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JEWISH NEWS UP FRONT
Preparing for 5785
Typically, as we prepare for the New Year, I would share the enormous impact of our 2024 Annual Campaign where, together as a community, we raised more than $5 million to support the needs of the Jewish people and organizations locally, on college campuses around Virginia, and in Jewish communities around the globe through our overseas partners (please visit federation.jewishva.org/annual-campaign to see our impact report from the 2024 Annual Campaign).
I would also share the substantial impact of the over $4.8 million our community raised within just a few months, following the horrendous attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. The funds were quickly sent to our overseas partners to help meet Israel’s humanitarian, emergency, and wartime needs.
But this year, as we prepare for 5785, my thoughts remain where they have been for the last 339 days (as I write this), with the hostages and their families. We are most recently mourning the death of 6 hostages, executed by Hamas in the tunnels of Gaza, including American Israeli Hersh Goldberg-Polin, originally of Richmond. The slaughter of more than 1,200 on October 7, the hundreds of thousands of displaced Israelis, driven from their homes by Hamas and Hezbollah, and the death of countless Palestinian civilians callously subjected by Hamas to the ravages of war, has indescribably impacted all of us.
We have given with our contributions, our hearts, our volunteerism, and our voices over the last year. We have advocated, we have prayed, and we have marched. Almost 100 from our community joined over 290,000 individuals who participated in the historic March for Israel, the largest pro-Israel rally in U.S. history, in November 2023 on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. I recently had the opportunity to spontaneously participate in a (much smaller) march in Nashville, Tennessee, while on vacation with my family. I learned about the march when I bumped into a Jewish family walking down the street in Nashville. The father is the rabbi of Nashville’s largest reform congregation. Our small Jewish world got a little smaller that day. (I was also proud to march both times with my colleague from Tidewater Jewish Foundation, Naomi Limor Sedek.)
Many of you joined us on October 10, 2023, as we came together following October 7. You joined us at the March for Israel. I hope you join us this October 7, as we continue to pray, remember, and act.
As we prepare for this solemn anniversary, I wish you and your families l’shana tova tikatevu. May 5785 free the hostages and bring peace to Israel and the Jewish people.
Betty Ann Levin
Executive Vice President/CEO
United Jewish Federation of Tidewater
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11 Mazel Tov October 25
As a father and as the president of the State of
– page 6
Betty Ann Levin (third from right) at the March for Israel.
BRIEFS
Family of Holocaust survivor files first wrongful death lawsuit in Boar’s Head listeria outbreak
The family of an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor in Virginia has sued Boar’s Head, claiming that listeria from the meat company’s products is responsible for his death.
The filing is the first wrongful death lawsuit to stem from the Boar’s Head listeria outbreak. So far, more than 50 people have fallen ill in connection with the outbreak and nine have died, including Günter “Garshon” Morgenstein, who survived the Holocaust as a child.
“We’re all still in shock, for all of the things you know that he’s seen and been through in his life to come to that, you know, lunch meat,” his son, Garshon “Shon” Morgenstein, told a local news station.
Morgenstein was born in 1936 in Cottbus, Germany, southeast of Berlin, and survived the Holocaust by hiding under the floorboards of his home, according to his son.
In 1954, Morgenstein fled East Berlin with few possessions and headed to the United States. He became a “master hair designer” and was well known in Newport News, Virginia. He met his wife, Peggy, in a salon, and his clients included Johnny Mathis and Muhammad Ali. He was still working until he fell ill.
Morgenstein died on July 18 after being diagnosed with listeria and meningitis. Prior to his illness, he had purchased a Boar’s Head liverwurst sandwich from a grocery store. According to his son, Morgenstein enjoyed eating lunch meat, and was a fan of Boar’s Head in particular.
On July 26, Boar’s Head issued a recall of millions of pounds of its products after the spread of listeria was traced to one of its plants in Virginia. The wrongful death lawsuit was filed in Sarasota, Florida, where Boar’s Head is headquartered.
Morgenstein is survived by his son, two daughters, and wife Peggy. (JTA)
US government spends $454 million to secure religious institutions amid rising antisemitism
The federal government will spend nearly $150 million more this year than it did in 2023 to secure religious organizations, a jump aimed at addressing a rise in antisemitism since Oct. 7.
The Department of Homeland Security announced that it had allocated $454.5 million this fiscal year toward the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which funds security enhancements at houses of worship and religious organizations. It is the largest sum ever allocated toward the program, and a significant increase from last year’s figure of $305 million.
“The funds announced today will provide communities across the country with vital resources necessary to strengthen their security and guard against terrorism and other threats,” Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, who is Jewish, said in a
statement. “The impact of these grants will be measured in lives saved and tragedies averted.”
Jewish organizations have historically championed the program, which began in 2005 with an allocation of $25 million and has since grown exponentially. Most of the funding has historically gone to Jewish institutions such as synagogues, day schools, and other religious organizations — a trend that continued this year, according to the Orthodox Union.
The funds are available to all denominations facing credible threats, and in recent years Muslim and Black Christian institutions have applied for funds, often with the guidance of Jewish groups more experienced in the application process.
As organizations such as the Anti-Defamation League have documented a rise in antisemitism in recent years, Jewish groups have pushed for the security funding to grow. This year, as watchdogs and law enforcement agencies have reported a spike in antisemitic incidents since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war on Oct. 7, Jewish groups continued their advocacy and Congress allocated a record amount to the program.
Initially, as part of a bipartisan budget deal, only $274.5 million in funding was made available through the program this year, a decline from 2023 that sparked objections from Jewish groups. But that was later buttressed by an additional $180 million in funding as part of the legislation that delivered additional aid to Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan.
“We were very concerned that the original level appropriated for this lifesaving program would fall short amid the unprecedented spike in antisemitism, which is why we worked closely with appropriators and congressional leadership to include additional funds in the security supplemental,” Karen Paikin Barall, vice president of government relations for Jewish Federations of North America told Jewish Telegraphic Agency. (JTA)
El Al offers set prices to four destinations as Israelis face flight
cancellations
IIsrael’s national airline, El Al, has vowed not to change ticket prices to four international destinations through the end of the year amid security tensions that have led many foreign carriers to cancel flights to the country and created disarray for air travelers.
El Al announced that travelers will be able to fly its routes to Athens, Vienna, Dubai, or Larnaca in Cyprus for prices ranging from $199 to $349. From these destinations, they can catch connecting flights with other airlines. The announcement followed a meeting between El Al CEO Dina Ben Tal Ganancia and Israel’s economy minister, Nir Barkat.
El Al pledged to add flights to these four hubs, making around 80,000 economy-class tickets available.
The announcement comes after public backlash against price increases by El Al during a time when many international carriers have suspended service to Israel, leading to a scarcity of flights. El Al has missile defense technology on its
planes and has kept service going uninterrupted since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war on Oct. 7.
“El Al is really price-gouging and taking advantage of the lack of competition,” Adi Livne, an Israeli traveler who was stranded in Spain for several weeks before booking a flight home with the Israeli carrier Israir, told Jewish Telegraphic Agency. “It’s pretty ugly to exploit a crisis like that. It’s not something I would have expected, given the Israeli sense of solidarity.” This sentiment gained traction after El Al announced record profits of $147.7 million for the preceding quarter. (JTA)
George Washington U suspends Jewish Voice for Peace chapter as colleges prepare for resurgence of Israel protests
George Washington University suspended its chapter of Jewish Voice for Peace just days before the start of the new semester.
The private university in Washington, D.C. also suspended Students for Justice in Palestine and put six other pro-Palestinian student groups on probation, in a preemptive move that signals the school expects campus protests against the Israel-Hamas war to resume as students return to campus.
The groups were temporarily suspended last fall after pro-Palestinian students projected inflammatory messages on campus buildings, including “Glory to our martyrs” and “Free Palestine From The River To The Sea,” weeks after Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel. The school’s chapter of JVP, the anti-Zionist Jewish group, supported that protest and said on social media that it stood behind every message.
The new suspension means that the groups will not receive official university recognition, funding, or any other forms of institutional support this semester. In the spring, they will go on probation and will have to seek permission to hold any on-campus events.
Multiple other universities have changed their policies around campus protests over the summer, anticipating future standoffs with pro-Palestinian groups as classes reopen with fighting ongoing in Gaza.
The suspended GWU groups, which frequently work together, shared news of the suspensions in an Instagram post and said they would not be deterred.
“GW administration may suspend our organizations and strip us of our funding, but they will never quell the student movement,” the student groups wrote on Instagram. They vowed to “return a hundred times stronger in the face of their repression.”
GWU is at least the second major university to suspend its JVP chapter since the Oct. 7 attacks in Israel. Columbia University took a similar action last fall and renewed the suspension in the winter, months before it became the epicenter of the pro-Palestinian encampment movement. JVP has been a prominent force in the movement, often providing Jewish representation for a student movement whose calls to divest from Israel have been accused of veering into antisemitism.(JTA)
Editor:
HIS RACQUET
At the last “Coffee and Conversation” event I talked to Seymour Teach about the article ( Jewish News, July 15, 2024) about him and Sue Ellen. He divulged that he still plays “SINGLES” tennis at his age (80s). WOW! I guess it pays to keep active!
David Rabinowitz
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the new year comes
ISRAEL Give an everlasting G i f t
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endowed a scholarship at the Hampton Roads Community Foundation His goal? To give future students opportunities he never had Today, years after his passing, Green’s gift continues to support students
APOLOGIES AMIDST GRIEF
At funeral, Israeli president asks for forgiveness from Goldberg-Polin family
Philissa Cramer (JTA) — Israeli President Isaac Herzog apologized for Israel’s failure to free the captives held by Hamas in his comments at the funeral of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, the 23-year-old American Israeli hostage murdered in Gaza last month.
Herzog was the first speaker, preceding Goldberg-Polin’s parents, Rachel Goldberg-Polin and Jon Polin. He spoke first in Hebrew and then in English, in a nod to the many English speakers among the mourners, and the broad international interest in the funeral of a young man who had become a symbol of Israel’s hostage crisis thanks to the advocacy of his family.
In both languages, Herzog used the vocabulary of apology — “slicha” in Hebrew, “sorry” in English.
“As a father and as the president of the State of Israel, I want to say how sorry I am, how sorry I am that we didn’t protect Hersh on that dark day, how sorry I am that we failed to bring him home,” he said in his English comments.
“In his life and in his death, Hersh
has touched all of humanity deeply. He has shaped our world and woven his essence of light and love into the story of the Jewish people and into our human story,” he added.
In Hebrew, he had offered more expansive comments, asking for forgiveness directly from Hersh and his family.
“I apologize on behalf of the State of Israel, that we failed to protect you in the terrible disaster of Oct. 7, that we failed to bring you home safely. I apologize that the country you immigrated to at the age of 7, wrapped in the Israeli flag, could not keep you safe,” Herzog said.
Herzog also spoke in Hebrew with more force about the roughly 100 hostages still known to be in Gaza — and in acknowledging the breach of the state’s responsibilities in allowing them to be taken and kept there.
“Now – the State of Israel has an urgent and immediate task,” he said. “Decision-makers must do everything possible, with determination and courage, to save those who can still be saved, and to
bring back all our sons and daughters, our brothers and sisters.”
He added, “This is not a political goal, and it must not become a political dispute. It is a supreme moral, Jewish, and human duty of the State of Israel to its citizens. We did not fulfill this duty. And now – we have a sacred and shared obligation, to stand up and bring them all back to their homeland.”
