Jewish News - 12.13.2021 by United Jewish Federation of Tidewater

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Southeastern Virginia | Vol. 60 No. 7 | 2 Tevet 5782 | December 13, 2021

23 A taste of BBYO in Tidewater

o t e m Ti 1 2 0 2 p u p a r w — page

25 PJ Library goes to Botanical Garden Sunday, January 9

26 B’nai Israel celebrates 75th Anniversary January 14–January 15

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30 In Memoriam Ed Shames

We’re There When Something Is Missing Food insecurity impacts 1 in 8 Americans, and it is often just one of the challenges an individual or family may face. Sentara believes that to help improve the health of the communities we serve, we have to do more than provide care when you’re sick. We need to get outside our walls and be part of building solutions. That’s why we partner with local food banks and last year provided 3,000,000 meals for those in need. We care about our communities, and we promise to be there when something is missing.

SentaraCares.com 2 | JEWISH NEWS | December 13, 2021 | jewishnewsva.org

UPFRONT

JEWISH NEWS jewishnewsva.org

Tidewater Jewish community shines local and global light

long with Jewish communities around the world, we recently

Our ability to both shine a light through

shared our Hanukkah candle lightings with friends, fami-

these initiatives, and share our light

lies, and our community. From the annual Chabad of Tidewater

throughout the year is thanks to our strong,

celebration at Mount Trashmore (the 40th year of lighting that

supportive, and generous community.

Published 20 times a year by United Jewish Federation of Tidewater.

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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

particular menorah!), to synagogue celebrations, to the lighting

What a vibrant and participatory com-

of menorahs in homes around our community shared on social

munity we have, as you will see in the

media—we felt the warmth of Hanukkah lights throughout

“Year in Review” which begins on page 6.

Jewish Tidewater.

What a generous community we have, which is demonstrated

Betty Ann Levin.

This year, United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and our

continuously through the strength of our Annual Campaign,

Jewish Community Relations Council joined a coalition of more

other initiatives to build financial resources, and the desire and

than 60 North American Jewish and non-Jewish organizations

commitment of all of you to secure both the present and future

and corporations to #ShineALight on the dangers of antisemitism

of our Jewish communal organizations, activities, and way of life

through education, engagement, and advocacy. The campaign, as

that we value, locally and globally. Through your commitment,

we recently shared with the community, provided myriad oppor-

you help to ensure our future as a Jewish people and as a strong

tunities for us to know the facts about antisemitism, share the

and vibrant Jewish community.

message, and take action.

As 2021 draws to a close, I want to thank each of you as

The Shine A Light campaign capped off a year where our community came together through numerous opportunities

Terri Denison, Editor Germaine Clair, Art Director Lisa Richmon, Staff Writer Sandy Goldberg, Account Executive Ronnie Jacobs Cohen, Account Executive Marilyn Cerase, Subscription Manager Reba Karp, Editor Emeritus United Jewish Federation of Tidewater Laura G. Gross, President Alvin Wall, Treasurer Mona Flax, Secretary Betty Ann Levin, Executive Vice-President jewishVA.org The appearance of advertising in the Jewish News does not constitute a kashrut, political, product or service endorsement. The articles and letters appearing herein are not necessarily the opinion of this newspaper. ©2021 Jewish News. All rights reserved.

important members of this Jewish community for all you do to Subscription: $18 per year

share your light every day.

to combat antisemitism, including a workshop in partnership JewishNewsVA

with Old Dominion University’s Institute for Jewish Studies and

For subscription or change of address, call 757-965-6128 or email mcerase@ujft.org.

Interfaith Understanding: Unpacking Antisemitism- An Action Upcoming Deadlines for Editorial and Advertising

Based Workshop; and the Global Campaign of Unity “Let There Be Light” during the annual Kristallnacht commemoration; among other learning and advocacy events with local, national, and international partners.

Betty Ann Levin Executive Vice President/CEO United Jewish Federation of Tidewater/Simon Family JCC

Upfront . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

BBYO’s ‘delicious month’ in November. . . . . . . 23

Briefs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

IDF Naval Officers meet area supporters . . . . . 24

Reasons to give and ways to see donations at work. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Tidewater Chavurah celebrates Hanukkah. . . . 24

Wrapping up 2021 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Book Review: When Rabbis Bless Congress. . . 10

Obituaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Special Section: Education Matters. . . . . . . . . . 13

In Memoriam, Stephen Sondheim. . . . . . . . . . . 30

Brith Sholom: In-person again . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

In Memoriam, Ed Shames. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

New medical director for Freda H. Gordon Hospice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

CANDLE LIGHTING

QUOTABLE

CONTENTS

Immigration attorney needed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Jan. 24, 2022 Food/Romance Jan. 7, 2022 Feb. 14 Investments/Retirement Jan. 27 Feb. 28 Mazel Tov Feb. 11 March 14 Camp Feb. 25 March 28 Passover March 11 April 11 Passover March 25

What’s Happening. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Friday, Dec. 17/13 Tevet Light candles at 4:33 pm

“Our wrap is focused on the Jewish world…some global, but mostly local. —page 6

Friday, Dec. 24/20 Tevet Light candles at 4:36 pm Friday, Dec. 31/27 Tevet Light candles at 4:41 pm Friday, Jan. 7/5 Shevat Light candles at 4:47 pm Friday, Jan. 14/12 Shevat Light candles at 4:53 pm Friday, Jan. 21/19 Shevat Light candles at 5:01 pm

jewishnewsva.org | December 13, 2021 | JEWISH NEWS | 3

BRIEFS PENNSYLVANIA GOVERNOR: $6.6 MILLION IN STATE FUNDS TO REDEVELOP TREE OF LIFE SITE Pennsylvania will allocate $6.6 million in funding for the redevelopment of the Tree of Life synagogue campus where 11 people were killed in an antisemitic attack in 2018. Speaking at a press conference outside the synagogue Monday, December 6, the last day of Hanukkah, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf called the state’s contribution to the renovation “a Hanukkah present.” “Tree of Life is undertaking a project to remember the past, to inform the present, and promote healing for the future,” Wolf said, according to the Pittsburgh PostGazette. “And I am so proud to support the communities’ efforts to reimagine this space, to create a welcoming place for residents, for visitors in Pittsburgh to reflect, and to learn, and to grow.” Rabbi Jeffrey Myers, rabbi of the Tree of Life synagogue, also acknowledged the holiday in his remarks and with the menorah he presented to Wolf as a gift. “Hanukkah means rededication,” Myers said. “And that is indeed the journey that we are on.” The money from the state will be used to renovate the synagogue’s main sanctuary as well as to replace the synagogue’s chapel, which was where several of the victims of the attack were killed. The synagogue will also build a garden outside the synagogue as a memorial to the 11 victims of the attack. (JTA) THE GRADE-SCHOOLER WHOSE AVINU MALKEINU WENT VIRAL IS BACK WITH A HANUKKAH SONG Last year, when he was 6, Bibi Shapiro broke the Jewish internet with his impassioned performance of Avinu Malkeinu, the plaintive poem that is recited on Yom Kippur. This year, the Australia grade-schooler is making a more subtle—but more harmonious—splash for Hanukkah. Shapiro’s viral fame in 2020, which came as Jews around the world were isolated because of the pandemic, generated an invitation to sing at Yom Kippur services at one of the biggest Reform synagogues in the world and plaudits from Jewish musicians around the world. One of

them, a popular singer in Shapiro’s native South Africa named Choni Goldman, even joined him for a Zoom song session. At the time, Goldman, whose stage name is Choni G and who was the winner of an international Orthodox music competition in 2012, told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency that he hoped to sing with Shapiro again. “We’ll definitely do more collabing together,” Goldman said at the time. “Happy to grow or nurture his talent— although I’m not sure he needs my help!” Their new duet dropped last month. Goldman posted a video of himself and Shapiro singing Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah in harmony. Shapiro is sitting at his kitchen table in front of a multicolored menorah, so his enthusiasm isn’t expressed in the full-body movements of the earlier video. Still, his radiant smile—with a slightly different set of teeth this year—and passion for music are clear as he sings the familiar lyrics; Goldman accompanies with multiple virtual tracks. “Happy 5th night of Chanukah” Goldman wrote. “Bibi’s back!” (JTA)

ANTI-VACCINE AD BY ORTHODOX GROUP BRIEFLY TOOK OVER A CROWN HEIGHTS BUS STOP Compared to the rest of New York City, the residents of Brooklyn’s Crown Heights neighborhood have both been hit harder by COVID-19 and more reluctant to vaccinate themselves against the virus. Those statistics have prompted a group called the Jewish Orthodox Women’s Medical Association to put up a series of ads encouraging their neighbors—including a large population of Hasidic Jews—to get the shot. But last month, that effort briefly spawned another public-health challenge: an imitation of the ad campaign that instead advocated against vaccination with false and misleading data. The false ads were put up by another Jewish group that opposes the vaccines, based on misinformation. It was not approved by the MTA and was quickly removed once photos of it surfaced on social media, according to The New York Times. The anti-vaccine ad copied the diction and format of the pro-vaccine campaign, listing the “Top Ten reasons NOT to get

4 | JEWISH NEWS | December 13, 2021 | jewishnewsva.org

vaccinated against COVID-19.” The first reason reads (again, falsely), “It could kill you.” The ad by the anti-vaccine group is part of a years-long effort by a small group of haredi Orthodox Jews to advocate against vaccines—first against the measles vaccine and, recently, against COVID immunization. Many leading Orthodox authorities and umbrella groups across the spectrum of Orthodoxy have urged their communities to get vaccinated, producing public messaging campaigns and issuing Jewish legal rulings. But the anti-vaxx movement in the U.S. has found Orthodox backers. Instead of the shot, the anti-vaccine group’s website promotes unapproved treatments like hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin, which the FDA cautions against. The group’s website says its members are “Standing for Truth, Medical Freedom, and G-d Awareness.” They’re not the only Orthodox activists to oppose vaccination in the name of Judaism. Earlier this year, a Florida rabbi offered to give religious exemptions to anyone—Jewish or not—hoping to sidestep a vaccine mandate. (JTA)

