July 17 Jewish News by United Jewish Federation of Tidewater

33026

INSIDE

www.jewishnewsva.org

Southeastern Virginia | Vol. 55 No. 21 | 23 Tammuz 5777 | July 17, 2017

Elon Gold

27 BSV installs new officers

-at-

Laughter on the Lawn

27 HAT’s one-week summer STEAM camp

Thursday, August 3 -page 32

28 Hineni! travels to Israel

Legal Matters 5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Suite 200 Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462-4370 Address Service Requested

Non-Profit Org. US POSTAGE PAid Suburban MD Permit 6543

in the Jewish community

30 Simon Family JCC’s Golf Tournament gets re-imagined Supplement to Jewish News July 17, 2017

“THIS IS WHERE WE

LIVE, THIS IS WHERE WE WANT TO GIVE BACK.” Michael Glasser

Attorney-at-Law/Partner, Glasser and Glasser PLC

Glasser & Glasser utilizes Old Point’s online business banking to process payments faster, so they can spend less time focused on cash flow, and more time focused on our community.

upfront

Jewish news jewishnewsva.org

UJFT supports pluralism in Israel In 2016, The Jewish Agency supported 31 programs that oper-

Harry Graber, UJFT executive vice-president

ate through the various Jewish movements in Israel – Reform,

he Tidewater Jewish community, with its strong Jewish institutions, has long reflected the rich diversity of Jewry.

Conservative, Reform and Orthodox movements have worked side by side and often together to ensure that our community has a Judaism that does not belong to one group, but belongs to everybody. Our community’s history is long filled with the commitment that the definition of K’lal Yisrael cannot be parsed out to any one movement There is no one organization that is a better guardian of Klal Yisrael in Tidewater than the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater. Its board of directors and donors are comprised of people from every movement, as well as people who are secularist. The agencies it supports and the people they serve are reflective of the broad tapestry of Jewish Tidewater. UJFT has long supported and allocated funds to the Jewish Agency For Israel, which is known for not only rescue and resettlement or Aliyah to Israel, but also as the leading agency committed to pluralism in Israel. The UJFT Israel and Overseas Committee and board of directors have for many years not only allocated about 25% of its overseas funds to the Jewish Agency, but have also included a specific line item marked Jewish Pluralism.

Conservative, and Modern Orthodox. This is made possible by The Jewish Agency’s partnership with the Jewish Federations of North America. These programs reached 798,000 Israelis through educational and communal programs throughout the country. Natan Sharansky, chairman of the Jewish Agency and Jerry Silverman, CEO of the Jewish Federations of North America both worked very hard to achieve an agreement with the Israeli government for egalitarian prayer space and access at the Kotel. Unfortunately, that 1.5 year-old much supported agreement has never been implemented and has now been frozen by the Israeli government. The latest development has them and others greatly concerned. “Anyone who cares about the future of the Jewish people

not simply throw up our hands but rather take action now, before it is too late,” says Sharansky.

Israel and Overseas Committee will continue its commitment and funding of the Jewish Agency and its dedication to pluralism. Our community has not achieved its greatness and will not compromise its love of Israel.

Quotable Hineni! Goes to Israel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

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

Simon Family JCC’s President’s Cup. . . . . . . 30

Hal Sacks Jewish News Archives. . . . . . . . . . . 5

Holocaust Studies at BINA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

A new Israeli politician . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

What’s Happening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

CRC partners with Cape Henry on Israel trip for educators . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Calendar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Chief Rabbinate denies blacklist. . . . . . . . . . 14 Legal Matters in the Jewish community. . . . 15 Beth Sholom Village holds annual meeting. . . 27 HAT’s STEAM Camp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Terri Denison, Editor Germaine Clair, Art Director Sandy Goldberg, Account Executive Heather Sterling, Account Executive Marilyn Cerase, Subscription Manager Reba Karp, Editor Emeritus United Jewish Federation of Tidewater John Strelitz, President Alvin Wall, Treasurer Stephanie Calliott, Secretary Harry Graber, Executive Vice-President www.jewishVA.org The appearance of advertising in the Jewish News does not constitute a kashrut, political, product or service endorsement. The articles and letters appearing herein are not necessarily the opinion of this newspaper. © 2017 Jewish News. All rights reserved. Subscription: $18 year For subscription or change of address, call 757-965-6128 or JewishNewsVA email mcerase@ujft.org.

I frankly believe that the current leadership of UJFT and its

UpFront. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Global surges of anti-Semitism. . . . . . . . . . . 10

QR code generated on http://qrcode.littleidiot.be

Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus of the Tidewater Jewish Community 5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Suite 200 Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462-4370 voice 757.965.6100 • fax 757.965.6102 email news@ujft.org

should care about [allowing equal access to the Kotel]. We must

Contents

Al Franken on his latest book. . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Published 22 times a year by United Jewish Federation of Tidewater.

Who knew?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

BSV Mezuzah Project. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Alene and Ron Kaufman on Volunteering. . . . 39 Special Section—Legal Matters

Issue Date Aug. 14 Sept. 11 Sept. 25 Oct. 9 Oct. 23 Nov. 6

Topic Guide Rosh Hashanah Yom Kippur Home Mazel Tov Veterans

Deadline July 28 Aug. 25 Sept. 8 Sept. 22 Oct. 6 Oct 20

Candle lighting Friday, July 21/27 Tammuz Light candles at 8:02 pm

“‘It’s not enough to be for justice.

Friday, July 28/5 Av Light candles at 7:57 pm

You have to do justice.’”

Friday, August 4/12 Av Light candles at 7:50 pm

Mazel Tov. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Obituaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Upcoming Deadlines for Editorial and Advertising

—page 12

Friday, August 11/19 Av Light candles at 7:43 pm Friday, August 18/26 Av Light candles at 7:34 pm Friday, August 25/3 Elul Light candles at 7:25 pm

jewishnewsva.org | July 17, 2017 | Jewish News | 3

Briefs Kosher bakery delivery truck used in Miami bank robbery A delivery truck of a popular Miamiarea kosher bakery was used in a bank robbery. One of the six delivery trucks from the Zak the Baker kosher bakery and deli was stolen on Wednesday, July 5 while the driver stopped on his delivery route, bakery owner Zak Stern told Miami.com. Before calling police, Stern first called his clients who would not be getting bread that day, he said. Before police could locate the stolen van, which is white with the word “Bakery” emblazoned in black across the side, it was used as a getaway car in a local bank robbery, according to reports. The thieves got away with an unspecified amount of cash from the TD Bank branch at 7400 SW 40th St. Police first had to determine whether the van used was the stolen vehicle or one of the other five vans in Stern’s fleet. Some of the other vans in the fleet were pulled over by police as they attempted to locate the right one, according to Miami.com. The truck was found abandoned several hours after the robbery, and later was returned to Stern. (JTA)

179-year-old NYC Conservative synagogue to go condo A historic 179-year-old Conservative synagogue in New York’s Upper West Side is moving forward with plans to house a 14-story apartment building. The proposed project for the Shaare Zedek synagogue includes 20 condominiums, with a community center for the synagogue in the building’s first three floors, The Real Deal, a website focusing on New York real estate news, reported. Some community members, concerned about issues such as increased traffic in the area, had asked the city’s Landmarks Preservation Commission to consider naming the synagogue’s building a city landmark, but the commission issued a decision in October that the building didn’t “rise to the level of an individual landmark,” The Real Deal reported. Synagogue president Michael Firestone said in September during a community 4 | Jewish News | July 17, 2017 | jewishnewsva.org

board member meeting that the congregation could not remain solvent without partnering with a developer, as several New York synagogues have done in recent years, The Real Deal reported, citing DNAinfo. The synagogue, the third oldest in New York City, was established in 1837 by Polish immigrants, according to its website. It started on the Lower East Side and moved to Harlem before building at its current location. The current synagogue building was dedicated on April 15, 1923, and in 1944 the congregation paid off the mortgage. (JTA)

140 Jewish leaders vow to help US reach Paris climate accord goals More than 140 Jewish organizational leaders signed a letter encouraging Jewish institutions across the U.S. to support the goals of the Paris climate accord. “We call upon all Jewish federations, JCCs, synagogues, camps, day schools, Jewish organizations, leaders, businesses, and community members to identify ways in which we, the organized and powerful American Jewish community, can and must respond to this climate crisis,” read the letter, which was released Thursday, July 6 by the nonprofit Hazon and the Pearlstone Center. The letter calls for Jewish leaders to commit their organizations to the specific goals laid out in the Paris Agreement, which include lowering carbon emissions by at least 26 percent over the next seven years; ensuring their institutions have teams of employees focused on sustainability, and encouraging their employees to “live more lightly,” or use more renewable energy and produce less harmful emissions in their daily lives. The letter’s signatories include Steven Wernick, CEO of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism; Robert Bank, president and CEO of the American Jewish World Service; Cheryl Cook, the executive director of Avodah, and Sharon Alpert, president and CEO of the Nathan Cummings Foundation. “As Jews, we are also proud of our long history of economic innovation and

entrepreneurship, so we are baffled by the false premise that withdrawing from the Paris Accords somehow prioritizes American jobs,” the letter reads. “On the contrary, our 21st century economy is driven by new energy technologies and our solar sector already far surpasses coal.” President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of the landmark 2015 agreement to fight climate change, saying the U.S. obligations under the accord hurt American business and that it is “very unfair at the highest level to the United States.” Syria and Nicaragua were the only countries not to sign the accord. (JTA)

London’s Muslim mayor calls for complete ban on Hezbollah London’s Muslim mayor wants Great Britain to make support for all factions of Hezbollah illegal. Sadiq Khan said that he plans to write to the Home secretary and request that she outlaw support for the political wing of Hezbollah, the Jewish Chronicle reported. Support for the terrorist wing of the Lebanon-based militia and Iranian ally is already banned in England. “I share the concerns of the Jewish community about support shown for Hezbollah, which is an illegal, proscribed and antisemitic organization,” Khan said in his statement. “Antisemitism or hate crime of any kind has no place in our city, where we don’t just tolerate diversity, we respect and celebrate it.” Khan’s statement came two weeks after marchers waved Hezbollah flags during the annual pro-Palestinian Al-Quds Day parade in London and blamed “Zionists” for the deadly Grenfell Tower fire a few days earlier. Political figures, mostly on the right, criticized Khan, a Labour Party member, for allowing the march to go on and called on him to support a ban on Hezbollah’s political wing. The Board of Deputies of British Jews welcomed Khan’s announcement. “This is a welcome step by the mayor which is fully supported by the Board of Deputies,” said Marie van der Zyl, its vice president. “Hezbollah itself does not distinguish between its military and

political wing, which is one and the same. The government urgently needs to follow the example of the USA, Canada and the Arab League by outlawing Hezbollah in its entirety.” Khan, who was elected in May 2016 as the first Muslim mayor of London, began his term by calling for anti-Semitism to be rooted out of the city and the Labour Party. (JTA)

200 French Jews arrive in Israel on aliyah Two hundred French Jews arrived in Israel on a special aliyah flight this month. The flight organized by The Jewish Agency for Israel, the Ministry of Aliyah and Immigrant Absorption, and Keren Hayesod-UIA arrived in Israel on Monday, July 10. Among the new immigrants to Israel were 74 children and teens. The youngest immigrant is two and a half months old and the oldest, 92, is making aliyah with his daughter and her husband. The immigrants were greeted by chairman of the executive of The Jewish Agency for Israel Natan Sharansky, Minister of Aliyah and Immigrant Absorption Sofa Landver, former Chief Rabbi of Israel and current Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem Shlomo Amar, and Chairman of Keren HayesodUIA Eliezer Sandberg. The French Jewish community is the largest in Europe and the second-largest in the world outside of Israel, numbering nearly half a million Jews, according to the Jewish Agency. French Jewish immigration to Israel has surged since the year 2012, breaking records for aliyah from France and from Western countries. Some 7,800 immigrants from France arrived in 2015, the most ever. Over 10% of the French Jewish community has immigrated to Israel since the year 2000, half in the past five years alone, according to the Jewish Agency. Immigration from France dropped in 2016 over difficulties faced by new immigrants in finding employment and having their credentials recognized. Israel’s Health Ministry has agreed to recognize French medical degrees. (JTA)

from the hal Sacks Jewish News Archives

July 20, 2007 The Hanger Deck of the USS Harry S. Truman was the scene of a memorable ceremony when a Holocaust Torah was dedicated to the Norfolk-based aircraft carrier. ’

July 18, 1997 Tidewater Jewish Forum announces its ’97–’98 season. Headlining is Hal Linden, performing in concert with members of the Virginia Symphony. Also on the schedule are Rabbi Joseph Telushkin, Peter and Bethany Yarrow and Ken Bode.

July 17, 1987 1987–88 Tidewater Jewish Forum’s expanded series opens September 21 with Violinist Itzhak Perlman.

July 8, 1977 Premier Menachem Begin said Israel is ready to enter into peace talks with the Arabs at Geneva as early as October and would exclude no issue from the negotiating process.

June 1967

SOAR TO NEW HEIGHTS! Move your money to Langley and start earning higher returns today!

19 Month Certificate

1.26% APY

includes IRA certificates!

Open one today

langleyfcu.org

757-827-5328

Limited time only!

Presidents of organizations will meet with representatives of the Jewish Community Council and the Community Relations Committee for the purpose of smoothing out wrinkles in the Community Calendar for the balance of 1967 and for 1968.

July 1, 1957 The Sol Mednick Memorial Library, made possible by a generous contribution from the Mednick family, will be open for use this early fall, it was announced by Julian Rashkind, JCC president.

July 1, 1947 The Norfolk Jewish Community Council’s Youth Program is showing excellent progress. June 4 saw a new high mark set for attendance at the Wednesday night recreational center at Ohef Sholom Temple. An actual count of 78 was made while the boys and girls were occupied with ping-pong, basketball, voice recording, and a quiz. The winner of the quiz was Bernard Ries and runners-up were Alfred Schulwolf and Raymond Gottlieb.

To browse or search the Jewish News Archives, go to www.jewishnewsva.org and click on archives.

*APY=Annual Percentage Yield of 1.26% for a 19-month Certificate or IRA Certificate does not receive Active Rewards bonus Minimum to open a Certificate is $1,000. Minimum to open an IRA Certificate is $500. Dividends compound monthly. Penalty for early withdrawal. Some restrictions apply. Rate subject to change. Federally insured by NCUA.

jewishnewsva.org | July 17, 2017 | Jewish News | 5

S O M A N Y LO O K S .

Israel

Avi Gabbay, ‘Israel’s Macron,’ wants to lead Labor party from the center Andrew Tobin

SO MANY DEALS.

OUR 100TH ANNNIVERSARY SUMMER SALE IS OUR B I G G E S T Y E T.

