Jewish News January 20 Issue

Running on Sand

Kramer Family Theater at Cape Henry Collegiate, 1320 Mill Dam Road, Virginia Beach

Sunday, February 16 • 2:30pm

Director Adar Shafran ● 104 min ● Israel ● 2023

Hebrew with English subtitles ● Drama

Aumari, a young Eritrean refugee living in Israel, is about to be deported back to his home country. After a spontaneous escape attempt at the airport and a case of mistaken identity, Aumari is assumed by Maccabi Netanya fans to be their new Nigerian soccer star. With no sporting talent, but hailed as a hero, he unites and uplifts the floundering squad, all while hiding his true identity. Amid their quest for victory, he finds himself falling for the team owner’s daughter, risking exposure.

Yaniv

Cinema Cafe Kemps River, 1220 Fordham Drive, Virginia Beach

Thursday, February 20

2:30pm & 7:30PM

Director Amnon Carmi ● 85 min ● United States ● 2024

A high school teacher in the Bronx loses funding for the school musical and convinces his fellow statistics teacher, secretly a recovering gambling addict, to help him cheat at an underground card game run by the Hasidic Jewish community. The plan goes awry with mounting consequences, but help comes at an unexpected time from the least likely people.

October H8te

Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center at Virginia Wesleyan University, 5817 Wesleyan Drive, Virginia Beach

Sunday, February 23 • 2:30pm

Followed by a panel discussion

Director Wendy Sachs ● 100 min ● United States ● 2024 English ● Documentary

From Executive Producer Debra Messing and Director Wendy Sachs, this searing documentary explores the explosion of antisemitism on college campuses, on social media, and in the streets of America in the aftermath of October 7th, 2023. The film features interviews with Debra Messing, Michael Rapaport, Sheryl Sandberg, Congressman Ritchie Torres, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt, Dan Senor, Noa Tishby, and Bari Weiss, among others.

Presented in partnership with the Jewish Community Relations Council of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, Simon Family JCC, & Community Partners’ 14th annual Israel Today series

Bad Shabbos

Naro Expanded Cinema, 1507 Colley Avenue, Norfolk

Preceded by the short film WE SHOULD EAT Monday, February 24 • 7:15pm

Director Daniel Robbins ● 84 min ● United States ● 2024 English ● Comedy

Proving that even Shabbat can go haywire, this off-beat comedy centers around an engaged interfaith couple who are about to have their parents meet for the first time over a traditional Shabbat dinner. Things spiral faster than you can say “hamotzi” when an accidental death gets in the way.

The Big Saturday Night Celebration of Jewish FiLm

Midas Man

Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, 2200 Parks Avenue, Virginia Beach Saturday, February 22 • 7:00pm

Hors d’oeuvres, cocktail hour & open galleries beginning at 6:00 PM. Dessert reception to follow, featuring live music from John Lennon Tribute Star Tim Beasley!

Director Joe Stephenson ● 112 min ● United Kingdom ● 2024 ● English ● Biography, drama

On Thursday, November 9, 1961, a man named Brian descended the stairs to a cellar in Liverpool and changed the world forever. When Brian Epstein watched The Beatles perform, he saw something no one else could – a glimmer of gold. Being Jewish, closeted, and having grown up as an outsider who had failed at pretty much everything, he was a 26-year old with something to prove and who wanted to tear up the rulebook.

Sponsored by Harry Laderberg, Linda (Laderberg) & Leigh Baltuch, and Mallory (Stark) & Romney Laderberg, in memory of their dear brother, William Laderberg

June Zero

Beach Cinema Alehouse, 941 Laskin Road, Virginia Beach

WEDNESday, February 26

2:30pm & 7:30PM

Director Jake Paltrow ● 105 min ● Israel, United States ● 2022 Hebrew, Spanish with English subtitles ● Historical drama

The 1961 preparations for the execution of Adolf Eichmann, a principal architect of the Holocaust, are revisited in a gripping and surprising new vision from American filmmaker Jake Paltrow. Entirely shot on 16mm film and based on true accounts, JUNE ZERO is told from the unique perspectives of three distinct figures: Eichmann’s Jewish Moroccan prison guard, an Israeli police investigator who also happens to be a Holocaust survivor, and a precocious and clever 13-year-old Libyan immigrant.

Presented in partnership with the Holocaust Commission of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater

The Virginia Festival of Jewish Film is presented by the Alma & Howard Laderberg Virginia Festival of Jewish Film Restricted Fund of the Tidewater Jewish Foundation and funded in part by the citizens of Virginia Beach through a grant from the City of Virginia Beach Arts and Humanities Commission.

Presented by Alma & Howard Laderberg

JEWISH NEWS UP FRONT

A YEAR OF PEACE?

Terri Denison

It’s certainly been a chaotic start to 2025.

We were barely finished singing Auld Lang Syne when we heard the news about the deadly attack in New Orleans by a man displaying an ISIS flag. (page 4) The threat of Lone Wolves, we’re told, is one of the many reasons to remain vigilant about security wherever we are and to immediately report incidents.

Just one week later, the wildfires in Los Angeles consumed everyone’s attention. Whether we know someone who lost their home, had to evacuate, or know someone who knows someone. . . these devastating fires have impacted us all as we’ve learned about people who lost their lives or had them completely upended. As Rabbi Daniel Sher said in a video to his congregation, “So many of us are experiencing heartbreak. But when a community experiences heartbreak together, it means we can mend our hearts together as community as well.” (page 8) Inspiring words from someone who lost his own home.

As we go to press, a hostage and ceasefire deal is on the cusp of taking place. This one seems possible. By the time this is read, we’ll know. And we’ll know if such a deal actually puts an end to the deadly battles in the Middle East and the divisive protests at home. The article is on page 6.

On publication date, a new administration officially takes the reigns of the United States. Whether feeling exuberant or distressed, it is important that we all have hope for peace.

Speaking of peace, last month my husband and I attended Shabbat services at Temple Isaiah in Lafayette, Calif. Rabbi Aaron Torop read his prayer for peace that we share here.

Perhaps by mending our hearts together as a community as Rabbi Sher suggests, we can look forward to a much less chaotic and even peaceful 2025.

Prayer for Peace

Oseh Hashalom, God who makes peace, bless us and all people with peace.

We pray that the hostages, the soldiers, the citizens of Israel and Gaza and the West Bank see days of peace in their lifetime.

We pray for a peace that has the absence of rockets that terrorize civilians and the end of the torrent of bullets and bombs.

We pray for a positive peace: a peace filled with hope and possibility for the Jewish people and the whole world.

A peace led by leaders who unite us and seek the prosperity and protection of all.

May Your shelter of peace be spread over us and people everywhere speedily and in our days. Amen.

– Rabbi Aaron Torop

Published 18 times a year by United Jewish Federation of Tidewater.

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BRIEFS

House votes to sanction ICC leaders over Israel charges

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill that would sanction officials of the International Criminal Court or anyone who supports its effort to prosecute Israeli leaders for war crimes.

The Republican-led bill passed with the support of 45 Democrats. It comes after the ICC, based in the Hague, Netherlands, issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister, Yoav Gallant, as well as Hamas leaders, on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The United States had condemned the charges, and an earlier version of the bill passed the House last year but did not advance further. This bill is expected to be brought to the Senate floor, where Republicans have a majority.

The bill freezes the property of, and denies U.S. visas to anyone who helps the court in its effort “to investigate, arrest, detain, or prosecute” a citizen of the United States or any ally who is not a signatory to the court. Neither Israel nor the United States are signatories.

“America is passing this law because a kangaroo court is seeking to arrest the prime minister of our great ally, Israel, who is not only responding to an enemy which conducted a genocide, killing as many men, women and children as possible… but an enemy who still holds 100 hostages, scores of bodies of those that they murdered, including seven of my fellow Americans,” said Republican Rep. Brian Mast of Florida, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and a former civilian volunteer with the Israeli military.

Opponents said the bill was an unfair attack on the court. “Republicans want to sanction the I.C.C. simply because they don’t want the rules to apply to everyone,” said Democratic Rep. Jim McGovern of Massachusetts, according to The New York Times. (JTA)

Majority of hate crimes targeted Jews in NYC last year

Jews were the target of the majority of hate crimes in New York City last year, according to statistics reported earlier this month by the NYPD.

Data compiled by the department showed that there were 345 anti-Jewish hate crimes across the city in 2024, nearly 54% of the 641 total hate crimes tallied. The nextlargest category of hate crimes was those related to sexual orientation, at 78.

The number of antisemitic hate crimes in 2024 was slightly larger than in 2023, when police recorded 323 total anti-Jewish crimes. That year’s total was driven by a recorded surge in antisemitism following Hamas’ invasion of Israel and the outbreak of the Gaza war on Oct. 7 of that year. The increase in antisemitism year over year comes as the total number of hate crimes in the city decreased slightly from 2023 to 2024.

High-profile antisemitic incidents occurred last year across New York, which has the largest Jewish population in the country. They ranged from graffiti on the home of the director of the Brooklyn Museum to a protest outside an exhibit commemorating the Oct. 7 Nova music festival massacre to an anti-Israel protester accused of threatening “Zionists” in a subway car.

On Monday, Jan. 6 protesters outside NYU’s Tisch Hospital chanted “We don’t want no Zionists here,” which Borough President Mark Levine called “Clear antisemitism.”

The NYPD data reflect preliminary figures and are subject to change. Not every recorded hate crime leads to an arrest or prosecution. (JTA)

Two Israelis injured in New Orleans attack with suspected ISIS influence

Two Israelis were among those injured in the Wednesday, Jan. 1 truck ramming attack in New Orleans.

The attack, perpetrated in the first hours of the new year, killed 15 people at a crowded celebration in the city’s French Quarter, and wounded dozens. The attacker, Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar, was killed in a firefight with police.

Jabbar, 42, had an ISIS flag in the car with him. Jabbar had reportedly posted videos to social media prior to the attack affiliating himself with the Islamist terror group, and may have had explosives in the truck along with firearms that were found there.

Jabbar was a military veteran and had reportedly converted to Islam.

The attack occurred on the same day that a Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside a Trump hotel in Las Vegas, killing the truck’s driver. (JTA)

Biden awards Presidential Medal of Freedom to Jewish megadonor George Soros

President Joe Biden awarded the United States’ top civilian honor to George Soros, the Holocaust survivor and billionaire donor to progressive and Democratic causes, along with 18 other people.

Biden’s selection of Soros, 94, to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom is notable because Soros’ giving has made him a frequent target of criticism and invective from right-wingers around the world. Some of the criticism has been explicitly antisemitic or resembled age-old conspiracy theories about Jewish power.

The formal comments at the White House ceremony noted Soros’ Jewish identity, saying, “Born into a Jewish family in Hungary, George Soros escaped Nazi occupation to build a life of freedom for himself and countless others around the world.”

Biden’s decision to give Soros the honor spurred criticism from some conservatives, including Elon Musk, the billionaire who is closely involved with the incoming Trump administration. Musk called Soros’ award a “travesty” in a post on X, the social media company he owns.

Soros’ son, Alex, who assumed the helm of the family’s Open Society Foundations charity last year, accepted the award on behalf of his father.

Two other Jews received the honor in the last batch of medals awarded by Biden: the businessman and philanthropist David Rubenstein and the fashion designer Ralph Lauren, who was born Ralph Lifshitz in the Bronx. The White House said in a statement that Lauren “redefined the fashion industry with a lifestyle brand that embodies timeless elegance and American tradition.”

Another recipient was the chef Jose Andres, whose humanitarian group, World Central Kitchen, has provided aid in Gaza. An Israeli strike killed seven of the group’s personnel last year, promoting protest and scrutiny of Israel’s practices, as well as an apology from Israel, which said the strike was unintentional. (JTA)

Elissa Slotkin sworn into Senate on Reform movement women’s Torah commentary

When it came time to choose the text on which she would be sworn into the U.S. Senate, Elissa Slotkin turned to a relatively recent book that reflects her own identity as a Jewish woman.

Slotkin, a former congresswoman who narrowly won her election in November, took the oath of office Friday, Jan. 3 on a copy of The Torah: A Women’s Commentary, published in 2008 by the Reform movement of Judaism.

Women of Reform Judaism, the movement’s women’s organization, celebrated Slotkin’s choice on social media, noting that the book was the first full Torah commentary to feature only contributions from women.

“We are so excited that this book is being used for such a joyous and momentous occasion,” the group said on Facebook, where it shared a picture of Slotkin holding up the text.

Slotkin has longstanding ties to the Reform movement. When a man was charged with “ethnic intimidation” after harassing families outside a Reform synagogue in suburban Detroit in 2022, she shared that her grandparents had helped construct the building and that she had celebrated her bat mitzvah inside.

Slotkin is one of 34 Jewish members of the 119th Congress. The other newly elected Jewish senator, Democrat Adam Schiff, was sworn in temporarily last month on a 1490 edition of Maimonides’ Mishneh Torah, one of the most revered and prominent codes of Jewish law, before being sworn in for a full six-year term on Jan. 3.

Three Jews were newly elected to the House of Representatives: Democrat Laura Friedman of California, who is filling the seat Schiff vacated; Republican Craig Goldman of Texas; and Democrat Eugene Vindman of Virginia.

North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein was sworn in Jan. 1 on an 1891 edition of the Hebrew Bible. (JTA)

Statements on the ceasefire and hostage deal

Wednesday, January 16, 2025

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN

Today, after many months of intensive diplomacy by the United States, along with Egypt and Qatar, Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire and hostage deal. This deal will halt the fighting in Gaza, surge much needed humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians, and reunite the hostages with their families after more than 15 months in captivity.

I laid out the precise contours of this plan on May 31, 2024, after which it was endorsed unanimously by the UN Security Council. It is the result not only of the extreme pressure that Hamas has been under and the changed regional equation after a ceasefire in Lebanon and weakening of Iran — but also of dogged and painstaking American diplomacy. My diplomacy never ceased in their efforts to get this done.

Even as we welcome this news, we remember all the families whose loved ones were killed in Hamas’ October 7th attack, and the many innocent people killed in the war that followed. It is long past time for the fighting to end and the work of building peace and security to begin. I am also thinking of the American families, three of whom have living hostages in Gaza and four awaiting return of remains after what has been the most horrible ordeal imaginable. Under this deal, we are determined to bring all of them home.

