacy of Pete Kramer

As Eddie Kramer prepares to step into his new role as board chair for Tidewater Jewish Foundation, his thoughts naturally turn to the impact his father, Herbert L. “Pete” Kramer, had on his life. For Eddie, Father’s Day is not just a time for celebration but also a moment for reflection on the values and lessons imparted by his father, who was known for his dedication to the principles of tikkun olam (repairing the world).

integration, left a lasting impression on him and his brothers. His father’s lessons on community service extended to their high school years, where Eddie and his brothers participated in community programs.

“Dad always believed that his sons were his legacy, and it was our responsibility to contribute, at a higher level.”

“My father left a legacy of compassion and community service,” Eddie says.

As the youngest of three brothers, Eddie vividly remembers his father’s unwavering commitment to helping others and standing up for justice. “He realized how to do all these things in the background,” Eddie says. “He never put himself out in front of it.”

Pete was involved in community service and social justice initiatives. Known for his generosity, he was often the first to contribute to local causes and help students with the cost of education. His involvement in the civil rights movement, including marching with local black clergy members down Granby Street in Norfolk, exemplified his belief in standing up for those who couldn’t stand up for themselves. “He took a lot of heat for his stance, but he always stood his ground,” Eddie says with pride.

Eddie recounts how his father’s actions during challenging times, like speaking out against school closures in the 1950s due to

Eddie also credits his father for his business acumen and strategic thinking. After a successful career in law, Pete transitioned to property management and development, where he taught his sons valuable lessons about hard work and innovation.

“Dad was always a thinker and a doer. He inspired us to be proactive and to seek opportunities to make a difference.”

As Eddie prepares to lead TJF, he says he envisions a future where TJF continues to support the community by securing assets that will ensure the sustainability of the Jewish community, culture, and traditions.

Eddie’s involvement with TJF and other organizations is about honoring his father’s legacy and creating a lasting impact for future generations. He speaks passionately about engaging the community and encouraging participation in philanthropic efforts. “It doesn't matter how much you give, but that you join the party,” he emphasizes, highlighting the power of community involvement.

Reflecting on the future, Eddie emphasizes the importance of building a foundation for the next generation. “Our parents did so much to get us here. They equipped us to continue their work. It’s now our responsibility to ensure that legacy endures.”

Eddie Kramer

Terri Denison

DADS & GRADS

Jewish Tidewater’s Graduates

This year’s graduation season began with plenty for Jewish Tidewater’s graduates and their families to celebrate.

Graduations provide time to recognize achievements, formally bid goodbye to a treasured educational institution, and move on to life’s next chapter. And celebrate!

This year, Jewish Tidewater has much to collectively feel proud of and celebrate – with so many graduating from respected schools, earning impressive degrees and awards, and planning rewarding futures.

Jewish News is excited to celebrate these outstanding graduates and cheer them on for their next steps. Mazel Tov!

Got a Jewish graduate?

If your graduate is not included here, please submit their information by June 28 for the July 15, 2024 issue. Include: Graduate’s name, school, achievements, what’s next, and parents’ names.

Email to: news@ujft.org. Be sure to put GRADUATE in the subject line.

Jonah Zuckerman

Cape Henry Collegiate

Next: University of South Carolina

Jonah is the son of Megan and Steve Zuckerman. Hebrew Academy class of 2017

Global Scholars Diploma, three-season varsity athlete in track, cross country, and tennis, Godol/President of OD AZA/BBYO

The United Jewish Federation of Tidewater has launched an internship program to connect Jewish youth with local businesses, spotlighting opportunities and strengthening community

Starting this summer with high school upperclassmen and expanding to college students next year, the program will match prospective interns with local businesses to highlight career opportunities and foster community growth

For businesses looking for interns and individuals looking for an internship, contact Elana McGovern, emcgovern@ujft org or visit jewishVA.org/intern

Stephanie Peck

JON BECKER

Our dad has always been a very involved man in all aspects of our lives and those in the greater Jewish community. He prides himself on being an active member of society and specifically the Jewish community. He instilled in us, from the time we were little, that we are Jewish first, then American. Along with our mother, they always put our Jewish education first, and this is something we four girls, to this day, still value above all.

Amy Becker

Katie Becker

Jennifer Friedman

Lisa Klinger

He always is happy to share stories of his father, of blessed memory, and how he was an active part of his community, as well. Our dad is not only a talented lawyer, but chef, builder, problem fi xer, expert of all things, and a wonderful Zayde to 12 grandchildren. Of all those titles, we couldn’t be more proud to simply call him “Dad.”

DADS & GRADS

CHEERS TO DADS!

“When the kids are laughing that dad doesn’t know what is going on, you’ve arrived. If kids think dad is cool, something has gone terribly wrong,” Jerry Seinfeld once mused.

Describing their dads ahead of Father’s Day, these adult children may have once subscribed to Jerry Seinfeld’s philosophy on fatherhood. With a little maturity, however, and maybe children of their own, these sons and daughters celebrate the men who have stood by their sides, offered advice, and provided their own laughs to accompany them on their journeys from childhood to adulting.

BOBBY COPELAND

‘A Link in the Chain’ is a refrain we often hear at family gatherings – B’nai mitzvahs, weddings, Seders. That phrase embodies our dad, Bobby Copeland.

The ‘link’, we were taught, is what allows us as Jews to connect to our past and reach for our future. It recognizes the accomplishments and struggles of generations of Jews, honors the millions lost in the Holocaust, and expresses heartfelt grief for the brave men and women who fight for Israel – past and present.

Our dad, a man of great character, compassion, commitment, and loyalty, has shown us – his children, his 12 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren – by both word and deed, what it means to be a solid link in the chain of family, community, and continuity. (And this would never have happened without our mom, Ann Copeland, by his side.)

