Jewish News - November 30, 2020 by United Jewish Federation of Tidewater

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Southeastern Virginia | Vol. 59 No. 06 | 14 Kislev 5781 | November 30, 2020

3 Second Sunday Community Phone-a-Thon Sunday, December 13

Happy Hanukkah! December 11-18

28 Melton Classes set to begin Thursday, January 7

29 BBYO: Meeting and welcoming new members

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Second Sunday community Phone-a-Thon online Sunday, December 13, 10 am–1 pm

Volunteer campaign workers with regular assigned cards can also use this day to call their stillopen prospects. Hanukkah is a holiday of generosity and gift-giving. The Federation hopes that holding SECOND SUNDAY during Hanukkah will tap into this spirit of giving, so that all who are called will respond generously and with a glad heart. So, make this Hanukkah extra special. Sign up to make calls…or stay home and answer the phone when the call arrives. Later that night, when basking in the glow from the Hanukkah candles…Remember that BOTH asking and giving…are acts which serve to strengthen the community and bring light into a sometimes dreary world.

Amy Zelenka

he Super Sunday Community Phone-a-Thon is a day that harkens back to Super Sundays held on Newport Avenue, some years on Thompkins Lane, and more recently at the Sandler Family Campus. Super Sunday brings together dozens of community members with a single focus in mind: make the calls that make a difference in the lives of Jews here in Tidewater and around the world. Bound by the same desire to build and strengthen the institutions and programs that comprise Tidewater’s Jewish community, the community will come together in purpose, in spirit, and maybe a little bit by Zoom! On the second Sunday of December (coinciding with daythree of Hanukkah) UJFT will hold a community-wide phonefrom-home-a-thon, and it’s simply called, SECOND SUNDAY. Volunteers wishing to call fellow community members on Sunday, Dec. 12 and 13, can sign-up on Jewishva.org/secondsunday. Volunteers will be assigned a list of donor prospects to call from home, and they’ll report on progress throughout the day.

If you have questions about SECOND SUNDAY or would like to make a gift to the 2021 Community Campaign of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, contact Amy Zelenka, campaign director, at 757-965-6139 or give online at jewishva.org (click on United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, then “Give Now” at the top of the screen).

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

Brith Sholom breaks record of giving. . . . . 13

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

Special Hanukkah Section. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Raising Hospice awareness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Havdalah in the Lot lights up fun. . . . . . . . 31

Stein Family College Scholarship . . . . . . . . . 6

Lee and Bernard Jaffe Family Jewish Book Festival. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Torah Thought. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Matthew Weinstein on philanthropy . . . . . . 8 Your Dollars at Work: Toras Chaim . . . . . . 10 JCRC’s new director: Rabbi Batya Glazer . . 10 Temple Israel’s drive-by drive. . . . . . . . . . . 12

What’s Happening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Obituaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 SIA students learn about elections . . . . . . . 38

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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 Lisa Richmon, Staff Writer Sandy Goldberg, Account Executive Ronnie Jacobs Cohen, Account Executive Marilyn Cerase, Subscription Manager Reba Karp, Editor Emeritus United Jewish Federation of Tidewater Amy Levy, President Alvin Wall, Treasurer Stephanie Calliott, Secretary Betty Ann Levin, Executive Vice-President jewishVA.org The appearance of advertising in the Jewish News does not constitute a kashrut, political, product or service endorsement. The articles and letters appearing herein are not necessarily the opinion of this newspaper. © 2020 Jewish News. All rights reserved. Subscription: $18 per year

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Upcoming Deadlines for Editorial and Advertising Dec. 14 Education Nov. 27 Jan. 25, 2021 Food/Romance Jan. 8, 2021 Feb. 8 Investments Jan 22 Feb. 22 Retirement Feb. 5 March 8 Mazel Tov/Passover Feb. 19 March 22 Passover March 5

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

Friday, December 4/18 Kislev Light candles at 4:30 pm

“This event was much needed and a very welcome step in the direction back to normalcy,” —page 31

Friday, December 11/25 Kislev Light candles at 4:31 pm Friday, December 18/3 Tevet Light candles at 4:33 pm Friday, December 25/10 Tevet Light candles at 4:37 pm Friday, January 1/17 Tevet Light candles at 4:42 pm Friday, January 8/24 Tevet Light candles at 4:55 pm

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BRIEFS Tom Hanks joins campaign to turn Pittsburgh synagogue into anti-racism center Actor Tom Hanks and singer Billy Porter have agreed to help lead a fundraising campaign to help turn Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life synagogue into an anti-racism center. Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf and Joanne Rogers, wife of the late television show host Fred Rogers, will also be members of a “cabinet” to support the renovation of the Tree of Life building, where a gunman killed 11 Jews in 2018, Rabbi Jeffrey Myers said in a statement. “Through this effort and with the support of people of all backgrounds, we will transform a site of hate and tragedy into a site of hope, remembrance and education,” the Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle quoted Myers as saying. The community is raising funds for the project in a campaign titled “Remember. Rebuild. Renew.” Reports about the project did not specify the campaign’s fundraising goal. (JTA) Moderna’s Israeli chief medical officer helps spread COVID vaccine news As the American drug company Moderna announced that it had developed a COVID-19 vaccine that is 94.5% effective, Israeli scientist Tal Zaks was among the company leaders touting the good news to the media. That’s because Zaks, who earned a doctorate at Ben-Gurion University in Beersheba, is the chief medical officer at Moderna and has been involved in overseeing its unprecedentedly rapid push for a coronavirus vaccine. “The overall effectiveness has been remarkable…it’s a great day,” he told BBC News. In an interview last month with The Jerusalem Post, Zaks said he moved to the United States because it offered him a greater chance to “fulfill my dream and translate science into medicine.” “I hope that Israel will continue to develop its bio-tech sector. Wherever I can be most effective is where you’ll find me,” the 54-year-old scientist said. The previous month, Zaks told the Post that his 80-year-old mother lives

in Raanana, Israel, and that the virus derailed his plans to see her during Passover earlier this year. “I want her to get vaccinated and the rest of us to get vaccinated so life can return to normal,” he said. “I take this responsibility deeply and personally.” Moderna’s vaccine will likely not be ready for mass distribution until the spring, but reports claim that it can survive in less extreme temperatures than the one by Pfizer, which requires special refrigeration. The Pfizer vaccine claimed recently to be 95% effective. Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla is from a Jewish family in Thessaloniki, Greece, and its head scientist, Mikael Dolsten, is from a Jewish family in Sweden. (JTA)

Toronto suburb to rename street named after Nazi officer A suburb of Toronto will rename a street named for Nazi naval officer Hans Langsdorff. The town council of Ajax, a suburb northeast of Toronto, voted 4–3 this month to rename Langsdorff Drive after a Jewish-led campaign, according to B’nai Brith Canada, a Jewish organization that advocated for the change. The town is named after a British ship, the HMS Ajax, that won a 1939 battle against a ship commanded by Langsdorff. An online petition to change the name garnered more than 900 signatures. The vote to change the name came after a Holocaust survivor testified at the town council meeting. “Taking action against the glorification of Canada’s enemies and a man who fought for the most evil regime in history sends the right signal to those concerned about the rise of hate in our time,” said Michael Mostyn, B’nai Brith Canada’s CEO. (JTA) 750 Jewish and Holocaust scholars sign petition protesting far-right politician tapped to lead Yad Vashem A broad coalition of Jewish studies scholars and directors of Jewish and Holocaust museums has signed a petition opposing the proposed appointment of Effi Eitam, a far-right Israeli politician, to chair Israel’s

4 | Jewish News | November 30, 2020 | jewishnewsva.org

Holocaust museum. The petition, which has 750 signers, is the latest protest against Eitam. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his allies advanced Eitam’s candidacy earlier this year to be the next chairman of Yad Vashem, which serves as a Holocaust museum, memorial, and research center. Eitam is a former decorated general in the Israel Defense Forces and was a government minister who led a right-wing religious Zionist party. His critics say he is unfit to lead the institution because he called for most Palestinians in the West Bank to be expelled and for Arab Israelis to be excluded from the country’s political system. Eitam also was reprimanded by the IDF’s chief of staff because soldiers under his command beat a Palestinian to death. His supporters point to his experience as a general and political leader. Israeli politicians, Holocaust survivors and the Anti-Defamation League have called for his name to be withdrawn. Now they have been joined by the hundreds of scholars, including Susannah Heschel and Deborah Lipstadt. The list also includes the current or former directors of the Buchenwald memorial and Jewish museums in Budapest, Warsaw, Munich and elsewhere. “Eitam’s hateful rhetoric towards Israeli Arabs and Palestinians stands in opposition to the stated mission of Yad Vashem,” the petition reads. “Appointing Effi Eitam as Chair of Yad Vashem would turn an internationally respected institution devoted to the documentation of crimes against humanity and the pursuit of human rights into a mockery and a disgrace.” (JTA)

Second Israeli in space to pay his own way A former ace fighter pilot turned big-time investor will become only the second Israeli in space—and he’ll be paying for the trip himself. Eytan Stibbe, 62, is expected to depart for the International Space Station next year, President Reuven Rivlin said, according to Haaretz. The mission, which is pending approval by NASA, will be the first

entirely manned by private astronauts. In a statement released shortly after Rivlin’s announcement, the Israeli Space Agency said Stibbe would be footing the bill alone. Axiom Space, a private Houston-based company that aims to create the world’s first commercial space station, is initiating the trip. Stibbe will be following in the footsteps of Ilan Ramon, another former Israeli pilot, who died aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia in 2003. As a combat pilot for the Israel Defense Forces, Stibbe once held the distinction of having the most enemy kills of any Israeli pilot. In his post-military career, he has been involved in investing in Africa as the founding director of the Vital Capital Fund. Stibbe served in the military with Ramon, who was the youngest pilot to take part in Israel’s successful strike on the Iraqi Osirak nuclear reactor. Ramon died along with six others aboard the Columbia, which exploded upon reentry into the Earth’s atmosphere in 2003. (JTA)

Israeli media: Netanyahu met with Saudi crown prince In what would be a first, the Israeli media is reporting that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu traveled to Saudi Arabia for a meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman. The meeting Sunday, Nov. 22 included U.S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and focused on Pompeo’s agenda of furthering Iran’s isolation before President Donald Trump transfers power to his successor, Joe Biden. Yossi Cohen, the chief of Israel’s Mossad spy agency, also was present, according to the reports. Bin Salman is seen as Saudi Arabia’s effective ruler. The Saudi foreign minister, Faisal bin Farhan, denied the reports. Israeli reporters tracking flights identified a flight from Israel to Noem, a major Saudi coastal city, where the meeting purportedly took place. Netanyahu and bin Salman fear Biden will be more accommodating toward Iran. The reports of the meeting come after the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Sudan have launched normalization agreements with Israel brokered by the Trump administration. (JTA)

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Bill’s Legacy Lives Forever Norfolk business owner Bill Goldback valued good health and great arts performances.

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

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Raising awareness of the benefits of Hospice and Palliative Care Freda H. Gordon Hospice & Palliative Care Celebrates November as National Hospice and Palliative Care Month

hroughout November, Freda H. Gordon Hospice & Palliative Care joined organizations across the nation hosting community activities in recognition of National Hospice and Palliative Care Month. For more than 40 years, hospice has helped provide comfort and dignity to millions of people, allowing them to spend their final months wherever they call home, surrounded by their loved ones. Hospices ensure that pain management, therapies, and treatments all support a plan of care that is centered on the person’s goals. Hospice care also provides emotional support and advice to help family members become confident caregivers and adjust to the future with grief support for up to a year. “It is essential that people understand that hospice and palliative care is not giving up, it is not the abandonment of care, and it is not reserved for the imminently dying,” says Edo Banach, president and CEO of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. “Hospice is a successful model of person-centered care that brings hope, dignity, and compassion when they are most needed.” In 2018, 1.55 million Medicare beneficiaries received care from hospices in this country, reports NHPCO. Hospice is unique in that it offers an interdisciplinary team approach to treatment. Caring for the whole person allows the team to address each patient’s unique needs and challenges. Kirsten VanAuken, a nurse at Freda H. Gordon Hospice & Palliative Care says, “When I’m asked, ‘Why hospice?’ I believe this time of life is very special and I’d like to help people feel more comfortable to honor and cherish it as much as we do birth. We can learn a lot from experiencing death with a loved one and my mission is to be a source of light during this process.” Hospices are also some of the best providers of community-based palliative care. Palliative care delivers expertise to improve quality of life and relief from pain. It can be provided at any time during an illness—during and after treatment. Freda H. Gordon is the leading provider of community-based palliative care services in Tidewater, providing care to patients in their homes at any stage of a serious illness. More information about hospice, palliative care, and advance care planning is available from www.hpctidewater.com or from NHPCO’s CaringInfo.org.