JEWISH FEDERATIONS OF NORTH AMERICA

Jewish Federations welcome news of a deal to release dozens of hostages, create a framework for releasing all the hostages, and allow Israel a path forward to protect the safety and security of its citizens.

Every day for over 15 months, our community has held the hostages in our hearts, wept for their plight, prayed for their safe return, and mourned for those who we lost.

We've held close our Israeli brothers and sisters who have suffered, been displaced, fought in reserves, struggled to keep their businesses afloat, and worked to keep their families and communities alive.

There is much work to be done and significant uncertainty ahead, but we are hopeful that the first phase of this agreement will pave the way for the remaining hostages to be reunited with their family, for hostilities to end, and for an era of security and rebuilding for both Israel and her neighbors.

We must also thank President Biden and President-elect Trump, for their unprecedented coordination to bring both sides together to get a deal done.

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ISRAEL

Israel and Hamas agree to ceasefire deal after 15 months

Ben Sales

(JTA) — Israel and Hamas have reportedly agreed to a deal that will cease more than a year of fighting in Gaza and Israel, bring dozens of Israeli hostages home and free hundreds of Palestinian security prisoners.

The agreement was reportedly confirmed by multiple parties to the negotiation on Wednesday, Jan. 16. If it holds, it will mark an end to the longest and bloodiest war in Israel’s history.

And it comes after months of efforts by outgoing President Joe Biden — redoubled ahead of the inauguration of incoming President Donald Trump — to end a war that has killed tens of thousands, transformed the Middle East, sparked a global spike in antisemitism and consumed the world’s attention and activism.

Now, the eyes of the world will continue to be on Israel and Gaza to see if the sides honor the terms of the agreement and if a tenuous pause in the fighting turns into a longer-term peace that will free all of the 98 hostages Hamas holds and allow the region and its peoples to move forward.

“WE HAVE A DEAL FOR THE HOSTAGES IN THE MIDDLE EAST. THEY WILL BE RELEASED SHORTLY.

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southern Israel. Israel began shelling Hamas in response and invaded Gaza weeks later. Since then, more than 46,000 people have been killed in Gaza, according to authorities in the Hamasrun territory. Some 400 Israeli soldiers have also been killed.

The war spread across the region almost immediately, with the Lebanese terror group Hezbollah bombing Israel beginning on Oct. 8, 2023. Israel has also been bombed by the Houthism a Yemeni terror group, as well as directly by Iran, which backs all of the aforementioned groups. Israel struck back at all of them, engaging in a monthslong ground invasion of Lebanon that led to a ceasefire last fall.

THANK YOU!,” Trump posted on social media shortly after noon on Jan. 16.

Under the reported terms of the deal, its first phase will last 42 days and will see the Israeli military withdraw from portions of Gaza as Hamas releases 33 hostages in exchange for a much larger number of Palestinian prisoners convicted of terrorism by Israel.

Hamas is reportedly set to release a number of civilian women hostages first. They would be followed by Kfir and Ariel Bibas, the two remaining child hostages who have become a symbol of the captives’ plight and who Hamas said had been killed early in the war, a report Israel has not confirmed. The release of women soldiers and older and ailing hostages would follow.

The second phase would see a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza in exchange for the release of more Palestinian security prisoners. The third phase would see the bodies of deceased hostages released as reconstruction of Gaza begins.

The war began on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas invaded Israel, killing some 1,200 people, taking some 250 hostage and ravaging

Palestinian security prisoners.

Israel also bombed Iran and Yemen in response to the bombings and has conducted extensive counterterror operations in the West Bank, where hundreds of Palestinians have been killed. Last month, the Iran-backed Assad regime in Syria collapsed, an outcome many called fallout of the war that began on Oct. 7, 2023. Israel also decimated Hamas and killed its leaders.

The question of when and how to institute a ceasefire has dominated conversations about the war for more than a year. A weeklong ceasefire in November 2023 saw the release of more than 100 hostages and hundreds of

Over the course of the war, families of the hostages have led a mass protest movement in Israel and beyond to keep the country’s and the world’s attention on their plight and push for their release — though some hostage families objected to a deal that would leave Hamas in power. Surveys have consistently shown that most Israelis support a deal to free the hostages and end the war. Multiple rounds of negotiations appeared to come close, but hit an impasse and devolved into mutual recriminations, with Israel and the United States saying Hamas was to blame — though tensions also emerged between Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who at times seemed reluctant to strike a deal that would impede Israel’s military campaign. Israel’s far-right also opposed a deal.

A renewed push came ahead of Trump’s inauguration on Monday, Jan. 20 with the incoming president threatening “hell to pay” if the hostages weren’t released by then.

ISRAEL

Local Relationships Matter

Sales (JTA) — Before Oct. 7, 2023, before the hostages, before the wars in Gaza, Lebanon and beyond, Israel was being torn apart by a fight almost entirely within its own borders: the judicial overhaul.

Now, that debate is on its way back.

It feels like ancient history now, but just two years ago, Israelis were rallying in the streets against a proposal from Benjamin Netanyahu’s government whose most extreme version would have essentially rendered the Supreme Court powerless. Taken together, the judicial overhaul would have let the governing coalition choose the Israeli high court’s judges and then override any decisions it didn’t like with a simple majority vote.

Proponents said a left-wing, elitist judicial system had struck down too many laws, effectively negating the will of the right-wing electorate. Critics of the reform said that in a country like Israel, where there isn’t really a separation between the legislative and executive branches, a move to weaken the judiciary risked giving the majority unchecked power.

That argument resonated with hundreds of thousands of Israelis, who took to the streets week after week in an unprecedented movement for self-styled “pro-democracy” protests against what they called a “coup.”

And they won. Even though the elected coalition had a majority, it managed to pass only one relatively minor piece of the plan. And that was struck

down last January. By then, almost three months after Oct. 7, the country was at war, Israelis were in mourning and their minds were elsewhere. The protest movement had pivoted to humanitarian work and pushing for a hostage release deal against an unpopular government.

Fast forward one more year, and the landscape has changed again. The wars seem like they’re winding down, much of the country is exhausted, and polls show Netanyahu’s popularity is rebounding.

Now, Justice Minister Yariv Levin, the architect of the effort, has resurrected the plan. And this time it might pass.

The provisions of judicial overhaul, part deux, are more limited than the original: The proposal changes the makeup of the panel that selects judges, giving more power to elected officials and less to the sitting judges. And it would make it harder for the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, to pass one of the so-called Basic Laws that take the place of a constitution. In return, the court would have to meet a higher bar for striking down laws and wouldn’t be able to touch most Basic Laws.

Levin partnered with Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, a former critic of the overhaul-turned-Netanyahu ally, to announce it. Levin called the new plan one that is “a real fundamental change, and on the other hand is deliberate and balanced.”

The proposal is already drawing backlash from the Israel Bar Association, which would see its representation on the selection panel eliminated, and whose

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leader called the new outline a “deceptive and dangerous proposal to implement the principles of the coup.”

And it comes as Levin has been resisting the appointment of a new chief justice, which the Supreme Court said he must do by Jan. 16. Parliamentary opposition leader Yair Lapid said he would “answer Yariv Levin immediately after he heeds the court order,” without giving further comment.

Another sign of relatively muted reaction came from Benny Gantz, a centrist opponent of Netanyahu who had warned against restarting the overhaul but whose

party said that it was examining the new outline.

One key question is whether the protest movement will be able to summon the energy for yet another round of mass demonstrations. It has spent the past yearplus marching for a hostage deal that has yet to happen (as of press time). The antioverhaul rallies of early to mid-2023 had an upbeat and even optimistic vibe, feelings that are harder to come by in protests now.

But that doesn’t mean the protest leaders aren’t trying. Activists announced more Saturday night demonstrations in the same spot that hosted the mass rallies of 2023.

Ben

LOS ANGELES WILDFIRES

Jewish community springs into action as devastating Los Angeles-area fires widen

Philissa Cramer (JTA) — Daniel Sher’s voice broke as he related the latest to members of his Pacific Palisades synagogue. Kehillat Israel had just sent a message saying that its building had so far survived the devastating Palisades Fire, but, the associate rabbi noted, so much had been lost.

“I cannot begin to describe the feeling that I am currently holding as I hear from so many beloved community members who’ve lost their home — while my family has found out that we’ve lost our home,” Sher said in a video he posted to Instagram on Wednesday, Jan. 8. “Our community that we love so dearly is in disarray.”

Sher later shared a picture taken by his wife of what remained of the home they lived in with their three young children and pets. Only a fireplace and chimney could be distinguished from a sea of ashes — one of thousands of structures that have burned as fires raged across the Los Angeles area.

At least one historic synagogue, the Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center, was completely destroyed by fire, but not before community members battled challenging conditions to remove the Conservative congregation’s 13 Torah scrolls.

Los Angeles’ Jewish community — the second largest in the United States — has swung into action, attempting to provide relief and reassurance at a volatile time. Synagogues and Jewish community centers in safe areas are opening their doors to those who have fled their homes. A Jewish loan society is doling out funds to people who must start from scratch. And local Jewish eateries are fanning out to distribute free food to firefighters who have been battling blazes for days, with no end in sight.

“We have bagels. We have food trucks. We want to pull up to any safe zones to feed firefighters or anyone displaced from their homes,” Yeastie Boys Bagels posted on Instagram. Soon after, it

announced that it would be distributing bagels at several evacuation centers. The pop-up shop also announced it would partner with Jose Andres’ World Central Kitchen, known for its work in disaster zones, to do even more.

More than 100,000 have been ordered to evacuate the fires, the worst in L.A. history, burning mostly uncontained (as of press time) in multiple locations across the

region. Many others, lacking power and reliable water, preemptively left their homes for areas with clean air and less risk.

Among those who have lost their homes are the Jewish celebrities Billy Crystal, Adam Brody, and Eugene Levy. Meanwhile, a local newscaster encountered Steve Guttenberg, a Jewish actor who belongs to Kehillat Israel, as he sought to help people who had to abandon their cars in gridlock

Wildfire Relief Funds

• The Los Angeles Jewish community has mobilized to provide essential resources, including mental health support, warm meals, shelter, and space for displaced individuals, families, and institutions.

Jewish Federations in Los Angeles, Ventura County, and San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys have opened a Wildfire Crisis Relief Fund to provide critical assistance to those impacted. https://www.jewishla.org/wildfire-crisis-relief/ If sending a check, make it payable to JFEDLA and send to PO Box 54269 Los Angeles, CA 90054-0269. In the memo line, indicate this is for the Wildfire Relief Fund.

• IKAR, a prominent Jewish community organization in Los Angeles “that seeks to inspire people across the religious spectrum” has put together a page of resources. https://ikar.org

Resources include:

• The Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund enables a Rabbinic team to lend support, care, and kindness to those in the community who need it. (Please note “FIRE” in occasion field)

• World Central Kitchen’s Relief Team is supporting first responders and families impacted by wildfires in the Los Angeles area. They are mobilized across the region to provide nourishing meals to people in need.

• California Fire Foundation works with local fire agencies and community-based organizations to provide direct, ongoing support to victims of wildfires.

while evacuating the Palisades Fire.

Some of the new fires cropped up in densely populated areas closer to the city’s core, including Hollywood and Brentwood.

While the region has always been prone to wildfires, the risk has historically been low in the winter. But this year, little rain has fallen, drying out vegetation fueled by last year’s historic rainfall, creating optimal conditions for a winter blaze that watchdogs say is a perfect example of the kind of “compound climate disaster” that is becoming more common.

“Now is the time to rally support for the communities being ravaged by these ferocious fires,” Rabbi Jennie Rosenn of Dayenu, a group that aims to mobilize Jews on climate issues, said in a statement. “It is also the time to use our radical imagination to envision and build a different future — one that is just, livable, and sustainable — free of this kind of rampant and devastating destruction.”

For now, many in the region are focused on immediate, practical concerns. The Jewish Free Loan Association announced $2,000 no-interest loans that do not require guarantors for all Angelenos with emergency needs, such as replacement clothing and hotel stays.

The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles compiled a list of more than a dozen Jewish institutions providing refuge and emergency assistance to people from across the region, while also looking ahead toward the long recovery process the region will require. And community members are taking stock of what has been lost, even as the risk remains for more devastation to come.

“I do know that we will continue to care for one another, to reach out to one another, and we will rebuild,” Sher said in his video. “So many of us are experiencing heartbreak. But when a community experiences heartbreak together, it means we can mend our hearts together as community as well.”

LOS ANGELES WILDFIRES

‘Just things’ – like what my LA neighbors have lost – are what makes houses into Jewish homes

Rachel Steinhardt (JTA) — The antique silver menorah. The shabbos candlesticks. The tiny tefillin set. The last remnants from Europe that my grandparents, all Holocaust survivors, managed to shlep to America. And I need to get them out of my house. Right now.

I had this thought during a moment when the Palisades Fire raced unchecked in all directions, including south toward my Santa Monica home. I threw a few documents, clothes, and photo albums in a pile on the living room floor, and on top of those I placed these Jewish family heirlooms in a Trader Joe’s paper bag.

I haven’t needed to evacuate my home. The fire’s southern trajectory has slowed. As I write this, I have not yet unpacked my Judaica-filled go-bag (just in case), but I know I am inordinately lucky. As I learn of each new devastation that continues to ravage the Los Angeles area, including my Pacific Palisades synagogue community where at least 300 Jewish families saw their homes consumed by fire, I cannot begin to fathom all they have lost.

Every home taken by fires, no matter the family’s cultural background, contained a lifetime of memories and artifacts. “They’re just things,” these stunned, newly homeless people are told. “They’re just things,” they repeat to themselves with dismay. Nearly all these things are, in theory, replaceable. It’s the remembering, in the heat of the moment, which rarefied objects are actually irreplaceable, that understandably eludes so many.

We Jews tend to treasure the contents of our Judaica cabinets. I suspect, if given just one more moment to think with a clear head, Jewish evacuees would sweep the contents of these cabinets into a bag. Whether passed-down heirlooms or recently acquired, the presence of these Jewish objects have long represented the portable home of a people on the move. When we unpack them and put them on display, we have consecrated and transformed a space into a Jewish home. My grandparents obtained the menorah, the candlesticks and the tefillin after the war when they were, in effect, homeless.