HUGE MARKDOWNS ON SPRING & SUMMER STYLES

SPORT SHIRTS, POLOS, SWIMWEAR, DENIM, SPORT COATS, SUITS AND MUCH MORE! I N S TO C K M E R C H A N D I S E O N LY. A LT E R AT I O N S AT CO S T. The Palace Shops•Norfolk 306 W. 21st St. 627-6073

Family Owned & Operated Since 1917 TheQualityShops.com

Hilltop East•Virginia Beach 1544 Laskin Rd., Ste. 216 428-8615

ADVERTISE IN 2017–18

GUIDE JewishLiving to

2016

Supplement to Jewish News August 15, 2016

in Tidewater

Guide to Jewish Living in Tidewater

Delivered inside the August 14 Jewish News

6 | Jewish News | July 17, 2017 | jewishnewsva.org

TEL AVIV (JTA) — He’s charismatic. He’s an outsider. And he’s a political centrist. Some have hailed Avi Gabbay, the telecom exec who was elected Monday, July 10 to lead the center-left Labor Party, as Israel’s version of French President Emmanuel Macron, the banker who recently swept to power with an outsider campaign. “Like Macron, Gabbay brings hope,“ says Abraham Diskin, a political science professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. “People are again saying: Here is a new medicine. The old medicine didn’t cure us.” But Israel already has two charismatic, outsider centrists in national politics. Both Yair Lapid and Moshe Kahlon in recent years led new moderate parties to electoral success, though not rule. So what does one more Macron mean for the country? Gabbay (pronounced gab-BYE) successfully courted Labor’s left wing to win the primary. But he is widely viewed as a moderate. He entered politics as a founding member of Kahlon’s center-right Kulanu party, and joined Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing government in 2015. During the campaign, Gabbay was even forced to retract a televised denial that he had previously voted for the ruling Likud party. Labor, like much of the historic Israeli left, is a shell of itself. According to Diskin, Gabbay would now be wise to embrace the centrist label. It is no accident, he says, that Kahlon and Lapid—who led his studiously middle-of-the-road Yesh Atid into the government in 2013—found success far from either political pole. Israel has a long history of successful centrist parties, most notably Ariel Sharon’s Kadima, which won the 2006 election. “Macron knew the center is the best place to be, because most voters are there. That’s how you get political control,” says Diskin. “Or look at [Prime Minister

David] Ben-Gurion. He tried to rule from the center and leave leftist parties out of his government. One of Labor’s biggest problems is that it has forgotten this lesson.” After leading Israel to independence in 1948 and then dominating Israeli politics for three decades, Labor has fallen on hard times. The party’s most recent national election win was 18 years ago,

Israeli politics is highly personalized. So Gabbay’s personality and his character are huge assets.

and opinion polls have showed it ranked just fourth or fifth in size among major parties. Gabbay, 40, is expected to give a much needed popularity boost to his party, at least in the short term. But his wider effect on Israeli politics is less clear. A stronger Labor could actually solidify Netanyahu’s grip on power by siphoning votes from Yesh Atid, the only party polls have shown challenging Likud. Alternatively, some hope Gabbay— whose parents immigrated from Morocco —will help Labor overcome its longstanding image as a bastion of well-to-do Israelis of Ashkenazi, or European Jewish,

Israel descent and attract some of the working-class Mizrahi, or Middle Eastern Jewish, voters who vote for Likud or Kulanu. In that way, he could expand the center left. Gideon Rahat, a political scientist at Hebrew University and a researcher at the Israel Democracy Institute, says Gabbay appeared to have the tools to rebrand his party. “Israeli politics is highly personalized. So Gabbay’s personality and his character are huge assets,” says Rahat. “Maybe more significantly, he’s Mizrahi. He may be able to take some Mizrahi votes not just from Lapid, but also from Kahlon and Netanyahu.” Gabbay grew up in a Jerusalem transit camp, one of eight children, and, after serving in the Intelligence Corps, went on to make millions as the chief executive of Bezeq, Israel’s telecommunications monopoly. In 2015, he helped launch Kulanu and became the environmental

protection minister. But a year later, he quit in protest after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu replaced Defense Minister Moshe Kahlon with the hawkish Avigdor Liberman as part of a political deal. He joined Labor about six months ago. Amid a crowded field, Gabbay made it to the party’s two-man runoff by coming in second to Amir Peretz, 65, a former Labor head and defense minister, who is also Mizrahi. Incumbent Labor chairman Isaac Herzog got the third most votes and threw his support behind Peretz along with most of the Labor establishment. Nevertheless, Gabbay prevailed by winning the hearts of the party’s rank and file. He appeared likable and nonchalant in his many TV appearances and made savvy use of social media. On Sunday, July 9, he shared Peretz’s Facebook post asking the public for helping finding his son’s lost dog. The comradely gesture earned critical last minute coverage and

social media buzz. After Gabbay’s victory, Labor leaders quickly threw their support behind him. Ehud Barak, the party’s most recent prime minister who has hinted at a political comeback, called it a revolution in Labor and said Netanyahu and his allies would be “sweating tonight, with good reason.”

For his part, Diskin predicts Gabbay would do little to redraw the political map. But with some political skill, he says, the newly elected Labor leader might be able to form a government with the two other centrist parties. Then, he says, Israel could have its Macron moment.

Visit us on the web jewishnewsva.org Follow us on Facebook JewishNewsVA

BLOUNT CUSTOM HOMES & REMODELING

Award Winning Homearama Builder LICENSED and INSURED CLASS A GENERAL CONTRACTOR

jewishnewsva.org | July 17, 2017 | Jewish News | 7

Ruth’s

Will

Said a Lot About Her.

What Does Your Will Say About You? As a “pink lady” Ruth Goodman accumulated more hours than any other volunteer at the Norfolk hospital where she greeted visitors. Before she died in 1995,Ruth arranged for a Hampton Roads Community Foundation bequest to forever give good health to the community she and her husband Victor loved. This year 15 students are studying to become physicians, physical therapists, nurses and other medical professionals thanks to scholarships generated by Ruth’s generosity. Many more Goodman Scholars will follow every year. Write your prescription for a better future by ordering a free bequest guide. Learn how easy it is to leave a gift for charity.

www.leaveabequest.org. (757) 622-7951

8 | Jewish News | July 17, 2017 | jewishnewsva.org

education

CRC partners with Cape Henry to offer Israel experience to Virginia educators Alison Bugg

chool may be out for summer, but the business of education takes no vacation. While students bask in their break, administrators prepare for a new year of learning, facility crews repair and refresh buildings and grounds, and teachers continue to develop new and stimulating lesson plans. For one group of Virginia educators this summer, an exciting professional development opportunity will broaden their horizons, as well as enrich and extend the boundaries of their curriculum. Through a public-private partnership with the Community Relations Council (CRC) of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, and with additional financial support from the United Jewish Federation of Richmond, teachers and administrators from seven Virginia schools will travel to Israel to study the cultural, political, and social dynamics of the region. This multicultural experience will

include immersion and interaction with the Israeli Druze, Bedouins, Palestinians, Jews, and Arabs to obtain a better understanding of the varied perspectives regarding the Israeli-Palestinian issue. That understanding will add depth to classroom discussions on the Middle East. “If teachers have first-hand experience in Israeli society, culture, politics, history, and, of course, education, they will be able to speak to and teach both students and their colleagues in a more effective and nuanced manner,” says Robin Mancoll, CRC director. “A lot of things can be taught, but true understanding comes from people-to-people connections and experiences.” During their 10 days in Israel, educators will visit Tel Aviv, Jaffa, Caesarea, Haifa, Jerusalem, and the region near Lake Galilee. The group will also ascend to Mount Bental for a view into Syria, accompanied by a discussion on the geo-political situation on the IsraeliSyrian border.

Participating educators and schools Cape Henry Collegiate Virginia Beach, Virginia Greg Dragas, Upper School history William Fluharty, director, Nexus Global Studies Program; history department chair Karen Mason, Middle School history Collegiate School Richmond, Virginia Brad Cooke, Upper School history Kate Cunningham, Lower School humanities Episcopal School Alexandria, Virginia Timothy Seamans, chaplain, theology teacher

Lakeland High School Suffolk, Virginia India Meissel vice president, National Council for the Social Studies; history department chair Norfolk Academy Norfolk, Virginia Lisa Marie Priddy, Middle School Latin Dr. David Rezelman, Upper School history Norfolk Public Schools Norfolk, Virginia Dr. Elsie Harold-Lans, senior director, Department of Pupil Personnel Services St. Christopher’s School Richmond, Virginia Emmett Carlson, Upper School math Jonathan Piper, Middle School history

The program was envisioned and developed by William Fluharty, director of the Nexus Global Studies program at Cape Henry Collegiate and director emerWilliam Fluharty. itus of the Global Education Benchmark Group. Fluharty collaborated in developing the itinerary, and made connections with private and public schools across the state to offer this opportunity to faculty and administrators. Fluharty believes one of the primary benefits of the program will be how the journey enriches the lessons taught in Virginia classrooms. “Educators participating in this program will gain a depth of knowledge on the challenges in Israel, which will transfer to their students with more engaging personal narratives,” says Fluharty, who will also lead the group through Israel. “I visited Israel for the first time in 2006. Seeing these historic sights and speaking with the people who lived there impacted the way I teach the topic of Israel and Palestine. Whenever a teacher can supplement their knowledge with first-hand experience, the students will be the clear beneficiaries,” says Fluharty. “This program will not only have an immediate impact on the educators’ knowledge, but more importantly will impact the thousands of students these educators teach,” Fluharty says. “The experience will allow educators to see (and teach) current events in the region differently than ever before,” says Mancoll. “With the exposure to Israel’s diverse population, democratic system of government, and complex strategic and societal dilemmas, participants will be able to relate details from their experience to conversations in the classroom. “We know the experience will challenge any preconceived notions that

Anne Phillips’ Couture

EDUCATION participants may have and will promote dialogue, offering multiple perspectives on complex issues,” says Mancoll. Participants will be required to share details of their experience in Israel through published articles and presentations in their communities. As word of this opportunity spreads, the CRC hopes the program will grow and reach more educators. According to Mancoll, “The goal is to run the Virginia trip annually, but in time, invite other states with partnering Jewish communities to participate with us.” “It makes sense for educators and administrators to be engaged in this type of professional development,” adds Fluharty. “Giving them the opportunity to actually see the places they teach about, walk in the footsteps of historical figures, or interact with other teachers and experts in the region will impact the discussions these individuals have with their students, their colleagues, and communities.” “These educators will be able to enhance their curriculum with first hand experiences, and model for students the passion that can develop when immersed in another place and culture,” says Dr. Christopher Garran, head of school at Cape Henry Collegiate. “I am excited that we can offer teachers such a rich professional development experience overseas, and know that those experiences will enhance their teaching and our students’ learning.” Situated at the crossroads of history, religion, and civilization, it may be no surprise that the Middle East has been

L’Shanah Tovah

Educators participating in this program will gain a depth of knowledge on the challenges in Israel, which will transfer to their students with more engaging personal narrative.

Come to the largest ladies boutique in Hampton Roads, representing Joseph Ribkoff, Frank Lyman, Alberto Makali, and many other designers. This dress suits many categories: The Courtroom, Temple, Bar & Bat Mitzvah, or any occasion! Stunning, one-of-a-kind costume jewelry, very well priced. Sizes 2 through 28.

rife with turmoil for generations. Many believe that education serves as the primary tool to ease these tensions, building an appreciation and understanding of the different cultures represented in the State of Israel. This group of Virginia educators, along with those who share their journey in the future, will have a unique perspective to relay to the future global leaders they enrich in their classrooms. “The CRC knows that the best way for someone to ‘get’ Israel is to go there,” says Mancoll. “One can not help but be changed by the experience. They don’t come home with the answers, but with an understanding that the situation is not so easy, and that the majority of those living in the region want peace. “We are sure that participants will come back changed personally and professionally, and the ripples of the experience will be felt for years to come.”

Coming in the

One-on-one attention, if wanted.

4216 Virginia Beach Blvd., Suite 180, Virginia Beach Located at Wayside Village Shops

Mon - Sat • 11 am to 5 pm • 757-431-2888

(or by appointment, including Sundays) Gift certificates available.

Every attorney needs a great

CPA sidekick.

Whether you need a new Robin to your Batman or just some extra backup,

Never Fear - WEC is here. Litigation Support * Business Valuation

Sept. 11 issue. To advertise call 757.965.6100 or email news@ujft.org jewishnewsva.org | July 17, 2017 | Jewish News | 9

Global surges of anti-Semitism Lawyers for Jewish woman in Montana can’t find the neo-Nazi she is suing

awyers for a Jewish woman in Montana say they are unable to track down a neo-Nazi she is suing for launching a harassment campaign against her and her family. Tanya Gersh of Whitefish, Montana announced in April a suit against Andrew Anglin, the founder of the white nationalist website, The Daily Stormer, for revealing her personal information and inflicting “emotional distress.” After a three-month search, Gersh’s lawyers are still trying to find Anglin to deliver the suit. Anglin launched a campaign in December against Gersh after Sherry Spencer of Whitefish, mother of another white supremacist, Richard Spencer, posted an article on Medium targeting Gersh, a real estate agent, over a real estate dispute. The next day, Anglin made a post for his subscribers titled “Jews Targeting

Richard Spencer’s Mother for Harassment and Extortion—TAKE ACTION!” Gersh claims that anonymous internet users harassed her family after Anglin revealed her her home address and phone number, her husband’s business contact information and her son’s Twitter handle. The suit accuses Anglin of invading Gersh’s privacy and violating a Montana anti-intimidation law. The Daily Stormer created a campaign on WeSearchr to pay for Anglin’s legal expenses, raising more than $152,000 in donations from nearly 2,000 contributors. According to The Associated Press, Anglin has yet to reveal his whereabouts to face Gersh’s claim. Gersh’s lawyers from the Southern Poverty Law Center have said that, based off procedure, her suit must be dismissed if Anglin isn’t served a copy of it by July 17. Her team is asking the court for an extended deadline. (JTA)

to or are oads f C h R alt ng Heamptonars i d i v o r P 0 ye n of H Wome over 10

Obstetrics • Gynecology • Urogynecology • Ultrasound Well Woman Exam • MonaLisaTouch® Minimally Invasive Surgery Adolescent Gynecology Visit In-Office Procedures (No incision, No General Anesthesia) Jon Crockford, MD • Holly Puritz, MD Martha Fernandez, MD • Jeffrey Wentworth, MD Giniene Pirkle, MD • Denise Harris-Proctor, MD Kimberly Stockmaster, MD • Mehdi Parva, MD • Kristin Kreider, MD Barbara Kersey, Ph.D • Nancy Sinibaldi, WHNP Charlette King, WHNP • Gayle Smith, CNM Helene Newman, PA-C • Stacey Shearin, CNM, WHNP

10 | Jewish News | July 17, 2017 | jewishnewsva.org

We are delighted to welcome Kristin D. Kreider, MD, FACOG Dr. Kreider is originally from Virginia Beach and is returning to her hometown to practice after serving in the United States Army. She loves taking care of women through their different stages of life and enjoys the diversity in ways she can provide a positive impact in women’s health.

Kempsville: 880 Kempsville Rd., Suite 2200 Chesapeake: 300 Medical Pkwy., Suite 308 Norfolk: 250 West Brambleton Ave., Suite 202

466-6350 www.TheGroupForWomen.com

Global surges of anti-Semitism ADL, religious leaders call on Rex Tillerson to appoint envoy to combat anti-Semitism WASHINGTON ( JTA)—The AntiDefamation League, with the support of religious leaders of various faiths, urged Secretary of State Rex Tillerson to appoint a special envoy to monitor and combat anti-Semitism. The letter asks Tillerson to refill the position, which has been empty since the end of Ira Forman’s term five months ago. Two dozen faith leaders, representing Catholics, Muslims, Protestants, Hindus,

Sikhs, and Jews, signed the letter. It notes that the post was mandated by an act of Congress in 2004, and takes issue with Tillerson’s assertion earlier this month that in lieu of a dedicated envoy, “all diplomats would be educated enough to work against anti-Semitism.” Countering the assertion, the ADL letter says that “concerns about anti-Semitism do not always make it onto the agenda of diplomatic meetings, especially

when many other legitimate and pressing issues require attention. By contrast, when the Special Envoy meets with foreign officials, anti-Semitism is the agenda.” The letter also refers to a letter from March in which 167 members of Congress, Democrats and Republicans, emphasized the need for U.S. global leadership in fighting anti-Semitism.

The ADL also recently created an online petition demanding a special envoy be appointed. The lone staffer in the office monitoring anti-Semitism is currently on a fellowship that was extended recently for 30 days by its sponsor. The fellowship is schedule to conclude at the end of July.