The remarks were a nod to the new wave of anger within Israeli society that has opened since the discovery of the bodies of Goldberg-Polin and five other hostages. Protest has spread over the government’s failure to bring the hostages home since they were taken during Hamas’ Oct. 7 invasion of southern Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the main target of the anger over the perception that he has blocked ceasefire proposals that Israeli security and military leaders endorse, apologized directly to the family of one of those killed, marking his first public apology to any family affected by Oct. 7. But other families declined to take his calls.
Netanyahu apologizes for the first time to a hostage family, blames Hamas for captives’ deaths
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Ron Kampeas (JTA) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu apologized for not freeing hostages as Israel woke up to the shattering news that Hamas terrorists murdered six captives who were on the verge of being rescued.
Some of those killed had been slated for release under a failed deal in July, an anonymous Israeli official told the Israeli news outlet Ynet.
Netanyahu’s apology, delivered Sunday, Sept. 1 to the parents of one of the six, Alex Lubnov, was a first for the prime minister who until now has said that accountability should come after Hamas is defeated in the war it launched with mass killings and abductions. He had previously
apologized only that Oct. 7 had happened, and only in response to a question in English-language media.
“The prime minister expressed deep regret, and apologized to the family, that the State of Israel did not succeed in returning Alexander and the other five hostages alive,” his office said in a statement.
“I would like to tell you how much I regret and request forgiveness for not succeeding in bringing Sasha back alive,” the statement quoted Netanyahu as telling Oxana and Grigory Lubnov.
The statement said that Netanyahu would reach out to the other five families.
Two of them reportedly declined to take his call.
The apology tour was a sign that Netanyahu understands the depth of public anger over the hostages’ deaths and over his failure to end the war and bring home the more than 100 hostages still held by Hamas. The Hostage Families Forum, which promised a “quake” in Israel minutes after the revelation that the army had recovered bodies, had by Sunday, Sept. 1 planned rallies in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and New York.
In a statement mourning the dead, the group blamed the hostages’ deaths on “delays, sabotage and excuses,” an allusion to reports that Netanyahu has moved the goalposts in the U.S.-brokered efforts to bring about a ceasefire deal that would
ISRAEL & JEWISH TIDEWATER
release the remaining hostages.
“A deal for the return of the hostages has been on the table for over two months,” the statement said. “Were it not for the delays, sabotage, and excuses those whose deaths we learned about this morning would likely still be alive. It’s time to bring our hostages home — the living for rehabilitation, and the fallen and murdered for burial in their homelands.”
The deal appears to be held up in part over Netanyahu’s insistence that the army maintains a substantive presence on the Egypt-Gaza border, in an area known as the Philadelphi corridor. Hamas — whose shifting demands have also frustrated a deal — wants the troops removed. Israel’s defense establishment, led by defense minister Yoav Gallant, believes Israel can move the troops and still secure the area.
Netanyahu took a harsh stance against Hamas in a separate video statement posted on social media on Sept. 1. “Whoever murders hostages — does not want a deal,” he said.
Gallant, meantime, called for a government vote on the proposal to move the troops from the border. “The cabinet must gather immediately and reverse the
Youngkin orders flags at halfstaff for Hersh Goldberg-Polin
Governor Glenn Youngkin issued a statement on Sunday, Sept. 1 on the murder of Hersh GoldbergPolin, an American Israeli who was one of the six hostages found dead by Israel Defense Forces soldiers in the Gazan tunnels.
“After 330 agonizing days since the brutal terrorist attack on Israel on October 7th that left more than 1,200 dead and hundreds more held hostage, Jonathan Polin and Rachel Goldberg woke up to unimaginable news that no parent should ever receive. Suzanne and I are angered and heartbroken by the death of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, a senseless murder at the hands of terrorists. Today, Virginians, Americans, and the world join the Goldberg-Polin family and the Keneseth Beth Israel Synagogue in prayer.”
Governor Youngkin ordered all flags to be flown at half-staff in the state of Virginia in memory and honor of Hersh Goldberg-Polin.
decision made on Thursday,” he said in his own statement, referring to a decision the previous week that culminated in a much-reported shouting match between him and Netanyahu. “It is too late for the hostages who were murdered in cold blood. We must bring back the hostages that are still being held by Hamas.”
Newscasters on the state-run broadcaster, Kan, were so taken aback by Netanyahu’s apology that one opened the news hour after the prime minister’s office put out the release by quoting Elton John’s song Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word.
Carmela Menashe, who has for decades been Kan’s military reporter, contrasted Netanyahu’s apology, nearly 11 months into the crisis, with the late Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, who in 1994 immediately called a press conference after a botched raid to rescue Nachshon Waxman, a soldier held by Hamas. The radio ran tape of Rabin’s apology. Netanyahu is known to chafe at comparisons with the prime minister who was assassinated in 1995 by a Jewish extremist.
The shock for Israelis was sharpened because some of the dead hostages, who were reported to have been shot
in the head just as Israeli troops were closing in on where they were held in a tunnel in the border city of Rafah, had become the faces of Israeli anguish. The dramatic stories of their capture, and the heroism of some as they resisted the terrorists and endured confinement, are part of the lore of the deadliest attack in Israeli history.
Among them was Hersh Goldberg-Polin, 23, an Israeli American who lost his arm during the Oct. 7 raids and who was filmed being taken away in a pickup truck. He appeared in a video Hamas released in April. His parents, Rachel Goldberg and Jon Polin, brought the Democratic National Convention to a standstill last month when they appealed for a deal to release the hostages.
Three of the hostages killed — Goldberg-Polin, Eden Yerushalmi and Carmel Gat — had been on a list of those who would have been released under the terms of a July 2 ceasefire proposal, according to the Ynet report. The proposal faltered and soon after, U.S. President Joe Biden issued rare open criticism against Israel over its efforts to reach a deal.
Honoring the past, embracing the present, planning for the future –2025 Men’s Major Gifts Luncheon
Almost 40 men – sons, brothers, fathers, and grandfathers came together on Thursday, August 22, for what has become an annual tradition, the Men’s Major Gifts Luncheon for the 2025 Annual Community Campaign. The event was chaired by John Strelitz and Jay Klebanoff, UJFT past presidents, and hosted by Steve and Art Sandler, also past presidents.
Traditionally the kick-off for the annual campaign, this luncheon usually results in commitments that represent more than 50% of the gifts to meet the needs of Jewish Tidewater and college students throughout Virginia, as well as of global Jewry.
This year, as can be found on page 8, the ladies of the community set the pace with their generosity. As with the Ruby Lion of Judah event, David Makovsky, of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, provided the
men with an insightful briefing on the complex dynamics in the Middle East.
As the men turned to commitments for the Annual Campaign, the longstanding tradition of generosity in Tidewater’s Jewish community shone through. Not only through stories told by multiple generations of numerous families present for the luncheon, but also by recounting memories of prior campaigns, trips to Israel, and examples of the generosity of the men who came before them.
It was an inspiring and motivational afternoon. Much work lies ahead to meet the challenges that face the Jewish world, but the generosity of these individuals and families is representative of the generosity of Jewish Tidewater. These men have set the pace. Now, it is up to the rest of the community.
Betty Ann Levin
Bern, Jake, and Ross Glasser participated in the Major Gifts lunch with their father, Michael.
JEWISH TIDEWATER
Ruby Lions kick-off the UJFT 2025 Campaign
Linda Ausch
On a pleasantly cool and beautiful August evening, 25 Ruby Lions (UJFT Lion of Judah women giving at the $10K+ level) gathered for dinner at the home of Annie Sandler, in what may be a first-ever in Tidewater… an event where the women’s division kicked-off the Annual Campaign!
Sandler opened the evening by thanking all for coming and for their steadfast support of the community’s Annual Campaign. “I am sure we can all agree,” she began, “that these are incredibly difficult times in our world, and especially our Jewish world…” and that this event was especially meaningful, coming, as it did, during an incredibly tumultuous week in Israel.
Sandler thanked Betsy Karotkin, Women’s Philanthropy chair, and Mona Flax, UJFT General Campaign chair, for all of their hard work and years of dedication on behalf of the community, as well as the UJFT professional staff. “I would like to point out,” she said, “that our entire Federation Development Team is now made up of women! So, you know it is going to work well.” And to prove her point, Sandler reminded all that last year’s 2024 Campaign
raised more than $5 million; the community’s Israel Emergency Campaign raised nearly another $5 million; and non-Annual Campaign fundraising (Red Rose, White Rose, Patron of the Arts, grants, and sponsorships across all areas of programming) brought in nearly another $1 million.
David Makovsky was the evening’s featured speaker. A noted Middle East scholar, author, and lecturer (with an incredible network of highly placed contacts and co-authors around the world), Makovsky briefed the women about events and dynamics which had marked recent days in the Middle East and about those that might
be expected in the days to come. He addressed Israel’s relationships with the United States, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, and other Arab nations. He even mentioned a possible role for China in the currently unfolding geopolitical events. Makovsky spoke to the possibilities and probabilities of a cease-fire/hostage agreement (not particularly hopeful) as well as the broader picture of normalization between Israel and its Arab neighbors (much more optimistic), led by efforts from Saudi Arabia. He also addressed the issues of protests, encampments, and marches taking place on college campuses across the country and his 170+ visits to these campuses, since October 7.
Following an intense Q & A, the evening wrapped up with remarks from Sandler and a reminder that this is the start of the 2025 campaign. She encouraged the women to think about their giving and the great and growing needs of the Jewish world.
As the sun set on this year’s Ruby Lion event, participants left with what may best be described as a sense of extremely cautious optimism, but with the universal hope for better days ahead.
Dylan Sandler, David Makovsky, and Annie Sandler.
Ann Copeland and Jodi Klebanoff.
Laura Gross and Mona Flax.
David Makovsky.
Joan London and Annie Sandler.
Betsy Karotkin and Annie Sandler.
Janet Mercadante and Shari Friedman.
Annie Sandler, Barbara Parks, and Karen Jaffe.
Shelly Simon, Shari Friedman, Renee Strelitz, and Linda Ausch.
Naomi Limor Sedek, Bonnie Brand, and Betty Ann Levin.
Renee Strelitz, Randi Strelitz, Rachael Feigenbaum, Shelly Simon, and Jessica Strelitz.
Laura Miller, Lynn Schoenbaum, Betty Ann Levin, and Laura Gross.
A Community Commemoration
Monday, October 7 • 8:30 am
Reba & Sam Sandler Family Campus of the Tidewater Jewish Community
5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Virginia Beach
October 7th was a turning point in modern Jewish history, both because of the tragic depth of that day’s events and the monumental events that have followed. Join the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and its Jewish Community Relations Council for a community-wide gathering to pay tribute to the fallen, honor survivors and heroes, pray for those still in captivity, affirm our communal resilience, and hope for the future of the Jewish People. Am Yisrael Chai.
JEWISH TIDEWATER
Full-Scale Exercises test local readiness
More than 100 people participated in a full-day, active shooter simulation last month to test the City of Norfolk’s preparedness in the event of a critical incident. Together with the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, Ohef Sholom Temple, and the Secure Community Network, the Full-Scale Exercise (FSE) tested the city’s response to a major incident at a house of worship, as well as its ability to connect and network with non-governmental entities such as UJFT, SCN, and Tidewater’s wider Jewish community.