Acquiring these Judaica pieces was an act of faith that they would once again build a Jewish home.

I watched on social media as synagogues offered evidence of Torahs being retrieved from their arks (these, modeled after the famously transportable original) and hustled to safety outside the fire zone. I then saw my favorite Los Angeles rabbi, Kehillat Israel emeritus Rabbi Stephen Carr Reuben, bereft and shaken, sharing with the world his regret that he grabbed documents and clothes when the evacuation order came to his Palisades home. Not the family artifacts he wished he had, if he’d understood that he’d never return, that there’d be nothing to return to. “If you ever get told to evacuate, don’t do what I did,” he said. “Think ‘forever.’ What are the things that really matter?” Few of the evacuees who lost their homes understood they were leaving forever.

Tova Fagan, a Malibu resident who lost her home in the fire, shared on Instagram her grief at leaving behind her mother’s menorah and Shabbat candlesticks when she was forced to leave. Friends found her an identical menorah, but she

commented that her son was eager to sift through the char and ashes to see if the original was perhaps spared.

The Jewish grief over these lost objects is a lasting one. Aimee Miculka lost her home to a fire in Colorado in 2021. She says that in her rush to evacuate, she “yanked her ketubah down on the way out the door.” But watching news of the Los Angeles fires compelled her to post about the despair she still feels about what she left behind: her grandmother’s Shabbat candlesticks and the shofar she kept since childhood. “Those are the things I wish I had time to grab.”

Fortunate Angelenos want to do everything they can to help forlorn neighbors rebuild. Finding them shelter is priority number one. Down the road, I will be thinking about how we, as an L.A. Jewish community, can support those among us who are starting over to fill their new spaces with the meaningful Jewish objects that make a house, well, heimish.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of JTA or its parent company, 70 Faces Media.

HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY

A TALE OF TWO HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAYS

Rabbi Michael Panitz

The calendars we live by help to define us. If your New Year is January 1, that says something about you. If it is 1 Tishre, it indicates that you have a different perspective on our life journey through the corridors of time. If it is both…. as is probably the case for most of the readers of this newspaper…. It shows that we are balancing several systems and living accordingly.

Why these differences?

Such is the case with the chosen dates to commemorate the Holocaust.

International Holocaust Remembrance Day, which falls on January 27, was adopted by the United Nations on November 1, 2005. It commemorates the liberation of the Auschwitz/ Birkenau death camp by units of the Soviet “Red” army on January 27, 1945.

I recall that, at the time of the United Nations adoption of that date, some Jewish people reacted unenthusiastically. It felt to them like a rejection of the date that Israel had already selected for commemorative purposes: the 20th of Nisan, generally falling in late April or early May. It was established early in the history of the State, in 1951, and confirmed by Israeli law in 1959. Israelis chose it because it commemorates the anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising.

In the United States, the Israeli Yom Ha-Shoah is the basis of a longer period, the “Days of Remembrance” extending for eight days, from the Sunday prior to the Sunday following the 20th of Nisan. In the coming year, those days will span April 23-30.

In the Israeli case, the date of 20 Nisan reflected the unease about the Shoah in the minds of the first generation of independent Israelis. They had been raised on a powerful ideology proclaiming that, in making aliyah, the Jew would no longer be defenseless. Jewish pioneers would drain the swamps, turn the desert green, reforest the ravaged hillsides of the Land of Israel, revitalize agriculture, and grow cities – all the while defending themselves against the ruthless attacks of Arab states and irregular guerilla groups. That group of proud Sabras did not know what to make of the Shoah. They could not understand that the Jews of Nazi-occupied Europe and North Africa often resisted in the only ways open to them. Hence, when Israelis commemorated the Shoah, it was important for them to highlight the most obvious instances of armed resistance to Nazi genocide.

Of all the ghetto revolts, the Warsaw Ghetto uprising was the largest. It took on iconic significance, and its anniversary became consecrated in the national calendar.

The two sculptures at Yad VaShem commemorating Shoah and Gevurah, reflect this ideology. The Jewish people in the Shoah panel are being conducted to their deaths by barely visible Nazi soldiers. The accusation, “like sheep to the slaughter,” animates that heartbreaking sculpture.

The Jewish people in the Gevurah panel, on the other hand, adopt the heroic poses familiar from centuries of art celebrating the brave in their struggle against even overwhelming odds.

Israeli group psychology changed sharply after the

Eichmann trial of 1961. Only then did Israelis realize more fully what had befallen their fellow Jews, and that realization allowed them to transcend the scorn that they had wrestled with in their earlier dealings with the Holocaust survivors in their midst.

In 2005, the Israeli delegation at the United Nations took the initiative in promoting Resolution 60/7, establishing the International Holocaust Remembrance Day. With Israel virtually a pariah in the United Nations, the adoption of the Remembrance resolution can be appreciated as a rare victory.

My roommate at the Jewish Theological Seminary dormitory, now Rabbi Martin S. Cohen, wrote a novel, The Sword of Goliath. In that novel, two children of Holocaust survivors growing up in Queens start a catering business that they call “Shivas Regal.” Along with the bagels, lox, boiled potatoes, and eggs, they provided a reciter, who would solemnly intone the tragedies that had befallen the Jewish people on that day of the year. Their community, filled with “those who had left the camps and those who had never left the camps” (in the words of the Holocaust author Primo Levi), responded positively to the catharsis provided by those recitations.

Indeed, throughout the Holocaust years, tragedies happened to our people every day. There is no point in quibbling over which Remembrance Day is “better.” Certainly, two days dedicated to Remembrance are not too many.

Above all, may our Days of Remembrance strengthen us to defend ourselves against present and future threats.

Rabbi Dr. Michael Panitz is the rabbi at Temple Israel, Norfolk.

Auschwitz Concentration Camp via Wikimedia Commons.

Monuments to Shoah and Gevurah (Holocaust and Resistance), Yad Vashem, Jerusalem.

HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY

Commemorate International Holocaust Remembrance Day with local stories in To Life:The Past Is Present

Wendy Juren Auerbach

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau.

In 2005, to commemorate the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the United Nations General Assembly designated January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day. The resolution stated that every member of the UN should honor the six million Jews as well as others who perished in the Nazi genocide. The resolution also tasked them with the development and promotion of educational programs about this history to help prevent such atrocities in the future.

Tragically, denial and distortion of Holocaust history is rampant for all to witnesses, along with an alarming rise of antisemitism locally, nationally, and around the globe. More than ever, it is important that this dark chapter of

human history is remembered.

One way to acknowledge the significance of International Holocaust Remembrance Day is to read a section in the Holocaust Commission’s To Life: The Past is Present, Holocaust Stories of Hampton Roads Survivors, Rescuers, and Liberators, a collection of stories and reflections from members of Jewish Tidewater who witnessed this brutal history. As the day specifically honors the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the stories of Sam and Irving Althaus, Paula Bromberg, Jan Frolich, Esther and Charles Goldman, Rosalia Kaplan, and Aaron Weintraub all take the reader into the largest and deadliest extermination camp in the vast network of 44,000 camps established by the Nazis and their allies throughout Europe. These stories, along with the others in the book, are a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of hope in the

DATE WITH THE STATE Virginia Jewish Advocacy Day

face of unimaginable adversity.

Other ways to reflect and learn about the Holocaust include listening to an episode of the podcast, Stars Among Us, watching a What We Carry film, or encouraging a student to enter the Elie Wiesel Writing and Visuals Arts Competition, all of which can be found on the Holocaust Commission’s website. Additional resources can be found by visiting the websites of United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (https://www.ushmm.org) or the Virginia Holocaust Museum (https://www.vaholocaust.org/).

To Life is available for purchase at the Simon Family Jewish Community Center, at all area temple gift shops, Prince Books, the MacArthur Memorial gift shop, and on the Holocaust Commission’s website.

For more information about the Holocaust Commission of United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, visit holocaustcommission.org or contact Elka Mednick: EMednick@UJFT.org or 757-965-6100.

The Governor, Lieutenant Governor, & Attorney General have all been invited.

Will you be there to meet them and make our collective voice heard?

Meet Hampton Roads' State Delegates & Senators Share and discuss issues important to you, our Jewish community & Hampton Roads

• Combatting Antisemitism

• Support for the Virginia Israel Advisory Board

• And More!

$54 includes kosher lunch & transportation. Bus leaves from the Sandler Family Campus.

For more information & to reserve your seat on the bus (by 1/22) visit: JewishVA.org/DWTS

ANTISEMITISM

Deborah Lipstadt, exiting as US antisemitism envoy, is hoping for the best under Trump

Lauren Markoe (JTA) — WASHINGTON — In her last week in office, Deborah Lipstadt, whom President Joe Biden charged with fighting antisemitism around the world, expressed doubt as to whether the incoming Trump administration will be up to the challenge.

“I certainly hope so — I don’t know,” said Lipstadt, during her final roundtable with the Jewish press at the State Department after 15 months of spiking bigotry against Jews globally.

While President-elect Donald Trump has not yet named a successor to Lipstadt, one of the world’s foremost scholars of the Holocaust and antisemitism, she added that she has faith in Marco Rubio, the Florida senator and Trump’s nominee for secretary of state, who oversees the role. She has in the past criticized Trump’s team. But on antisemitism, she said Tuesday, Rubio “gets it — 100%.”

Whoever succeeds Lipstadt will take the helm of an office that was elevated to an ambassadorship and saw its budget quadruple to $2 million under her leadership.

Ticking off her accomplishments in three years in the role, Lipstadt cited bringing antisemitism to the fore in high-level meetings around the world, securing 42 signatories on new international guidelines to combat antisemitism, and expanding the office — whose full description is special envoy to monitor and combat antisemitism — to include a core of experts set up to continue their work under Trump.

“You can’t have a functioning state department office if every time there’s a change of administration, the entire office goes away and has to be rebuilt from scratch,” Lipstadt said.

But she acknowledged the size of the problem she was tasked to address — one that data released Tuesday, Jan. 15 by the Anti-Defamation League suggests has only grown in recent years. “I’m too much of a historian to think that someone can solve it,” she said.

Lipstadt, 77, lamented how normal it has become in recent years for Jews to face antisemitism in their daily lives. She mentioned a conversation with a Canadian family trying to pick a university at which their daughter would feel safe as a Jew, and another with an Upper East Side mother afraid to send her adolescent child to synagogue without a baseball cap covering his kippah.

“That’s pretty sobering,” she said.

She also recalled how, as a tenured professor — she taught history for more than 30 years at Emory University, where she is set to return — she feared she would feel stifled in government, where she was not nearly as free to speak her mind.

“I had to put up with not getting my way,” she

said, but added that the frustrations were worth a job she called “the honor of a lifetime.”

Critics — on the far left and in some Arab American groups — take issue with her strong support of Israel and say she too often conflated anti-Zionism with antisemitism.

But leaders of mainstream American Jewish organizations say Lipstadt excelled at the job, drawing on her scholarship and traveling the world indefatigably to call out antisemitism as it spiked on almost every continent, especially after Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel.

She “brought expertise, gravitas, and determination” to the role “during one of the most challenging periods for the Jewish people in decades,” said ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt.

In speeches and op-eds, Lipstadt also addressed homegrown antisemitism during her tenure, although the ambassador’s portfolio is international.

“It is rare for somebody who lives in the foreign policy realm of an administration to also have a significant impact and influence on the domestic side,” said Rabbi David Saperstein, former ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom. He pointed to her role in crafting the first U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism, released in May 2023.

Ted Deutch, CEO of the American Jewish Committee, noted her work on the national antisemitism strategy and also on the 12 Global Guidelines for Countering Antisemitism, released in July, on the 30th anniversary of the deadly bombing of a Jewish community center in Buenos Aires.

campaign in Gaza — demonstrations many American Jews decried as antisemitic. She has stood firm in her support for free speech — opposing laws that criminalize the Holocaust denial she has tried to root out with her scholarship. But on CNN she said she was “heartbroken” over threats to Jewish students.

Lipstadt first drew international attention for her defeat of a libel suit filed by British author David Irving, whom she accused of Holocaust denial in her 1996 book, Denying the Holocaust. The case was the basis for a 2016 film in which actor Rachel Weisz portrayed Lipstadt.

She was in the limelight again after her nomination as ambassador when she testified at the trial of organizers of the 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville. And the more than six-month battle to confirm her generated more press than her work post-confirmation. Republican Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, who objected to a tweet in which she described his remarks about the Jan. 6, 2021, pro-Trump U.S. Capitol riot as “white supremacy/nationalism,” blocked the vote.

We are resilient because we cannot afford not to be.

In her extended period as a nominee, she seemed to take on the unofficial mantle of a domestic antisemitism czar. After a gunman in January 2022 held a Texas rabbi and his congregants hostage, Lipstadt, who was raised in an observant New York household, described going to synagogue as an act of courage in a New York Times guest essay.

Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel dramatically changed her job, Lipstadt said, bringing her work “into sharper focus.”

No one, she said, was prepared for what she called the “tsunami” of antisemitism that followed the Hamas attack. And while she said she recognizes that some protest of Israel’s retaliatory actions in Gaza came from heartfelt sympathy for Palestinians, she said Oct. 7 also unleashed a flood of antisemitism disguised behind criticism of Israel.

She said she was taken aback by the failure of others to stand up for Jews. “The silence of their allies was very striking, particularly for women,” she said, referring to sexual assaults perpetrated by Hamas militants.

On the social network X, Lipstadt documented her travels but was less vocal about the protests roiling American university campuses against Israel’s military

“We are shaken. We are not OK. But we will bounce back,” she wrote. “We are resilient because we cannot afford not to be. That resiliency is part of the Jewish DNA. Without it, we would have disappeared centuries ago.”

Lipstadt as a diplomat often spoke about the need to condemn antisemitism from both the right and left.

Trump in his first term took heat from Congress for taking two years to appoint Elan Carr as antisemitism envoy, a job which at the time did not require Senate confirmation.

Several names have been floated for Lipstadt’s successor, including Harvard University law professor Alan Dershowitz, social media influencer Lizzy Savetsky, Rabbi Shmuley Boteach, an author and former Republican candidate, and Dov Hikind, a radio talk show host and former conservative New York State assemblyman.

Whoever it is, Lipstadt said, “I hope it’s someone who will be a barn builder and not a barn burner.”

