November 6 Jewish News by United Jewish Federation of Tidewater

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Southeastern Virginia | Vol. 56 No. 54 | 17 Cheshvan 5778 | November 6, 2017

13 Erez Kaganovitz promotes understanding of Tel Aviv

Rachel Fish Tuesday, Nov. 14

20 HAT Golf Tournament says “No way to José”

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US House of Representatives passes bills imposing sanctions on Iran, Hezbollah (JTA)—The U.S House of Representatives, in a near-unanimous vote, approved legislation to impose sanctions related to Iran’s ballistic-missile program. The bipartisan measure, which passed Thursday, Oct. 26 by a 423–2 vote, requires the administration to sanction Iran for undertaking “any activity related to ballistic missiles designed to be capable of delivering nuclear weapons, including launches using such ballistic-missile technology.” It also calls on the U.S. government to identify and impose sanctions on companies and individuals—both inside Iran and internationally—that aid or supply materials to the missile program. It largely replicates or enhances existing sanctions. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Ed Royce, R-Calif., and Rep Eliot Engel, D-N.Y., respectively the chairman and the ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. The previous day, the House passed three other Iran-related measures, all targeting the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militia in Lebanon, which lawmakers have described as Tehran’s “terrorist proxy.” One bill passed by voice vote, H.R. 3329, also launched by Royce and Engel, would require the administration to impose penalties on entities, including financial institutions and foreign government agencies, that support Hezbollah

which has received support from Iran. Sanctions options include freezing U.S. assets, denying entry into the United States, barring imports and exports, restrictions from participating in federal contracts and imposing criminal or civil penalties. Like the Iran bill, many of the Hezbollah sanctions passed replicate or enhance existing U.S. sanctions. Also passed by voice vote was H.R. 3342, which would direct the president to impose economic sanctions on members of Hezbollah who have used human shields and bar those individuals from entering the United States. A third measure was a non-binding resolution, initiated by Rep. Ted Deutch, D-Fla., the top Democrat on the House Middle East subcommittee, that urged the European Union to declare Hezbollah in its entirety a banned terrorist entity. He said a 2013 R.E. designation of Hezbollah’s “military wing” as terrorist, allowing Hezbollah’s so-called civilian arm to continue to function in Europe, was a “false distinction.” “It is one unified Hezbollah that is responsible for the horrific acts of terror against Europeans, Americans, Israelis, and others across the Middle East and around the globe,” Deutch said on the House floor. “It is one unified Hezbollah that has helped prop up the Assad regime, and that is complicit in the death of half

Contents Finding Jewish in the Navy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

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

Veterans Day services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Torah Thought. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Commodore Levy Chapel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Jewish things about Catalonia. . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Palliative Care eases burdens . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Federation National Emergency Response efforts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

HAT Golf Tournament. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Israel Today: Erez Kaganovitz educates about misconceptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Simon Family Passport to Israel. . . . . . . . . . 14 Book Review. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Veterans’ Benefits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

a million Syrians and the dissolving of a once thriving nation.” Royce in a statement after the Iran vote said the four legislative actions sent a direct message to Iran. Royce and Engel opposed the nuclear agreement when it was signed in 2015, but both have said it is best to continue with the deal now that it is in place. Under the terms of the accord, Iran agreed to curtail its nuclear activities in exchange for relief from international sanctions. The vote in the House comes after Trump on Oct. 13 refused to certify that Iran is complying with the deal, accusing Tehran of violating the “spirit” of the agreement. Trump did not immediately pull the United States out of the deal, instead pushing the matter to Congress and instructing lawmakers to strengthen a 2015 U.S. law to put additional pressure on Iran and asking international partners to modify the original agreement. Israel under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vocally opposed the deal promoted by then President Barack Obama. Netanyahu said the deal, and especially the fact that some of its terms are limited to 10 years, “pave Iran’s path” to nuclear weapons. But Obama said the deal was the best means of blocking that path.

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Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus of the Tidewater Jewish Community 5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Suite 200 Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462-4370 voice 757.965.6100 • fax 757.965.6102 email news@ujft.org 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 per year For subscription or change of address, call 757-965-6128 or JewishNewsVA email mcerase@ujft.org.

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Briefs Texas town says you can’t get hurricane relief if you boycott Israel A city in Texas is requiring applicants for Hurricane Harvey rebuilding funds to certify in writing that they will not take part in a boycott of Israel, spurring criticism from the American Civil Liberties Union. The website for Dickinson is accepting applications for individuals and businesses who need assistance following the devastating August hurricane. According to the application, those who sign must verify that the applicant “(1) does not boycott Israel; and (2) will not boycott Israel during the term of this Agreement.” Dickinson City Management assistant Bryan Milward attributed the clause to a state law, signed in May, that requires all state contractors to certify that they are not participating in boycotts of Israel. Milward emphasized that the city will not be verifying compliance with the clause and said he doesn’t expect any applications to be rejected because of it. “Because our application also functions as a contract, it was included,” Milward says. “We’re not checking up on that. Our city secretary is not digging into anyone’s background. They’re attesting that they’re not boycotting, and we’re accepting that based on good faith.” Dickinson, a city of about 19,000, was hit especially hard by Harvey. More than three-quarters of its homes were damaged by the hurricane, and 830 were destroyed. ACLU calls the Dickinson application a violation of free speech rights. “The First Amendment protects Americans’ right to boycott, and the government cannot condition hurricane relief or any other public benefit on a commitment to refrain from protected political expression,” ACLU of Texas Legal Director Andre Segura said in a statement. “Dickinson’s requirement is an egregious violation of the First Amendment, reminiscent of McCarthy-era loyalty oaths requiring Americans to disavow membership in the Communist party and other forms of ‘subversive’ activity.” Supporters of laws aimed at the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement argue that refusing to do business with a country is not protected speech,

and that longstanding laws forbidding “support” for foreign state boycotts of Israel apply to the business transaction, not the political motivations. If anti-boycott laws are considered unconstitutional, proponents argue, then Americans would be free to violate existing sanctions preventing business with countries like Iran, Cuba or Sudan. (JTA)

Egalitarian prayer supporters barred from entering Western Wall plaza Security guards at the Western Wall prevented a group of men and women promoting egalitarian prayer from accessing the holy site’s main plaza with a Torah scroll. In the incident Friday, Oct. 20, about 300 people were barred from entering the main plaza of the Western Wall while holding a Torah scroll, according to Women of the Wall, a group that is fighting for the lifting of regulations barring women from introducing a Torah scroll to the site, singing aloud, wearing kippahs, or praying with men. The group included dozens of veterans of the Six-Day War, in which the Israeli army took over eastern Jerusalem and the West Bank from Jordan, Women of the Wall spokeswoman Hila Perl says. “The plan was to enter the plaza together, and then have the women go to the women’s section,” she says. At the end of their prayer at the women’s section, Women of the Wall joined their supporters, who waited with the Torah scroll at the egalitarian prayer section at the southern entrance to the plaza. One of the supporters, a Six-Day War veteran named Micha Eshet, 70, was shoved to the ground by guards while holding the scroll, according to Perl. She says the Women of the Wall group and their supporters encountered shouts, hisses, and shrieks by Orthodox worshippers. The group’s supporters were protesting the government’s refusal to apply a compromise reached on prayer there between the authorities and promoters of egalitarian prayer. Under the compromise, the government agreed to expand and upgrade the egalitarian prayer section at

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the southern end of the Western Wall. The agreement puts the upgraded section on equal footing with the single-sex sections; it would be run with no input from the Chief Rabbinate. In June, the Cabinet suspended the deal passed in 2016 as a result of negotiations between the Reform and Conservative movements, the Women of the Wall, the Jewish Agency for Israel, and the Israeli government. The suspension came after the government’s haredi Orthodox coalition partners pressured Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to scrap the agreement. The government has said it plans to go forward with the expansion of the egalitarian section despite the freeze on other terms of the compromise. (JTA)

September terror attacks against Israelis dip to five-year low Israel’s domestic security agency recorded 103 attacks against Israelis in September, the lowest tally in five years for a month considered especially tense because of the many Jewish holidays. The figure for September is 25 percent lower than the average for September attacks in the years 2012-16. The attacks resulted in the slaying of three Israelis. Israeli security services consider September and October months with elevated risk of attacks because the Jewish holidays motivate Palestinian terrorists and their groups to carry out attacks. As in previous years, Israel closed its border crossings from the West Bank to Palestinians for the holiday period as a precaution. Also, Israel intensified preventive actions, including house searches and detainment of suspects. (JTA) Printer who helped Raoul Wallenberg rescue Jews gets a plaque in Budapest A Hungarian printer who helped Jews flee the Nazis during the Holocaust was honored with a plaque in Budapest. Emil Wiesmeyer’s printing company printed 4,000 blank passports to assist Swedish ambassador Raoul Wallenberg in saving Jews from deportation to Nazi death camps. He then printed another

20,000 to help more Hungarian Jews. Wiesmeyer’s son, Gabor, was on hand for the unveiling ceremony last month led by Szabolcs Szita, director of the Holocaust Memorial Center, and Swedish Ambassador Niclas Trouve, The Associated Press reported. Communists jailed Wiesmeyer in the 1950s in Hungary. He died in 1967. (JTA)

IDF blows up Gaza terror tunnel, killing at least 7 The Israel Defense Forces blew up a terrorist tunnel that stretched from Khan Younis in Gaza to Israel on Monday, Oct. 30. The tunnel, which ended in Israel near the border with Gaza, is believed to have been dug after the 2014 Gaza war. At least seven Gazan Palestinians were killed and another 11 injured in the controlled explosion, according to reports citing the Gaza Health Ministry. Most of the dead are members of the terrorist organization Islamic Jihad, which has threatened retaliation. They were in the tunnel at the time of Israel’s planned explosion. The tunnel was under “active construction” at the time of its demolition. “This is a blatant violation of Israeli sovereignty, a situation that cannot be accepted and in light of which the IDF acted,” said IDF Spokesperson Brig.-Gen. Ronen Manlis. He said that the tunnel was not a threat and had been under surveillance for some time. “The IDF will continue to use all the means at its disposal, above and below ground, to thwart attempts to harm the residents of the State of Israel and to maintain the relative quiet in the area that was achieved after Operation Cast Lead. The IDF does not intend to deteriorate the situation, but we are prepared for a variety of scenarios,” he said. The IDF said it holds Hamas responsible for all terror activity emanating from the Gaza Strip. Earlier last month a Hamas terror tunnel was discovered under a United Nations school in Gaza. The school was immediately closed and the tunnel sealed, according to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, which runs the school, and Israeli authorities were notified. (JTA)

Torah Thought

Serving while Jewish

he 1890s was an era in some ways like our own. Anti-immigrant hatreds in America were on the rise, even as businesses relied on the immigrants for low-wage labor. American nativist and racist groups were making new recruits and calling for the exclusion of the foreign-born. High up on the list of targets of the bigots were Jews. Not being White, AngloSaxon and Protestant, Jews couldn’t really qualify as Americans. Besides, most of them were labor agitators or even communists…. One of the tropes of the anti-Jewish slander of the day was the charge that a Jew can not be a patriotic citizen of his adopted country. Anti-semites claimed: Three times daily, the Jews pray to return to Zion; so how can they care about the lands of their domicile? The Reform Jewish “Pittsburg Platform” of that era, sensitive to this charge, deleted our historic Zionist aspirations from the Siddur. (Reform Judaism came around to endorsing Zionism decades later, during the Hitler era.) But even in the 1890s, other Jews responded by setting the record straight. In 1895, Simon Wolf, the leading Jewish Washington insider of the era, published a comprehensive survey of American Jewish patriotism from colonial times until his own day, The American Jew as Patriot, Soldier and Citizen. Among the prominent public intellectuals joining the anti-Jewish chorus was Mark Twain. Writing in the March, 1898

issue Harper’s Monthly about the causes of anti-Semitism, he uncritically repeated the charge that Jews shirked military service. But Mark Twain possessed a quality that was rare even then and still more uncommon today—he could quickly and publicly acknowledge that he had been wrong. When shown the statistics compiled by Simon Wolf, Twain published a retraction of his false claim. He acknowledged that the percentage of the American Jewish community serving in the armed services equaled that of the majority Christian population. Twain went even further in praise of Jewish patriotism. Castigating the military of his era for harboring widespread and open anti-Jewish sentiment, Twain argued that the rate of Jewish enlistment was proof that the Jewish embrace of patriotic duty involved a higher degree of self-sacrifice than that called from his Christian neighbor. Since Mark Twain’s day, Jewish participation rates in the American military have risen and fallen. The peak was during the Second World War, with Jews enlisting at significantly higher rates than other American ethnic groups. But in the Vietnam era, while many Jews served with distinction, anti-war sentiment led to a decline in American Jews’ eagerness to join the military. It is not clearly known how many Jews are serving in the military today, in part, because a number—anecdotal evidence suggests a high number— of the Jews in the military decline to identify themselves religiously. But one sub-group—chaplains—is illustrative. It is clear that the desire to serve as chaplains is less among non-Orthodox rabbis today than formerly. I personally know several younger Conservative/Masorti chaplains, but Orthodox rabbis account for an increasing percentage of military chaplains today. There are doubtless