6 | Jewish News | November 30, 2020 | jewishnewsva.org

Stein Family College Scholarship set to open December 1

ow in its 11th year, the Stein Family College Scholarship will begin accepting applications on December 1, 2020 for the 2021-2022 academic year. The annual grant for Jewish students in Tidewater provides a scholarship of up to $10,000 a year for college tuition. The deadline to apply is March 1, 2021.

$10,000 Stein Family College Scholarship

The Stein Family College Scholarship was established in 2009 and dedicated in loving memory of Arlene Shea Stein, wife of the late Gerald Stein, and mother of Steve Stein, Lisa Stein Delevie, Craig Stein, and Debbie Stein Levy. In 2013, the Stein family announced their intention to permanently endow the Stein Family College Scholarship with a $1 million gift to the Tidewater Jewish Foundation. Arlene Shea Stein was an inspiring role model who left an impression on all she met, often without her even realizing it. She gave much of her time to assist others, believing that physically helping a charity was much more valuable than a donation. Arlene Stein had a deep love of learning and a strong belief that higher education should be accessible to all. Arlene and Gerald Stein were both unable to complete their college educations due to financial difficulties. The Stein children and grandchildren established this scholarship as a testament to their mother and to honor the values she held dear. The Tidewater Jewish Foundation works closely with the Stein children and grandchildren in administering this scholarship to a deserving Tidewater teen each year. Scholarship applicants must be Jewish and a current resident of Tidewater –Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach, Suffolk, Isle of Wight County, Hampton, or Newport News. Students must demonstrate academic ability, as well as concern for school and the Jewish and general communities through extracurricular activities and volunteer service. Interested students can learn more at www.jewishva.org/tjf-stein or by contacting Ann Swindell, Donor Relations and Grant manager, at aswindell@ujft.org or 747-965-6106.

torah Thought

The Joseph Saga and the Hanukkah celebration

he great and most colorful Joseph saga extends over four Torah portions and 13 chapters! How opportune it is that we celebrate the miracle of Hanukkah’s victory along with the reading of Joseph’s awesome survival and thriving adventures. Indeed, the historical Jewish experience has often been to find ourselves like Joseph and the Maccabees in the seemingly hopeless darkness of the pit, without losing faith in the hopeful light of redemption yet to emerge. Just like Joseph, the dreamer and interpreter of incredible dreams (he should have kept some of them to himself!), the Jewish people have believed that noble, as well as disturbing dreams have the potential and power to transform reality. In the way of Joseph who was not accepted by his own immature and treacherous kin, begrudging him his unique spirit and grandiose ideas of a dreamy youngster whose father’s favoritism put him at risk, we have felt isolated throughout much of history. We have been rejected for insisting on living our own authentic lives as a minority, yet willing to stand up to the majority if necessary. Our faithfulness to the dictates of our faith and conscience has been interpreted as a negative reflection of aloofness rather than one of a proud choice. Joseph, through his mind’s genius and heart’s compassion, was able to save both his adopted empire of Egypt and his family from small Canaan. In the process he taught us that borders and feelings need not be obstacles to a constructive response to the urgent demands of life and death issues.

Joseph managed to transcend his personal insecurities and apprehensions in order to accomplish the larger and lasting goals of putting his substantial talents to the beneficial use of society, rather than dwelling on past hurts and injustices that could have crippled him and others. Thus he wisely chose the high road allowing him to become a great Egyptian while earning his status as a great Hebrew brother and leader, whose early self-centered dreams turned into a blessed reality for all concerned through maturity of character wrought by trials and tribulations. The ultimate challenge though of this mighty ruler, second only to Pharaoh, as is often the human case, was to conquer and control his own raging passions, which he had already proven with tempting and aggressive Mrs. Potiphar, earning him the rabbis’ honorific appellation Hatzadik (The saintly one). He was able to repeat it with his brothers at the pinnacle of his brilliant career with so much at stake for himself and for them. What a moving moment of victory it is for all concerned when Joseph can no longer hold back his tears and eagerly desires to reveal his true identity to his overwhelmed brothers, not quite realizing that they would never recover from the shock of the encounter and/or from the guilt that would continue to burden them. Perhaps Joseph’s favorable decision to reach out to them was ultimately prompted by Judah’s display of sincere love for Brother Benjamin (Joseph’s younger brother) as well as for father Jacob’s well-being. Earlier, Joseph learned of his brothers’ remorse and fear when being challenged by him, acknowledging their past wrongdoing. Upon reconnecting to his family he was enabled to rejoin his roots and was thus ennobled and made whole. Joseph could have abandoned his Hebrew background, protecting his painfully acquired identity and status, but he knew that his remarkable life’s success had to carry a humbling

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message of healing and gratitude. Joseph appeals to us in his touching humaneness which is not lost when he becomes powerful and his survivor’s skills of ascending from the pit to the palace inspire us, realizing that it reflects the historic Jewish challenge to survive and even thrive in a harsh reality. He is the prototype model of the modern Jew, enlightening us about living in two worlds. He was able to perceive God’s guiding hand in his tumultuous life, steeled and sensitized by adversity turned into advantage. Remarkable

Joseph and the brave Maccabees of all ages have taught us that to be a Jew is to stand up to anti-Semitism and make a radical difference, reducing evil’s darkness and rejoicing in the light’s promise symbolized by the Hanuhkah menorah we proudly display. Dr. Israel Zoberman is the founder and spiritual leader of Temple Lev Tikvah in Virginia Beach. He is Honorary Senior Rabbi Scholar at Eastern Shore Chapel Episcopal Church.

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Local Relationships Matter

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Giving, philanthropy, and life with Matthew Weinstein Kaitlyn Oelsner and Thomas Mills

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atthew Weinstein has led a fulfilled and busy life. He managed to find success and make an impact through his work, community service, and commitment to family. Not one to let retirement slow him down, Weinstein now puts his corporate healthcare experience to good use as president of Beth Sholom Village’s board—just the most recent in his long line of philanthropic and volunteer commitments. Born in New York City’s suburbs, Weinstein attended University of Virginia, then took a detour by joining the U.S. Coast Guard, where he did multiple tours. Eventually, he re-enrolled at UVA, graduating in 1972. Weinstein then worked at a psychiatric hospital, moved into management, and began a career in healthcare. After 20 years in corporate healthcare, Weinstein started his own company, Managed Networks of America. Active in volunteerism and philanthropy, Weinstein is the founder and first president of Faith Works Coalition, which fixes up homes for elderly, disabled, and low-income homeowners in Chesapeake and Virginia Beach, making them warm, safe, and dry. He’s a donor for the Life & Legacy program at Tidewater Jewish Foundation and is the 2020 recipient of Ohef Sholom Temple’s Men’s Club’s Henry B. Kaufmann Award for extraordinary service to the temple and the community at large. JN: You retired about six years ago. How’s retirement going? MW: Fabulous. I put a lot of my free time into charity. I’m on three charitable boards, not including the two years served as the vice president of Ohef Sholom Temple. And now, I’m president of Beth Sholom Village. JN: How did you first get involved with Beth Sholom Village? MW: I was recruited by Paul Peck because of my corporate health care

background. Getting involved with Beth Sholom was like going home for me. It was really easy and sensible. JN: You have a strong philanthropy and volunteerism background. Where did you learn that? MW: The reality is that you either have a calling or you don’t. When I was working in the corporate world, I didn’t have time for much. I was traveling a great deal. The very first organization I became involved with back when my life was still quite busy was Habitat for Humanity. It made sense for me because I could hang siding, I could install a kitchen, I could do cabinetwork, or trim carpentry (which was my specialty). It really was a calling and I made a lot of friends. That passion led to the founding of Faith Works Coalition. JN: Why do you think leaving an endowed gift is so important? MW: If you believe in your organization’s mission, and you believe that it’s managed and governed in a proper manner, you should have a commitment to sustain that organization. And that’s why endowments and foundations need to be an essential part of what we do. I’ve committed to Beth Sholom Village, Ohef Sholom Temple, and I’m trying to establish one for the Tidewater Winds. It’s just a good thing to do. I believe in their mission and I love the effort they make to serve the community, each of them in a very different way. JN: Why did you choose to make your Life & Legacy gift with your IRA? MW: I tell anyone over 70 and a half that if they’re going to give from anything, they should consider their IRA first. When the IRS codes were revised under Trump, one of the provisions made permanent was that you could donate money from the SEP IRA as part of your RMD (required

Tidewater Jewish foundation

Celebrating

Years of Easing Human Misery and Saving Lives.

Matthew and Giselle Weinstein.

minimum distribution). If you did it that way, it would not count as a taxable distribution to you (or as a charitable deduction). So, let’s say my RMD for 2019 was $15,000. If I give $5,000 to charity directly from that fund through a checking account from that same fund, then I would only have to pay income tax on the $10,000 that was left. If you’re going to leave assets to heirs, the IRA is not a great asset to leave. It’s taxable immediately upon distribution to them. That’s why I’m doing two things: One is I’m making annual contributions out of my SEP IRA as part of reduction of the tax liability for my RMD distribution. Secondly, I’ve decided not to do a death benefit and I’m going to do it during my lifetime to make contributions to fulfill my Life & Legacy gift commitments because the tax advantage of taking that reduction in the taxable balance is too good to pass by. Anybody that is over 70 and a half that has an RMD from a qualified plan would be missing a genuine benefit if they didn’t take advantage of this.

JN: What should people know about making a Life & Legacy gift MW: Look into it carefully. Talk to your financial advisors. If you’re not doing your taxes, talk to the person who prepares them. And then, talk to your family about your intentions, which is exactly what I did. If you talk to them, then your family understands what you’re doing. All my children understand that we give money every year to charities and that to commit to giving money upon our deaths or even earlier is always a good plan. My children are proud of our family’s generosity. They’re not looking for that percentage to go to them.

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JN: Do you feel you passed on your philanthropic values to your children? MW: Yes, I believe in them and believe they do what they can. And that is good enough for me. The comments in this article are personally held views. Always seek professional counsel. For more information about Legacy giving and to learn how to make a gift to support the future of Tidewater’s Jewish community, contact Naomi Limor Sedek, Tidewater Jewish Foundation president and CEO at nsedek@ ujft.org or 757-965-6109.

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jewishnewsva.org | November 30, 2020 | Jewish News | 9

your dollars at work

Jewish Tidewater

Teaching Torah at Toras Chaim is an educator’s education on human connection Lisa Richmon

Robin Mancoll

ormer Gomley Chesed Synagogue in Portsmouth has been successfully reimagined as a vibrant hub of Hebrew learning. The Churchland site is the home to Toras Chaim, a lively Jewish community affiliated with United Jewish Federation of Tidewater that stresses Derech Eretz and invokes Torah study as a life guide. In August, Toras Chaim welcomed Rabbi Yonah Lazar and his wife Shira to Virginia, where Rabbi Lazar stepped into a new role as Head of School. Rabbi Lazar believes that ‘People of the Book’ are expected to be lifelong learners. His parents were Jewish Day School leaders and his grandfather served as Superintendent of his city’s Public Schools. During his 30-year career in Jewish education, Rabbi Lazar taught and led cutting edge schools on both coasts, and the former Soviet Union. “Toras Chaim...with life; for life!,” is more than just a tag line. Children must love to learn and be taught how to learn. Students’ connection to their teachers is paramount. For that their teaching must be alive and vibrant. Teachers’ love for their students must be evident. Mastery of skills is the second necessary ingredient,” says Lazar. “People only stay with something they feel they are good at. Bringing Torah learning and ideals to the youth of the Tidewater community is a very lofty task. In today’s confusing world, not to mention mid pandemic, we cannot afford to ‘get it wrong.’” The Gomley Chesed building recently received a full overhaul, both inside and out. Project “Put a Smile on Toras Chaim,” is more than vibrant paint colors, LED lighting and waxed floors.