ANTISEMITISM

Nearly half the globe has ‘elevated levels’ of antisemitic

beliefs, ADL survey finds

Asaf Elia-Shalev (JTA) — Nearly half of adults around the world have “elevated levels of antisemitic attitudes,” the Anti-Defamation League reported in its latest global survey of antiJewish beliefs.

In addition, the survey found that one-fifth of the world has not heard of the Holocaust. About half accept the Holocaust’s historical truth.

Known as the Global 100, the survey represents 94% of the world’s population through responses from a sample of more than 58,000 adults across 103 countries and territories.

As it has in its previous surveys, the ADL determined levels of antisemitism by posing 11 antisemitic statements to each respondent and asking how many they agreed with. The group said that 46% of respondents agreed with most of the stereotypes tested, which include statements like “Jews have too much control over global affairs” and “Jews don’t care about what happens to anyone but their own kind.”

By that measure, the level of global antisemitism documented by the ADL appears to have sharply increased from 2014, when the group first did such a survey and found that 26% of adults were “deeply infected with anti-Semitic attitudes.”

The comparison isn’t perfect because that study contained a slightly different list of questions, asking if Jews have too much power in international financial markets (that question was replaced by asking if Jews have “a lot of irritating faults”). The 2014 survey also covered less of the world, but the total number of people estimated to have such beliefs doubled from 1.1 billion to 2.2 billion adults. Over that time, according to the United Nations, the global population increased by about 1 billion, from 7.2 billion to 8.2 billion.

According to the survey, awareness of the Holocaust and acceptance of its

historical truth are much higher. In 2014, about half of respondents said they hadn’t heard of the Holocaust versus 20% in the new edition of the survey. Back then, a third said they had both heard of the Holocaust and believed historical accounts were accurate. Today, that figure stands at 48%, though it dips to 39% for those ages 18-34.

The ADL’s findings are the latest evidence suggesting a surge in antisemitism around the world in recent years and following Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel and the outbreak of the war in Gaza.

“Antisemitism is nothing short of a global emergency, especially in a postOctober 7 world,” ADL CEO Jonathan A. Greenblatt said in a statement. “We are seeing these trends play out from the Middle East to Asia, from Europe to North and South America.”

Greenblatt’s tone reflects an alarm about antisemitism that wasn’t as widely shared when the group released the previous edition of the survey in 2014. Several commentators took issue with the survey’s methodology and conclusions. Abe Foxman, the head of the ADL at the time, for example, fended off allegations that the ADL was hyping up the problem.

“We frequently get accused of seeing anti-Semitism everywhere, and we’re very conscious about the credibility,” Foxman said at the time. “We were cautious, we were conservative, to understate rather than overstate.”

In a press briefing, Greenblatt highlighted as especially troubling that antisemitic attitudes are increasingly prevalent among young people. The survey found that half of respondents ages 18 to 35 revealed heightened levels of antisemitic sentiments, which is 13% higher than the figure for those over 50.

He blamed the problem on a number of factors including the workings of social media, where some limits on hate

speech were recently lifted, and on what he characterized as a “nonstop fountain of antisemitism” emanating from the Qatari-owned broadcast network Al Jazeera. He also said that antisemitism was being normalized through some leftwing professors who allegedly camouflage their bigotry using scholarly rhetoric.

Larger historical trends are also at fault for people’s negative attitudes about Jews, according to Greenblatt.

“The rise of conspiracism and populism and polarization has created a climate that’s fertile for scapegoating,” he said. “We have seen this throughout

history, and we are seeing it now.”

The countries and territories that scored highest on the ADL’s index of antisemitism were the West Bank and Gaza — where Israel is currently fighting a multi-front war with terror groups that has a mounting death toll — Kuwait and Indonesia, where at least 96% harbor high levels of anti-Jewish sentiment. The index score for the Middle East and North Africa as a whole was 76%.

The countries with the lowest levels of antisemitism were Sweden, Norway, Canada, and the Netherlands which all scored 8% or lower.

I nvestment & R etirement

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Dear Readers,

Investments and retirement seem to go together, because if you haven’t done the first, the second can be difficult to enjoy or even accomplish.

When to begin investing appears to be a question that financial experts are in agreement on: As soon as a young adult is earning money is the best time! In the long run, they say, the best strategy is not to wait to invest when there’s “extra cash” as that time may never arrive. Articles are on pages 18 and 23.

Philanthropy can also begin at any age. The advantages of starting a Donor Advised Fund are on page 22.

For the section’s lead article on the adjacent page, Stephanie Peck spoke with the Konikoff brothers who all made the decision to retire around the same time. While they loved their work and their patients, they’re all finding things they love about retirement.

Being healthy during retirement years doesn’t necessarily mean being ‘model fit’ and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. The article on page 26 explains how lots of folks are keeping their bodies moving at the Simon Family JCC.

For those who have had a couple, even minor physical setbacks, rehab can make a huge difference. Page 25.

The takeaway? Financial fitness and health fitness both will go a long way in making those retirement years comfortable.

Editor

BRUSHING UP ON RETIREMENT WITH THE KONIKOFF BROTHERS Investment & Retirement

Albert, Stephen, and David Konikoff’s father, Arthur, was an architect, but “because we couldn’t draw or use our hands so well, we went into dentistry!” says Albert, the oldest of four siblings. The brothers also have a sister, Sharon Berger.

Now, after decades of devotion to dentistry and their patients’ smiles, the three brothers are smiling big themselves – creating active and meaningful lives in retirement.

Albert’s decision to retire after 47 years in practice came by chance. During the early days of the COVID pandemic, when he did not work for seven weeks, Albert told his wife, Wendy, that he could think about retiring. Not until his office manager of 30 years said she was going to retire, however, did Albert make the decision for himself. “I loved what I did. Going to the office was never work,” he says.

Albert’s son, Bryan, also a periodontist, took over the practice. “We worked together for 16 years. I told him everything I know,” says Albert, 77. His other son, Michael, is a pediatric gastroenterologist. Wendy and Albert have five grandchildren, ages 15 to 23 years old.

While Albert was in graduate school, he developed a passion for photography and has since become more and more involved in the art. “We had to document all of our cases (in dental school). It became a natural extension to document all of our travels,” he says.

Stephen, a general dentist with two offices in Norfolk, retired three years ago. “I enjoyed practicing for 47 years. I just had a sense inside that it was time for a new phase in my life.”

Still, Stephen says he misses his patients, recalling saying goodbye to one woman whom he treated from the start. Not only was she a patient, but two generations of her family were also under his care. “There was a richness to practicing dentistry. I received from my patients as much as they hopefully received from me.”

Outside of his professional career, synagogue attendance is important to Stephen, 75, as he regards himself as being Judaically-centered. Married to Ronnie Jane for 53 years, they have three children with one each

living in Tidewater, Providence, R.I., and Hoboken, N.J. They also are grandparents to seven.

The youngest of the three brothers, David sold his dentistry practice seven years ago and officially retired two years ago. “You know when it’s time. I came into the office one day and it wasn’t my practice anymore. There was a new culture,” he says.

Engaged to be married to Martha Mednick Glasser, David, 72, spends three to four months in Palm Beach each winter, playing golf and taking classes in varied subjects from finance to Chinese cooking. One passion involves anything related to Judaism, “That’s what fills me up, trying to make the world a better place.”

A father of seven and grandfather of five, David speaks to his children almost daily. Two of his boys are following in his footsteps; one son is currently in dental school, while another is deciding between two schools to attend.

Travel has been a big part of retirement life for the Konikoff brothers. Albert and David went to Africa together and visited Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania. Stephen and Ronnie Jane travelled through Italy and took a cruise to Africa. Albert and Wendy spent time on the South Georgia and Falkland Islands, in addition to voyages to Japan, Dubai, Singapore,

and Iceland. David has hiked the Alps in Switzerland, France, and Italy, as well as mountains in Norway. In addition to speaking to each other nearly every day, the three brothers play golf together whenever possible. Stephen laughs when discussing their familial relationships – dating back to their childhood growing up in the Wexford Terrace neighborhood in Norfolk. “It hasn’t changed since we were 13, 10, and 7. We still act like we’re that age and remain as close as we were as little kids!”

While their sister, Sharon, lives in Ohio, all three brothers still live in Tidewater. Albert now lives in Norfolk, and Stephen and David have homes a few blocks apart from each other in Virginia Beach.

Albert once asked a friend when to retire. The reply he received was, ‘you’ll know when you know.’

“And he was right,” says Albert. “I have never felt like I made a bad decision. I miss the people and staff, but I did everything I wanted to do in periodontics.”

Stephen agrees, “You don’t know for sure when it’s time. You just know when you know.”

“I’m looking forward to a great life,” David adds.

Stephanie Peck

The Konikoff siblings: Sharon, Albert, David, and Stephen.

EXPERTS: DEVELOP FINANCIAL PLAN EARLY FOR A SECURE FUTURE

Stephanie Peck

As college graduates enter the workforce with first full-time jobs in their 20’s, they begin to experience the task of managing financial independence after a childhood of monetary support. It can be an overwhelming time if they are not prepared. Learning that an idealized lifestyle might not be immediately possible and comprehending the need for budgeting and saving as a priority can be difficult to accomplish, but achievable with some planning and determination.

Preparing young adults for a stable financial future can take place in several ways, including through classes, conversations with parents, and one-on-one meetings with financial experts.

Benita Watts, whose son graduated from Princess Anne High School in 2021, feels most students are not ready to grasp this knowledge. “For most kids, they’re too young to understand this impact on their future lives.”

Janet Mercadante, senior vice president at Mercadante Riggan Wealth Management with Davenport & Company, stresses the impact of growing-up in homes where families don’t talk about money. “If parents don’t talk about how to make sound financial decisions, how are their kids supposed to learn how to do it? The problem is that most adults have never been taught this skill set either.”

with two buckets: short-term savings for emergencies and a long-term retirement plan (she refers to an in-between bucket, which includes investments that are not for retirement). Except for student loans, a mortgage, or a car payment, she is adamant about no debt, including credit cards. “It is easy to get into debt and hard to get out,” she says, suggesting that credit card bills be set up to be paid in full each month. With that mantra in mind, she adds, “You will not spend more than you have.”

in case you need access to money. The sooner you can save, the better.” To get the ball rolling, Harrell suggests placing 80% of savings into a short-term account and 20% towards retirement.

If parents don’t talk about how to make sound financial decisions, how are their kids supposed to learn how to do it? The problem is that most adults have never been taught this skill set either.

Most companies offer retirement plans, and Mercadante strongly recommends contributing as soon as you are eligible.

Virginia Beach City Public Schools, for example, requires junior year students to complete a personal finance class to graduate. The school system’s website describes the course as being “designed to help students explore how the economy impacts personal financial decisions.”

Since many people spend money that they don’t have, Mercadante stresses, “No matter what you’re earning, live within it.” She counsels college grads and retirees with the same advice: “It’s going to take a little while to figure out how much you’re spending.”

Mercadante recommends starting

Byron Harrell, senior vice president at Davenport & Company, offers quantitative advice with the 50/30/20 approach. Half of one’s after-tax income should be allocated to rent, utilities, groceries, and minimum loan payments. Splurges, such as entertainment, should account for 30%, and the remaining 20% should go towards savings and high-interest debt repayment.

“Save your toys for later in life,” he advises. “Build up an emergency account

“There is tremendous power in starting early,” she says, offering this example: If an employee begins saving at 25 years old and continues for 10 years, by age 65 they will have more money than if they had waited until age 35 and invested for the next 30 years. Time in the market matters!

Harrell adds,

“Never interrupt compounding. Save for the long haul and don’t get spooked by the (stock) market.”

Audrey Peck, a 2024 college graduate, chose an elective course at UNC-Chapel Hill with this future planning in mind.

“Taking a personal finance class my senior year of college was more beneficial than I could’ve imagined. The class allowed me

Janet Mercadante

Investment & Retirement

to understand how expensive life is and gave me the tools to start preparing for that now, such as opening a Roth IRA.”

During speaking engagements, Mercadante shares a JP Morgan slide as part of her presentation. Her audience learns about three different levels of control impacting their financial lives. For starters, an individual has zero control over tax policy or market return (other than voting for an elected official, who might espouse one leaning or another towards tax policy). Some control is within reach regarding earnings and longevity. But people have total control over savings and spending. This is an important concept for new college

graduates.

Harrell recommends separating real money from a small percent of play money. “The majority of investment savings should go into stable opportunities that can grow over the long haul.”

Success is most often achieved not by luck, but by diligence. For young adults to become successful retirees, planning, saving, and investing can begin with their first paychecks. A little information and guidance might be all that’s needed to get them started.

Fun.Elevated.

Byron Harrell

Investment & Retirement

Preparing graduates for financial success

TJF staff

It’s January—the holidays are behind us, and college students are back at it, hitting the books for their final semester. For seniors, the countdown to graduation is officially underway. While the focus is on finishing strong, now is also the time to start thinking about life after college— jobs, benefits, and financial independence. The transition from student to professional comes with important financial decisions, and being prepared can make all the difference.

Understanding employer benefits

Daniel S. Cook, CPA/CFP at Cook Financial Designs, Inc., emphasizes the importance of understanding and maximizing employer benefits. “When looking at potential employers, graduates should not only consider salary, paid vacations, and holidays, but also the benefits package offered,” he advises.

Key benefits include retirement plans, potential employer match or contributions, and if the plan offers pre-tax and Roth options. “For younger individuals, the Roth option is particularly attractive as it allows for tax-exempt growth over their lifetime,” says Cook. Other benefits could include Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA). FSAs provide pre-tax savings for medical expenses but must be used within the plan year, while HSAs offer long-term benefits without expiration. “HSAs are a great way to save for future medical expenses with the added advantage of tax savings,” he says.

Insurance and long-term planning

Life and disability insurance are essential considerations. “In addition to owning your own life insurance policy and disability policies which provide financial support in case of unforeseen injuries

Family owned and operated since 1917

or illnesses, group life and disability coverage offered by employers can be very affordable and offer significant protection,” Cook says. Graduates should also think long-term, including about retirement planning and saving for major life events such as buying a home or starting a family. Prioritizing savings for significant future expenses can ensure financial stability and peace of mind.