STUDY: TEL AVIV IS THE WORLD’S MOST EXPENSIVE CITY TO LIVE IN Tel Aviv is now the world’s most expensive city to live in—and the reason why is tied in part to Israel’s successful COVID19 vaccine rollout. The Israeli city rose from No. 5 to No. 1 in the annual Worldwide Cost of Living index compiled by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), the research arm of The Economist Group. The Londonbased media company also publishes The Economist magazine. The 2021 report explains that Israel’s world-leading pace in vaccinating its population helped the shekel reach a “soaring” value against the U.S. dollar, leading to steep local inflation rates in dollar terms. By Jan. 1, 2021, Israel had vaccinated over 10% of its population, earning international praise and attention. The price of about one out of every 10 everyday goods found in Tel Aviv, especially grocery items, “increased significantly,” the report said. The city is

also the second-most expensive place in the world to purchase alcohol and public transportation, the report added. The increased prices of household goods, cars, and fuel are noted, too. Tel Aviv’s real estate property prices also rose in 2021, but the EIU index does not factor those into its research. After Tel Aviv, the EIU ranking lists Paris, Singapore, Zurich, and Hong Kong as the other most expensive cities in the top five. (JTA)

THE NEW YORK TIMES UPDATES STYLE GUIDE TO ‘ANTISEMITISM,’ LOSING THE HYPHEN The New York Times has updated its style guide and now favors the use of the spelling “antisemitism” over “anti-Semitism.” The change was made in August but was not announced publicly at the time. Jewish Insider reported the change Tuesday, Dec. 7. The spelling of the term has been the subject of debate for years. One of the loudest voices for dropping the hyphen has been Deborah Lipstadt, the historian who was recently nominated by the Biden administration as the State Department’s antisemitism envoy. Lipstadt has argued that keeping the hyphen and capital “S” implies the existence of a racial category called “Semite” that obscures actual hatred of Jews. The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance and the Anti-Defamation League also support the hyphen-less version. Earlier this year, the Associated Press updated its style guide, which is used by media around the world, including this one, to adopt the hyphen-less version of the word. The Jewish Telegraphic Agency followed suit and The Times adopted the change in August, which it announced in a memo to editors at the paper. Jewish News made the switch in June. “We are dropping the hyphen and lowercasing the S, which is now the style of The Associated Press and is preferred by many academics and other experts. Those who favor antisemitism argue that the hyphenated form, with the uppercase S, may inadvertently lend credence to the discredited notion of Jews as a separate race,” the memo stated. (JTA)

COMMUNITY CAMPAIGN FIRST PERSON

Many reasons to give and lots of ways to see your donations at work Make and pay your gift by December 31 to get your 2021 charitable tax deduction Amy Zelenka

s the 2021 calendar year draws to a close, with Hanukkah behind us… and with a winter of “unknowns” fast approaching, now is the time to gather with friends and community members to support the extraordinary Jewish community that we love and call home. Many reasons exist to support the Community Campaign of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater. On any given day, one need only sit for a while in the Cardo of the Sandler Family Campus to see the faces of those whose lives are richer, better, and more complete because of the work that takes place on the campus. Whether marveling at the students from the Strelitz International Academy traipsing across the tiles, moving from the gym to school or from the school to the pool (wrapped in towels and excited for swim lessons); or whether it’s a group of senior adults sitting at a table enjoying a Cardo Café lunch while chatting with friends after chair yoga; or maybe it’s the BBYO teens practicing their songs for an upcoming convention or planning a mitzvah project. Sit long enough and you might see community leaders race into the building for a meeting where they’ll discuss the challenges we face and how to address them; or a group of ladies heading in for “Women’s Only” Swim night. These diverse individuals and various activities comprise the fabric of our Jewish community. These folks and others are direct beneficiaries of the work of the Community Campaign. And they’re just the ones we see. Many of the beneficiaries, however, we’ll never know. Some live in the impoverished vestiges of once flourishing Jewish communities throughout Eastern Europe; others are hunkered down in war zones in Ukraine; and still

others struggle to find their footing as new Israelis. They too, are beneficiaries of the UJFT’s Community Campaign. In a day when antisemitism is on the rise and growing more virulent each day, the Community Campaign protects the Tidewater Jewish community with increased security measures, security training, and subject-matter experts to tell us how to better protect ourselves and

We may not even recognize the benefits we receive, living as we do, in a strong, vibrant, Jewish community supported by the UJFT Community Campaign.

what actions to take to tell our elected officials: “Never again!” There are many reasons to give. We may not even recognize the benefits we receive, living as we do, in a strong, vibrant, Jewish community supported by the UJFT Community Campaign. Many reasons to give, and one especially great vehicle for strengthening the entire community. If you’d like to support the Jewish community through the UJFT Community Campaign and wish to receive a tax deduction in the 2021 year, you will need to make AND pay your pledge or donation by December 31 of this year. For more information about the Community Campaign, contact Amy Zelenka, chief development officer at United Jewish Federation of Tidewater at 757-965-3169 or azelenka@ujft.org.

planning for the holidays

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Bill’s Legacy Lives Forever

YEAR IN REVIEW

Time to wrap it up: 2021

Norfolk business owner Bill Goldback valued good health and great arts performances.

Terri Denison

ost general media publications are leading their end-of-year wrap articles with the Capitol riot on January 6 and are including mentions of vaccines, climate change, and wealthy folks’ space rides.

For Jewish News, however, our wrap is focused on the Jewish world…some global, but mostly local. Over the next few pages, we’ve

recapped some of the many Jewish-oriented events that took place in Tidewater and around the globe. As vaccinations increased and people inched out of their homes and away from their screens, more activities returned in-person and adjustments to ‘new normals’ took place. Those adjustments, as we all are painfully aware, continue to evolve.

Before he died in 2007, Bill arranged for a Hampton Roads Community Foundation bequest to provide grants for performing arts and medicine in Hampton Roads. Goldback grants are helping Chesapeake Care, Hampton Roads Community Health Center, Todd Rosenlieb Dance and Young Audiences of Virginia do excellent work. Thanks to Bill’s generosity he will forever help people in his home region. Connect your passions to the future by ordering a free bequest guide. Learn how easy it is to leave a gift for charity. Adding Charity to Your W or IRA ill

A quick

In 2021, words and phrases such as pivot, super-spreaders, and vaccinations required took on new meaning. Do you have any guesses for the new phrases of 2022? If so, please send them to news@ujft.org with PHRASE as the subject line. We’ll run them in the January 2022 issue of Jewish News. In the meantime, sit back and enjoy a virtual (sorry, had to do it) trip through the past year.

JANUARY With the swearing in of President Joe Biden, The new Administration includes many Jewish members. Among them are Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, Chief of Staff Ronald Klain, Attorney General Merrick Garland, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Congresswoman Elaine Luria, and 35 other members of Congress. Jewish Family Service announces it is increa sing its focus on outreach through its Private Duty Embrace program. In addition to its traditional home care services, it is enhancing and further developing case management and concierge services to support people who want to remain in their own home.

Strelitz International Academy returns from Winter Break to Spirit Week, culminating in the Day of Giving, hoping to inspire parents to participate in the school’s annual donor fund. Elena Baum, director of UJFT’s Holocaust Commission, is appointed to Governor Ralph Northam’s Advisory Committee on Culturally Relevant and Inclusive Education Practices. Gail Flax is named to the Governor’s Teach Advisory Work Group.

FEBRUARY The 28th Virginia Festival of Jewish Film begins with a showing of The Crossing.

guide to the ple of charitab asure and prom ise le bequest s

The Crossing. Inspiring Philanthro py. Chan ging Lives .

Purim is celebrated throughout Tidewater with Purimsphiels and cooking demonstrations over Zoom and some in-person Megillah readings.

www.leaveabequest.org (757) 622-7951

Hats off day at Strelitz International Academy.

6 | JEWISH NEWS | December 13, 2021 | jewishnewsva.org

The Jewish Museum and Cultural Center presents: A Closer Look at Charlottesville.

Israel closes its Mediterranean beaches to deal with what officials say may be the worst oil spill in the country’s history. The spill occurred around Feb. 11.

MARCH A phone application assistance and outreach program for people who need help registering for the COVID-19 vaccination is offered by Jewish Family Service. NADIV Men’s Giving Circle of UJFT’s Young Adult Division holds its 3rd Annual Bracket Challenge Fundraiser. Cong re sswom a n Elaine Luria is the primary sponsor of one piece of legislation condemning Iran’s nuclear program. A bipartisan group of House Elaine Luria. members join Luria to introduce the resolution, which condemns Iran’s decision to enrich uranium to 20% purity. Jewish Family Service receives a grant from Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation for $2,500 to purchase food for members of the community who might otherwise go hungry.

YEAR IN REVIEW APRIL Tidewater celebrates Yom Ha’atzmaut: Israel’s 73rd Independence Day on Sunday, April 18 at the Sandler Family Campus with a drive-through event for families in the afternoon and a drive-in movie for adults in the evening.

Ninety-nine paintings by local artist Lorraine Fink adorn the Leon Family Gallery at the Sandler Family Campus. Fink donates the proceeds from the auction to benefit visual arts programming at UJFT and Simon Family JCC.

Todays Ballet.

Drawing a line between its mission of Holocaust remembrance and the ravages inflicted by the coronavirus pandemic, the March of the Living honors Dr. Anthony Fauci with an award for “moral courage in medicine” on the eve of Yom Hashoah, Israel’s Holocaust commemoration day. Tragedy hits Israel’s Mount Meron on Lag’bomer with the deaths of at least 45 revelers in a stampede on April 30.