New director for UJFT’s Jewish Community Relations Council

Rabbi Yonah Lazar.

School is no longer just about Chumash lessons and math problems. The Toras Chaim mission is to develop happy and healthy children who love Torah lessons and feel connected to their teachers. “Our instructors visit their students’ homes and daven at the same shul. These bonding opportunities impact their education during the week, on Shabbos and Sundays, as well as holidays and vacations. It builds an awareness of the whole child and makes them feel special,” says Rabbi Lazar. “As a result, children have more enthusiasm for their math equations because they have the tools and confidence to acquire new skills. At Toras Chaim, learning becomes a way of life. Each child is precious to us. The smiles on their faces say it all.” This is part of a series of articles spotlighting local and overseas partner agencies that are beneficiaries of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s annual Community Campaign. your dollars at work

Visit us on the web jewishnewsva.org 10 | Jewish News | November 30, 2020 | jewishnewsva.org

abbi Batya Glazer has been building relationships between the Jewish community and representatives of faith and ethnic communities through dialogue, working in coalition, and educational programming for years. She says she finds these relationships to be “an opportunity to listen deeply and develop an understanding of the concerns and the cultural context of diverse communities, including communities of color and faith” and looks forward to continuing with her passion for building community as the new director of the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) at the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater. Rabbi Glazer’s first official day is December 1.

She finds these relationships to be “an opportunity to listen deeply and develop an understanding of the concerns and the cultural context of diverse communities.”

Rabbi Batya Glazer.

Most recently serving as director of the JCRC in Philadelphia following 10 years at the JCRC of Greater Washington where she served as the director of government and interfaith relations in D.C. and Maryland, Glazer brings to Tidewater her experience representing the Jewish community’s perspective and concerns regarding the vital importance of opposing anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism through conversations, educational programs, legislative advocacy, interfaith, and legislative missions to Israel. Glazer has been influential in educating and empowering the Jewish community to increase understanding of the nature of anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism and the subtleties with which they are expressed to dispel harmful stereotypes and encourage awareness in the greater community. Glazer has a B.A. in Political Science from Rutgers University, a Master of Hebrew Letters degree from The University of Judaism, and a Master’s degree and Rabbinic Ordination from The Jewish Theological Seminary of America. Rabbi Batya Glazer may be reached at BGlazer@ujft.org.

Like Mother,

Like Son

The Group for Women celebrates the addition of Zachary Puritz Wohlgemuth to the practice By Dr. Barbara L. Kersey

For the second time in its 115-year history, The Group for Women has parent/adult child partners working alongside each other. Founding physician, C.J. Andrews, began a solo OB/GYN practice in 1905 and welcomed the addition of his sons, Mason and William, as soon as they could complete their medical training. Nearly a century later, Dr. Holly Puritz, managing partner of The Group for Women for over a decade, celebrates the addition of her son, Zachary Puritz Wohlgemuth, to the team of physicians. “It was a magical moment for me that first day, walking up the stairs at the Kempsville office and seeing his name and my name together in the list of docs,” Dr. Puritz recalls. For Dr. Wohlgemuth, that first day was the realization of a lifelong dream. “I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t interested in medicine,” he says. “From middle school through high school and college, medicine was always on my radar.” This makes sense in that both of Dr. Wohlgemuth’s parents, as well as one grandfather and an uncle, are physicians. “Medicine was dinnertime conversation at our house. Both my parents talked about their jobs, and both seemed happy.” While the choice of a career in medicine may have come as no surprise, the choice to specialize in OB/GYN was a bit surprising, even for Dr. Wohlgemuth himself. “I had always assumed that I would specialize in something surgical like Dad (retired surgeon, Dr. Stephen Wohlgemuth). I did my OB rotation and loved the OR. I then did my surgery rotation, expecting to like it more but was surprised to find that unlike my Dad, not all surgeons seemed happy,” Dr. Wohlgemuth observes. “Labor and Delivery is the only really happy place in the hospital. If I am going to be up at 3 a.m. for work, I’d rather be present with a first-time family than rushing to perform emergency surgery.” Dr. Wohlgemuth settled on OB, seeing it as a chance to have time in the OR and have an office practice through which to provide care for patients, ages 18 to 88. “OB/GYN is an amalgam of great things about medicine,” he notes. When Dr. Wohlgemuth and his wife, Allie, began to consider where they would like to settle and raise a family, he was drawn to return to Norfolk, his home, “a close-knit medical community.” When Dr. Puritz realized that her son was interested in interviewing with The Group for Women, she did what any savvy Mom would do: she got out of the way! She brought the idea to her partners and then, very purposefully, “backed away. They needed to meet, to discuss it and to interview Zach, all without me present.” Dr. Puritz, whose impeccable sense of ethics has always guided her work, made the decision to step out of her role as president of The Group for Women—a position she had occupied for 12 years. “To work with your Mom is one thing; to have your Mom as your boss is another,” Dr. Wohlgemuth says. Just weeks in, it appears that both mother and son have acclimated to their roles as partners. Dr. Puritz describes her son as “kind, quiet and steady, an innate caretaker. With Zach, still waters run deep.” She adds, “It is fun to see him in his element.” Dr. Wohlgemuth notes that he and his Mom “have always had a great relationship” and that he appreciates “being able to see a different side of her. As a senior partner in the group, I am amazed to see what she’s done and how she’s done it.” He adds that it’s nice to see, first hand, how well respected his Mom is by both partners and patients. “The sign of a true leader is that they do what’s good for the group; they think three or four steps ahead of everyone else.” Dr. Wohlgemuth adds praise for the practice as a whole: “Complacency is not a word that is used around here. I appreciate the history of this group. Now it’s my responsibility to carry it on and make it better.” When Dr. Holly Puritz joined The Group for Women’s team of doctors in July of 1987, her son, Zach, was 8 months old. Now, 33 years later, his addition to a dedicated group of physicians means that Mom gets to do what Moms love best; she gets to watch her son flourish in the career that he knew was his passion all along. Like mother, like son.

880 Kempsville Road, Ste 2200 • Norfolk • (757) 466-6350 www.thegroupforwomen.com jewishnewsva.org | November 30, 2020 | Jewish News | 11

Jewish tidewater

Tikkun Olam at Temple Israel: feeding the hungry during COVID And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not wholly reap the corner of thy field, neither shalt thou gather the gleaning of thy harvest. And thou shalt not glean thy vineyard, neither shalt thou gather the fallen fruit of thy vineyard; thou shalt leave them for the poor and for the stranger: I am Adonai your God. Leviticus 19:9-10 Bobbie Fisher

ot many people (if any) have fields to harvest or vineyards to glean, but as Jews, can still perform the mitzvah of Pe’ah by feeding the hungry—and Temple Israel does, generously and often, in gifts to Mazon, the Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund, and its annual High Holy Days Food Drive. While the pandemic might have prevented congregants from bringing their bags and donations to the synagogue this year, it didn’t prevent the ongoing hunger that exists within the community. And so the idea of a “drive-by drive” took shape, and discussions were held with Jodi Laibstain at Jewish Family Service. The drive-by drive quickly became part of President Steve Legum’s messages to the congregation, on Shabbos, in the Bulletin, and at any gathering of Temple Israelites. Legum tapped his wife Lorna to help coordinate, and details started falling into place. Three drop off locations were planned: Temple Israel, Larkwood Drive and Oceans Condominium. A fourth was secured when Norman Soroko added Uno’s Pizza. An attorney, Legum, put boxes in several law offices, his accountant’s office, and his own office building. As word filtered out about Temple Israel’s food drive, Beth El was contacted about endorsing the drive, and Temple Israel’s flyer was highlighted in Beth El’s bulletin and outreach grew. Sunday, November 8 couldn’t have been a more perfect day for the drive: the sun was shining, the temperature was delightful, and there was a nice fall breeze. Several TI congregants helped transfer groceries from donating cars to the drivers. The first fully loaded SUV pulled away from Temple Israel around 11:45 am, and headed for the loading dock at the Sandler Family Campus, where the JFS Food Pantry is located. And while final numbers weren’t available when this was written, it’s known that there were more

than 100 individual donations of food and money, that filled 10 cars, trucks, and vans to the brim. Being unable to participate in Temple Israel’s November 8 event didn’t stop others from helping: several individuals conducted food drives of their own and brought the food to JFS. “I am still so blown away by what [Temple Israel] and our community did,” Jodi Laibstain, JFS Volunteer/ Transportation coordinator, says. “I happen to be one of the lucky individuals that sees the thankfulness on the faces (beneath their masks) of our neighbors that will take home food to

feed their family. My estimate of the food that was delivered was about $10,000 plus $1,071.00 in checks. My heart is so full and I am still on such a high from what [was] accomplished.” Even in these challenging times, it is important to perform mitzvot. Yasher koach and todah rabbah to Temple Israel and everyone in the community who

participated—whether one can or a truckload—to the drive.

At the Oceans Condominium.

Volunteers load the SUVs.

JFS volunteers, ages 12–27, unloaded Temple Israel’s caravan of cars, trucks and SUVs. Claire Laibstain, Chloe Zuckerman, Caroline Wainger and Erin Wainger, Marissa and Natalie Simon; and Melissa Eichelbaum.

Loading vehicles.

SUVs were filled to the brim.

12 | Jewish News | November 30, 2020 | jewishnewsva.org

Jewish Tidewater

Brith Sholom breaks record of giving to the JFS Food Pantry B

rith Sholom did not let the pandemic stop them from taking care of their community. Forced to think out of the box by having its November food drive for Jewish Family Service’s Food Pantry in the parking lot instead of during an in-person meeting, members drove up and were greeted by Joe Wientrob, Brith Sholom’s president, and Dave Lesser, vice president. Brith Sholom’s Girl Scout Troop 538 helpers moved donations from cars into Wientrob’s van, filling it with food, very precious toilet paper, and toiletries. Monetary giving also broke records for Brith Sholom. Between Bingo winners that chose to give their cash prizes to JFS, to members using some of their refunds from canceled in-person events, to just being generous, $627 was donated to help feed the community for Thanksgiving and beyond.

Joe Weintrob (right) presents Brith Sholom’s checks and cash donations to Jody Laibstain outside Jewish Family Service.

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y p p a H ! h a k k u n a H Supplement to Jewish News November 30, 2020 jewishnewsva.org | November 30, 2020 | Hanukkah | Jewish News | 15

HAPPY HANUKKAH! 16 | Jewish News | Hanukkah | November 30, 2020 | jewishnewsva.org

Hanukkah

A Perfect Holiday Gift Idea!

Dear Readers,

here’s no way around it, we all know Hanukkah will be different this year—void of big Hanukkah parties, Congregational Hanukkah dinners, Religious School

Latke parties, Youth Group gift exchanges, and probably, not even so many small family gatherings. Still, like everything else this year, we will find a way to celebrate the Festival of Lights, with perhaps some new traditions in the making. Along that line, we asked several in the community about some of their favorite Hanukkah traditions and how they plan to adapt them to this most unusual year. Not surprising, Zoom came up pretty often. Janet Kass, Mallory Weinstein, David Proser and Stephanie Steerman share their responses beginning on page 18. It’s been a tough year for everyone, including the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. But as a pre-Hanukkah gift to the world, the American Friends of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra (AFIPO) and the Israel Philharmonic Foundation will premiere the Israel Philharmonic Pre-Hanukkah Global Celebration on Sunday, Dec. 6. My favorite performer, Bette Midler is participating, so chances are, you’ll find me watching. While they appreciate donations, the event is free. Page 22. What would a Hanukkah section be without some recipes? We offer one on page 25, along with ‘five Hanukkah food hacks’ to make your holiday dinner easy and delicious on page 26. Who doesn’t want both? Plus, on page 21 we’ll tell you about an opportu-

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nity to learn some new Hanukkah recipes from a famous chef. In addition to other articles, we’re fortunate to have some creative options for gift giving and dining from our advertisers. Please check them out. All of us at Jewish News wish you a bright, peaceful, and healthy holiday!