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several reasons for that—to cite one, ceremonial Jewish observance is easier today than before, removing a disincentive from Orthodox participation—but an anti-military prejudice within American Progressive circles is unfortunately also a factor to be recognized. Those of us who move within Progressive and Moderate circles should do what we can to counter this prejudice. For Jews, no country in the millennia-long history of our Exile has matched America’s

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willingness to grant us the freedom to be ourselves and simultaneously to defend our common domicile. This is an effort worth joining. And for all our brothers and sisters who are serving while Jewish—we thank you and we honor you. May Heaven protect you, and prosper your work of protecting all of us. —Rabbi Michael Panitz, Temple Israel

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( JTA)—After simmering for decades, national aspirations in the region of Catalonia in northeast Spain plunged that country into a major crisis with far-reaching international implications. The current crisis began last month when federal police clashed with voters over an illegal referendum on independence. But it came to a head Friday, Oct. 27, when the region’s parliament in Barcelona passed a motion declaring independence from Spain despite the federal government’s warning to desist. Madrid dissolved the regional government in a bid to block secession. But the independence project appears to be more popular than ever now among Catalans—a distinct ethnic and cultural group whose language is closer to Portuguese than Spanish—now that separatists have come closer to independence than they had in centuries. As Europe nervously studies this potential test case for nationalism and separatist projects across the continent, the developments in Catalonia are dividing Spaniards—including Jews. And because of Israel’s approach to it, the crisis is also underlining the Jewish state’s growing willingness to diverge with other Western countries on key foreign policy issues. Here are four takeaways from the unfolding crisis in Catalonia.

Catalonia has a (relatively) large Jewish community. With approximately 15,000 members, the Jewish community of Barcelona matches that of Madrid in size and prominence. Spain has a total of about 45,000 Jews, with the third not in the two major cities spread out across the country’s other 15 semi-autonomous regions. In Barcelona, the issue of independence is divisive in general and in Jewish circles, leading the Jewish community there to adhere to a policy of neutrality. “It’s a matter of ‘shalom bayit,’” Victor Sorenssen, the president of the community,

says, using the Hebrew expression which means maintaining the peace at home. The umbrella of Jewish communities of Spain, of which Barcelona is a member, also had a policy of neutrality, which it abandoned when it came out in support of a unified Spain and against Catalan independence. Historically, Catalonia was a major hub of Jewish settlement before the Inquisition of 1492. Prior to the expulsions that followed this Church-led campaign of religious persecution, a Jewish presence in Catalonia was first documented in 890 C.E. That’s more than a century before Jews were documented for the first time in Britain. But it is widely believed that Catalonia saw some of the very first Jewish settlers in Spain, who came there after the Romans destroyed the Second Temple in Jerusalem 2,000 years ago. The town of Gerona, situated 50 miles north of Barcelona, was the undisputed capital of Jewish life in Catalonia and a hub of Jewish Sephardic learning. Moses ben Nahman, the 13th-century Jewish philosopher known as Nachmanides, was born and raised there.

Israel is on the fence. Israel is among a handful of Western nations that have remained silent on the dispute. Madrid received public support against Barcelona from the European Union, the United States, Canada, Japan and Mexico, among others. This divergence is part of a policy of nonalignment under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has remained neutral also on the Ukraine-Russia conflict, the civil war in Syria and on the vote in Britain to leave the European Union. Observers say the policy is designed to reduce friction with potential allies at a time when the United States— under President Donald Trump as well as his predecessor, Barack Obama—has appeared less insistent than in the past on its allies toeing its line. But Israel has potential dividends to gain—and risks to run—depending on

world who it supports in the Catalan dispute. Nonalignment gives Israel an ace up its sleeve. Spain is a generous financier of some organizations that are deemed anti-Israel and of others that are merely highly critical of Netanyahu’s policies in the conflict with the Palestinians. As long as Netanyahu remains noncommittal on Catalonia, he may leverage Israel’s position on the issue to influence Spanish

policies on Israel. The United States, which has a very large naval base in the southern Spanish city of Rota, is bound to support Spain, as is the European Union. But Israel is unbound by such considerations and its neutrality may be a good beginning to a relationship with what could very well become Europe’s newest country.

Spain supports Palestine— but not unconditionally. In the wake of the Catalan crisis, some supporters of Israel suggested that Spain is in no position to credibly object to Catalan unilateralism because of its own inconsistencies on this issue abroad— for example, when its federal congress unanimously voted in 2014 for a motion favoring Palestinian statehood.

Yet as JTA reported at the time, unlike similar motions that passed that year in France and Britain, the Spanish motion stipulates that Spain will recognize an independent Palestinian state only if its creation is agreed upon in negotiations with Israel. This is essentially Israel’s policy on the issue, too. continued on page 8

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world continued from page 7

Catalonia supports Israel— up to a point. Jewish and pro-Israel supporters of Catalan independence sometimes suggest that Israel is more popular in the region than elsewhere in Spain. Opponents underscore Spain’s own overtures toward Israel and partnership with it, including a recent judicial fight against anti-Semitism and discriminatory boycotts of Israel. But neither argument is clear cut, according to Yigal Palmor, a former senior spokesman of the Israeli Foreign Ministry who has served in Spain. Catalans have traditionally been more “open to Europe” than the rest of Spain, he says. Arguably, this European affinity has inoculated some Catalans to the medieval anti-Semitism that persists to this day in some parts of the country. In the country’s north, for example, some people say “kill a Jew” in toasting at traditional feasts. “These phenomena disappeared in

Europe but not in Spain, which has not had a large Jewish presence since the expulsion,” Palmor says. This, and the Catalan longtime national aspirations, created an affinity to Zionism and Judaism in Catalonia, Palmor says, “where there traditionally has been a lot of respect for the kibbutz movement, the revival of the Hebrew language and Zionism.” But in the 1990s, he adds, the Catalan left wing grew closer to its “anti-globalist, Third World-oriented” counterparts in Madrid, introducing the campaign to boycott Israel in a big way to Catalonia, Palmor says. Last year, a leader of a left-wing Catalan political party called a leader of the Jewish community, who is not Israeli and has no foreign nationality, “a foreign agent.” And earlier this year, the mayor of Barcelona ignored protests by Jewish groups over the hosting in her city of a Palestinian terrorist, Leila Khaled.

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Trump names attorney who fights campus anti-Semitism to civil rights post

enneth L. Marcus, an attorney who has championed the use of the 1964 federal civil rights act to investigate allegations of anti-Semitism on campus, has been appointed assistant secretary for civil rights in the Department of Education. President Donald J. Trump announced the nomination last month. As president and general counsel of the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law, Marcus has deployed Title VI of the civil rights act in urging the Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights to open investigations over harassment of Jewish students at various universities. The Brandeis Center, unaffiliated with the university near Boston, has also urged state legislatures and government agencies to adopt the U.S. State Department’s definition of anti-Semitism, which considers demonizing, delegitimizing or applying a double standard to Israel to be forms of anti-Semitism. In 2011 the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, the umbrella group of Jewish community relations agencies, endorsed the selective use of civil rights legislation to combat anti-Jewish and anti-Israel

activity on college campuses. But reflecting the discomfort of some of its member bodies, it also warned that over-use of Title VI could undermine academic freedom and pit outside Jewish groups against both Jewish and non-Jewish students on campus. Marcus, a former staff director at the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, has been critical of the Office for Civil Rights for what he called its failure to address “anti-Semitic incidents that masquerade as anti-Israelism.” “On college campuses—and especially in protests brought by the anti-Israel boycotts, divestment and sanctions movement—it is now widely understood that attacking ‘Jews’ by name is impolitic, but one can smear ‘Zionists’ with impunity,” he wrote in 2010. Marcus previously served as assistant secretary of education for civil rights under President George W. Bush. He also served as the Lillie and Nathan Ackerman Chair in Equality and Justice in America at the City University of New York’s Baruch College School of Public Affairs. He is the author, in 2015, of The Definition of Anti-Semitism.

Jared Kushner, Jason Greenblatt visit Palestinian peace negotiator in the hospital WASHINGTON (JTA)—President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and his top Middle East negotiator, Jason Greenblatt, made a hospital visit to Saeb Erekat, the top Palestinian peace negotiator who just underwent a lung transplant. “They went to visit him to see how he was feeling after surgery and to show support to Saeb, his wife and his son,” a White House official said when JTA asked about a report that the two men, who are both Jewish, had gone to see Erekat at a

hospital in suburban Washington, D.C. Shirin Yaseen, a spokeswoman for the Palestine Liberation Organization delegation, also confirmed the visit. “Ambassador Husam Zomlot was present, too,” she said, referring to the PLO envoy to Washington. “They went to see him after the surgery and wish him wellness and better health.” Kushner is a senior adviser to Trump and is supervising the effort to reconvene Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.

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Update on Federations’ National Emergency Response Efforts Mark Gurvis

ewish Federations of North America’s Emergency Committee, and many Federations on the front lines of addressing natural disasters, have had an extraordinarily busy and taxing eight weeks since the start of Hurricane Harvey. Following is an update on the work of the Federation system to date: Hurricane Harvey Seven weeks following the end of the rain, Houston and the other areas affected by Hurricane Harvey were still in fairly early stages of recovery. With more than 2,000 Jewish homes flooded, and eight major institutional facilities in the Jewish community sustaining catastrophic damage, the scope of issues facing the Houston Jewish community are enormous. To date, approximately $18M has been

raised through the Jewish Federation system. Of this amount, more than $12M has been allocated through the Houston Federation and the national Emergency Committee process to provide direct relief to flood victims (trauma counseling, case management, and financial assistance), to help these people stay connected to Jewish life and community, and to address institutional sustainability and repair issues. The focus of the Jewish Federations’ national funding is primarily in the area of relief to flood victims. While the primary focus is on the enormous impact of the flood in Houston, the Federation’s Emergency Committee has also worked with the small communities in Galveston and Beaumont. Work continues to organize the next phases of response to the flood, deploy the additional funds raised, and raise additional funds.

10 | Jewish News | November 6, 2017 | jewishnewsva.org

Hurricanes Irma and Maria The impact on mainland Florida from Hurricane Irma was less severe than anticipated, especially for the larger concentrations of Jewish population on Florida’s east coast. While the larger communities in South Florida (Miami, Broward County, South Palm Beach, and Palm Beach) were generally able to address the issues in their own communities and extend assistance to other communities, there was heavier impact on some of the smaller communities further north (Collier County, Jacksonville, and St. Augustine). A unique role was fulfilled by Chabad across numerous Florida communities in providing congregate and home-delivered meals to seniors and others affected by prolonged power outages. The biggest impact of these storms have been felt in the islands off the coast of Florida, within and beyond

the US border—Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Florida Keys, Cuba, and others. The national Emergency Committee has focused on the U.S. communities affected, while the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee is supporting Cuba and other island nations. A major focus of Federation efforts has been in Puerto Rico and St. Thomas, which are both characterized by small Jewish communities deeply affected amidst a sea of misery well-documented in the news media. None of these communities have communal infrastructure beyond individual synagogues and Federation support has primarily been directly to affected individuals through the various congregations, and supporting the work of IsraAID and the AFYA Foundation, who are providing humanitarian assistance to the Jewish communities and on a significant

Anne Phillips’ Couture

Nation non-sectarian basis. Several large Federations are working directly with partners in their own communities or international aid organizations with which they have relationships. To date, JFNA has funds raised by local Federations of $900,000 and has allocated $530,000. In addition to these funds, with the financial support of UJA Federation of New York, JFNA acquired and delivered 212 urgently needed generators to Jewish communities in Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, and the Keys for members of the Jewish community and others in need. Several Federations, most notably New York, Miami, Broward, and South Palm Beach have all been engaged in direct relief efforts in the island communities which are not reflected in these numbers.

extensive wildfires in Napa and Sonoma counties in California. Within the Jewish community, dozens of Jewish homes were destroyed by fire, and URJ’s Camp Newman was also largely destroyed. The Jewish Federation of San Francisco, The Peninsula, Marin, and Sonoma Counties and the Jewish Federation of the East Bay Jewish Federation partnered together to create the North Bay Wildfire Relief Fund, and have coordinated their relief efforts during and in the immediate aftermath of the fires. JFNA has not established a separate national fund and encourages all Federations to direct relief funds to the fund established by the Bay Area federations. Reach JFNA’s hurricane relief fund by visiting www.jewishfederations.org.