IT’S HERE! DECORUM FURNITURE’S

Jay-Z Jewish lyric spurs concerns from ADL WASHINGTON ( JTA)—The AntiDefamation League expressed concern about a Jay-Z lyric that “Jewish people own all the property in America,” but emphasized that it did not believe that the rapper intended to promote anti-Semitism. “The lyric does seem to play into deepseated anti-Semitic stereotypes about Jews and money,” said an ADL statement. “The idea that Jews ‘own all the property’ in this country and have used credit to financially get ahead are odious and false. Yet, such notions have lingered in society for decades, and we are concerned that this lyric could feed into preconceived notions about Jews and alleged Jewish ‘control’ of the banks and finance.” The song, The Story of O.J., on Jay-Z’s latest album, 4:44, has attracted negative

social media attention for its lyric, “You wanna know what’s more important than throwin’ away money at a strip club? Credit/You ever wonder why Jewish people own all the property in America? This how they did it.” Jay-Z’s defenders say the lyric is typical of his use of exaggerated stereotypes to make broader points about social problems—in this case, counseling African-American empowerment through emulation of Jewish business leaders. “We do not believe it was Jay-Z’s intent to promote anti-Semitism,” the ADL said. “On the contrary, we know that Jay-Z is someone who has used his celebrity in the past to speak out responsibly and forcefully against the evils of racism and anti-Semitism.”

JULY 13TH THRU AUGUST 7TH

% +$150 +$300

ENJOY SAVINGS UP TO

OFF

INSTANT REWARD

On new purchases of $1499 or more

ew York Police are investigating the arson of a minibus decorated in Jewish symbols as a possible hate crime. According to police, someone broke the windows of the bus owned by a Brooklyn artist, Lev “Leviticus” Schieber, and set it on fire last month in Brooklyn’s East Flatbush section, the New York Post reported. Schieber arrived on the scene 30 minutes later. Schieber uses the so-called mitzvah bus as a studio and gallery for his paintings in the Crown Heights neighborhood, as well as at festivals and parades. It was seen in the popular music video I’m a Jew and I’m Proud by singer Benny Friedman. “Any violent act like this doesn’t just

target any specific person or group, it’s against humanity,” Schieber told News 12 Brooklyn. Last summer, the tires on the bus were slashed. Schieber said the bus served as a way for Jewish residents to feel a sense of community. “When we drove around, it made the kids smile and gave people a feeling of Jewish pride,” he told the Post. “It made people perk up a bit, nudged them out of their normal reality for a minute.” Schieber started a GoFundMe campaign to rebuild the bus and quickly raised thousands of dollars. (JTA)

On new purchases of $2899 or more

SECTIONAL SOFA $899

Arson destroys Brooklyn minibus decorated in Jewish symbols

INSTANT REWARD

HUGE SAVINGS ON DINING ROOMS

BEDROOMS DRASTICALLY REDUCED

AND SO MUCH MORE IN STORE! Rewards apply on new purchases made thru August 7, 2017. May not be combined with other promotional offers. Limit one coupon per purchase. Please bring this ad in to redeem. Some exclusions apply. See store for details. Discounts quoted off MSRP.

sophisticated. fun. modern. furniture & the best gift shop in town! 301 West 21st Street, Norfolk, VA 23517 757.623.3100 n www.decorumfurniture.com Monday thru Saturday 10-6 | Thursday & Friday till 8 | Sunday Noon-5

jewishnewsva.org | July 17, 2017 | Jewish News | 11

Nation WWW.VAPerfectsmile.com 984 First Colonial Rd., Virginia Beach, VA 23454

Al Franken learned about justice from his childhood rabbi Curt Schleier

Dental Implants • Snore Guard • Whitening / Zoom 1hr • Night Guards • Cosmetic • Root Canals • Bridges • Crowns • Filling and Sealant • Periodontal • Dentures • Dental Veneers • All your Dental Needs

Free*

R $9 eg. 9.9 9

TAKE HOME WHITENING KIT *Redeemable in absence of dental insurance *After cleaning,x-rays & exam Absent gum disease or cavities.

New Patients only, must present this original ad on first appointment in order to receive a gift. Only one gift per patient.

www.mermaidfactory.com Norfolk • 919A W. 21st Street (757) 233-0733 12 | Jewish News | July 17, 2017 | jewishnewsva.org

Virginia Beach • 510 Laskin Road (757) 963-7700

(JTA)—In February 2015, Sen. Jim Inhofe carried a snowball on to the floor of the Senate to prove global warming did not exist. Everyone knows “it is very, very cold outside,” the Oklahoma Republican said. “Unseasonable.” That, says Al Franken, gave him an idea. “I thought about coming into the chamber with a snowball and just packing it very tight the way we do in Minnesota and throwing it towards Inhofe’s desk,” says Franken, the former comedian and Saturday Night Live writer. “I’d ask him to Al Franken pre-tape [a scene with] his glasses askew. I was thinking of actually taping it for a laugh.” But that’s when the senator in Al Franken took over—the Al Franken who learned to suppress his gag reflex when he was first elected to the Senate in 2008. Instead of being the life of the (Democratic) party, he became a respected policy wonk whose thoughtful and intelligent questioning of folks ranging from Jeff Sessions to Rick Perry went viral and elevated him in the minds of some to a potential 2020 presidential candidate. “No,” he says, “I’m not gonna do that. I’m not going to run for president. I think whoever is president should really want the job. It’s a very hard job and you have to have a real fire in the belly in order to do it.” It’s not the first time Franken, 66, has denied presidential ambitions and it probably won’t be the last. Of course, he was an unlikely senator, too. He tells the story of his metamorphosis from the halls of SNL to the halls of Congress in his latest book, Al Franken: Giant of the Senate. It’s a serious book leavened by humor—a sort of literary dramedy.

Franken grew up in St. Louis Park, a Minneapolis suburb that also was home to Joel and Ethan Coen—they set their film A Serious Man there—and New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman. It was about 25 percent Jewish, which in Minnesota “is the equivalent of a Jewish shtetl,” Franken says. He and his family were members of Temple Israel, a large Reform synagogue. Franken says his father, Joe, “mainly loved the temple for the music and the social aspects. He was an usher. I was not a bar mitzvah, but I was confirmed.” Politically, Joe Franken “was a Jacob Javits Republican,” recalling the liberal GOP senator from New York who served from 1957 to 1981. Franken says his father changed his affiliation to Democrat in 1964 because the Republican presidential nominee, Barry Goldwater, voted against the Civil Rights Act. “We used to watch TV while we ate dinner on tray tables. Huntley-Brinkley. Or Cronkite,” Franken recalls. “We’d watch the civil rights demonstrations and see sheriffs pointing fire hoses and setting dogs on demonstrators. My father would say that no Jew could be for that. We knew exactly what he meant.” According to his campaign biography, Franken and his older brother, Owen, were raised in a two-bedroom, one-bath house. “We had the Holocaust pounded into our heads,” he says. “That was our first lesson in justice. Our rabbi, Rabbi [Max] Shapiro, would say, ‘It’s not enough to be for justice. You have to do justice.’ I think he was quoting Hillel.” Neither of Franken’s parents attended college, so they placed extraordinary emphasis on education for their kids. “When the Russians put Sputnik up and terrified Americans because the

Nation Soviets were ahead of us and had nuclear weapons, my parents marched us into the living room and said ‘you boys are going to study math and science so we can beat the Russians,’” he recalls. Franken made it to Harvard, but ultimately chose comedy over battling the Russkies. He and his writing partner, Tom Davis, worked small comedy clubs before they were hired in 1975 by Lorne Michaels as apprentice writers for the first season of Saturday Night Live. At some point it became clear that Franken was the heir apparent to Michaels. But toward the end of the 1979–80 season, Franken performed a Weekend Update commentary, “A Limo for A Lame-O,” mocking the programming choices of the NBC president, Fred Silverman. According to several histories of the show’s early days, Silverman was not a fan, and soon thereafter denied Michaels’ request to have Franken replace him as producer. Franken and Davis left in a housecleaning by Michaels’ ill-fated successor, Jean Doumanian. Franken returned to the show in 1985, but quit again 10 years later when Norm MacDonald was tapped as the Weekend Update anchor—a seat Franken wanted. There followed some film work and a series of best-selling books of political humor—including Lies and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them: A Fair and Balanced Look at the Right and Rush Limbaugh Is a Big Fat Idiot: And Other Observations—and a three-year stint as an afternoon commentator in Air America, a liberal-leaning radio network he helped found. Franken can’t say exactly when he decided to transition from political commentary to actually running for office—or to do justice, as his rabbi said. But it was precipitated by the death of his mentor, Sen. Paul Wellstone, in a 2002 plane crash while the Minnesota Democrat was campaigning to retain his seat. Franken was angry, too, when Wellstone’s successor, Norm Coleman, described himself only three months into his first term as a “99 percent” improvement over the late Jewish lawmaker. It took awhile for Franken to re-establish residency in Minnesota and form a political action committee, but in 2007, he

threw his hat in the ring against Coleman. (Noting that the three preceding senatorial races featured Jews on both sides—Rudy Boschwitz vs. Wellstone twice, then Wellstone vs. Coleman, Franken quipped, “I don’t think Minnesota is ready for a gentile in this seat.”) Not everyone was pleased by his candidacy. The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, for one, was so sure he’d lose it withheld its support. Not that the Republicans were taking any chances. They started what Franken calls a de-humorizing campaign, treating a joke from the Rush Limbaugh book as fact. Franken had “suggested” that terminally ill elderly people be put in rockets and shot across the Snake River, with pay-per-view revenues going to reduce the debt. “I was getting slammed all over the place,” Franken says. “They [the Republicans] were putting my jokes in the de-humorizer and attacking me for what I did in comedy.” What turned things around? He claims it was his wife of 40-plus years, Franni. “She’d had enough of it,” Franken says, and appeared in a 60-second commercial in which she talked about her own battle with alcoholism, how her husband had stood by her “through thick and thin,” and how she was certain “he’ll always come through for Minnesota.” “A couple of days later we had a debate in a gym, and when Franni entered the room she got a standing ovation.” Still, it was hardly a landslide victory —Franken won by just 312 votes out of 2.9 million cast. He immediately set to work to essentially “de-humorize” himself by coming prepared to all committee and subcommittee meetings. “What surprised me most was how little debate there is,” Franken says. “A lot of legislation gets worked out in offices or conference rooms. Most speeches you give there’s no one out there.” He also was taken back by the toxicity in the Congress, as exemplified by the stated goal of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell: that his “No. 1 priority [was] to see that Obama was a one-term president.”

LOCAL RELATIONSHIPS MATTER MEET:

Paul R. Hernandez

This area is our home and we are committed to supporting it. Our lawyers are actively involved by donating their time to programs that help the community, especially in the schools with young drivers. I am very involved with “End Distracted Driving” spending 20 days a year in the schools educating students about the dangers of using a cell phone while driving. The other major program we work on is “Every 15 Minutes” which highlights how every 15 minutes someone dies in a car crash and helps teens understand the consequences of drinking and driving.

Celebrating 36 years of doing business in Hampton Roads.

“Payday is very forward thinking and is always up on potential changes. We have also been impressed by Payday’s contingency planning. Whenever there is a potential natural disaster in our region, such as a large storm, Payday is proactive and works with our staff to make sure that everyone will be paid without interruption.”

Start a relationship that matters today, call 757-523-0605.

w w w.p ayd ay p ay r o ll.c o m

Comprehensive Payroll Solutions • ACA Compliance and Reporting • HR Support Center Automated Timekeeping • Employee/Applicant Background Screening Labor Law Poster Compliance • Accounting Software Interface • FinFit Employee Loans Pay As You Go Workers Comp Insurance • Payroll Debit Cards • Cobra Administration PD-adC-3 eighths V-Jewish News-Paul Hernandez-022317.indd 1

“I wasn’t shocked that he felt that way,” Franken says of the Kentucky Republican. “I was shocked that he said it out loud. “I remember asking colleagues who’d been there a long time if it was as bad as this 20 years ago, 30 years ago. They said no. When I asked if it had ever been this bad, they said, yes, you know when that [guy] got hit by a cane.” In 1856, Sen. Charles Sumner, a Massachusetts Republican, was beaten by a member of the House of Representatives after giving a lengthy anti-slavery speech. Still, Franken has done his best to

2/23/17 10:59 AM

work with everyone—except Ted Cruz, who the Minnesotan says “makes no effort to be collegial.” “He’s a toxic co-worker, and if you think of the Senate as a workplace with a 100 people, it’s kind of a good idea to get along with others. He doesn’t. He’s the guy who cooks fish in the office microwave.” Franken won re-election in 2014 by a 53–42 percent margin. Keeping his seat, he’s now in a position to really fight the Russians—or at least their election meddling—just like dad wanted all along.

jewishnewsva.org | July 17, 2017 | Jewish News | 13

Summer Styles

Israel

Chief Rabbinate says list of rabbis is not a blacklist Ben Sales

ilbert Eyecare excellence in eyewear

Eyecare NORFOLK

Full scope eyecare including Pediatric Optometry

www.GilbertEyecare.com

220 W. Brambleton • 757-622-0200

VIRGINIA BEACH

1547 Laskin Road • 757-425-0200

Hampton Roads’ leader in eyecare for 45 years!

Largest argest Scooter Selection! BEST PRICE GUARANTEE FREE DELIVERY www.goldentech.com 6059 East Virginia Beach Blvd. Norfolk, VA 23502

757.455-9889

Your Local Authorized Golden Dealer!

14 | Jewish News | July 17, 2017 | jewishnewsva.org

(JTA)—The Israeli Chief Rabbinate says that its list of foreign rabbis has been misconstrued, and that the list does not imply that those rabbis cannot be trusted to vouch for the Jewish identities of their followers. On Saturday, July 8, JTA reported on a list of some 160 rabbis whose efforts to confirm the Jewish identities of immigrants were rejected by Israel’s haredi Orthodox-dominated Chief Rabbinate. In order to get married in Israel, immigrants must provide the rabbinate proof of their Jewish identity, often in the form of a letter from a rabbi in their home community. Rabbis from 24 countries, including the United States and Canada, are on the list. In addition to Reform and Conservative rabbis, the list includes several Orthodox leaders. Itim, the Israeli organization that obtained the list, called it a “blacklist.” But on Tuesday, July 11, Moshe Dagan, the director-general of the rabbinate, said that characterization is misleading. In a letter to the Orthodox Rabbinical Council of America, Dagan wrote that the proof-of-Judaism letters were rejected for a range of reasons, and that the list questioned the documentation, not the individual rabbis. Dagan added that these rejections were sometimes temporary. “The list that was publicized is not a ‘list of unrecognized/unauthorized rabbis,’” Dagan wrote, in Hebrew. Rather, he wrote, it is a list of rabbis whose letters regarding marriage were not recognized by the personal status and conversion division of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel “for whatever reason.” Even though the list contained only the names of rabbis, Dagan wrote in bold type that “it is the documents that were presented which are unrecognized, not the rabbis.” He added that “I am pained by the anguish caused to the respected rabbis who appear on the list, and will do everything I can to minimize the damage as

much as possible and to take care that errors of this kind will not be repeated.” Itim director Seth Farber, who received the list in an email, called Dagan’s clarification “doublespeak” because the list was of rabbis’ names, not problems with documentation. “The letters were signed by rabbis,” he said. “If the problem was the documents, why did the rabbinate send me a list of rabbis names? If the problem was the documents, why didn’t they just try to clear the documents instead of writing ‘no, unacceptable.’” The list comprises rabbis whose letters the rabbinate rejected during 2016. Of 66 U.S. rabbis included on the list, at least one-fifth are Orthodox, while almost all of the rest are Reform or Conservative. Among the Orthodox are Avi Weiss, the liberal Orthodox rabbi from the Riverdale section of New York and Yehoshua Fass, the executive director of Nefesh B’Nefesh, a group that encourages and facilitates American immigration to Israel. In a separate letter, Israeli Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi David Lau’s office apologized to Fass for his inclusion. “[The list’s] intention was not to invalidate rabbis, God forbid, but rather [to invalidate] letters that raised doubts and questions,” wrote Rabbi Rafael Frank, the aide. The letter, also in Hebrew, said Lau “very much appreciates” Fass’ work. The publication of the list comes on the heels of a clash between American Jewish leaders and the Chief Rabbinate over how to determine Jewish identity. In June, Israel’s Cabinet advanced a bill that would give the Chief Rabbinate authority over all official Jewish conversions within Israel. The bill was shelved for six months. The Chief Rabbinate’s distrust of some Orthodox rabbis abroad was seen last year when the rabbinate omitted several prominent Orthodox figures from a list of rabbis it trusts to confirm the authenticity of Jewish conversions. The rabbinate has also rejected the validity of conversions performed by prominent Orthodox rabbis in New York City and Chicago.