MAY In his proclamation marking Jewish American Heritage Month, President Joe Biden cites the precedents set by prominent Jews in

Joe Biden.

politics this year and condemned the nation’s spike in antisemitism. Biden recognizes Douglas Emhoff and Chuck Schumer, saying this year Americans saw two historic firsts. “The Vice President take the oath of office alongside her Jewish spouse and a Jewish American become the first Majority Leader of the United States Senate and the highest-ranking Jewish American elected official in our Nation’s history.” Norfolk and Virginia Beach Public Schools switch course and announce classes for the 2021-22 school year will begin on Thursday, September 9, 2021, easing the transition back to school for Jewish families, eliminating the conflict between the first day of school and Rosh Hashanah. Danial Watts receives the annual Stein Family College Scholarship of the Tidewater Jewish Foundation. He is the 13th recipi- Danial Watts ent of the four-year scholarship, which provides up to $10,000 per year to a Jewish student in Tidewater. The scholarship was established in 2009 in memory of Arlene Stein. After 11 days of fighting, Israel and Hamas agree to a “mutual and simultaneous” ceasefire on Thursday, May 20.

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UJFT’s Women’s Cabinet holds its first virtual Spring Lunch and installation on May 13. Mona Flax and Barbara Dudley are installed as co-chairs. The Simon Family JCC’s annual Catchand-Release Fishing Derby is held Sunday, May 23 on the Sandler Family Campus with 50 participants of all ages.

Business Banking Dollar.Bank/BusinessBanking

Taylor Reynolds.

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Local and Experienced…a winning combination!

YEAR IN REVIEW continued from page 7

Strelitz International Academy first graders receive their first Siddur at the first in-person event of this school year.

JUNE A Biden administration official says the U.S. government supports restocking Israel’s Iron Dome anti-missile system after it was depleted by May’s conflict with Hamas in Gaza. NANCY EVANS Associate Broker (757) 287-5765 NancyEvans@HowardHanna.com

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Governor Ralph Northam tweets a condemnation of antisemitism: “Our country is seeing a disturbing rise in anti-Semitic attacks. Freedom of religion is a founding pillar of this nation—and it applies to every faith. Hate against anyone because of who they are, what they believe, or how they worship, has no home in Virginia, or in America.”

in A mer ic a Hometown Hero by the National Mu s eu m of American Jewish History. Blais was nominated and chosen for the impact she made early in the COVID- Pam Blais. 19 pandemic with her initiative, the Pantry Box Project. Strellitz International Academy receives full authorization as an International Baccalaureate World School Primary Years Programme.

HowardHanna.com

SIA Class of 2021.

AUGUST Citing quarantine rules, Birthright cancels remaining summer trips to Israel. Jack Trompeter at Sunday Fun Day.

United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, Jewish Family Service, and Beth Sholom Village hold Biennial meetings that include installation of officers and presentations of awards. The first Sunday Fun Day takes place at the Simon Family JCC pool. More than 200 people enjoy perfect Tidewater weather, free treats, contests, prizes and plenty of swim time. Temple Israel’s Men’s Club wins the Gold Torch Award during the weeklong Virtual International Men’s Club Convention.

JULY Israel is the first country to offer a third COVID vaccine dose. Pam Blais is named the first Only

8 | JEWISH NEWS | December 13, 2021 | jewishnewsva.org

In his first meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, President Joe Biden says that although he prefers diplomatic means to keep Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, he is not afraid to “turn to other options.” PJ Library hosts an End of Summer Shabbat in partnership with UJFT’s Young Adult Division. More than 80 people attend Sababa Social Club’s first event at the JCC pool. A memorial service at Beth Sholom Village remembers those who had departed within the last year. Approximately 50 family members, loved ones, and local clergy gather for the Service of Remembrance.

SEPTEMBER The Super Sunday Community Campaign’s kickoff takes place at the

YEAR IN REVIEW Sandler Family Campus on Sunday, September 12. A newly released survey by the Jewish Agency for Israel indicates that the world population of those who self-identify as Jews stands at about 15.2 million, an increase of 100,000 over last year. The 33rd Annual Strelitz International Academy Golf Tournament, known as the Bob Josephberg Classic, takes place on Sept. 14. With the help of 99 sponsors, the tournament raises more than $152,000. 120 golfers participated, along with 25 volunteers. The In [HEIR]instance Project meets with several groups for artistic salons. The conversations, along with others taking place throughout the region, are part of a process that asks people to share personal insights as inspiration and material for a final play that will premiere at the Virginia Arts Festival in 2022.

NOVEMBER Israeli glass artist Dafna Kaffeman visits the Chrysler Museum with an exhibit, as well as demon stration s. UJFT’s Israel Today partners with Chrysler Museum’s Perry Glass Studio to showcase the artist.

Dafna Kaffeman

An American Jewish Committee survey finds that antisemitism fears prompted 4 in 10 American Jews to change their behavior last year. The Lee and Bernard Jaffe Family Jewish Book Festival celebrates National Jewish Book Month with a variety of visiting authors…both in-person and via Zoom.

Evan Kalfus and John Strelitz.

OCTOBER The Milton “Mickey” Kramer Scholarin-Residence Fund presents two powerful conversations on mental health with guest Stephen Fried, an investigative journalist and best-selling author of A Common Struggle. Jewish Family Service and Beth Sholom Village welcomes LHC Group to Tidewater, as the new owners of Freda H. Gordon Hospice and Palliative Care of Tidewater. The Sandler Family Foundation celebrates 25 years of charitable giving at its Sam & Reba Sandler Annual Foundation Golf Tournament on October 5. Members of Nadiv, the Young Men’s Giving Circle through UJFT’s Young Adult Division, lead the Jewish community in a cleanup of Mikro Kodesh cemetery in Chesapeake.

Janet Mercadante and Tracy Walder, author of The Unexpected Spy.

Toras Chaim observes Veterans Day with Craig Schranz, a Commander in the United States Navy Reserve, sharing information with the students on the makeup of the Armed forces and the history of Veterans Day.

DECEMBER Congregation Beth El celebrates its 171st anniversary and Hanukkah with a concert by Six13, an a cappella group. More than 400 attend the community-wide event. Norfolk native and Virginia Beach resident Ed Shames, a ‘Band of Brothers’ veteran, dies at the age of 99. His passing makes national news.

Ed Shames.

jewishnewsva.org | December 13, 2021 | JEWISH NEWS | 9

BOOK REVIEW

Highlighting Rabbinic blessings of Congress When Rabbis Bless Congress (The Great American Story of Jewish Prayers on Capitol Hill) Howard Mortman Boston: Cherry Orchard Books 2020 331 pages

he author of this unique publication enriching American Jewish history, Howard Mortman, is C-SPAN’s communications Rabbi Israel director covering the U.S. Zoberman. Congress, and a graduate of University of Maryland. His family belongs to Temple Rodef Shalom in Falls Church, Virginia. In his relevant introduction, Mortman concludes in a tongue in cheek style, “So, want to hear rabbis cite Moses and Scripture and Torah and Talmud and Mishnah to legislators and the public? Don’t turn to Jerusalem—the Knesset does not open with prayer (although, arguably,

certificate and photo op are included. I have had the privilege to offer the invocation, twice in each chamber, vividly recalling the accompanied solemnity with the opportunity to schmooze with present members, though most members are usually not present in person, watching from the screens in their offices the prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the session’s agenda, unless there is a vote to take place on the floor. As the book’s title reflects, there is much expressed pride in Jewish clergy representing a minority participating as co-equal with other religious figures in what some regard as violation of constitutional church and state separation, though upheld by the Supreme Court in 1983. The book’s impressive treasure trove collection of fascinating and intriguing items with sprinkled humor is grouped into two parts, including nine sections.

spread the warmth

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who in the Knesset isn’t a rabbi?). Instead, tune into Washington, where Israel’s chief rabbis can and have served as guest chaplains in Congress, just like hundreds of others.” While both the House and the Senate of the U.S. Congress have full-time clergy chaplains, there is a long-standing tradition of guest chaplains for a day—which amounts to offering a brief prayer at the opening session of each chamber. Instructions are provided by both chaplains’ offices for the invocation’s length and content and is submitted ahead of time. C-Span provides live coverage, and the prayer is printed in the Congressional Record—which began operating in 1873—on the day of delivery. The guest chaplain is ordinarily recommended by the clergyperson’s Representative and Senator and it is truly a memorable experience to be invited for such an honor. A

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Given the proximity of Washington Hebrew Congregation, the oldest synagogue in the capital since 1852 and chartered in 1856 by a Congressional act, it holds the record of guest chaplains. Rabbi Solomon Landsberg was invited to be the first rabbi to offer a prayer in Congress. Since his English was not yet fluent as his native German, the honor went to the eloquent Sweden-born Rev. Dr. Morris Jacob Raphall of New York’s Congregation B’nai Jeshurun, who delivered in the House on February 1, 1860. Both his message and traditional garb were generally well received, but reportedly along with some discriminatory comments. Professor Jonathan Sarna of Brandeis University refers to an unofficial Episcopal publication claiming, “no less than the official rejection of Christianity by the Legislature of the country.” Historian Rabbi Dr. Bertram Korn is quoted, “In more than a theoretical sense, therefore this was the initial recognition by the House of Representatives of the equal standing of Judaism, with Christianity, as an American faith.” Of note, on that historic date, the House elected its first Republican Speaker, New Jersey’s William Pennigton, which was acknowledged in Raphall’s prayer. The U.S. President was James Buchanan. Rabbi Edward Calisch of Congregation Beth Ahavah in Richmond, Virginia, was the first American-born rabbi to offer a prayer in the House on April 6, 1892. The iconic Rabbi Isaac Mayer Wise was the first rabbi to offer a prayer in the Senate on May 21, 1870. His biennial birth was recognized with a special resolution in the Senate on April 4, 2019. Rabbi Sally Priesand of New York’s Steven Wise Free Synagogue was the first woman and first female rabbi to invoke in the House on October 23, 1973, which was somehow missed by the New York Times. Her sponsor was the fiery Congresswoman Bella Abzug. In the Senate, the first woman there was Rev. Wilmina Roland Smith, a

BOOK REVIEW Presbyterian minister, on July 8, 1971. The first woman rabbi blessing the Senate was Rabbi Dena Feingold on April 20, 1994, sponsored by her brother, Democratic Senator Russ Feingold of Wisconsin. Though the Jews only comprise 2.2 percent of the American populace, 35 rabbis out of 527 House guest chaplains participated from September 2006 to September 2016. 441 rabbis delivered prayers up to February 2020 with an average rate of 7.5 percent since WWII, and 11 percent respectively in 2018 and 2019. In Spring 2018 the number of rabbinic invocations was 613, which is symbolically significant, Mortman points out, given the traditional number of Mitzvot. Conservative Rabbi Arnold Resnicoff, a former Navy chaplain and earlier a line officer during the Vietnam War, holds the record with 16 offered prayers. The C-SPAN Video Library allows access to House prayers since 1979 and to Senate prayers beginning in 1986.