Building a financial foundation

Establishing a solid financial foundation early is vital. Cook stresses the importance of budgeting, saving, and understanding tax implications. “Living within your means and learning to save are critical steps toward financial independence,” he says. Graduates should aim to balance their spending and savings, even with a modest salary. Seeking professional financial advice can also provide valuable guidance, especially for complex areas such as taxes, employer benefits, and investment strategies. Each financial foundation should also include estate documents, such as a will, financial power of attorney, and health power of attorney. Working with a trusted estate attorney is an integral part and should be pursued.

Advice for parents

Parents play a crucial role in guiding their children through this financial transition. Cook encourages ongoing discussions about financial responsibility and planning. “Parenting doesn’t stop when they walk across that stage. Continue to encourage your young adults to look at their financial options and seek professional advice,” he suggests. For parents who want to help their graduates get started, Cook recommends directing all or a portion of financial gifts they

Advance funeral planning

Flexible payment plans

Financing available

Making your arrangements in advance is one of the best ways to show your loved ones that you care about them. Our Family Service Counselors have the training and experience that will help you in the process. Our services include a free funeral cost estimate, and we offer many options for financing. Visit our web site for a three-step Pre-Arrangement Guide or contact the Altmeyer Pre-Arrangement Center directly at 757 422-4000

Approved by all area Rabbis and Chevrah Kadisha

Celebrating life’s treasured memories.

receive for graduation towards savings or necessary expenses rather than impulse purchases. “Establishing the discipline of saving is key. Encourage them to set aside a portion of any monetary gifts they receive,” he advises.

Assistance from Tidewater Jewish Foundation

Tidewater Jewish Foundation offers valuable resources and opportunities for young adults to learn about financial planning, charitable giving, and tax advantages. “TJF can help graduates and their families understand financial

management and philanthropy,” says Cook. By setting up donor-advised funds or charitable donations through TJF, families and graduates can benefit from a tax perspective and instill a sense of community responsibility. “It’s about building a comprehensive financial strategy that includes saving, investing, and giving back to the community,” he says. Working with and through TJF, families and donors can identify worthy organizations and causes to support.

For more information, contact Naomi Limor Sedek at 757-965-6109 or nsedek@ujft.org.

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

YOUR LEGACY BEGINS TODAY

“Life & Legacy is a way to honor our mother’s legacy and beautiful continuation of our family’s commitment to our faith and community. For us, supporting Jewish education provides more than just religious knowledge— it instills crucial values and practices, teaches you a new skill, helps you make friends and learn about your faith and history.”

— Joel and Sara Jo Rubin

Joel and Sara Jo established a permanent unrestricted fund for Strelitz International Academy, allowing them to honor their family while meeting the needs of current and future students.

To honor someone today and ensure your values live on, visit:

Or contact: Amy Weinstein aweinstein@tjfva.org 757-965-6111 foundation.jewishva.org

Investment & Retirement

TAX BENEFITS & GIVING STRATEGIES: A D N R ADVISED FUND

(JTA) — In a time filled with challenges, charitable giving has been a source of unity and resilience, particularly for the Jewish community expressing support and solidarity in response to the October 7th attack.

Israel-related causes saw a surge in donations, with much of the aid directed to those impacted by the war. In the first six months after the Hamas attack, organizations and individuals donated more than $1.4 billion toward Israel’s recovery, according to Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs.

“In the wake of October 7th, we saw the true power of collective giving,” says Rachel Schnoll, CEO of Jewish Communal Fund (JCF). “Donors responded with incredible generosity to support Israel and combat antisemitism, demonstrating their commitment to their longstanding charitable priorities and our community’s urgent needs.”

A donor advised fund (DAF) is a charitable giving vehicle that enables donors to streamline their philanthropy, maximize the impact of their investments, eliminate the stress of tracking receipts, and achieve

immediate tax advantages.

DAFs offer a simple way to meet end-of-year tax deadlines while simplifying the giving process.

HOW DAFS WORK

A DAF allows its owner to receive an immediate tax deduction when funds are contributed, while giving the flexibility to decide which charities to support and when. The DAF’s owner can donate to a variety of assets and realize tax advantages for the current year. Grants can be made to any IRS-approved charity.

ADVANTAGES OF A DAF

Capital Gains Savings: Donate appreciated stocks to avoid capital gains taxes and maximize the donor’s charitable deduction. For example, if the donor purchased stock for $10,000 that has grown to $50,000, they can donate the stock directly through a DAF, avoid capital gains tax on the $40,000 profit, and claim a $50,000 deduction. Other assets such as real estate may also be donated through a DAF.

• By “bunching” (combining several years’ worth of donations into a single

contribution), donors can surpass the threshold for itemizing deductions, optimizing their tax benefits while maintaining control over their giving.

• For those who want to build a legacy and involve younger generations in philanthropy, parents or relatives may want to consider opening funds for young adults (ages 18-30).

• It’s easier to respond quickly to emergencies such as natural disasters or humanitarian crises with a DAF. With funds readily available in the account, grants can be issued quickly and reach charities within days.

Jewish tradition views tzedakah not just as an act of kindness but as a sacred obligation. A good time to consider opening a DAF account to manage charitable giving and potentially reduce taxes is anytime.

This information is not accounting advice. Consult with your accountant regarding your personal situation.

This story was sponsored by and produced in collaboration with Jewish Communal Fund. This article was produced by JTA’s native content team.

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Investment & Retirement

Investing firm to stop assessing human rights risk in ‘contiguous territorial disputes’ after scrutiny from pro-Israel groups

Asaf Elia-Shalev (JTA) — When investors need help navigating business decisions in conflict zones, they turn to specialized firms that are supposed to help them keep clear of human rights abuses. But one of the biggest firms offering advice on environmental, social, and governance issues recently announced that when it comes to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, it will no longer have anything to say.

The conflict is just too complicated to weigh in on, Morningstar announced last month, following years of pressure by proIsrael groups who charged that the ESG field effectively fuels Israel boycotts.

The company says it devised a

new policy that ends coverage of human rights issues connected to “disputes concerning contiguous territories” after an investigation of alleged anti-Israel bias in the company’s research and analysis.

“This means we won’t cover those areas because human rights issues, when related to contiguous territorial disputes, are less likely to be objective, reliable, or consistent, and subject to complex geopolitical factors, divergent views, and conflicting partisan media reports,” Morningstar says in a statement posted to its website.

The policy change caps off a series of reforms implemented by Morningstar in response to scrutiny by a coalition

of pro-Israel groups, including the Jewish Federations of North America, The Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law, the American Jewish Committee, and the Anti-Defamation League.

the statement says. “The experts’ recommendations and the framework Morningstar developed should serve as a model for the entire ESG industry to ensure that credit ratings are not infected

The experts’ recommendations and the framework Morningstar developed should serve as a model

After initially rejecting allegations that the company inappropriately downgraded Israeli companies and companies doing business in Israel, Morningstar changed course in 2022 when it was on the verge of being blacklisted by Illinois’ public pension systems. The company appointed two people as independent experts and asked them for detailed feedback about its operations.

The experts, retired U.S. diplomat Alejandro Daniel Wolff and Vanderbilt University law professor Michael Newton, issued recommendations, such as eliminating the use of the term “Occupied Palestinian Territory” from its research products.

In a report released Dec. 31, the experts announced that Morningstar had implemented changes that adequately address the concerns, noting that the “Israel/Palestinian conflict area” was now excluded from analysis entirely.

The coalition of pro-Israel groups welcomed the news in a statement, saying it merely wanted Israel held to the same standards as any other country.

“Our coalition believes structural anti-Israel bias is a form of antisemitism, and we applaud Morningstar’s efforts and good faith cooperation to root out anti-Israel bias from their products,”

with anti-Israel bias.”

Other regions also now ineligible for analysis under the new rule are the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics in eastern Ukraine; the Essequibo region of Guyana; Kashmir between India and Pakistan; Nagorno Karabakh, contested between Armenia and Azerbaijan; and Western Sahara in Africa, Morningstar told the news outlet Responsible Investor.

The outlet quoted a variety of voices, including investors and watchdogs, who were critical of the exclusion of contiguous territorial disputes.

Phil Bloomer, executive director of the Business and Human Rights Resource Centre, for example, called the new rule “mystifying.”

“This is the reality of most 21st-century conflict,” he says. “Investors need access to more, not less data and understanding of the role of business in contributing to human rights risks and abuse in acute and chronic conflicts.”

The conclusion of the dispute at Morningstar comes as conservative and pro-Israel groups escalate pressure on another ESG company over the same issue. MSCI is currently pushing back against allegations that it discriminates against Israel with investment ratings that rely on biased sources of information.

The late William Goldback was a forwardthinking Hampton Roads resident who cared deeply about people in the region of Virginia where he lived and worked.

A former U.S. Navy supply officer and owner of Atlantic Electric, Bill left a legacy that funds medical services, education or research as well as the performing arts through the Hampton Roads Community Foundation.

The Power of Endowment

Investment & Retirement

The benefits of in-patient rehab

Burton

Imagine this: You’re getting ready to be discharged from the hospital when you get the news that your care team is recommending you go to a rehabilitation center to get stronger. You may ask, “Can’t I just go home with home health?” The answer is yes, but the benefits of in-patient therapies offered by a skilled nursing facility might out-weigh the understandable desire to get home right away.

Maimonides Health Center of Virginia Beach, for example, offers skilled rehabilitation that includes physical, occupational, and speech therapies. Each discipline plays a vital role in the recovery process.

MCH’s physical therapy staff has more than 99 years of collective experience and provides skilled therapy to improve functional mobility through range of motion, strength, balance, transfers, and walking. In addition, the facility offers a non-pharm logical approach to pain management. It also instructs residents in skilled techniques to improve their ability to walk, negotiate steps, and increase physical stamina. Rehab patients can expect to have therapy five to six days a week, based on evaluation findings.

The occupational therapy staff has more than 90 years of collective experience providing techniques to strengthening fine

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6TH

and gross motor movements. It works on standing stamina and balance to improve the abilities to return to household chores and cooking meals and educates on how to use specialized equipment to improve dressing and bathing techniques. Rehab patients can expect to have therapy three to five days a week based on evaluations.

The speech pathologists have 39 years of collective experience and play an important role in treating any language and swallowing deficits. This includes cognition, voice projection, and communication through alternative methods, memory recall, and problem solving and safety awareness. Rehab patients can expect to have therapy three to five days a week based on evaluations.

For those who decide to go home with home health services, similar services will be provided. Generally, however, they are restricted to two to three times a week and the providers may not have all the tools available to improve the patient’s recovery process.

Most skilled nursing facilities can provide these same therapies. Look for the one-on-one care that makes patients feel like family while going through the recovery process.

FOOD, DRINKS & MUSIC FOR A CAUSE

DOZORETZ HOSPICE HOUSE OF HAMPTON ROADS

5PM 8PM

Wendy

Wendy Burton with a patient.

Stay active in retirement with Silver Sneakers and Renew Active Investment & Retirement

Stephanie Peck

Turning 65 years old has its advantages, and one of them is Silver Sneakers. A health and fitness program designed for adults 65 and older, many Medicare Advantage plans and other health insurance coverages offer this no-cost access to gyms and other fitness facilities for those aiming to stay fit in “body, mind, and spirit.”

In terms of amenities, Silver Sneakers is a traditional gym membership, but with no direct out-of-pocket costs. Online physical fitness classes are offered through its website, and in-person classes are available at facilities throughout the region. At the Simon Family JCC, Silver Sneaker-licensed classes occur every Tuesday and Thursday; Circuit, at 9 am, increases muscular and cardio endurance, while Classic, at 10 am, is designed to increase

muscle strength and range of motion. All Simon Family JCC fitness classes are open to Silver Sneaker members.

According to Tom Purcell, wellness director at Simon Family JCC, the most popular Silver Sneaker classes take place in the pool. “Water Fitness and Aqua Zumba are easier on the joints,” he explains. Water 4 Arthritis is another offering in the aquatic center, a class that provides participants with gentle range of motion exercises but requires no swimming ability.

Like Silver Sneakers, with more than 15,000 nationwide participating facilities, Renew Active, offered by United Healthcare Medicare plans, has a national network of 17,000 locations, including the Simon Family JCC. The only cost for either membership is a one-time charge of $10 to pay for the key fob.

“In addition to full facility access, membership benefits include discounted pricing on offered programs as well as the feeling of inclusivity and socialization with peers in our thriving senior community,” says Leigh Ellard, member experience director for the Simon Family JCC.

To learn more about enrolling in Silver Sneakers or Renew Active, contact your insurance provider and then speak with someone at the JCC’s front desk or call 757-321-2338.

BeAR volunteers caught in the wild

The incredible BeAR volunteers regularly demonstrate what it means to serve, inspire, and share a little extra love wherever they go. Two dedicated Larrymore BeAR captains, for example, were recently spotted at Chesterfield Academy Elementary.

Larrymore captains Irene Bond and Leslie Wilson hadn’t gotten lost, they were right where they intended to be – hosting a teacher’s appreciation luncheon at Chesterfield with big smiles and warm hearts.

serving lunch to Chesterfield’s teachers and spreading joy and appreciation beyond the classroom walls. At Chesterfield Academy, Bond and Wilson spent the day reminding teachers how much they are appreciated and valued, whether it’s during a BeAR reading session or a heartfelt lunch gathering.

These consummate volunteers were pitching in as part of the Teachers Matter Ministry from their church, Mount Gilead Missionary Baptist Church,

BeAR captains such as Bond and Wilson prove that these volunteers are always ready to make a difference and share their passion for supporting others. Whether at Larrymore, Chesterfield, or wherever their next adventure takes them, these champions of community spirit are much appreciated in the BeAR family and are an inspiration to all.

Be A Reader Literacy Project mentors give students a memorable Winter Break sendoff

For one special hour before winter break, BeAR Literacy Project volunteers filled classrooms, libraries, and cafeterias with holiday cheer and the magic of reading. Students were treated to a whirlwind of fun that celebrated the joy of books and included festive story times, reading games, winter-themed school supplies, holiday worksheets, and even cookies.

BeAR mentors handed out carefully chosen stories for students to enjoy over the break, encouraging them to keep the joy of reading alive even while school was out. As the hour wrapped up, students returned to class with backpacks full of

books, supplies, and a few goodies – ready to share their favorite stories with family and friends.