Legal Matters

in the Jewish community

Supplement to Jewish News July 17, 2017

LEGA L M ATTE R S

LIVE your life.

LetUS fight your cancer.

First Person

Norfolk Kollel launches campaign to offer Jewish themed CLEs Rabbi Gavriel Rudin

Stuart Goodman

Owner of Goodman & Sons Jewelers Prostate Cancer SURVIVOR

Cancer is now the #1 killer in Virginia.

Be a SURVIVOR. Give US a call. Let US fight your cancer.

s a Jewish educator, I always look for new teaching opportunities. That said, I was recently approached about the idea of offering CLEs (continuing law education courses) through the Norfolk Kollel. My initial reaction was ambivalence. What do CLEs have to do with Jewish learning? What could a Jewish educator’s role be in this area? Still, not one to turn down a teaching opportunity so quickly, I allowed the idea to percolate for several days. The more I thought about it, the more excited I became. While not immediately apparent, of course this was a good fit! Jewish learning is not just about ancient rituals and biblical stories. Jewish learning is about how to live today in 2017, in Tidewater, Virginia. Jewish learning is about accepting the traditions of the past, applying them to the present, and figuring out how to integrate these concepts into our daily lives. Whether a doctor, a lawyer, a candlestick maker, or a rabbi, one should constantly be self-challenging regarding life choices and what God wants from each person, each and every day. Answers to these deep contemplation, lie in the words of the Holy Torah. As the Mishnah says, delve into the words of

Rabbi Gavriel Rudin

the Torah, for everything is in it! What better way to display this, than to offer Jewish themed continuing law education courses? Jewish themed CLEs with The Norfolk Kollel will offer an opportunity to stimulate spiritual and academic minds at the same time. Details on upcoming courses and programs will be announced soon. For more information, or to be added to Norfolk Kollel’s mailing list, e-mail rabbirudin@norfolkkollel.com.

“When I was diagnosed, my doctors said my options were surgery or regular radiation; they didn’t mention proton therapy. I did my own research and decided proton therapy was right for me. I feel great. I didn’t miss a day of work and had no side effects after treatment. I want to thank the Hampton University Proton Therapy Institute for the wonderful treatment I received. We’re fortunate to have them right here in Hampton Roads.” — Stuart Goodman

GUIDE JewishLiving to

2016

Supplement to Jewish News August 15, 2016

in Tidewater

16 | Jewish News | July 17, 2017 | jewishnewsva.org

ADVERTISE IN

2017–18

Guide to Jewish Living in Tidewater Delivered inside the

August 14 Jewish News

LEGA L M ATTE R S Dear Readers,

ho knew one year ago when we scheduled this issue’s Legal Matters that so many legal decisions and arguments would be taking place—in Israel and in the USA? Consider, for example, Israel’s suspension of the Western Wall agreement (page 16) and, its advancement of a controversial conversion bill (page 22). Then there is the article about myriad Jewish groups weighing in on the Supreme Court’s decision on Trump’s travel ban (page 23). Not in this section (because we ran out of room!) is an article on page 14 about the Chief Rabbinate’s blacklist. And, these are just a few of the legal issues and rulings impacting Jews and Israelis this month. In more positive, certainly less devisive news, the article on UJFT’s Society of Professionals offers an update of all that this new group has been up to for the past year. And, Rabbi Gavriel Rudin’s piece on Jewish themed CLEs looks like a thought-provoking opportunity for area attorneys. Always a favorite aspect of this annual section is the profiles of a few attorneys. We hope you find interesting what Daniel Miller, Andy Fox, and David Kushner have to say about their practices and how their Judaism informs their work. Judaism and laws and commandments have a long history…dating back to the Torah…and up to this very minute. We hope you find these articles as informative as we did.

Judith L. RosenbLatt, P.L.L.C. attoRney & CounseLLoR at Law

• Family Law • Divorce • Property Settlement • Child Custody • Estate Administration • Guardian ad Litem for Incapacitated Adults

1206 Laskin Road, Suite 101 • Virginia Beach, Virginia

757-428-6021 • JRosenblatt@jlrlawfirm.com Terri Denison Editor

jewishnewsva.org | July 17, 2017 | Legal Matters | Jewish News | 17

DISCOVER HOW TO PAY FOR

ASSISTED LIVING OR NURSING HOME CARE... without selling your home or leaving your family broke. You’re invited to attend a FREE educational workshop hosted by local elder law attorney Scott Alperin.

REER

Many people fear their life savings maybe wiped out if they end up in nursing care. PROTECT YOUR HARD EARNED ASSETS!

SPACE IS LIMITED TUESDAY July 18

Great Neck Library 1251 Bayne Drive Virginia Beach

YOU’LL LEARN:

2:00PM

• How to avoid having your life savings wiped out by a nursing home spend down. • How the new law restricts protection of assets and the steps you should take now to protect your loved ones. • To include the asset protection language that most people don’t have in their power of attorney documents that can help protect their life savings. • How Medicaid works and the steps you need to take now to protect your family under the new rules. • How to access Veterans Benefits to pay for long term care. • How to find the right Senior Care Facility and what you can expect. • How to make sure your spouse is not financially ruined if you need nursing home care.

Call Now or Visit Our Website to Reserve Your Seats at

TUESDAY August 1

Virginia Beach Central Library 4100 Virginia Beach Blvd.

2:00PM & 6:00PM THURSDAY August 31

Our Lady of Perpetual Help 4560 Princess Anne Rd. Virginia Beach

2:00PM

THURSDAY September 14

Virginia Beach Central Library 4100 Virginia Beach Blvd.

2:00PM & 6:00PM

SCOTT’S FREE WORKSHOP

Please invite your family members and friends to attend with you.

800.955.2514 YOURS FREE!

REFRESHMENTS SERVED

If you cannot attend the workshop, please call and we will mail you a FREE copy of

“Alperin Law’s Family Asset Protection Survival Guide”

500 Viking Drive, Suite 202 Virginia Beach • AlperinLaw.com

Scott N. Alperin

Estate Planning and Elder Law Attorney

18 | Jewish News | Legal Matters | July 17, 2017 | jewishnewsva.org

Netanyahu defends suspending the Western Wall agreement. Here’s how. Ben Sales

FEMINA S

LEGA L M ATTE R S

(JTA)—American Jewish leaders are calling it a betrayal. They say that 17 months after achieving a historic agreement to provide a non-Orthodox space at Judaism’s holiest prayer site, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reneged in a Cabinet vote Sunday, June 25, effectively canceling the deal and caving to the interests of his haredi Orthodox coalition partners. Netanyahu disagrees. Far from killing the compromise, he believes the vote has given it new life. And far from betraying Diaspora Jewry, he says the vote shows his concern for Jews around the world. In a lengthy conversation with a senior Israeli official, JTA was given some insight into Netanyahu’s defense of the vote freezing the 2016 Western Wall agreement: why he did it, what the vote leaves in place and what it means moving forward. The agreement, which was passed by the Cabinet in January 2016, has three components. First is a physical expansion and upgrade of the non-Orthodox prayer section south of the familiar Western Wall plaza. Second is the construction of a shared entrance to the Orthodox and non-Orthodox sections. Third is the creation of a government-appointed, interdenominational Jewish committee to govern the non-Orthodox section. Last month’s decision, the senior official says, leaves in place the physical expansion of the prayer site while suspending the creation of the interdenominational committee. Netanyahu’s haredi partners, the official says, objected to the idea that the committee amounted to state recognition of non-Orthodox Judaism. With the controversy over the committee frozen, the official says, actual building at the site can start unhindered and will be expedited. “The symbolic piece was holding the practical piece hostage,” the official, who

wishes to remain anonymous due to the sensitivity of the issue, says. “What was frozen yesterday was the symbolic part. The practical part of advancing the prayer arrangements, that can now move forward. Regrettably, there are those on both sides who are spinning this as cancellation.” However, several aspects of the project as it stands are murky. It isn’t clear whether the expansion of the site will proceed according to the dimensions outlined in the 2016 agreement. Nor is it clear whether construction will begin on the shared entrance to the site or whether the non-Orthodox space will have a staff, accessible prayer books, and Torah scrolls, as promised in the agreement. The official says that the suspension of the deal is itself a compromise: the haredi parties wanted to cancel the deal altogether, a step he says that Netanyahu was unwilling to take. Freezing the agreement, the official says, allows for continued negotiations to rework it. It also may provide an acceptable answer to the Supreme Court, which is considering a petition to force the government to provide an “appropriate space” for non-Orthodox prayer at the wall. The official adds that “The prime minister takes Israel’s relations with Diaspora Jewry very seriously.” But non-Orthodox leaders are not placated by these assurances. Rabbi Steven Wernick, CEO of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, calls the vote “sleight of hand.” He is treating it as a cancellation of the agreement, given that the agreement had not been implemented nearly a year and a half after being passed. “It’s not really a freeze, it’s a kill,” he says. “It’s already been frozen. It hasn’t been moving for 18 months. We were waiting, and assured by the prime minister that entire time that negotiations were happening and they would get back to us. That hasn’t happened.”

LEGA L M ATTE R S Jewish leaders also call the expansion of the prayer space insufficient. They note that the shared entrance would grant the non-Orthodox space equal standing with the Orthodox section, but the current plan for expanding the space is unknown. “The physical portion of this agreement was far more extensive, including opening the site to the main plaza, making it visible and accessible,” Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, says. “What the government is currently planning to do in no way meets the promises and the details of this agreement.” Anat Hoffman, chairwoman of the Women of the Wall prayer group, whose activism led to negotiations over the wall, also says that any physical expansion of one of the most sensitive sites in the world would take years. Given the delays that have already plagued the process, Hoffman says she is hesitant to trust

assurances from Netanyahu. “We sat for three years in good faith, our group split over this, we paid such a price, how could I possibly believe you?” she recalls telling Tzachi Hanegbi, a government minister and Netanyahu ally. “And now you’re going to compromise over the compromise?” On Tuesday, June 27, at the conclusion of its board of governors’ meetings in Jerusalem, Jewish Agency for Israel Chairman Natan Sharansky urged 200 employees who represent the agency abroad to prepare for criticism of the government’s suspension in the Diaspora. The night before, the Jewish Agency canceled its scheduled gala dinner with Netanyahu over the Cabinet vote. According to a statement, Sharansky urged the emissaries to “listen to expressions of anger and criticism that are being heard in many Jewish communities and bring them to the attention of public

figures and politicians in Israel.” After meeting with the prime minister, Jerry Silverman, CEO of the Jewish Federations of North America, told the Times of Israel that American Jewish groups plan to lobby Israelis to support their concerns about religious pluralism. American Jewish leaders, he says, will also invest more in lobbying Israeli lawmakers. But the Israeli official says that trying

to force change in Israeli religious policy is what leads to acrimony over these issues. Better, he says, to let the laws change gradually and quietly. “So what you have is, you have the status quo: a set of slowly evolving, informal rules,” the official says. “Often you get into trouble when one of the sides tries to formalize something by going to court or by legislation.”

meeting your placeatoryour ours? place or ours?

From simple box lunches at your office to an From simpledinner box lunches at our yourchic office elegant sit-down for 80 in setting, to an elegant sit-down dinner, we provide we provide catering to make your event sing. catering to make your event effortless.

Weddings and Weddings and Bar/Bat Bar/Bat Mitzvah Mitzvah aa specialty specialtywith withus! us! Kosher Capable

Don’t forget our restaurant for breakfast and lunch. Don’t forget our restaurant for breakfast and lunch. Our new autumn menu debuts soon!

Call our Catering at 757.486.0035 Call MattDirector at 757-486-0035 today! today. WellsFargo FargoCenter Center••440 440 Monticello Monticello Ave • Downtown Wells DowntownNorfolk Norfolk

www.EnjoyBite.com

jewishnewsva.org | July 17, 2017 | Legal Matters | Jewish News | 19

LEGA L M ATTE R S P ROF I L E Andrew R. “Andy” Fox Firm: City of Norfolk Speciality: Local government law and administration, employment law, and civil litigation. Education: B.A. Cornell University, M.S.Ed. Old Dominion University, J.D. College of William & Mary Law School. Jewish organizations and involvement: Ohef Sholom Temple board and education committee chair, Community Relations Council steering committee Legislative Affairs vice chair; 2015 Hineini Program graduate Family: Wife Colleen, Daughter Amelia (14), and Son Campbell (11) Favorite Jewish holiday: Passover—I love a good redemption story. Most memorable Jewish milestone/lifecycle event: Daughter Amelia’s Bat Mitzvah in 2016 Most admired Jewish lawmaker: Yitzhak Rabin Personal legal milestone: Having taught real-life lawyering skills, ethics, and civility and served as a mentor to more than 200 law students during my 10 years and counting as an Adjunct Professor of Law at William & Mary Law School.

WE WILL BE THERE FOR YOU

WHEN LIFE CHANGES

Most memorable case: I was assigned very early in my career to assist in the defense of a traumatic brain injury case when a Norfolk City employee struck a pedestrian with his vehicle. The facts were inconclusive as to whether the pedestrian was lawfully crossing the street or had run out in front of the vehicle. The injury was extremely severe and, under Virginia law, a plaintiff who is found to have contributed in even the slightest degree to their injury through their own negligence cannot recover any damages—rendering the stakes in the case very high for both sides. The plaintiff was represented by excellent local lawyers and the City’s lawyers included Alan Rashkind and James A. Cales, III, two of the finest attorneys to ever practice in Virginia. Getting to see first-hand how the case was worked and managed by both

WHAT WE OFFER

sides toward a fair and just settlement was a master class in complex legal strategy

Comprehensive Financial Planning Retirement Income Wealth Management Tax Reduction Strategies Charitable Giving Strategies Estate Tax Minimization Life & Long Term Care Insurance

and tactics. Seeing how Mr. Rashkind treated people—the opposing attorneys, hostile witnesses, his own associates and staff, and his clients—was the truly invaluable lesson. How has an understanding and/or commitment to Jewish values entered

Jonathan Muhlendorf, CFP® President

your decisions or actions as an attorney? I closely equate my duty as an attorney to act ethically with the Jewish tradition of ethical behavior toward others, and also believe that having spent my whole life as a member of relatively small Jewish communities in the South allows me to see things from the view of the outsider or underrepresented minority, which is an important perspective for attorneys who rep-

One Columbus Center, Suite 800, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 Phone: 757-777-3121, jon@envisionwm.com www.envisionwm.com

It is not our position to offer legal or tax advice. Jonathan Muhlendorf is a registered representative of Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp. Securities and investment advisory services offered through Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp.,a broker dealer (member SIPC) and registered investment advisor. Insurance offered through Lincoln affiliates and other fine companies. Envision Wealth Management is not an affiliate of Lincoln Financial Advisors. CRN-1720314-022717

20 | Jewish News | Legal Matters | July 17, 2017 | jewishnewsva.org

resent large organizations.

LEGA L M ATTE R S Achievement Deborah M. Casey was recently elected as Vandeventer Black executive board member for the 2017–2018 term. She is also chair of the law firm’s Community Associations team and is one of only a small number of lawyers in Southeastern Virginia admitted as a Fellow to CAI National’s College of Community Association Lawyers (CCAL). In addition, Casey was recently appointed to the executive committee of the Women’s Cabinet of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater. Among Casey’s other achievements and recognitions are her selection as a Virginia Super Lawyers (since 2010), Top Lawyers of Coastal Virginia, Virginia Legal Elite (since 2013), and her recent selection as a Best Lawyers in America® in Community Association Law. She is a recipient of the Influential Women of Virginia Award, Women in Business Achievement Award, Top 40 Under 40, SEVA-CAI Hall of Fame Award, and SEVA-CAI Distinguished Service Award.