North Bay Fires in California The most recent focus of disaster relief efforts has been in response to the

Mark Gurvis is executive vice president of Jewish Federations of North America.

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jewishnewsva.org | November 6, 2017 | Jewish News | 11

Hanukkah

jewish Family Service

Jody Wagner gets honored, JFS reaps the reward

Coming Nov. 26 To advertise call 757.965.6100 or email news@ujft.org Ad deadline Nov. 9

leader of many organizations throughout Tidewater, Jody Wagner recently made a special gift to Jewish Family Service of Tidewater happen. Since 2006, Wagner has been a member of the Hampton Roads Community Foundation’s (HRCF) board of directors, including serving as chairman of the audit and finance committee and as treasurer since June 2013. As a “thank you” in honor of Wagner’s 11 years of service, HRCF awarded a $5,000 unrestricted grant to a program of her choice. Wagner directed the honorary grant to the Personal Affairs Management (PAM) Program of JFS. “I chose JFS’s PAM program to be the recipient of this honorary grant because it does such a fabulous job of protecting seniors who cannot handle their own

finances,” says Wagner. Wagner knows this program well as she served as president of the JFS board of directors from 1996 through 1998. Dr. Deborah DiCroce, president and CEO of HRCF, says Wagner recognized the “critical role the PAM program plays in protecting some of the region’s most vulnerable adults as they try to manage their personal finances and navigate the oft choppy waters of daily living, physical and emotional security, aging, and illness.” The HRCF provides support for hundreds of community organizations in Hampton Roads, and has undertaken several initiatives to improve the economic competitiveness of the area. Wagner and her husband, Dr. Alan Wagner, are longtime supporters of JFS

Jody Wagner

and the Tidewater Jewish and general communities. “JFS thanks Jody Wagner and the HRCF for shining a bright spotlight on the PAM program’s important work,” says Betty Ann Levin, JFS executive director.

We all strive to leave the world a better place – through our children, our good deeds, our generosity. With a legacy gift, your impact can continue beyond your lifetime. In a hundred years, you can still be changing lives. This could be the most important gift you ever make! LIFE & LEGACY is an innovative partnership with the following agencies to help secure the future of the Tidewater Jewish community:

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To learn more about LIFE & LEGACY, contact Barb Gelb at bgelb@ujft.org or 757-965-6105

www.JewishVA.org/TJF 12 | Jewish News | November 6, 2017 | jewishnewsva.org

HEBREW ACADEMY OF Konikoff Center of Learning

H EBREW A CADEMY T IDEWATER

Konikoff Center of Learning

H EBREW T

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it’s a wrap ISRAEL TODAY

Simon Family JCC, CRC, and community partners’ Israel Today, educating people about misconceptions Erin Dougherty

rez Kaganovitz, Israeli artist, storyteller, and founder of the hit photoblog, Humans of Tel Aviv, landed in Tidewater ready to dispel misconceptions and ideas about his homeland by sharing stories of everyday people living in Tel Aviv. Through these stories of heartache and hope, diversity and acceptance, struggle and joy, Kaganovitz’s goal was to help change the common narrative of a country often singularly portrayed as embattled. Kaganovitz’s days in Tidewater were filled with visits to schools such as

Erez Kaganovitz at Norfolk State University.

Hebrew Academy of Tidewater, Governor’s School for the Arts (GSA), Gifted Visual Arts Program at Virginia Beach Middle School, and the Visual and Performing Arts Academy at Salem High School, and with organizations such as BBYO, and United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s Young Adult Division’s Tidewater Couple’s Project, among others. Each of these visits brought a new conversation to the forefront with Kaganovitz’s conversational lecture adapting to the questions and insights posed by his audience. At GSA and BBYO, students were spurned by a few of Kaganovitz’s photos to a discussion on what constitutes inappropriate versus

Erez Kaganovitz with BBYO teens.

appropriate dress in public and religious places. Students demonstrated interests in the photograph as well as in the story. Third, fourth, and fifth grade HAT students toured the Leon Family Gallery at the Simon Family JCC with Kaganovitz and discussed the photos in his exhibit. Some were excited to see people from Israel, citing their last and upcoming visits. Students and professors at Norfolk State University, an Israel Today partner, were interested in these same questions. During Kaganovitz’s lecture, snaps could be heard coming from the front of the room when audience members agreed with discussions based on tolerance and letting people live their own lives and the very real purpose of a free democracy such as the one shared by the U.S. and Israel. Another notable moment during Kaganovitz’s lecture came when Professor Sam Hughes asked Kaganovitz about his self-professed feminism. Kaganovitz shared the story of the women he has met in Tel Aviv and how he never thought of the practical things he takes for granted such as feeling safe when he leaves his apartment at night. The audience erupted in applause and began discussing

the similarities and differences in social life between the U.S. and Israel. Before Kaganovitz left NSU, students gathered around to ask him more about Israeli art and fashion. Kaganovitz’s main theme throughout his visit was one of understanding Israel through connection and humanity. From the United States to India to Israel, humans have the same wants and hopes; that the power of the Israeli people can be found in the diversity of a city like Tel Aviv. Sitting in a circle surrounded by young children during his Israel Today event at the Simon Family JCC, Kaganovitz encouraged the kids to look at pictures from Humans of Tel Aviv. This slight difference allowed children to see not only that there isn’t a difference in humans, but the society in Israel is far broader than they may have imagined. “This is a vibrant civil society where every part makes up a thread in the social fabric. It is important to remember that what you think about a person, that first judgment, may change 180 degrees when you actually speak to them. In Israel, as in the U.S., we are a free democracy and that means all of these varying cultures and ideas can exist within this one place, secured by this democracy,” Kaganovitz said to attendees of his photography workshop at MacArthur Center. Perhaps if people were all willing to listen and open their eyes, differences wouldn’t be seen, but instead, a brighter future would exist based on shared similarities and ideas.

Erez Kaganovitz at Virginia Beach Middle School.

jewishnewsva.org | November 6, 2017 | Jewish News | 13

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14 | Jewish News | November 6, 2017 | jewishnewsva.org

he newly revised Simon Family in building the community through Passport to Israel program is now engagement. To do that, he felt students accepting had to get applications involved through beyond the Tidewater books and J e w i s h beyond the Foundation. weekly synThe program agogue visits provides and experifunds to ence Israel enable and and worldencourage wide Jewry Jewish stufirst hand. dents to He wanted participate in to afford an Marvin Simon at the Western Wall in the late 1960s. an Israel trip opportunity experience. for everyone Trips that are funded include eduto get that personal experience.” cational and peer group experiences of “I think it’s important for the kids to young people traveling, and/or studying have this experience in their early teens together. Trips should be organized by a where they will be exposed to worldwide non-profit organization, educational, or Jewry and connect with their people in religious institution, and should be staffed Israel. It gives them a shared sensibilby qualified personnel with a structured ity of what it means to be Jewish,” says itinerary. All Jewish students between the Simon Fink. ages of 13 and 18 may apply, and those The Simon Family Passport to Israel students over 18 may apply as long as they program has two rounds of applications. indicate why a Birthright Israel trip will The first applications are due November not meet their current needs. Trips will be 15, 2017, with decisions made by funded up to 50% of the eligible expenses. December 1; the second round are due The late Marvin Simon established the April 15, 2018, with decisions by May 1. fund because he believed it was important for young people to experience Israel first For more information or to apply, visit http:// hand. His daughter, Kim Simon Fink, says, jewishva.org/tjf-passport-to-israel or contact “My father was a builder, and he believed Barb Gelb at bgelb@ujft.org or 965.6105.

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Book Review

Part history, part autobiography, part novel The Man Who Never Stopped Sleeping Aharon Appelfeld. Translated from the Hebrew by Jeffrey M. Green New York; Schocken Books, 2017, 288 pages

haron Appelfeld, the indefatigable Holocaust author and survivor, continues to compel our undivided attention Rabbi Zoberman with his magical rendition of a frightful theme in an inexhaustible manner. The Man Who Never Stopped Sleeping focuses with both a critical and sympathetic eye on the post-war saga of the surviving remnant of refugees, my own family included, who contended with the complex dynamics of acquiring an Israeli identity in a new land. Young and able-bodied refugees were recruited by Jews from Mandatory Palestine (representing the Haganah and Bricha organizations). These organizations also enabled my family to escape from Poland in 1946. The selected refugees were to be trained and transformed physically, psychologically ,and spiritually—in anticipation of the birth of the Jewish state and the inevitable war with the vehemently opposed Arabs. Erwin, who became Aharon, the almost 17-year-old book’s protagonist, shares autobiographical features with the author, while revealing fascinating facets for the first time. Known by his fellow refugees as “The Sleepy Boy,” Aharon spent his wake-up time in a state of sleep, a psychological defense mechanism protecting him from the experienced war trauma and subsequent difficulties of relating to people. In that unique state of escapist sleep, the troubled teenager managed to communicate with his lost family and past life, thus keeping him connected to a vital part

of his life, even as he learned disturbing facts of what transpired in his forced absence. Victoria, for example, who was his family’s well-treated maid, claimed to be the lady of his house and refused him entry for she declared he no longer belonged there. The education the “chosen” refugees received aimed to separate them from their older and “set in their ways” fellow Jews who could not qualify to undergo the necessary radical changes to become “new Jews,” free from the supposed handicaps of the “weak” diaspora Jews. Those ‘inferior’ refugees, however, kept our protagonist alive when he was unable to care for himself as he gratefully remembered. This liberating process that the stern and purposeful leader Ephraim was in charge of, involved giving up their diaspora names and acquiring Hebrew ones. These new names reflected and reinforced the transition to a kibbutz life which would reconnect them to their ancestral homeland as returning chalutzim (pioneers) who only speak Hebrew, the Bible’s language of a sovereign people, capable of both farming and fighting. At kibbutz Misgav Itzhak in the Judean Mountains, the Jews were instructed from the wars-filled Biblical Book of Joshua, concerning the reconquering of the land of Canaan by the Israelites. Religious practice was discouraged as an outmoded diaspora experience. Not everyone adapted to the imposed communal living and Mark, who was Erwin’s roommate in Naples, Italy at the training camp, the Atlit British Detention Camp, and the kibbutz, refused to receive a Hebrew name and later even committed suicide. The view is expressed that those Holocaust survivors who were not yet 18 years old should have been spared fighting

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and dying as tragically happened in the 1948 War of Independence, as some even lacked basic preparation. Still, the urgent hour’s demands cannot be overlooked. Erwin heard early on in his sleep Uncle Arthur tell him that this new approach to Judaism, which he defined as “Muscle Judaism,” was wrong, for the Jewish spirit was primarily about spirituality. Erwin’s father, who was prevented from studying at a university by his

2/23/17 11:05 AM

religious father, ended up writing books that no one published, and wished that his son would become an author. Indeed, Erwin-Aharon fulfilled his father’s dream. This fascinating account of the refugees’ complex path to a new identity and mastering the Hebrew language is a clue to Appelfeld’s own journey of painful adaption leading to celebrated success. —Dr. Israel Zoberman is founding rabbi of Congregation Beth Chaverim.

jewishnewsva.org | November 6, 2017 | Jewish News | 15

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ VETERANS ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Veterans’ Benefits: what’s available Daniel Krasnegor

ther than running hospitals, the Department of Veteran’s Affairs (commonly called “the VA”) also provides disability compensation and other benefits to veterans, their dependents, and survivors. The VA is responsible for managing the complex system used to determine who is eligible for these benefits, as well as what compensation may be paid.

What types of benefits are available? Disability benefits compensate veterans for the effect of diseases or injuries, incurred in service, on their ability to work. This benefit is available to veterans even if they didn’t serve in combat or during a war, so long as they have a currently diagnosed condition which began in service, was aggravated during service, or was caused by an injury during service. When VA awards compensation, the disability is said to be “service-connected,” and the veteran can be paid a monthly benefit. Any kind of disability can be “service-connected” including orthopedic, cardiovascular, and psychiatric conditions, cancer and traumatic brain injuries. Veterans who are unable to work as a result of service-related disabilities are currently compensated about $3,000 per month. Veterans in need of “aid and attendance” due to a service-connected condition can receive additional compensation. Other available benefits include pensions (paid to wartime veterans, who are unable to work, or their surviving spouse or minor children who have very low incomes), vocational rehabilitation, dependent benefits, burial benefits, and education and home loan benefits.