Old Point Insurance The book’s invaluable Index of Names highlights 347 rabbis offering Congressional prayers. Rabbi Dr. Gary P. Zola, executive director of the American Jewish Archives and professor of the American Jewish Experience at the Hebrew Union College, Cincinnati campus, offered one prayer in each chamber. He is among those at the volume’s end who glowingly and justifiability endorse the book, “Howard Mortman’s extensively researched volume is jam-packed with astonishing facts and enthralling stories. His book is likely to become the final word on this subject. Once you begin to read Mortman’s captivating story of Jewish prayers on Capitol Hill you will not want to put it down.” Rabbi Dr. Israel Zoberman is the founder and spiritual leader of Temple Lev Tikvah and the honorary senior rabbi scholar at Eastern Shore Chapel Episcopal Church.

Congresswoman Elaine Luria on CBN about rising antisemitism within Democratic Party

Elaine Luria.

n an interview which aired December 8 on CBN, Congresswoman Elaine Luria spoke about her concern with the growing number of her Democratic colleagues publicly espousing anti-Israel views. “I’ve always viewed the U.S. support for Israel as incredibly strong,” Luria told CBN News. “Israel’s our strongest ally in the Middle East and the U.S. Congress was a place where that support was unanimous, and I’ve come to find that although it is broad and bipartisan there are some

very vocal voices that unfortunately continue to get louder, that we have to make absolutely sure don’t undermine that broad support that we have for Israel.” When Rep. Elaine Luria (D-VA) came to Washington in 2019, she said she never expected her first speech on the House floor would be standing up against antisemitic comments made by fellow Democrats regarding dual-loyalty, the first of many times she’s defended Israel during her time in office. Luria said she’s surprised how often she’s had to speak out against antisemitism in Congress and believes some in her own party would prefer to say Israel doesn’t have a right to exist. “They’ve said it clearly and publicly and some of the rhetoric that has been used recently…referring to Israel as an apartheid

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state…[They] overlook the unique situation of Israel and the unique security situation of Israel and Israel’s need to be able to defend itself. So, I think that it is very concerning when elected members of Congress voice those types of opinions,” Luria continued in the interview. Eight Democrats and one Republican recently voted against providing $1 billion in funding to restock Israel’s Iron Dome Missile Defense System after Hamas launched more than 4,000 rockets across the border last May. “It is concerning that a very small

amount of members felt like they couldn’t support providing Israel with the resources to defend itself,” said Luria. “I would just reiterate to people that’s an incredibly small number and they do not represent the majority of the House.” A few years ago, Luria met with Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) to voice concern about her anti-Israel rhetoric. “I was hopeful that moving forward that she would change her tone, but unfortunately that group has actually grown both in numbers and visibility,” Luria said.

jewishnewsva.org | December 13, 2021 | JEWISH NEWS | 11

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Education Matters

Konikoff Digital Dental Studio opens at Touro College of Dental Medicine

successful local dentist, Dr. David Konikoff understands the importance of all sorts of education, and uniquely, that of dental education. Konikoff also believes in helping others where and when he is able. And so, he and his family made a $1 million gift to the Touro College of Dental Medicine (TCDM), enabling the school to officially open its highly anticipated Konikoff Digital Dental Studio located within Touro Dental Health, the clinical training facility in Hawthorne, N.Y The state-of-the-art Konikoff Digital Dental School joins other education-focused commitments by David Konikoff including the Sofia and David Konikoff Dental Hygiene Care Facility at Old Dominion University and the Konikoff Learning Center at United Jewish Federation of Tidewater. “I wanted to honor Sophie, my B’Shert (soulmate), with this gift,” says Konikoff,

whose son, Josh, is now a dental student at Touro. In appreciation, Touro honored Konikoff last month with the Visionary Achievement Award “in recognition of his “generous support of Touro College of Dental Medicine and…dedication of making the world a better place.” The award was presented at TCDM’s fifth annual Gala at The Rockleigh in New Jersey, which approximately 500 supporters of the school attended. In 2022, TCDM will also open the Konikoff Education and Broadcast Center. This 3,500-square-foot space will be designed to accommodate teaching methodologies geared for today’s changing educational landscape focusing on small group learning, distance education, and teaching, along with the ability to professionally broadcast. Konikoff’s gift will further strengthen the school’s progressive education in

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digital dental technologies and enable faculty at Touro Dental Health to perform “same day dentistry” which reduces multiple patient visits into a single visit—not commonly practiced in a dental school environment. With the aid of his invaluable gift, TCDM will honor Konikoff ’s life’s work and the Philanthropists Dr. David and Sofia A”H Konikoff. memory of his late wife, Sofia A”H, by providing dental education at the highest will accommodate four new CAD/ possible level, so that students, in turn, CAM milling machines and MillBox can give back and support their commuby CIMsystem software, a state-of-thenities with integrity, professionalism and art dental CAM solution that simplifies compassion. nesting and toolpath creation. With the “Through the immense generosity of addition of four multi-purpose design and the Konikoffs, we have taken an incredible implant planning workstations, it will step forward to deliver dental education in also be home to sophisticated DGShape the most advanced setting,” says Ronnie Corporation dental mills designed to Myers, D.D.S., Dean at TCDM. “Since rapidly cut and shape dental crowns, our founding, we have been committed bridges, and other prosthetic devices. to providing our students with the techTwo automatic sintering ovens will pronology, education and hands-on training vide finishing to the prosthesis being essential to the delivery of exceptional manufactured onsite. Well positioned on patient care. The addition of the Konikoff the third floor of TCDM’s dental training Digital Dentistry Studio, and eventually facility, the studio is outfitted with a the Konikoff Education and Broadcast viewing window so that TCDM students, Center, will allow us to continue that mispatients , and visitors alike can see the sion for years to come.” multitude of innovative digital systems Initially housing multiple 3D printin action. ers, 3Shape intraoral scanners, and a number of other advanced digital instrumentation, the Konikoff Digital Dental Studio will be both an onsite laboratory as well as a space for small-group classes, allowing dental students to gain hands-on experience with the technology and manufacturing processes that will prepare them for the future of dentistry. The sizeable space Konikoff Digital Dental Studio. jewishnewsva.org | December 13, 2021 | Education | JEWISH NEWS | 15

STEIN FAMILY COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP The Stein Family College Scholarship is dedicated in loving memory of Arlene Shea Stein who was unable to finish college due to financial hardship.

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ELIGIBILITY This annual college scholarship of up to $10,000 per year is awarded to Hampton Roads Jewish students entering college. Applicants are evaluated on financial need, Jewish/community engagement, and academic potential. Scholarship applicants must: • Identify as Jewish • Maintain residency in the Tidewater region • Demonstrate academic ability • Demonstrate a history of service and engagement in their academic, Jewish, and broader communities through extracurricular and volunteer activities

Education Matters

At Strelitz International Academy— it takes a community Carin Simon

hen walking into Strelitz International Academy, one of the first things to see is the school’s four core values posted in the lobby: Kavod (Honor), Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World), Torah v’Lishma, and Kehillah (Community). As Tidewater’s Jewish Community Day School and International Baccalaureate® World School, ‘Community’ is SIA’s middle name. SIA students learn through their IB® concepts that communities come in many forms and include the school community, the Tidewater community, and the global community. The importance and need for a school community was apparent with the COVID-19 pandemic. SIA was thankful to have its student and faculty community in school last year, but there was a palpable absence of SIA parents who were not permitted into the building due to safety precautions. This year, SIA has had in-person attendance and participation by parents in programs SIA has reimagined. During SIA’s Back to School Meet and Greet in August, parents were giddy with excitement as they stepped into the school building loaded up with supplies and ready to meet their children’s teachers in-person. SIA’s signature Shabbat Singalongs were redesigned from the pre-COVID crowded multipurpose room venue to the campus outdoor tent. The community’s warmth made chilly weather a nonissue. In October, the annual Family Pasta Dinner in the Tent was sold out. Families were so happy to be together that the pouring rain didn’t dampen anyone’s fun. These events, followed by a parent breakfast in the sukkah, the Early Years Fall Festival, and Hanukkah celebrations were all amazing, spirited events. The community is restored, and parents certainly will not take for granted attending school events for the foreseeable future.

SIA’s Parent Volunteer Committee is also back in action, with parents planning a special Teacher Appreciation Breakfast to show SIA teachers how much they appreciate their hard work. The second circle of SIA’s community is the Tidewater community. SIA is fortunate to have thriving partnerships with the agencies on the Sandler Family Campus. Jewish Family Service of Tidewater provides SIA’s school counselors and many community service opportunities such as restocking the food pantry and providing Hanukkah gifts for less fortunate families. The Simon Family Jewish Community Center provides a summer camp for students to attend, School Day Out Camp, and additional afterschool programming for SIA students from yoga to basketball to Mad Science. United Jewish Federation of Tidewater provides funds and grants to support SIA’s programming and upkeep of the building. The Sandler Family Campus provides excellent security and maintenance and the Cardo Cafe offers a school lunch program. In turn, SIA families fill the building daily and take advantage of the many programs and amenities the campus offers. As an authorized International Baccalaureate® World School, SIA is an important part of the global community. The IB® curriculum provides opportunities for SIA students to learn from other perspectives and experts around the world. SIA students are taught Hebrew and Israeli culture to enable them to learn about their Jewish heritage from a global perspective. Through their IB units of inquiry, students gain knowledge of how the world works and ways to take better care of the planet. SIA’s IB ® World School designation has attracted local students from all over the world including Israel, Denmark, Norway, and Czeck Republic who have further enriched the SIA community.