154-20151118-262780

Home Theater • Home Automation • Surveillance & Security Lighting Control • Home Audio/Video • Automated Shade Treatments

Bring the family together over music! Amazing sound with two-channel audio is here to stay. Audiophiles know it. Millennials are coming on board and are enthusiastically seeking out vinyl records wherever they can find them. Let Domes help you bring back the nostalgia of days gone by with state-of-the-art turntables and speakers. Take advantage of this awesome system below.

Package Sale Price - $1499

Pro-Ject Essential III Turntable • NAD C338 Integrated Amp • PSB Imagine XB Speakers Audioquest Q2 Speaker Cables

LEGA L M ATTE R S

Controversial Israeli conversion bill delayed for 6 months Cnaan Liphshiz and Ben Sales

( JTA)—Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shelved a controversial bill that would have made the haredi

Orthodox-dominated Chief Rabbinate the only body authorized by the government to perform conversions in Israel. Netanyahu’s office announced that the legislation will not be considered for six

Family owned and operated since 1917

SouthSide ChApel 5792 Greenwich Road Virginia Beach 757 422-4000

MAeStAS ChApel 1801 Baltic Avenue Virginia Beach 757 428-1112 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

Advance funeral planning Flexible payment plans Financing available

CheSApeAke ChApel 929 S. Battlefield Boulevard Chesapeake 757 482-3311

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

denbigh ChApel 12893 Jefferson Avenue Newport News 757 874-4200

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

RiveRSide ChApel 7415 River Road Newport News 757 245-1525

www.altmeyer.com

Approved by all area Rabbis and Chevrah Kadisha

22 | Jewish News | Legal Matters | July 17, 2017 | jewishnewsva.org

months while a “team” he will appoint comes up with recommendations for an “arrangement” on the issue. The decision comes after an outcry by the Reform and Conservative movements and American Jewish communal organizations, who felt that the bill would impugn the validity of non-Orthodox Judaism. Netanyahu’s coalition partners agreed with his compromise, which keeps the status quo on conversions in place during the six-month delay. Netanyahu also asked Israel’s Supreme Court to put off ruling on the issue during that time. A suit pending before the court seeks government recognition for non-Orthodox conversions performed in Israel. “In effect, the appellants and the Government of Israel agree together to freeze all proceedings, to freeze the appeal to the High Court of Justice on the conversion issue, to freeze Government and Knesset legislation on the conversion issue,” says Netanyahu’s statement. The bill, which had advanced June 25, would grant the Chief Rabbinate a monopoly on conversions performed in Israel. Individuals who convert under Reform, Conservative, and private Orthodox auspices in Israel would not be eligible for citizenship under the Law of Return. The bill would not affect conversions performed outside of Israel. Non-Orthodox movements have long protested the power of the Chief Rabbinate, which holds a monopoly over marriage and divorce in Israel. A rabbinate monopoly over Jewish conversion within Israel ended last year, when a court ruling forced the state to recognize Orthodox conversions performed outside the rabbinate’s purview. The bill would have restored that monopoly, and is the latest front in a decades-long fight over conversion between the rabbinate and non-Orthodox Jews. American Jewish leaders are also protesting the freezing of a compromise to expand a non-Orthodox prayer space at the Western Wall. (See page 18) A source described by Haaretz as

The bill’s critics welcomed Netanyahu’s decision to shelve it.

a “senior official” says that Netanyahu decided to call a cabinet meeting on the conversion bill after receiving harsh warnings from the heads of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. The bill also outraged American Jewish officials, who have said they are weathering calls for a retaliation against Netanyahu’s government. Steve Nasatir, president of the Chicago federation, told the Times of Israel that any lawmaker who votes for the conversion bill is not welcome in his community. The bill’s critics welcomed Netanyahu’s decision to shelve it. The Jewish Agency for Israel, which acts as a liaison between the Israeli government and world Jewry, praised the decision, adding that it hopes the same “spirit of understanding” will extend to the Western Wall controversy. Jerry Silverman, CEO of the Jewish Federations of North America, thanked Netanyahu’s government for acceding to American Jewish concerns, and says he looks forward to reaching a compromise on conversion. “I’m hopeful that the work that will be done will yield results,” Silverman says. “I’m grateful to the prime minister for listening to our feedback from across the federations—all of our community, frankly.” Leaders of the Reform movement also praised the decision, calling it an “important rebuke to the aggressive behavior of the ultra-Orthodox toward diaspora Jewry and the non-Orthodox streams.” “We will continue insisting that the Haredi establishment not have a monopoly over conversion and if necessary, we will not hesitate to go back to the courtroom,” Rabbi Gilad Kariv, CEO of the Israeli Reform movement, and Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, said in a statement. (JTA)

LEGA L M ATTE R S

Jewish groups criticize Supreme Court decision to allow parts of Trump’s travel ban T

he Jewish resettlement agency HIAS and the Anti-Defamation League decried the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to allow parts of President Donald Trump’s travel ban to be enforced. On Monday, June 26, the court said it would hear the appeals of two cases that had resulted from the travel ban, which aimed to keep the citizens from six predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States for 90 days and all refugees for 120 days. The high court agreed to stay parts of rulings that had blocked the ban from being enforced. The partial stay means that foreigners with no U.S. ties could be prohibited from entering the country, but those with ties such as through business or personal relationship would remain unaffected, the New York Times reported. Those who had been to the country previously also could enter. HIAS—formerly known as the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society—is among the plaintiffs suing Trump in one of the cases the Supreme Court agreed to take on. It called the announcement “mixed news” in a statement, praising it for limiting some of the executive order’s reach, but criticizing the court for partially allowing the executive order to be enforced. “HIAS welcomes the ruling as an affirmation that the president does not have unfettered unchecked authority to bar refugees from the United States without evidence to justify such action,” said the group’s CEO and president, Mark Hetfield. “We also welcome the ruling as confirmation that there are limits to the president’s ability to bar non-citizens from the United States based on unsubstantiated presumptions relating only to their nation of birth.” Hetfield criticized the fact that those without such ties could now be barred from entering the United States. “We are very disappointed, however, that others will be arbitrarily excluded,” Hetfield said. “Certainly in the case of

refugees, this order will have a tragic toll on those who have fled for their lives and played by our rules to find refuge in the United States.” HIAS was founded in the 1880s as a resource for newly arrived Jewish immigrants. The Anti-Defamation League, along with its criticism, also praised the court for limiting the scope of the order. “We were pleased that the court appropriately recognized that there are limitations on the president’s authority when it comes to immigration generally,” its national director and CEO, Jonathan Greenblatt, said in a statement. “But the court’s failure to recognize the plight of the world’s most endangered

We are very disappointed, however, that others will be arbitrarily excluded.

refugees—those fleeing countries where their lives are in imminent danger—is profoundly disappointing,” Bend the Arc: Jewish Action sharply criticized the stay that would allow parts of the ban to be enforced, calling it “a deeply harmful decision.” “At a minimum, because of the court’s decision today, we will be betraying a fundamental American and Jewish value by turning away countless individuals who are seeking a better life in our nation, some of them fleeing life-threatening violence,” the group’s CEO, Stosh Cotler, said in a statement. (JTA)

we keep you

MOVING FORWARD

Any attorney will tell you that there is no substitute for experience. Preparing, in every way, is what we have been doing since 1883. At Vandeventer Black LLP, we are experienced in the broad spectrum of business and legal issues facing industries today. Through collaboration across our practices, we are prepared to provide multidimensional insight and advice to keep you moving forward. For more information, visit VanBlackLaw.com.

jewishnewsva.org | July 17, 2017 | Legal Matters | Jewish News | 23

LEGA L M ATTE R S U FFT

Society of Professionals at a glance The desire for networking-focused programs was met during events that gave members an opportunity to learn about the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s mission, as well as chances to connect with fellow professionals.

Jasmine Amitay and Erin Dougherty

he inaugural year of the Society of Professionals exceeded expectations in both opportunities for members and for the Jewish community.

PROFESSIONAL

DIRECTORY UNITED JEWISH FEDERATION OF TIDEWATER

S G

M CO

O O

! N

Beginning with the launch party at 1701, the co-working space located in the up-and-coming ViBe district of Virginia Beach, the newly coined Society of Professionals showcased its plan for the year and built excitement about the upcoming season. Connecting and exchanging ideas continued with Conversations, a panel discussion featuring local Jewish business leaders; a taste of Jewish legal advocacy featuring Kenneth Marcus; networking at Green Flash Brewing; and Pour, a wine tasting held at the Hilton Oceanfront. The Society has also created the new UJFT Professional Directory to continue to cultivate relationships within the business community. Featuring Jewish

professionals, the Professional Directory will offer a platform to promote businesses and connections to causes that UJFT supports. The Society of Professionals has an exciting season planned for the 2018 UJFT Campaign year. Annual events such as Conversations and Pour will return with an added focus on relationship building and networking. Also in the line-up is a new quarterly newsletter. Watch the Jewish News and JewishVa. org/SocietyofProfessionals for more information. To join the Society of Professionals, contact Jasmine Amitay at 757-965-6138 or Erin Dougherty at 757-321-2326.

P ROF I L E Daniel J Miller Firm: The Law Offices of Daniel J Miller Speciality: Focus on traffic defense, criminal defense, family law issues, and medical collections. Education: Norfolk Collegiate High School, Emory University, and Western Michigan University Law School. Jewish organizations and involvement: Past regional secretary B’nai B’rith Youth Organization, past board member of Jewish Community Center, and past co-leader of UJFT Super Sunday Family: Married to wife Amy Cole Miller with two children, Hayden who is 14 years old and Max who is 12. Favorite Jewish holiday: My favorite Jewish holiday is Passover. I love the story and how it brings family together. Most memorable Jewish milestone/lifecycle event: My most memorable Jewish milestone was my bar mitzvah. Most admired Jewish lawmaker: Yitzhak Rabin Personal legal milestone: Passing the Virginia state bar Most memorable case: Defended a father on a false allegation of rape. We proved that the mother fabricated the story and enticed the child to lie. The charges were dismissed and we assisted the father in obtaining sole custody. How has an understanding and/or commitment to Jewish values entered your decisions or actions as an attorney? People that come to our firm for assistance come from all types of backgrounds. Being raised Jewish instilled in me the importance of treating all people equally and fairly.

24 | Jewish News | Legal Matters | July 17, 2017 | jewishnewsva.org

LEGA L M ATTE R S P ROF I L E David A. Kushner

Most admired Jewish lawmaker: Yitzhak Rabin

Firm: Willcox Savage

Personal legal milestone: I have been blessed to practice my entire career at

Speciality: Representing businesses in employment law

Willcox Savage, where my partners are all talented and ethical practitioners.

and fair housing law disputes

Most memorable case: Obtaining a $120,000,000 judgment on behalf of a large

Education: Undergraduate and law degree from the

equipment manufacturer based on the misappropriation of trade secrets by a foreign

University of Virginia

competitor.

Jewish organizations and involvement: Member of

How has an understanding and/or commitment to Jewish values entered

the board of directors for Ohef Sholom Temple and United

your decisions or actions as an attorney? I try to live every day by the Golden

Jewish Federation of Tidewater; Past participant in the Tidewater Couples Project

Rule much as Hillel would have put it: Treat others in business the way you would like

and Hineni.

to be treated. I try to demonstrate to my clients that (1) I am a member of their team

Family: Proud husband of Nichole Arthur Kushner and proud dad to Sloane and Bayla Kushner

and am at least as concerned about their legal challenges (and opportunities) as they are, (2) they can count on me to provide the same counsel to them as I would provide to a family member under similar circumstances, and (3) they can count on me

Favorite Jewish holiday: Purim

to passionately, efficiently, honestly, and cost-effectively help them with their legal

Most memorable Jewish milestone/lifecycle event: Seeing my daughters

challenges.

receive their Hebrew names.

jewishnewsva.org | July 17, 2017 | Legal Matters | Jewish News | 25

26 | Jewish News | Legal Matters | July 17, 2017 | jewishnewsva.org

it’s a wrap Beth Sholom Village installs new officers; is two-thirds of the way toward Honor Campaign goal

Hebrew Academy’s Camp Creation Station: full STEAM ahead! Carin Simon

Joel Rubin

tuart Nachman is well known around Hampton Roads as an accomplished attorney, but in the Jewish community, he is also highly regarded for his long time association with Beth Sholom Village. Now, Nachman is president of the Village, which includes the BergerGoldrich Nursing Home and Terrace Assisted Living Facility. He was installed in June along with Matthew Weinstein, Lawrence Siegel and Bill Halprin as vice presidents, Jay Koosman as secretary, and Neil Friedman, as treasurer. New board members are Alex Pomerantz, Bob Lansing, David Maizel and Amy Gladstein. Nachman, who succeeds Neil Stern as president of the Village, graduated from UNC Chapel Hill with a degree in economics, and from law school at UVa. He becomes the Village’s next leader during the Kahbaid or Honor Campaign. The $3-million being raised, which includes $200,000 from United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, will finance the refurbishment of all 100 resident rooms, including installing individual showers in each bathroom, adding modular equipment for theatre, films, and other presentations to the Pincus Paul Social Hall, renovating all nine corridors and the Home dining room and creating stateof-the-art rehab therapy gyms so patients can resume independent lives faster. “I’m pleased to report that we have raised over $2-million so far from 87 donors who have pledged at least $1,000

Outgoing and incoming Beth Sholom Village presidents Neal Stern and Stuart Nachman.

Marian Ticatch, BSV past president and Theresa Sawyer, benefactor.

to the campaign,” says Steve Suskin, director of Philanthropy. “That’s critical because a minimum $1,000 gift earns a listing in the Village’s Mezuzah Project.” (see article on page 38). Village CEO David Abraham noted in his remarks that long-term care is a challenging industry, and that Beth Sholom Village is working hard to reduce hospital readmissions after rehab. “Our results are great with a readmission rate of 10.3%,” says Abraham. “This places us close to the top percentile ranking, but we must continue to strive for further excellence.”

Paul Terkeltaub, Ron Spindel, Bill Halprin, and Matthew Weinstein.

ith more than 60 years of experience in the world of education, Hebrew Academy of Tidewater decided this year to pilot a one-week summer camp program—Camp Creation Station. This new camp utilized ideas and activities from HAT’s very strong STEAM curriculum (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math). HAT’s creative camp team came together earlier this year. Rabbi Yitzchak Menda, Judaic Studies director, who also runs HAT’s coding and robotics clubs; Rashi Brashevitzky, Judaic teacher and director of Chabad’s Camp Gan Izzy; and Melanie Columbus, HAT’s media specialist, who formerly ran an arts program through MOCA, worked together to create Camp Creation Station. The goals were for the kids to work on open-ended projects utilizing their creativity and STEAM skills, and of course, to have fun. On Monday, June 12, campers arrived and the challenge was set. The students were tasked with putting together a city in which they would design a building, create and paint the background, and build robots to work in the city. Students discovered that they already possessed extensive building experience. Many had been building for years with Legos, sand castles at the beach, and forts at home. They learned, however, that in order to design a building, they would need a design and structural plan. Students were divided into two age groups, grades 1–3 and grades 4–6, and were engaged in a plethora of activities throughout the day. Two HAT seventh grade alumni, Abbey Seeman and Tal Zach, volunteered to assist for the week. Activities included building, art, robotics, swimming, and outside play. During the week, the students also participated in robotics challenges to test their work before creating the final product. Menda says he was thrilled with the program’s outcome. “The camp was amazing, and the kids had a great time. We are

Simeon Arnowitz and Elijah Muhlendorf creating robots.