The process of seeking benefits A person seeking VA benefits starts by filing an official application. VA maintains more than 50 Regional Offices throughout the United States, and the applications can be submitted to the local office by mail or on line. VA has a “duty to assist” claimants get the evidence they need. This may include obtaining military records and having a veteran examined by a doctor. If a claim is denied, a veteran can appeal to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals. In turn, denials by the Board may be appealed to the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, an Executive Branch court that is not part of the VA. The United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has limited jurisdiction to review decisions by the veteran’s court. Challenges in the VA system The VA is frequently in the news because of dysfunction and delay. The delays in receiving a decision in a new claim or on appeal can be particularly frustrating for veterans and their dependents. It can often take five years or more for a decision to be made in an appeal, and even then, decisions frequently fail to address relevant evidence or misapply the law. What role do attorneys play? There are some restrictions on how and when an attorney may charge for representation; so many veterans are initially represented by service organizations. An attorney can assist by helping the veteran obtain necessary evidence, explaining the process, avoiding pitfalls and delays, and making sure that the VA follows its own laws and regulations. Daniel Krasnegor is an attorney at law for the Veterans Benefit Group at Goodman Allen Donnelly.

16 | Jewish News | Veterans | November 6, 2017 | jewishnewsva.org

Finding Jewish in the U.S. Navy Elaine Luria

uring my more than 20 years in the Navy, two distinct times highlighted the Jewish community in the military coming together. While at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., there was a large and active Jewish Midshipmen Club. All “plebes” (first year students) are assigned a sponsor family in the community who welcome Midshipmen into their homes on weekends. The Naval Academy pairs plebes as much as possible with families of the same faith, which made for a vibrant mix of the local community and Midshipmen at Friday night services. At the time, services were held in a small multi-faith chapel in Mitscher Hall, led by the Jewish Chaplain and followed by an Oneg Shabbat—during which many bagels were ravenously consumed by the hungry Midshipmen and the leftovers scavenged-off to Bancroft Hall (the dormitory) to share with friends. (Coincidentally, the last Jewish Chaplain during my time in Annapolis was Rabbi Jonathan Panitz, the brother of Rabbi Michael Panitz of Temple Israel in Norfolk.) Visitors of the Naval Academy today will see the beautiful Commodore Levy Chapel, built in 2005 and named in honor of Commodore Uriah P. Levy (1792–1862), the first Jewish commodore in the United States Navy, who is famous for refusing to flog his sailors. The Levy Center is a vibrant gathering place for Midshipmen and members of the local community where weekly services are held and Jewish life events are celebrated. Housed in the Levy Center is the Esther and William Miller Chapel, named after the parents of Jerry Miller of Virginia Beach. The Miller Chapel was dedicated and opened for use on September 18, 2005. Over the subsequent years, I served on board several smaller ships with a crew of only 200–300, which did not have a chaplain permanently assigned. On the larger aircraft carriers where I served, several chaplains supported the crew and

Elaine Luria

air wing of approximately 5,000 sailors. When I served in USS Enterprise (CVN 65) we deployed to the Western Pacific, Middle East, and Mediterranean twice in a two year period. Although we did not have a Jewish chaplain on board, I let the senior chaplain know that if any sailors were interested in holding Jewish services that I would volunteer as the lay leader. Although we did not hold services regularly due to the ship’s operational schedule, we did come together and hold a Passover Seder during one of the deployments. I worked with the ship’s Mess Specialists to make a Seder menu and find as many items as possible to create our Seder plate, some of which were generously provided by the Aleph Institute which sends care packages around the world to deployed Jewish service members. I remember a very special evening where the handful of Jewish sailors came together at sea, while jets took off and landed right over our heads, and read the Haggadah and celebrated together. Elaine Luria retired from the U.S. Navy in April as a Commander. She is the owner of The Mermaid Factory and a member of Ohef Sholom Temple.

★ VETERANS ★ 8th Annual Veterans Day service and celebration honors service to America

Friday, Nov. 10, 9:30 am, Sandler Family Campus

idewater Jewish Foundation’s Annual Veterans Day service and celebration seeks to honor those who have served in America’s armed forces, as well as those who continue to do so with dedication and bravery. This year’s speaker, Colonel David P. Blake, is the senior surgeon, and senior consultant to the Commander of the 633rd Medical Group at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia. He completed his surgical residency at Wilford Hall Medical Center, Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, and after several tours of duty as a general surgeon, was selected for a sponsored Trauma/Surgical Critical Care Fellowship for which he trained at Eastern Virginia Medical School. Colonel Blake’s military career has included a variety of staff and leadership positions including serving as chief of medical staff at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Medical Operations

Squadron in Misawa, Japan, and Surgical Operations Squadron at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. The Veterans Day service will include clergy from across the region and denominations. Recently departed veterans from the past year will be remembered, as well as those who have served and are currently serving the nation. In addition, “Quilts of Valor” will be presented to two veterans by Ohef Sholom Temple’s Quilting Group. The event is open to the community. The opportunity to honor a veteran with a Jewish War Veterans monument paver is available before and during the event. For more information on the Jewish War Veterans monument, or to RSVP for the Veterans Day Service, contact Ann Swindell at aswindell@ ujft.org or 965-6106.

Saluting Servicemen and Servicewomen at Shabbat Services Saturday, November 11 Temple Israel, 11 am–12 noon

t Temple Israel’s “Second Shabbat” services this month, four active duty and retired personnel will discuss the issues that they faced balancing their Jewishness and their lives in the U.S. military. Dr. David Blake, now a surgeon in the U.S. Air Force, and the military veterans Jim Eilberg, Dr. Marty Snyder, and Rich Yanku will share vignettes from their many decades of accumulated experience.

Rabbi Michael Panitz will moderate the discussion. The Second Shabbat service takes place the second Saturday of each month. Services are streamlined and the congregation participates in an interactive conversation in lieu of a traditional sermon. At the conclusion of the worship at noon, the congregation is invited to join in Kiddush and a sit-down luncheon.

jewishnewsva.org | November 6, 2017 | Veterans | Jewish News | 17

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ VETERANS ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Area Jewish Veterans who have passed away since Veterans Day 2016 Alvin Jack Bookbinder

US Navy/USSBogue

December 12, 2016

Melvin Ornoff

US Army/US Air Force

January16, 2017

Charles Marks

US Navy

February 1, 2017

Bernard H. Glaser

US Marine Corps/Korea

February 22, 2017

Joseph M. Collector

US Army/US Air Force/WWII

March 23, 2017

Mel Sifen

Merchant Marines/WWII

May 16, 2017

Robert E. Brown

US Navy

May 20, 2017

Leonard Edelstein

US Navy/VP74 Squadron/WWII

May 23, 2017

Joseph I. Reznick

US Air Force/WWII

May 27, 2017

Dr. Harvey Lee Aftel

US Army

July 14, 2017

Dr. Stanley H. Legum

US Air Force

July 27, 2017

Alvan J. Tall

Jewish War Veterans

July 26, 2017

Stanley Waranch

US Army

August 12, 2017

Michel Zemil

US Air Force/Korea

August 20, 2017

Howard M. Laderberg

US Army Air Corp WWII

August 24, 2017

Arnold S. Cohen

US Navy Reserve

August 26, 2017

Harold Sacks

US Navy

September 8, 2017

Gerald Friedman

US Navy/WWII

September 20, 2017

Martin H. Handelsman

USMC/Vietnam

October 9, 2017

Allan L. Mandel

US Navy/Vietnam

October 11, 2017

18 | Jewish News | November 6, 2017 | jewishnewsva.org

Commodore Levy Chapel Rabbi Gershon Litt

hen a Jewish family or individual moves to a new community, they face many immediate challenges, not the least of which is choosing a synagogue, getting involved in the Jewish community, meeting new friends and creating a new social network. For a member of the military, those challenges become even more diffi- Scenes from the 2016 Hanukkah party at the Commodore Levy Chapel. cult. I have the honor of working with sailors and civilian DOD employees based at Naval Station Norfolk through the Commodore Levy Chapel. The Commodore Levy Chapel, named as such in 1959 and built in 1942, is the United States Navy’s oldest Jewish chapel. Located at Naval Station Norfolk, the largest naval base in the world, the chapel’s programming sees Jewish sailors and DOD personnel from all over the world and from every perspective imaginable. Working with Jewish sailors is one of the most rewarding things that I do in my job as a rabbi. Hearing their challenges, helping them through tough times, and honor G-d the way we choose. arranging connections for them so they These brave Jewish sailors epitomize can feel part of a larger community is these values. They risk their lives so we something that I consider an honor and can practice our religion consistent with privilege. These individuals have chosen our country’s founding father’s vision. The to put country before themselves and give Commodore Levy Chapel offers weekly back to the American people, protecting programming, High Holiday placement, them from harm and enabling all of us to Hanukkah and Purim parties, classes, enjoy the freedoms that we often take for and much more. Being able to go the granted. various commands, visit ships, and really Judaism teaches us that we should get to know the sailors is a great honor. take care of the world around us, our sociMay G-d bless our Jewish sailors and all ety, and our country. Our sages, of blessed servicemen and servicewomen from all memory, teach that Jews are commanded branches of military service who give up to keep the law of the land and honor the so much for all of us. country that they live in so long as the society allows us to worship freely and

Do you need palliative care?

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Palliative Care eases the burden for families Amy Cobb

hen a loved one is diagnosed with a chronic disease or condition, it can be overwhelming. Among the many unanswered questions are: Will this limit their life expectancy? Who do we turn to with questions? Will they be able to care for themselves? Who is going to care for them when they can’t? For those who dare ‘Google’ the medical conditions, the vast and conflicting information generally only adds to the confusion. It’s possible to be burdened by the fear and anxiety of the unexpected when first diagnosed with a chronic disease condition. Most people apprehensively accept the new way of life—increases in physician visits, medications, hospitalizations, and decreased ability to do things that provide meaning. But diseases don’t have to control lives. Palliative care is a type of specialized medical care for those living with a serious illness. Freda H. Gordon Palliative Care partners with the patient and their family to provide comfort and support when patients are first diagnosed and throughout their illness. Jessica Willingham, RN, administrator, says, “Our team focuses on the person, not the disease.” The staff at Freda H. Gordon helps patients and families with: • Understanding diagnoses and/or conditions. • Guiding and supporting with difficult treatment choices related to end of life issues and advanced directives. • Managing symptoms such as pain, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, shortness of breath, weight loss, and other symptoms caused by cancer or cancer treatment. • C oping with anxiety, fear, and depression (emotional, psychosocial, and spiritual support). • Facilitating communication between providers to create cohesive care. • A ssisting with finding and utilizing community resources. “By treating the symptoms,” says Willingham, “we can help patients gain

the strength to carry on with daily life and improve their ability to tolerate medical treatments. By improving communication, we can better help the patient understand choices for treatment, which in turn allows them to have more control over their care.” Palliative care treats disease conditions including cancer, cardiac disease (such as congestive heart failure or CHF), lung disease (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD), kidney failure, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, ALS, and many more.

It’s important to have resources in the community that can help prevent crisis moments.

more toward life-extending measures with little regard to quality of life. When we can help prevent a crisis and subsequently a hospitalization, we have improved the quality of life for not only the patient, but the family. It helps to put control back in their hands,” says Willingham. “When dealing with the effects of a serious illness, you need to know you’re not alone,” notes Willingham. The Freda H. Gordon Palliative Care team provides care to Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Hampton, Newport News, and Isle of Wight County. Most insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid, will cover all or part of palliative care services. Co-pays and deductibles may apply. To verify insurance coverage or to learn more about Freda H. Gordon Palliative Care, call 757-3212242 or visit www.hpctidewater.com.

• Is it getting more difficult to care for yourself (dressing, bathing, walking)? • Have you recently or previously been diagnosed with an illness such as (COPD, end stage kidney disease, stroke, congestive heart failure, ALS, etc.)? • Have you been hospitalized two or more times within the past several months? • Is it difficult to control physical or emotional symptoms related to your current disease condition? • Is there uncertainty regarding your prognosis? • Is family distress impairing decision-making? • Are you having difficulty improving in outpatient therapy? • Have you considered tube feedings/artificial nutrition? If you can relate to one of the above scenarios, you may benefit from palliative care. Call 757-321-2242.