Robin Ford

Leslie Wilson and Irene Bond, Larrymore Elementary BeAR Captains, share their volunteer spirit across town at Chesterfield Elementary.

Robin Ford

Demetrious and Grinch.

Celebrating grandparents and grandfriends at Strelitz International Academy

Carin Simon

A heartfelt celebration that brings together students, families, and friends to honor the special bonds between generations, Strelitz International Academy’s annual Grandparents and Grandfriends Day achieved its goals. The event was marked by warmth, gratitude, and the inspiring voices of SIA’s students, who opened the gathering with a rendition of One Day. Their performance set the tone for a day filled with reflection, connection, and celebration.

Amy Weinstein, president of the school’s board of directors, welcomed everyone and emphasized the unique role grandparents and family friends play in shaping the lives of the school’s young learners. “Grandparents have a

profound influence on their grandchildren, shaping their lives in the most meaningful ways,” she said.

Grandparents and Grandfriends Day capped off an especially meaningful week at SIA, which included an all-school Friendsgiving and a successful food drive benefiting Jewish Family Service. These events highlighted the school’s commitment to core values such as kindness, generosity, and a shared dedication to making the world a better place – principles that are integral to the fabric of the SIA community, fostering an environment where students learn while they grow as compassionate and engaged individuals.

The day’s festivities were made possible through

the generous support of Beth Sholom Village, the event’s sponsor. “We are so honored to have Beth Sholom Village’s support each year,” Weinstein noted. “Together, we’re shaping not just the future of our students, but the future of our community and our world.”

As the event concluded, attendees were invited to visit classrooms and spend quality time with their students, further strengthening the bonds that make the SIA community so special.

For more information on the Strelitz International Academy, contact Carin Simon, director of advancement, at csimon@ strelitzacademy.org or www.strelitzacademy.org.

From the Shtetl to South: A journey through Jewish history in Tidewater

A trip that brought the stories of Hampton Roads’ Jewish history to life was the culmination of From the Shtetl to the South, a 10-week course hosted by the Konikoff Center for Learning of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater. Participants joined Rabbi Michael Panitz on an immersive bus tour through Norfolk’s Berkley section, exploring the neighborhoods, cemeteries, and landmarks that shaped the local Jewish community’s narrative.

Rabbi Panitz guided the group by intertwining the history of Jewish immigration to the area with personal anecdotes. At the cemeteries, familiar family names etched in stone sparked recognition and connection among participants. Rabbi Panitz shared tales of

their struggles and successes — how they arrived in this country, purchased land, and built thriving businesses.

The tour wound its way through Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Chesapeake. As Rabbi Panitz shared histories of the community members, some

participants chimed in with their own recollections, adding layers to the tapestry of history.

The Shtetl to South journey left a lasting impact, not only by exploring history, but by inspiring deeper connections within the community.

For more information about courses offered by the Konikoff Center for Learning, visit JewishVA.org/ KCL or contact Sierra Lautman, senior director of Jewish Innovation at UJFT, at SLautman@UJFT.org.

Theo Trem with his grandmother, Natalie Trem.

Willa Crutchfield with her grandparents, Leonard and Mary Jane.

Levi Foleck with his grandparents, Rick and Janice Foleck. Calanit Warren with her grandfather, Jay Warren.

Sierra Lautman

Rabbi Michael Panitz provides context for upcoming sites. Inside the old Mikro Kodesh, now a church. Participants visit Berkley Cemetery.

WINTER FUN AT CAMP JCC

Dave Flagler Camp JCC wrapped up another successful Winter Camp to conclude a fun filled 2024. More than 50 children attended the camp during the two weeks of school holiday closures, enjoying the “Camp JCC Winter Cabin” with each day featuring its own song as its theme for the “Winter Cabin Playlist.” The playlist included such classics such as Cold as Ice, Sweater Weather, Light One Candle, So much funnikah, Eternal Flame, The Final Countdown, Light My Fire, and Ice Ice Baby.

Winter-themed or song-related crafts, indoor games and sports, STEM projects, daily free swim, and Israeli culture with Tidewater’s Shinshinim Danielle Hartman and Emily Patyuk were part of each day. With Hanukah coinciding with Winter Camp, campers

also enjoyed a dreidel competition, latkes, daily candle lighting, gelt, and a special game of Hanukah/Winter Camp jeopardy. Beyond the latkes, campers enjoyed culinary creations of their own – making chocolate balls, ice cream in a bag, and s’mores. And for the first time, Camp JCC hosted a New Year’s Noon celebration complete with a countdown, balloons, and lots of cheering.

As a part of the Camp JCC School Days Out program, families were able to choose from several packages or any individual days for Winter Camp. And, since many school calendars are not aligned with each other, this option to customize schedules enabled campers to participate in their class holiday parties, holiday travel plans, and all of the fun of Camp JCC.

Camp JCC School Days Out is

open to Kindergarteners through fifth graders. More information, pricing, and registration can be found at campjcc. org. Spots for Spring Break/Passover Break are already filling up, so register soon.

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

Campers make challah: Alexander Winz, Ruby Kievit, and Gavin Blanks.

Campers enjoying a silly moment with their counselors: Izzy Ford, Madysen Cubitt (counselor), Danial Watts (counselor), Ella Gladstein, Simon Fine, Leon Shall, Ari Smith, and Killian Bickerton.

Enjoying S’mores after swim: Theo Trem, Ruby Kievit, Corah Beasley, Zara Murdock, and Simon Shall.

Malex Monk poses in his Camp JCC swag in the New Year ’ s Noon photo booth.

Campers enjoy a camp classic, fuse beads: Ann Ning and Jolie Wilson.

With gelt on the line, campers engage in an intense game of dreidel: Zeeva Cooper, Killian Bickerton, Izzy Ford, Simon Fine, Lily Bertani, and Juliette Fine.

Area leaders receive update on antisemitism from ADL regional director

Elka Mednick

The alarming rise in antisemitism and hate crimes was the topic for a gathering of community leaders hosted by United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s Jewish Community Relations Council and Holocaust Commission on Thursday, December 12. Meredith Weisel, regional director of the Anti-Defamation League, the event’s featured speaker, underscored the urgent need for awareness and action against growing antisemitic threats. Held at the Sandler Family Campus, one of the event’s goals was to spread awareness about available resources to help combat and report these threats and crimes.

Weisel presented a series of disturbing statistics that illustrate the increasing prevalence of antisemitic incidents. In 2022, for example, the ADL recorded 3,697 antisemitic incidents in the United States, marking a staggering 36% increase from the previous year and the highest number since the organization began tracking such incidents in 1979.

Weisel detailed ADL’s tracking mechanisms, including the various tools the organization uses such as interactive maps and global surveys to monitor incidents of antisemitism and hate crimes. For instance, the ADL's H.E.A.T. Map provides a customizable view of hate incidents across states, while the Global A.T.L.A.S. offers

insights into antisemitism trends worldwide. These resources are crucial for understanding patterns of hate and informing effective responses.

ADL’s work extends beyond data collection; it encompasses education initiatives, government relations, community engagement, and collaboration with law enforcement. Weisel emphasized how these efforts are designed to empower communities to combat hate. By fostering partnerships with local authorities and organizations, the ADL can provide targeted support and resources to those affected by antisemitism.

Despite the challenges posed by rising antisemitism, Weisel expressed optimism about community resilience. She highlighted the importance of amplifying positive voices to counterbalance negativity and hate. This proactive approach is essential for fostering a more inclusive society, she said.

In addition to shedding light on the current state of antisemitism, Weisel’s talk also reinforced the ongoing efforts of the JCRC and the Holocaust Commission. Her insights support the groups’ goals of education, advocacy, and community engagement in combating hate and promoting understanding among diverse groups. As these organizations continue their vital work, it is clear that collaboration and informed action are crucial in effectively addressing contemporary antisemitism in Tidewater.

Report incidents and resources for help Report

If experiencing an act of bias, take the time to report it to the JCRC using the incident report form, found at jewishva.org/incidentreporting. The information is sent to Mike Goldsmith, Tidewater’s director of security and his counterparts at the Secure Community Network (SCN) Duty Desk. During emergency situations, first move to a safe area and call 911.

Resources

Anti-Defamation League: adl.org

The ADL has numerous valuable resources, including:

• 2023 Audit of Antisemitic Incidents

• ADL HEAT map

• ADL's Antisemitism Uncovered Foundation to Combat Antisemitism: fcas.org

Subscribe to the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism newsletter.

Beach Sisterhood holds annual Hannukah celebration

Hanukkah came early to the 29 participants of this year’s Beach Sisterhood Hanukkah Party, which was held in Temple Emanuel’s social hall on December 10. Holiday foods such as latkes with a side of applesauce or sour cream and jelly filled munchkins, along with pizza and veggies, were offered. Games such as “Hot Potato Gift Exchange” and “Bingo Get To Know You” schmoozing activities were enjoyed by all.

Congregation Beth Chaverim’s Sisterhood is now Beach Sisterhood, which combines women from Beth Chaverim and Temple Emanuel. Unaffiliated Jewish women are also invited to join.

February 10 – Foodie/Romance (January 17)

March 3 – Mazel Tov (February 7)

March 24 – Passover (March 7)

April 14 – Camp/Estate Planning (March 28)

To advertise, call 757-965-6100 or email sgoldberg@ujft.org.

Photograph by Debbie Hibbard

JEWISH TIDEWATER

VIRTUAL PERSONAL TRAINING NOW AVAILABLE AT SIMON FAMILY JCC

Stephanie Peck

Among the many ways – classes, gym workouts, personal trainers – it offers to help members stay fit, the Simon Family JCC is adding another alternative: virtual personal training. In this option, participants and trainers work remotely via a digital platform, allowing clients to exercise from anywhere, receive personalized workout plans, and track progress.

The idea of this personal training method evolved organically during COVID. “We were forced to train virtually since we couldn’t meet in person,” says Tom Purcell, wellness director at the Simon Family JCC. “After COVID, some clients returned to in-person training at the JCC, while others have maintained their online workouts.”

Purcell decided that since some people prefer to exercise at home, it made sense to advertise the virtual option to the entire JCC membership.

“The beauty of virtual training is we can train you with or without gym equipment,” Purcell adds. A free, initial virtual consultation allows the trainer to evaluate a client’s physical health through a conversation and simple exercises, such as wall push-ups, to determe a person’s physical capabilities.

Individual training starts at $40 for a 30-minute session; multi-session packages are available, along with

the Buddy-Up Program where two clients train with one trainer. Non-member pricing is also available. Five key benefits to virtual personal training include:

• Convenience: Clients can train from home, a gym, or anywhere with internet access.

• Digital platform: Trainers use the Simon Family JCC’s online platform to deliver workout plans, provide feedback, and record and track progress.

• Personalized training: Trainers create customized workout programs based on individual goals, fitness levels, and limitations.

• Video communication: Live video sessions allow for real-time coaching and form correction.

• Flexibility: Clients can schedule sessions at their convenience.

Purcell’s personal training clients include members who come to the JCC when in Tidewater, but who opt for virtual training when travelling. “We can train you anywhere – in your hotel room or a nearby gym. All you need is an iPad or laptop and an internet connection.”

To learn more about virtual personal training from Jfit, contact Tom Purcell, Simon Family JCC wellness director, at tpurcell@ujft.org or 757-321-2310.

New city director named for Tidewater BBYO

Stephanie Peck

Courtney Krutoy has joined Tidewater BBYO as its new city director.

“After a long search, we have found the right person who has BBYO knowledge, a dedication to this role, and who is excited to jump in,” says Lauren Revenson, regional director, BBYO’s Eastern Region.

Krutoy began her journey with BBYO in Northern Region East’s Baltimore Council. As a member of Achot BBG #2383, she says she “lived and breathed BBYO for all of her high school years.”

Participating in three international

programs with BBYO gave Krutoy a new world perspective and a love of travel. That exposure ultimately led her to join the Peace Corps and seek a career in international education.

Currently a stay-at-home mom of three, Krutoy and her family first came to Virginia Beach on vacation in 2018 and “fell in love with it!” They have owned a house there for four years and became permanent residents last summer, moving from Washington, D.C. and joining Ohef Sholom Temple. Josh Krutoy, her husband and a financial planner, works from home and

travels back to D.C. on occasion.

Krutoy continues to be passionate about BBYO and becoming city director is a chance, she says, to be a part of something that she loves. “As an alum, I know firsthand the incredible opportunities BBYO provides and the positive impact it has on teens. I’m excited to help support and strengthen the Tidewater Jewish community through my new role as city director.”

To learn more about BBYO in Tidewater and to welcome Krutoy to this new role, contact her at ckrutoy@bbyo.org.

Tom Purcell.

Courtney Krutoy

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Course empowers learners to advocate for justice

Class begins Tuesday, March 18, online

Sierra Lautman

Sometimes called “the longest hatred,” antisemitism has persisted in many forms for more than 2,000 years. It has evolved, taking various forms and adapting to the era’s prevailing social, political, and religious ideologies. While it may seem quiet at times, it always simmers below the surface, waiting for the right moment to again go public.

these troubling times. Taught by Dr. Amy K. Milligan, the course offers engagement with historical texts and scholarly analysis, empowering learners to distinguish between legitimate political critique and rhetoric of hate and fostering nuanced conversations in their communities.

Premier of final What We Carry film featuring Col. Eddie Shames on International Holocaust Remembrance Day

Monday, January 27, 7:30 pm

Sandler Family Campus

Mickey Held

The atrocity of the October 7 massacre was followed by a surge of antisemitic incidents worldwide. Hate speech on college campuses, the defacing of Jewish institutions, protest chants, including “Gas the Jews,” swastika graffiti in public spaces, and physical assaults are taking place around the globe. Conspiracy theories spouting anti-Jewish rhetoric have spread on social media, speeding and magnifying the spread of hate.

Beginning March 18, the six-week online course, A History of Hatred: The Ever-Present Threat of Antisemitism, will provide context and understanding for

Education and awareness are critical tools in combating prejudice. By understanding the roots and evolution of antisemitism, participants will be better equipped to challenge stereotypes, dispel harmful myths, and confront hate speech with confidence and knowledge.