Ronald and his mom, Alena Anglen and Liam and his mom, Nina Kruger.

Vanessa, Jim, and Reagan Freihofer.

In keeping with the ancient African proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child,” at Strelitz International Academy, it takes a community—a community working together with common values, a strong vision, and an open mind. For more information about the Strelitz International Academy, contact Carin Simon, admissions director, at 757-424-4327 or csimon@strelitzacademy.org.

jewishnewsva.org | December 13, 2021 | Education | JEWISH NEWS | 17

Education Matters Torah Live breathes new life into education Gaming site creates game-changer for Jewish families and teachers Toby Klein Greenwald

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The sense of community here is strong and provides a foundation for lifetime relationships with teachers and peers.

n recent years, there’s been a noticeable downward spiral of students’ attention spans. In 2010, the trend was apparent when Rabbi Dan Roth walked into a classroom of American students in Israel who had dropped out of their families’ Orthodox lifestyles. The students ignored him; some even left the classroom. He walked out knowing he had crashed and burned. Rather than look for another profession, he returned to the classroom with the same material in the form of a multimedia slideshow. This time, the students reacted with enthusiasm. But his goal was not just to reach his students, but to reach the world, and the seeds of Torah Live were sown. Fast forward to the autumn of 2021. Torah Live’s graphics, animation, and film level are highly professional and their team includes more than 30 scriptwriters, animators, video editors, and sound and special effects artists. While the world was in lockdown, Torah Live kicked in big time. Since COVID, more than a million and a half videos have been viewed, and the website has been accessed by 168,000 active users. It has hundreds of thousands of viewers throughout North America and the world, including in Moscow, Paris, London, Australia, and South Africa. “We have long been fans of Torah Live for their innovative, creative and accurate content,” says Rabbi Sender Haber of B’nai Israel Congregation. “When our camps and schools were closed due to COVID‑19,

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Family performing in Torah Live.

Rabbi Roth reached out and offered free content to every household in the community. This gesture was both gracious and game-changing. Families were able to continue to educate their children and to make learning Jewishly into a family activity.” Rabbi Mordechai Loiterman, former principal, Toras Chaim Day School, says “We started using Torah Live videos for our Sunday school program because we had an obstacle. We needed to provide high level programming for the students that at the same time they would find interesting and that would keep them excited about the learning and Torah Live was really the perfect thing to put in— all of the resources, the worksheets, the materials, the background information gives a rebbe a tremendous amount of material to prepare from…and then, once the students learn, they go to “Reward”… students really enjoy watching all the videos, they come back and they quote all the lines and they tell me their favorite parts…and there are some of them that they want to watch two or three times, over and over again.” Students agree, describing how much they love learning with the project. They call it “amazing,” “exciting,” “fun,” “and we’re learning at the same time.” Rabbi Noach Gruen, a teacher at Toras Chaim, says, “My boys are really taken by the great graphics and technology used to produce the Torah Live videos. The tremendous videos on tefillin I recently showed my class enabled them

Education Matters to see all parts of tefillin, inside and out!” Ely, a 13-year-old in Norfolk, seems to be an expert on any given topic. When asked “How do you know that?” the answer is often the same: “We learned that on Torah Live.”

In addition to their programs on Jewish ritual and mitzvot are those that relate to one’s behavior, such as judging one favorably, the quality of patience, the value of a smile, the importance of humility in leadership. A new gaming website was recently added to their rich reservoir. The gaming program is advised by Rabbi Yaakov Deyo. A graduate of Harvard, he is the CEO and Founder of Black Hat Consulting in the N.Y. area, was previously managing director of the Jewish Enrichment Center of Manhattan, the volunteer CFO for Jewish Impact Films, director of Partners in Torah in New Jersey, and was involved in many other Jewish educational projects. “We’re basically looking to create something between Fortnite and Kahn Academy, a platform that will not only engage players, but draw them into a world of Torah...by learning via film, performing mitzvot, and submitting pics of their work, creating positive impacts in the world around them. “Gaming is extremely misunderstood. It’s fundamentally about leveraging the core drives that underlay human activity. Consider: math is an essential skill in life, and golf is not. Even so, solving a math problem in a time-tested, efficient manner is so much less enjoyable than trying to get a small white ball into a hole by hitting it in a blatantly inefficient way with a club. How do you explain that?” Students are given the tools to create their own written content, animated shorts, and can also upload their own photos and short videos. Parents or

teachers can create their own program to incentivize their children. The kids choose their picture from an avatar and, at higher levels, they can send their photos to Torah Live, who will “cartoonify” it for them. Each player has his own dashboard and it goes up to 36 levels, alluding to the “36 full-fledged righteous individuals in each generation” (Talmud, Succa 45b, translation by Sefaria). Points in the gaming element are based on creativity, quality, effort. As they participate, they also earn badges. Rabbi Roth says, “The child earns virtual coins, called ‘dinars.’ They can decide how to spend them,” like sending food to a poor family for Shabbat, or sending flowers to an elderly person in a retirement home. “We hope through partnerships to help fulfil the child’s wish… Our hope is that when the child grows up, he’ll give real money to charity, not virtual money.” Among the more than 30 rabbis who offer video approbations on the site are Rabbi Asher Weiss, a renowned Halachic authority in Jerusalem, Rabbi Hershel Schachter and Rabbi Meir Goldwicht, both Rosh Yeshivas of Yeshiva University, Rabbi Yisroel Reisman, Rosh Yeshiva, Torah V’Daas, Brooklyn, and Rabbi Shmuel Kamenetsky, Rosh Yeshiva, Yeshiva of Philadelphia. Torah Live materials are used by all ages, by all denominations of Judaism, and even by some non-Jews who are learning for conversion or who are simply seeking knowledge. In addition to their programs on Jewish ritual and mitzvot are those that relate to one’s behavior, such as judging one favorably, the quality of patience, the value of a smile, the importance of humility in leadership, and a magnificent 18-part unit on “The Power of Speech.” Everything is filmed among the magnificent vistas of Israel, including the ocean (to explore the snails from which the blue dye for tzitziot comes). Toby Klein Greenwald is an award-winning journalist, director of Raise Your Spirits Theatre, an educator and the editor-in-chief of WholeFamily.com. She was happy to discover many of her actresses in Torah Live films.

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Education Matters

The Hurrah Players are back in action!

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Local Relationships Matter

JEWISH TIDEWATER

Brith Sholom: In-person again Rona Proser

rith Sholom members have been patiently waiting for the time that they would be able to resume their monthly brunches in person. After all, it has been more than 20 months since they were able to be together and enjoy the camaraderie they looked forward to each month. Although the club met for programs over Zoom, it just wasn’t the same. To complicate things, they were no longer able to meet in their usual home in Beth Shalom Village for fear of bringing COVID-19 into the building. It is easy to imagine the members’ excitement when it was announced that they could finally meet for an in-person brunch on November 14 in the Masonic Temple on Granby Street. The overwhelming feeling that day was sheer joy to be together again! Following COVID-19 protocols (vaccinations, social distancing, masks, etc.), nearly 100 members were incredibly happy to see each other again. Irene Weintrob, wife of the organization’s president, Joe Weintrob, puts it simply, “It’s a pleasure to be here with friends that we haven’t seen in such a long time.” Linda Longman muses, “I hope we will recognize each other with masks!” Beth Sholom Home catered the brunch with their usual delicious foods. David

Lesser, vice president, sums up everyone’s feelings by saying, “It’s great to be back!” The next in-person brunch is scheduled for December 12 at the Masonic Temple. Hopefully, these brunches will continue until the group is able to return to their home in Beth Sholom Village. Two future Zoom programs are also taking place. Dr. Mark Soccio, an area chiropractor, spoke to the group about things to do at home to improve overall physical function on December 5. On January 2, Tom Purcell, Wellness director for the Simon Family JCC, as well as personal trainer and group exercise leader, will continue the discussion of personal health by talking about the importance of exercise and maintaining quality of life as aging. On-going programming also includes Zoom bingo games on the third Sunday of every month. Brith Sholom is a nonpolitical organization which aims to foster and perpetuate the spirit, ideals, and traditions of Judaism. Its philanthropic endeavor is to support local Jewish education and community organizations, as well as international groups that aid needy causes. Activities include brunches with speakers, dinners, dances, trips, cultural events and entertainment. For more information, contact LeeAnne Mallory at 757-461-1150 or Brith.Sholom1@ gmail.com.

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Immigration attorney sought to help the stranger Harry Graber

his past year, the Ohef Sholom Temple Immigration Committee and Commonwealth Catholic Charities conducted a community-wide needs assessment and discovered an almost shocking and complete absence of affordable legal services for poor immigrants in Tidewater. Funding was secured to remedy the situation and hire an attorney

to provide these vital services. It is often the case that immigrant women who marry U.S. citizens are afraid to report their husbands who beat or sexually abuse them because of a mistaken fear of losing their legal status to remain in the U.S.A. Quite frequently, immigrant employees are trafficked and exploited by unscrupulous employers. The immigrant employees feel they must bear the situation to remain

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in the United States. All this pain and more can be alleviated and the promise of the U.S.A. can be kept if access to an affordable immigration attorney can be made available. Please help to fill the position by applying or passing the word onto qualified candidates. Please use the following link for a complete job description: http://www. jewishnewsva.org/immigration-attorney/.

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jewishnewsva.org | December 13, 2021 | JEWISH NEWS | 21

JEWISH TIDEWATER

New medical director for Freda H. Gordon Hospice and Palliative Care

he vision at Freda H. Gordon Hospice and Palliative Care is to reimagine what life with a serious illness can hold— providing patient-centered, holistic, and inclusive care to all eligible patients and their loved ones. As the organization soon enters its 10th year of serving the entire Tidewater community, it welcomes a new medical director to the team—Ohad Sheffy, MD.