All are invited to

The 8th Annual VETERANS DAY SERVICE on the Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus of the Tidewater Jewish Community

The palliative care team includes nurse practitioners, registered nurses, licensed clinical social workers, and chaplains. Willingham says, “At times, we may partner with home health to assist with other skilled needs such as physical therapy, speech therapy, dietician, and CNAs.” Palliative care is offered to patients in their home with specialized 24-hour telephone support. “It’s important to have resources in the community that can help prevent crisis moments. Hospitalizations are very taxing and stressful on the patient, as well as the family. Most family members have to take off of work. Patients are often thrown into a healthcare environment where goals of care are directed

Friday, November 10, 2017 9:30 A.M. 5000 Corporate Woods Drive Virginia Beach, VA 23462

We hope you will join us to honor those who have served our country, and continue to serve, with true dedication and bravery. Brunch will be served. RSVP to Ann Swindell at aswindell@ujft.org or (757) 965-6106 by Friday, November 3rd.

jewishnewsva.org | November 6, 2017 | Jewish News | 19

it’s a wrap

No way, José! — HAT Golf Tournament drives on Patti Seeman

Nathan Benson, Eric Joffe, and Lonnie Slone.

t was a dark and stormy morning with driving rain and winds gusting up to 30 miles per hour. Temperatures were cooler than usual for mid-September. Hurricane José was making its closest point of approach through the Atlantic off of Virginia’s coast. Although the weather conditions may have seemed more appropriate for the famed Muirfield Golf Course in Scotland—Tuesday, Sept. 19 was an exciting day for the Hebrew Academy of Tidewater Konikoff Center of Learning to hold its 29th annual golf tournament at the prestigious Bayville Golf Club in Virginia Beach. Affectionately known to many as the Bob Josephberg Classic, named for one of HAT’s most revered champions, the HAT golf tournament raises money to benefit HAT students and families. “The tournament is our school’s biggest fundraiser, and we truly cannot thank the donors and golfers enough for coming out and supporting our school. As the saying goes, ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ and our donors and supporters are a very important part of our ‘Village,’” says Heather Moore, head of school. “We are honored and grateful to have the enduring support of our legendary advocates Bob Josephberg, Angela Jenkins, and tournament co-chairs Ilana and Nathan Benson,” says Moore.

April Blair, Ilana Benson, and Shelley Slone.

Matthew White, Evan Kalfus, Kevin Lefcoe, and John Strelitz.

“Proceeds from the tournament help to make a Hebrew Academy education accessible for all students and are an investment in the education of our future leaders,” says Babbi Bangel, HAT board president. Motivated by this goal, many members of the community united to support the 29th annual tournament. With 101 golfers on the roster; generous sponsorships from 108 local and national companies, professionals, families, and

Jasmine Amitay and Alyssa Muhlendorf.

Andrew Hodge, Darrick Wickre, Pace Frizzell, and Bob Gaylord.

20 | Jewish News | November 6, 2017 | jewishnewsva.org

Alan Nordlinger, Victor Pickett, Rad Davenport, and Frank Cowling.

individuals; and raffle prizes donated by more than 55 local businesses, the golf outing surpassed the school’s fundraising goal by 16% and was a great success. “Every year, our golf committee dedicates hours of planning for the golf event…including obtaining sponsorships and raffle prizes, and organizing the 30 tournament volunteers needed to make the evolution run smoothly,” says Bangel. “As always, the staffs of HAT, Sandler Family Campus, and Cardo Café, along with the HAT trustees and parents, and Bayville Golf Club staff demonstrated exceptional teamwork and professionalism to make this year’s tournament one of the finest and most unforgettable.” The 30th Annual HAT Golf Tournament is slated for Tuesday, August 28, 2018 at Bayville.

Annie Sandler, Sheila Josephberg, Margot Miller, and Joan Joffe.

Marvin Friedberg, Randy Shapiro, Bob Josephberg, and Aaron Peck.

For more information, contact Patti Seeman, HAT director of development, at 757‑424‑4327, or email pseeman@hebrewacademy.net. Hebrew Academy of Tidewater is a constituent agency of United Jewish Federation of Tidewater.

Thank you to all of our generous supporters, golfers, and hard working volunteers for enabling HAT to surpass its fundraising goal. You make all the difference for our students and families. We could not do it without you. SPONSORS ($5,000) Celia K. Krichman Charitable Trust Copeland–Klebanoff Family Randi and Steven Gordon Jones Lang LaSalle Multifamily, LLC Dr. Albert and Wendy Konikoff Dr. David and Sofia Konikoff Dr. Stephen and Ronnie-Jane Konikoff Will, June, Alex, Austin, Cindy, and Ron Kramer Arnold H. Leon and Family L.M. Sandler and Sons Alan Nordlinger Deb and Peter Segaloff Southern Bank The Josephberg Family TowneBank HOSTS ($3,000) Fairlead Integrated Claire and Marvin Friedberg S.L. Nusbaum Realty Company John and Renee Strelitz and Family Wall, Einhorn and Chernitzer UNDERWRITERS ($2,000) Ilana and Nathan Benson Nathan Drory/ Charles Barker Automotive Howard Joffe Miles and Sandra Leon Brad Moses/Towne Insurance EAGLE SPONSORS ($1,000) Patricia and Avraham Ashkenazi Beth Sholom Home Cape Construction, David and Charlene Cohen

Dr. Ronald and Beth Dozoretz Gold Key/PHR Daniel Gordon and Family Harbor Group International Hercules Fence Brenda and Abbey Horwitz Beth and Nathan Jaffe Jewish Family Service KPMG MiRoMa Fund Monster Tool Company National Disaster Solutions Jennifer and Jim Nocito Ruth’s Chris Steak House Randy Shapiro The Armond and Rose Caplan Foundation Virginia Wealth Management Group, Inc.—Scott Saal BIRDIE SPONSORS ($500) Babbi and Brad Bangel Barnes, Thompson, and Singor UBS Financial Services, Inc. Bay Disposal CTMI Equity Title Company LLC Eric Joffe Construction Corp. — Mike Simon/Eric Joffe Faggert and Frieden, P.C. Givens Group Barbara and Allen Gordon Ivor Kaplan Plastic Surgery Jormandy LLC Arielle, Noah, and Ben Klebanoff Lisa and David Leon Karen and Rick Lombart Rabbi and Mrs. Yitzchak Menda Monarch Properties No Frill Bar and Grill Palms Associates Partners in Construction LLC

Roberta and Randy Sherman Larry Siegel—Williams Mullen Stein Investment Group The Jenkins Family in honor of HAT Teachers Towne Benefits HOLE SPONSORS ($300) Thank you Bob Josephberg! From Farideh and Norman Goldin Alan and Esther Fleder Foundation Jennifer Rush and Jason Alper Altmeyer Funeral Home Rabbi Arnowitz on behalf of Congregation Beth El Beach Eye Care, Mark A. Lipton, OD Susan and Jon Becker Stephanie Calliott and Don London Elyse and David Cardon CBRE Hampton Roads CopyFax Digital Office Solutions Rad and Lindsay Davenport Drs. Shivar, Peluso and Andersen, P.C. Eastern Virginia Orthodontics Frankie Edmondson, Portsmouth Commissioner of the Revenue Ellyn and Bob Endurance Network Services ESI Electronic Systems Laura and Fred Gross H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts. Inc. Zena Herod Betsy and Ed Karotkin KMG Prestige, Inc. Land Planning Solutions Larrymore Foundation Lynnhaven Fish House

Mid-Atlantic Dermatology Center, P.C.—Michael L. Gross, MD PAYDAY Payroll Services Poole Brooke Plumlee PC Rashkind Family Terri and Lonny Sarfan Lynn and Rachel Schoenbaum Siska Aurand Landscape Architects S.L. Nusbaum Insurance Company The Abrams Family The Jason Family The Moore Family in honor of the faculty and staff The Seeman Family The Spindel Agency Matthew N. White Ashley and Greg Zittrain GIFTS DONATED BY Aldo’s Ristorante Balance Therapeutic Massage Babbi and Brad Bangel Cheri’s Skin and Nail Boutique Cobalt Grille Commodore Theatre CopyFax and Toshiba Cure Coffeehouse Decorum Either Ore Jewelers Fellini’s Fink’s Jewelers Frances Kahn Freemason Abbey Restaurant Gary Allen Hair and Skin Care Golf Headquarters Hot House Yoga Il Giardino Inlet Fitness Jake’s Place Jody G.

Jody’s Gourmet Popcorn Long Jewelers Lynnhaven Fish House Mary’s Nail-tique Moe’s Southwest Grill Monkee’s of Virginia Beach Mr. Shawarma Nauticus No Frill Bar and Grill Norfolk Tides NYFO Princess Anne Country Club Quality Shop Ruth’s Chris Steak House Salad Works Sandfiddler Café Deb and Peter Segaloff Steinhilber’s Studio Bamboo The Lemon Cabana The Norfolk Admirals The Route 58 Deli The Royal Chocolate The Sandler Center The Skin Ranch and Trade Company The Spa and Laser Center Todd Rosenlieb Dance Topgolf Virginia Beach Total Wine & More Trader Joe’s Trish Boutique Virginia Aquarium Virginia Stage Company Virginia Symphony Orchestra Virginia Zoo Windsor Antiques Yorgo’s Zushi Japanese Bistro VOLUNTEERS Rachel Abrams Laura Allegood

Jasmine Amitay Leslie Marcus Auerbach Robyn Bailey Babbi Bangel Ilana Benson Nathan Benson Billy Bernstein Ellie Brooke Lenny Brooke David Cardon Leora Drory Randi Gordon Angela Jenkins Joan Joffe Bob Josephberg Erica Kaplan Aaron Kass Jodi Klebanoff David Leon Rebecca Levitt Wendy Lorenz Laura Miller Alyssa Muhlendorf Meagan Parker Deb Segaloff Burle Stromberg Ashley Zittrain Greg Zittrain SPECIAL THANKS Bob Josephberg Angela Jenkins Erica Kaplan Bayville Golf Club Cars and Hole in One Insurance provided by Nathan Drory/Charles Barker Automotive Hole in One Insurance provided by Brad Moses/Towne Insurance Cardo Café Image 360

jewishnewsva.org | November 6, 2017 | Jewish News | 21

what’s happening

it’s a wrap Simon Family JCC Seniors celebrate Rosh Hashanah

Award-winning author wraps up book festival Sunday, Nov. 19, 10:30 am, Ohef Sholom Temple

he Seniors Club celebrated Rosh Hashanah at the Simon Family JCC with a paint social led by Hebrew Academy art teacher, Michelle Barnes just ahead of the holiday. Following their painting, Rabbi Israel Zoberman led an educational discussion about the meaning of Rosh Hashanah while the group enjoyed holiday snacks of apples with honey and honey cakes. This event was made possible by the generosity of the Joseph Fleischmann Memorial Fund. For more information about Seniors Club, to learn how to join, or for a list of events, visit www.simonfamilyjcc.org/adults/active-adults or call Melissa Eichelbaum, program department associate at 321-2304.

Author Neville Frankel talks about writing

Erin Doughtery

C Anne Kolantis, Patsi Walton, Debbie Moore, and Lucille McKenzie.

Norman Greenberg.

Plenty of fish in the pond Carin Simon

ebrew Academy of Tidewater’s third grade students invited Sandler Family Campus “experts” to a brief presentation of their research of the Campus Pond, dubbed “Lake Sandler” on Tuesday, Oct. 17. The students Third grader Josh Rivera explains his model of a pond habitat to his parents Tammy were investigat- and Anthony Rivera after the class presentation. ing whether Lake was that Lake Sandler does not need to be Sandler would need to add more fish to restocked. the pond next spring for the Fishing Camp. During their extensive research the class They conducted thorough research guided tried to solve the mystery of who originally by HAT science teacher, Tanya Conley, stocked Lake Sandler. This mystery remains which included samples, interviews, and unsolved…. data collection. The unanimous conclusion

22 | Jewish News | November 6, 2017 | jewishnewsva.org

atching up with author Neville Frankel is like chatting with a favorite professor. He’s knowledgeable and kind and excited to share both his research tactics and his excitement about his newest novel, On the Sickle’s Edge. Frankel will speak at Ohef Sholom Temple as part of the Simon Family JCC’s Lee & Bernard Jaffe* Family Jewish Book Festival. Jewish News: What is the first book that inspired you to write? Neville Frankel: I don’t think one can ever pinpoint the book or event that inspires one to write. But here’s a series of events that certainly contributed to the direction my life has taken. When I was 12, I read The Last of the Just by Andre Schwarz-Bart. I remember it as a dark, terrifying, deeply upsetting book—but it was my first encounter with a personal experience of the Holocaust, and I was deeply touched by the experience in a way that has remained with me for over 50 years. As an adult, I came across E. L. Doctorow’s comment that the historian tells you what happened, but the writer of historical fiction tells you what it felt like to be there. I realized that the reading of this book has compelled me to tell people how it felt to be there. Does writing energize or exhaust you? Like most activities, it energizes when it goes well, and exhausts when it doesn’t. Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?