Nyla Muhlendorf paints her section of the city.

already thinking about ways to advance the program next year. We are hoping to be able to open the camp to the broader community, experiment with different materials, and create an engaging scenario for the students.” The students, Menda says, “did an incredible job problem solving, collaborating and innovating.” By the end of the week, the students had created cities that included a variety of buildings, and even a water park.

jewishnewsva.org | July 17, 2017 | Jewish News | 27

it’s a wrap

Tidewater Hineni! group experiences Israel together Amy Zelenka

n an early Tuesday morning in June, 14 new graduates of the Tidewater Hineni! Leadership Program landed in Israel for the culmination of their two-year program. The 5th UJFT Tom Hofheimer Young Leadership Mission to Israel was underway.

Day 1 The mission began with an opportunity to connect with the land of Israel, as the group planted trees at the Biblical garden of Ne’ot Kedumim. The group then moved to the heart of Tel Aviv, where they heard the voice of Ben Gurion declaring “the establishment of a Jewish state in Eretz-Israel, to be known as the State of Israel.” And so began the start of an amazing whirlwind tour through ancient and recent history, through the present, and into the hope for the future of Israel.

Day 2 From Tel Aviv, the group headed up the coast, stopping at the Tidewater-supported Neve Michael Youth Village in Pardes Hanna. The group toured the campus, as Hava Lavene, the director, described the services provided to the kids, how they got there, some of their (dire) circumstances, and how Neve Michael takes care

of them. “Some people think that it’s a sad place,” she said. “I think it’s a happy, hopeful place. These children are lucky to be here, in a place that nurtures and cares for them, keeps them safe, and meets their needs. It’s terrible that they had to come here, but the alternative to Neve Michael is often times too awful to think about.” Continuing north on the coastal highway, the group arrived at the seaside community of Kiryat Yam. The Tidewater Federation funds a variety of programs and agencies in Kiryat Yam, and the Hofheimer Mission group visited several of them. Beginning at the ORT Levinson High-school where the mission participants and high-school students worked together on an art project which will now hang in the school’s gallery, the group then moved to the Federation-funded JDC Center for Young Adults, where they met with old friends (community members who visited Tidewater last September). After the CYA, the mission visited another Tidewater supported site—the JDC’s Early Childhood Center. Here, the group learned about at-risk families who utilize the center for parenting classes, early intervention assessment and services, and to come together as a community.

Sharon Debb—“Prior to this trip, I considered myself a supporter of Israel, but it was not really based on anything except that it was my duty as a Jewish person to do so. After traveling from desert to city to farm land in relatively short distance, each experience cemented the importance of the existence of this land for the Jewish people. The ever changing landscape of Israel, its history, culture, food (lots of food), and all its complexity has changed Israel from my duty to my passion. It was also great to be able to see the impact Tidewater has made in places like Kiryat Yam, Neve Michael and Pardes Katz. I look forward to being part of the continuing effort to strengthen these communities.”

28 | Jewish News | July 17, 2017 | jewishnewsva.org

Group at Tsfat. Standing: Amy and Andy Gladstein, Jasmine Gilad Amitay, Amy Zelenka, Byron and Amie Harrell, Jeremy Krupnick, Fred Rose, Morgan Bober, Scorr and Sharon Debb, Eric Miller. Seated: Scott Sachs, Scott and Erica Kaplan, and Jillian Reynolds Sachs.

Day 3 At a school in Tsfat, the group visited with young students in a Jewish Agency program called “Youth Futures.” YF is designed for at-risk students (many from poor families) to provide afterschool programming, a structured and safe environment for children who might otherwise find themselves in trouble. The professionals serve as mentors and, in some cases, confidantes to children with troubled home lives. Next stop: the winding alleyways

Scott Debb—“Every experience impacted me in some way, pushing me to refine my identity as a person and as a Jew. We were given twice as much as we could possibly digest in just a week. I saw happiness, sadness, regret, and hope in the various people and places we visited. I have not been able to stop reflecting about the overall experience, and how it was actually just a brief moment in what is the entire journey.” Jillian Reynolds and Scott Sachs—“A spiritual, emotional, physical experience which instilled the belief that Judaism is more of a culture than a religion. Through both chesed, which begins at home, and tikun olam we learned how our efforts will help ensure a wonderful Jewish state for us and future generations.”

of the mystical city of Tsfat. After a brief lesson in Kabbalah and tours of the famous synagogues, the group indulged in a bit of “retail therapy” as they shopped for artwork, Judaica, and lots of beautiful candles. From Israeli art to Israeli wine, the group went for lunch and a tasting at the Galil Winery. The winery was followed by an ATV tour of the Syrian border, where the group learned about the area’s geopolitics—this time with full sound effects, as explosions were heard in the background.

Amy and Andy Gladstein—“All of our expectations for the 2017 Tom Hofheimer Mission to Israel were exceeded! Mission organizers made every minute of the trip count. The incredible places we visited were brought to life through talks with our amazing guide and slate of esteemed speakers. It was warming to witness the impact of the Tidewater Jewish community on many programs. The appreciation of those on the ground, in the trenches, delivering these services was clear. [It] left us with a sense of how our contributions support some of Israel’s most at-risk. We did not expect to return home with such well-developed relationships with 14 of our neighbors right here in Tidewater. We are so grateful that memories of our first trip to Israel will always include members of this very special group.”

it’s a wrap Day 4 The group next headed south toward Jerusalem, stopping along the way at various sites in the Judean hills. On entering Jerusalem, they stopped at Hebrew University to take in a scenic overview of the city and say a Sheheheyanu prayer. After wondering the crowded Friday stalls of the Machne Yehuda market, they checked in at the hotel to prepare for Shabbat at the Kotel, followed by a late dinner and study session with Avraham Infeld.

Day 5 Early in the morning, most found themselves climbing the snake path up Masada to learn the story of the martyrs and discuss the lessons learned from the story. While on Masada, the group encountered a different kind of mission—one it would run into several times over the following days—a group of professional American NFL players, in Israel courtesy of New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft. Masada was followed by floating in the Dead Sea, where the NFL players, including Virginia Beach local Bruce Smith, took photos with some of the Hofheimer participants, during lunch at the hotel. Saturday afternoon, the group toured the Jewish Quarter of the Old City before an early evening study session with Avraham Infeld (Part II), Havdalah, and a late-night Western Wall tunnel tour.

Day 6 The group headed to Har Herzl to learn the Ethiopian Israeli story from Micha

A farewell salute by the ladies, at Lilliyot Restaurant in Tel Aviv. Top Row: Morgan Bober, Amy Gladstein, Amy Harrell. Bottom Row: Sharon Debb, Jillian Reynolds Sachs, and Erica Kaplan.

Feldman. The discussion took place at the Monument to Ethiopians Who Died en Route to Israel. The mission returned to Har Herzl later in the day to discuss the unique aspects of Israel’s largest military cemetery and to pay respects to the fallen soldiers…the “silver platter on which the Jewish state was given,” remarked guide, Zalman Spivak—quoting the poem by Natan Alterman. Entering Yad VaShem to tour “the Jewish people’s living memorial to the Holocaust,” the group was met by guide Hazy Flint, who pointed out particular exhibits and explained their significance within the context of the Holocaust. After the tour, Holocaust educator Rachel Korazim, engaged the group in an interactive exercise asking: Why did the Holocaust take place? For the purposes of the exercise, Korazim asked that the

Jeremy Krupnick—“The Hineni 2017 mission trip has changed me for the better. It has helped me reconnect with a country that I knew I loved, but had forgotten just how much. It’s allowed me to grow closer to 16 people whom I nowconsider to be dear friends. It’s allowed me to come back to our community with a clear focus and purpose, of how I want to improve our community. I cannot thank the Hofheimers enough for sponsoring this mission.” Erica Kaplan—“I have been to Israel before, but never combined with the opportunity to see the impact our local dollars make there. To see the faces of at risk kids

Emerging from the water tunnel of Ir David in Jerusalem: Clockwise from 9 o’clock: Scott Sachs, Fred Rose, Jillian Reynolds Sachs, Zalman Spivak (guide), Morgan Bober, Erica Kaplan, Scott Kaplan, Amie and Byron Harrell, Sharon and Scott Debb, Andy Gladstein, and Amy Gladstein in the middle.

“answers” be viewed through the lenses of ultra-orthodox and secular ideologies in the 1940s and 50s. Next was a special briefing at JDC headquarters in Jerusalem. The conversation moved from country to country, throughout Europe with emphasis on Tidewater-funded programs in Hungary and Romania.

Day 7 The mission’s final day began with an archaeological tour of the City of David, after which the group came “full-circle,” back to Tel Aviv, stopping en route to visit the Federation’s Project Renewal Community at Pardes Katz. The group toured the Matnas, taking pride in the plaques and banners gracing the walls of the building, recognizing the support of the Tidewater community and

performing for us, knowing that we help to fund the program that allows them to be at the community center in Pardes Katz, was priceless. I loved sharing this with my friends from Tidewater and seeing the impact it had on everyone and especially the first timers to Israel.” Fred Rose—“The opportunity to participate in the 2017 Hofheimer mission trip to Israel was an emotional and spiritual adventure, which I will remember for years to come. Traveling the majestic country with peers from Hampton Roads created a unique experience where we immersed ourselves in the culture, formed lasting friendships, and of course enjoyed the awesome Israeli cuisine.”

individual Tidewater donors. Before leaving Pardes Katz, the group was treated to an amazing performance by students in the Matnas’ music program. Next stop was the Tidewater-funded JDC Center for Independent Living in Tel Aviv, where the group met director Roie Rothman and some of the Center’s members—adults with disabilities—who spoke eloquently about the lifeline that the CIL has become for people who would otherwise be isolated, lonely, and on the fringes. Because of CIL, they have a community, access to classes, information, advocacy, and many other value added services. After a group discussion, reviewing the length and breadth of the mission, the group departed for a farewell dinner and then the airport, for an interesting check-in experience and a smooth flight home.

Eric Miller—“Hineni 2017 was my sixth time in Israel. It was great re-connecting with friends I have made there, as well as spending time with the other participants. Not only knowing, but seeing the positive impact Tidewater makes throughout the state of Israel makes me glad to be part of our community. I hope everyone reading about our trip is able to visit Israel one day and experience what we did.”

jewishnewsva.org | July 17, 2017 | Jewish News | 29

it’s a wrap

Presidents’ Cup Golf Tournament refreshed and re-energized Erin Dougherty

he Simon Family JCC’s 7th Annual Presidents’ Cup Golf tournament was transformed this year after inclement weather arrived on tournament day. Instead of an all-day golfing affair, players and their guests were invited to join the JCC and honor its past presidents on the Plume Patio at Grain, located on the fifth floor of the Main in downtown Norfolk. The celebration, renamed The 19th Hole, featured live music, drinks, and light bites, as well as a hole-in-one tournament and the annual Presidents’ Cup raffles. Guests mingled and chatted about their own past histories as presidents of the Simon Family JCC. Gene Ross, whose term was 2000–2002, attended with his wife, Sharon. “It was wonderful connecting with my fellow former presidents and honoring the work they have all done for our community,” Ross says. Other presidents in attendance included Lonny Sarfan (1996–1998), Laura Gross (2004–2006), John Strelitz (2004–2006), and Sandra Porter Leon (2010–2012). Since the inception of the Presidents’

Cup, more than $270,000 has been raised to support children and family programming at the Simon Family JCC. This kind of support helps the JCC provide scholarships for JCC Camp and Camp Yachad, scholarships to the Kids’ Connection School Enrichment program, and a plethora of other opportunities for children and families to be able to participate in the vibrant culture created by the JCC.

Tom Cannone, Mike and Inita Gregory, and Chris and Jeff Mabe.

Miles and Sandra Porter Leon and Gwen and Seth Gilbert.

Gene Ross, Fred and Laura Gross and Sharon Ross.

30 | Jewish News | July 17, 2017 | jewishnewsva.org

Steve Losasso, Christine Montagna, Katereyna Radinka, Ryan Henry, Angelica Campomanes, and John Strelitz.

l-N ew al

it’s a wrap

19th Hole The Simon Family Jewish Community Center’s professional staff, members, and community leaders thank the Spotlight on Arts & Community donors for their passion, vision, and continued support. Catherine and Ethan Heben Corporate Sponsors Platinum Palms Associates Gold Old Point National Bank Silver Beth Sholom Village Bronze Gold Key PHR Jewish Family Services Mini Price Storage Sandler Center for the Performing Arts Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Streco Fibres, Inc Trident Civil United Property Associates Virginia Arts Festival Friend Hercules Fence Michael E Barney Arlene & Ralph Soussan Stephanie & Jeff Saunders

Individual Donors Leah Abrams Cindy Arocho Marilyn Ashe Patricia and Avraham Ashkenazi Nancy Bangel and Mark Robbins Babbi and Brad Bangel Mark Barr Dolores and Alan Bartel Joan and Al Benas Paula and Michael Blachman Wendy Brodsky Marilyn and Stewart Buxbaum Stephanie and Don London Calliott Mileann Cintron Bettie Minette and Charles Cooper Heather Deanes Harriet and Stanwood Dickman Lisa Ehrich and Robert Berstein Judith Eichelbaum Lois and Barry Einhorn Marty and Susan Einhorn Alan and Esther Fleder* Foundation Anne and Lawrence Fleder Helen G Gifford* Foundation Leslie Friedman Lori and Michael Glasser Anna and Edward Goldenberg Glenda and Lewis Greenhouse Laura and Fred Gross Harold Grinspoon Foundation Laura and Fred Gross Jerri Jo and Bill Halprin

Muriel Hecht Marcia Hofheimer Kathy and Jerry Kantor Mimi and Warren Karesh Betsy and Ed Karotkin Debra and Don Keeling Jodi and Jay Klebanoff Ronnie Jane and Stephen Konikoff Anne and Edward Kramer Allison J. Lantz Fern and Larry Leibowitz Arnold Leon Sandra Porter and Miles Leon Lisa and David Leon Betty Ann and Scott Levin Eleanor and Paul Lipkin Karen and Rick Lombart Jerry Meltsner Ellen Sue and Joe Mersel Jeanne and Julius Miller Marcia and Burton Moss Stacie and Marc Moss Carole and Aaron Peck Alex Pomerantz Elinore Porter Jonathan Preiser Dana and Jeff Rosen Rose and Kurt Rosenbach Nancy and Chuck Rosenblatt Barbara Rosenblum Judy and Robert Rubin Sara and Joel Rubin Linda and Stanley Samuels Terri and Leon Sarfan Laurie and Richard Saunders Stephanie and Jeff Saunders Lynn Schoenbaum Alfred Schulwolf Miriam and Robert Seeherman Sandy and Norman Sher Leslie and Michael Shroyer Leslie and Lawrence Siegel Edward James Soltz Arlene and Ralph Soussan Lawrence Steingold Arlene Strelitz Rebecca and Jeffrey Tall Sara and Aaron Trub Lisa and Steve Warsof Michelle Waterman Harriet White Dorothy Zimmerman Rebecca Zimmerman and Eric Friedman

MON • WED • FRI | 6 - 7AM | REGISTER TODAY! Packed with fun and energizing activities, this indoor/outdoor program offers a mix of fitness instruction, nutritional guidance, and motivational training to help you reach your fitness goals. Whether you want to lose weight, increase your energy levels, become more physically active, or simply try something new, this program is for you!

All Levels • Limited Class Size • Includes accountability check-ins

$99/month

$60/month for JCC Members

To register, visit the JCC Customer Service Desk or call 757-321-2338. For more info, contact Tom Purcell at tpurcell@simonfamilyjcc.org or 757-321-2310.

Get your first class FREE when you bring in this ad. jewishnewsva.org | July 17, 2017 | Jewish News | 31

it’s a wrap

what’s happening

Holocaust studies at BINA

Get to know Elon Gold. You’ll be glad you did. Laughter on the Lawn: Thursday, August 3, Simon Family JCC Erin Dougherty

peaking with Elon Gold is like talking to a funny friend. Only he’s funnier. Jewish News recently caught up with him via telephone as he’s gearing up for his 11th year at the Montreal Just for Laughs Festival. He spoke about how he got into comedy, being an observant Jew, and his upcoming performance at the Simon Family JCC.