“We tried as best we could to recreate what happened in Pittsburgh at the Tree of Life synagogue. We were testing the ability of the City of Norfolk, Norfolk Fire and Rescue, and the Norfolk Police Department to get to victims more easily to receive treatment,” says Mike Goldsmith, UJFT’s SCN regional security advisor.
Ohef Sholom Temple served as the backdrop, although, in this exercise, the “crisis” involved an orthodox congregation to simulate communications challenges for that community. “There’s no use of cell phones nor electricity in an orthodox synagogue during a service. All the usual stuff that the city relies on may not work with this community to get communication out,” Goldsmith explains.
In this case, a joint information center was created to see how it would handle communication. The “crisis” was elevated from an active threat to the need for a special operations team once the “shooter” took a hostage.
Members of the Community Emergency Response Team served as injured congregants; a moulage artist applied realistic injuries so that the participating paramedics could determine the status of each wounded victim. The Medical Task Force had to triage to deliver the appropriate level of care. “Victims” of the incident were either deceased, found in critical condition, or were considered walking wounded.
“The city absolutely did well! We found things that the city and the Jewish community could be better at,” Goldsmith says.
Betty Ann Levin, UJFT executive vice president/CEO, and Robin Mancoll, UJFT chief program officer and senior director, Jewish Community Relations Council, along with Rabbi Aaron Kleinman, Commander in the U.S. Navy and chair of B’nai Israel’s security, participated as the simulation cell, a group of individuals who are subject matter experts. In this incident, none of the first responders reached out to the simulation cell, which, according to Goldsmith, is a variable that needs improvement.
Goldsmith is working on the after-action/improvement plan that follows a full-scale exercise. His recommendations will be used by the City of Norfolk and United Jewish Federation of Tidewater to adjust their plans should a critical incident occur.
Monday–Friday 8:00am–5:00pm
Stephanie Peck
JEWISH TIDEWATER
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Beth Sholom Village and Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay collaborate to open Dozoretz Hospice House of Hampton Roads
Lauren Krajesky
The newly opened Dozoretz Hospice House of Hampton Roads is co-managed by Beth Sholom Village alongside Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay. As the first freestanding inpatient hospice house in the area, this facility represents a significant step forward in providing essential end-of-life and respite care to families in need.
Located in the Redmill section of Virginia Beach, just off Upton Road, the Hospice House stands on land generously donated by the City of Virginia Beach. The house features 12 comfortable inpatient beds designed to offer compassionate care and a peaceful environment for patients and their families during one of life’s most challenging times.
The collaboration of Beth Sholom Village and Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay on this project showcases the strength and synergy of two leading senior living companies dedicated to serving the Hampton Roads community. Both organizations are committed to continuing their partnership and working together to ensure that the Hospice House remains a beacon of care and support for years to come.
As a non-profit organization, the Hospice House relies on ongoing support from the community to maintain its operations. Several fundraisers are planned to help sustain this service, including “Dink, Drink, and Dine,” a pickleball event at the Cavalier Hotel, and “Crush for Compassion,” a benefit dinner at Chick’s Oyster Bar. Both are planned for October and aim to bring the community together in support of the Hospice House’s mission.
More than just a facility, the Dozoretz Hospice House is a testament to the power of community collaboration and compassion. Contributions and participation in the fundraising events will help ensure that the Hospice House can continue to provide the highest level of care to those in need.
For more information and to learn how to support the Dozoretz Hospice House, visit www.hospicehousehr.org.
Lisa Deafenbaugh PA-C
Kim Pham NP-C
Dr. Gary Moss Dr. Greg Pendell
Dr. Craig Koenig Dr. Marguerite Lengkeek
VIRGINIA
Governor Glenn Youngkin signs legislation to combat bigotry
RICHMOND, VA – Governor Glenn Youngkin on August 28 signed HB 18 and SB 7 to expand criminal penalties against bigotry and close a serious gap in the code by ensuring ethnicity is explicitly recognized among the protected classes.
Attorney General Jason Miyares.
“Today we come together as Virginians to sign legislation that builds the framework to take action because hatred, intolerance, and antisemitism have no place in the Commonwealth,” said Governor Youngkin. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to prioritize the safety and security of all Virginians as our Commonwealth continues to be a beacon of freedom and opportunity.”
“The unanimous passage of these bills reflects the shared commitment across party lines of upholding the principles of equality and justice in Virginia,” said
“I’m proud to be here today with Governor Youngkin and leaders of Virginia’s Jewish communities to enshrine these much-needed protections into law. As Israel stands on the verge of a two-front war, I have personally witnessed the atrocities imposed upon the Jewish people based on antisemitic beliefs. We have a moral obligation to stamp it out in the Commonwealth of Virginia and these United States. I have and will continue to stand with Israel and I’m proud to have been the Chief Patron of this important legislation and thank my democrat colleagues for their co-patrons and bipartisan support,” said Senator Bryce Reeves.
“As the grandson of Holocaust survivors and a Jewish parent whose kids have confronted antisemitism, I know how important it is that all Virginians are safe regardless of their ethnicity. I am thankful to Speaker Don Scott and other leaders in the House as well as Senator Bryce Reeves and Governor Youngkin for helping us pass this critical legislation,” said Delegate Dan Helmer.
Local Relationships Matter
As the Chief Executive Officer at the Peninsula Foodbank, she believes the Foodbank not only distributes food but is also the spokesperson for those who otherwise don’t have a voice.
“There are so many low income individuals who haven’t received any benefit from the recovering economy and those who because of their life circumstances need help every now and then. We are there to help ensure their voices are heard.”
“Since 2004, when I started with the Foodbank and got to know Payday Payroll, I have always felt that Payday has been involved and helped to build it’s business through positive support for others in the community, both non-profits and start up businesses. I particularly appreciate the generosity that Payday has shown to the nonprofits in our community.”
client relationships are anything but transactional. We are long-term partners, dedicated to the success of our clients, and most importantly, their people.
Concerned citizens form PAC to elect school board candidates
With a mission to support students-first candidates for the Virginia Beach School Board, Jody and Alan Wagner, along with a group of parents, educators, and members of the Virginia Beach community, have formed The Citizens Advocating for Responsible Education PAC (CARE PAC) – a political action committee in Virginia.
A variety of concerns spurred by current school board members’ comments and policy proposals, including book banning, vouchers and tax credits, making decisions based on “my Lord and Savior, Jesus
Christ,” advocating for chaplains and Christian-based curriculum, as well as arming teachers, combined to spur the formation of CARE PAC.
On its website, the group says it believes that the City of Virginia Beach’s public schools are its very best asset and that the group is fighting against political attacks on the schools and educators.
“Our students deserve a world class education, fully funded classrooms, excellent libraries, and the best teachers,” the group’s mission statement says. “This is why we’re committed to electing a school board focused
on academic success, student safety and mental health, and getting our schools the resources they need.”
“My job is to ensure that ALL students have access to quality education and that I create policies and regulations that preserve the sanctity of public education,” says Kim Melnyk, chair, Virginia Beach School Board. “I never dreamed that I would have a front row seat to ‘history repeating itself’ but I am doing everything in my power to stop it in my own community.”
For more information, go to carepacvb.com.
MEET: Karen Joyner
Governor Glenn Youngkin, Attorney General Jason Miyares, Delegate Dan Helmer (D-Fairfax), Senator Bryce Reeves (R-Culpeper, Rappahannock, Parts of Fauquier and Spotsylvania Counties).
Terri Denison
“L’dor v’dor, from generation to generation, the Jewish community has remained strong and vital through acts of compassion, tzedakah and tikkun olam. By signing this pledge, we hope to encourage our children to follow the example of their parents and grandparents in working on behalf of the Jewish community at home and in Israel.”
Jay and Jodi Klebanoff
Signers of the Jewish Future Promise
FOUNDATION.JEWISHVA.ORG/JEWISH-FUTURE-PROMISE
Tidewater Jewish Foundation is proud to partner with Jewish Future Promise, a worldwide movement to secure a vibrant Jewish future for generations to come. We call on Jews and allies to make the moral, non-binding promise that, upon passing, at least half of your charitable contributions will support Jewish causes or the State of Israel. Help secure the Jewish future by making the promise now!
For more information, contact Amy Weinstein aweinstein@tjfva.org | 757-965-6114 foundation.jewishva.org/jewish-future-promise
Dear Readers,
At Shabbat services following the tragic deaths of six Israeli hostages, Rabbi Ryan Bauer of Congregation Emanu-El in San Francisco noted, “It has been a very dark time. . . It feels like a darker week among many dark weeks.” No one needed an explanation for his words.
Perhaps these dark and challenging times that Rabbi Bauer spoke of provide even more reason for us to seek spiritual light when we gather for the approaching Jewish New Year. Fortunately, Tidewater’s congregations offer lots of opportunities to meet, pray, and eat as a community during the High Holiday season. A listing of service times and contact information is on page 24.
Speaking of congregations, Jewish News asked area congregational leaders about their hopes for the holiday. Their responses begin on the following page.
What’s a High Holiday section without a recipe? Not much, so on page 22 we offer a Sephardic take on honey cake.
As we move toward Rosh Hashanah and the Jewish New Year of 5785, all of us at Jewish News wish you a happy holiday season filled with good health, peace, love, hope, and light.
L’Shana Tova!
Terri Denison Editor
Rosh Hashanah
At Rosh Hashanah, hoping for peace, kindness, unity and health in 5785
Stephanie Peck
In the spirit of renewal and freedom during this High Holiday season, Jewish News asked congregants and lay leadership from area synagogues: What are your hopes for 5785?
Rabbi Gershon Litt
[ B’nai Israel ]
On behalf of B’nai Israel Congregation, I would like to wish our entire Jewish community a year of meaning and growth. May our Jewish world come together in prayer and unity and may this year bring peace and strength to our brothers and sisters in the land of Israel.
First, I hope for the open revelation of Moshiach, and the world to see open G-dliness. Being short of that, I want Israel to receive the respect and fair treatment from the rest of the world. I hope Jews everywhere can reconnect with their roots and pride. I hope our country can mend the differences that we are going through and be stronger together.
Bruce Sherman [ Chabad ]
Susan and Bob Werby [ Jewish Virginia Beach ]
Our hope for the year 5785 is that all Jews throughout the country can put aside any differences and come together in support of each other and the state of Israel. We would like to see a united voice against antisemitism on our college campuses.
Rosh Hashanah
My wishes for the New Year:
For Israel, I hope and pray for safety and security and for the reuniting of all the hostages with their families.
For the world, I wish for a return to civility and for the strengthening of democratic institutions around the world.
For the Jewish community, renewed hope, strength, and courage found in community.
Norman Soroko [ Temple Israel ]
Recently, while scrolling not through Torah but Facebook, I did a quick analysis of greetings and commentary for Rosh Hashanah to see if I could get a handle on why the High Holidays are important to so many of us. My scrolling brought a wonderful mash-up of honey, apples, and wishes for a sweet and healthy year. My wish for 5785 is that we find complete peace in Israel and the neighboring countries and that no more bloodshed occurs, and our hostages are returned to their families alive.
What do I hope for in the new year of 5785?
The answer is quite simple – health and happiness to everyone that I love. But on a more personal level, I hope that I can be a better friend, travel more, get more organized, read more, have fun learning new and exciting things, become more involved in our Jewish community, etc.
Most importantly, however, I hope to continue to be able to be a positive influence in the Jewish lives of my children and grandchildren.