NF: If I tried to be original I would fail miserably, and I have no idea what any particular reader wants. So trying to deliver to readers what I think they want would be guesswork at best. I am fortunate in that when I write, my relationship is with my characters, and I write their stories as they tell me to. If you could tell your younger writing-self anything, what would it be? Read more novels, spend every day writing, ignore what’s fashionable and popular. Find your own voice and be true to it. Most importantly, prepare yourself to earn a living so that you don’t have to depend upon writing to put food on the table. What kind of research do you do, and how long do you spend researching before beginning a book? It’s easy to get trapped in the rabbit-holes of history and lose the thread of the particular story I’m writing. So I do as much research as is necessary to make the story believable, whether that’s reading, talking to people, or searching on the internet. Then I stop. Do you view writing as a kind of spiritual practice? Not really. But so far, I find it most interesting to write in the first person, and there is a spiritual component to telling a story from inside a character’s head. I find myself thinking about and experiencing things in a way that would be foreign to me. Free and open to the community. RSVP (required) at SimonFamilyJCC.org/bookfestival. Brunch sponsored by Sharon and Bill Nusbaum, included. This Lee and Bernard Jaffe* Family Jewish Book Festival event is sponsored by Lawrence Steingold. RSVP to SimonFamilyJCC.org/bookfestival. *of blessed memory

what’s happening

Want to be happier? Be more selfish. (seriously.) Ali Katz, author, Hot Mess to Mindful Mom

Presented as part of the Lee and Bernard Jaffe* Family Jewish Book Festival, in partnership with Jewish Family Service

Wednesday, Nov. 15, 11 am, Simon Family JCC Ali Katz

here have been a few times in my life that I experienced what I refer to as a “light-bulb” moment. Ali Katz It happens when something becomes so crystal clear and illuminated in my mind, it literally feels like a light bulb has been turned on in a dark room. A while ago, I had a light-bulb moment regarding my self-care routine. It transformed me in a way I couldn’t have foreseen, and the change extended to my entire family. We’ve all heard flight attendants instruct us to put our oxygen mask on before those that we are caring for. Every single time I fly, I silently thank the airline for the gentle reminder. It never gets old. As a young mom, I thought that putting everyone else’s needs before my own meant that I was proving my love to my family. Giving up everything I loved in order to give more to everyone else was what good moms did, right? Until I started to fall apart. When I put myself last, my family got the exhausted, depleted, and overwhelmed version of Mommy. Not my best look. We can’t share what we don’t have, right? If we don’t have reserves of energy that keep us balanced and centered, we can’t give our best to our children, our spouses, our extended family, or our jobs. As I slowly gave myself an inch or two here and there to prioritize my own needs, I became more patient, present, and joyful. I was able to bring the best version of myself to everyone that I cared about. It didn’t take much. You can do it, too. Here are the five tweaks that got me from hot mess to mindful mom: 1. I find gratitude wherever I can. I taped a small piece of paper that simply

says “gratitude” to my bathroom mirror. When I brush my teeth in the morning and evening, I think of a few things that I am grateful for. This way, without even budgeting any extra time, I’m starting and ending each day with appreciation. The more I practice gratitude, the more the universe gives me to be grateful for. Not to mention it is virtually impossible to feel stress and gratitude at the same time, so thinking of things you’re grateful for is an amazing way to recalibrate your energy. 2. I start the day with meditation. I decided I deserved the gift of starting each day from a balanced, centered place so I could take that energy into my entire day. I sit in stillness for just a few minutes each morning and find clarity, peace, and calm. All it takes to make this happen is setting my alarm 10 minutes earlier each night. Doing this consistently makes me feel more present, patient, and connected. 3. I do my best to get enough sleep. The average adult needs seven to nine hours of sleep, and I was almost never getting that. Sleep helps your body recover from day-to-day stress, and rest should be a priority. I took my bedtime back slowly, by 15 minutes every two weeks, until I reached my desired sleep number.

much as a deep breath. Giving myself time to “change hats,” so to speak, has made a huge difference in how I fulfill each of my roles. It allows me to bring my best self to each task. My transitional ritual: It doesn’t have to be some complex, involved thing. I started taking a few deep breaths and doing a one-minute meditation between tasks, and it’s been a total game-changer. Getting the kids off to school feels like a job in itself, so before I start my actual workday, I use my ritual to transition from mom mode to work mode. I do this again at the end of the day to help myself prepare to put my “mom hat” back on.

The more love I show myself, the more love I am able to attract and share. All of my relationships have improved. My transformation has shown me that self-care isn’t selfish at all. It’s actually the opposite! The better care I take of myself, the better I can care for everyone I love. Join Ali Katz for a discussion and lunch. Tickets: $12/$8 JCC member. Lunch included, RSVP (required) to SimonFamilyJCC.org/JewishBookFestival or contact Erin Dougherty at 757-321-2341. *of blessed memory

This article first appeared on mindbodygreen.com where Ali Katz is a contributor.

November 12th at 4PM

4. I spend time in nature. There’s something about fresh air that always clears my head, sparks creativity, and helps me chill out. When life starts making me a little nuts, whether it’s work, my kids, or self-doubt, a few minutes outside helps bring me back to center. 5. I give myself transition time. Whether you’re a working mom or new grad just getting your feet wet in the workplace, life sends our concentration in a million directions on a daily basis. We hop from one task to the next without taking so

TICKETS AVAILBLE AT jewishnewsva.org | November 6, 2017 | Jewish News | 23

what’s happening Part Two

Israel Today: Innovative Voices of the 21st Century, Dr. Rachel Fish Tuesday, November 14, 7:30 pm,Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus Wendy Weissman, assistant director CRC

r. Rachel Fish visits Tidewater to discuss her latest book, Essential Israel: Essays for the 21st Century, a compilation of essays from authors describing the cultural, political, and historical landscape of Israel. This is the second part of the Community Relations Council’s conversation with Fish. The first part appeared in the October 23, 2017 issue of Jewish News.

Community Relations Council: As an educator on a college campus, what is your advice for college students as it relates to Israel? Fish: College students need to understand their own university community because all are unique. They need to know that community and have a sense for who their allies are, in terms of talking about Israel, who their friends are, and where one might find challenges. That has to be understood on a multi-level system— administrative level, organizations, and

ATTENTION STUDENTS: Do you want to go to Israel? TJF has funds ready to help you get there. Apply at www.jewishva.org by November 15th.

For more information contact Barb Gelb at bgelb@ujft.org or 965.6105.

student groups, faculty, board of trustees, donors. Most students, and people for that matter, don’t think about these issues when they’re searching for universities, but it should be part of the equation. It has become politically acceptable and politically correct within the university to engage in highly politicized discussions on Israel. Among many faculty, it has become the accepted position that it’s ok to talk about Israel being an anachronistic state and not necessarily having a right to exist like all other states. I don’t think most Jewish students are prepared for that discussion because they’re not comfortable or confident in their own knowledge.

Why are people’s opinions on the political landscape of Israel so polarized? The culture in which we live at the moment is less informed and more strident, and most don’t feel like they have to have knowledge to form an opinion. [They] are comfortable in their Facebook feed, which are often used as echo chambers. It’s hard for many communities and individuals to have a serious and sophisticated discussion that doesn’t become an attack. It’s become the lightning rod for a lot of emotion—one of many within the Jewish community. There has to be serious deliberations where people have to be grounded in knowing something and have to be engaged in empathetic/active listening. We can have different perspectives that we don’t all necessarily have to agree with, but need to be voiced in a civil way, without the intention of trying to convince the other. I don’t see many students who are actual critical thinkers these days—they assume things are legit, but don’t have ability to judge and question what is true.

Dr. Rachel Fish

What did you learn through this process in working with the various authors and reading/hearing their voices? We were trying to find individuals who knew these issues [as it relates to Israel] and have written seriously about these issues, and also understand how to write for an audience that is not only in the ivory tower. We worked very closely with these experts to ensure that the narrative was one people could easily read despite whatever backgrounds they did or did not have. We learned that as we were preparing, there really isn’t any text like this. There are lots of historical works, huge tones immersed in Israeli history, but most people won’t read that today. We wanted to be able to find a way to address some of the most important and critical questions, but animated to ask questions that are relevant and impacting communities both in Israel and abroad in the 21st century. For more information or to RSVP (required) for this free and open to the community event, visit JewishVA.org/IsraelToday.

Current Events with JCC Seniors Thursdays, 10:30 am–12 pm, Simon Family JCC

Simon Family Passport to Israel 24 | Jewish News | November 6, 2017 | jewishnewsva.org

iscuss local and international news from all over the world. For further information, contact Bernice Greenberg at 757-497-0229.

what’s happening

Tidewater Yom Limmud Sunday, Nov. 12, 1–5 pm Simon Family JCC

he Simon Family JCC’s Jewish Life and Learning Department is offering an opportunity to join in a global movement with a taste of Limmud, bringing together local Jews of all persuasions to create and celebrate Jewish learning and living for the afternoon. Providing a space for Jews to craft their own Jewish experiences, explore their connections to Jewish ideas and tradition, and meet people who share their curiosity and enthusiasm, the local community will get a peek into the global initiative committed to harnessing the energy of people from across the Jewish community—all ages, all religious affiliations, and none—to take a break from busy everyday life and explore religion and culture. With ideas being presented by Rabbi Michael Panitz of Temple Israel, visiting experts Ezra Glinter (author of Have I Got A Story For You) and Rachel Fish (co-editor of Essential Israel: Essays For the 21st Century), and Rabbi Barry Schwartz,

director of the Jewish Publication Society, the smaller breakout sessions will offer participants a variety of options to bring out their inner artist, find balance through mindfulness, discover political harmony through spirituality, and dive into the genetic genepool that makes up the Jewish community. In coordination with the Hampton Roads Board of Rabbis and Cantors, Global Day of Jewish Learning, with support through a grant from the Tidewater Jewish Foundation, and as part of the Simon Family JCC’s Lee and Bernard Jaffe Family Jewish Book Festival, the community is invited to be a part of Tidewater Yom Limmud. The cost to attend is $18. Tickets must be purchased in advance at www.simonfamilyjcc.org/ limmud or by contacting Melissa Eichelbaum, Simon Family JCC’s program department associate, at 321-2304 or MEichelbaum@ujft.org. Deadline for registration is Friday, Nov. 10.

PJ Library partners with Simon Family JCC’s Lee & Bernard Jaffe* Family Jewish Book Festival for two family friendly events Adam’s Animals by Rabbi Barry Schwartz Sunday, Nov. 12, 10:30 am, Congregation Beth El

dam’s Animals features Adam, who has a big job. God has asked him to name all the animals from A to Z. Some animals are happy with their names, others less so. A beautifully illustrated adventure through nature unfolds as readers learn why animals each have specific names and what those names mean.

Levi & Aya by Shoshana Banana Wednesday, Nov. 8, 5:30 pm, Simon Family JCC

evi & Aya takes on a denim adventure with young Levi Strauss, founder of the famous denim company, and his friendship with a young woman from Japan named Aya. An innocent love story for kids reveals itself, teaching audiences about the invention of the blue jean, traditional Jewish values, and universal ones like tolerance and compassion. Banana will lead a denim decorating craft. (Bring jeans to decorate.) Dinner included. Tickets: Children-$8/$6 JCC member; Adult-$11/$9 JCC member; Family, $32/$25 JCC member. RSVP is required for both events. To RSVP or for more information, visit simonfamilyjcc.org/ JewishBookFestival or contact Erin Dougherty at 757-321-2341. *of blessed memory

jewishnewsva.org | November 6, 2017 | Jewish News | 25

what’s happening Leon Family Gallery Sandler Family Campus What’s up now and next HIPSTORY November

el Aviv based artist Amit Shimoni’s Hipstory exhibition is a cross-section of world leaders with pop culture art, including such historic figures as David Ben Gurion, Mahatma Gandhi, Abraham Lincoln, and Golda Meir, and more, portrayed as 21st century “hipsters.” The idea to modernize global figures struck Shimoni when he searched online for photos of 20th century well known characters, but all he could find were old, black-and-white faded photographs. Hoping to connect Generation Y with political and cultural visionaries of the past, Shimoni shows these world leaders in contemporary styles and settings. All pieces will be available for purchase including seven exclusive portraits not currently found online.

Repairing the World: Frame by Frame December

he Repairing the World: Frame by Frame photography exhibit was inspired by a group of Israeli philanthropists who traveled around the world photographing Jewish communities and individuals helped by the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC). The exhibit, which includes photographs of dozens of individuals who have seen JDC in action, as well as select pictures from the JDC Archives, originally opened in New York in May 2016. JDC is the world’s leading Jewish humanitarian organization, operating in more than 70 countries and helping Jews and others in need to survive and strengthen community. Founded in 1914, JDC is a non-partisan, unifying force in the Jewish community—“joining” together people with very different views in the common pursuit of caring for others in dire straits. The United Jewish Federation of Tidewater works to meet the challenges facing today’s Jewish community at home and around the world, through a network of local Jewish agencies and overseas service partners, including the JDC. For more information about the Leon Family Gallery and other upcoming exhibits, contact Erin Dougherty, Simon Family JCC cultural arts director, at EDougherty@simonfamilyjcc.org or 321-2341.

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Calendar Through NOVEMBER 20 The Lee and Bernard Jaffe* Family Jewish Book Festival. Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus. For more information, contact Erin Dougherty at 757-321-2341 or edougherty@simonfamilyjcc.org. November 9, Thursday Congregation Beth El commemorates Kristallnacht. The evening features a string quarter performance, a showing of Hanns Lowenbach’s What We Carry film and brief messages by Rabbi Jeffrey Arnowitz and Reverend Antipas Harris, founders of Hands United Building Bridges. 6:30 pm. Free and open to the community. 757-625-7821. November 10, Friday Tidewater Jewish Foundation’s 8th Annual Veteran’s Day Service at the Sandler Family Campus. Join TJF for this community event to honor those who have served the USA, and continue to serve. Service and brunch to be held in the Fleder Multipurpose Room, 9:30 am. Free and open to the community. Honor a veteran with a paver in the Jewish War Monument. Contact Ann Swindell at aswindell@ujft.org or 757-965-6106 to RSVP or for more information on the Jewish War Monument. See page 17. Tidewater Chavurah’s second Friday of the month Shabbat service at the home of Hal and Elaine in the Great Neck Meadows area of Virginia Beach. 7 pm. The service will be led by Rabbi Ellen Jaffe-Gill. A “congregation without walls,” events are held in members’ homes or at other locations. An Oneg will follow. For event information and location address, email carita@verizon.net or dlqt@cox.net or call 499-3660 or 468-2675. Check out www.tidewaterchavurah.org or Tidewater Chavurah Face book page for upcoming events. November 12, Sunday Yom Limmud, an international day of learning brings the community together to exchange ideas at the Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus. 1–5 pm. For more information or to RSVP, visit simonfamilyjcc.org/limmud or contact Melissa Eichelbaum at 757-321-2304 or meichelbaum@ujft.org. See page 25. November 14, Tuesday Israel Today featuring activist, ivy-league educator, and documentarian Rachel Fish. Fish sheds light on the nuance of Israel’s internal and external conflicts and encourages exploration of debates on key issues embedded in a richly evoked sociohistorical context. Free. Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus. For more information, contact Melissa Eichelbaum at meichelbaum@ujft.org or 757-321-2304. See page 24. NOVEMBER 15, WEDNESDAY JCC Senior Club will hold their meeting. Lunch is $6 at 12 pm. General meeting will be followed by entertainer Marsha Wallace. She will play several country instruments and sing. For further information, call Bernice Greenberg at 757-497-0229. November 19, Sunday Brith Sholom Thanksgiving Celebration at Beth Sholom Village. 5:30 pm. All of the regular Thanksgiving fare with all the trimmings. Come Gobble to you wobble. Entertainment by Herman Dumas (Neil Diamond impersonator). $10 for members and $20 for guests. Contact LeeAnne Mallory at 757-461-1150 or email at Brith.sholom1@hrcoxmail.com for reservations. December 3, Sunday BINA’s Gift Bazaar at 420 Spotswood Avenue, Norfolk. Vendors and craft booths will sell their goods. Variety of gift items, kids’ items, jewelry, and more. A generous portion of the proceeds will be donated to BINA High School. 11 am–4 pm. Brith Sholom’s regular members meeting at 11 am, preceded by board meeting at 10 am. Held at Beth Sholom Village in the Pincus-Paul Hall. Meeting followed by a deluxe Kosher Brunch at noon with speaker Master Sargent David Niver from Virginia Beach Police Dept. He will speak on safety and crime prevention for seniors. $3 for members ($5.00 at the door); $10 for guests; and free if exploring possible membership. Contact LeeAnne Mallory, secretary at 757-461-1150 or email at Brith.sholom1@hrcoxmail.com for information. *of blessed memory 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.

obituaries Kurt Phillip Caminer Portsmouth—Kurt Phillip (Phil) Caminer, aged 93, died on September 4, 2017. A lifelong supporter of universal civil liberties and a member of the American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia, Phil was born to an assimilated Social Democratic Party-affiliated, German Jewish family in Berlin on February 6, 1924. He escaped Germany on a “Kindertransport” to England in July 1939 at the age of 15, just before the Germans marched into Poland in September 1939. In England he reunited with his recently escaped mother Liebe Lola Pufeles Caminer of blessed memory. Ever a rebel, he resented the patriarchal authoritarian public school system of Germany and often skipped school to visit the local excellent museums! Using his rudimentary English skills, he toured African American athletes participating in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. He eschewed continuing formal education in England, choosing first to be independent as a farm laborer in Wales during WW II— although he was once interned on the Isle of Man as an ‘enemy alien’! After initially escaping to Amsterdam, Holland, his three-year-older brother Hans was captured by the Nazis and transported to the hard forced labor camp and stone quarry (KZ or Konzentrationslager) near Mauthausen, Austria where he was killed. His father, Siegmund Caminer, died at the hands of the Nazi regime during WW II after having served in the German Army in WW I. In London, England, Phil identified as a Free Thinker and was introduced to the culture of the British theater world (Q Theater) through his ‘adoption’ by the Jack and Beatie de Leon family. During the war when not dodging ‘doodle bugs,’ he posed insightful questions from the BBC radio audience to intellectuals on the program, The Brains Trust. In the late 1940s, in Washington DC, he joined an interracial housing co-op where he lived with James Farmer of CORE among other daring resident activists. In the early 1950s he managed a Planters Peanut store on Granby Street in Norfolk where he was one of the first to hire African Americans to wait on

both white and black customers, bucking shocked supervisors’ criticisms. Phil joined the Unitarian Church of Norfolk (UCN), calling himself a Jewish Unitarian Universalist, atheist and humanist. He found his soul-satisfaction serving as a group home manager and counselor to the adult developmentally delayed people of Norfolk (Hope House Foundation), of Virginia Beach (VOA Baker House) and of Chesapeake. He is survived by his wife Vicki Beck Caminer (Portsmouth) and his ex-wife and still friend Shirley Caminer (Denver, Colo.). He is survived by his older son Stephen Caminer ( Joyce Bennett) of Denver, and by their daughter Adrienne (Brooklyn, N.Y.C). He is also survived by his younger son Thomas Caminer (RoseEllen), granddaughter Claudia and great-granddaughter Kaya Bedoya (Jackson Heights, N.Y.C). He was so very fond of his cousin and fellow Berliner Rosi Oettinger Rosenberg of blessed memory and of Rosi’s daughter Ruth R. Robeson (Bill) and Rosi’s son Dani of blessed memory (Adele), and of their children and grandchildren. Phil had a very large, close-knit extended family through the Unitarian Church of Norfolk (UCN) as well as with members of the former Temple Sinai of Portsmouth and with the family of Kitty Wolf-Steinberg and Rabbi Arthur Steinberg, of blessed memory. Through contacts developed through Servas, an organization founded in Denmark post WW II which fosters direct relationships among people across international boundaries, he befriended Claudia Richter (Hamburg, Germany) and Baerbel Weigl (Volker Hofman) of Berlin, Germany whom he visited repeatedly. A memorial service was held at the Unitarian (Universalist) Church.

K. Chapman (David) of New Orleans, niece Kelsey Zeitzer of New Orleans, nephews Clay Weisberg of Portsmouth, Zach Weisberg of Los Angeles, and Jonathan Zeitzer of New Orleans. Terri had a varied career in journalism, working for both newspapers and television stations as a writer and reporter. She pursued many interests such as flying in a jet fighter and riding a bull; she took an African Safari as well as a chef’s class in Paris. She was a graduate of Boston University where she started her career in journalism and studied in Scotland. She was a devoted daughter, loved her cats and family, as well as her convertible sports cars. A graveside service took place at Forest Lawn Cemetery and was officiated by Rabbi Michael Panitz. Donations in Terri’s memory to the Peninsula S.P.C.A. 523 J. Clyde Morris Blvd., Newport News, Va. 23601.

Mollie Masarsky Ruben VIRGINIA BEACH—Mollie Masarsky Ruben, 91, died October 20, 2017. Born in Passaic, New Jersey, Mollie was the daughter of the late Zeda and William Masarsky. After a whirlwind romance, in 1948, Mollie married the love of her life, Daniel Abraham Ruben, who predeceased her, and lived in Norfolk and Virginia Beach until the date of her death. Mollie was a graduate of Ohio State University and put her accounting education to good use, working side by side with Daniel in the Old Dominion Oil Company until they retired in 1980. Mollie, together with Daniel, was a founding member of Temple Israel in Norfolk, active in the Sisterhood and the Sunday School. Mollie was an avid duplicate bridge player, achieving Life Master status several times over. Mollie was renowned for her baking. She fervently believed that her chocolate pound cake continued on page 28

Employment Oppor tunity Director of Summer Day Camp & Children/Family Programming Seeking an energetic, organized, and articulate individual with excellent people skills to oversee and coordinate the Summer Camp and Children/Family Programs at the UJFT/Simon Family JCC. Independent judgment, initiative, and creative program planning skills required. The ideal candidate enjoys interacting with children and is dedicated to promoting an appreciation for Jewish culture and values. Must be proficient in preparing yearly budgets, maintaining fiscal responsibility, and administrative management with willingness to work evenings, weekends, and holidays. Experience in hiring, training, and supervising summer camp and volunteer staff, required. Qualifications include, but not limited to: BA/BS degree from an accredited college or university; 3-5 years proven leadership experience directing a Summer Day Camp and Children & Family Programs; Detail-orientated; Ability to communicate to Jewish, Interfaith, and general audiences; and Strong proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. Complete job description at: www.simonfamilyjcc.org.

Terri F. Kruger NORFOLK—Terri F. Kruger, 60, was the daughter of Theodore Kruger and Ina J. Kruger of blessed memory. She was granddaughter of Jean and Sidney Fisher, as well as Abe and Eleanor Kruger, of blessed memory. She is survived by her sisters Shelley K. Weisberg (Jeff) of Williamsburg and Ellen

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

Equal Employment Opportunity

jewishnewsva.org | November 6, 2017 | Jewish News | 27

obituaries continued from page 27

had medicinal qualities and baked them often for cancer patients, who reported that, after chemotherapy, chocolate pound cake was one of the only foods they could eat. Mollie baked strudel for friends’ simchas, charging a fee that she then donated to charity. Mollie loved to knit. Her hand-made blankets, sweaters, ponchos, and even slippers given to countless family members and friends will surely continue to provide warmth and fond memories. Mollie was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend who will be deeply missed. Mollie is survived by two sons, Laurence Ruben of Virginia Beach, and Robert Ruben and his wife Brenda, of Rockville, Md.; two daughters, Debra Isaacson and her husband, Dale, of Potomac, Md., and Mary Jo Reich and her husband, David, of Short Hills, N.J. Mollie was predeceased by her sister, Elaine Nicholas, and is survived by her sister, Hilda Bindelglass, of Boca Raton, Fla., eight grandchildren, Jason, Michael, Pamela, Ronni Jane, Scott, Jake, Will and Ben, and nine great grandchildren, Zackary, Lily, Abigail, Maya, Dean, Elliott, Max, Morgan, and Nora. She worried about all whom she loved and would exclaim “thank God!” upon their safe return from a trip. A graveside funeral service was held at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Rabbi Michael Panitz officiating, H.D. Oliver. Memorial donations may be made to the Mucolipidosis IV Foundation, www.ml4. org, or to a worthy charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be made at www.hdoliver.com. Allen Gordon Richter Virginia Beach—Allen Gordon Richter, 90, passed away peacefully in his home in Virginia Beach on Sunday, October 29. Allen was born in Norfolk, Va., on February 7, 1927, to Solomon and Flora Richter. He was preceded in death by his two sisters, Beatrice “Bebe” Kaufman (Richter) and Millie Richter. Allen was a proud graduate of Maury High School, where he was an all-time

baseball and basketball star. He was signed by the Boston Red Sox Organization as a star shortstop straight out of high school, but postponed his career to serve in the Army Air Corps from 1945 to 1947 in Wiesbaden, Germany. Allen reported to the Red Sox in 1947, determined to simultaneously complete his college education in the off-season. Allen attended V.P.I. (Virginia Tech) in 1947, and graduated with a degree in Business Administration from the University of Miami in 1953. Over the course of Allen’s baseball career, he played shortstop with Louisville, Boston, San Diego and, finally, with the St. Louis Cardinals in Rochester, NY. In 1951, after batting .321 in Louisville, Allen received the minor league allstar shortstop of the year award from Look magazine. He stood alongside Ted Williams and Dom DiMaggio at Fenway Park to receive the award. Baseball fans loved Allen. In 1950, while playing in Scranton, Pa., Allen received an Oldsmobile from fans as the award for Most Valuable Player. In 1955, he received another new Oldsmobile as a gift from his fans in Rochester, NY. In 1994, a plaque was hung in Allen’s honor at Harbor Park in Norfolk, to commemorate his baseball career. Following his baseball career, Allen returned to Norfolk, where he hosted the local TV show Spotlight on Sports on WTAR Channel 3 for six years, and began a successful career in both business and real estate. He worked with Fidelity Banker Life Insurance, Ken-Lar Distributing Company, and later, GFI America of Minnesota (Goldberger Foods), where he spent more than 30 years as regional sales manager for national and local restaurant chains. In 1958, Allen founded Richter Realty, Inc., which continues to operate in Virginia Beach today. Allen’s many affiliations included the Major League Baseball Alumni, Chesapeake Athletic Club, Norfolk Sports Club and Virginia Beach Sports Club; Beth El Temple, B’nai Brith, Norfolk YMCA, Beth El Temple Men’s Club and the Jewish Community Center; National Conference of Community and Justice; Camp Fartherest Out; Wave Church; and