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Hanukkah Hanukkah Memories Hanukiahs with meaning Janet Kass

s with all other holidays this year, unfortunately Hanukkah will be celebrated via Zoom. My favorite memories—BC—Before Covid—are when my grandchildren select a specific hanukiah from my collection to light. Each hanukiah has a different meaning and is very special. I love when they choose the one their dad made while a student at the JCC preschool/kindergarten or my newest from Yad LaKashish (Lifeline for the Old) in Jerusalem or the one that belonged to my mother, which has deeper meaning. Looking very forward to next year when we can again celebrate the holidays with family togetherness, not just virtually.

Janet Kass with her grandchildren Alexa, Micah and Jonah Kass.

Hanukkah Memories Going for Zoom Mallory Weinstein

e have a big party every year with homemade latkes made by our good friend Mark Lipton, donuts and tons of delicious food. Everyone brings a gift and we play a gift exchange game that’s really funny. We will miss the party this year, but we are planning something special on zoom.

Barb Gelb with Mallory Weinstein.

18 | Jewish News | Hanukkah | November 30, 2020 | jewishnewsva.org

Hanukkah Hanukkah Memories Have Hanukiah, Have Hanukkah!

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hen you’ve raised two children (both Hebrew Academy of Tidewater graduates) and now have three grandchildren, there are too many memories and too many photos of them lighting a menorah to easily pick a favorite. However, I can definitely give an unusual Hanukkah menorah story. Last year, before travel became a health-hazard, Rona and I spent a few days of the winter holiday with good friends touring in Savannah, Georgia. December 25 was the fourth night of Hanukkah. In order to light the menorah, and not set off the smoke alarm in the hotel room, we had to place the menorah by the bathroom sink. Needless to say, I hadn’t planned on publishing this pic, or I would have cleaned all of the usual bathroom clutter. But no matter, we celebrate Hanukkah wherever we find it.

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Hanukkah

Baby names inspired by Hanukkah Kveller

f your baby is on the way, have you picked a name? To honor the most favorite least important Jewish holiday, consider a Hanukkah-themed name. No, not like

“applesauce” or “latke” (although, those are pretty adorable names). From paying tribute to the Maccabee soldiers to honoring the fire that burns the menorah candles, here’s an extensive list of Hanukkah inspired baby names.

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Honor the Maccabees The Maccabees are the official poster boys for the Festival of Lights. Matityahu and his five sons (Judah, Shimon, Yonatan, Yochanan, and Eliezer) revolted against Antiochus, the anti-Semitic ruler of the Syrian Kingdom, and led a guerrilla war against his army. After three years of battles and bloodshed, the Maccabees won—the true miracle of Hanukkah. Judah is a Hebrew name for boys that means “to praise or thank.” Shimon is a Hebrew name for boys that means “he has heard.” Yonatan is a Hebrew name for boys that means “God has given.” Yochanan is a Hebrew name for boys that means “God is gracious.” Eliezer is a Hebrew name for boys that means “help of my God.” Matityahu is a Hebrew name for boys that means “gift of God.” (Are you sensing a common theme here among the Maccabee boys?). Mac is not a Hebrew name, but it’s super cool and unisex and short for Maccabee. Gift it For some families—and hey, no judgements!—the true miracle of Hanukkah isn’t about oils and lamps or military victory…it’s about all those fabulous presents. And, really, what’s better than the gift of life? Matan/a is a Hebrew name for boys or girls that means “gift.” Jesse is a Hebrew name for boys that means “gift.” Shai is a unisex Hebrew name that means “gift” or “present.” Gold and bold What is Hanukkah without gelt? Golda is a Yiddish name for girls that means “gold.” Paz/it is a Hebrew name for boys or girls that means “pure gold” or “anything that glimmers like gold.” Zahava is a Hebrew name for girls that means “gold.”

Zehavit is a Hebrew name for girls that means “gold.” Light and fire These baby names are an ode to the flame that keeps the menorah candles burning all night long. Yair is a Hebrew name for boys that means “he will illuminate.” Zohar is a unisex Hebrew name that means “light.” Ziv/a is a Hebrew name for boys or girls that means “light” or “brilliance” or “glow.” Neri is a Hebrew name for boys that means “candle” or “oil lamp.” Ziv is a Hebrew name for boys that means “light” or “brilliance” or “glow.” Or/a is a Hebrew name for boys or girls that means “light.” Lior/a is a Hebrew name for girls or boys that means “I have a light.” Noga is a Hebrew name for girls that means “light.” Orel is a unisex Hebrew name that means “light of God.” Or/it is a Hebrew name for girls or boys that means “light.” Keren is a Hebrew name for girls that means “ray of light.” Uri is a unisex Hebrew name that means “my fire.” Uriel is a Hebrew name for boys that means “fire of God.” Uriah is a Hebrew name for girls that means “fire of God.” Shalhevet is a Hebrew name for girls that means “flame.” But that’s not all! There are also a bunch of Hanukkahadjacent names, such as these. Nissim is a Hebrew name for boys that means “miracles.” Leila is a Hebrew name for girls that means “night.” Jobina is a Hebrew name for girls that means “persecuted.” Yuval is a unisex name that means “rejoice.”

Hanukkah Hanukkah Memories Introducing Hanukkah to non-Jewish friends Stephanie Steerman

ur family loves to share the holiday of Hanukkah with our non-Jewish friends. One of my favorite traditions is spending time in my children’s public school classrooms to teach the story of Hanukkah. I explain why we light the candles, we do an activity or craft and finish up with donuts—which are always a big hit! We also Stephanie Steerman celebrates with a child’s class. invite our neighbors to celebrate the holiday with us. We light the candles together and enjoy freshly made latkes—typically gathering around the cozy fireplace in the living room. This year all my children are happily at Strelitz International Academy where they’ll celebrate the holiday with their class. We are still planning to host our neighbors, but this year it will be slightly different—socially distanced and outside. We will still light the candles and enjoy the latkes but this year we will gather around the fire pit instead of the fireplace! May your Hanukkah be filled with love, light and good health! Happy Hanukkah to all!!

Cook with Michael Solomonov Sunday, December 6, 4 pm, Zoom

oin the James Beard Foundation Award-winning chef, Michael Solomonov on Zoom for an engaging and delectable Hanukkah cooking demonstration. Together with local chefs Marcy Mostofsky and Leora Droy, participants will create the perfect Hanukkah meal with a menu of apple shrub, potato latkes, salmon with artichokes, and sfenj (Moroccan doughnuts), just in time for the holiday. The event is presented by the Konikoff Center for Learning as part of United Jewish Federation of

Tidewater’s and the Simon Family JCC’s Lee and Bernard Jaffe Family Jewish Book Festival, in coordination with the Jewish Book Michael Solomonov. Council. Droy and Mostofsky will also share tips and tricks from their own kitchens, along with some recipes, too. Register at JewishVa.org/kcl, grab the ingredients, and get ready to make some award-winning dishes.

jewishnewsva.org | November 30, 2020 | Hanukkah | Jewish News | 21

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merican Friends of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra (AFIPO) and the Israel Philharmonic Foundation will premiere the Israel Philharmonic Pre-Hanukkah Global Celebration, a multi-disciplinary program of instrumental performances, behind-the-scenes interviews, and powerful messages of hope. The event will stream internationally, free of charge, to bring music and holiday light from Israel’s world-class Philharmonic to audiences around the world. The event will weave together word and song, featuring Academy Awardwinning composer Hans Zimmer, Grammy and Tony Award-winning actress and singer Bette Midler, actress and star of Fauda Ronalee Shimon, actress and model Dar Zuzovsky, music manager Kenny Hamilton, and other special guests. The Israel Philharmonic and Lahav Shani, its music director, will perform pieces from Zimmer’s acclaimed works. “The Israel Philharmonic is a shining light for humanitarian principles, artistic freedom, and tireless pursuit of excellence—and for continuing to provide accessible, inspiring digital musical content despite the pandemic,” says Danielle Ames Spivak, AFIPO executive vice president and CEO. “We are thrilled that Hans, Bette, and so many Israel Philharmonic

friends are joining us to spread our message of light through music.” “2020 was an extremely difficult year for the Israel Philharmonic. We are making every effort to assist the Philharmonic and I am moved by the heartwarming responses of its friends in Israel and throughout the world,” says Tali Gottlieb, Israel Philharmonic Foundation executive director. “In an end-of-the-year effort and in light of the exceptional success of our Global Gala this past June, which was viewed by more than 500,000 people worldwide, I hope this event will provide the Israel Phil the support it needs to grapple with the enormous challenges still ahead.” Registration is free on AFIPO’s website; donations will offset critical Philharmonic revenue losses due to forced pandemic closures. Donors will receive access to an exclusive VIP after party with Christie’s Global Managing Director Lydia Fenet and guests, discussing “Trendsetters and Tastemakers: Culture, Art, Fashion and Design in 2021 and Beyond.” For more information, visit www.afipo.org. About the Israel Philharmonic: The Israel Philharmonic is the leading orchestra in Israel and globally recognized as a world-class symphonic ensemble. Founded in 1936 by famed Polish violinist Bronislaw Huberman, the Israel Phil performs regularly in its home, the Charles Bronfman Auditorium in Tel Aviv, as well as across Israel, including Jerusalem and Haifa. Additionally, it tours internationally, from Europe to Asia to North and South America. Since its inception, the Israel Phil has enjoyed long-lasting relationships with renowned soloists and conductors, which have kept it at the forefront of the classical music world. For more information, please visit www.ipo.co.il.

Hanukkah Holiday card Drive

Freda H. Gordon Hospice & Palliative Care invites kids to donate Holiday cards for patients

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feeling more isolated than usual, Freda H. Gordon Hospice & Palliative Care wants to make sure that the most isolated members of the community aren’t forgotten during the holidays. FGH&PC has organized a holiday card drive for its hospice patients and residents of local nursing facilities. Kids (and the young at heart) are invited to contribute their original artwork and holiday wishes. To donate a card, simply write a kind, cheerful message on the inside of a holiday card. Strelitz International Academy of Virginia Beach is

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one of the local schools participating in the program. Carin Simon, director of admissions at Strelitz, says, “This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to share their artistic talents and bring joy to those experiencing isolation this holiday season.” Whether it’s a homemade card or a store-bought card with some homemade color in it, it’ll bring joy this holiday season. Mail cards to: Freda H. Gordon Hospice & Palliative Care, 5000 Corporate Woods Drive #500, Virginia Beach, VA 23462.

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jewishnewsva.org | November 30, 2020 | Hanukkah | Jewish News | 23

Hanukkah Add some color to your Hanukkah menu with these savory beet latkes Elisa Spungen Bildner This recipe originally appeared in The Nosher.

hese beet pancakes are great for using up a variety of other root vegetables. Using a food processor will make quick work of the shredding aspect of the preparation. With a nice browned crust, the latkes are delicious served with applesauce or sour cream and chives, and offer a good alternative to hash browns at breakfast or brunch. This recipe is reprinted with permission from The Berkshires Farm Table Cookbook, by Elisa Spungen Bildner and Rob Bildner, Countryman Press.

Ingredients • ¼ cup chopped scallions, white and green parts (about 2 large) • 1 Tbsp chopped fresh thyme • 1 tsp kosher salt, or more to taste • 2 cups peeled and shredded red beets (about 11 ounces, 2 to 3 medium beets) • 1 cup peeled and shredded carrots (about 6 ounces, 2 to 3 medium carrots) • 1 cup peeled and shredded celery root (about 8 ounces, ½ small celery root) • 1 cup peeled and shredded Idaho or russet potato (about 12 ounces, 1 large potato) • ¼ cup rye or whole wheat flour, or more as needed to hold the raw latkes together • 1 cup soft goat cheese (about 5 ounces) • 1 large egg, lightly beaten • 2 Tbsp neutral oil, such as canola, plus more as needed, for frying • Sour cream and chopped chives, or applesauce for garnish (optional) Directions 1) Prepare a plate with layers of paper towels to drain the pancakes. 2) P lace the scallions, thyme, salt, beets, carrots, celery root, and potatoes in a large bowl and mix well. Use a paper towel to gently squeeze out any excess moisture. Scatter the flour on top of the shredded vegetables and mix until well incorporated. 3) C ombine the cheese and egg in a small bowl. Fold into the vegetable mixture until well coated. 4) H eat the oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Working in batches so as not to crowd the pancakes, use a ¼-cup measure to scoop the vegetable mixture into the skillet. Flatten the mixture gently, using the back of the measuring cup or a spatula, making sure the pancakes do not touch each other. Fry for 4 to 5 minutes on one side, until browned and crisp, and then flip to fry the other side for the same amount of time, or until browned and crisp. Transfer the latkes to the lined plate to drain. Repeat until the entire vegetable mixture has been used. If more oil is needed for frying subsequent batches, add as necessary. 5) S erve the beet latkes warm with sour cream and chives or with applesauce as a garnish.