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Jewish culture, values, and traditions, helping to better serve patients and their loved ones from the local Jewish community.

Sheffy joins the Freda H. Gordon family with a diverse array of clinical experience spanning multiple disciplines and locations. He graduated from medical school at The Haddash and Hebrew University Faculty of Medicine in Jerusalem, Israel, before completing his residency at the John F. Kennedy Medical Center in Edison, New Jersey. Sheffy then practiced as an urgent care physician, a MICU (Medical Intensive Care Unit) physician, and a hospitalist, before becoming a family physician with the Tidewater Physicians Medical Group in Suffolk,

Virginia. Sheffy is Board Certified by the American Board of Family Medicine and is a member of The American Academy of Family Physicians, The American Medical Association, and The Israeli Association of Family Physicians. He is fluent in both English and Hebrew. As Sheffy joins the team, he proudly joins the only hospice in Southeastern Virginia accredited by the National Institute for Jewish Hospice. This accreditation, which Freda H. Gordon has held since 2015, means that all staff members receive specialized training on Jewish culture, values, and traditions, helping to better serve patients and their loved ones from the local Jewish community. Sheffy will help continue to lead this service forward, ensuring the incorporation of Jewish medical ethics into hospice care and honoring the unique aspects of Jewish grief and mourning. To learn more or to determine if you or your loved one may be eligible for the care, call 757-321-2242.

IT’S A WRAP

A November “taste” of BBYO Dave Flagler

ovember was a delicious month for Tidewater BBYO Teens. Despite the postponement of the annual Fall Fest due to rain, the cooler weather did not dampen the teens’ spirits with two fun food related events. On Sunday, November 14, 20 teens gathered for a Pizza Bake Off. The group broke up into smaller teams and were tasked with making either the tastiest or most unusual (but edible) pizzas. In addition to traditional pizza ingredients and toppings, items that are less often found on pizzas were also available— including but not limited to—chickpeas, kidney beans, poblano peppers, tahini, pesto, and alfredo sauce. While teams were awarded prizes based on taste and

creativity, everyone enjoyed the camaraderie and sampling of each other’s culinary art. BBG chapters enjoyed a “Friendsgiving” program with Havdalah on Saturday, November 20. This program provided another opportunity for culinary art as the teens created special turkeys designed with fruit and chocolate. Each food item in the creation had an associated meaning which allowed for a meaningful conversation about gratitude the weekend before Thanksgiving. To learn more about BBYO or other ways that teens can get involved in the Tidewater Jewish community, contact Dave Flagler, director of Camp and Teen Engagement at the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, at DFlagler@ UJFT.org or 757-452-3182.

BBYO Teens prepare their creations for the Pizza Bake-Off.

TWO GREAT COURSES

TWO INCREDIBLE INSTRUCTORS Jewish Mysticism: Tracing the History of Kabbalah A 10-week course with Rabbi Michael Panitz Tuesdays, 12:00 PM Beginning Jan. 25

Biblical Women: Emerging from the Margins Through Midrash A 10-week course with Dr. Amy K. Milligan Mondays, 6:45 PM Beginning Jan. 31

JewishVA.org/KCL jewishnewsva.org | December 13, 2021 | JEWISH NEWS | 23

IT’S A WRAP

Tidewater Chavurah celebrates Hanukkah

Gretchen and Jonathan Leib.

idewater Chavurah celebrated Hanukkah on the eighth night. While it was lovely seeing the fully lighted menorahs, the best part was getting together in person. The latkes were the stars of the show, but all of the food contributed to a great meal.

FIDF supporters welcome and hear from IDF Naval officers

ome 40 Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) supporters gathered last month at an event hosted by Betsy and Ed Karotkin and Rabbi Ron Koas to welcome and meet with visiting Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Naval officers from Ashdod Naval Base. The officers were taking part in a joint project with the U.S. Army. The event took place on the evening of November 3 at the Karotkin’s home. The Karotkins and Rabbi Ron Koas, senior rabbi of Congregation Beth El, welcomed enthusiastic congregants and fellow FIDF supporters who took the unique opportunity to meet with and learn from the visiting IDF Naval officers. “I am happy that this meaningful and Rabbi Koas addresses the guests. important event was able to take place here in Virginia Beach,” said Rabbi Koas. “We at the Tidewater Jewish community believe that this is the first of many partnerships with the FIDF to provide support for Israel’s amazing soldiers.” “It’s not often that we get the opportunity to meet with IDF soldiers face-to-face here in Virginia and we are so grateful for the opportunity,” said Jasmine Amitay, FIDF associate director, Virginia Chapter. “I’d like to thank the Karotkins for their warm hospitality and their help to make this happen.” To learn more about how to help impact more than 118,000 soldiers through education, welfare, construction, spiritual needs and more, contact Jasmine Amitay at Jasmine.Amitay@FIDF.org. Photography by Jasmine Amitay: courtesy of FIDF.

KBH returns to building to celebrate Hanukkah

Avraham Ashkenazi speaks to the group.

Alene Jo Kaufman

n Saturday, December 4, on the seventh night of Hanukkah, members and friends of Kehillat Bet Hamidrash/Kempsville Conservative Synagogue gathered to celebrate the Festival of Lights. Beginning with Havdalah and continuing with lighting a chanukiyah inside and another outside, there was truly a sense of bringing light into our lives! This was a celebration not only of the holiday, but of returning to Chazzan David Proser and Zack Harper lighting the activities and services inside the building—a kind of rededication to being Chanukah candles. together in person again. Vaccinated and masked (except when eating), congregants sang, chatted, and caught up with each other. There were crafts and games for the children (and an occasional adult) who were having as much fun just being together as the adults were. Of course, it wouldn’t be a celebration without food—homemade latkes, tuna fish and salad, soufganiyot, and lots of chocolate gelt. IDF Naval Officers.

24 | JEWISH NEWS | December 13, 2021 | jewishnewsva.org

WHAT’S HAPPENING ON EXHIBIT IN THE LEON FAMILY GALLERY

Isaac Brynjegard-Bialik: You Did What to My Comics?!? Through February 8

saac Brynjegard-Bialik’s striking collection of art You Did What to My Comics?!? is currently on display in the Leon Family Gallery at the Sandler Family Campus. Brynjegard-Bialik is a Jewish artist living in Southern California. He cuts up paper and reassembles it into work made of clean lines and patterns, sinuous shapes and sharp edges, large fields of color, and small intimate spaces. Through his art, Brynjegard-Bialik explores the stories and traditions of the Jewish people, filtered through the twin lenses of the traditional art form of papercutting and contemporary pop culture narratives. Blending ancient stories and the glossy/gritty world of comics in seamless graphic compositions, Brynjegard-Bialik’s work is emblematic of the 21st century’s mash-up culture. The exhibit will be on display through

Isaac Brynjegard-Bialik’s February 4–8 visit to Tidewater with wife Rabbi Shawna Brynjegard-Bialik. The couple’s “Paper Midrash” sermons and workshops are presented by the Milton “Mickey” Kramer Scholar-in-Residence fund of the Congregation Beth El Foundation’s Tidewater Together Series. For more information, contact Sierra Lautman at SLautman@UJFT.org or 757-965-6107.

PJ Library to celebrate Tu B’shevat at Norfolk Botanical Garden Sunday, January 9, 3–4:30 pm

u B’Shevat is considered the New Year of the Trees, marking the start of spring in Israel—when trees begin to bloom after a long, cold winter. In celebration of Tu B’Shevat, PJ Library in Tidewater is going to the Norfolk Botanical Garden. It may still be chilly in Tidewater, but some beautiful winter blooms will be showing off at the gardens and serve as a reminder of warmer days. Families with children of all ages are invited to join PJ Library in Tidewater to go on a guided tour of

the gardens and learn about native trees, plants, and flowers. The program will also include Tu B’Shevat treats and a craft to take home. Registration is free, but limited. Learn more or register at JewishVA.org/ PJLibrary or contact Nofar Trem, UJFT Youth and Family program coordinator, at NTrem@UJFT. org or 717-321-2334.

B’nai Israel’s 75th Anniversary celebration includes dedicatory book

Friday, January 14 and Saturday, January 15 Marcy Mostofsky

A Breathe Free.

Jerusalem of Gold.

Live Long and Prosper.

s B’nai Israel celebrates 75 years, the congregation is ‘on the hunt’ for beautiful memories. Help B’nai Israel personalize its dedicatory book with flashbacks throughout the years. Share photos or memories such as a special time with Rabbi Bornstein, a cousin’s Bar Mitzvah, etc. Whatever is available, B’nai wants it. Pass along B’nai experiences at MemoriesBI75@gmail.com. All Page Dedications and Tree of Life Leaves can be sponsored by visiting secure.cardknox.com/ bnaiisraelcampaign. Join the congregation on January 14 and 15 for an ‘out of this world party’

featuring renowned singer and chazzan, Simcha Leiner.

Visit us on the web jewishnewsva.org jewishnewsva.org | December 13, 2021 | JEWISH NEWS | 25

WHAT’S HAPPENING

CALENDAR DECEMBER 15, WEDNESDAY

B’nai Israel’s 75th Anniversary Celebration with Chazzan Simcha Leiner Shabbos: Friday, January 14–Saturday, January 15 Services begin at 8:45 am followed by a Gala Kiddush at noon

o celebrate the congrecrowd in Odessa Ukraine. gation’s 75th anniversary, They were joined by a B’nai Israel is planning an 62-piece symphony orchestra. awe-inspiring and memLeiner has traveled the orable Shabbos featuring world bringing his unique world renowned singer and range and energy to simchos Chazzan Simcha Leiner. and events. He also leads Since 2008, Simcha the tfillos at shuls and hotel Leiner has been a sought programs multiple times a after Jewish music star. After Chazzan Simcha Leiner. month. releasing his breakout single In addition to experiencing Kol Berama, he reached international critthe remarkable voice of Chazzan Leiner, ical acclaim garnering millions of views on share memories, reminisce, and honor 75 his many YouTube videos and releasing years of remarkable resilience and growth at eight albums. the center of Norfolk’s Orthodox community. In November 2016, Leiner embarked on the most ambitious show of the decade, Check www.bnaisrael.org or call the office at performing his greatest hits to a sold-out 757-627‑7358 for more information.