So, on this Father’s Day, while Jews in Israel and around the world face so many immediate and devastating challenges, all the Copelands, Brodys, and Klebanoffs want to thank Dad / Z for bestowing on us the honor and obligation of being a link in the chain!

With Love,

Stacy and Hyman Brody

Jodi and Jay Klebanoff

Scott and Jillian Copeland

Todd and Robin Copeland

Jon and Susan Becker (seated) surrounded by their children and grandchildren.

Scott Copeland, Stacy Brody, Bobby and Ann Copeland, Jodi Klebanoff, and Todd Copeland.

HARRY GRABER

Alex Graber

Zachary Graber

JOEL RUBIN

Danny Rubin

Jill Wainger

Ross Kantor

DADS & GRADS

Growing up, you (almost) always appreciate the things that your parents do for you day to day. But there’s another view when you are grown up, maybe doing it yourself, and you can look back collectively and think about how it shaped you. You can appreciate decisions that you might not have realized were being made at the time and think about what you would’ve done differently. I think we’re very lucky to be able to say the answer is not much.

Our father dedicated his career to his community and helping other people, without taking anything away from us – which is something to be proud of and we’ll always appreciate. He was and is a great dad.

JERRY KANTOR

Our dad (affectionately known to his family as “JJ”) embodies the essence of a man dedicated to his family and his community. His life is a testament to the values of selflessness, humility, and unwavering commitment to others.

Family is paramount to JJ; he is deeply devoted to his wife of 52 years, Kathy, and together they have consistently shown up to support their children and grandchildren in every endeavor and milestone.

JJ’s sense of community extends far beyond his family. He has held leadership positions in countless organizations, including Congregation Beth El, Beth Sholom Village, CHKD, Norfolk Academy, JCC, JFS, United Way, the Norfolk Public Library, Norfolk Planning Council, Greater Norfolk Corporation, Azalea Festival, and multiple wine whole-saler organizations. He was awarded a humanitarian award by the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities (VCIC), like his father before him. His actions are guided by the golden rule –treating everyone with respect and kindness – and he taught us this lesson by example.

Highly regarded by his employees as president of Broudy Kantor Co. for many decades, JJ never misses an opportunity to lend a helping hand, whether to someone he knows personally or a stranger in need.

A quintessential mensch, on Father’s Day and every day, we celebrate JJ’s thoughtfulness, generosity, and great sense of humor. His legacy of quietly caring for others is an inspiration to us all. It has cemented his place as a cherished and respected member of his community, and as the deeply loved patriarch of our family.

What my sister, Molly, and I have observed from our dad, Joel, is the responsibility that comes with being a member of the Jewish community. As kids, we assisted with Shabbat services at Beth Sholom Home in Virginia Beach. Our dad served in volunteer leadership roles at Beth Sholom and conducted services for residents year after year after year. He then was Temple Israel synagogue president, helped in various ways within the Federation, and completed 100 other small and large tasks over the decades – whatever the community asks of him, he always steps up.

That kind of consistency rubs off. When I moved back to Virginia Beach in my late 20s, it only made sense to get involved and volunteer with UJFT and, specifically, the Young Adult Division. From there, I have found ways to contribute at the Federation and through other Jewish agencies in town.

On Father's Day, my sister (who now lives in Northern Virginia) and I are grateful to have a father and mother who are terrific role models and show us what it means to live a life committed to the Jewish community.

Joyce and Harry Graber with their children and grandchildren.

Kathy and Jerry Kantor (center) with their children and grandchildren.

Joel Rubin stands in the foreground at Maimonides Health Center of Virginia Beach (formerly Beth Sholom Home) in April 2024. Behind him, Danny Rubin helps his son, Niv, with the prayers during a Saturday morning Shabbat service. L'dor v'dor.

Stephanie Peck

In honor of his 50 years in the rabbinate, Rabbi Israel Zoberman has received numerous local, state, and federal recognitions for this milestone achievement.

A member of the Central Conference of American Rabbis, Rabbi Zoberman received an Honorary Life Membership for his 50th year at the organization’s conference held in Philadelphia in March.

Additional acknowledgments of his milestone year include:

DADS & GRADS

Rabbi Zoberman recognized for 50th anniversary in the rabbinate Virginia Beach named June 1, 2024 as Rabbi Israel Zoberman Day

• The Virginia legislature passed Senate Joint Resolution 235 on March 4 in honor of Rabbi Zoberman’s 50th anniversary as a rabbi.

• Senator Mark Warner requested that an American fl ag be flown over the United States Capitol in honor of Rabbi Zoberman’s 50th anniversary. The rabbi then received a letter and certificate from Senator Warner accompanied by the fl ag.

• Representative Jen Kiggans congratulated Rabbi Dr. Israel Zoberman from

the House Floor on May 6 on his 50th year of service as a rabbi.

• Senator Tim Kaine sent Rabbi Zoberman a letter of congratulations on April 8.

• Mayor Bobby Dyer of Virginia Beach issued a proclamation, naming June 1, 2024 as Rabbi Israel Zoberman Day.

Virginia Beach Mayor Meyera Oberdorf issued a similar proclamation on April 23, 1999, in honor of Rabbi Zoberman’s 25th ordination anniversary. Born in Kazakhstan to Polish Holocaust survivors, Zoberman spent

his early years in displaced persons camps in Austria and Germany before his family settled in Haifa, Israel. He was the first rabbi to earn a doctorate of ministry degree from the McCormick Theological Seminary, a seminary affi liated with the Presbyterian Church, USA. This experience led to his continued efforts in fostering interfaith ties in the community. In Virginia Beach, Rabbi Zoberman has led Congregation Beth Chaverim and Temple Lev Tikvah.

Rabbi Israel Zoberman and Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer.