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Southeastern Virginia | Vol. 52 No. 3 | 16 Cheshvan 5774 | October 14, 2013
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INSIDE
—page 14
11 Men’s Major Gifts Luncheon
16 BSV’s Golf’s Longest Day
22 Pew
survey
of
U.S.
Jews
|
6
Candidates for Lieutenant Governor at Sandler Family Campus
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UPFRONT
Published 22 times a year by United Jewish Federation of Tidewater.
Netanyahu’s U.S.A. trip Netanyahu warns: If necessary, Israel will stop Iran on its own WASHINGTON (JTA)—Israel is prepared to strike on its own if Iran is poised to obtain a nuclear weapon, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the United Nations General Assembly. “Israel will not allow Iran to get nuclear weapons,” Netanyahu said Tuesday, Oct. 1 in his speech, the last address at this year’s opening of the General Assembly in New York. “If Israel is forced to stand alone, Israel will stand alone, but in standing alone Israel will know we are defending many, many others.” In a reply, an Iranian official said his country’s nuclear program was peaceful but also warned Netanyahu not to attack. “The Israeli prime minister had better not think about attacking Iran, let alone planning it,” said the official speaking for Iran from its desk in the General Assembly. Netanyahu’s pledge to act alone if necessary came a day after his meeting with President Obama in which the prime minister sought assurances that the United States would maintain a credible military threat against Iran, even as it opens up diplomatic engagement with the Islamic Republic. Netanyahu urged the international community not to believe the professions of moderation offered by Iran’s newly elected president, Hassan Rouhani. “When it comes to Iran’s nuclear weap-
ons program, here’s my advice: distrust, dismantle and verify,” Netanyahu said. Netanyahu delivered a mixed message in addressing the principal disagreement between him and the Obama administration over Iranian uranium enrichment. On the one hand, Netanyahu kept emphasizing that he wanted to see the “weapons” or “military” program ended, which may have hinted at a degree of flexibility on his part. Successive U.S. administrations have accepted the concept of an Iranian civilian nuclear program. On the other hand, Netanyahu maintained his opposition to any Iranian uranium enrichment. Western powers reportedly are ready to allow Iran to enrich to 3.5 percent, well short of its current 20 percent level and the 90 percent required for weaponization. (JTA)
Netanyahu in D.C. salutes lawmakers for Iran efforts Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked members of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee for their support in working to halt Iran’s nuclear program. At a meeting Monday, Sept. 30, Netanyahu offered his gratitude to the senators for approving sanctions against Iran, The Hill reported, citing senators in the meeting. Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) the top
Republican on the Foreign Relations Committee, said Netanyahu gave “very detailed” answers about his views. “Like all of us, I don’t think he wants the negotiations to go on forever,” Corker told The Hill. “Obviously letting up on the sanctions is not something any us are interested in. And like all of us, he understands that if there is an agreement, it needs to be a full agreement.” The committee organized the meeting. Earlier in the same evening, meeting with members of Congress at a farewell event for the outgoing Israeli ambassador to the U.S., Michael Oren, Netanyahu told the lawmakers they must continue to apply pressure to Iran to end its alleged nuclear weapons program. He noted that many of the lawmakers had worked many years to bring Iran to the negotiating table. Netanyahu said that during his meeting earlier in the day with President Obama, he thanked the president for the regime of harsh sanctions levied on Iran. In saluting Oren for his service, Netanyahu called the outgoing envoy a “human bridge between Israel and the United States.” House majority leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.), minority leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), majority whip Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) and minority whip Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) also spoke at the event. (JTA)
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Upcoming Deadlines for Editorial and Advertising October 28 Home November 11 November 25 Chanukah December 9 December 23 Education January 13, 2014 January 27 Mazel Tov
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It’s a wrap. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
of reality. They don’t tell you
Sobering new survey of U.S. Jews . . . . 6
What’s Happening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
what to do; they don’t tell you
Friday, October 18/Cheshvan 7 Light candles at 6:05 pm
“Demographics give you a slice
Leaders respond to Pew survey . . . . . . 7
Mazel Tov. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
what’s possible. That’s the
Congress’ Jewish Republican divide . . 8
Lt. Gov. candidates to speak at JCC. . 22
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Opinion: nuclear Iran poses threat . . . 9
Calendar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
First Person: VA Tech Hillel . . . . . . . 10
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Men’s Division hosts lunch . . . . . . . . 11
Meet the Presidents: Marcia Samuels, JFS . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Expert to discuss Hezbollah . . . . . . . 12
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jewishnewsva.org | October 14, 2013 | Jewish News | 3
briefs Argentina’s president tweets: U.S. must include AMIA bombing in Iran talks Argentinian President Cristina Fernandez on Twitter called on the United States to include the issue of the 1994 Buenos Aires AMIA Jewish center bombing in any bilateral talks with Iran. In 31 tweets posted Monday, Sept. 30 from the president’s official Twitter account, Fernandez also mentioned the pressure she feels from U.S. Jewish organizations about the AMIA case and complained that the focus of the U.S government in bilateral talks is only on Iran’s nuclear program. Fernandez does not refer to any Jewish organizations by name. “Perhaps the AMIA bombing, the case about which every American Jewish organization always asks the Argentine government, was mentioned?” she asks rhetorically on the social networking site. Fernandez was referring to last month’s phone call between President Obama and the newly elected Iranian leader, Hassan Rouhani. “Was the AMIA case ever mentioned?” she tweeted to her 2.36 million followers. “Not at all.” Fernandez criticized the media for its “double standard” about the Memorandum of Understanding signed between Argentina and Iran to jointly investigate the AMIA attack, which killed 85 and wounded 300. “They say (the agreement) is historic only if the one talking with Iran is the U.S.,” she tweeted. The president added, “The U.S. and other world powers should include AMIA. We hope we’ll be listened to.” (JTA) Canonization set for popes who fostered Catholic-Jewish relations Pope John Paul II and Pope John XXIII, who played key roles in fostering CatholicJewish relations, will be canonized as saints. The ceremony will take place on April 27, the Vatican announced. The Polish-born John Paul, who reigned from 1978 to 2005, made bettering Catholic-Jewish relations a cornerstone of his papacy. John XXIII, the pontiff from 1958 to
1963, convened the Second Vatican Council, which in 1965 issued the Nostra Aetate declaration calling for Jewish-Catholic dialogue and rejecting the ancient Christian stigma against Jews as killers of Jesus. The Vatican had said in July that the two late popes would be declared saints but had not set a date. (JTA)
Israel expat Idan Ofer donates $40 million to London Business School Expatriate Israeli businessman Idan Ofer donated $40 million to the London Business School, the school’s largest-ever donation. The donation announced from The Idan and Batia Ofer Family Foundation is part of the school’s first comprehensive fundraising campaign, which is aiming to raise $160 million over the next five years. The campaign will fund the transformation of Old Marylebone Town Hall in London into a new educational facility to be named The Sammy Ofer Centre in honor of Idan’s late father, a shipping magnate and philanthropist. Idan Ofer, an alumnus of the school, recently relocated from Israel to London. “It is a privilege to participate in helping the next generation of Israeli business leaders acquire the knowledge, experience, and ties at prestigious institutions like the London Business School,” he told the Israeli business daily Globes. (JTA) Hungary recognizes involvement in Holocaust, vows to fight anti-Semitism Hungarian Deputy Prime Minister Tibor Navracsics said the country’s leaders recognize Hungarian involvement in the Holocaust and vowed the state will combat anti-Semitism and racism. “We know that we were responsible for the Holocaust in Hungary. We know that Hungarian state interests were responsible,” he said Tuesday, Oct. 1 at the opening session of “Jewish Life and Anti-Semitism,” a two-day international conference in Budapest sponsored by the Tom Lantos Institute. More than 550 people from more than 50 countries attended the meeting in Hungary’s parliament building. The con-
4 | Jewish News | October 14, 2013 | jewishnewsva.org
ference focused mainly on the political aspects of Jewish life, anti-Semitism and the fight against anti-Semitism. Participants gave a standing ovation to Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Kyriakos Gerontopoulos when he described his government’s crackdown on the ultranationalist Golden Dawn party. Navracsics was standing in for Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who conference organizers said could not attend because he was recovering from a recent injury. Several speakers, including Hungarian Foreign Minister Zsolt Nemeth, noted the significance of a conference taking place in the very hall where Hungarian legislators passed anti-Semitic laws decades ago. In his address, Israeli Ambassador to Hungary Ilan Mor thanked Nemeth for voicing strong support for Israel. Speakers stressed the need for education to help combat Holocaust denial and anti-Semitism. To this end, the Hungarian government has declared 2014 as Holocaust Remembrance Year, with an array of initiatives marking the 70th anniversary of the deportation of at least 450,000 Hungarian Jews to Auschwitz in 1944. Mor and Hungarian Jewish leader Andras Heisler stressed the importance of a new national high school curriculum that will teach about Jewish history and the Holocaust. (JTA)
Major German Jewish group seen on brink of breakdown Germany’s largest communal organization, beset by crippling financial problems and internal struggles, is “at the edge of chaos,” a Jewish official said. The Berlin Juedische Gemeinde, a public corporation, is deeply in debt to the German government, which provides 60 to 80 percent of the group’s operating budget, the Forward reported this week. Guenter Kolodziej, a cultural affairs representative of the Berlin Senate, told the Forward that the Gemeinde owes millions of euros to the German government due to pension miscalculations going back decades. Gemeinde funds communal resources including synagogues, schools, cemeteries and a nursing home. Observers also say the organization has failed to accommodate the changing face of
Berlin’s Jewry, which includes a substantial portion of immigrants from the former Soviet Union who began arriving in the 1990s. In addition, the estimated 18,000 Israeli Jews living in Berlin largely look elsewhere for Jewish support and communal activities. “We are at the edge of chaos,” Rabbi Josh Spinner, CEO of the Ronald S. Lauder Foundation in Berlin, told the Forward. (JTA)
Recognize Yom Kippur as official holiday, Israel asks U.N. Israel asked the United Nations to recognize Yom Kippur as an official U.N. holiday. Deputy Foreign Minister Ze’ev Elkin and Israel’s ambassador to the U.N., Ron Prosor, met Monday, Sept. 30 with U.N. Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson to request international recognition for Yom Kippur, Haaretz reported. With the recognition, U.N. employees would be allowed to take a day off without having to give up a vacation day. There are 10 U.N. holidays, including the Muslim observances of Eid Al-Fitr, Eid Al-Adha and the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, along with Christmas Day, Palm Sunday, Easter and the Islamic New Year. (JTA) Jewish arts experiential ed program to launch at George Washington U. The first joint program in experiential education and Jewish cultural arts will open at George Washington University next summer. Funded with a $1.47 million grant from the San Francisco-based Jim Joseph Foundation, the program will offer an interdisciplinary curriculum of coursework from the university’s Museum Education Program and its program in Judaic studies. In January 2012, the university launched the nation’s first master’s program in Jewish cultural arts combining arts education, administrative training and Judaic studies. The initiative will offer a series of intensive summer institutes and community collaborations designed to take advantage of George Washington’s location in the nation’s capital, with its many institutional and human resources. (JTA)
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Torah Thought
Chaye Sarah
T
he title of the parasha, Chaye Sarah, “Sarah’s Life,” is the one where in fact and ironically, both Sarah and Abraham die. How telling of the biblical and Jewish spirit that Sarah’s name is bestowed upon a Torah portion, which includes not only mention of her death, but also that of husband Abraham in the context of a patriarchal society. Moreover, the parasha’s designated title connotes life and not death. Thus teaching us that the drama of human life with its ups and downs, strivings and shortcomings, outweighs the unavoidable reality of the cessation of the body’s function, but not of its divine spirit that continues to impact the land of the living. And what a life did Sarah and Abraham, the founders of the Jewish saga, share! Venturing into the unknown from their native and familiar surroundings of family, faith, culture and landscape they were willing to risk all that they had for the sake of a transforming and risky divine call. Soon enough they found themselves in the midst of a familial conflict threaten-
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ing to undo their very bond. Barren and jealous, Sarah empowered by a woman’s intuition, saw in Hagar and more so in Ishmael, potential and potent rivals as well as contenders (how insightful!) for God’s spiritual mandate and promise, with Abraham struggling, no doubt, to comprehend the complex dynamics engulfing him. If that was not sufficiently unsettling and unnerving, Isaac’s near sacrifice surely demanded whatever resilient energy was left in Abraham and Sarah who faced dangers not only from within, but also from without, trying to establish their new presence in a new land. Midrash in fact instructs us that Sarah, whose name is omitted from the ordeal of the traumatic Akeda (Isaac’s Binding), died believing that Isaac was sacrificed. Significant it is that the parasha dedicated in Sarah’s honor shares the good news of Isaac, the survivor of Mt. Moriah from which he never fully recovered, finding a suitable soul-mate in Rebecca whose kindness to humans and animals as well as proper family pedigree, allowed her to become our second matriarch. Quite intriguing, following Sarah’s death, Abraham remarried and fathered six (!) more children, who are lost to us, with wife Ketura who has a kibbutz named for her in Israel’s Negev. Reassuring for future full reconciliation between the descendents of Isaac and Ishmael, who have paid such a high price for their ancestors’ rivalry and competition, is the coming together of the two to bury their father Abraham. —Rabbi Israel Zoberman is the spiritual leader of Congregation Beth Chaverim.
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Survey: Jewish community endowments rise 7.6 percent Jewish community foundation-managed endowments increased 7.6 percent in 2012 over the previous year, a new survey found. The Jewish Federations of North America annual survey of endowment development shows federation endowments distributed $1.4 billion in 2012 to Jewish and secular organizations locally, nationally and internationally. Endowment assets grew in 2012 to $14.3 billion, and contributions to endowment programs rose to $1.8 billion. Overall, endowment contributions plus
contributions to the federations’ annual campaign combined for $2.7 billion overall. Endowment grants have been used to support programs that advocate for social justice, deliver food and medicine to the needy, fund Jewish education, and provide disaster relief. Endowment assets included unrestricted funds, restricted permanent funds, donor-advised funds, supporting foundations, legacy and other types of gifts contributed to federations and Jewish community foundations. (JTA)
jewishnewsva.org | October 14, 2013 | Jewish News | 5
Pew survey of U.S. Jews: soaring intermarriage, assimilation rates By Uriel Heilman
NEW YORK ( JTA)—There are a lot more Jews in America than you may have thought—an estimated 6.8 million, according to a new study. But a growing proportion of them are unlikely to raise their children Jewish or connect with Jewish institutions. The proportion of Jews who say they have no religion and are Jewish only on the basis of ancestry, ethnicity or culture is growing rapidly, and two-thirds of them are not raising their children Jewish at all. Overall, the intermarriage rate is at 58 percent, up from 43 percent in 1990 and 17 percent in 1970. Among non-Orthodox Jews, the intermarriage rate is 71 percent. The data on Jewish engagement come from the Pew Research Center Survey of U.S. Jews, a telephone survey of 3,475 Jews nationwide conducted between February and June and released Oct. 1. The population estimate comes from a synthesis of existing survey data conducted by the Steinhardt Social Research Institute and the Cohen Center for Modern Jewish Studies at Brandeis University. While the Steinhardt/Cohen study, called “American Jewish Population Estimates: 2012,” is likely to be a matter of some debate by demographers and social scientists, it is the Pew study that offers an in-depth portrait that may influence Jewish policymaking for years to come. Among the more notable findings of the Pew survey: • Overall, 22 percent of U.S. Jews describe themselves as having no religion, and the survey finds they are much less connected to Jewish organizations and much less likely to be raising their children Jewish. Broken down by age, 32 percent of Jews born after 1980—the so-called millennial generation—identify as Jews of no religion, compared to 19 percent of baby boomers and just 7 percent of Jews born before 1927. • Emotional attachment to Israel has held steady over the last decade, with 69 percent of respondents saying they feel attached or very attached to Israel. Forty-
three percent of respondents said they had been to Israel. • Far more respondents said having a good sense of humor was essential to their Jewish identity than observing Jewish law—42 percent compared to 19 percent. • Approximately one-quarter of Jews said religion is very important in their lives, compared to 56 percent among Americans generally. • Less than one-third of American Jews say they belong to a synagogue. Twenty-three percent of U.S. Jews say they attend synagogue at least once or twice a month, compared with 62 percent of U.S. Christians. The Pew study is the first comprehensive national survey of American Jews in more than a decade. The last one, the 2000–01 National Jewish Population Survey (NJPS), was conducted by the umbrella organization of North American Jewish Federations and counted 5.2 million Jews, including children. But critics said that study’s methodology was flawed and undercounted American Jews. Both the Pew survey and the Steinhardt/ Brandeis study put the number of U.S. Jewish adults at about 5.3 million, including Jews who do not identify as Jewish by religion. The Steinhardt/Brandeis study counted an additional 1.6 million Jewish children for a total of 6.8 million Jews in America. The Pew study counted 1.3 million Jewish children. Overall, Jews make up about 2.2 percent of Americans, according to Pew. By comparison, 6.06 million Jews live in Israel, according to Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics. Because of the differences in methodologies between the new surveys and the NJPS, the increased number of U.S. Jews likely overstates any actual growth. Leonard Saxe, one of the authors of the Steinhardt/Brandeis study, told JTA there has been some growth during the last decade, but he could not put a number on it. Saxe attributed the growth to the immigration of Russian-speaking Jews, programs
6 | Jewish News | October 14, 2013 | jewishnewsva.org
opposed to ethnicity), comto bolster Jewish identipared to 45 percent among ty and shifts in attitude intermarried Jews. that have enabled many On Jewish observance, children of interfaith some 70 percent of responmarriages to be raised percent of dents to the Pew survey with a Jewish identity. American Jews said they participated in The Pew study found live in just six states a Passover seder in 2012 that about 10 percent of and 53 percent said they American Jews are forfasted for all or part of mer Soviet Jews or their Yom Kippur that year. The children. numbers represent declines About 65 percent of from the 2000-01 NJPS, American Jews live in just six states, according to the Steinhardt/ which found seder participation rates at Cohen estimates: New York (20 percent), 78 percent and Yom Kippur fasting at 60 California (14 percent), Florida (12 percent), percent. The new Pew survey found that about New Jersey (8 percent), Massachusetts (5 percent) and Pennsylvania (5 percent). The 23 percent of U.S. Jews say they always or other four states in the top 10—Illinois, usually light Sabbath candles, and about 22 Maryland, Texas and Ohio—add another percent reported keeping kosher at home. While most of those surveyed by Pew 15 percent. The three most Jewish metropolitan areas are New York, South Florida said they felt a strong connection to Israel, and 23 percent reported having visited the and Los Angeles. Among Jewish denominations, the Jewish state more than once, the responReform movement remains the largest: dents expressed significant reservations 35 percent of respondents identified about the current Israeli government’s polas Reform, according to the Pew study. icies vis-a-vis the Palestinians. Forty-four percent said West Bank setThe second-largest group is Jews of no denomination (30 percent), followed by tlement construction hurts Israel’s security Conservative (18 percent) and Orthodox interests, and only 17 percent said continued settlement construction is helpful (10 percent). As with other studies, the Pew study to Israeli security. Thirty-eight percent of found that the Orthodox share of the respondents said the Israeli government American Jewish population is likely to is making a sincere peace effort with the grow because Orthodox Jews tend to be Palestinians. The Pew survey also asked respondents younger and have larger families than Jews generally. In addition, while past surveys about what it means to be Jewish, offering showed about half of respondents raised several options. The most popular element as Orthodox were no longer Orthodox, was remembering the Holocaust at 73 perthe Orthodox retention rate appears to be cent, followed by leading an ethical life at improving, with just a 17 percent falloff 69 percent. Fifty-six percent cited working for jusamong 18- to 29-year-olds. Most denominational switching among tice and equality; 43 percent said caring American Jews, however, remains in the about Israel; 42 percent said having a good sense of humor; and 19 percent said direction of less traditional Judaism. In the Pew survey, 90 percent of those observing Jewish law. Sixty-two percent of respondents said who identified as Jews by religion and are raising children said they are raising them being Jewish is primarily a matter of ancesJewish. By comparison, less than one-third try and culture; 15 percent said it was of those who identified themselves as Jews mainly a matter of religion. Most Jews said of no religion are raising their kids as it is not necessary to believe in God to be Jewish. In the survey, 60 percent said a Jewish. Among inmarried Jews, 96 percent are person cannot be Jewish and believe that raising their children as Jews by religion (as Jesus is the messiah.
65
Mashup
Jewish leaders respond to Pew survey by Uriel Heilman
NEW YORK (JTA)—What would happen if some of the biggest players in American Jewish life sat down and debated the implications of the new Pew Research Center’s survey of U.S. Jewry? After the landmark study, I talked to nine Jewish philanthropists and organizational leaders about the lessons Pew holds for them and how they spend and invest their hundreds of millions of dollars per year dedicated to American Jewish life. I thought it would be interesting if they’d actually speak to each other, so I weaved together what they said (without altering any quotes) so it sounds like they’re actually having a conversation. Here’s what they had to say. Arnold Eisen, chancellor of the Jewish Theological Seminary: I see the study as a wakeup call for all of us – the vital religious center of American Jewry. Mark Charendoff, president of Maimonides Fund: I think it’s an indictment of our collective efforts… As a community, we made a decision a couple of decades ago to focus on Jewish continuity and Jewish identity and we don’t seem to have moved the needle by even one degree… I don’t have another word other than devastated. Jerry Silverman, CEO of the Jewish Federations of North America: I’m not devastated because I don’t know that the information is shocking based on the trends of 1990 to 2000 and some of the trends we’ve seen in local community studies. Andres Spokoiny, CEO of the Jewish Funders Network: I don’t think we should cry gevalt. Sandy Cardin, president of the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation: It’s too soon, I think, to see the immediate impact of what many of us in the community have been doing over the past five to 10 years. Yossi Prager, North American executive director of Avi Chai: This new study rein-
forces the idea that we need an energizing nucleus… The Jewish community spent a lot of money trying to reach those it saw as on the Jewish margins, and I think this study shows that those efforts were largely unsuccessful… Intensive and immersive Jewish education is the right answer. Spokoiny: Orthodox education cuts both ways. Yes, it some cases it guarantees continuity; in some cases, it pushes people aside. If you don’t define your Judaism by religion, you’re basically saying that Judaism is not for you… Given that a lot of Jews define themselves as secular or atheist, it’s critically important… to explore and find and foster venues for encouraging Jewish identity through non-traditional ways: through culture, through arts. Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism: It’s very clear that the intermarriage rates are not going away, and the big question is what does the Jewish community do in response. Our approach is to bring those people close, not to push them away, not to judge them. Eisen: They want a new notion of what being Jewish is – we haven’t really responded to that… We need to have options… Stop trying to make Judaism only about religion. There are substantive ways to be a Jew beyond religion.
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Prager: This study should diminish anyone’s confidence in a smorgasbord approach to building enduring Jewish commitment. Lots of efforts have been tried and seem not to have worked. Jacobs: Demographics give you a slice of reality. They don’t tell you what to do; they don’t tell you what’s possible. That’s the challenge of Jewish leadership. Michael Steinhardt, Jewish mega-philanthropist: The leadership in the community is atrocious. Charendoff: People felt that if everyone does their part maybe we’ll get there organically. I think this study shows if everybody does their part we’re not going to get there.
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Cardin: There’s no silver bullet [but] there’s reason to be optimistic that we can, as a community, come together and address those issues and concerns. Spokoiny: Organizational models need to adapt. They need to be able to operate more as a network than as a traditional pyramidal, top-down organization… Organizations that have fundraising as their main, core task, like federations, should really be investing a lot in engagement in different ways.
Silverman: There definitely will need to really be a convening of real thought leaders and thinkers to really look at this from a sense of implications and strategy going forward; it’s not going to happen at the G.A. Steinhardt: I don’t see the community thoughtfully dealing with it… So much of this was obvious a long time ago, and the worthwhile question is not so much about the Pew study but about the community itself, to ask why the community is so lame in dealing with change.
jewishnewsva.org | October 14, 2013 | Jewish News | 7
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YOUR NORFOLK CONNECTION TO SOUTH FLORIDA REAL ESTATE 8 | Jewish News | October 14, 2013 | jewishnewsva.org
Jewish Republicans caught in party shutdown crossfire by Ron Kampeas
WASHINGTON (JTA)—The first lawmaker to speak at a closed-door Capitol Hill confab convened by the Republican Jewish Coalition’s women’s affiliate was, naturally enough, a woman. So was the second. Against the background of the current federal budget battle, that’s about all that united Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.) and Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.). Ayotte has been a leading Republican voice calling on her GOP colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to stand down in their battle over President Obama’s signature health care law—a fight that led to a shutdown of the federal government. Bachmann has been a leader among those urging them to hold the line. Judging from the RJC’s Twitter feed last week from the Capitol Hill Club, the white linen establishment near the Capitol where the coalition’s National Women’s Committee was hosting its event that day, both women received an equally warm reception. But the genteel veneer can barely paper over the sharp divisions among Jewish Republicans as they watch their party rend itself over an impasse that has ground government operations to a halt and could presage an unprecedented default on the national debt. “My party has magnificently grabbed defeat from the jaws of victory,” says Fred Zeidman, a Houston-area lawyer and major donor to Republican presidential campaigns. The current (as Jewish News goes to press) crisis stems from the refusal of the Republican-controlled House of Representatives to pass a federal budget unless Obama agrees to delay or defund aspects of the 2010 health care law known as Obamacare. The president has refused to negotiate, arguing that the Republicans are threatening to blow up the national economy because they oppose a measure already duly passed into law. Zeidman makes it clear that he blames both sides. Obama should agree to negotiate with his Republican counterparts, he says, and the Republicans should adopt a continuing resolution that would permit the government to keep functioning. Failing to do so, Zeidman says, would cost Republicans at the polls next year. “Am I against Obamacare?” he asked.
“Yeah. Am I going to shut down the country over it? Never.” Zeidman, who says he had personally urged House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) to bring an unconditional funding authorization to the floor, blames a cadre of about 35 to 40 conservative Tea Party Republicans in safe House seats for holding the national party hostage. “These are the zealots,” he says. “They love this stuff. What are they going to do when they see we lose elections?” Jewish Republicans by and large have been reluctant to address the issue. Matt Brooks, the Republican Jewish Coalition director, turned down several requests for interviews, and the office of Rep. Eric Cantor (R-Va.), the only Jewish Republican in Congress and the House majority leader, did not respond to two requests for interviews. Cantor, who supports the party’s strategy, earned cheers at the Capitol Hill Club meeting for calling on Obama to negotiate with Republicans, according to tweets from conservative blogger Melissa Braunstein, who was present. “When you have divided government, you work through things by talking,” she quoted Cantor saying. “This is about more than Obamacare or the debt. We have a real debate about the balance of power.” A senior Jewish Republican aide in Congress says the Tea Party wing deserved praise for galvanizing Republicans following the demoralizing Obama victory last November. The shutdown, says the aide, would open up a broader philosophic conversation about the role of government. “Soon we’ll shift the message to spending, what type of government we have, what kind of country we want to live in,” the aide says. “Our president says he won’t negotiate,” Sembler says. “Our president is not a problem solver.” The aide says that notwithstanding some complaints from moderates, the response from party members countrywide—including from donors like the billionaire industrialist Koch brothers— had been positive. “They’ve been spoiling for a fight for years,” the aide says. “They’re thrilled we shut the government down.”
OPINION
The danger of a nuclear-armed Iran by Bob Feferman, Outreach Coordinator for United Against Nuclear Iran
Bob Feferman
I
n his recent speech before the United Nations General Assembly, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned, “The last century has taught us that when a radical regime with global ambitions gets awesome power, sooner or later its appetite for aggression knows no bounds.” There is no doubt that a nuclear-armed Iran would make an already-broken world a much more dangerous place, and we must take action now to prevent this from happening. What makes Iran so dangerous? Take for example the Lebanese organization, Hezbollah, created by Iran in the early 1980’s. Even the short list of Hezbollah acts of terror is stunning. Hezbollah carried out the 1994 attack on the Jewish community center in Buenos Aires, assassinated former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri in 2005, and fired 4,000 Iranian rockets into northern Israel in the summer of 2006. In July 2012, Hezbollah operatives attacked a bus filled with Israeli tourists in Bulgaria, killing six people. Recently, we have seen Hezbollah fighters, together with Iran, provide massive support for the regime of Bashar al-Assad in Syria, which has slaughtered more than 100,000 civilians while an indifferent world watches in silence. Hezbollah’s efforts in Syria are coordinated by Iran. In the Sept. 30 edition of The New Yorker, Dexter Filkins provides an in-depth profile of Major General Qassem Suleimani, the shadowy commander of the elite Quds Force of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and describes the extent of Iranian involvement in Syria. Filkins writes, “Suleimani began flying into Damascus frequently so that he could
assume personal control of the Iranian intervention. ‘He’s running the war himself,’ an American defense official told me. In Damascus, he is said to work out of a heavily fortified command post in a nondescript building, where he has installed a multinational array of officers: the heads of the Syrian military, a Hezbollah commander, and a coordinator of Iraqi Shiite militias, which Suleimani mobilized and brought to the fight.” Before its involvement in Syria, Iran was responsible for the deaths of American soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq, including many from Virginia. Throughout the entire American presence in Iraq and Afghanistan, the IRGC- Quds Force supplied Improvised Explosive Devices (I.E.D’s) to insurgents in Iraq and the Taliban in Afghanistan that have killed hundreds of American soldiers and wounded thousands. Since combat operations began in 2003, 198 citizen-soldiers from Virginia have been killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Of these 198 troops, at least 54 were killed by I.E.D’s. There is no doubt that Iraniansupplied I.E.D.’s were responsible for most of these 54 deaths. What can Americans do to help prevent a nuclear-armed Iran? We all agree that a diplomatic solution is the best option. After two wars in the past decade, Americans certainly don’t want a third one. Yet in order for the diplomatic efforts of the U.S. Government to be successful, we need to provide more leverage for our government: and that leverage comes in the form of economic sanctions to pressure the Iranian regime. In 2008, the non-partisan advocacy group, which I represent, United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI), was created to address this challenge. The goal of UANI is prevent Iran from fulfilling its ambitions to obtain nuclear weapons by “…ending the economic and financial support of the Iranian regime by corporations, firms, entities and individuals…” (UANI website). How does UANI propose to accomplish this goal? The CEO of UANI, Ambassador Mark Wallace, says it best, “We must give
the world a choice, either you can do business in Iran, or in the United States, not both.” Each of us has the power to support this effort. We can tell multinational companies the following: if you, as a company, do business in Iran, you should not count on earning our hard-earned taxpayer dollars through government contracts. If you produce or sell cars in Iran, we will not buy your cars. And if your company helps to enrich this brutal regime that abuses the human rights of its own people, sponsors terrorism and violates treaties, we will not invest in your company. As American citizens, each of you have the power to shine a light onto the dark business being done by multinational companies in Iran. Each time that we convince a company to end its business in Iran, we are one step closer to convincing the Iranian regime to end its pursuit of
nuclear weapons and preventing the nightmare scenario described by Prime Minister Netanyahu at the United Nations. See information on a briefing in Tidewater with Bob Feferman on page 20.
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arranged for a bequest to the Hampton Roads Community Foundation to give good health to the community she and her husband Victor loved. This year 21 students are studying to become physicians, pharmacists and other medical professionals thanks to scholarships generated by Ruth’s generosity. Many more Goodman Scholars will follow every year forever. Write your prescription for a better future by ordering a free bequest guide. Learn how easy it is to leave a gift for charity. Call 757-622-7951 or visit leaveabequest.org.
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jewishnewsva.org | October 14, 2013 | Jewish News | 9
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Virginia Tech Hillel Update by Ivan Goncharenkom, Israel Fellow at Virginia Tech University Hillel
O
ne year ago I arrived for the first time at Virginia Tech from my lovely and sunny Jerusalem. Before I came as an Israel Fellow, I knew that this was the place I wanted to be. Sue Kurtz, director of Hillel at Virginia Tech, who interviewed me two weeks before I arrived, convinced me through a Skype conversation that “we will create a great Jewish community at VT!” Well, her passion was sweeping and I wanted to be a part of her team. When I arrived, the first place that Sue showed me was the new Hillel building. It was not yet open and it would not be finished for a couple of months. A month ago I started my second year at VT, and I can say that our Hillel team has done an unbelievable job since the building was opened. We had a great dedication of the building in March. Hundreds of people from different districts of Virginia were invited. It was amazing to see how the Hillel at VT made Jewish people from different areas connected to each other. All of them came here—to Hillel at Virginia Tech. They did so much to help us build up a Jewish student community on campus. In addition, I, as an Israel Fellow, and an Israeli who had never been to the U.S. before arriving to VT, spent the year trying to connect Jewish students to Israel. We went to the AIPAC conference and celebrated the Independence Day of Israel where we even brought a camel to campus! Of course, all of these successes and new aspirations would not be possible without the support that we have gotten from other communities. Tidewater supports Hillel at VT more than any other community. First of all, it is unbelievable how deeply the students from Tidewater are educated about Israel and Judaism! One of our students from Virginia Beach, Melissa Eichelbaum has become one of the most active students in Hillel. Melissa is trying to create an AIPAC group on campus. Isabel Shocket was another involved Hillel student from Virginia Beach who is now the newest staff member of Hillel’s team. She was one of
the best Hillel presidents at VT (Sue told me this, but, please, this is a secret). Right after graduating, she started as the coordinator of Engagement & Initiatives, where she assumes responsibilities for program planning and oversight, budget management, staff and student management, and campus and community relations all as they specifically relate to Virginia Tech’s engagement agenda. This year, Isabel and I will staff the Birthright trip over winter break. Another person has always helped me since I came to the U.S. She answered all my questions and introduced me to people who can help in creating Israeli programs on campus. She called me when I needed to hear from her and supported without asking for a thing in return. This is Robin Mancoll, who is the director of the Community Relations Council at the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater. I am not sure if we could succeed so much without her help. This year, more then 150 Jewish students attended our Rosh Hashana dinner. Some of the students we know very well, and for some students it was their first time at the building. Looking at this, Sue said. “I am very excited that now, Jewish students finally have their home at Virginia Tech.” But the year has only begun. We have huge plans for this year. We are making a program for Jewish Cadets about Israel, we have free weekly Shabbat dinners, social meetings and Jewish services every Friday. But in addition, as an Israel Fellow I am very proud to be a part of building up the Jewish life at Virginia Tech together with Hillel. I am proud to be part of an American Jewish community. I am proud to learn from Jewish students and to teach them about Israel. In my opinion, having an Israel Fellow is very important for every Jewish campus. Only through communication and personal friendship, Israelis and American Jews will remember that they are a part of the same nation, who “speaks” the same culture. —Ivan Goncharenko’s position is partially funded by United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s Israel and Overseas allocation.
Men discuss commitment at luncheon by Alex Pomerantz
I
n what has become an annual United Jewish Federation of Tidewater tradition, men from the community gathered to enjoy lunch, be inspired and take part in a truly extraordinary event. On Tuesday, Sept. 24, the week following a great Annual Campaign kick-off, 32 men who all make significant gifts to the Federation each year, attended lunch at the Sandler Family Campus. The men heard from community members who had participated in three of the Aaron Peck, Alan Frieden, and Jerry Meltsner. four missions the Federation sponsored this past year: David and Nichole Kushner, who took part in the Thomas Hofhiemer Young Adult Mission to Israel; Barbara Dudley, who went on the mission to Budapest and Prague; and Janet Mercadante, who Camaraderie during lunch. Bob Josephberg and Art Sandler. was part of the women’s mission to Cuba. All spoke about how these trips opened their eyes to the good performed by UJFT, saying that they saw firsthand how the funds raised in Tidewater make a difference to the individuals and communities UJFT helps support. After lunch, in a spirit of camaraderie, friendship and a shared sense of purpose, the men discussed the Tidewater Jewish community, its importance to them and their families, and shared why they give and why they work on behalf of the community. This conversation enabled each of the participants to gain a new perspective on the importance of their Jewish involvement in Tidewater and in communities around the globe.
Amy Levy, Barbara Dudley, and Nichole Kushner.
Nathan Drory, Miles Leon, and Steve Stein.
Steve Sandler, Marvin Friedberg, and Harry Sandler.
Jerry Miller and Bobby Copeland.
Janet Mercadante, Richard Glasser, and Philip Rovner.
Ben Simon and Kevin Lefcoe.
Arnold Leon, Bob Josephberg, and Aaron Peck.
jewishnewsva.org | October 14, 2013 | Jewish News | 11
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by Leslie Shroyer
M
atthew Levitt, author of Hezbollah: The Global Footprint of Lebanon’s Party of God will speak at The Lee and Bernard Jaffe* Family Jewish Book Festival, in a program partnership with the Community Relations Council of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater. A senior fellow and director of The Washington Institute for Near East Policy’s Stein Program on Counterterrorism and Intelligence, Levitt is considered a leading expert on Hezbollah. “While the world may be gripped by Obama’s efforts to enforce a ban on chemical weapons in Syria, a book about an organization that not only has recently intervened in Syria in support of the Assad regime, but is also one that both the U.S. government and the European Union consider a global terrorist threat to the world and a menace to Middle Eastern security, could not have been published at a better time,” says Joanne Myers, Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs’ program director. Levitt has written extensively on terrorism, countering violent extremism, illicit finance and sanctions, the Middle East, and Arab-Israeli peace negotiations, with articles appearing in peer-reviewed journals, policy magazines, and numerous national publications, including The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Foreign Affairs, and Foreign Policy. He is also a frequent guest on the national and international media, and the author of several books and monographs. In Hezbollah, Levitt breaks new ground with his thorough examination of this organization’s covert operations beyond Lebanon’s borders. Drawing on extensive field research, including interviews with intelligence and law enforcement officials around the world, newly declassified intelligence material, court documents, and official reports, Levitt traces Hezbollah’s beginnings with its first violent forays in Lebanon. He then investigates its terrorist activities and criminal enterprises abroad in Europe, the Middle East, South
Matthew Levitt
America, Southeast Asia, Africa, and finally in North America, concluding with a look at Hezbollah’s position as Iran’s most trusted, professional, and deniable proxy. A topic of tremendous relevance to current events, understanding the threat posed by Hezbollah today could not be more pressing. Levitt served the Washington Institute for Near East Policy as founding director of its Terrorism Research Program, established in the wake of the September 11 attacks. Previously, he served as a counterterrorism intelligence analyst at the Federal Bureau of Investigation, where he provided tactical and strategic analytical support for counterterrorism operations, focusing on fundraising and logistical support networks for Middle Eastern terrorist groups. He has earned numerous awards and commendations for his government service at both the FBI and the Treasury Department. “Your audience will be mesmerized,” says Myers. “Levitt provides a great background of the ‘knowns’ of the group, and when he delves into the ‘unknowns,’ be prepared to be both shocked and enlightened.” The event takes place at the Simon Family JCC. For a complete list of the events at the Lee and Bernard Jaffe* Family Jewish Book Festival, visit www.SimonFamilyJCC.org and for more on the CRC, visit www.jewishva.org/ crc and see page 14.
book reviews A story for young girls Call Me Oklahoma! Miriam Glassman Holiday House, 2013 123 pages, $16.95 ISBN 978-0-8234-2742-0 Call Me Oklahoma is an amazing fictional book written in a “young” and easy to understand language; clearly by an author who is familiar with the life Tia Einhorn of girls. I recommend this book for girls second through sixth grades. Have you ever wanted to change your name? Well, Paige Turner did. She wanted to be just like her cousin Cordelia who turned out to be not as perfect as she appeared to be that summer the two girls spent together (in fact, she was horrible). Thinking that changing her name would make a difference and help her become as perfect as her cousin, Paige decided to call herself Oklahoma, and what a better time for that switch than the beginning of the fourth grade. It wasn’t an easy thing to do with her brother, Conrad, and the kids in her class laughing at the new name. Paige betrayed her best friend, Gavi, when she used her book fair money to buy a stuffed monkey instead of the Morse Code book the girls were going to share. Buying the stuffed monkey, Milkshake, proved to be the right move and brought Paige the popularity she was looking for as Oklahoma. Even Viveca, the meanest girl in fourth grade, wanted to become Oklahoma’s friend. At the peak of her popularity, Paige realized she had to do whatever it takes to get her friend back. Will she get her friend back? Will her friend forgive her? Most importantly will she stay Oklahoma or go back to being good old Paige? Well, I guess you just have to read the book to find out. Miriam Glassman, the book’s author, is a cousin of Annabel Sacks’, wife of Jewish News book review editor, Hal Sacks. —The review is by Tia Einhorn, age 11, a Hebrew Academy of Tidewater student and the daughter of Shuli and Craig Einhorn. Tia arrived in Tidewater from Israel six years ago unable to speak or write a word of English.
Profound differences highlighted The Smarter Bomb Women and Children as Suicide Bombers Anat Berko Rowman & Littlefield, 2012 196 pages, $45.00 ISBN 978-1-4422-1952-6 After some “light” reading, Hal Sacks your reviewer tackled a rather grim subject, one which exposes the exploitation of women and children in the business of terrorism. Anat Berko, a former Lieutenant Colonel in the Israeli Defense Forces, holds a Ph.D. in criminology and is a research fellow at a prestigious Israeli institute as well as a visiting professor at George Washington University. Having spent the past 15 years in Israeli prisons interviewing terrorists, focusing first on male prisoners, but eventually turning her attention to women and children, Berko is arguably the preeminent authority on the subject. One might ask, “What’s the difference? A terrorist is a terrorist.” The difference, the author shows, is profound, reflecting the horrendous disadvantages of women in Muslim society. Implicit in its title, The Smarter Bomb seeks to answer the question: “Is a woman who carries out a suicide bombing attack a smart bomb or a stupid bomb?” Face to face meetings by the author with Hamas and Islamic leaders reveal broad disagreement as to the propriety of utilizing a woman in any effort outside her home. “Women have no place but in the home, and furthermore are incapable of getting the job done. Moreover, we don’t need them,” say many Palestinian insurgency leaders and scholars. Terror groups, however, exploit women —and children—to achieve their goals. Paradoxically, instead of fostering admiration for noble self-sacrifice, a female terrorist is suspected of having “made a mistake,” (wink-wink-smirk-smirk); that is, lost her virginity, even if she was raped. Parents in some cases are happy to see their “wayward” daughters blow themselves up rather than bring perpetual shame to the family. Since suicide terrorists work through a system of dispatchers, it is not uncommon for a dispatcher to have sex with a woman
to reinforce her resolve to die. For these women, dying is preferable to living. In some cases, young women who have no intention of ending their life, will take part in terrorist acts such as throwing acid or attempting to stab Israeli soldiers. They feel impelled to end their wretched existence, knowing that prison in Israel is a safe haven where they will be schooled and given respect. “The Jews take better care of us than the Arabs do.” As Daniel Pipes, president of the Middle East Forum notes, Palestinians keep their distance from female security prisoners. “She’s a heroine, but I would never let my son or brother marry a woman like that.” Why? Because “if a woman is in jail for a long time she will become a man” (translation: she develops wrong-headed ideas of independence). How sad is the Arab society’s polarity toward women? “They may be guarded and supervised at home but in a suicide bombing they are left exposed for all to see.” Because Arab society is weak and dis-
integrating, it is apparent that beneath the robes and head coverings there is nothing. It may appear that the female terrorist is finally taking control of her life, but that is not really the case. Having crossed societal boundaries, the woman is acting in an expected manner. Women and children are gulled into impulsive acts and are in turn the pathetic victims of Islamic fundamentalism. Berko, as a frequent visitor to prisons, becomes a person to whom female terrorists turn for guidance and friendship as a non-judgmental listener. As much as her heart goes out to these women, she must exert constant self-discipline to avoid taking on their burdens. In the long run, Berko fears the problem will only become exacerbated with more sophisticated uses of women and children in terrorist roles. There is a brief but useful glossary of Arabic terms. —Hal Sacks is a retired Jewish communal worker who has reviewed books for Jewish News for more than 30 years.
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jewishnewsva.org | October 14, 2013 | Jewish News | 13
Ten author presentations, thousands of books bound for the
Simon Family JCC Sunday, Nov. 3–Sunday, Nov. 17
T
Sunday, Nov. 3, 1pm
Esther’s Hanukkah Disaster
by Leslie Shroyer
by Jane Sutton A well-meaning gorilla buys silly gif ts for her
he Cardo of the Sandler Family Campus will be filled with books of
animal friends, teaching young ones the real
all shapes and sizes, as the Simon Family JCC presents The Lee and
meaning of giving during Chanukah. Messages
Bernard Jaffe* Family Jewish Book Festival 2013.
include the impor tance of empathy and the joy
Thanks to the festival’s partner Barnes & Noble, the JCC will sell
of the holiday celebration.
thousands of books, including children’s books, novels, non-fiction,
For children ages 4-9
local interest, cookbooks, and others. Of course, the works of the 10 authors who are
P resented in partnership with Children & Family
making presentations will also be available. “The book festival is a great way to kill two birds with one stone,” says Michele Goldberg, cultural arts director. “Come out for an evening or for an event for the kids, and do some holiday shopping while you’re here.” The author presentations mirror the diversity of the categories of books on display, and range from comedy to the worldwide threat of Hezbollah to recipes. Young children
programs of the Simon Family JCC
Monday, Nov. 4, 7pm
Hezbollah by Matthew Levitt Lebanon’s “Par t y of God,” Hezbollah, is examined by Levit t, a senior fellow of the Washington Institute for
will learn about the real of meaning of Chanukah and enjoy five short stories by a Sesame
Near East Policy. He argues that Hezbollah’s willing-
Street editor. Older children and teens will be engaged at a presentation about a boy and
ness to use violence abroad and at home, its global
his experiences in multiple concentration camps during the Holocaust.
reach, and its relationship with Iran should be
The book committee works closely with the cultural arts department of the JCC, producing the JCC’s largest cultural arts undertaking each November, carefully selecting books to sell and authors that they feel will be a good fit for this community. Authors are chosen after a Jewish Book Council Meeting in New York City each June. Sponsors of the Book Festival include the Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel (provid-
of serious concern. Presentation and desser t reception. Presented in partnership with the Community Relations Council of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater
ing authors’ accommodations), Altmeyer Funeral Homes (providing transportation for
Thursday, Nov. 7, 12:30pm
the authors while in town), The Jewish Book Council, Beth Sholom Village, and Barnes
Recipes Remembered
& Noble.
by June Hersh
All events are free, with the exception of several luncheons, as noted. For additional information about the Book Festival, visit SimonFamilyJCC.org or call 321-2338. *of blessed memory The Simon Family JCC is a constituent agency of United Jewish Federation of Tidewater.
Authentic recipes and stories collected from 80 Holocaust survivors, ranging from the classic to the unexpected. The stories are uplif ting and life-af firming, focusing on hope, faith and “basher t.” Box lunch available for $8.50 (advance purchase required for lunch by Nov. 1) P resented in partnership with the Holocaust Commission of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater
14 | Jewish News | October 14, 2013 | jewishnewsva.org
Sunday, Nov. 10, 1pm
Friday, Nov. 15, 9:30am
Sam and Charlie (and Sam too!)
52 Weeks of Parenting Wisdom
by Leslie Kimmelman
by Meg Akabas
Five shor t stories celebrate friendship and Jewish
These easy-to-implement strategies are writ ten
values. Like all best friends, it’s not always
for parents of young children, providing a year -long
smooth sailing. Children learn about get ting along
guide using Jewish values in once-a-week chapter
with each other and how to develop meaningful
form. Learn how to raise children who are com-
friendships from a Sesame Street book
mit ted, responsible and valuable members of their
editor.
family and the larger Jewish communit y.
For children ages 5-8
For parents of children under 10 years old
Presented in partnership with PJ Library
Presented in partnership with the Hebrew Academy of Tidewater
Sunday, Nov. 10, 3pm
Sunday, Nov. 17, 1pm Global Day of Jewish Learning
Bloodlines by Neville Frankel Bloodlines is an apar theid-era novel about the univer -
Evolving Dharma
sal bond bet ween a mother in South Africa and her
by Jay Michaelson
estranged adult son across the Atlantic. Af ter losing
Michaelson, also the author
his father to cancer, an adult son learns that the
of God vs. Gay and Everything
mother he had spent his childhood mourning was very
is God, explores the boundar -
much alive and very dif ferent from the brave,
ies of Jewish tradition in a
selfless woman he had imagined.
conversation called “Is that Jewish?” with
Presentation and reception courtesy of
a panel of local rabbis and cantors, as he
Sharon and Bill Nusbaum and family
presents his latest book. Presented in partnership with the Board
Tuesday, Nov. 12,
12:30pm
Standing Up
of Rabbis and Cantors of Hampton Roads
by Marion Grodin Daughter of funnyman Charles Grodin, this stand-up
Sunday, Nov. 17, 1pm Global Day of Jewish Learning
comic will discuss her memoir about a precocious Holly wood childhood, and a sober adult life on the
Prisoner B-3087
stand-up comedy circuit. The author knows firsthand
by Alan Gratz
that laughter is truly the best medicine,
Based on the astonishing true story of an ex traordi-
having survived both breast cancer and
nary boy, this book set in Poland in the 1930s traces
addictions.
his journey through 10 dif ferent concentration camps
$10 per person includes lunch
and 10 dif ferent encounters with death. Yanek
(RSVP by Nov. 6)
faces the terror trying not to lose his hope,
P resented in partnership with Beth Sholom
will and most of all, his identit y.
Village and Jewish Family Service
For 6th Grade and up Presented in partnership with BBYO
Thursday, Nov. 14, 7pm
A Guide for the Perplexed by Dara Horn — Community Read! This thrilling novel examines how technology changes memory and how memory shapes the soul. Interweaving stories from Genesis, medieval philosophy and the digital frontier, this tale is spellbinding.
Sunday, Nov. 17, 1pm Children’s Station Bring your kids,* ages three years to fif th grade to the Children’s Creation Station 1–3 pm. Stories, snacks, craf ts, songs and more. Call 321-2306 for more information. *Babysitting available by reservation for ages six weeks to two years.
Desser t reception
jewishnewsva.org | October 14, 2013 | Jewish News | 15
it’s a wrap VCIC kicks off the year at the Simon Family JCC by Jonathan Zur, president and CEO
Proud supplier for the Lee & Bernard Jaffe* Family Jewish Book Festival at the JCC November 3 - 17,
Barnes & Noble at TCC
*of blessed memory
levels 2 and 3 of MacArthur Center near Dillard’s
T
he Tidewater Chapter of the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities held its first meeting of the fiscal year on Sept. 9, 2013 at the Simon Family JCC. Under the leadership of Carolyn Abron-McCadden, who is beginning her third year as chair, members discussed program, outreach, and fund development opportunities in South Hampton Roads and across Virginia. The Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities works with schools, businesses, and communities to address prejudices, in all forms, to improve academic achievement, increase workplace productivity, and enhance local trust. Through workshops, retreats, and customized programs that raise knowledge, motivation, and skills, VCIC develops leaders who work togeth-
er to achieve success throughout the Commonwealth. The organization traces its roots back to 1935 in Virginia. Originally founded as the Virginia Region of the National Conference of Christians and Jews, the Virginia Center for Inclusive VCIC committee at Simon Family JCC. Communities concluded its association with NCCJ in 2005 and joined with many offices across the coun- the NEXUS Interfaith Dialogue Series, try to form the National Federation for Just which this year focuses on “How Our Communities, a new movement fighting Faiths See Marriage and Family.” The 50th annual Tidewater Chapter prejudice in all its forms. Recent local programming includes Humanitarian Awards Dinner takes place participation by six South Hampton on Thursday, March 27, 2014. J. Jerry Roads high schools in the Harold M. Kantor, a 2011 Humanitarian Award recipMarsh, Sr. Connections Institute, as well ient, will chair the event. Nominations as workshops for Norfolk Collegiate will be solicited throughout October. For School, Tidewater Community College, more information or to nominate someone and Virginia Summer STEAM Academy. for the Humanitarian Award, visit www. The Tidewater Chapter also co-sponsors inclusiveva.org.
Temple Israel progressive dinners for Sukkot
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arious families in Norfolk and Virginia Beach hosted Temple Israel members for the holiday of Sukkot last month. Virginia Beach congregants started with soup at the home of Dr. Reuven and Judy Rohn, moved on to dinner with David and Rona Proser and finished with dessert at the home of KBH members Dr. David and Karen Rosenberg. In Norfolk, the evening began under the Sukkah at the home of Rabbi and Sheila Panitz, dinner was served in the Temple Israel Sukkah and the evening ended with dessert at the home of Marc and Bonnie Rabinowitz. “The men stepped up to the grill and served a tasty dinner made all the more appealing by the al fresco setting of eating in the sukkah,” says Rabbi Michael Panitz. “Fine dining, it was not! But it was a fun gathering, in the spirit of the holiday, and everyone left happy.”
Norfolk Sukkot dinner: Bert and Sarita Sachs, Paul and Ellie Lipkin, Rich Yanku, Michael Heck, Raphael Halioua, Valerie Yanku, Thelma Oser, and Phil Walzer.
Virginia Beach Sukkot dinner: David Proser, Elaine Levinson, David and Marilyn Suskind-Pearline, Sara Jo Rubin, Shikma Rubin, and Judy Rohn.
16 | Jewish News | October 14, 2013 | jewishnewsva.org
The American Theatre
it’s a wrap Hebrew Academy elects new SGA officers
Mushky Brashevitzky, president; Bella Cardon, vice president; Leo Kamer, secretary; Noah Alper, treasurer.
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t was another spirited campaign this fall as Hebrew Academy prepared to elect its SGA officers. Speeches were shared, posters were displayed and, in the end, a new cabinet was chosen. These new SGA officers say that there should be a couple of events each month —something fun to encourage school spirit and community minded programs aimed at repairing the world, such as food drives, HATs on for cancer, and more. Student class representatives were also elected. Hebrew Academy SGA Officers President—Mushky Brashevitzky Vice President—Bella Cardon Secretary—Leo Kamer Treasurer—Noah Alper Class representatives 5th Grade— Blake Brown (alternate, Lara Leidan) 4th Grade— Evan Nied (alternate, Tori Chapel) 3rd Grade— Josh Jackson (alternate, Elijah Arnowitz) 2nd Grade— Jack Jenkins (alternate, Isabella Leon) 1st Grade— A aron Alofer (alternate, Shira Fleishman) Kindergarten— Elijah Muhlendorf and Simeon Arnowitz
B
Fourth Annual Golf’s Longest Day
eth Sholom Village’s 4th annual Richard “Dick ” Porter Memorial Golf tournament took place on a day with picture perfect weather. Ten golfers enjoyed great golfing and camaraderie for a wonderful cause, raising approximately $70,000 for Beth Sholom Village and playing close to 400 holes. Lunch was Nathan Benson, Larry Siegel, Stuart Kahn, Ellie Porter, Bryan Mesh, Bob Salter, enhanced by the Chris Sisler, Andy and Esther Kline, and David Abraham. presence of Ellie Porter and Ellyn Saren, president of Beth generosity and that plans are already being made for next year’s tournament. Call Sholom. The Tournament organizers say they Bryan Mesh if interested in being a part of are grateful to Bayville Golf Club for their the 2014 Tournament.
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jewishnewsva.org | October 14, 2013 | Jewish News | 17
it’s a wrap Beth El Tzedakah Fund—Doing good in the neighborhood
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ongregation Beth El Tzedakah Fund (BETF) celebrated its first year during the recent High Holidays. In an effort to make a difference in the local community and be good local citizens, the board of Beth El approved the creation of a new fund last year. A tool for the Beth El community to
give tzedakah and donate it to area charities, at least 50% of the funds are intended for Jewish organizations. BETF “allows our community to put our money where our values are,” says Rabbi Jeffrey Arnowitz. BETF’s committee is comprised of Lauren Barr, Leah Flax, David Kamer
Ticketjsust start at
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and Jerry Kantor. Together with Rabbi Arnowitz, this team works to promote the BETF project and make decisions about the distribution of donations. Flax says, “I am thrilled that Rabbi Arnowitz started the Beth El Tzedakah Fund and it was wonderful to be part of deciding how the money would be distributed. I think this program will be really successful and we hope in this next year to get the Religious School involved. My son has already filled his first box to be given to the Beth El Tzedakah Fund and he is very excited about it.” In its first year, the BETF raised $3,000.
The Fund was distributed this summer in four $750 donations to The Dwelling Place, where a matching grant doubled the donation to $1,500, enough to provide housing for a homeless family for 20 nights; to Jewish Family Service’s Meals on Wheels program, where the donation will provide a week of three kosher meals a day to eight impoverished local individuals; to the Edmarc Hospice for Children, an organization that works on behalf of terminally ill children and their families; and to the Hebrew Academy of Tidewater Scholarship Fund to support Jewish education in the greater Jewish community.
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18 | Jewish News | October 14, 2013 | jewishnewsva.org
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ongregation Beth El made good use of its sukkah and the Sukkot holiday this year with programming covering a range of interests, ages and celebratory activities. The festivities kicked off with the “First Annual Sukkah Raising,” which was held as part of the opening festivities for Religious School on Sunday, Sept. 15. Approximately 100 students and parents attended and helped create a variety of decorations and other projects. Sharon Wasserberg, director of Congregational Learning, orchestrated fun and delicious activities for children during holiday services including edible sukkot made from graham crackers, fluff, nutella, pretzels, icing and more. Children also had a chance to make origami shofars and paper chains. Several opportunities for adults to eat in the sukkah took place. The congregation celebrated Shabbat in the sukkah as more than 50 members shared dinner, catered by the Sisterhood, followed by a vibrant service led by Rabbi Jeff Arnowitz for the younger members. Dinner attend-
ees also participated in the traditional Friday evening minyan led by Cantor Gordon Piltch. On Monday, Sept. 23, Beth El Sisterhood gathered in the sukkah for a WomenAbout-Women program. The 20 attendees participated in a conversation about welcoming led by Wasserberg. The men had their turn on Tuesday, Sept. 24 when Beth El Men’s Club gathered in the sukkah for Scotch tasting and steak followed by Torah study over cigars. Rabbi Arnowitz led the packed Sukkah of 70 men in the tasting and study. The next day, Lunch & Learn was held for the first time this year as Rabbi Arnowitz led the participants in a study of Sukkot and its connection to Yom Kippur.
what’s happening Season opener the first of many children’s cultural arts events at the Simon Family JCC
Tallwood students prepare for Israel exchange Students meet Tidewater Jewish community Wednesday, Oct. 30, 3:30–4:30 pm
Sunday Oct 20, 2:30 pm
by Zoe Hollander
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by Leslie Shroyer
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rom opera to book author presentations, cultural arts events are filling the calendar for children at the Simon Family JCC. To kick off the children’s cultural arts season, the Virginia Opera will perform a scaled down, family friendly version of Jack and the Beanstalk at the JCC on Sunday, Oct. 20 at 2:30 pm. The operetta travels to area community centers and schools. It opened last month at John Tyler Elementary School, where music teacher Marie Weber says, “Children are mesmerized by this performance. The three performers do a great job relating to children.” After the Jack and the Beanstalk performance, the actor/singers will answer questions. Other events in the JCC’s children’s cultural arts series include a performance by Virginia Stage Company on Feb. 23, and one on April 6 featuring the Virginia Symphony. The Lee and Bernard Jaffe* Family Jewish Book Festival includes three chil-
dren’s events this year. First, on Sunday, Nov. 3, author Jane Sutton presents Esther’s Hanukkah Disaster, a story about a well-meaning gorilla who buys silly gifts for her animal friends. Young ones (ages 4–9) will learn the real meaning of giving during Chanukah. On Sunday, Nov. 10, Leslie Kimmelman will share five short stories celebrating friendship and Jewish values (for ages 5–8). Finally, on Sunday, Nov. 17, a children’s event as part of the Global Day of Jewish Learning will take place. Parents can attend the adult book event and participate in other activities at the JCC while their children enjoy their own simultaneous activity. The goal of these children’s events is to enrich the lives of these young community members in the hopes that they will support the arts in their future. For additional information, visit the cultural arts page of the JCC website, www. SimonFamilyJCC.org or call 321-2338. The Simon Family JCC is a constituent agency of United Jewish Federation of Tidewater.