It is no secret that all our synagogues are facing new and challenging times. In my synagogue life, it is my hope that I will be able to help lead our congregation into its best future.
May your year be filled with sweetness, peace, light, joy and, most of all, love.
Sharon Nusbaum [ Ohef Sholom Temple ]
Rona Proser [ KBH ]
Rosh Hashanah
Herm Shelanski
[ Congregation Beth El ]
As we enter the new year, let us embrace the opportunity to deepen our connection to our values and heritage. Each act of kindness, no matter how small, reflects our commitment to a better world. By dedicating ourselves to good deeds, we fight the darkness of hate and uplift those around us, creating a ripple effect of positivity and hope. Together, let’s make this year a testament to the power of compassion and the strength of our shared Judaism.
Shana
Tovah
Lawrence Weinstein [ Temple Emanuel ]
Carol and I hope that 5785 will be a happy, healthy, and prosperous year, with diminished worldwide and campus antisemitism. And maybe even with our first grandchild.
Please join Temple Israel for the 2019/5780 holidays!
Please join Temple Israelforthe 2019/5780 holidays!
Celebrate the fullness ofJewish worship with us as togetherwe find spiritual meaning in the words of our sages. Youwill finda heartygreetingfroma warm congregationthatembracesboththetimelessandtheinnovative. Come join us and let us welcome you home.
Please join Temple Israel for the 2024/5785 holidays! Celebrate the fullness of Jewish worship with us as together we find spiritual meaning in the words of our sages. You will find a hearty greeting from a warm congregation that embraces both the timeless and the innovative. Come join us and let us welcome you home.
Celebrate the fullness ofJewish worship with us as togetherwe find spiritual meaning in the words of our sages. Youwill finda heartygreetingfroma warm congregationthatembracesboththetimelessandtheinnovative. Come join us and let us welcome you home.
7255 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23505 757-489-4550 www.templeisraelva.org
7255 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23505 757-489-4550 www.templeisraelva.org
WHY I’M HOSTING MY FIRST IRAQI ROSH HASHANAH SEDER
Sarina Shohet
This story originally appeared on Hey Alma. Growing up, Rosh Hashanah was a benign holiday for me. Apples and honey, food and family. That is, until my brother was diagnosed with cancer the summer before my senior year of high school.
During the first week back at school that year, I was asked to deliver a d’var Torah on Rosh Hashanah. I wracked my brain trying to remember the heroes and villains of the Rosh Hashanah story, and eventually had to check out a library book to learn more. To my surprise, I found that Rosh Hashanah isn’t a holiday commemorating any event in Jewish history. It’s a life cycle holiday. It’s about us and our lives, today. It’s about life, and by extension, death. The blast of the shofar is a daily alarm to wake us up from passivity in our lives, we listen to the Unetaneh Tokef in synagogue to remind us of our mortality, and we eat round challah to symbolize the circularity of life. The whole point of Rosh Hashanah, I learned, is to inspire us to live meaningfully by reminding us that we are alive, and that we won’t always be.
Eight years have passed since I gave a speech to my
high school comparing a shofar blast to a cancer diagnosis. Two years have passed since I last saw my brother. He died a month after his 25th birthday.
As a newly minted 25-year-old myself, I am more aware of my mortality right now than ever, and as Rosh Hashanah creeps up this year, I feel like shouting, “I KNOW.” I don’t need to hear the shofar. I don’t want to eat the challah. I don’t need the reminder. I am living Rosh Hashanah every day.
In learning to live with grief, I’ve found comfort in talking with friends and relatives who have faced similar loss. In particular, I thought my grandma and I might be able to connect about our grief, since she lost her older sister to cancer when she was about my age. For three years, we’ve gotten close as we spent countless hours together to create a cookbook filled with recipes and
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memories from her ancestral Iraq. I knew that her sister had died, but until I lost my own sibling, I never thought to ask her what that felt like.
My grandma was 17 years old in 1963, when she finally had enough with an Iraq that most Jews had already deserted. Her family wouldn’t let her leave without a husband, and they weren’t ready to go themselves, stubbornly refusing to relinquish their roots in the country. My grandmother hastily promised herself to my grandfather and made it onto the last legal flight to ever take a Jew out of Iraq. My dad was born, American, one year later. My grandma was a mother of three by the time she was 23, and when her sister died a couple years later, she took in her nieces. My grandma was a mother of five before she was 30. When I finally asked what her grief felt like, she
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shrugged off my question. At first, I interpreted her shortness as avoidance; my grandma understandably brushes off a lot of questions about those hard years. But the more I think about the weight on her shoulders as a teenage immigrant with five mouths to feed and no family to support her, I wonder — between financial stress, keeping food on the table, school pick-ups and drop offs — did she even have the time to think about her dead sister? To feel her loss?
As a woman in a society that encourages my independence, in which I have never experienced life altering antisemitism and in which my family is free to be together, I have more privilege in grieving my sibling than my grandma ever had. I can sit and cry for hours, and I do. I can tell the people that depend on me — my coworkers
and friends — that I need to take a sick day for my mental health, and I do. My grandma and I both lost siblings, but our experiences of loss have been completely different because of our circumstances.
Though my grandma hasn’t, and maybe can’t, relate with me over loss, she does let me into her world through food. This Rosh Hashanah, I am hosting my own traditional Iraqi seder for the first time and I’ll be using her recipes to represent the holiday’s signature reminders of life’s sweetness and death’s inevitability. For sweetness, I’ll be making the Iraqi version of apples and honey, which are more of an apple preserve. And for the mortality reminder, I’ll have tongue* on my table in addition to the more commonly known fish head. Sharing recipes for this holiday may be the closest we ever get to talking about our grief.
By hosting my own seder, I am stepping through the kitchen and into my history at a time when the circularity of life feels so potent, the curtain separating the worlds of the dead and the living so thin, both in my personal life and on the Jewish calendar.
Rosh Hashanah will always be meaningful for me now; it has connected me to my grief, and through cooking Iraqi recipes, it has connected me to my grandmother’s too. There’s something awfully circular about these generations of layered loss. As reluctant as I am to eat the round challah this year, I understand more profoundly than ever why we do it.
*I feel much less comfortable cooking meat than my grandma does, so my Rosh Hashanah table will feature candy tongue, instead of its real cow counterpart.
Chris Sisler, Vice President, Member of Ohef Sholom Temple, Board member of the Berger-Goldrich Home at Beth Sholom Village, James E. Altmeyer, Jr., President, James E. Altmeyer, Sr., Owner
Tishpishti is Sephardi honey cake, but better Rosh Hashanah
Susan Barocas
This story originally appeared on The Nosher.
Honey cake is a hallmark of Rosh Hashanah and the fall Jewish holidays — Ashkenazi honey cake, that is. But did you know there’s a Sephardi cake traditionally served for Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur Break Fast and during Sukkot? Like its Eastern European counterpart, tishpishti symbolizes wishes for a sweet new year and the fullness of life. The cake is also popular for Purim and adapted for Passover.
Semolina pastries and puddings have been made for centuries throughout the Mediterranean, North Africa, and the Middle East. Tishpishti is traditionally made with fine semolina and soaked in a sweet syrup of sugar, honey, or a mixture, but beyond these common elements, there are many variations in both the way
tishpishti is made — such as nuts or no nuts, eggs or no eggs, flavored with lemon, orange, or rose water — and even what it’s called according to different geographic and cultural roots. For example, in Egypt, it’s basboosah or baboussa, namora or namoura in Syria and shamali in Crete.
Tishpishti is perhaps the name most used and, as we know it today, the cake originated in Turkey. In the Encyclopedia of Jewish Food, Gil Marks explains that in Israel and for Jews from once-Ottoman Turkey, Greece, and the Balkans, the name is probably a nonsense name from the Turkish “tez” (fast/quick) and “pisti” (plane/slope). Put together, it means “quickly done.” In Ladino it might also be called pispiti, tupishti, and revani, which Joyce Goldstein in Sephardic Flavors: Jewish Cooking of the Mediterranean notes is named after a 16th century Turkish poet “who wrote about the
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delights of food.”
Many tishpishti recipes use eggs, including ones that instruct whipping the whites separate from the yolks, a Sephardi contribution to tishpishti. This recipe, however, is based on a very old traditional way of making cakes from a thick dough without eggs. My concession to modernity is adding baking powder and soda, both 19th century products, to lessen the density of the cake. Using ground almonds instead of walnuts will result in a lighter colored cake, which is traditional at Rosh Hashanah to symbolize a bright new year. Tishpishti is delicious on its own or served with a spoonful of yogurt, labneh, or whipped cream and a cup of mint tea or strong Turkish coffee.
Notes
• It is best to make the syrup ahead of time so it has time to cool, although one can choose to make it while the cake bakes, then refrigerate it to cool more quickly.
• Tishpishti is best when left at room temperature for several hours or overnight so the syrup penetrates the cake.
• Store wrapped at room temperature for two days or a week in the refrigerator. The cake can be well-wrapped and
frozen for two months. Defrost and then refresh with some drizzles of warm syrup.
Ingredients
For the syrup:
¾ cup sugar
¾ cup honey
¾ cup water
1–2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice or orange blossom water
For the cake:
1 cup fine semolina (not semolina flour)
2 cups all-purpose or one-to-one glutenfree flour or almond flour
1½ cups finely ground walnut or almond meal (not flour)
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1 cup good neutral vegetable oil (such as avocado, sunflower or peanut)
2 cups water
½ cup honey
½ cup sugar
2 tsp finely grated lemon or orange zest or a combination
1/8 tsp salt
about 30 slices blanched almonds, whole almonds or walnuts, or chopped almonds or walnuts
Rosh Hashanah
Instructions:
To make the syrup, begin by stirring the sugar, honey, water, and lemon juice (if using) together in a heavy saucepan over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes. Stop stirring, turn the heat up to mediumhigh until the mixture begins to boil, then reduce heat to a gentle boil. Cook about 15 minutes until the mixture thickens but is still syrupy. Remove from the heat and, if using orange blossom water, stir it in now. Let the syrup cool to room temperature while the cake bakes.
To make the cake, preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together the semolina, flour, nuts, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon until well blended. Set aside.
In a large saucepan, mix the oil, water, honey, sugar, cinnamon, zest, and salt. Heat over medium, stirring often. Remove the saucepan from the heat just as it begins to boil. Using a wooden
High Holiday Schedules 5785 Rosh Hashanah
Jewish News has compiled a list of High Holiday services taking place at local synagogues for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Contact synagogues for information about babysitting, live-stream, and Zoom services.
B’nai Israel Congregation www.bnaiisrael.org
757-627-7358
Contact the synagogue for the High Holiday schedule.
Chabad of Tidewater www.chabadoftidewater.com
757-616-0770
Motzei Shabbos
Saturday, September 28
Selichos: 1 am
Erev Rosh Hashanah
Wednesday, October 2
Shachris & Hatoras Nedarim: 7 am
Candle lighting: 6:28 pm
Mincha followed by Rosh Hashanah evening service/Mariv: 6:40 pm
Community Rosh Hashanah dinner: 8:15 pm
Rosh Hashanah
Thursday, October 3
Shachris: 10 am
Shofar: 11:45 am
Kiddush/Lunch: 2 pm
Mincha followed by Tashlich: 5 pm
Mariv: 7:25 pm
Friday, October 4
Shachris: 10 am
Shofar: 11:45 am
Kiddush/lunch: 1:45 pm
Light Shabbat candles: 6:25 pm
Mincha followed by Mariv: 6:30 pm
Shabbos
Saturday, October 5
Mysticism class: 9:15 am
Shachris: 10 am
Kiddush lunch: 12:30 pm
Mincha: 1:50 pm
Sicha class: 6 pm
Erev Kom Kippur
Friday, October 11
Shachris: 8 am
Mincha: 3 pm
Light candles: 6:15 pm
Kol Nidrei service: 6:25 pm
Fast begins: 6:29 pm
Yom Kippur
Saturday, October 12
Shachris: 10 am
Mincha & Neilah: 5 pm
Yom Kippur/Shabbat ends: 7:10 pm
Congregation Beth Chaverim temple.office@bethchaverim.com
Services will be broadcast on Zoom, contact the office for link and password.