24 | Jewish News | Hanukkah | November 30, 2020 | jewishnewsva.org

Hanukkah Jewish women from North Africa have an awesome feminist Hanukkah tradition Rishe Groner This piece originally appeared in Alma.

hen it comes to celebrating Hanukkah, you probably think about lighting the menorah, playing dreidel, and eating so many latkes that your stomach burns in sweet agony. But did you know that there’s a special Hanukkah tradition—Eid Al Bnat (The Festival of Daughters, in Judeo-Arabic) or Chag HaBanot (in Hebrew)—that women and girls from North Africa’s Jewish communities have been celebrating for centuries? In Jerusalem last year, I joined a group of women of Middle Eastern and North African backgrounds who gather regularly to study their heritage with an organization called Arevot, and we held an inspiring Eid Al Bnat celebration, with a focus on how to bring it back into our own communities. It’s a beautiful tradition that more people should know about.

Origins of the holiday Celebrated on the Rosh Chodesh (New Moon) of Tevet (one of the Hebrew months where Hanukkah takes place) in communities in North Africa and elsewhere, particularly the islands of Djerba and Tunis in Tunisia, Algeria, Salonika in Greece and Kushta (Istanbul) in Turkey, this day is filled with historic connections to powerful Jewish women. The festival takes the form of ceremonial gatherings featuring symbolic rituals, delicious treats and traditional songs, all focusing on bringing together generations of mothers, daughters, aunts, sisters, and the extended community. The stories of Hanukkah and the ladies therein are often retold only as the story of Judith, the brave widow who fake-seduced the Greek-Syrian general Holofernes, fed him salty cheese and got him drunk on wine, then calmly beheaded him. The soldiers freaked out, the Maccabees won the battle and the rest is quite literally history. But there’s another, lesser known story

of a brave woman not named except as “the daughter of the Hasmonean, Yohanan the High Priest,” who lived in Judea (AKA modern day Israel) during the time of the Maccabees. Among the anti-Jewish edicts of the time, the invading governor insisted on sleeping with every virgin woman the night before her marriage, and this carried on for almost four years. On the night of the high priest’s daughter’s marriage, as she was about to be carted off to the governor’s chamber for the night, she uncovered her hair, ripped open her clothes, and exposed herself to all. Amid cries of “send her off to be burned!” she turned to the crowd and said something along the lines of, “Are you kidding me? It doesn’t bother you that I’m about to be exposed before this foreign invading governor, sacrificing me to him?” Her brothers, the Maccabees and Co.,

realized it was time to go off and kill the ruling governor. She got herself fancy and had herself escorted straight to the governor’s palace. Seeing the priestly family all caught up in this pseudo-wedding, the egomaniac governor let them right in. They utilized the opportunity to behead him and all his servants, which eventually helped bring the Maccabees to victory. How to celebrate In some communities, women visited the synagogue (not a thing that was usually done!) and kissed the Torah scrolls and were blessed by the rabbi; in others they cooked and baked a festive meal together, and then celebrated all night. Overall, though, the key components always include lighting the Hanukkah candles, lots of music and dancing, and the opportunity to create intimacy and community

with women. A communal bat mitzvah One awesome tradition is the presentation of the bat mitzvah girls of the year—consider it our very own debutante ball. It’s also traditional to prepare foods together, like the North African favorite sfenj—think jelly doughnuts meet churros drizzled with honey—or honey cakes and cookies, or a potluck dinner. Mishloach manot—gifting packages of food and treats—is also part of the Eid Al Bnat tradition. The power of women’s circles Whether you share stories, get vulnerable, cook up a storm, or dance the night away, this night is to celebrate the power of the ladies in our lives, and the bonds that keep us strong in the face of struggle.

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jewishnewsva.org | November 30, 2020 | Hanukkah | Jewish News | 25

Hanukkah

Five Hanukkah food hacks to make your holiday dinner easy and delicious Lauren Manaker

s the Festival of Lights approaches, you might be frying latkes and making applesauce in your dreams. The food is delicious and everyone is content and full, and above all, the meal is mess and stress-free. Then reality sets in: You are seriously so busy this time of year! While you may want to instill some tasty Jewish traditions in your family, do you really have time to shred a few bags of potatoes, or knead some finicky sufganiyot dough? Thankfully, this is 2020 and not 1920. These days, our grocery store shelves are stocked with convenience foods, so use them to your advantage! If you know what to do, it’s super easy to make a delicious, “semi-homemade” Hanukkah meal that will still create lasting memories. Read on for our top Hanukkah food hacks—they’re kind of like having your sufganiyot and eating it, too. For easy latkes, use pre-shredded hash brown potatoes. No Hanukkah celebration is complete without latkes, but the prep work can be extremely time consuming, tedious, and possibly a bit dangerous (especially if you have little helpers in the kitchen). But here’s some good news: It’s possible to have tasty not have bloody knuckles. Refrigerated and bagged shredded potatoes make frying up latkes a snap! Just swap out fresh taters with the bagged alternative in whatever recipe you use, and most people won’t even taste the difference. Pro tip: If you are trying to sneak in more veggies and/or have low-carb guests to entertain, use pre-riced cauliflower instead of potatoes.

Make zero-effort homemade applesauce in an Instant. Yes, you could just buy some jarred applesauce. But does anyone with teeth (and, um taste buds) actually like the stuff? If you have an Instant Pot—or any pressure cooker—you can make homemade applesauce in a flash! Just toss eight peeled, cored, and chopped apples into the pressure cooker with 1 cup of water, juice from ½ a lemon, and cinnamon to taste. After the lid is secure and the mixture is cooked

on high pressure for 8 minutes, mash up your apples to the consistency of your desire. Of course, you have to then make the most important decision: chunky or smooth? Pro tip: Put a Johnny Apple Peeler on your Hanukkah wish list to help make the prep even easier! If you don’t have a pressure cooker, you can still make easy homemade applesauce by using this recipe. Use pre-packaged biscuit dough for the easiest sufganiyot ever. Kids generally love making treats like sufganiyot in the kitchen with their family. But if you’re having guests over, or if you’re generally not the type who

26 | Jewish News | Hanukkah | November 30, 2020 | jewishnewsva.org

enjoys baking, there’s a hack for that: Use refrigerated biscuit dough—the kind that comes in a tube—instead. ( Just don’t tell Bubbie!) Simply break apart the pre-portioned dough and fry the biscuits in heated oil until golden on both sides. Amazingly, you don’t even have to cut circles. The biscuits come pre-sliced! How perfect is that? If you happen to have a pastry bag in your kitchen, fill it with your favorite jarred jelly and push the tip into the middle of the donut. Squeeze the jelly

into the doughnut until it is filled with enough sweetness to make your dentist cringe. If you don’t have a pastry bag, you have a couple of options: You can cut your donuts in half and put some jelly in the middle of the pastry, like a sandwich, or simply serve jelly as an accompaniment to the fried biscuit for dipping. Pro tip: Not sweet enough for you? You can also sprinkle some sugar and cinnamon on top of the warm doughnut to add a little more oomph if you wish! Let your slow cooker make the main dish. How exactly do you cook a brisket

dinner for a crowd while also fulfilling all of your daily (as well as holiday-specific) obligations? By using a slow cooker, of course! This ultimate “set it and forget it” tool allows you to cook, slow and low, tough cuts of meat like brisket without any worries about overcooking. Even better? About 10 minutes of effort will reward you with a super-tasty result. Just toss a brisket (fat side up) in a slow cooker with some cans of broth, sliced onions, carrots, garlic, and spices. Cook the dish on the high setting of the cooker for about 6 hours, or until tender. That’s it! Serve your brisket with latkes and a salad, and your dinner is complete. Pro tip: For an easy-peasy but delightful serving option, slice up the cooked brisket and make it fancy-looking with some sprigs of fresh parsley. Fancy up store-bought hummus for an effortless appetizer. First things first: You can absolutely take a package of store-bought hummus, serve it in its original packaging with some store-bought crackers, and that’s that. We won’t judge! But why not add some color and flavor to an otherwise standard app? Take your container of ho-hum hummus and spread it onto a shallow bowl. Scoop a small space into the middle of the hummus, and top the dip with extra virgin olive oil, fresh rosemary leaves, crushed pistachios, and pomegranate arils. If you have the time or inclination, you can include some roasted, diced butternut squash as a topping for some extra color. Or add whatever floats your boat! The decorative additions will hide the fact that you didn’t make the hummus from scratch. Pro tip: Think beyond pita! Try serving the hummus with fresh veggies or pretzels. Anything dippable will do! This article originally appeared in Kveller.

Jewish tidewater

KBH: Our size is our strength Alene Jo Kaufman

ehillat Bet Hamidrash, Kempsville Conservative Synagogue, also known as KBH, is a small, do-it-yourself Conservative Synagogue. Its modest building is home to 60 plus family units. Throughout the pandemic, the leadership has faced many of the same challenges as the larger area synagogues. They have responded to engagement, communication, spiritual, and safety issues—and are pleased with what they’ve accomplished. In some ways, the congregation’s small size probably has made this easier. Just like the larger shuls, volunteers packed and delivered High Holiday bags to every member. With the help of United Synagogue, leaders learned about safety task forces, halachic interpretations and possibilities for the use of technology, and a myriad of other topics. The world opened up for international collaboration for Tikkun Leil Shavuot and Selichot programming. Unlike the bigger synagogues, KBH opened the sanctuary in mid-July. Its task force, with members NeuroToxicolgist Dr. John Young, Safety and Security chair, who has spent the last three decades as an exposure and risk assessor and while living in Israel, served as the Supervisor of Risk Assessment, National Food Control Service, Ministry of Health; chazzan, M. David Proser; and Alene Jo Kaufman, administrative vice president, researched, polled, and designed until they felt they had a viable and safe plan. The plan was a hybrid—hold in-person services as well as Zoom—with specific guidelines for in-person attendance. The sanctuary was rearranged into a pod-like setting. Each pod contained a chair to sit in and a chair for siddurim, chumashim, and tallit bags. Pods were set six feet from each other. Family pods were set up for families who live in the same household. Anyone who wanted to attend services “reserved” his or her initial spot, which was assigned to the congregant for the duration and included a name tag to insure continuity. The books remain on the chairs from week to week—insuring

that the same congregant uses them from Shabbat to Shabbat. For High Holiday regulars who wanted to attend in person, additional pods were set up. Modifications to the service include brachot for the aliyot are recited from seats rather than at the Torah; gabbaim stand at lecterns six feet from the Torah reading; High Holiday sermons were delivered on KBH’s new YouTube channel. Additional safety measures are in place and the safety and security committee works to maintain an environment that is as safe as possible. As a small shul, the congregation knows it would not be able to be where it is without the support of the community. KBH’s programming partner, Temple Israel, shared their Zoom platform weekly on Shabbat until KBH was ready. United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and Tidewater Jewish Foundation generously helped. The COVID-19 Emergency Fund of the Tidewater Jewish Community provided funds for enough technology to be able to “Zoom” with congregants through the High Holidays. Tidewater Jewish Foundation awarded funds to add to the equipment need to effectively Zoom and to upgrade the sanctuary’s out-dated and insufficient sound system. During “normal” times, after Shabbat services, attendees share a Kiddush luncheon, catching up with each other, often for hours. This is an important time for KBH regulars and it was missed. So, each week, for about an hour after services end, the congregation meets— from their homes. Chazzan David Proser leads kiddush and motzi and members have lunch together via Zoom. It’s not the same as being together in person, but it is an important part of maintaining this strong community. Soon, it will Hanukkah. The congregation has learned much in the last nine months and looks forward to continuing to take advantage of its size and celebrate in a meaningful, yet careful manner.