Thanks to special funding, enrollment costs only $50. Register using code ISRAEL50 today. Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged. To secure a spot, visit JewishVA.org/Melton or contact Sierra Lautman, senior director of Jewish Innovation, at SLautman@ujft.org.

For more than 35 years, United Jewish Federation of Tidewater has sponsored and supported the Holocaust Commission of Tidewater. The Commission’s members personally knew many local survivors and escorted them to schools, military bases, and organizations to share their poignant stories. Witnessing their bravery and impact on the countless lives they touched, the Commission embarked on a journey to develop a program that would perpetuate their legacy.

Performing Arts in Virginia Beach with an overflow crowd of more than 1,300. What We Carry has been presented at the State and National Social Studies Conferences, the International Educators Conference at Y’ad Vashem in Jerusalem, and internationally on Jewish Life TV. These films were requested to be preserved in the film archives of Y’ad Vashem. The program has been presented by Commission volunteers to more than 50,000 adults and students.

to the

After a lengthy search, the services of two award-winning Los Angeles-based filmmakers were secured. They developed a program titled, What We Carry. This innovative program is comprised of short films, each featuring an individual survivor, accompanied by a vintage suitcase of replicas of the survivor’s personal journey. These films are presented individually by a trained docent. In 2012, the first four films of the What We Carry program premiered at the Simon Wiesenthal Center in Los Angeles. With some Commission members present, Leibe Geft, the Center’s director, introduced and lauded this program as the hope for the future. After premiering at the Roper Theatre in Norfolk to a standing room only crowd, the Commission began sharing the program locally and internationally.

In 2016, three more survivors’ films premiered at The Wiesenthal Center in Los Angeles and at the Sandler Center for the

The final What We Carry film features Colonel Eddie Shames. This powerful film recounts Shames’ life and time served during World War II as a Jewish officer. Colonel Shames was a member of the renowned Easy Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division known as the “Band of Brothers.” He received a battlefield commission and liberated the Dachau concentration camp. Shames died in 2021.

Share a tribute to Eddie Shames and all Jewish Tidewater’s survivors at this special showing on International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

The Talmud says, “There are stars whose light only reaches the earth long after they have fallen apart. There are people whose remembrance gives light in this world, long after they have passed away. This light shines in our darkest nights on the road we must follow.”

This light of which the Talmud speaks is Jewish Tidewater’s precious survivor’s legacy and What We Carry is a gift to them.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

When a seemingly odd couple becomes friends and Torah study buddies

Monday, March 10, 7:30 pm

Sandler Family Campus

Sierra Lautman

What happens when an Orthodox rabbi and a Reform Jewish journalist team up to study and debate the Torah? Find out when Rabbi Dov Linzer and Abigail Pogrebin bring their unique perspectives to the Simon Family JCC for an evening of spirited conversation inspired by their new book It Takes Two to Torah: An Orthodox Rabbi and Reform Journalist Discuss and Debate Their Way Through the Five Books of Moses.

This event is a must for anyone tired of divisiveness and eager to witness how diversity can add beauty and depth to any topic or relationship.

Rabbi Linzer, president and Rosh HaYeshiva of Yeshivat Chovevei Torah, brings a wealth of Torah scholarship and a commitment to inclusive Modern Orthodoxy. Pogrebin, a veteran journalist and former 60 Minutes producer, offers a Reform Jewish perspective shaped by curiosity, communal involvement, and a passion for Jewish learning. Together, they demonstrate how diverse approaches to Torah study

can deepen and foster meaningful discussion.

It Takes Two to Torah, expands on conversations first featured in a podcast series for Tablet Magazine. Offering readers a fresh tour through the Five Books of Moses, filled with candor, humor, and personal insights, the book features a foreword by Mayim Bialik. Julianna Margulies, acclaimed actor and producer, describes the book as “joyous, insightful, and conversational.”

Linzer and Pogrebin navigate topics ranging from Jewish law and tradition to personal revelation and ethical dilemmas, suggesting a unique engagement with the Torah that is both intellectually rigorous and profoundly relatable.

Hosted by the Konikoff Center for Learning of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, this event is free and open to the community. For more information, visit JewishVA.org/ KCL or contact Sierra Lautman, senior director of Jewish Innovation at UJFT, at SLautman@ujft.org.

CommUNITY Play-In and Sing-along

Sunday, February 2, 4:30 pm, Joseph G. Echols Memorial Hall, Norfolk State University

The Virginia Symphony Orchestra, in partnership with the City of Norfolk, will host its annual CommUNITY Play-In and Sing-Along concert.

Members of the community who play any instrument and are at any experience level are invited to play and sing alongside the VSO’s musicians and chorus. This year’s CommUNITY concert embraces Tidewater’s cultural richness and diversity by uniting people of all ages, faiths, and backgrounds through participation in music, dance, and spoken word.

Partner organizations featured in this event also include Teens With a Purpose, churches that are part of the

VSO’s Harmony project, as well as faith leaders Rabbi Roz Mandelberg, Imam Ismael Saleem, and Rev. Samuel Warren. Residents of Tidewater are invited to play, sing, volunteer, or simply enjoy the festivities.

Registration is required for all participants and encouraged for audience members to guarantee seating. The event is free. Doors open at 3:30 pm.

For more information about the CommUNITY Play-In and Sing-Along, to register to play, download music, or to volunteer, visit virginiasymphony.org/community/.

BIRTH

Benjamin and Allie Fues-Yarow on the birth of their daughter, Lennon Mae Fues-Yarow, on October 14, 2024. The family lives in Arlington, Va.

Proud grandparents are Rick and Debi Yarow of Norfolk and Eric and Liza Fues and Heather McAfee of Bethesda, Md.

Proud great-grandmothers are Carol Smith of Norfolk and Seena Goldberg of Atlanta, Ga.

ENGAGEMENT

Ilana Shayna Peck on her engagement to Meir Simcha Leibler.

Ilana’s parents are Marcy and Michael Mostofsky of Norfolk and Dr. Larry and Melina Peck of Berkely, Calif. Meir is the son of Avraham and Shulamit Leibler of Har Nof, Israel.

Ilana is the granddaughter of Nancy and Stanley Peck of Norfolk and Meir is the grandson of Freda Steinberg of Israel.

Free Mazel Tov listings!

Tell Jewish Tidewater about your simchas and have a photo published in Jewish News to remember for years to come.

Up to 100 words and photo at no charge. Send your listing and photo to speck@ujft.org with Mazel Tov in the subject line.

If you do not get a response or have a question, call 757-965-6100.

Virginia Jewish Advocacy Day: An important date with the state

Wednesday, January 29, 7 am – 4 pm, Sandler

Barbara Dudley

Date with the State, also known as Virginia Jewish Advocacy Day, provides an opportunity for the statewide Jewish community to raise awareness around topics of importance such as countering antisemitism, maintaining funding for Jewish institutions, and ensuring that the Virginia Israel Advisory Board continues to have the funding to help Israeli companies build and grow their operations in the Commonwealth, providing tax revenue and jobs across the state, etc.

Family Campus to Richmond

• Develop skills. Participants learn and practice advocacy skills that can be useful throughout their lives.

Insiders’ Briefing

Thursday, Jan. 23, 12 pm

Sandler Family Campus

Essential for all Advocacy Day attendees. This meeting provides detailed talking points on the issues and lobbying tips. RSVP to JKievit@ujft.org.

Advocacy Day is important because it gives the Jewish community the opportunity to:

• Learn about policies. Participants are informed about the latest laws and policies that affect the Jewish community.

• Advocate for their causes. Participants speak up for the issues they care about and ensure that their voices are heard by elected officials.

• Educate lawmakers. Participants provide lawmakers with information about the issues important to the Jewish community, which can help shape policy and

Round Table Conversation: What’s in a name?

Thursday, February 6, 1 pm

Sandler Family Campus

Formerly known as Coffee and Conversation, Round Table Conversation is a lively discussion group that provides a welcoming space to discuss politics, history, and worldly events, with each participant offering a unique perspective. The open exchange of ideas leaves attendees energized and eager for the next session.

At the upcoming meeting, Seymour Teach, an active member, will present a report on Presidential Power to Pardon, exploring its history and implications.

Round Table Conversation meets on the first Thursday of each month. Don’t miss this chance to learn and connect with others with similar interests and different views.

For more information or to RSVP, visit www.Jewishva.org/RoundTable or contact Mia Klein at MKlein@UJFT.org.

other important areas.

• Build relationships. Participants meet with elected officials and their staff to build or grow relationships and learn how best to connect with them.

Join members of the Tidewater Jewish community for a day of advocacy with elected officials. Each person’s presence demonstrates the strength and significance of Jewish Tidewater’s collective voice.

A bus leaves from the Sandler Family Campus at 7 am. $54 includes kosher lunch and helps defray the cost of transportation. For more information about how to join this year’s delegation or to register, visit JewishVA. org/DWTS or contact Julie Kievit, JCRC program coordinator, at jkievit@ujft.org.

Barbara Dudley is chair, Jewish Community Relations Council of United Jewish Federation of Tidewater.

The Stephanie Nakasian Jazz Trio performs Jewish Roots of the Great American Songbook

Saturday, February 1, 6:45 - 9 pm

Congregation Beth El

Congregation Beth El will present The Stephanie Nakasian Jazz Trio performing songs by legendary Jewish songwriters and performers such as Leonard Bernstein, George Gershwin, Barbra Streisand, and Irving Berlin.

Tickets are $18 in advance, $10 for students, and $25 at the door. Sponsorships are available.

Call Beth El at 757-625-7821 to reserve tickets. Beth El is located at 422 Shirley Avenue in Norfolk.

Mia Klein

CALENDAR WHAT’S HAPPENING

JANUARY 20, MONDAY

JCC Book Club will discuss The Boy With the Star Tattoo by Talia Carner. Meets the third Monday of each month. 1:30 pm. In person or Zoom. Simon Family JCC. Free. Information and registration: Mia Klein at MKlein@ujft.org or Sherry Lieberman at joeann124@aol.com.

JANUARY 22, WEDNESDAY

The Genius of Israel film screening. ODU’s Institute for Jewish Studies and Interfaith Understanding and The Israel Institute at Regent University look into a nation that has managed to thrive against all odds. This new CBN Films documentary explores religious and cultural traditions that make Israel one of the most innovative and resilient democracies on earth. 7 pm. Regent University. Information: Amy Milligan at amilliga@odu.edu.

JANUARY 25, SATURDAY

Middle School Movie Night. A fun evening with middle school aged friends. Snacks, discounted tickets, and a night out with friends. 7-10 pm. Simon Family JCC. Information and registration: Dave Flagler at dflagler@ujft.org.

JANUARY 26, SUNDAY

Chevra Cinema presents The Night They Raided Minsky’s. Screening of the 1968 American musical comedy by Norman Lear, with an introduction and postscript by Dr. Peter Schulman, ODU professor of world languages and cultures. 7 pm. Jewish Museum and Cultural Center. $10 suggested donation. Information: 757-391-9266 or jmccportsmouth@gmail.com.

JANUARY 27, MONDAY

International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Screening of What We Carry: Colonel Eddie Shames. A moving film highlighting the legacy of Eddie Shames, a Jewish WWII officer and member of the famed “Band of Brothers,” who helped liberate Dachau. 7:30 pm. Sandler Family Campus. Free. Pre-registration required: JewishVA.org/WWC. See page 32.

JANUARY 29, WEDNESDAY

Virginia Jewish Advocacy Day. The Jewish Community Relations Council of United Jewish Federation of Tidewater travels to Richmond for the annual Date with the State. This event is a powerful forum to effectively communicate with General Assembly members about issues of importance to the Jewish Community. 7 am – 4 pm; leaving from the Sandler Family Campus. $54 includes kosher lunch and transportation. Information about how to join or to register: JewishVA.org/DWTS or contact Julie Kievit, JCRC program coordinator, at jkievit@ujft.org. See page 34.

JANUARY 30, THURSDAY

The Nosh: Taking a Bite Out of Hard Conversations. Old Dominion University’s Institute for Jewish Studies and Interfaith Understanding’s Dr. Amy K. Milligan, along with Dr. Annette Finley-Croswhite, professor of history at Old Dominion University, will discuss The Holocaust’s Grandchildren Are Speaking Now by Marc Trac. 7 pm. Online. Free. A partnership between JCRC and Konikoff Center for Learning of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater. Registration: www.JewishVA.org/Nosh.

FEBRUARY 4, TUESDAY

Yiddish Club is a vibrant hub for preserving and promoting the Yiddish language and its rich heritage. Meets the first Tuesday of each month. 1 pm. Sandler Family Campus. Free and open to the community. Information and registration: JewishVA.org/YiddishClub or contact Mia Klein at MKlein@ujft.org or 757-452-3184.

Virginia Council BBYO Reunion: Teens of the 1970’s and 1980’s Saturday, April 26

Weinstein JCC, Richmond

The first Virginia Council BBYO reunion for teens from the 1970s was held in 2010. Now, 15 years later, and during the 100th anniversary year of the founding of BBYO, another reunion is planned to take place in April.

“If you were a senior in year zero of that decade or a freshman in year nine of that decade, you are in and we want to invite all of these alumni,” says Sam Revenson, one of the BBYO alumni who is busy spearheading this event. For details, contact: bbyo70and80sreunion@gmail.com.

Ohef Sholom Temple’s Taste of the Town to celebrate Cantor Jen Saturday, January 25, 5:30 – 8 pm Ohef Sholom Temple

A food and wine experience in honor of “40 and Fabulous” Cantor Jen Rueben is slated to take place at Ohef Sholom Temple. Savor delicious bites from local restaurants, sip fine wines and craft beers, and toast to this special milestone. Tickets range from $40 to $75. Sponsorships and tributes will be recognized in the evening’s program book. Call Ohef Sholom Temple at 757-625-4295 for information and to purchase tickets or go to ohefsholom.org.

IDEAS OBITUARIES

Barry Einhorn

NORFOLK - On Friday, December 27, 2024, Bernard (Barry) Isaac Einhorn, D.D.S., loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully at the age of 95.