Erev Rosh Hashanah
Wednesday, October 2
Services: 7 pm, Tucker Hall at Old Donation Episcopal Church (ODEC)
4449 N. Witchduck Road, Virginia Beach
Rosh Hashanah, First Day
Thursday, October 3
Services: 10:30 am, Tucker Hall at ODEC
Tashlich at the beach with Temple Emanuel
Evening services: 6:30 pm at Temple Emanuel
Rosh Hashanah dinner at Temple Emanuel (RSVP required): 7 pm
Shabbat Shuvah
Friday, October 4
Services: 7 pm at Temple Emanuel
Erev Yom Kippur
Friday, October 11
Kol Nidre Service: 7 pm in the Great Hall at Old Donation Episcopal Church (ODEC)
Yom Kippur
Saturday, October 12
Services: 10:30 am in the Great Hall at ODEC
Discussion with Rabbi Susan Rheins: 3 pm in the Great Hall at ODEC
Yom Kippur Afternoon Service followed by Yiskor Memorial Service and concluding services: 4:15 pm in the Great Hall at ODEC
Sisterhood Break Fast following the concluding service in Tucker Hall at ODEC
Congregation Beth El www.bethelnorfolk.com
757-625-7821
Selichot
Saturday, September 28
Havdalah and movie: The Quarrel: 8 pm at Temple Israel
Services: 10 pm
Erev Rosh Hashanah
Wednesday, October 2
*Services: 6:30 pm
Rosh Hashanah, First Day
Thursday, October 3
*Shacharit: 8:30 am
Children's programming (4 years old & K-7): 10:30 am
Lunch for children: 12:30 pm
Tashlich at the Hague: 5 pm
*Mincha Maariv: 6:30 pm
Rosh Hashanah, Second Day Friday, October 4
*Shacharit: 8:30 am
Children's programming (4 years old & K-7): 10:30 am
*Mincha Maariv (Kabbalat Shabbat): 6:30 pm
Erev Yom Kippur
Friday, October 11
*Processional: 5:45 pm
*Kol Nidre: 6 pm
Yom Kippur
Saturday, October 12
*Congregational Service: 9 am
Children's programming (4 years old & K-7): 10:30 am
*Yizkor: 11:30 am
Break: 2:30 pm
*Mincha: 4:30 pm
*Neilah: 5:45 pm
*Havdalah: 7:15 pm
*Final Shofar: 7:20 pm
Break Fast in Myers Hall (RSVPs required): 7:25 pm
*in the sanctuary with livestream
Jewish Virginia Beach www.jewishvb.org
757-938-0625
Contact the synagogue for the High Holiday schedule.
Kehillat Bet Hamidrash
Kempsville Conservative Synagogue www.kbhsynagogue.org
757-495-8510
Selichot
Saturday, September 28
Havdalah and movie: The Quarrel, 8 pm at Temple Israel Services: 10 pm
Erev Rosh Hashanah
Wednesday, October 2
Candle lighting: 6:28 pm
Ma’ariv: 6:30 pm
Rosh Hashanah, First Day
Thursday, October 3
Services: 9:30 am
Meet to walk to Tashlich: 6:45 pm
Mincha and Ma’ariv follow at KBH
Rosh Hashanah, Second Day
Friday, October 4
Services: 9:30 am
Shabbat Shuvah
Saturday, October 5
Services: 10 am
Erev Yom Kippur
Friday, October 11
Candle lighting: 6:15 pm
Kol Nidre: 6:20 pm
Yom Kippur
Saturday, October 12
Services: 9:30 am
Mincha, Ma’ariv and Neilah: 5:30 pm
Yom Kippur ends followed by Break Fast: 7:10 pm
Ohef Sholom Temple
www.ohefsholom.org
757-625-4295
Erev Rosh Hashanah
Wednesday, October 2
Services: 7 pm
Rosh Hashanah, First Day
Thursday, October 3
Family service: 9 am
Services: 10:30 am
Rosh Hashanah, Second Day
Friday, October 4
Teshuvah Speaker Julia Wallace: 6:30 pm
Erev Yom Kippur
Friday, October 11
Kol Nidre: 7 pm
Yom Kippur
Saturday, October 12
Family service: 9 am
Services: 10:30 am
Study Session 1: David Metzger - Make Your Souls Responsive! Hasidic Wisdom for the High Holy Days: 12:45 pm (in person and Zoom)
Private meditation before the Sanctuary Ark: 1:45 pm
Study Session 2: Kathryn Morton - Sulam to Shalom: The Ladder from Antiquity to Today: Climbing the Rungs of Yom Kippur: 1:50 pm (in person and Zoom)
Afternoon service: Jay Lazier chants from the book of Jonah and Alyssa Muhlendorf will deliver the D’var Haftarah on Jonah: 3 pm
Musical interlude: 4 pm
Memorial and concluding services: 4:15 pm
Break Fast: 5:45 pm
Temple Emanuel www.tevb.org
757-428-2591
High Holiday services and family programming will be in-person and on Zoom. Services on Zoom via High Holiday Hub: www.tevb.org/hhd.
Some services require passwords.
Selichot
Saturday, September 28
Havdalah and movie: The Quarrel, 8 pm at Temple Israel Services: 10 pm
Rosh Hashanah
Erev Rosh Hashanah
Wednesday, October 2
Services: 6:30 pm
Rosh Hashanah, First Day
Thursday, October 3
Services: 9 am
Family Service: 10 am
Taschlich at the Beach following Shacharit service
Evening services: 6:30 pm
Rosh Hashanah dinner (RSVP required): 7 pm
Rosh Hashanah, Second Day
Friday, October 4
Services: 9 am
Kabbalat Shabbat: 7 pm
Shabbat T’Shuva Services: 10 am
Erev Yom Kippur
Friday, October 11
Kol Nidre: 6 pm
Yom Kippur
Saturday, October 12
Services: 9 am
Family Service: 10 am
Erev Yom Kippur
Friday, October 11
Minchah: 1 pm on Zoom
Kol Nidre: 6:30 pm
Yom Kippur
Saturday, October 12
Services: 9 am
Ne’ilah: 5 pm
Break Fast: 7 pm
Temple Lev Tikvah jzobe@aol.com
757-617-0334, 757-937-8393
Erev Rosh Hashanah
Wednesday, October 2
Services: 7:30 pm
Rosh Hashanah, First Day
Thursday, October 3
Services: 10:30 am
Erev Yom Kippur
Friday, October 11
Kol Nidrei: 7:30 pm
Torah Service and Yizkor: 10:30 am
Mincha and Neilah: 5:30 pm
Fast Ends, Break Fast to follow (RSVP required): 7:13 pm
Temple Israel www.templeisraelva.org
757-489-4550
Selichot
Saturday, September 28
Havdalah and movie: The Quarrel, 8 pm
Services: 10 pm
Erev Rosh Hashanah
Wednesday, October 2
Services: 5:30 pm
Rosh Hashanah, First Day
Thursday, October 3
Services: 9:15 am
Tashlich at the home of Nancy Tucker: 5 pm
Services: 7 pm on Zoom
Rosh Hashanah, Second Day
Friday, October 4
Services: 9:15 am
Evening services: 5:30 pm on Zoom
We wish you and your family a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year!
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Pembroke
• Pickleball Courts
• Rooftop Venues
• Indoor Aquatic Center
• Top-of-the-line Appliances
• Life Enrichment Programs
• Hair & Nail Salon
• Fitness Center
• Bistro and Café
• Housekeeping Services
• Concierge Services
• Dog Washing Station
IT’S A WRAP
Tidewater earns medals at Maccabi
Tom Edwards
Seven members of the Team Virginia Beach delegation to the JCC Maccabi Games & Access 2024 arrived on August 5 at the Houston airport at 1 am – delayed but excited for the upcoming competitions. More than 1,700 teens from across the globe convened in this Texan city ready to immerse themselves in sports and recreation over the next five days.
The young men and women from Tidewater teamed with other communities to compete in several contests: girls 16 and under (16U) soccer and boys 16U and 14U basketball. One athlete, 13-year-old Oliver Scolnick, competed in Access games for Jewish athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Families travelled to the Lone Star State, too, to cheer on these local athletes despite Texas’ summer heat.
In the spirit of the coinciding Paris Olympics, the Tidewater athletes brought home several medals. Along with her FTL United teammates from Ft. Lauderdale, San Diego,
KEEPING A MOTHER’S MEMORY ALIVE
Helen Murphy Addington’s four children gave her a forever gift: a “mom fund ” Long after her death, the scholarship in her name has helped to support dozens of female graduates of Maury High School go to college
To honor a special person in your life with a gift that gives forever, visit us at Leaveabequest.org.
and the Virginia Peninsula, Shanny Zach’s first soccer game for girls 16U ended in a 6-1 victory over Argentina; her team later won the gold medal by beating Dallas 3-1 in the finals.
Henry Scolnick, Ashten Konikoff, and Leo Gottlieb, along with one player from Stamford, Conn., combined to create the 16U boys three versus three (3v3), basketball VB-STM team. During tournament play, these four teenagers battled teams from Houston/ Ukraine, Boca Raton/Orange County, Nashville/VA Peninsula, and Moise Safra of New York City. Wins were elusive, but the boys fought hard.
The NashVB entry for 14U boys 3v3 basketball, led by Coach Chris Queman, had two local players, Eli Lomogda and Caleb Bailey, and two players from Nashville. Along with a great win over Springfield/Stamford on day 1, the team earned the #5 seed before upsetting the #4 seed, Houston, at the start of the tournament. The #1 seed, powerhouse Kansas City, with a monstrous teen playing center, underestimated NashVB in the semi-finals; the teams battled the entire game, and NashVB almost pulled off a huge upset.
Oliver Scolnick brought home TeamVB’s first medals in the games, with two silvers in individual and team basketball. He continued to dominate in the Access competitions, including a perfect score of 10.0 to win the gold medal in the vault. His team earned silver in the floor exercise relay before Oliver claimed the gold medal in base-tennis, and he even ruled the pool, with an individual gold and a relay silver.
Henry Scolnick, who has never met a stranger, earned two distinctions outside of athletic performance. First, the JCA Jacksonville delegation gave him an honorary bronze medal in recognition of the camaraderie he brings to their experience at JCC Maccabi. Second, the 3v3 basketball sports commissioner extended a Midot Medal (for individuals or groups who epitomize the ideals of sportsmanship and character) to Henry for the palpable influence that his sportsmanship and kindness had upon the entire venue.
Henry also earned a silver medal in pickleball doubles play.
The 2024 games closing party ended in Texas style with bull (and shark) riding, armadillo racing, DJ music, dancing, Kona Ice, photos with a live Texas steer, and delicious brisket.