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Alene Jo Kaufman is first vice president of Kehillat Bet Hamidrash/Kempsville Conservative Synagogue jewishnewsva.org | November 30, 2020 | Jewish News | 27

First Person

It’s not your bubbe’s Melton

Classes begin Thursday, January 7, 2021 Sierra Lautman

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28 | Jewish News | November 30, 2020 | jewishnewsva.org

e are thrilled to bring the Florence Melton School of Adult Learning back to Tidewater as part of the Konikoff Center for Learning. Over the past year, I have spoken to many Melton graduates who had wonderful things to say about their time with the mini-school when it was last in town. Most can hardly believe that it has been more than five years since we had a Melton course and wonder, is it the same Melton they know and love? While it is true that Melton has gotten a makeover, it is still rooted in the same philosophy—it is text-based, pluralistic, and interactive. To help answer some questions, I interviewed Yael Weinstein, Melton’s director of Community and Online Learning. Sierra Lautman: What is Melton’s vision and how are Melton courses different than others? Yael Weinstein: Melton is a worldwide movement of committed learners who are empowered to enrich Jewish life. The school engages learners in the life-enhancing study of Jewish texts and ideas. Our accessible approach promotes open dialogue and nurtures a deepening of Jewish community. SL: It has been a number of years since we have had Melton in our community. What has changed? YW: Melton has not only updated and rewritten the Core curricula, but we are now producing on average two new curricula per year. We also have a new program called Living Wisdom which consists of nine six-week long thematic courses that engage learners on a journey of their own choosing. We have built up an online presence and are happy to be offering courses that are shorter in nature, as well as our world renowned signature courses that everyone loves.

SL: Should our community members who graduated from Melton with both years of Core, take a class now? YW: All of the Yael Weinstein courses have been revised or completely rewritten creating an opportunity to retake the Core Program, or the smaller six week courses that have come out of the original Core. The new scholars classes, such as From Sinai to Seinfeld: Jews and Their Jokes, are fantastic and well worth taking! SL: What can returning Melton students get out of the new classes? YW: There is always something new to learn through our curricula, new sources, new perspectives, all presented in the Melton method. It is a can’t miss. SL: Our Melton courses will be online through the spring semester. What are some of the benefits to taking a Melton course online? YW: We have seen learners create community and find meaning online during this challenging time. Many learners have even called Melton a life line while they are social distancing and in some cases staying home completely. Those who are working or home with young children often find it easier to jump onto a Zoom call than drive to a site for an in-person class. SL: Can an online Melton course give our students the same sense of community as the in-person Melton experience? YW: Absolutely yes! We have online learners describe Melton as their “Melton Family.” They come on early to catch up and engage with each other. It is fantastic! For information about Melton or the classes, visit JewishVA.org/KCL and go to ongoing classes or contact Sierra Lautman, director of Jewish Innovation at the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater at slautman@ujft.org or 757-965-6107.

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rogramming for Tidewater BBYO has been a challenge, to say the least. With national BBYO restrictions in place to ensure the teens’ safety, including no indoor gatherings, members have had to be creative and patient. Meeting at the mercy of the weather has probably been the biggest problem. Still, the girls have had great programs including Tie-Dye and a Paint Bar. The boys have enjoyed Paint Ball and a Sports program. Earlier this month, thanks to the Nied family allowing BBYO to take over their yard, area BBYO gathered for Fall Festival and Havdalah. With a limit of 25 teens

in place, it was a very special event—the weather was perfect and everyone enjoyed AZA and BBG being together for the first time since the start of the pandemic. The event was a great opportunity to reconnect and to celebrate Havdalah together. Moving towards winter, it is going to become even harder to hold in-person programming and it may be necessary to switch to virtual, but a little cold weather won’t deter this amazing group of teens.

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jewishnewsva.org | November 30, 2020 | Jewish News | 29

it’s a Wrap The Great Big Challah Bake’s core ingredient was as strong as ever—community Sierra Lautman

omen from Tidewater and beyond gathered on Thursday, November 5 on Zoom for the 6th Annual Great Big Challah Bake. Part of the global Shabbos Project, the local event was a collaboration between B’nai Israel Congregation and the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater. Darcy Bloch, B’nai Israel Congregation’s Sisterhood president and event chair, began the evening with welcoming remarks. The challah making demonstration was led by Shikma Rubin and Molly Mancoll, with the braiding demonstrated by Sierra Lautman. Chamie Haber, of B’nai Israel, taught about the importance of baking challah as one way of making Shabbat special, separate from the Sierra Lautman demonstrates how to braid challah. rest of the week, and therefore, holy. “It was my first time making challah says, “I’m so glad I signed up and attended. I felt so from scratch,” says Charlotte Zito. “The finished connected and my challahs turned out super deliproduct was a huge hit. I baked the loaves with cious. What an easy and yummy recipe!” my daughter Louisa Zito, age 6, and we shared the prayers and experience during our virtual Shabbat To learn more about programs like this, contact Sierra with my parents-in-law, Michael and Susan Zito.” Lautman, UJFT director of Jewish Innovation at sLautAnother appreciative participant, Helen Sissel, man@ujft.org.

Shikma Rubin and Molly Mancoll are ready to lead the challah making demonstration.

Shikma Rubin and Molly Mancoll work together to mix the ingredients for their challah dough.

Sharon Serbin of Pittsburgh, baked her first challah, getting creative and adding chopped apricots.

30 | Jewish News | November 30, 2020 | jewishnewsva.org

Shikma Rubin’s challah is a success.

Charlotte Zito made her first challah from scratch with her daughter Louisa.

it’s a Wrap Lighting up the lot— Families gather for a socially distanced Havdalah was organized and led by PJ Library in Tidewater. As cars arrived, each family was given a bag with everything they n a beautiful, warm November evewould need to perform the Havdalah ning, the Reba and Sam Sandler ceremony including a braided candle, Family Campus’s parking lot turned into spices, grape juice, and blessings cards. a place for families to gather for Havdalah. Families were ushered to their own area Called Havadallah on the Lot, the event where they could set up their picnic dinner and children began to decorate their spot with provided sidewalk chalk. There was plenty of anticipation and excitement as so many friends had not gathered in months. With darkness setting in, Cantor Wendi Fried from Cantor Wendi Fried and David Cardon lead the Havdalah ceremony. Congregation Beth El Nofar Trem

and musician David Cardon performed the Havdalah songs and prayers as the PJ Library in Tidewater team handed out hot chocolate. Although it wasn’t a cold night, the kids enjoyed the special treat and many returned for seconds. Shortly after the service ended, a virtual Shana Shel Shira (Year of Song) concert featuring Rick Recht, Shira Kline, and Rabbi Josh Warshawski was played on a large inflatable screen. “The committee was so excited to help plan a safe, in-person event for families in the community,” says Stephanie Steerman, co-chair, United Jewish Federation of Tidewater Children and Family Committee. “Knowing that being outside is safest and the weather is starting to become cooler, we had to act fast. Havdalah on the Lot was a great event! The adults were so happy to just be together and the kids had the most

The Gordon family arrives early to start decorating their spot on the lot.

fun sharing Havdalah, drinking hot chocolate, and running around with glow sticks.” “This event was much needed and a very welcome step in the direction back to normalcy,” says Jade Rouzea. “As new Strelitz parents, we have desired that connection with the other parents. Even in the dark, this event provided just that. The great Havdalah bag gave us everything we needed!” Erinn Portnoy says her family “had a great time and felt safe,” and that they “loved the Havdalah supplies and will use them again at home. The kids loved running around the parking lot playing with their friends. It was great seeing people we had not for some time.” “We’re all looking forward to future in-person events where we can safely gather and celebrate together as a community!” says Steerman. For more information about PJ Library in Tidewater and programs like these, contact Nofar Trem at ntrem@ujft.org.

Families settle in for Havdalah together.

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jewishnewsva.org | November 30, 2020 | Jewish News | 31

United Jewish Federation of Tidewater & the Simon Family JCC’s Lee and Bernard Jaffe Family Jewish Book Festival 2020–2021*

*events shown only through December 16

All events are open to the community with RSVP or tickets required and will take place virtually until further notice. For more information about the Festival, to register, sponsor, or volunteer, contact Patty Shelanski at 757-452-3184 or Pshelanski@ujft.org or jewishva.org.

To register for events, go to Jewishva.org/bookfest Konikoff Center for Learning Can Robots Be Jewish: Inspirational Rabbis Answer Pressing Questions of Modern Life with Moment Magazine’s editor of “Ask the Rabbis” Amy Schwartz

The Last Kings of Shanghai with author Jonathan Kaufman Monday, December 7, 12 pm, free

PJ Library Going Rogue (At Hebrew School) with author Casey Breton Sunday, December 13, 11:30 am, free

Wednesday, December 2, 7:30 pm, free

I W

hen Moment Magazine arrives, loyal readers turn to its longrunning “Ask the Rabbis” feature. In this column, rabbis of different denominations consider some of the most provocative questions of the day. Their responses span the range of modern Jewish thought. Sometimes they agree, but not often. In these Solomon-like deliberations, the rabbis answer some of modernity’s pressing questions: Do science and Judaism conflict? Are there things that cannot be forgiven? Is Judaism good for women? Is there a Jewish way to parent? Should we edit our children’s genes? Can a robot be Jewish? Does Jewish law forbid racism? Do Jews believe in an afterlife? Should there be an 11th commandment and if so what should it be? Amy E. Schwartz is a longtime editorial writer and op-ed columnist at The Washington Post , is Moment Magazine’s Books and Opinions Editor, as well as editor of the magazine’s popular Ask the Rabbis section. Schwartz is president of the multidenominational Jewish Study Center in Washington, DC.

n the 1930s two powerful Jewish families, the Sassoons and the Kadoories, rival one another in wealth and influence. Originally from Baghdad, these families stood astride Chinese business and politics for more than 175 years, profiting from the Opium Wars; surviving Japanese occupation; courting Chiang Kai-shek; and losing nearly everything as the Communists swept into power. At the height of World War II, these families joined together to rescue and protect 18,000 Jewish refugees fleeing Nazism. Though their stay in China began as a business opportunity, the country became a home they were reluctant to leave, even on the eve of revolution. Jonathan Kaufman is a Pulitzer Prize winning reporter, editor and author, and served as the Wall Street Journal’s China Bureau Chief, based in Beijing. As a reporter, Kaufman covered race and class issues in the workplace and on college campuses and race and women’s issues in the 2008 presidential campaign.

en-year-old Avery Green has always hated Hebrew School. And why shouldn’t he? Not only does it mean he has to spend extra time inside of a classroom, but also Hebrew school has absolutely nothing to do with his three most favorite things: Star Wars, science, and football. But everything turns upside down the day Avery begins to suspect that the mysterious new rabbi just might happen to be…an actual Jedi master! Armed with nothing more than a curious mind and an endless supply of questions, Avery sets out to reveal the truth about Rabbi Bob. Casey Breton lives in Gloucester, Massachusetts with her husband and three sons. A former elementary school teacher, Breton is a recipient of the PJ Our Way Author Incentive Award, and the 2020 Storyteller-in-Residence for Gloucester’s Fish Tales, a series of live storytelling events for grown-ups.