Free Guest Days at the JCC October 24–27
Simon Family JCC members may bring up to three friends and enjoy all that the Center has to offer.
en students from the Israeli city of Modi’in, representing the Youth Ambassador Exchange Program between Israel and the United States, will arrive in Virginia Beach on Thursday, Oct. 24. Several families of students who attend the Global Studies and World Languages Academy at Tallwood High School will host these students. While in Tidewater, the Israeli exchange students will participate in community service, school activities, field trips around Virginia Beach, and much more. One favorite part of the American portion of the exchange, which has taken place for five years, is the Israeli Café hosted at Tallwood High School. The exchange students from Israel and the American students who attend Tallwood High School come together for a wonderful afternoon of dancing, music, food, and activities focused on Israeli culture. The students of Tallwood look forward to this all year. The Tidewater Jewish community will have an opportunity to meet the students participating in this program at the Simon Family JCC in a partnership program offered by the Children and Family
Back row: Andrew Clark, Sydney Becker, Zoe Hollander, Kate LaRoue, Kaitlyn Gallagher, Bria Reel, Gregory Falls. Front row: Franchesca Virtucio, Isela Vazquez, Halina Gregg, Marialle Balingit.
department of the Simon Family JCC and the Community Relations Council of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater. After school snacks, cultural activities and presentations for students of all ages will be offered in this free and open to the community event. RSVP by Oct. 28 to Liz Henderson at LHenderson@ujft.org or 965-6107. To learn more about the student exchange, visit http://www.aifl.org/yase/program-information or contact Robin Mancoll at RMancoll@ujft.org.
Concert for Norfolk Education Foundation at Temple Israel
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Sunday, Nov. 10, 3 pm
emple Israel’s sun-filled atrium will transform into a chamber music venue when “Lei Lei and Friends,” a group assembled for this one event, perform cello, piano and voice pieces by Schubert, Elgar, Chopin, Rimsky-Korsakov and Vivaldi, as well as Asian folk music performed on Erhu and Horsehead Fiddle. Virginia Symphony musicians Lei Lei Berz and Jake Fowler, along with Carlos Clanton, Norfolk Education Foundation executive director, and Rebecca Raydo, Old Dominion University professor are the performers. The afternoon concert will benefit the Norfolk Education Foundation’s Music
Education Fund, which brings enhanced band, chorus, orchestra, marching band and even AP music theory experiences to Norfolk Public School students. The fund also takes students into the community to hear and interact with professional musicians. Danielle Roby, Norfolk Public Schools’ senior music coordinator says “[music] increases the productivity and creativity of the student’s thinking as they carry it into other subject areas.” A reception will follow the concert. For ticket information and to purchase tickets, go to: https://leileiandfriends.eventbrite.com.
For more information, call 321-2338. jewishnewsva.org | October 14, 2013 | Jewish News | 19
what’s happening Touching lives through Helping Hearts
Bob Feferman briefs Tidewater on Iran
Pizza with a Purpose: Tuesday, Oct. 29
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t’s hard to imagine spending a holiday alone, but sadly, many adults right here in Tidewater do just that. As the holidays approach, Jewish Family Service staff and volunteers reach out to these individuals with helping hearts, as part of the JFS “Helping Hearts” project. Now in its eighth year, the Helping Hearts project provides indigent adults with bags stuffed with toiletries, knitted winter wear, socks and other necessities. Dorothy Salomonsky, director of JFS’ Personal Affairs Management program, says, “Many of the recipients live off of $30 per month, and have little or no family or friends to see during the holiday months. The bags serve as a way to let these people know they are not alone and to spread a little cheer.” This year the Helping Hearts project hopes to build upon its success of years past and collect enough toiletries, grooming items, snacks, socks, winter hats, gloves, novelties and even gift cards for incapacitated adults ages 18–104, who have no family or friends to remember them at holiday time. A number of these individuals are part of the JFS PAM program for incapacitated adults. To raise funds for this project, JFS is hosting a “Pizza with a Purpose” fundraiser at California Pizza Kitchen, at both the Virginia Beach and Norfolk restaurants on Tuesday, Oct. 29. The restaurant will donate 20% of the proceeds to JFS from coupons presented. (see adjacent coupon) JFS is also entered in a contest to win $1,000 for Helping Hearts. Classic Air’s One Hour Cares program awards $1,000 to a worthy cause each month, and votes are cast only on the One Hour Cares Facebook page. The more “likes” a cause garners, the better the chances are to win the random drawing for the $1,000 award. Facebook users can vote at Classic Air’s One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning page. Voting runs through the month of October.
Sunday, Oct. 27, 10:30am
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Fundraiser in support pp of
Jewish Family Service of Tidewater’s Helping Hearts Project Tuesday, October 29th,2013 (All Day)
California Pizza Kitchen
Town Center • 200 Central Park Ave (Across From Fountain) 757.456.2630 & MacArthur Mall 757 622 7190 757.622.7190
Second annual Tour de Mensch — Sunday, Nov. 3
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15-mile bike ride from Congregation Beth El to support the local Jewish War Veterans chapter. Following the ride there will be a brunch at Beth El at 11 am. Ride, attend the brunch or both and recognize the local Jewish veterans. Suggested donation, $18. For more information or to RSVP, contact Craig Schranz at schranzc@yahoo.com or 760-401-7100.
20 | Jewish News | October 14, 2013 | jewishnewsva.org
earn more about UANI and the situation regarding Iran’s nuclear intentions during a special briefing with Bob Feferman at B’nai Israel Congregation. Bob Feferman This important program is offered by B’nai Israel in partnership with the Community Relations Council of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater. It is free and open to the community with RSVP by Oct. 23 to Liz Henderson at Fundraiser in support of LHenderson@ujft.org or 965-6107. Family Servi B’nai Israel is Jewish located at 420 Spotswood Ave. in Norfolk.Helping For more information on Hearts Proje the Community Relations Council, visit Tuesday, October 29 www.JewishVA.org/CRC and for more information on UANI,(All visitDay) www.UANI.com. See page 9 for article by Bob Feferman.
California Pizza Kitc
Town Center • 200 Central Hebrew(Across Academy FromofFountain) 757.456.2630 Tidewater Konikoff Center MacArthur Mall of Learning Open House 757 757.622.7190 622 7190 Friday, Nov. 22, 8:30 am
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or all families interested in exploring kindergarten through 5th grade school options. Hebrew Academy is located on the Sandler Family Campus of the Tidewater Jewish Community, 5000 Corporate Woods Drive, in Virginia Beach. For more information or to RSVP, contact Carin Simon, admissions director, at 424-4327, or email csimon@hebrewacademy.net.
YAD Aruchat Shabbat Friday, Oct. 25, 7 pm
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oin YAD for the first ever Aruchat Shabbat. Come enjoy Shabbat dinner at various YADian’s homes throughout the year—dinner (kosher meat meal), drinks, schmoozing and more! Great People. Great Food. Great Energy. Home of Amy and Eliot Weinstein in Virginia Beach. $10 couvert
what’s happening Temple Israel hosts visiting scholar for 5774 Saturday, Oct. 19 and Sunday, Oct. 20
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r. David Dalin, a w idely-publ i shed author in the field of American Jewish history, will be Temple Israel’s scholar in residence. The weekend is sponsored by Dr. David Dalin the Charles Sand Brenner Memorial Fund. The community is invited to all events. Saturday, Oct. 19: At the conclusion of morning services, Dalin will present “How Chanukah became a Major American Jewish Holiday.”
Saturday, Oct. 19, 7:30 pm, Rabbi Michael Panitz and Dalin will participate in an open conversation on “The American Presidents and the Jews.” Phil Walzer, Temple Israel president, will moderate the discussion. Sunday, Oct. 20, 2 pm, Dalin will present a lecture on the American presidents and the Jews in the turbulent decade leading up to the American Civil War at Chevra T’helim, the Portsmouth Jewish museum and Cultural Center. For more information, email TempleIsraelVA@aol.com or call 489-4550.
B’nai Israel Congregation hosts 16th Annual Read Hebrew America and Canada Mondays, Nov. 4, Nov. 11, Nov. 18, Nov. 25, and Dec. 9, 7:30 pm
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embers of Tidewater’s Jewish community have an opportunity to participate in a continent-wide campaign to teach North American Jews to read Hebrew beginning Monday, Nov. 4. Classes take place at B’nai Israel Congregation. Conceived and orchestrated by the NJOP in 1998, Read Hebrew America and Canada is expected to reach 12,000 affiliated and unaffiliated Jews in the United States and Canada this year. B’nai Israel is one of 600 Jewish institutions hosting Read Hebrew America and Canada. Led by Rabbi Sender Haber, the five-week Hebrew reading crash course will focus on teaching the Hebrew alphabet and basic reading skills to Jews with little or no background in Hebrew. The classes are open to all members of Tidewater’s Jewish community. “Twenty years of experience in teaching over 234,700 North American Jews to read Hebrew has taught us that for most unaffiliated Jews, Hebrew literacy is a crucial first step towards personal Jewish empowerment
and enthusiastic communal involvement. Without the ability to read Hebrew, many Jews feel alienated from religious services and shy away from involvement in Jewish ritual observances and traditions,” says Rabbi Ephraim Z. Buchwald, founder and director of NJOP (formerly National Jewish Outreach program). While no surveys or studies specifically report on the state of Hebrew literacy in North America, experts agree that, at an absolute minimum, 80% of all North American Jews do not know how to read Hebrew. Read Hebrew America and Canada is the first continent-wide program designed to introduce North American Jews to the Hebrew language. B’nai Israel is located at 420 Spotswood Ave. in Norfolk. This class is one of many initiatives to offer Jewish education and user friendly services in an Orthodox environment for Jews of all walks of life. For more information about Read Hebrew America and Canada, call B’nai Israel at 757-6277358 or NJOP at 800-44-HEBRE(W).