Barry was born on October 7, 1929, in Brooklyn, N.Y. to Lillian and William Einhorn. The family moved to Norfolk when Barry was 15 years old, where he attended Maury High School and met his lifetime partner, Lois Friedman. After high school graduation, Barry attended the University of Virginia, where he received his BA degree. He then attended Medical College of Virginia Dental School, receiving his D.D.S. in 1954. After two years in the Navy, he joined Dr. Bernard Battleman’s pediatric dentistry practice, before venturing out on his own in 1962. Barry looked forward to going to the office every single day! His patients enjoyed their visits to the dental office where they could pick a toy out of the treasure chest and step on the clown’s nose. When he was in his 90s, his former patients still recalled the fun times they had in his office. Barry

became very active in the dental society, was president of the Tidewater Dental Society, the Virginia Society of Pediatric Dentistry and the Southeastern Society of Pediatric Dentistry and was a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

Barry and his wife, Lois, were members of Temple Israel for 65 years, where he served in many volunteer roles, rising to president in 1968. They both taught in the Sunday School, where he served as the principal. Even after his presidential term ended, Barry remained very active in all aspects of synagogue life, leading services, chairing committees, and serving on the board. He was always one of the first to volunteer, even working in the kitchen.

His involvement in the Jewish community extended far beyond the temple, including serving as president of the Jewish Community Center. Barry and Lois enjoyed working together and were the founding chairs of the Virginia Festival of Virginia Film. In addition, they were especially proud of creating and running Operation Understanding Hampton Roads (OUHR) for 10 years, where Jewish

and African American teens experienced one another’s cultures in a year-long program that included civil rights trips.

Barry was also very active in the broader community, especially in humanitarian projects, serving on the board of the Dwelling Place with Lois, chairing the African American – Jewish Coalition and the local chapter of the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities. One of his fondest projects after retirement was reading the newspaper on the radio for the visually impaired with Lois. For 29 years, WHRO Voice listeners could hear “I’m Barry and I’m Lois – we’re the Einhorns” twice a month on Monday mornings.

Professional, religious, and community activities aside, Barry’s greatest love of all was his family, especially Lois, his wife of 72 years. He is also survived by his brother Gerald (Dianne); his daughter, Wendy Brodsky (Ronald); his daughter-in-law, Susan Einhorn; his grandchildren, Will and Jay Einhorn (April), Marlene Schulman (Jonathan), and Saul Brodsky (Adina); and his great grandchildren, Charlotte, Belle, and Brooks Einhorn, Noah and Talia Schulman, and Tehila Brodsky. He was preceded in death by his son, Martin (Marty) Einhorn.

Funeral services were held at Temple Israel. Burial took place at Forest Lawn Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Temple Israel, 7255 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23505 or the Lois and Barry Einhorn & Family Fund c/o Tidewater Jewish Foundation, 5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Suite 200, Va. Beach, VA 23462.

Sheal D. Lisner

VIRGINIA BEACH - On Saturday evening, December 28, 2024, Sheal D. Lisner passed away peacefully in his home at the age of 86.

He was born on November 22, 1938, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Louis and Anna Lisner, and was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather. At age 15, Sheal lost his father and demonstrated remarkable determination, working to help support his family and later pay his way through college and law school at the University of Cincinnati, where he met Brenda Glazer, his college sweetheart and future wife.

Sheal embodied humility, perseverance, and unwavering love and loyalty to his family and community. His career was as

varied as it was inspiring, reflecting his tireless work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. While in school, he sold shoes, Reader’s Digest, etc., and later worked as an attorney and owned the first cancellation shoe store in Norfolk.

Ultimately, Sheal went on to become the president and owner of Hampton Roads Title Corporation, growing the business to serve the entire Peninsula, with offices in Newport News, Williamsburg, Yorktown, and Gloucester. After selling his company and retiring early, he later opened businesses in Norfolk and Virginia Beach.

Sheal was also deeply committed to his faith and community, serving as president of the Men’s Club at Ohef Sholom Temple, working the annual Purim Carnival, and being an active member of the PTA. His greatest joy was spending time with his family, cherishing countless hours at car races, band concerts, school programs, piano recitals, and sporting events, proudly cheering on his grandchildren, nieces, and nephew. Legend has it that he once even bought out every diaper and sprinkle cookie at Costco.

Sheal will be remembered as a kind, generous, and loving soul—a true mensch in every way. Already deeply missed, he will be remembered by all those who were enriched by his life.

He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Brenda Glazer Lisner; his sons and daughters-in-law, L. Marc and Katina Lisner, and Drs. Charles and Diana Lisner; and his five grandchildren, Joshua, Samuel (Nana), Rachel, Anna, and Sarah Lisner. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Janet Glazer Hill; his nephew, Justin Hill (Dana); and nieces Erin Miller (Ryan), Allison Carden (Billy), Ruth Coppel (Steve), and Lynn Chaifetz. He was always excited to see his great-nieces and nephew—Chelsea, Lena, Annie, Claire, and Owen—along with his extended family in Cincinnati. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Sylvia Lisner and Lois Friedman, and his beloved grandson, Jacin Lisner.

A graveside service was held for family and friends at Forest Lawn Cemetery.

Stephen Alan Schechner, MD

VIRGINIA BEACH - Stephen Alan Schechner, MD, was born in Norfolk, Va., on December 2, 1944, to Hedy Hauer and Joseph Schechner, MD. He was predeceased

OBITUARIES

by his parents and brother, Daniel Herbert Schechner.

Steve graduated valedictorian from Norfolk Academy, received a BA from the University of Pennsylvania, and his MD from Medical College of Virginia. He completed his surgical residency at the Portsmouth Naval Hospital and served in the United States Navy as a surgeon at Annapolis Naval Hospital. He opened his solo general surgery practice and, in the mid 1980’s, began to do bariatric surgery, completing over 3,000 cases. He served for two years as the Chief of Surgery at Bayside Hospital.

After he retired, Steve worked as a volunteer at Jewish Family Service and was once Volunteer of the Year. He did beautiful needlepoints that hang on the walls of his house and his children’s houses. He loved doing crossword puzzles which might have contributed to his skills at trivia and a spot on the show, Jeopardy, when he came in second.

Steve and his wife, Margery Neff Schechner, were one of seven founding members of Kempsville Conservative Synagogue, and he served for six years as its president, a position that Marge now holds.

He and Marge met as teenage counselors at Jewish Community Center Day Camp, and they shared a 57-year-long marriage filled with love, friendship, family, and travel, especially cruises, of which they shared 63.

He is survived by Marge, his children, Jason, Dr. Adam (Jessica) Schechner, David (Dr. Joanna) Schechner, and Deborah (Adam Santo) Schechner, and the delights of his life, his grandchildren, Jamie and Mia Schechner, Sophia and Benjamin Schechner, Alex, Daniel, and Lilah Santo.

A funeral service was held at Forest Lawn Cemetery, led by Cantor David Proser. Donations in memory of Steve can be made to KBH (Kempsville Conservative Synagogue) or to Jewish Family Service.

Peter Yarrow, Jewish musician and activist of Peter, Paul and Mary fame

Andrew Silow-Carroll

(JTA) — Peter Yarrow, one-third of the hit-making 1960s folk group Peter, Paul and Mary, and a Jewish activist who promoted Israeli-Palestinian coexistence and other progressive causes, died Tuesday, Jan. 7 at age 86.

The longtime resident of Manhattan’s Upper West Side entered hospice last month. The cause of death was bladder cancer.

Yarrow was a Cornell graduate playing in Greenwich Village clubs during the early 1960s folk revival when manager and musical impresario Albert Grossman, who also steered Bob Dylan’s career, suggested he team up with the Kentucky-born singer Mary Travers. Travers in turn proposed they include Paul Stookey.

After polishing their act at clubs in the Village like the Bitter End and the Gaslight, the trio signed with Warner and went on to record a series of hits, including folk standards like Lemon Tree and 500 Miles, and compositions by other revivalists, including Pete Seeger’s If I Had a Hammer, and Dylan’s Blowin’ in the Wind.

Their debut album, Peter, Paul and Mary, reached Billboard magazine’s Top Ten for 10 months, including seven weeks at No. 1. They sang If I had a Hammer at the August 1963 March on Washington, where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream Speech.”

Yarrow wrote the music for the group’s best-known composition, Puff, the Magic Dragon, with lyrics by his Cornell classmate Leonard Lipton. The song became a standard both at summer camps and in college dorm rooms, where the counterculture saw drug references that Yarrow always denied were there.

The group performed regularly well after the folk revival faded. In a 1982 concert at Carnegie Hall they first sang Light One Candle, Yarrow’s song about the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. Yarrow said he wrote the song (whose lyrics include “Light one candle to bind us together with peace”) to express his opposition to Israel’s war that year in Lebanon; the trio

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performed it the next year in Jerusalem to a large and mostly enthusiastic audience.

Yarrow was a supporter of the Israeli left-wing group Peace Now, which advocates for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Yarrow was born in 1938 in New York City. His mother was a high school teacher in Manhattan; his father, who emigrated from Ukraine at age 16, was a lawyer who helped create Radio Free Europe, a U.S. propaganda channel launched during the Cold War. His parents divorced when he was five. According to Yarrow, he had no

contact with his father until his mid-30s and credited his mother with instilling in him progressive values.

“What was important was learning. It was a Jewish family,” he told the Jewish Post. “There was money for education of every sort. There was money for music lessons, summer camp, and for her children, but not for jewelry or Rolex watches. She never stopped working. She was really focused on things of great importance. This is where my value system arose and my commitment to being an activist was what she embraced.”

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

IN MEMORIAM

Terri Denison

Dr. Bernard Einhorn

At the funeral service for Dr. Bernard Einhorn, Rabbi Michael Panitz noted that “Barry had the unusual gift of positively intersecting” with countless people. The nearly full Temple Israel sanctuary was proof of his remark.

Personally, I know Rabbi Panitz’s words to be true. Along with his late son Marty, I was one of 15 teenagers from Tidewater chosen by Barry and Lois Einhorn to participate in SIJL – Summer Institute for Jewish Living, a program they created that culminated with a month-

Those generations begin, of course, with his own devoted family.

Wendy Brodsky, Einhorn’s daughter, delivered the eulogy at the funeral that took place on Monday, Dec. 30. “Where to begin in capturing the 95 years of someone who has been described as a mensch, a visionary, a humanitarian, an inspiration, a role model, a leader, a mentor, an intellectual, thoughtful, kind, generous, funny, humble, and just an all-around awesome husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was my hero. I had him for 69 years. I am so sad but feel so lucky.”

long trip to Israel. When our group met 40 years later for a reunion, we each told the Einhorns how that trip had impacted our Jewish lives, and how appreciative we were for the opportunity they gave our younger selves.

SIJL was just one of the many programs this couple imagined and brought to fruition. And we were just a few of the many hundreds who were fortunate enough to be the recipients of the Einhorns’ visions.

“Barry Einhorn was a model Jew: an exemplar of ethical living, a tireless bridge-builder reminding all people that they are part of the one human family,” says Rabbi Panitz. “He was a paradigm of devotion to regular prayer, Torah study, and the joyful performance of Heaven’s commandments.”

Betty Ann Levin, United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s executive vice president, says, “Barry Einhorn was truly a mensch and an inspirational leader. It is hard to remember a time when he and Lois were not spearheading a new initiative or program that brought our Jewish community together, often with our friends in the broader community and throughout our state. From Temple Israel to the Jewish Community Center of Tidewater, to what was then the National Conference of Christians and Jews, Barry left a legacy that will be felt for generations.”

Her father, she noted, did not just meet people – he took the time and effort to get to know them. “He was genuinely interested and really tried to understand and connect on many different levels,” says Brodsky. “In the words of his grandson, Jay, ‘he was a very deeply thoughtful person, and he was always interested in going deeper than the surface. He always made an effort to draw people in and understand people on a deeper level.’

“And he encouraged others to be as open and as accepting as he was through the many projects which he either led or in which he was involved. Just an example of ‘practicing what he preached’ so to speak: when I was in high school, I worked one afternoon a week at his dental office. One day, I took a call from a mother who asked if Dr. Einhorn treated African American patients, which totally confused me since

I had assisted Dad with patients of all races. So, I scheduled an appointment for the grateful mother but later questioned Dad why I would have been asked the question in the first place. I was shocked to hear that not all dentists would treat all patients but was proud to learn that Dad was not only figuratively color blind, but he also was one of the only pediatric dentists at the time who would treat children with disabilities.”

Many (though not all) of the programs Dr. Einhorn created, places he volunteered, and organizations he served, may be found in his obituary on page 36. As long as the list was, according to Brodsky, he wasn’t ready to stop helping others.

“Now, as I close, I am going to let you in on a secret about Dad – he was worried about his legacy,” said Brodsky. “Since August, we had many deep discussions about whether he had ‘done enough.’ He felt very strongly that he was put on this earth to make a difference, and he worried whether he had. In Judaism, the concept is called Tikun Olam, which means to repair the world, and it is something for which we are all responsible.

“The mere fact that so many people are here today to honor and pay their respects to my father tells me that he DID make a difference. But I’m going to paraphrase what Marlene (his granddaughter) said in her online tribute, about taking all that you honor today and paying it forward: Be an advocate for social justice, fight for the underrepresented and underprivileged, be a mensch, be a role model. Then Barry Einhorn’s legacy will live on, and you will have truly honored him.”

Lois and Barry Einhorn surrounded by family 2024.

Lois and Barry Einhorn (standing right) at the reunion of SIJL.

Barry and Lois with OUHR class of 2003-04.

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APPLY NOW FOR THE LARGEST SCHOLARSHIP IN JEWISH TIDEWATER UP TO $15,000/YEAR PER STUDENT

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

Administered through the Tidewater Jewish Foundation, this annual college scholarship is awarded to Hampton Roads Jewish students entering college. Applicants are evaluated on financial need, Jewish/community engagement, and academic potential. Learn more and apply now at foundation.jewishva.org ELIGIBILITY

THINKING FOR THE FUTURE

Through unique community partnerships and hands-on learning opportunities in STEAM fields, Cape Henry prepares students for future collegiate studies and careers.

GLOBAL EXPERIENCES

A global perspective is embedded into classrooms from preschool through 12th grade. Cape Henry provides exciting opportunities for students through academic study, cultural immersion and service learning around the world, including opportunities for international study.

CREATIVE OUTLETS

Cape Henry students gain confidence and courage through self-expression and collaboration during the artistic process. From painting and sculpture to digital animation, young artists have an array of choices available within our visual arts program.