Go to jewishva.org/bookfest 32 | Jewish News | November 30, 2020 | jewishnewsva.org

Jewish Book Festival

what’s happening

LATKEPALOOZA! The Ninth Night of Hanukkah with author Erica Perl

Jewish Community Relations Council Saving Free Speech...From Itself with author Thane Rosenbaum

Tuesday, December 15, 6 pm, free

Wednesday, December 16, 12 pm, free

Special campaign match incentive for Giving Tuesday Tuesday, December 1

rica Perl will share her new book, The Ninth Night of Hanukkah, and lead everyone in song and movement activities that will get the entire family up and moving. Perl writes picture books, novels, chapter books, plays, and articles. Her books have received accolades and awards, including the National Jewish Book Award, and the Sydney Taylor Honor. They’ve also landed on State Book Award lists, “Best Books” lists, and library lists. Her author visits—in person and virtual—are energetic, educational, and engaging. This may be because she has a theater background, a law degree, and an ice cream truck driver’s license. In The Ninth Night of Hanukkah, it’s Hanukkah, and Max and Rachel are excited to light the menorah in their family’s new apartment. But, unfortunately, their Hanukkah box is missing. So now they have no menorah, candles, dreidels, or, well, anything. Luckily, their neighbors help, offering thoughtful and often humorous stand-in items each night. And then, just as Hanukkah is about to end, Max and Rachel, inspired by the shamash (“helper”) candle, have a brilliant idea: they’re going to celebrate the Ninth Night of Hanukkah as a way to say thanks to everyone who’s helped them! The story is heartwarming and fun, as well as an invitation to join in a beautiful new Hanukkah tradition.

n an era of political correctness, race-baiting, terrorist incitement, the ‘Danish’ cartoons, the shouting down of speakers, and, of course, ‘fake news,’ liberals and conservatives are up in arms both about speech and its excesses, and what the First Amendment means. Speech has been weaponized. Everyone knows it, but no one seems to know how to make sense of the current confusion, and what to do about it. Thane Rosenbaum’s provocative and compelling book helps make clear this important issue at the heart of society and politics. Rosenbaum is an essayist, law professor, and author. His articles, reviews, and essays appear frequently in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, CNN, Haaretz, Huffington Post , and Daily Beast , among other national publications. He serves as the Legal Analyst for CBS News Radio and as a Columnist for the Jewish News Syndicate— JNS.

successful Community Campaign is essenAn anonymous tial to ensure the strength and well-being of Jewish donor has Tidewater’s agencies and community members. provided an Understanding that the longer the COVID-19 crisis incentive grant drags on, the greater will become the needs of Jewish to match ALL Tidewater’s community agencies and individuals, the increased gifts 2021 campaign was grateful to receive a special incenmade during tive grant to help boost the impact of ALL first-time and Thanksgiving increased gifts made during Thanksgiving week. week. Through GIVING TUESDAY, December 1, the grant will match donor increases (of any size) dollar-for-dollar. It will also match gifts made by new donors 100%. The match will apply on gifts made to the 2021 UJFT Community Campaign. (NOTE: There are additional grants to match gifts directed to the COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund of the Tidewater Jewish Community.) A donor, for example, who increases his or her gift from say $118 to $180 will be matched dollar-for-dollar on the $62 increase. Their total impact will then be $180 + $62, or $242 to the 2021 campaign. The greater the increase, the greater the impact on the Campaign. For more information, call Amy Zelenka, campaign director, at 757‑965‑6139. You can make a gift over the phone by calling Amy; online at Jewishva.org (click United Jewish Federation of Tidewater then “Give Now” at the top of the screen); or by writing a check to UJFT and mailing it to: United Jewish Federation of Tidewater Attention: 2021 Campaign 5000 Corporate Woods Dr., Suite 200 Virginia Beach, VA 23462.

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What’s Happening Hate Speech or Free Speech? What does it mean Today? Thane Rosenbaum: Wednesday, December 16, 12 pm Suzanne Nossel: Tuesday, January 12, 12 pm

n an era of rising a nt i -S e m i t i s m and increased hate speech across print and social media platforms, it is now more critical than ever to understand what is and what is not covered under the First Amendment. The United States Supreme Court has ruled that hate speech is legally protected free speech. But what does that mean today, and how can we work together to combat hate speech and anti-Semitic tropes, terms, and phrases? Authors Thane Rosenbaum and Suzanne Nossel will zoom with the Tidewater community to discuss their books about the benefits and dangers of free expression. The events are presented by United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s Jewish Community Relations Council’s newly formed Combating Hate Task Force, in partnership with the Holocaust Commission, as part of the Simon Family

JCC’s Lee and Bernard Jaffe Family Jewish Book Festival. Speech has been weaponized. Everyone knows it, but no one seems to know how to make sense of the current confusion and what to do about it. Thane Rosenbaum’s provocative and compelling book, Saving Free Speech... from Itself, will be a jumping-off point for a community conversation that will continue with Suzanne Nossel, a leading voice on free expression issues in the United States and globally. In Dare To Speak, Nossel delivers an essential, necessary guide to maintaining democratic debate that is open, and freewheeling, but at the same time respectful of the rich diversity of backgrounds and opinions in a changing country. All events are free and open to the community with RSVP required and will take place virtually. For more infor‑ mation, contact Megan Zuckerman, Jewish Community Relations Council director, at MZuckerman@ujft.org. To register for the events, go to Jewishva.org/bookfest.

Thane Rosenbaum

Suzanne Nossel

WISHING YOU A

Happy Hanukkah

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Calendar Through DECEMBER 9 PLAYING IT SAFE: ‘SOCCER SHOTS’ PROGRAM STRIKES OUT AT THE SIMON FAMILY JCC. MONDAYS: Through–11/30/20: K-1st grade, 3:30-4:15 pm, 2nd - 3rd grade, 4:30- 5:15 pm. WEDNESDAYS: Through–2/9/20; 3-4 years, 3:30-4:00 pm and 4:15- 4:45 pm. With CDC guidelines in place, the soccer field is the SAFE place for Soccer Shots fall fun! Four eight-week sessions are open for the fall. Cost is $120 for members and $160 for potential members, including a jersey! Register at the JCC front desk or call 757-321-2338. For more information, contact Sarah Cooper at scooper@simonfamilyjcc.org. THROUGH FEBRUARY 24, 2021 SWORDFISH WINTER SWIM TEAM, Ages 5–18 Mondays–Wednesdays, 6–7:30 pm, JCC Indoor Pool. Open to all boys and girls ages 5–18 years, recreational competitive swim team offers certified, experienced coaching to swimmers that wish to improve technique, get fit, and make friends. This is NOT swim lessons, however having competitive experience is not required. Cost is $255 for JCC members and $310 for non-members. Each swimmer receives a custom team canvas sport bag, t-shirt, and swim cap. A sibling discount of $25 is available at registration. For more information or to register, visit the JCC in person or call 757-321-2308. DECEMBER 2, WEDNESDAY Amy Schwartz, author of Can Robots Be Jewish: Inspirational Rabbis Answer Pressing Questions of Modern Life. JewishVa.org/BookFest. 7:30 pm. See page 32. DECEMBER 6, SUNDAY Hanukkah Cooking with Michael Solomonov presented by the Konikoff Center for Learning. Join community chefs Leora Drory and Marcy Mostofsky as they cook along with James Beard Foundation award-winning chef, Michael Solomonov. They will demonstrate how to cook the perfect Hanukkah meal, from apple shrub to sfenj (Moroccan doughnuts), just in time for the holiday. Via Zoom. 4 pm. Pre-registration required. JewishVa.org/JIKCL. DECEMBER 7, MONDAY Jonathan Kaufman, author of The Last Kings of Shanghai: The Rival Jewish Dynasties That Helped Create Modern China. JewishVa.org/BookFest. 12 pm. See page 32. DECEMBER 8, TUESDAY Israel Story in Conversation with Fauda star, Ala Dakka! The Jewish Community Relations Council of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, Simon Family JCC, Embassy of Israel, & Community Partners’ 10th Annual Israel Today Series presents a conversation between Israel Story Podcast co-founder Yochai Maital, and Netflix hit show Fauda star Ala Dakka. Pre-registration required. 12 pm. Free. For more information and to register, go to JewishVA.org/IsraelToday or contact Leigh Casson at lcasson@ujft.org or 757-321-2304. DECEMBER 13, SUNDAY Second Sunday community Phone-a-Thon. 10 am–1 pm. To volunteer to make calls or to make a gift, contact Amy Zelenka, campaign director, at 757-965-6139 or at JewishVa. org (click United Jewish Federation of Tidewater then “Give Now” at the top of the screen). See page 33. Casey Breton, author of Going Rogue (At Hebrew School). In partnership with the Patricia Sarah Ashkenazi Religious School, Ohef Sholom Temple Religious School, and Temple Emanuel Religious School. Presented via Zoom. Pre-registration required. 11:30 am. Free. For more information or to register, contact Patty Shelanski at 757-452-3184 or pshelanski@ujft. org or JewishVa.org/BookFest. See page 32.

Who Knew Israeli teen Deni Avdija goes to Washington Wizards with 9th pick of NBA Draft Marc Brodsky

( JTA)—Deni Avdija, the 19-year-old Israeli basketball phenom, was taken by the Washington Wizards with the ninth overall pick of the NBA Draft this month—the earliest an Israeli has been picked in league history. Avdija, a lanky 6-9 forward for Maccabi Tel Aviv in Israel’s top professional league, becomes the second player from the Jewish state to go in the first round. Omri Casspi, also a standout forward for Maccabi Tel Aviv, went 23rd to the Sacramento Kings in the 2009 draft and played 10 years in the NBA for several teams. “Israel is a small country, to represent the country and be in the highest spot is amazing,” Avdija told ESPN. “I’m super excited to take my game to the next level.” Asked what message the so-called “Prince of Tel Aviv” would send to family, friends and fans at home in Israel, he said, “I love them and I’m gonna make you proud.” The draft was held virtually because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Speaking to the media by Zoom after being chosen, Avdija said he couldn’t imagine being a lottery choice out of a small country like Israel. Making history, he said, is “a blessing.” He and Casspi spoke about playing

in the NBA. “We talked a lot about the rookie year specifically, about the skills I would need, all the travel and the schedule,” said Avdija, who turns 20 on Jan. 3. ESPN has described Avdija as a future “big playmaker”—tall enough to play power forward, but also with the “ballhandling, creativity and playmaking skill” of a point guard. Its scouting report adds that he brings “toughness, competitiveness and swagger.” Avdija, a native of northern Israel who lives in the coastal town of Herzliya, near Tel Aviv, holds dual Israeli and Serbian citizenship. His father, Zufer, a Muslim Serbian-Israeli citizen, played for his native Yugoslavia’s national basketball team as well as several Israeli pro teams in the 1990s. His mother, Sharon Artzi, is a Jewish Israeli and former track and field athlete. A second Israeli was also picked— marking the first time that two Israelis were picked in the same draft. The Boston Celtics took Yam Madar with the 47th selection. The 19-year-old has played for Hapoel Tel Aviv, in the same Israeli league as Avdija, for the past two years. He’s a 6-2 point guard described as a solid defender and passer. Madar, at least for the 2020-21 season, will likely play overseas as the Celtics have few roster spots available. Boston will retain his rights.

Jewish News upcoming issues See the paper 3 days before the cover date at www.JewishNewsVa.org/digital.

DECEMBER 15, TUESDAY LATKEPALOOZA! with Erica Perl, author of The Ninth Night of Hanukkah. JewishVa.org/ BookFest. 6 pm. See page 32. DECEMBER 16, WEDNESDAY Thane Rosenbaum, author, essayist, and law professor discusses his book Saving Free Speech… From Itself. In partnership with the UJFT’S Jewish Community Relations Council and it’s Combating Hate Task Force along with the Holocaust Commission. Pre-registration required. 12 pm. Free. For more information and to register, go to JewishVA.org/Bookfest or contact Megan Zuckerman, Director, Community Relations Council at mzuckerman@ujft.org. See page 32. 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.

education December 40

Food/Romance January 25

Investing February 8

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Obituaries Lawrence E. (Larry) Cooper Norfolk—Lawrence Elliott (Larry) Cooper of Norfolk and Sunny Isles Beach, Florida passed peacefully into the presence of God at the Beth Sholom Village in Virginia Beach on November 10, 2020. Born March 1, 1931 in New York City, he was the son of the late Max and Rose Cooper. Larry was a graduate of Stuyvesant High School in New York and a graduate of NYU. He began to learn the intricacies of business as a young man in his father’s stationary store on Park Avenue near their home and was an entrepreneur as well. Larry was a proud veteran having served in both the United States Army and the United States Air Force. Following military service, Larry’s decades long career was in the retail field with the Chicago based Montgomery-Ward Company in which he rose to prominence as a National Merchandise Manager until his retirement in 2003. After braving many Chicago winters, Larry relocated to Sunny Isles Beach, Florida before coming to spend his last years with his wife Cindy in Norfolk. In addition to his parents, Larry was pre deceased by his sister, Isabelle and his first wife, Elaine Dixler Cooper. Left to cherish his memory are his wife Cynthia Coureas Cooper, his brothers-in-law Donald J. Coureas (Loretta) and J. Chris Coureas (Patricia), nephews Christopher T. Coureas, H. Alexander Coureas, John A. Coureas, Justin M. Coureas (Jin) and grandnieces and grandnephews. A private graveside service was officiated by Cantor David Proser. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Larry’s family wishes to express their gratitude to the compassionate and caring staff of the Ballentine senior facility in Norfolk. Thanks also to the attentive staff of Beth Sholom Village and Freda H. Gordon Hospice care. Donations in Larry’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Beth Sholom Village. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.hdoliver.com. Donald S. Jacobs Boynton Beach, Florida—With heavy hearts, we announce the death of Donald S Jacobs, who passed away on

November 6, 2020 at the age of 89. Family and friends are welcome to send flowers or leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family. He was loved and cherished by many people including: his daughters, Shelley Frazier (Jack) and Brenda Simon; his grandchildren, Ryan, Kyle, Brittany, Sean, Rebecca and Lindsey; and his great grandchild Margot. A memorial service was held at the Rubin Memorial Chapel in Boynton Beach, Florida.