Onward to the 2025 JCC Maccabi Games & Access in Tucson, Arizona!
Team Virginia Beach Delegation arrives in Houston at 1 am.
Shanny Zach wins gold with FTL United teammates.
Oliver Scolnick wears two of his many medals.
ODU HILLEL TAKES FIELDTRIP TO BOBBY SCOTT’S LABOR DAY EVENT
Several members of Old Dominion University’s Hillel attended Congressman Bobby Scott’s 43rd Annual Labor Day Cookout in Newport News.
Amy K. Milligan, PhD, ODU’s Batten Endowed Associate Professor of Jewish Studies and Women’s and Gender Studies, director, Institute for Jewish Studies and Interfaith Understanding, and director of Hillel, accompanied the students.
“It was an absolute pleasure and a thrill to hear from all of those speaking, including Rep. Bobby Scott, Senator Tim Kaine, and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff,” says Ben Rosenthal, an ODU student. “Listening to them speak reinvigorated my spirit for this country and this election. I have nothing but confidence being a Jewish young adult in America.”
Jon Conn, an ODU graduate student, says, “It was an honor to meet Doug Emhoff, the future First Gentlemen. As a Jewish man dating an Indian woman who’s clearly my better half, we’re practically living parallel lives!”
Ben Rosenthal, Maddi Hispiche and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff.
Janki Raythattha, Jon Conn, Ben Rosenthal, Heiner Kessler, Amy Milligan, PhD, and Maddi Hispiche.
A SPLASHING SHABBAT: TIDEWATER WELCOMES SHABBAT AT ANNUAL POOL PARTY
New and familiar faces flooded the Metzger Outdoor Aquatic Center water park and splash pad at the Simon Family JCC for the annual End of Summer Shabbat and Pool Party, hosted by PJ Library in Tidewater, UJFT’s Young Adult Division, and the Tidewater ShinShinim.
Children enjoyed water games and enthusiastically cheered on their parents in a high-speed lap race. The evening kicked off with a performance by the local band, TRIBE, featuring David Cardon, Elyse Cardon, Dave Flagler, Eliot Weinstein, and
Gladstone. The band energized the crowd with popular hits before transitioning into Shabbat prayers infused with a spirited, rocking twist.
Following the Shabbat blessings, families shared dinner and connected over freshly baked challot and had the opportunity to meet the new ShinShinim, Danielle Hartman and Emily Patyuk.
For more information about family programs at United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and Simon Family JCC, visit JewishVA.org/PJTidewater.
Nofar Trem
Ron
Families enjoy Shabbat dinner together.
Molly Futterman, ShinShin host sister, with ShinShin Emily Patyuk. Pool competition, Unicorn Ring Toss.
IT’S A WRAP
Life & Legacy Plus Leadership Launch: Securing the community’s future
TJF Staff
Tidewater Jewish Foundation hosted the Life & Legacy Plus Leadership Launch on Thursday, August 15. The event brought leaders of Tidewater’s Jewish organizations, agencies, and synagogues together, and marked the beginning of a renewed commitment to securing the future of Jewish life in the area through legacy giving. The evening’s keynote facilitator was Kathy Sarlson, the new Life & Legacy national director and skilled endowment professional.
organizations, this truth was evident.”
“This program offers us a unique opportunity to work together, share resources, and support one another in a way that benefits the entire Tidewater Jewish community,” says Amy Zelenka, United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s chief development officer. “This sentiment was echoed throughout the evening as attendees discussed how Life & Legacy Plus would
strengthen bonds between organizations and enhance their collective impact.”
Amy Weinstein, TJF development strategist, emphasizes the importance of the partnership between TJF and community agencies.
“Through reinvigorating this program, we are equipping our partners and community leaders with the knowledge and tools they need to build lasting legacies. Together, we are creating a strong future for
The Life & Legacy Plus program, administered by TJF in partnership with the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, is designed to help organizations focus on sustainable legacy-building by providing the tools, resources, and strategies necessary for community partners to engage in meaningful conversations about planned-giving and to build endowments that will support their missions.
Aaron Kass, a member of the board at Strelitz International Academy and Congregation Beth El, says, “For me, Life & Legacy Plus is an exciting next step in our community’s philanthropic journey –focusing organizations on how they can best, and sustainably, secure legacy donors and invest in the future of Jewish life in the area.”
Leaders from diverse segments of the community gathered with a shared purpose: to ensure that their organizations can thrive long after the current generation has passed on. Hillary Kleinman of B'nai Israel Congregation, says, “Hashem gave us the mitzvah of tzedakah and instilled a desire in every Jew to give and help others. Looking around the room, filled with representatives from so many of our community’s
Jewish life in Tidewater.”
The Life & Legacy Plus Leadership Launch was more than a kick-off event; it was a call for Tidewater’s Jewish community to come together with a clear message: by working together and embracing the principles of legacy giving, the community can ensure that its values, traditions, and institutions will endure for future generations.
Amy Weinstein, TJF development strategist, Kathy Sarlson, national director, Life & Legacy at Harold Grinspoon Foundation, Ed Kramer, TJF chairman of the board.
Steve Kocen, Marge Schechner, and Kelly Burroughs.
JEWISH TIDEWATER
CHALLENGED TO HELP: ARYEH LITT’S JOURNEY TO FELDMAN SCHOLARSHIP WINNER
TJF Staff
Tidewater Jewish Foundation recently named Aryeh Litt the 2024 Feldman Family Medical and Health Professions Scholarship recipient. Currently pursuing a degree in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling at Hofstra University, Litt’s mission is to serve others.
Litt's journey has been deeply influenced by his passion for psychology and mental health and his desire to understand and support others. This desire has also fueled his commitment to helping others navigate life’s obstacles.
“Overcoming an obstacle isn’t quite the right term,” Litt explains. “It’s more about learning to live with it, to incorporate it into your life in a productive way.”
This mindset has driven Litt’s passion for mental health and rehabilitation
counseling. His dedication to this field is not just academic, but deeply personal. He has volunteered with crisis hotlines and worked with students experiencing mental health issues, gaining practical experience that complements his studies.
Litt’s parents, Rabbi Gershon Litt and Sara Litt, a clinical social worker, have also served as inspirations.
Growing up in a household where both parents dedicated their lives to helping others, he says he was naturally drawn to a career where he could make a meaningful impact. “My parents have always inspired
me,” Litt says. “From my father, I learned the importance of community and spirituality. My mother taught me how to truly listen to and support those in need. They have both shaped my approach to counseling and my commitment to helping others.”
Outside of his academic pursuits, Litt has a deep love for music, particularly composing orchestral pieces. This passion led him to compose music for an independent film, fulfilling a long-held dream. For Litt, music is not just a hobby but a powerful form of creative expression. “Music is something that
aligns perfectly with my skills and interests. It has given me a level of confidence, knowing that I can create something meaningful and productive,” he says.
The Feldman Family Scholarship, established by Dr. William and Mary Feldman, seeks to support Jewish students pursuing a healthcare career. The scholarship alleviates financial burdens, enabling recipients to focus on their education and ultimately contribute to the community’s well-being.
Litt offers this advice to rising college students: “Have good teachers and even better friends. Good teachers can open doors and inspire you to find things in yourself that you didn't know were there. But your friends will support you, keep you motivated, and help you get where you need to go.”
Aryeh Litt
Rabbi Sacks Tidewater Community Book Club to discuss To Heal a Fractured World: The Ethics of Responsibility
Sunday, Sept. 22, 10 am,
The Rabbi Sacks Tidewater Community Book Club, a collaboration between the Konikoff Center for Learning of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and local synagogues, gathers every two months with the aim of uniting the community by exploring the works of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, a leading modern Jewish thinker.
The next book in the series is To Heal a Fractured World: The Ethics of Responsibility, a compelling work where Rabbi Sacks advocates for restoring religion’s role as a partnership with God for ethical living. The discussion will cover each person’s duties to others, society, and humanity in a time of global uncertainty – a topic that is more relevant now than ever.
All are welcome to attend the upcoming meeting, which will take place at Ohef Sholom Temple, regardless of synagogue affiliation. Prior reading of the book is not required.
Find more information or register by visiting JewishVA.org/SackBookClub or contact Sierra Lautman at SLautman@ujft.org.
Craig Schranz
October 7th:
Marking one year
Monday, October 7
8:30 am
Sandler Family Campus
Hunter Thomas October 7th was a turning point in modern Jewish history, both because of the tragic depth of that day’s events and the monumental events that followed. Join United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and its Jewish Community Relations Council for a community-wide gathering on Monday, October 7 on the Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus of the Tidewater Jewish Community.
Together, the community will pay tribute to the fallen, honor survivors and heroes, pray for those still in captivity, affirm communal resilience, and hope for the future of the Jewish People. Am Yisrael Chai.
Visit www.JewishVA.org/Oct7 for other ways to remember and honor the people lost, including raising awareness for those still being held hostage, learning the names and stories of Israelis who lost their lives on October 7th and soldiers who have died in the line of battle, in addition to ways to take action. Contact Nofar Trem, United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s Israel Engagement manager, at NTrem@UJFT.org or 757-321-2334.
Exploring the complexity of Jewish Israeli identities with Melton Class begins
Sierra Lautman
Tuesday, Sept. 24, 6 pm, on-line
This fall, the Konikoff Center for Learning of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater is offering a new 10-week Melton course titled, The Jewish State: Examining the Jewish Identities of Israelis. The course will provide an opportunity to explore the diverse, complex, and multifaceted nature of Judaism and Jewish identification in Israel.
Held on Tuesday evenings, the course aims to unravel the intricate tapestry of Jewish Israeli identity, which is particularly significant given Israel’s internal and external challenges, such as the ongoing war and the rising tide of antisemitism across the globe.
Participants will begin by examining contemporary Israeli discourse and then trace the historical roots that have shaped today’s diverse Jewish identities in Israel. From the early Zionist visionaries who imagined the “New Jew” to the complex relationships between different Jewish communities—Ashkenazi, Mizrachi, and others—the course offers a nuanced perspective on how Israel became the nation it is today.
The curriculum also addresses Israel’s evolving religious landscape, the intricate interplay between religion and politics, and the unique challenges faced by various sectors of Israeli society, including the Haredi community. The course will further explore the relationship between Israelis and World Jewry. This topic is particularly relevant as global Jewish communities are increasingly affected by worldwide perceptions of the Jewish state.
Dr. Amy K. Milligan, a highly respected and experienced educator, will teach the course. She is the Batten Endowed Associate Professor of Jewish Studies and Women’s and Gender Studies at Old Dominion University and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience facilitating meaningful discussions. Milligan also serves on the leadership committee of ODU’s Jewish Caucus for faculty and staff and is the faculty mentor for ODU Hillel.
For more information or to register, visit JewishVA.org/Melton or contact Sierra Lautman, senior director of Jewish Innovation at United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, at SLautman@UJFT.org.
Gearing up for year 25 with BeAR
Mentoring and Training Session:
Wednesday, Sept. 25, 12 pm
Sandler Family Campus
Robin Ford
This year marks a huge milestone for the Be A Reader (BeAR) Literacy Project – its 25th anniversary of inspiring young readers. For a quarter of a century, BeAR has been a game-changer in local schools, helping kids discover the joy of reading and boosting their confidence by providing one-on-one mentoring, books, supplies, more books, and tons of encouragement from a caring community member.