Ellie Brooke and Deb Segaloff showcase the Holocaust Commission’s What We Carry program.

llie Brooke and Deb Segaloff visited BINA High School to present the Holocaust Commission’s What We Carry program to students on Friday, June 9. The women presented the story of David Katz, a Holocaust survivor of blessed memory. This program was the culmination of the Holocaust class the girls at BINA High School took under the direction of Rachelli Tessler. The students also completed their final Holocaust projects during that last week of school. Demonstrating different aspects of life during the Holocaust prompted interesting views of art, music, and children in the girls’ projects. Learning about the Holocaust was a strong addition to BINA’s already rigorous curriculum, strengthened the girls’ faith, and reinforced their commitment to their Jewish heritage.

An example of art about the Holocaust by Tye Hilel and Mattie Lefcoe.

Visit us on the web jewishnewsva.org Follow us on Facebook JewishNewsVA 32 | Jewish News | July 17, 2017 | jewishnewsva.org

Jewish News: How did you first get into comedy? Elon Gold: I was 13 and I started doing impressions of teachers and my rabbi; it was fun and rewarding and satisfying to hear the laughs. It got to the point where my teachers were calling me up to the front of the class to perform these impressions. I love the process of writing and then performing. When I was a junior at Yeshiva University, I went to the Comic Strip in NYC and did my first stand-up set, where I followed a then unknown Adam Sandler. I remember saying to myself, “if this doesn’t go well, I’ll never do it again” and I ended up having a great first set. It was just one of those lucky first sets. So through college at BU (Boston University), I kept performing. I would go up and down the coast performing, including gigs at colleges. Even though I was an economics major, partly for my parents and partly because I was interested in economics, I thought, I’m sticking with this. Once you get the comedy bug, that’s it. And my parents noticed I was doing well and were very encouraging. I was doing comedy, I got married very young, at 23. Still married, four kids. We just celebrated our 23rd anniversary. JN: Were did you meet your wife? EG: We met at the sweet 16 party of a mutual friend. I went to Westchester Day School and she went to another school in Westchester. When we met, I was head over heels and that night, I said, “I’m going to marry that girl.” I was actually turning 16 the next day. I told her and she was like, whatever. We were best friends for about six months and she woke up one day and was like, oh, you’re kind of cute.

JN: You’ve been in a variety of roles within the entertainment industry. Is stand-up the most rewarding? EG: I’ve done TV shows, screen-tested for SNL, been featured at Just for Laughs 11 times and on the Tonight Show 10 times. Acting is easier, but there’s nothing more fulfilling than stand-up. But acting is just so fun. Once you’ve memorized your lines, which is the hard part, the actual “work” is fun. I was in Israel for three weeks recently playing a gay father on the web series, Bar Mitzvah. It was so fun completely losing myself in this role and being that character and that person. I kind of played it as a gay Woody Allen. Like I said, the acting is the fun part. JN: Did your comedy start with a Judaic focus? EG: Not at all. My whole first act was doing impressions of comedians with material I would write for them in their voice. I was even billed as “the comic who does the comics.” I would do impressions of my favorite comedians like Howie Mendel, Dice, Gilbert Gottfried, and Steven Wright. And then I started finding my own voice. It wasn’t until 10 years in or so that I started focusing in on the Jewish stuff. And then I really started paying attention. I live a very Jewish life; I observe Shabbos, my kids are in day school, I do all the holidays and as a comedian, the observational eye is always aware. So when you’re sitting at a Seder and notice that you can throw up on a Seder plate and no one would notice, you now have that joke you were able to find because you’re living a very Jewish life. I was making these observations, but then I had nowhere to share it. I thought, if I share this on a Netflix special, a lot of people won’t get it so I developed this other act for my people. For a decade I had

what’s happening been building this traditional act, and now I think my Jewish act is even funnier than my non-Jewish act. When you go really deep and connect with people, it’s fun for everyone because the whole point of stand-up is to connect and relate to an audience. I can do that with all audiences, but with Jewish audiences, it’s on a much deeper level. I’m able to mock, in a fun way, this life I love so much. I’m always surprised at the reaction of non-Jews to my Jewish act. When I read that non-Jews like it or they share my Christmas tree bit millions of times across the world, I’m excited it can reach them, too. JN: You’ve performed at AIPAC and Stand With Us. Is the message to support Israel important to you? EG: I love performing for my people and for great causes and what’s a better cause than Israel? There are so many great organizations like AIPAC, Stand With Us, and Birthright, that I love to support however

I can. I do all of the Stand with Us events. This will be the 11th year that I’m emceeing their annual gala in December. With AIPAC, I performed for 15,000 people at the Verizon Center. It was the most people I’ve performed for and it was amazing. JN: How does being an observant Jew factor into your life in the entertainment industry? EG: I’ve carved this niche of being the go-to Jew at Jewish events, so those are never on Shabbat. As far as my acting, it can be tough. When I was working on Bones, where I was in a recurring role, they asked me to continue on for another episode, but it was filming on Friday night. I wasn’t able to work, so I was written out. It was very upsetting. There have been times when I’m the producer or star of a project and I’m able to control when we film. And even when I’m not producing, there are moments when it’s not an obstacle. When I was a co-star on Stacked, created

Birthday Parties

by Steve Levitan of Modern Family, I told him I couldn’t film on Friday nights and he said I had to explain to my co-star, Pam Anderson, why we couldn’t film on Friday. When I met with her, she said, “Of course! I love Shabbat. I had Shabbat dinner with my friend last week. Let’s do Thursdays.” JN: What has been your most proud moment in your career? EG: My Netflix special, Chosen and Taken, and I love it, but that’s not my Jewish act. I’m hopeful my current tour, Elon Gold: Pro-Semite, which is a really Jewish themed act is also able to be featured on a platform like Netflix. You know, it’s challenging to constantly feed two acts. It’s like, having to feed one child is hard enough, let alone two. And then I have four actual kids. So I have four actual kids and two comedy kids to feed and that can be hard, but it’s still rewarding.

Elon Gold

JN: What are most excited about with your stop in Tidewater? EG: I’m very good friends with David Tessler and he has said great things about the Tidewater Jewish community. I go where they want me and when you hear it’s a nice Jewish community, I want to be a part of that. Catch Elon Gold: Pro-Semite at Laughter on the Lawn at the Simon Family JCC. To RSVP or donate to this community-funded event, visit www.laughteronthelawn.gr8.com.

Reserve Your Party Today!

Reserve Your 2-hour Party Package: 6 Climbers for $180

Trails are designed for climbers of all skill levels beginner to expert Everyone (ages 5 - adult) can find their perfect adventure! Additional Guests are $30/each

Bring the Gang and We’ll Make it an Adventure! Our party host greets and helps you settle at a table for your celebration Our team provides harnessing and instruction before guests start their climb Every climber gets a goodie bag filled with Adventure Park swag The Guest of Honor receives a FREE Adventure Park t-shirt

The Adventure Park at Virginia Beach Aquarium 801 General Booth Blvd. Virginia Beach, VA 23451 (757) 385-4947 www.ClimbVB.com

jewishnewsva.org | July 17, 2017 | Jewish News | 33

what’s happening

Calendar

Vintage Jewish fashion photography on display next month August, Leon Family Art Gallery

August 3, Thursday Comedian Elon Gold at the Simon Family JCC. 6:30 pm. Free. To support this event or RSVP, visit laughteronthelawn.gr8.com or call Erin Dougherty at 757-321-2326. See page 32.

Vintage Jewish fashion photography exhibit from the collection of Beit Hatfutsot, The Museum of the Jewish People in Tel Aviv, and the Bernard H. and Miriam Oster Visual Documentation Center, will be on display in the Leon Family Art Gallery in August. Traditional costumes and other ensembles from Jewish communities throughout Israel, Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, as well as European Jewish school and sports uniforms, festive dress, Israeli labor clothing, and a famous Israeli fashion brand are showcased in the exhibit. This photo exhibit of Jewish fashion in the 20th century represents only a fraction of the museum’s vast collection of more than 400,000 black and white images depicting Jewish history, heritage, and communal life. It is part of an initiative by Beit Hatfutsot to offer Jewish institutions and organizations ready-made curated photo displays to reinforce and build worldwide connections. Beit Hatfutsot is dedicated to telling the entire story of the Jewish people, on site in Israel, online, and around the world, through exhibits, innovative technology, and creative programming. The Bernard H. and Miriam Oster Visual Documentation Center also systematically collects photographs and films documenting Jewish life, heritage, and history throughout the centuries.

July 26, Wednesday and July 27, Thursday Holocaust Commission of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s Biennial Educators’ Conference. Call 757-965-6125, email info@holocaustcommission.org or visit www.jewishva. org/holocaust-educator-conferences for more information, or to register.

August 13, Sunday Brith Sholom’s Club Fifty Dinner & Dance for members married 50 years or more. Free for couples married 50 or more years. All other members, $10 each; guests, $20. 5:30 pm. Comedienne Susan Sussman will entertain. Beth Sholom Village. Contact LeeAnne Mallory at 757-461-1150 or email Brith.Sholom1@hrcoxmail.com. August 18, Friday JCC and YAD End of Summer Shabbat Dinner and Pool Party at the Simon Family JCC outdoor pool. At this fun, pool side Shabbat dinner, there will be adult and kid-friendly games, as well as a Surf ’n’ Slide and Pool Pong. Fun starts at 5 pm. For more information, contact Jasmine Amitay at 757-965-6138 or jamitay@ujft.org. September 17, Sunday Jane Gardner shares her positive message and the importance of patient advocacy as a cancer survivor. 2 pm at Chrysler Museum. Presented by Jewish Family Service, WHRO, Chrysler Museum and EVMS. www.jfshamptonroads.org. Send submissions for calendar to news@ujft.org. Be sure to note “calendar” in the subject. Include date, event name, sponsor, address, time, cost and phone.

Ella Gettel with her two-year-old daughter, Lotte, Berlin, Germany, 1911 Beit Hatfutsot, The Oster Visual Documentation Center, courtesy of Aviva Annie Wolf.

If you would build a school… If you would build a school to stand For all that’s good in this great land, For whose ideals we’ve fought and died, A school that gives all hope and pride, Then ere you start you’ll realize The simple truth before your eyes: The lamps that lend it brightness, light, The girders giving strength and height Are not the kind that you can see And yet without them schools can’t be. On firm foundations it must rest To reap the harvest of the best; But on the ground seek not the base Nor high above it seek its face– – – You’ll find foundations built on yearning For knowledge, growth, and love of learning; It stands through those who love to teach And eager minds that outward reach, And when you closely do inspect You’ll see its strength in deep respect That intertwines through those who share, Who listen, learn, who love, who care.

Fashion Layout vertical additional.indd 4

Beit Hatfutsot appreciates any assistance in acquiring additional materials for their collections. The call is open to contribute historical photographs and films to ensure that memorabilia is available to the public for generations to come. For more information, visit dbs.bh.org.il.

11/05/2017 15:36:28

Erika and Conrad Peterkowski, Bresslau, Germany, 1905. Beit Hatfutsot, The Oster Visual Documentation Center, courtesy of Hayah Cohen

—Abbott Saks 34 | Jewish News | July 17, 2017 | jewishnewsva.org

Fashion Layout vertical additional.indd 8

11/05/2017 15:36:49

who knew?

Oslo, Bette Midler and Ben Platt take Tony Awards

slo, a play about the 1993 Oslo Accords, won the Tony Award for best new play and its Jewish lead actor, Michael Aronov, was recognized as best featured actor in a play. Bette Midler, the veteran Jewish actress and singer, won for best actress in a musical for Hello Dolly as Broadway handed out its highest honors Sunday, June 11 in New York. Oslo, a J.T. Rogers play in which Israeli and Palestinian negotiators struggle to hammer out a peace deal, received rave reviews for turning a complicated history into a fast, entertaining three hours. Aronov played Uri Savir, an Israeli negotiator in the 1990s talks. The musical Dear Evan Hansen, about a boy who gets caught up in a lie after the death of a classmate, was named best new musical and led the way with six Tonys, including for its star, the Jewish actor Ben Platt, as best actor in a musical, and Rachel Bay Jones for best featured actress. Benji Pasek, who is Jewish, and Justin Paul also won for best book, best

orchestrations and best original score. Rebecca Teichman won best director for Indecent, which recounts the bumpy journey to Broadway of Sholem Asch’s controversial Yiddish play God of Vengeance.

Gal Gadot ranked most popular actor on social media

al Gadot, the Israeli star of the film Wonder Woman, rose to No. 1 on The Hollywood Reporter’s Top Actors list. Gadot moved up Gal Gadot from No. 4 in the ranking of the most popular actors on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and Google Plus. The last tracking week ended June 20, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Gadot, 32, has become an international sensation since Wonder Woman premiered, but she has been a household name in Israel since winning the Miss Israel pageant in 2004 at 18. (JTA)

MEDITERRANEAN SALAD greens, shrimp, artichoke, mushrooms, radishes, feta, pepperoncini, sardine, white anchovy, beets, tomato, cucumber, chickpeas, egg, fresh herbs, red wine.

1-YEAR OPEN ENROLLMENT in Sunday Learning PreK-5th

mazel tov to

Beth Sholom Village At its annual meeting on June 21 (see article on page 27), Beth Sholom Village honored several employees who have been with the organization for 30 or more years. They include: Carolyn Tolman, Lana Chapman, Carolyn Dukes and Mary Parker. Mazel Tov submissions should be emailed to news@ujft.org with Mazel Tov in the subject line. Achievements, B’nai Mitzvot, births, engagements and weddings are appropriate simchas to announce. Photos must be at least 300k. Include a daytime phone for questions. There is no fee.

i It’s T

Do you want your child to experience a Reform Jewish community who learns by doing?

OST’s 1-Year Open Enrollment plan welcomes independent households who are not general members of any other synagogue.

e to nroll E

530 Raleigh Ave, Norfolk, VA 23507 P: (757)-625-4295 • ohefsholom.org

jewishnewsva.org | July 17, 2017 | Jewish News | 35

obituaries Charles H. Dechter Virginia Beach—Charles H. Dechter, 100, passed away at home on Sunday, June 25, 2017 accompanied by his daughters Lisa Dechter Spiegel and Aimée Dechter, son-in-law David Spiegel, and caregivers, Sabrina Dixon and Sherin Douzart. Charles lived most of his life in Brooklyn, N.Y., where he was a CPA. He retired in his 80s and eventually moved to Virginia Beach to be near his family. He was a kind and jovial man who loved all whose paths he crossed, especially his family and friends, and a team of compassionate people who supported him in the last chapter of his life. Charles was predeceased by his parents, Mollie Dechter Goldstein and Herschel Dechter; wife of 57 years, Deborah Harnick Dechter; sister, Shirley Eventoff; and brothers-in-law Samuel Eventoff and Robert Huber. In addition to his daughters and son-in-law, Charles is survived by his granddaughters, Ariana and Alexandra Spiegel, nieces and nephew, sister-in-law, Miriam Huber, and chosen family members, David and Patricia Jones and Joan Goldberg. A memorial service was conducted at Ohef Sholom Temple with Rabbi Rosalin Mandelberg officiating. H. D. Oliver Funeral Apts. Online condolences may be offered to the family through www. hdoliver.com. Joseph Sackler Goodstein Norfolk—Joseph Sackler Goodstein, 87, died peacefully at his home on July 1, 2017.

Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., he was the son of Hilda and Louis Goodstein. He is survived by his “bride” of 62 years, Joan Hyman Goodstein; his beloved children Jeffrey Richard Goodstein (Cary), Mark David Goodstein (Ashley), Ronald Charles Goodstein and Renee G. Solandz (Lenny), as well as the loves of his life, grandchildren Grayson, Chesley, Lindsey and Sam, Alex, Matthew, Madison and Justin. He reveled in the love of his family. He also cherished his many nieces, nephews, and friends. If someone was in need of a pal—Joe was it! Joe, always a resilient entrepreneur, was the owner of ELJO’S clothing store in Richmond, and Zachary’s in Norfolk, dabbled in real estate, and even owned a race horse. To him, life was a challenge and he met each new venture with determination. He loved life as long as his “Poochie” was by his side. He was a member of Temple Israel of Norfolk and Temple Beth-El of Richmond, the Romeos, and many charitable organizations. He was a patriotic veteran and stood up for all people, praying for the day all of us would get along. Funeral services were held at Bliley Funeral Home in Richmond, Va. Donations to a charity of choice. Rebecca Rosenberg Rubin NORFOLK—Rebecca Rosenberg Rubin, 90, was born in Cuba in 1927 and died peacefully Thursday, June 29, 2017. She is survived by her son, Dr. Burt Rubin of Norfolk, and Ann Rodgers of Nags Head, N.C.; her daughter, Lisa Maki and her husband, Alan of Lunenburg,

“A Sensitive Alternative®”  

 

100% Service Appreciation, Commitment Guarantee Courtesy After Hours Drop Off Room and Private Pet Viewing Available Specialty Urns Available to Preserve Your Pet’s Memory Equine and Large Pet Services Now offering gentle and environmentally friendly Alkaline Hydrolysis! “Water-based Cremation”

Owner, A. Neal Kellum

Pet Cremation Services of Tidewater

757-340-0016

MA; and a step-brother, Jackie Rosenberg and his wife, Merci of Miami, Fla. Rebecca moved from Cuba to New York at the age of 18 where she met her late husband, Stewart “Steve” Rubin. She had careers in retail, management, and as a medical seminar coordinator. Since 1984, Rebecca and Steve vacationed in Nags Head, and New England, and in retirement, traveled to Europe, and vacationed in Cancun four weeks per year, developing life-long friendships wherever they went. Rebecca was always quick to smile and laugh, encouraging everyone to jump in and enjoy all of life’s gifts. She loved planning parties and gatherings for friends and family. She enjoyed trips to the opera and theater, and was an amazing knitter, cook, and would dance anytime the music played. She liked getting her hair and nails done and looking her best every day. She was generous and warm, welcoming everyone to sit and chat, always seeing the good in everyone. Her friends and family may celebrate her wonderful life privately in their hearts. Online condolences may be offered to her family through www.hdoliver.com. Tom Russel Norfolk—Thomas Gilbert Russel, 70, died May 25, 2017, at his home. He was born in Philadelphia, the eldest child of Chester and Sally (Mendenhall) Russel. He was educated in the public schools of Catonsville, Md., and received his Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Illinois Institute of Technology in 1969. He received a Master in Business Administration and Master of Public Administration from Golden Gate University. On October 21, 1979, he married Paula (Luther) Silver in Norfolk. In his youth, Tom was employed as a lifeguard and police officer. After college, he worked for Stuart-Warner Corporation in Chicago for a few years, and in 1973, joined the NOAA Commissioned Corps. He served for almost a decade aboard NOAA Ship Mt. Mitchell. In 1981, Tom began a new career as a civil service engineer at the St. Julian’s Creek Annex of the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, where he worked until his

retirement in 2010. Tom was a member of Temple Sinai in Portsmouth, serving as its treasurer for 17 years, and served as both a Jewish and humanist chaplain for the Portsmouth Police Department. After retirement, Tom became an enthusiastic volunteer for Project Lifesaver and the Virginia Medical Reserve Corp. He was also an active member of the Hampton Roads Amateur Radio Club and the Tidewater Society for Science and Reason. Tom was exceedingly generous with his time, money, and love, and was treasured as a friend and mentor to many. In his free time, he enjoyed cooking elaborate meals for family and friends, and was famous for his baking. He told the worst jokes ever, most of which he’d stolen from Boys’ Life magazine, and could solve a New York Times Sunday crossword in 15 minutes. He loved rules and regulations, and was the first to tell you if your inspection sticker had expired or your tires needed air, and what dire consequences you would face unless you addressed the situation immediately. He was also the first to jump your dead battery, or pay for new tires. He leaves his beloved wife Paula, as well as Paula’s children Rachel and James Silver, to whom he was the best father in the world. He also leaves two sisters: Alice Russel Lerp and Nancy Russel Grant and her husband, Mike. He also leaves his nephew Wil (Kathy) Lerp and niece Margarita Arambula, as well as grand-nephews Kristian, Zak, and Conor, and grand-niece Sarah. He was pre-deceased by his parents. A service was held at the Fred Heutte Center with Rabbi Rosalin Mandelberg officiating. Donations to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, the American Cancer Society, or a charity of choice. The family wishes to express its gratitude to H.D. Oliver Funeral Apartments, who assisted in donating Tom’s body to the Virginia State Anatomical Program. Henry Schwartz Virginia Beach—Schwartz, Henry K. 92, Delray Beach, Fla., passed away July 2, 2017. Survivors include his wife of 70 years, Marilyn Schwartz; daughters, Mindy Schwartz Katz (Jeffrey) and Ellen

obituaries Schwartz (David), grandchildren, Carly Katz (Gregory), Rachel Feldman and Jana Katz. A memorial service was held in Delray Beach and he was laid to rest in New Jersey. Contributions to PAP Corps Cancer Research www.papcorps.org. Jean Medway Snyder Virginia Beach—Jean Medway Snyder of Virginia Beach peacefully passed away at home in the presence of her loving family on May 1, 2017. As the family matriarch, Jean was a singularly devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to those around her. Her dignity, humor, and courage during her two-year battle with cancer stand as inspiration to family and friends. Born and raised in London, Jean came to the U.S. in 1956 to marry Edward Brown Snyder, her surviving husband of 61 years. Her family was her greatest passion in life. Their children are Susan Darnell (granddaughter Sarah Dodd and great-grandchild Riley and granddaughter Gwen Darnell); Robin Brickell (spouse Sean, grandson Alex Snyder and spouse Jessica and great-grandchildren Connor and Oliver; granddaughter Lesley Snyder and grandson Quentin); Stephen Snyder (spouse Anne and grandsons Benjamin and William); Kate Jones (spouse Eric and granddaughter Cameron King); and Tammy Murphy (spouse Philip, granddaughter Emmanuelle and grandsons Joshua, Charles and Samuel). While predeceased by four of her siblings, Jean is survived by two sisters, Irene Welton of Brighton, UK and Barbara Dyer of Sydney, Australia. Jean was instrumental in founding and naming Checkered Flag Motor Car Company, the family’s business of more than 50 years. Jean was a prolific reader of everything from business journals to historical manuscripts and keenly aware of world events. She shared her love of books with all around her and especially her children. A lifetime member of the Britain’s Royal Horticultural Society, Jean loved working her gardens year-round. She embedded in her family deep respect and knowledge for growing plants of all sizes

and types. Jean and Ed loved attending Queen’s Day of London’s annual Chelsea Flower Show, the premier such exhibition in the world. Jean and Ed traveled the world together. They visited more than 100 countries discovering new cultures and destinations ahead of all trend setting travelers. Inspired by the many cultures, Jean studied and incorporated themes into her own home while also serving as a resource and inspiration to her children and grandchildren as they too created their own homes. Prior to coming to the U.S., Jean was a runway model for Hardy Amies, one of the most prestigious fashion houses in the world, and universally known during this period as “dressmaker for Queen Elizabeth II.” Jean’s acute sense of understated style developed in London continued throughout her life. A private memorial service took place at Ohef Sholom Temple. Donations to American Cancer Society or Arthritis Foundation. Online condolences may be made to the family at hdoliver.com. Miriam Cohen Weisberg Norfolk—Miriam (Cohen) Weisberg, 94, passed away peacefully in her home on July 5, 2017. A native of Norfolk, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Sarah Cohen. Miriam was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and devoted wife of Harry Weisberg for 69 years before he passed away in 2012. Miriam loved spending time with her family, but she also had a number of hobbies, including reading, playing the piano, listening to music, especially opera and show tunes, sewing, and generally helping her family and friends. She was a renowned baker and could often be found in her kitchen baking special holiday treats. Miriam was an active lifetime member and past president of Hadassah. She edited the Hadassah ad book for many years, which raised many thousands of dollars for Hadassah Hospital in Israel. As a member of Temple Israel Sisterhood, she often baked and made costumes and sets for their fundraising productions. Her survivors include five children,

Linda W. Drucker and her husband Dr. Jack Drucker of Virginia Beach; Carol W. Burgess and her husband Webb, of Raleigh, N.C.; Sandra Kay Taub and her husband Lawrence of Silver Spring, Md.; Dr. Edward J. Weisberg and his wife Janis of Norfolk, and Steven G. Weisberg and his wife Sherril Schlesinger of Los Angeles, Calif.; seven grandchildren: Lisa W. Cohn (Joel), Amie W. Blaschke, Kevin Drucker, Michael Burgess (Hadas), Marsha B. Thomas (Scott), Hannah E. Brandon (Matthew), and Alexander R. Taub; nine great-grandchildren; and numerous nephews and nieces. Miriam was predeceased by her brother, Harry Cohen, and her sister, Pearl Brenner. Graveside funeral Services were held at Forest Lawn Cemetery, with Rabbi Michael Panitz officiating. Memorial donations to Temple Israel, Hadassah, or a charity of your choice. H.D. Oliver. Online condolences may be offered to the family at hdoliver.com.

SouthSide Chapel 5792 Greenwich Rd. Virginia Beach 757 422-4000

Family owned and operated since 1917 M aeStaS Chapel 1801 Baltic Ave. Virginia Beach 757 428-1112

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

CheSapeake Chapel 929 S. Battlefield Blvd. Chesapeake 757 482-3311

• Affordable services to fit any budget • Advance funeral planning • Professional, experienced, caring staff • Flexible burial options

denbigh Chapel 12893 Jefferson Ave. Newport News 757 874-4200

• Flexible payment options www.altmeyer.com

Approved by all area Rabbis and Chevrah Kadisha

Riverside Chapel 7415 River Road Newport News 757 245-1525

jewishnewsva.org | July 17, 2017 | Jewish News | 37

BSV

Want to help bless and beautify Beth Sholom Home? Be part of BSV’s Mezuzah Project Joel Rubin

o Jewish home, or even room, is complete without a kosher mezuzah on the door post. That will certainly be the case when the renovation of the Berger-Goldrich Home is completed by next summer. (see article on page 27) By donating a minimum of $1,000 to the Honor or Kahbaid Campaign (to be paid out over five years) a family’s name will be part of Beth Sholom’s Mezuzah Project. “Our gift shop has selected three mezuzot that we will attach to the resident rooms,” says Marcia Brodie, marketing director for Beth Sholom Village. “And then you will definitely want to be here for

what we are calling a ‘Mezuzah Palooza’ that will take place after the renovation is complete.” On a Sunday afternoon (date to be announced), all area rabbis, donors, and the public, will be invited to hang and bless the mezuzot. “It could be the largest one day mezuzah installation in history,” says Brodie. “We can’t wait.” Shadow boxes with all three mezuzot options are available for viewing in the lobby of the Gifford Rehabilitation unit, the BergerGoldrich Nursing Home and the Terrace Assisted Living Facility. Contact Steve Suskin at 757-420-2512 or ssuskin@bethsholomvillage.com to learn how to participate.

Oceanside Residence

401 Atlantic Ave, Unit 1204

offered for $995,000

Amazing views from this 2 story Penthouse with 6 balconies! Sunrise and sunsets! Relax and choose your view! Beautifully renovated with open/light floor plan. Building has been refurbished inside and out with state of the art fitness equipment, pool, parking garage and guest rooms!

dmunds SusieE REALTOR®

38 | Jewish News | July 17, 2017 | jewishnewsva.org

The three mezuzot that will be hung on resident and office doors.

Luxury Oceanfront Condo offered for $985,000

921 Atlantic Ave

Premier building is less than 10 years old and gorgeous. With the Boardwalk and Beach at your door, this home with floor to ceiling windows on the Atlantic Ocean is paradise!Covered parking under the building and gated entry to access. With 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, ocean views from all rooms, plus a large balcony that has plenty of room to enjoy the ocean breezes.

Breathtaking Bay Views offered for $1,620,000

2 3 3 6 E v a n g e l i n e s Wa y

Stunning views! Direct bayfront home on the beach off Shore Dr & Page. Townhome style w/2-car garage, elevator, built in 2009. 4000 sq.ft. Huge deck on beach, gourmet kitchen, luxury master suite, huge game rm, 3 decks on bay, gated community w/pool & walkways over dunes! Enjoy now!

B E AC H L I V I N G AT I T S B E S T Call or Text: (757) 718-1970 SusieEdmunds@HowardHanna.com

2304 Kleen Street Virginia Beach, VA 23451

JFS

Why volunteering matters

olunteering isn’t something to put off until you have extra time and money. There are numerous reasons why the returns far outweigh the time invested, especially during lean times. Alene and Ron Kaufman both volunteer at Jewish Family Service. “Everyone has some skill JFS can use. Ron likes to drive and meet people, so he delivers Meals on Wheels. I happen to love numbers and computers, so I volunteer in the Personal Affairs Management (PAM) department,” says Alene Kaufman. “We volunteer at JFS because we saw the good work it does with counseling and support for HAT and Strelitz students, families, and faculty,” says Kaufman. “Plus, both my parents used JFS in Richmond for home health. Ron’s parents lived in Florida and used JFS for home health, while my father-in-law, a Holocaust survivor, was sick. JFS Fort

Lauderdale took him to doctors’ appointments and also provided excellent grief counseling for my mother-in-law.”

Tikkun Olam The Kaufmans feel that volunteering is just one way to repay JFS. “We can’t volunteer in the communities where our parents are, but by volunteering here, we feel like we are doing something,” says Kaufman. The couple takes volunteering as their responsibility for Tikkun Olam…repairing the world. “We’re incredibly grateful for our health and our way of life,” she says. “Recognizing that everyone is not fortunate or may not have support systems in place, encourages us to take our turn in this evolving world. We’re so proud of the work that JFS does and are so glad that we can support the wonderful employees and the programs it offers.

“We really enjoy what we do,” says Kaufman. “We feel connected to our community and look forward to our weekly volunteering. We feel that what we do not only helps the current clients, but helps sustain the organization and its future. After all, ‘you never know when you’ll need help, but you’ll always know where to find it.’ Everyone can assist in some way to ensure that the help will still be there.” Another young volunteer at JFS is Alix Kloster, who helps deliver Meals on Wheels to elderly clients. “I began volunteering with JFS because I realized that every activity I was engaging in during the week was simply fulfilling personal obligations I had set up for myself,” says Kloster. “I wasn’t actively engaging with my community or putting myself out into the world to expand my network or give back. JFS has allowed me to connect with my community in a way that I may

Ron and Alene Kaufman.

never have had the opportunity to do so and I look forward to coming to JFS each week. Hopefully, I am making others’ lives easier, but I have also found that volunteering has helped with my stress levels during the rest of my week and made me a happier person in general.” To learn more about volunteer opportunities at JFS, call Jody Laibstain at 757-321-2227.

LAUGHTER LAWN THE

FREE COMMUNITY EVENT

The Simon Family JCC Presents

featuring comedian

Thursday, August 3 @ 6:30pm Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus 5000 Corporate Woods Dr, VA Beach space is limited, RSVP to 757-321-2326 or laughteronthelawn.gr8.com available for purchase: beer and supervised kosher sushi & cocktails

jewishnewsva.org | July 17, 2017 | Jewish News | 39

Get on the road this summer and Ride with Charlie. Summer fun has begun! Come by Charles Barker Automotive to test drive a new car, truck or SUV. Stop by any of our eight convenient locations for the best car buying experience, service, selections and value so you can keep enjoying your summer days in the sun.

Shop online or stop by today for a test drive today.

C H A R L E S

B A R K E R

OF V I R G I N I A B E A C H

40 | Jewish News | July 17, 2017 | jewishnewsva.org

C H A R L E S

B A R K E R

NEWPORT

NEWS

CharlesBarker.com

of Virginia Beach