Dr. Morris “Mendy” Fine Palo Alto, Calif.—Dr. Morris “Mendy” Fine, 94, a retired pediatrician and longterm resident of Buffalo, NY before spending his final years in Palo Alto, Calif., died Friday, November 20, 2020. He was born July 12, 1926, in Norfolk, Va. to Charles Harry and Celia Fine. Mendy was the sixth of seven children. His siblings included five sisters and one brother, and he was the younger of his parents’ two sons and the second youngest of their seven children. Following graduation from Maury High School in Norfolk, Va., Mendy served as a sonar technician in the U.S. Navy during World War II and would often tell his children on their birthdays that he celebrated his 19th birthday in the middle of the Pacific Ocean on a navy ship. Each of Mendy’s siblings remained in Virginia into adulthood while Mendy embarked to Salt Lake City, Utah for a medical internship after completing his bachelor’s and medical degrees at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville. Before moving to Utah, he married Gloria Stein (1931–2016) in 1953, the same day he graduated from Medical School. They then moved from Salt Lake City to Salina, Utah where he was a family physician. It was in Salina that Gloria gave birth to the first two of their five daughters. Mendy and Gloria moved to Buffalo, NY in 1958 for Mendy to pursue a pediatric residency after which he built an active private pediatric practice over several decades before retiring in the early 1990s. Mendy and Gloria were active in Jewish and synagogue life. Mendy would chant the Kiddush over wine at Shabbat dinner on Friday evenings

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and bring his children to synagogue on Saturday mornings. Mendy’s daughters remember plenty of Saturdays following Shabbat morning services where he would check on his newborns and young patients at Children’s Hospital in downtown Buffalo while his own younger children would wait in the hospital library surrounded by dog-eared medical journals. Mendy and Gloria’s travels included Caribbean cruises by themselves and car trips with their children that included a six-week cross-country trip in the late 1960s and frequent visits to Mendy’s Virginia-based parents, his siblings and their children. These trips to Virginia included trips to Virginia Beach, which Mendy’s children particularly enjoyed. Mendy and Gloria would often pack their children into a station wagon a few times a year to drive across the Canadian border to Toronto, Ontario, where they would purchase large quantities of Kosher meat and baked goods for later storage in the family’s second freezer in the basement. On one special family trip Mendy and Gloria brought their children to Israel to celebrate Passover in 1972. After Mendy and Gloria divorced, Mendy married Edith Pierce (1926-2018) in 1986. Mendy and Edith regularly attended synagogue services and participated in an active synagogue life that included Mendy frequently reading from the Torah on Shabbat mornings, and serving as the synagogue mohel for many years. They took several international trips, visiting every continent except Antarctica, and were active domestic travelers in their RV. It was also during these years that Mendy took up distance running. He would often tell people that he ran two marathons in a single day--his first and his last. Mendy also enjoyed playing racquetball at the Jewish Community Center of Buffalo. Mendy moved to Palo Alto in 2015 to be near his daughter Naomi following his separation from Edith. During these years he took special pleasure in being an active participant in synagogue life which included daily early morning Torah and Talmud study before 7am Shacharit services. He especially enjoyed Naomi’s homemade and delicious Shabbat dinners, which gave everyone a chance to visit and

catch up on the week’s learning and events. Morris Fine is survived by his daughters Debra Fine (Dr. Steven Tilliss) of Greenwood, Col., Naomi Fine (Kathy Levinson) of Palo Alto, Judith Zahn (Gary Zahn) of Hewlett, N.Y., Dr. Terri Susan Fine (Paul Stenzler) of Orlando, Fla., Dr. Elisabeth Fine of Somerville, Mass., his sister Thelma Fine Oser of Norfolk, four grandchildren, three great grandchildren and six step-grandchildren. Donations in memory of Dr. Morris Fine may be made to Emek Beracha (www.emekberacha.org), or by sending a check to Emek Beracha, 3790 El Camino Real (Box 2015), Palo Alto, CA 94306, or Congregation Kol Emeth, 4175 Manuela Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94306.

Susan Katz Norfolk—Susan Katz, née Feuerstein, passed away on Saturday, November 14, 2020. The daughter of Nathan Feuerstein and Lillian Nelson, Susan was a Norfolk native. She was born at Norfolk General Hospital and attended Norfolk public schools, graduating from Maury High School in 1964. She received her nursing degree from the School of Professional Nursing at Norfolk General. She worked as a pediatric nurse at Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters before moving over to the Labor and Delivery Unit at Norfolk General for the remainder of her career. She delighted in assisting with thousands of births at the hospital and took special joy in delivering the babies of adults whom she had delivered at their births. In 1967, she married, and was later divorced from, Robert Katz with whom she had two children. In the late 1990s, Susan created a childbirth education business and billed herself as the “Stork Lady,” where she worked with hundreds of couples preparing for delivery. She also served as an expert medical witness and was a trained bereavement counselor. In her retirement, Susan volunteered at Jewish Family Service and at Ohef Sholom Temple’s Soup Kitchen. She also took classes in Jewish education from the Melton Adult Education program. Susan was extremely lucky to have many lifelong friendships through her Maj Johng family and Sister’s Group.

Obituaries Susan loved animals and was always surrounded by dogs, cats, or birds. Her beloved standard poodle Clancy was waiting for her to come home. Susan is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Neal and Jennifer Katz, of Tyler, Texas, along with her three grandchildren, Micah, Lila, and Rebecca. She has numerous cousins, a sister-in-law, and nephews around the country. Susan is predeceased by her sister and brother-in-law Marsha and Lester Goldman, her brother Stephen Furst, and her daughter, Robin Katz. Rabbi Rosalin Mandelberg of Ohef Sholom Temple officiated the private graveside ceremony at Forest Lawn. Memorial donations may be made to the Ohef Sholom Temple Soup Kitchen (ohefsholom.org) or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Carson Shea Morrisette Virginia Beach—Carson Shea Morrisette passed away peacefully in her mom and dad’s arms on November 16, 2020. Carson spent her 20 months here on earth fighting the rare genetic disease, Tay Sachs. Though her time with family was short, she touched many lives and was loved deeply by those around her. A graveside service was held at Princess Anne Memorial Park with Rabbi Rosalin Mandelberg officiating. Her family cherishes her memory as the brief gift it was. Carson is survived by her parents, Mark and Genna Morrisette; grandparents Todd and Susan Kletz and Sheri Kimnach; aunts and uncles Josh and Michelle (Colton and Levi), Ryan and Shari Kletz (Riley, Madison, and Lexi), Chris and Jen Donnelly (Devin, Jena, and Mallory), Kara Morrisette (Riley) and Matt Morrisette; and numerous greataunts, great-uncles, and other relatives and friends who loved Carson very much. The family would like to thank Dr. Mehta, Dr. Vergano, and their teams at Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters for their incredible care provided to Carson and the entire family; and a very special thanks to Edmarc for providing constant care and comfort to Carson over her year fight with Tay Sachs.

Contributions may be sent to Edmarc or the Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters in honor of Carson.

Wade Louis Preddy PORTSMOUTH-Wade Preddy passed away on Friday October 16, 2020 at the age of 93. He was born on January 28, 1927 in Fuquay, N.C. to Dorsey and Fannie Preddy. Wade was a young boy when his family moved to Portsmouth, where he lived for the rest of his life. He joined the Army at 17, claiming to be of age in order to enlist to fight for his country in WWII. His first job returning from the war was with Pine Grove Dairy. In 1960 he went to work for M.M. Crockin Furniture, where he worked for over 40 years. Wade is predeceased by his son Stephen Preddy, and brothers Bert and Randolph Preddy. He is survived by his wife of 71 years,

Barbara Preddy; brother Ben Preddy and sister Kitty Ray Britt; son Larry Preddy (Kathy); grandchildren Geoffrey Preddy, Mathew Preddy (Samantha), Katie Preddy and Bess Preddy; and great-grandchildren Skylar, Addison, Brooke, Jimmy, Liam and Caysen. A graveside service was held at Olive Branch Cemetery. Condolences may be registered at BWFosterFuneralHome.com.

Samuel Irving Sandler Chesapeake—Sammy Sandler, 74, passed away November 19, 2020 in Virginia Beach, Va. Online condolences can be expressed to the family by visiting www.vacremationsociety.com. May the Source of peace send peace to all who mourn, and comfort to all who are bereaved.

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strelitz international academy

Strelitz International Academy students learn about U.S. and Israeli election process Carin Simon

tudents at Strelitz International Academy now know that learning about politics can be fun. As an IB Candidate School, SIA students learn about the world through inquiries, interviews, investigations, discussions, projects, and research. During the recent U.S. election, fifth grade learned about both the U.S. election process and the Israeli system. The fifth graders’ first line of inquiry was the voting process. During this unit, students created a Virginia Voter’s Guide, researched important topics, drafted a debate script using their research, and orchestrated a mock debate for the school. They also met with a Voter Protection Program Community Leader. On Monday, November 2, the fifth grade class conducted their mock debate for the President/Vice Presidential team virtually for the entire school. The fifth grade students ended the debate stressing the importance of voting, and the next day every student had the opportunity to vote for the President of the United States at school. The fifth grade students discovered the importance of voice and choice during elections. Their message to other students was that it

is never too early to get involved and vote. In addition to learning about the American voting process, fifth graders learned about the Israeli political system. Students learned how people vote in Israel, and how the prime minister is chosen. Students met with a “community expert” to help them understand Israel’s process. Over Zoom, they met with Israeli resident, and former Norfolk native, Rabbi Levi Margolin, to deepen their understanding of Israel’s democracy. Rabbi Margolin, who lives in Jerusalem, gave a presentation on the Israeli election process and taught the class key election vocabulary in Hebrew. The students found it fascinating that Israel has so many political parties. The fifth grade class compared the pros and cons of the U.S. and the Israeli political systems, sharing points in defense of both processes. While the students may never all agree on politics, they will all most likely agree that they will always remember their experience learning about the U.S. and Israeli election process.

Ben Amitay as Vice President Joe Biden and Amelia Portnoy as Senator Kamala Harris.

For more information on the Strelitz International Academy, contact Carin Simon, Admissions Director, 757.424.4327, csimon@strelitzacademy.org.

Effie Blair as President Donald Trump and Leah Steerman as Vice President Mike Pence.

Palmer Washburn in the three-year-old class places his vote in the ballot box.

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Fifth grade students encouraged students to vote at school drop off.

Levi Foleck in the four-year-old class places his vote in the ballot box.

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Jewish News - November 30, 2020

Articles inside

Obituaries

SiA students learn about elections

Calendar

Briefs

What’s Happening

Lee and Bernard Jaffe Family Jewish Book Festival

Temple israel’s drive-by drive

Havdalah in the Lot lights up fun

Brith Sholom breaks record of giving

Torah Thought

Upfront