A FREE “Taste” of Melton. New and experienced Melton students are invited to join in a “taste” of the Florence Melton School of Adult Jewish Learning. Meet one of the Melton teachers, Rabbi Michael Panitz, sample a lesson from the upcoming Melton course, Jewish Mysticism: Tracing the History of Kabbalah, and experience Melton’s text-based, discussion-oriented approach to Jewish learning. This class is free and open to the community, with registration required. Presented by the Konikoff Center for Learning at the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater. 12 pm. For more information or to register contact Sierra Lautman at SLautman@Ujft.org or 757-965-6107.

JANUARY 9, SUNDAY Tu B’Shevat at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens with PJ Library in Tidewater. Families with children of all ages are invited to join PJ Library in Tidewater for a guided tour of the gardens to learn about native trees, plants, and flowers. The program will also include Tu B’Shevat treats and a craft to take home. Registration is free, but limited. 3 pm. Learn more or register at JewishVA.org/PJLibrary or contact Nofar Trem, Youth and Family Program coordinator at NTrem@UJFT.org or 717-321-2334. See page 25.

BEGINNING JANUARY 25 Jewish Mysticism: Tracing the History of Kabbalah, a 10-week Melton course taught by Rabbi Michael Panitz. This class will examine how centuries of societal and cultural changes shaped Jewish mysticism, including its cryptic nature and its controversies. Learners will have the opportunity to explore the rich source material itself on a rigorous, scholarly level, and to discuss the timeless mysteries of human existence and the laws of the universe. 12 pm. Presented by the Konikoff Center for Learning at the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater. For more information or to register, contact Sierra Lautman at SLautman@Ujft.org or 757-965-6107.

BEGINNING JANUARY 31 Biblical Women: Emerging from the Margins through Midrash, a 10-week Melton course taught by Dr. Amy Milligan. Tracing major female figures of the Bible through classic and modern midrashic commentary, meet a dazzling line up of more than a dozen biblical heroines. Go behind the scenes to gain multiple perspectives on their lives, relationships, and choices to understand their roles in Jewish history and literature as full, well-rounded characters. 6:45 pm. Presented by the Konikoff Center for Learning at the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater. For more information or to register, contact Sierra Lautman at SLautman@Ujft.org or 757-965-6107.

FEBRUARY 2, WEDNESDAY Date With The State 2022. Join the Jewish Community Relations Council and Jewish community members from across the Commonwealth for Virginia Jewish Advocacy Day. Lobby members of the Virginia Legislature on issues important to the statewide Jewish community. For information or to register for the day (pre-registration required!), contact Elka Mednick, JCRC assistant director, at emednick@ ujft.org or 757-965-6112.

FEBRUARY 4–8

Featuring renowned singer & chazzan, Simcha Leiner. Gala kiddush following davening. In honor of the occasion, a commemorative book will highlight B’nai Israel’s rich history through photos and memories. Page Dedications + Tree of Life Leaves can be sponsored by visiting: secure.cardknox.com/bnaiisraelcampaign, by scanning the QR code below, or by contacting 757-627-7358 Platinum $5,000: Gold $2,500: Silver $1,000: Bronze $500: Copper $250: Greeting $100:

Full Page + 2 Gold Leaves Full Page + 1 Gold Leaf Full Page + 1 Silver Leaf Half Page + 1 Bronze Leaf ¼ Page + 1 Copper Leaf Name Listing

Share your photos with us at MemoriesBI75@gmail.com All sponsorships & submissions are due by 12/15/21

26 | JEWISH NEWS | December 13, 2021 | jewishnewsva.org

Paper Midrash, as a part of the Milton “Mickey” Kramer Scholar-in-Residence Fund of the Congregation Beth El Foundation’s Tidewater Together series. Dynamic duo Isaac and Rabbi Shawna Brynjegard-Bialik will lead a variety of programs over a five-day period including guest sermons, hands on workshops, and a gallery talk. For more information or to register, visit JewishVA. org/TidewaterTogether or contact Sierra Lautman at SLautman@Ujft.org or 757-965-6107. See page 25.

FEBRUARY 15, TUESDAY Your Story Well Told with Corey Rosen. Actor, visual effects producer, author, and host of The Moth, Corey Rosen comes to the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA). His new book, Your Story, Well Told: Creative Strategies to Develop and Perform Stories that Wow an Audience, teaches how to get past telling “the same” stories and find stories worth telling from our own lives. 7:30 pm. Presented by the Konikoff Center for Learning at the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, this event is free and open to the community with pre-registration required. For more information or to register, contact Sierra Lautman at SLautman@Ujft.org or 757-965-6107.

Send submissions for calendar to news@ujft.org. Be sure to note “calendar” in the subject. Include date, event name, sponsor, address, time, cost and phone.

jewishnewsva.org | December 13, 2021 | JEWISH NEWS | 27

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES REBA

AND

S A M S A N D L E R FA M I LY C A M P U S

Maintenance Supervisor

The UJFT Community Campus, LLC., seek an experience Maintenance Supervisor to oversee, coordinate, and perform the activities of the maintenance department to ensure the facility is maintained in good repair, and all systems comply with applicable safety and fire regulations and federal, state, and local building codes to ensure a safe, comfortable environment. The Maintenance Supervisor oversees the upkeep of all physical facilities which includes general maintenance, handyman skills, and repair of mechanical properties, electrical components, and plumbing, as well as the overall appearance of the facility; focusing on improving operations and facilities while minimizing costs. Salary is competitive, and commensurate with experience

Building Services The UJFT Community Campus, LLC., (aka Sandler Family Campus) which houses the Simon Family JCC, and several affiliate agencies has immediate positions for Housekeeping/Building Service Workers to clean offices, classrooms, restrooms, athletic areas and assist with setups. The Sandler Family Campus operates on a seven-day workweek.

Submit cover letter, resume and salary requirements to: resumes@ujft.org For complete job descriptions, contact Taftaleen Hunter, director of Human Resources at 757-965-6117

Equal Employment Opportunity

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES • •

Development

Director, Donor Engagement Donor Engagement Associate

Programs Department •

• Director, Arts + Ideas Arts + Ideas Coordinator

Marketing

•

Marketing Associate/Graphic Designer (Full-Time)

Holocaust Commission

•

Program Associate (Part-Time hourly, 20 hrs, per wk.)

•

Accounting Associate (Full-Time, Non-exempt (hourly)

Finance Department Shared service with Campus agency

Salaries are competitive and commensurate with experience. Complete job descriptions at www.jewishva.org Submit cover letter, resume and salary requirements to: resumes@ujft.org The United Jewish Federation of Tidewater/Simon Family Jewish Community Center is firmly committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity for all qualified persons without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, non-disqualifying disability or veteran status.

Equal Employment Opportunity 28 | JEWISH NEWS | December 13, 2021 | jewishnewsva.org

OBITUARIES PHYLLIS K. BELKOV BALTIMORE, MD.—Phyllis K. Belkov, 83, of Baltimore, Md., passed away on Saturday, November 27, 2021. She is survived by her beloved son, Cory (Terri) Belkov, and grandchildren, Michael and John Belkov. Phyllis was predeceased by her brother, Dr. Barry M. Katz: and parents Esther and Max Katz. Contributions in her memory may be sent to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) 4301 Wilson Blvd, Suite 300, Arlington, VA 22203. CHERYL LEIGH MYERS CHESAPEAKE—Cheryl Leigh Myers passed away on November 17, 2021 in Chesapeake, Va. Cheryl was born on May 19, 1967 to Trudy and Coleman Krane. She attended Hebrew Academy of Tidewater, Kempsville High School, and University of Georgia. Cheryl was a proud entrepreneur and the owner of Better Homes and Bargains Estate Sales. She always put her heart into her work and cared deeply about her customers. She had also just received her real estate license. She had two children, Emily and Joshua, and a dog, Raven, who she enjoyed bringing with her everywhere. She loved dancing, playing tennis, watching movies and TV shows, traveling, going to the beach, and spending time with her daughter, parents, and friends. She is remembered by her parents, children, sister, niece, nephew, and loving friends. She touched many lives, and many people who knew her presence will miss her dearly. A memorial service was held at Altmeyer Funeral Homes and CrematorySouthside Chapel. OMCS RETIRED SIDNEY PEARL VIRGINIA BEACH—After a long and fruitful life, Pops passed away November 25, 2021 surrounded by his loving family. Pops was born September 8, 1930 in Antwerp, Belgium and immigrated to the United States when he was five years old. He was raised in Brooklyn, N.Y. where he met and married his beautiful bride, Sandra Gilman Pearl. He enlisted in the USN during the Korean Conflict and retired 21 years later as a Senior Chief.

Through numerous duty stations, they settled on Virginia Beach to raise their family. Pops was always actively involved in coaching his children in every sport they played. He helped start the Woodstock Mustangs program, eventually forming the Virginia Beach Mustangs in 2001. With over 50 years of coaching he touched the lives of thousands of children in the Tidewater area. He was so proud of his Mustangs, he always wore his two national championship rings wherever he went. Pops was a do it yourself type of guy who owned every tool known to man and knew how to use them. He developed a love for gardening in his later years and grew numerous vegetables in his yard, most of which he gave away to family and friends. He was nicknamed “Farmer Sid from Brooklyn.” Pops is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Sandi and his five children, Michele (Claude), Keith (Tina), Kenneth (Carlen), Mike (Gail), and Bruce (Michelle); nine grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; his one sister, Gertrude Roffell living in Israel; and his four-legged children, Buddy and Grace. A graveside service with military honors was officiated by Rabbi Israel Zoberman at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens. Donations to the Virginia Beach SPCA. Please visit Pops’ webpage at www. woodlawnnorfolk.com.