28 | Jewish News | November 6, 2017 | jewishnewsva.org

The Virginia House. Allen was also an avid tennis player and a member of the Cape Henry Racquet Club. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 49 years, Ann Fulcher Richter, daughter, Jennifer Leigh Richter, son-in-law, Michael Kozemchak, nieces Margy Shea (Kaufman) and Ilene Kaufman Hart, nephew Terry Kaufman, and grand nieces Nicole Charlet, Jodi Burnley and Chrissy Kaufman, as well as many loving cousins and a host of extended family and dear friends. Allen will be remembered for his devout faith in the Lord, his numerous contributions to both the Jewish and Christian communities, and his generous spirit. Most notably, he will be remembered for his love for his family, his endless optimism, his unmatched charisma distinguished by a smile that lit up any room he entered and for being “the oldest living teenager.” Following a private graveside burial officiated by Rabbi Israel Zoberman at Forest Lawn Cemetery, a celebration of Allen’s life will be held at the Holiday Inn North Beach, 3900 Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach, on Monday, Nov. 6. Memorial donations to the charity of the donor’s choice. H. D. Oliver Funeral Apts. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.hdoliver.com. The family would like to thank the outstanding doctors and nursing staff from Virginia Beach Premier Medical, Amedisys Home Health Care, Jewish Family Service of Tidewater, and Freda H. Gordon Hospice and Palliative Care of Tidewater for their dedication and care for Allen throughout his journey. Mayer A. Sarfan Norfolk—Mayer A. Sarfan, 89, passed away on October 21, 2017. He was a native and lifelong resident of Newport News. He started working as a teenager at Newport News Shipbuilding, while attending Newport News High School, until leaving for the University of Virginia where he obtained both his BS and law degrees. After serving in the United States Army, CID, he returned to Newport News and was the

founding partner of Sarfan and Nachman, Attorneys-at-Law and a land developer for more than 50 years. His love for children was reflected in his being instrumental in establishing the Preschool for the United Jewish Community of the Virginia Peninsula (UJCVP). He also led fund raising for the Resettlement of Soviet Jewry and was a lifetime member and supporter of Rodef Sholom Temple. Mayer was a generous supporter of numerous museums and charities on the Peninsula and was on the Foundation Board for Christopher Newport College. Mayer was the first president of Mercury 64 Kiwanis Club; was a 33rd degree Mason and a member of Bremond Masonic Lodge 241 AF&AM. Mayer was an Eagle Scout and Scout Master of Troops 5 and 43. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leon and Rose Sarfan; his sisters, Rita Bloch Spirn, Frances Garfinkel, Helen Soefer and brother, Benson Sarfan. Mayer is survived by his wife of 62 years, Dorene Z. Sarfan; five sons, Gary Nachman ( Janet), William Nachman (Rhoda), Leon “Lonny” Sarfan (Terri), Randall Sarfan and Edward Sarfan (Jody). He is also survived by his sister, Edythe Lichtenstein and his sister-in-law, Jayne Zilber. Mayer has nine grandchildren, Meredith, Michael (Amber) and their mother, Barbara; Joel; Alexandra (Brad), Stephanie; Ryan, Austin; Sydney and Matthew and two great-grandchildren, Zoey and Zack; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. A funeral service was held at the United Jewish Community of the Virginia Peninsula. Burial followed at the Jewish Cemetery of the Virginia Peninsula. Contributions to the United Jewish Community Preschool Fund; Rodef Sholom Temple Building Fund; or the Boy Scouts of America. Peninsula Funeral Home. Ola Faye Weisberg Virginia Beach—Ola “Faye” Weisberg, born in 1934 in Greenville N.C., passed away in her California home on October 7, 2017. She is survived by her loving husband

obituaries of 47 years, Herman Weisberg, sister Viola Chitty, brother Donald R. Meeks; children Michael Luper, Joanna Weisberg Wemple; step-sons Louis Weisberg, Paul Weisberg; grandchildren Rachel Luper Fleekop, Ashly Luper, Samantha Luper, Cayden Wemple, Skyler Wemple, Jacqueline Weisberg, Gabrielle Cabreros; great-grandchildren Joshua Fleekop, Addison Fleekop, and Margot Cabreros. She was preceded in death by parents, Thurman Eugene Meeks, Kathleen Ivy Dixon Meeks, and brother A.E. “Gene” Meeks. Faye grew up in Norfolk, and graduated from Norview High School in 1952. During her school years, she was a cheerleader, played basketball, and loved to dance. (She encouraged Don to dance, a hobby he practices to this day.) After high school, she became a model, and could frequently be seen in ads for the utility companies. She went on to own several wig stores throughout Tidewater. After closing her stores, she became a stay at home mom, offering love and support to her husband, children, and grandchildren. In 2007 she and Herman moved to Templeton, Calif. to be closer to daughter Joanna and her young family. A breast cancer survivor, Faye attributed her long life and well-being to her positive outlook. She encouraged everyone she knew to be positive, believe in themselves, and look to God for answers. Those who knew her will surely remember her favorite saying, “You’re so wonderful!” a phrase she would want us all to embrace. Donations to Congregation Ohr Tzafon: www.congregationohrtzafon.org. Linda Tuckman Scott Virginia Beach—Linda T. Scott, 74, passed away unexpectedly at home Saturday, October 21, 2017. She was born in California to the late Sara Swersky Tuckman and Arthur Jacob Tuckman, and was the widow of Jay Scott. She was a graduate Florida University. She is survived by her two sons, Raymond Epstein of Alpharetta, Ga.; Brad Scott of San Francisco, Calif.; her grandchildren, Samuel Epstein, Jay and Mason

Scott; her loving niece, Lauren Broudy; two nephews Seth and John Broudy all of Virginia Beach. A graveside service was conducted Forest Lawn Cemetery by Rabbi Israel Zoberman. H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts. Marilyn Witman Virginia Beach—Marilyn Witman, 87, passed peacefully in her sleep on Oct. 19, 2017, at Beth Sholom Terrace. Born in Bronx, N.Y., to Nathan and Leah Rapport, Marilyn was married for 40 years to Herbert Cooper, deceased 1991. She lived in Queens, N.Y.; Fords, N.J.; Monroe Twsp., N.J.; then Virginia Beach. She is survived by children: Wendy FitzGerald (Stephen), Laurie Keller (Chris), David Cooper (Shari), and Cara Cooper; grandchildren: Sarah and Herbie Keller, and Kelsey FitzGerald; and her brother Paul Evans (Susan) of N.Y.C. Her sister, Dr. Estelle Friedman is deceased. Second husband Bernard Witman, deceased, and friend Sy Eichen, deceased. Marilyn played piano her entire life, including at Charlie’s Uncle, E. Brunswick, N.J., and Nordstrom, Edison, N.J. She wrote music and lyrics for songs and children’s theater productions, and verses for greeting cards. Graveside services were held at Beth Israel Memorial Cemetery, Woodbridge, N.J. with Cantor Aviva Marer officiating. Memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association. alz.org or Autism Speaks autismspeaks.org. Online condolences may be shared at familychoicefunerals.com.

For a vandalized Philadelphia Jewish cemetery, it’s a new beginning

Philadelphia cemetery vandalized in February has been repaired with the help of donations from around the world. Last month, Mayor Jim Kenney was part of the first official tour of the refurbished Mount Carmel Cemetery, which had 275 gravestones destroyed in the attack. The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia led the restoration efforts. Nearly 3,000 individuals from across the world gave donations totaling over $288,000, the federation said.

“The symbolic first tour will serve as a public display of Jewish Federation’s deep appreciation for the Philadelphia community’s support and encouragement following the vandalism and throughout the extensive repair process,” the statement said. Hundreds of volunteers, Jewish and non-Jewish, turned out after the vandalism to help clean up the cemetery and start the restoration project. Two Philadelphia labor unions also offered to assist in making the repairs and improving security. The damage was discovered in late February, days after a Jewish cemetery in St. Louis was vandalized. No suspects have been identified. The cemetery dates back to 1915. Following his morning tour, Kenney tweeted: “We’ll continue to respond to hate with love & speak out against injustice. Proud of how Philadelphia responded to repair Mt. Carmel Cemetery.” (JTA

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jewishnewsva.org | November 6, 2017 | Jewish News | 29

Ruth’s

Will

Said a Lot About Her.

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25 years of brightening Chanukah for local children and teens Written on behalf of a local Jewish Family Service client

“I

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.

am a native of Tidewater and have spent my whole life here. I met and married the love of my life after college and we had one beautiful daughter. Unfortunately, our marriage did not turn out to be beautiful. After counseling and serious soul searching, we decided to divorce. So, I am now a single parent. I struggle every month to keep my job, pay our bills, and put food on our table. My ex-husband moved away and does not send enough child support to keep us going. “I’m very uncomfortable to say that I had to call Jewish Family Service (JFS) to ask for help. They were very kind and helped with my rent and car repairs. While there, JFS staff also told me about their annual Chanukah Gift Project for local children and teens. They told me

to give them a wish list of things my daughter needed (clothes, school supplies, winter coat) along with things she would like to have (toys, games, books). JFS staff explained that with Chanukah coming in a few months that JFS had numerous very generous donors and that we could get gifts for my child. So, I went home and prepared a wish list. I never expected to get much and went to JFS a

The 25th Annual Chanukah Gift Program Jewish Family Service of Tidewater’s annual Chanukah Gift Program, which provides holiday gifts to local Jewish children and teens living in financially struggling families, begins this month. JFS expects to serve more than 70 local children and teens this year. For donors, this is an opportunity to do a mitzvah for those who live in families who are financially struggling. How to help • P urchase new, unwrapped gifts for specific children and teens in need. Donors may call JFS at 757-459-4640 for children’s wish lists. • When shopping with your family, buy some extra items for those in need. • Send JFS gift cards from local stores or Amazon or Visa so that families can shop themselves. • Send JFS a tax-deductible donation and JFS will do the shopping for the children and teens. Hanukkah donations must be received by November 28. Make checks payable to JFS, ATTN: Maryann Kettyle, 5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Suite 400, Virginia Beach, VA 23462.

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

few months later to pick up the gifts for my child. “Wow!!!! People (JFS donors) I do not know got everything on her wish list. They even made the extra effort to match up outfits and gloves/scarf to match the winter coat. She got some great books and games that we will use all year long. They also gave me Chanukah wrapping paper, ribbons, and decorations. That

Jewish Family Service assists local Jewish families in need all year and will keep any surplus donations to use throughout 2017-2018. For more information, contact Maryann Kettyle, at JFS at 757-459-4640 or MKettyle@jfshamptonroads.org.

30 | Jewish News | November 6, 2017 | jewishnewsva.org

really was important to me so I could personalize each gift that she opened. This is the message I wrote to all who helped my family last year or who may be helping us or another family again this year: Dear Donors: Words cannot describe the feeling I got when I saw the kindness of others. I’m so thankful for your generosity towards my family. My daughter does not ask for much, but I was able to give her a lot more than I would have without your help. So, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You have done a very noble and thankful Mitzvah for my family this year. Happy Hanukkah to you!! From: A very thankful parent.

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ornish.sentaraheart.com Your community, not-for-profit health partner 32 | Jewish News | November 6, 2017 | jewishnewsva.org