BeAR is kicking off the 2024/2025 school year with its annual Big Strong BeAR event. The Be A Reader Literacy Project Kickoff and Mentoring Training Session is a significant event where new and returning mentors will gear up to make this the best year yet.
Get involved. Now is the time to jump in and be part of something truly special. Whether a veteran volunteer or new to the program, each mentor’s passion and energy is crucial to keep the momentum going.
For 25 wonderful years, the Be A Reader (BeAR) Literacy Project has been lighting up classrooms with a love of reading. Now, it looks forward to seeing what the next 25 chapters will bring.
For more information about BeAR, contact Robin Ford at rford@ujft.org or 757-321-2304.
CALENDAR
SEPTEMBER 16, MONDAY
JCC Book Club will discuss The Mathematician’s Shiva by Stuart Rojstczer. Book Club meets the third Monday of each month. Join in person or via Zoom. 1:30 pm. Simon Family JCC. Free. Information: Mia Klein at Mklein@ujft.org or Sherry Lieberman at joeann124@aol.com.
Beware: Introduction to Situational Awareness and Countering Active Threat. Training presented by Secure Community Network and UJFT. RSVP required. 11:30 am lunch. 12 pm program. Free. Sandler Family Campus. Information and registration: jewishva.org/scn or Julie Kievit at jkievit@ujft.org or 757-965-6110.
SEPTEMBER 18, WEDNESDAY
Seniors Club is for adults ages 55+ who seek to add education, culture, and connections to others and the Jewish community. Bill Ouzts speaks on the Titanic and her sister ships, the maritime disaster that remains a haunting reminder of human hubris and the unpredictable forces of nature. Meets the third Wednesday of each month. 12 pm lunch, 1 pm speaker. Simon Family JCC. Membership $15 per year. $6 charge for lunch. Information and registration: Mia Klein at MKlein@UJFT.org.
SEPTEMBER 19, THURSDAY
Guardian: Identify, Protect, Respond and Stop the Bleed. Training presented by Secure Community Network and UJFT. RSVP required. 11:30 am lunch. 12 pm program. Free. Sandler Family Campus. Information and registration: jewishva.org/scn or Julie Kievit at jkievit@ujft.org or 757-965-6110.
SEPTEMBER 22, SUNDAY
Rabbi Sacks Community Book Club will discuss To Heal a Fractured World: The Ethics of Responsibility. 10 am. Ohef Sholom Temple. Free. Information and registration: visit JewishVA.org/KCL. See page 33.
SEPTEMBER 23, MONDAY
Beware: Introduction to Situational Awareness and Countering Active Threat. Training presented by Secure Community Network and UJFT. RSVP required. 11:30 am lunch. 12 pm program. Free. Sandler Family Campus. Information and registration: jewishva.org/scn or Julie Kievit at jkievit@ujft.org or 757-965-6110.
SEPTEMBER 24, TUESDAY
Guardian: Identify, Protect, Respond and Stop the Bleed. Training presented by Secure Community Network and UJFT. RSVP required. 11:30 am lunch. 12 pm program. Free. Sandler Family Campus. Information and registration: jewishva.org/scn or Julie Kievit at jkievit@ujft.org or 757-965-6110.
SEPTEMBER 24 – DECEMBER 3, TUESDAYS
The Jewish State: Examining the Jewish Identities of Israelis. 10-week Melton Course, offered by the Konikoff Center for Learning at the United Jewish Federatiwwon of Tidewater and led by Dr. Amy K. Milligan. 6:45 pm. Zoom. $295. Information and registration: JewishVA.org/Melton or Sierra Lautman at slautman@ujft.org or 757-9656107. See page 34.
The United Jewish Federation of Tidewater/Simon Family JCC seeks a proven experienced candidate for the position of Director of Human Resources. The Director of Human Resources serves as an integral member of the professional leadership team, under the direction of the Executive Vice President/CEO, and is responsible for the development and implementation of human resource policies for the agency covering areas such as recruitment and hiring, employee relations, compensation, performance management, and compliance with applicable employment laws and regulations.
Additionally, the Director of Human Resources is responsible for all HR functional areas for the Tidewater Jewish Foundation and the UJFT Community Campus, LLC., (aka, Sandler Family Campus).
A bachelor’s degree in human resource management, business administration or related field required from an accredited university or college with a minimum of 4 years demonstrated progressive leadership experience in all HR functional areas. Master’s degree preferred. SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP credential strongly desired.
Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher, and PowerPoint. The successful candidate will possess strong interpersonal and listening skills and understand the mission of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater.
Position start date: April 1, 2024.
Salaries are competitive and commensurate with experience.
Complete job descriptions at www.federation.jewishva.org and www.simonfamilyjcc.org
Submit cover letter, resume and salary requirements to: resumes@ujft.org
Attention: B Betty Ann Levin – Confidential
5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462
OBITUARIES
Carol Cohen
NORFOLK - Carol Cohen, 77, passed away on August 16.
A native of Norfolk, she was the daughter of the late Irving and Eleanor Cohen, and was predeceased by her husband, Phillip Kurzer. She was a retired special ed teacher in the Atlanta Public School System.
Carol was a longtime member of Ohef Sholom Temple in Norfolk. She was also a supporter of the Virginia Opera Association.
She is survived by her brother Mitchell Cohen and numerous cousins.
Graveside services were held at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens. Online condolences may be offered to the family at hdoliver.com.
Myra Marcus Coplon
CHESAPEAKE - Myra Marcus Coplon, born on June 2, 1934, passed away on August 25, at the age of 90. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joel Stan Coplon. She leaves behind a loving family who will cherish her memory. Her children,
Ronnie C. Hecht (Michael) and Marc I. Coplon (Adrienne), mourn her loss deeply. Myra’s legacy also lives on through her grandchildren: Jaimi, Erin, Mitchell, Jared, Cameron, Mason, and Jenna. She was blessed with one great-grandson, Maddoxx, who brought additional joy to her later years.
A graveside service was held to honor Myra’s life at Forest Lawn Cemetery.
May her soul rest in peace. altmeyerfuneralandcremation.com.
Marvin David Feit
CHESAPEAKE - Marvin David Feit, 82, passed away on August 8.
Marvin was born in New York City on March 14, 1942, to the late Abraham and Sarah Feit. Growing up in New York City, he later attended Brooklyn College earning a Bachelor of Science degree, a Master of Science degree from The New York School of Social Work at Columbia University, a Master of Hygiene from the Graduate School of Public Health at the University of Pittsburgh, and finally a Ph.D. in Social
Work from the University of Pittsburgh. He later invested his knowledge and experience from many years of work in community development to teach at the University of Tennessee, University of Minnesota, University of Akron, San Francisco State University, where he also served as Department chair, and Norfolk State University, where he also served as Dean of the Ethelyn R. Strong School of Social Work.
Marvin authored more than 50 books and published countless peer-reviewed articles in professional journals. He presented at national and international professional conferences and frequently was an invited speaker across the United States and internationally. He served as editor and co-editor of numerous international, peer-review journals focusing on community development and public health policy. He also served as a commissioner of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and was an active member of the American Public Health Association (APHA) for many years.
Marvin was respected and an inspiration not only in professional circles but also to his students, his colleagues, the community, family, and friends. One of his passions was mentoring graduate and undergraduate students as well as faculty members and colleagues.
In his spare time, he was an active and competitive racquetball player, loved sports, played softball and baseball, and loved photography, traveling, gardening, working with bonsai plants, crossword puzzles, word games, and listening to music. He was an avid reader and loved to spend time with family and friends. Family and friends meant everything to him. He was a member of the Beth Chaverim Congregation.
Marvin is cherished in memory by his loving wife of 40 years, Nuria, and their son, Jose; his daughters, Risa Coleman (Adam), Merrill Nall (Mike), and Kimberly Logston (John); his cousin Madelyn Greenspan, Eric Gardner (Cheryl) and Amy Kassan (Stephen); as well as a host of family members and dear friends.
A graveside service was conducted at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens. Rabbi Israel Zoberman of Temple Lev Tikvah in Virginia Beach officiated.
Post your fondest condolences and memories to the family during this difficult
time at the Woodlawn Funeral Home website (woodlawnnorfolk.com). Donations in Marvin’s memory may be made to the Dong Soo Kim International Endowment, the Hannah S. Paik-Nae Endowment, or the Charlotte Avery Johnson Endowed Scholarship Fund at Norfolk State University Foundation, Norfolk State University, 700 Park Avenue, Suite 410, Norfolk, VA 23504.
Dr. Mark Greenspan
NORFOLK - Dr. Mark Greenspan, a distinguished physician and attorney, passed away peacefully August 5, following complications of old age.
Dr. Greenspan is survived by his wife Betty, whom he married in 2000 and lived with in Tidewater until his death; his former wife, Ethel-Raye, and their children, Jeffrey (Cindy), Amy-Ann Mayberg (Jeremy), and John-Jay; his four grandchildren, Bradley, David, Jamie, and Maxwell; his great-granddaughter, Avery; and his sister, Zelda Curtiss, of Pittsburgh. His family, including six children, eight grandchildren, a great grandchild, many loving cousins, nieces and nephews, will miss him dearly and appreciated his presence in their lives.
Dr. Greenspan was born on March 22, 1936, in Far Rockaway, N.Y. to Jerome and Sylvia Greenspan. He attended Union College but departed early to attend Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City on a full scholarship.
While serving his country as a ship’s doctor in the United States Navy, he moved to Norfolk and married Ethel-Raye Nesson in 1962. Following his naval service, he completed his surgical residency at Jacobi Hospital in the Bronx, returning to Norfolk again in 1968.
Dr. Greenspan spent over 35 years as a renowned local surgeon. He earned a reputation as a “doctor’s doctor” and a caring and honorable physician. He served members of the community who otherwise could not afford surgical care, many traveling great distances to see him. During the 1980s, he was one of two surgeons willing to operate on AIDS patients in all of Southeastern Virginia. He testified before a Senate Committee to help Sentara Norfolk General get funding for its first Nightingale Helicopter and was instrumental in the creation of Hampton Roads’ first trauma center.
OBITUARIES
Dr. Greenspan’s passion was medicine, medical ethics, and medical education. Dr. Greenspan served as Chief of Surgery at DePaul Hospital and helped to draft Ethics standards for the medical community. He donated generously to Sentara Hospital, EVMS. In addition, Dr. Greenspan was a Professor of Surgery at EVMS and interviewed prospective candidates for admission to the medical school.
Never content to relax, Dr. Greenspan graduated from William & Mary Law School at age 65 after hanging up his stethoscope in his early 60’s. He spent his last professional decade practicing law before the Vaccine Injury Court in Washington, DC, fighting for families with children whose lives had been impacted by vaccine-related injuries.
Dr. Greenspan was buried at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Norfolk. Memorial gifts to either the Greenspan Education Fund at the Sentara Center for Healthcare Simulation & Immersive Learning, or the Mark Greenspan Family Fund at the Hampton Roads Community Foundation. Online condolences can be made at hdoliver.com.
Pauline Zedd Katz
MONROE TOWNSHIP, N.J. - Pauline Zedd Katz, 84, died on September 1.
She was born in Norfolk, Virginia in 1940, where she lived and worked until marriage to her husband, Norman. They first met at a New Year’s Eve party in 1959, when Norman was stationed there in the Navy aboard the USS Newport News. They got to know each other when they met again at a Sunday breakfast at the Jewish Community Center where Pauline was a volunteer.