EDWARD D. SHAMES VIRGINIA BEACH—Edward D. Shames, age 99, passed away peacefully at home on December 3, 2021. Ed was born in Norfolk, Virginia on June 13, 1922, to the late David and Sadie Shames. In August 1942, Ed was called to duty in World War II. During the war, he was a member of the renowned Easy Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division now known globally as the “Band of Brothers.” Ed was involved in some of the most important battles of the war. He made his first combat jump into Normandy on D-Day as part of Operation Overload. He volunteered for Operation Pegasus and then fought with Easy Company in Operation Market Garden

OBITUARIES and the Battle of the Bulge in Bastogne. Ed gained a reputation as a stubborn and very outspoken soldier who demanded the highest of standards from himself and his fellow soldiers. He not only earned the respect of his men, but was recognized by command for outstanding leadership and on June 13, 1944, he received a battlefield commission to Second Lieutenant. This made him the first non-commissioned officer in the Third Battalion to receive a commission in Normandy. In Germany, he was the first member of the 101st to enter Dachau concentration camp, just days after its liberation. When Germany surrendered, Ed and his men of Easy Company entered Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest where Ed managed to acquire a few bottles of cognac, a label indicating they were “for the Fuhrer’s use only.” Later, he would use the cognac to toast his oldest son’s Bar Mitzvah. Ed was the last surviving officer and oldest surviving member of the “Band of Brothers.” On November 6, 2021, the American Veterans Center at its annual Veterans Conference and Honors program gave a final toast to Ed and presented him with the distinguished Doolittle Tokyo Raiders Wings of Valor Award. After the war, Ed worked for the National Security Agency as an expert on Middle East affairs. He also served in the U.S. Army Reserve Division and later retired as a Colonel. Ed was preceded in death by his devoted and beloved wife, Ida. They had a beautiful and loving marriage for 73 years. They traveled the world together making lifelong friends. Ed is survived by his beloved family: his sons, Steven (Linda) and Douglas (Ilene); his grandchildren, Sarah (Matthew), Samuel (Holly), Aaron (Rachel), and Rebecca (Anthony); and his 12 great-grandchildren. A graveside service was held at Forest Lawn Cemetery with Cantor David Proser officiating. Memorial contributions in his honor (memory) may be sent to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516 and the American Veterans Center, 1100 N. Glebe Rd., Suite 910, Arlington, VA 22201. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com.

BARRY WILLIAM TRUB BETHESDA, MD.—Barry William Trub, age 49, of Bethesda, Maryland passed away on Friday, November 26, 2021. Barry was born July 16, 1972 in Newport News, Va. Barry is survived by his parents Sara and Aaron Trub of Virginia Beach and his sister Lisa. A private funeral was held. www. hinesrinaldifuneralhome.com.

husband Jack (deceased) for 70 years. She is survived by son Joel Weintraub (Sally), daughter Marion Leff (Stan), daughter Judy Fox (Eric), four grandchildren Adam, Molly, Ellen, Sara and four great grandchildren. Francie was beloved by many and will remain with special purpose in the hearts of all she touched. Francie lived

FRANCES WEINTRAUB SARASOTA, FLA.—Frances (Francie) Weintraub passed away Thursday, December 2, 2021. She was the daughter of the late Moses and Lena Rosenstock. In 1936, with her parents and brothers Walter and Hans, Francie fled Germany and came to the United States. She lived in New Jersey and Columbia, S.C., but spent most of her life in Portsmouth, Va. and Sarasota, Fla. Francie shared her love with her

a life dedicated to family and became a consummate volunteer for the Jewish community wherever that was. A very special soul shines bright in eternity. Memorial donations may be made to Aviva Senior Living, 1951 N. Honore Avenue, Sarasota, FL. 34235

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IN MEMORIAM Ed Shames, ‘Band of Brothers’ vet who toasted son’s bar mitzvah with Hitler’s cognac Ron Kampeas

( JTA)—When Ed Shames described his Jewish self, he used the term “tough SOB.” Shames, the oldest surviving member of the Ed Shames. legendary Easy Company parachute infantry regiment, could also have added “patient.” Shames, who died Dec. 3 at age 99 at his home in Virginia Beach, Virginia, in 1945 secured bottles of cognac designated for Hitler’s use only from the palace of the man who wanted to wipe the Jews from the earth. He waited until 1961 to open one: The occasion was a bar mitzvah— his son’s commitment to a Jewish future. The exploits of Easy Company were immortalized in the 2001 HBO miniseries Band of Brothers. In a 2015 interview with Jay Klebanoff for Jewish News, Shames described how growing up Jewish on the Virginia coast shaped him. “Things were tough at that time for Jewish boys,” he said. “There were times when you had to fight your way through. One thing people learned about me…they never called me ‘dirty Jew’ twice. I was a tough SOB; not mean, just tough.” Being Jewish saw him through excruciating training, he said. “Because I was a Jew, I didn’t want to wash out, and lots of guys did,” he recalled in the interview, conducted when he was 94. “Heck, they had 7,000 volunteers they had to whittle down to 2,500 soldiers. They wanted to discharge me after I hurt my knee on my first parachute jump. I wouldn’t let them. After walking 149 miles from our training base at Camp Toccoa to Ft. Benning in full gear over three and onehalf days, there was no way.” His determination to give antisemites no quarter carried over into his military service. He recalled organizing an outing to a Passover seder for Jewish troops while they were training in England ahead of D-Day.

“We had 18 men from the regiment sign up and this officer made a disparaging remark about Jews,” he said. “I could have received a general court-martial for what I told him.” Shames was one of the first U.S. troops to enter the Dachau concentration camp but would not speak of the experience. About his prize of Hitler’s cognac, he was more voluble. “When Germany surrendered, Ed and his men of Easy Company entered Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest where Ed managed to acquire a few bottles of cognac, a label indicating they were ‘or the Fuhrer’s use only’,” the obituary said. “Later, he would use the cognac to toast his oldest son’s bar mitzvah.” Revenge served cold in a shot glass seemed worth it, although Shames said the bottle he opened at his son’s bar mitzvah was soon gone. “My buddy Lee Kantor finished that bottle and I threw it out,” he said in 2015. “Do you know it would be worth $15,000 today?” After the war, Shames worked for the National Security Agency. His wife Ida, whom he married at Temple Beth El in Norfolk, predeceased him after 73 years. She too was pretty good at keeping a secret. “Before heading to England, I visited her where she was working as a hospital volunteer,” he recalled. “She gave me a goodbye kiss on the cheek and that made an impression on me. At the time, Ida was engaged to a Naval officer from New York named Joseph. I got to her just in time after the war. You know, to this day, she won’t tell me his last name.”

Ed Shames.

30 | JEWISH NEWS | December 13, 2021 | jewishnewsva.org

Stephen Sondheim, Jewish theater legend who reshaped the American musical Ron Kampeas

(JTA)—Stephen Sondheim, the Jewish lyricist and composer who redefined the American musical through a monumental canon of influential and innovative theatrical works, has died at 91. He died suddenly Friday, November 26 after enjoying a Thanksgiving dinner with friends at his home in Roxbury, Connecticut, The New York Times reported. Sondheim’s stunning debut came writing the lyrics to Leonard Bernstein’s score for West Side Story in 1957, at age 27. Sondheim was born to Jewish parents in New York City, but raised without any formal Jewish background, to the extent that he once said Bernstein had to explain to him how to pronounce, Yom Kippur. Sondheim’s other well-known musicals include Into the Woods, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Follies, A Little Night Music and Sunday in the Park With George. Many of them were not smash hits immediately, as he avoided traditional Broadway formulas that would immediately draw audiences. Instead, he crafted musicals that dealt with subjects that had not received treatments on mainstream stages: loneliness, despair, and the artistic temperament. There was the young man who is terrified of emotional commitment in Company (1970); the family torn apart by emotional dishonesty in A Little Night Music (1973); the vicious serial killer in Sweeney Todd (1979); and the artist in the midst of conceiving a masterpiece in Sunday in the Park with George (1984). Into the Woods, a mashup of characters from multiple fairy tales, won several Tony Awards in 1987. Revivals staged years after often did better than original runs, but he is often cited as one of the 20th century’s most influential theater writers. Sondheim—who did not entertain a romantic partnership until he was 60— also often wrote about loneliness and whether the capacity to create a longterm relationship was possible. Send In the Clowns, a signature song from A Little Night Music remains a famous lamentation

about bad timing when it comes to love. “Isn’t it rich?” sings the character Desiree. “Are we a pair? Me here at last on the ground, You in mid-air?” Stephen Sondheim, Sondheim hated April 2014, New York City. when his fans and biographers attempted to examine his life to understand his music, but it was an irresistible enterprise. Born into a wealthy family in New York that ran a dressmaking company, his father left him and his mother when Sondheim was 10 years old, and his mother heaped on him hateful scorn, once telling him that her greatest regret was that he was born at all. He found mentorship and a father figure in his teen years in a family friend, Oscar Hammerstein II, the lyricist of Jewish descent who had heralded an earlier revolution in the American musical, leading its transition in the 1920s from lighthearted reviews to novelistic treatments of major issues. Hammerstein plotted out a four-step training for Sondheim while he was still in high school: Adapt a good play into a musical, adapt a flawed play into a musical, adapt a musical from another literary form, write your own musical. Sondheim stuck assiduously to the course and at 22 began auditioning songs around New York. Sondheim’s skills became known in Broadway circles and at age 25, he was asked to come on board and write the lyrics for a musical Bernstein was planning based on Romeo and Juliet. That became West Side Story, and Sondheim’s skill at weaving doom and despair into romance was immediately evident in the signature song, Somewhere: “There’s a place for us/ Somewhere a place for us/Peace and quiet and open air/Wait for us somewhere.” Sondheim earned multiple honors besides his many Tony’s, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015.

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32 | JEWISH NEWS | December 13, 2021 | jewishnewsva.org

Jewish News - 12.13.2021

Articles inside

Book Review: When Rabbis Bless Congress

New medical director for Freda H. Gordon Hospice

Briefs

Obituaries

Published times a year by United Jewish Federation of Tidewater.