They were married in 1963 and moved to Cambridge, Ohio for 2 years, where Norman was employed by RCA. After Ohio, they lived in New Jersey for 26 years, upstate New York for 5 years and then to her hometown of Norfolk to take care of her mother for five years. Next, they moved to Monroe Township, N.J., where she enjoyed life in an adult community and where she learned to play canasta and enjoyed going to shows and taking community trips. She enjoyed going on business trips with Norman and seeing the sites when he was in meetings.
When her children were young, she was a stay-at-home mom, and then worked as a
secretary, teacher’s aide, and various other jobs in Hebrew and nursery schools associated with various synagogues and YMCA nursery and after school programs. She loved working with children.
Pauline was a lifetime member of Hadassah, a member of ORT and served on the board of Yiddish Club, now known as the Shalom Club, at Greenbriar at Whittingham in Monroe Township, N.J.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Nathan and Helen Zedd, and her sister Sue Ann Zedd. She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Norman Katz, her children Jeffrey Katz (Lisa) of Livingston, N.J., Teri Kornfeld (Joel) of Los Angeles, Calif., and grandchildren Rachel, Nathan, and Stephanie Katz and Jonathan and Joshua Kornfeld.
Funeral services were private and entrusted to Mount Sinai Memorial Chapels in East Brunswick, N.J.
To leave a message of condolence, visit www.MSMC.us.
Donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, the American Heart Association or the charity of one’s choice.
William Laderberg
NORFOLK - William Laderberg, 75, died peacefully on September 3 at home.
He was born and raised in Portsmouth, lived for many years in Virginia Beach, and made his true home in the Ghent area of Norfolk. He was the eldest child of Alma Goldstein Laderberg and Howard Melvin Laderberg, of blessed memory, and he is survived by his siblings Harry Laderberg, Linda (Leigh) Baltuch, and Romney Laderberg (Mallory Stark).
His daughters, Sheila Laderberg Tarasiuk (Dave) and Julie Laderberg (Bill Morano) were the true loves of his life, and his granddaughters, Alice Tarasiuk, Amelia Morano, and Sophie Morano, brought him tremendous joy and pride.
For much of his adult life, William worked with his father, Howard, and brother, Harry, in the family business, High Point Furniture Outlet. William learned the art of retailing from his father and shared valuable lessons of how to treat others and make a sale with his daughters. After the store closed in 2000, William brought his sales skills and love of movies to the Naro Expanded Video, where he was known as
• Family owned and operated since 1917
• Affordable services to fit any budget
• Advance funeral planning
• Professional, experienced, caring staff
• Flexible burial options
• Flexible payment options
Approved by all area Rabbis and Chevrah Kadisha
“The Night Man” until its closure in 2019. Everyone who encountered William knew of his passion for movies. He was a true cinephile and loved going to movies, watching movies, and talking about movies. He was a fixture at the landmark Naro Cinema where he participated in regular film forums and discussion groups.
William was a long-time supporter of the Virginia Festival of Jewish Film, and he served as co-chair of the Screening Committee for many years alongside his best friend, Mark Robbins. He devoted countless hours to researching, screening, and selecting films from all over the world to bring the
Hampton Roads community the very best of Jewish film each year.
William was incredibly supportive of local small businesses, and he was a well-known customer at his favorite local cafes and restaurants. He was proud that his loyalty helped to keep multiple local businesses afloat during COVID.
William valued his family above all. He texted and FaceTimed with his daughters and granddaughters nearly daily, and, for many years, he enjoyed a weekly Zoom dinner with his siblings.
(continued on page 38)
Chris Sisler, Vice President, Member of Ohef Sholom Temple, Board member of the Berger-Goldrich Home at Beth Sholom Village, James E. Altmeyer, Jr., President, James E. Altmeyer, Sr., Owner
OBITUARIES
A funeral was held at Gomley Chesed Cemetery with Rabbi Michael Panitz officiating.
Memorial gifts of meaning can be made to Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research at https://lustgarten.org or to a charity of one's choice. H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts.
Anshelle H. Loeb
NORFOLK - Anshelle H. Loeb was born on June 23, 1946, in Brooklyn, New York. She was raised in Seaford, Long Island, N.Y.
While attending General Douglas MacArthur High School in Levittown, N.Y., she met the love of her life, Jeffrey Loeb. One week after Jeff graduated from Penn State University, the two were married and started their family soon thereafter and had their two sons Michael and Jason.
Shelley completed her undergraduate studies at Stony Brook University on Long Island and went on to earn her Master of Education from Hofstra University, also on Long Island. She spent many years as a special education teacher and eventually retired from the City of Virginia Beach Schools.
Shelley was heavily involved with, and held various offices in, several charitable organizations, including ORT (Organization for Rehabilitation through Training,) Hadassah, Temple Sisterhoods and more. She was extremely philanthropic and made many generous contributions to numerous charities.
Shelley was an extraordinary wife, mother, and homemaker. She loved cooking and was incredibly creative in the kitchen. She was known for her
home-cooked meals and for the love she put into each one of her dishes. She also enjoyed cultural events such as live theater and concerts.
Jeff had a “Bucket List” of places he wanted to travel to with his wife. First on the list was Australia and New Zealand, followed by a 4-week safari in Africa. The couple ultimately visited six continents and 54 countries together, along the way capturing astonishing images of their travels with Jeff’s camera. Jeff and Shelley also enjoyed taking their children and grandchildren on vacation.
Shelley dedicated her life to her family. Shelley was predeceased by her husband, Jeffrey, and her parents, Gerald and Estelle Hochstadt. Left to grieve for Shelley are her sons, Michael Loeb and Jason Loeb (Emily) and three grandchildren, Jessica Loeb, Zachary Loeb, and Jacob Loeb, her brother, Ira Hochstadt, and his wife Lynne, who Shelley considered a sister (not a sister-in-law), as well as sister-in-law Sherry Schwartz (Stephen), brother-in-law Brian Loeb (Kathy), close cousin (in-law) Stuart Kaplan (Debra), nephews, nieces, and many close friends.
A memorial service was held at Ohef Sholom. Burial was private.
Edward Mark Rafal
NORFOLK - Edward Mark Rafal, 74, passed away on September 5.
He was a lifelong native of Norfolk, Va., and was the son of the late Ben and Goldye Rafal.
Ed was a faithful and longtime employee of LM Saunders and Sandler
Foods for many years until his retirement. He loved sports, especially the Green Bay Packers and the Boston Celtics. Ed enjoyed hanging out with his closest friends watching sports and having a good time.
Ed is survived by his sister, Donna Brownstein, a cousin, Janet Kass, several nieces, nephews, and his best friend, Socko Pearson.
A graveside service was held at Forest Lawn Cemetery. H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts. Memorial donations may be made to Ohef Sholom Temple. Online condolences may be made to the family at hdoliver.com.
Barbara Joseph Spigel
NORFOLK - Barbara Joseph Spigel passed away in her sleep the morning of Sept 5. She was 96 years old.
Barbara led a full life. She was a student, teacher, and professor of history and literature, a lover of books, theater, Shakespeare, and bad puns. To satisfy her ambition, as well as her curious and active mind, she went to Syracuse University graduate school as a mother with two children and eventually taught at Brock and Niagara Universities.
When her beloved husband of 60 years, Herman Alan Spigel, decided to change careers and become a teacher, Barbara went to work as a real estate agent. Her avocations included acting and directing, and she worked with students for productions at the Niagara District Secondary School, amateurs with the Niagara Falls Little Theater, and professionals with the Shaw Festival Theater – of which she was a founder.
One other favorite activity was sailing and racing on Lake Ontario with Herman
and daughters, Janet and Rosalind. Barbara and Herman purchased their boat, Bluefin, from the local boat builder, and were both co-founders and officers of the Niagara-onthe-Lake Sailing Club.
Barbara passed her love of theater and adventure to her children and grandchildren, Alan and Matea Linic (of Janet and Danny Linic) and Jacob Bragdon (of Rosalind Spigel and William Bragdon). She also volunteered with the Sisterhood of Temple Beth El in Niagara Falls, N.Y. In Norfolk, Barbara and Herman joined the synagogue where he grew up, Ohef Sholom.
Born in Stratford-upon-Avon, her father, Barnett Claude Joseph, was a patron of the arts and co-founder of NC Joseph Manufacturing, the site of her first job. Her Scottish mother, Janet Austin Walker Neill, was an accomplished pianist. The family, including her brothers, David and Alan Joseph, were patrons and regular audience members of the Shakespeare Theater.
After Barbara and Herman moved back to Norfolk from Niagara Falls for their retirement, Barbara honed her writing skills and became a columnist for local Hampton Roads publications. Upon moving into Harbor's Edge, Barbara became involved in welcoming new members, serving on the library committee, and going off script in her monologues at the Harbor’s Edge Follies, which she enjoyed immensely.
A memorial service was held at Ohef Sholom Temple. Burial was private.
Joyce Moore Turner
TUCSON, ARIZONA - Joyce Moore Turner, age 104, passed away on August 27.
May the Source of Peace send peace to all who mourn, and comfort to all who are bereaved.
Lasting memories for campers and counselors at Camp JCC
Dave Flagler
Another successful summer concluded last month for Camp JCC. More than 230 campers attended this year – from Hampton Roads, as well as from California, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Washington DC, and Richmond. In
addition, families relocating to Hampton Roads joined the camp community.
Activities were intentionally designed to create bonds and friendships for the campers and build camaraderie among the camp community. New highlights included boatbuilding and racing, a 90’s style live-
gameshow during Decade Week, an Olympic ceremony where campers adopted real or fictional countries, a foam party, a giant bubble party, and more – alongside beloved camp traditions.
What truly set Camp JCC summer 2024 apart was the caring, supportive
environment and the strong sense of belonging everyone helped create.
To learn more about Camp JCC, or to hear about year-round opportunities for teens in the community, contact Dave Flagler, director of Camp and Teen Engagement, at DFlagler@UJFT.org or 757-452-3182.
Eilat rehearsing for the Lip Sync competition: Elizabeth Hughes (counselor), Mia Grim, Isabella Ford, Emilia Kenney, Yanie Shartilov, and Gus Whitman.
Ben Hollander and Micah Kass finish riding a wave while surfing with Sababa Beachaway.
No FOMO with Foam. Mitchell Hurst.
Dancing with Shinshinim Maya Ostrov and Naomi Friedland at Shabbat: Grove Flax, Isabella Brent, and Theo Trem.
Who says that learning is just for school? Ethan Holtz, Mia Grim, Savannah Riley, Chris Fenley (specialist), Laurel Sanou, Riley Carrol, Ben Amitay (CIT) Emilia Kenney, Elizabeth Hughes (counselor), Josh Davenport (counselor), and Darian Sun.
There is nothing quite like the Color Run. Reagan Good (counselor), Leah Lytash, Myla Artigas, Riley Salway (counselor), and Omaria Slade-Gallup (counselor).
Israeli Pool Party Photo Booth. Bottom Ella Gladstein, Naomi Friedland (shinshin), Mia Pinto, and Madeline Kramer. Top Silver Lerner (counselor), Jocelyne Bobrowitz (counselor), Jordan Cubitt (counselor), and Maya Ostrov (shinshin).
Every day is a special day at Camp JCC. Keller Gustafson, Alexandra Kievit, Lena Aftel, Isla Cutrell, Avery Goldstein, and Mia Pinto.
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