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pecial Guest Speaker: Holly Puritz, MD. A physician with the Group for Women, Puritz will update on what’s new and exciting in Women’s health. A question and answer period will follow the presenta-
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jewishnewsva.org | October 14, 2013 | Jewish News | 21
what’s happening
Mazel Tov to Achievement Dr. Aaron Vinik, who, as a result of his groundbreaking research and many years of discovery, was recently appointed as the Murray Waitzer Endowed Chair for Diabetes Research by the EVMS Board of Visitors (as printed in the EVMS Fall 2013 Diabetes Research Report). Dr. Vinik is a professor of internal medicine, pathology and neurobiology at EVMS, and director
of research and the neurobiology and the Neuroendocrine Unit at the EVMS Strelitz Diabetes Center. Birthday Mary Catenaccio, who turned 105 on Wednesday, Oct. 2. The Beth Sholom Home resident had a party surrounded by friends and family.
Get Ready For Mazel Tov submissions should be emailed to news@ujft.org with Mazel Tov in the subject line. Achievements, B’nai Mitzvot, births, engagements and weddings are appropriate simchas to announce. Photos must be at least 300k. Include a daytime phone for questions. There is no fee.
Visit 8DaysofGiving.com or call 757-965-6127 for more information
SAVE THE DATE Thursday, November 21, 11:30 am The Auxiliary of the Beth Sholom Village’s
Fa l l Lu n c h e o n
Candidates for Lieutenant Governor of Virginia at Sandler Family Campus Senator Ralph Northam (D): Monday, Oct. 21, 7 pm Bishop E.W. Jackson (R): Tuesday, Oct. 22, 7 pm
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he candidates for Lieutenant Governor of Virginia will present their platforms and answer questions about issues important to the Tidewater Jewish and general communities. Both appearances will take place at the Simon Family JCC on the Sandler Family Campus of the Tidewater Jewish Community. The events are sponsored by the Community Relations Council of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater. To submit a question prior to the event, RSVP or for more information, contact Robin Mancoll, director of Community Relations Council at RMancoll@ujft.org. More infor-
Music provided by Dr. Brian Nedvin, assistant professor of voice, ODU Music Department Lunch catered by The Village Caterers
22 | Jewish News | October 14, 2013 | jewishnewsva.org
Bishop E.W. Jackson
mation on the CRC can be found at www. JewishVA.org/CRC and more information on the candidates can be found at each of their websites: Sen. Northam: http://www. northamforlg.com/ and Bishop Jackson: http://www.jacksonforlg.com/.
American Jewry and the Presidency Sunday, Oct. 20, 2 pm
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abbi David Dalin will speak at the Jewish Museum and Cultural Center about the political views of American Jews before the Civil War, discussing whether Jewish Dr. David Dalin concerns were addressed and met by the American government. This
Hats off to Gloria Honoring Gloria Polay for her years of service to the Auxiliary Gift shop
Senator Ralph Northam
is the first lecture in the museum’s winter lecture series. Rabbi Dalin is a professor of history and politics at Ave Maria University in Florida, and is the author, co-author and editor of 10 books on American Jewish history and politics. For information, call 391-9266 or visit www.jewishmuseumportsmouth.org.
Cultural groups honor arts education crusader Minette Cooper
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Saturday, Nov. 2, 5:30pm
he Virginia Symphony League and Young Audiences of Virginia are joining forces to honor Bettie Minette Cooper with a Gala. The celebration recognizes the 50 years of Cooper’s passionately persistent, vocal and philanthropic support of music and arts education programs through the two organizations. Proceeds from the Gala benefit the Virginia Symphony and Young Audiences programs performed in schools, libraries and other locations. Seven million students have benefited from the programs. Cooper’s five-decade, seven page bio of active participation, leadership achievements and board memberships involves virtually every arts, artistic performance,
cultural, civic and community organization, and Arts Commissions in Tidewater and the Commonwealth of Virginia. A former director of the YWCA of South Hampton Roads and the Chrysler Museum, Cooper currently serves on the board of Virginia Wesleyan College, the Future of Hampton Roads and Ohef Sholom Temple. She is also an Alto in the Virginia Symphony Chorus. The $150/per person charity event takes place at the Norfolk Yacht and Country Club and includes cocktails, dinner, music and a live auction led by auctioneer Rick Overy. The auction features “experience packages” and a “Paddle Raise” which gives bidders the chance to personally support individual education performances.
calendar OCTOBER 16, WEDNESDAY The JCC Seniors Club at the Simon Family JCC. Board meeting at 10:30 am, lunch at 12 pm; General meeting follows with entertainment by The Daybreak Singers, a choral group comprised of active duty and retired military wives, who will sing a wide variety of music including popular and Broadway songs. October 20, Sunday The Simon Family JCC’s Open House and Fall Festival. Enjoy a family day of fun and activities. 11am to 3 pm. For more information, call 321-2338 or visit simonfamilyj.org. Brith Sholom will have a dinner at the Happy Buffet located on S. Lynnhaven Rd. behind Lynnhaven Mall. The entertainment will be the return of Cindy and Billy Mitchell singing and playing music. Dinner is at 5:30 pm. Members, $7.50 per person and $15 for guests. Jack and the Beanstalk opera performance by Virginia Opera at the Simon Family JCC, 2:30 pm. Shortened version of this beloved fable and a wonderful introduction to opera. Children $5, adults $7.50, families $25. 321-2338 for more information. See page 19. October 23, Wednesday Nosh and Knowledge at Ohef Sholom. Learn about breast cancer. 12–1:30 pm. Call 625-4295 for details. October 27, Sunday Preventing a Nuclear-Armed Iran a special briefing with Bob Feferman of United Against Nuclear Iran at B’nai Israel Congregation, 420 Spotswood Avenue in Norfolk. How close is Iran to the bomb? Why should Americans be concerned about Iran’s race to nuclear weapons? What can people do to prevent a nuclear-armed Iran? Get these questions answered and more. 10:30 am. Free and open to the community with RSVP by Oct. 23rd to Liz Henderson at LHenderson@ujft.org or 965-6107. See page 20.
Want to Make a Difference? Volunteer at Jewish Family Service! We need... • Driver to deliver Meals on Wheels to clients in the Great Bridge (Chesapeake) area • Person to assist in preparation of simple tax returns for clients in guardianship program For more details or to volunteer, call Jody Laibstain, JFS Volunteer Coordinator, at 757-321-2227 or email jlaibstain@jfshamptonroads.org
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October 28, Monday An Israel Advocacy Seminar, offered by the Simon Family JCC Jewish Life and Learning department. 7 pm. This seminar will augment what you already know and show you how to organize facts into a cogent, coherent and concise case for Israel. Dr. Sandra Haas-Radin and Mark Solberg will facilitate. $15 for materials. For more information or to register, contact Miriam Brunn Ruberg at MBrunnRuberg@simonfamilyj.org or 321-2328. October 30, Wednesday Join the Community Relations Council of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and the Children and Family department of the Simon Family JCC to welcome the Israeli Youth Ambassadors visiting Tallwood High School in their annual student exchange. After school snacks, cultural activities and presentations for community students of all ages will take place on the Sandler Family Campus, 3:30-4:30 pm. Free and open to the community with RSVP by Oct. 28 to Liz Henderson at LHenderson@ujft.org or 965-6107. To learn more about the student exchange, visit http://www.aifl.org/yase/program-information or contact Robin Mancoll at RMancoll@ujft.org. See page 19. Through November 24, Sunday Calling all JCC members! Join in on a six week activity challenge, where you and other JCC Simon Family members will compete against three other JCCs (Miami, Providence and Greater Washington). For six weeks, you will track steps and activities using the BeWell Portal. The goal is to try to reach 10,000 steps or exercise 30 minutes per day. Join in on the Healthy Strides Challenge! Online registration is available at https://mybewell.bepurewellness.com. For more information about BeWell, ask any fitness staff member at the JCC or call Tony Pearsall at 321-2321. 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.
Eric Kline Business Development Danny Kline Vice President
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obituaries Judith Keller Barr Portsmouth—Judith Keller Barr of Branford, Conn., died on Sept. 24, 2013. Born August 9, 1935 in Portsmouth, Va., she was the daughter of the late Sidney and Vivian Keller. She was predeceased by her son, Stephen Barr. She is survived by her beloved husband of 57 years, Charles Barr, her daughter, Vivienne Barr Braun and husband, Perry, her daughter-in-law, Rebecca Vogel Barr, her sister Linda Longman and husband, Jonathan and grandchildren, Sam, Jack, Nicole and Andrew. Judith was an alumna of Goucher College and received a doctor of science in medical sociology from The Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Barr served as a faculty member of Rutgers and New York University and most recently at Southern Connecticut State University. For many years she was also a research scientist at New York Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Qualidigm.
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She was an active member of Temple Beth Tikvah in Madison and The Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven. Throughout her life, Judith had a remarkable gift for making and maintaining friends. With her boundless energy, she touched many lives. Funeral Services were held in Temple Beth Tikvah, Madison, Conn. Graveside services were held at Gomley Chesed Cemetery in Portsmouth with Rabbi Michel Panitz officiating. Memorial donations to Temple Beth Tikvah Adult Education Fund or to the Stephen Barr Award, c/o Temple Beth Tikvah, 196 Durham Road, Madison, CT, 06443. H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts. Linda Levy Flick Virginia Beach—Linda Levy Flick, 51, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 2. She leaves behind her beloved husband of 28 years, Stewart, and three treasured children, Steven of Washington, D.C, Aaron of Richmond, Va., and Emily a recent local high school graduate. Linda, born in Madison, Wis., lives on through her parents Jerry and Paula Levy of Virginia Beach; her sisters Karen and Deborah of Norfolk, and Aurora, Col. respectively; her brother David of Washington, D.C.; her Aunt Louis and Uncle Billy Della Pesca of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; her Aunt Madalyn and Uncle Roger Benjamin of New Albany, Ohio; her dearest friend Donna Nagle and numerous in-laws, nieces, and friends who she made so easily throughout her life. She will forever be remembered for her
selfless nature and relentless desire to help others. Her caring personality allowed all who met her to enjoy the love she shared so genuinely and generously. A graveside service was held at Forest Lawn Cemetery by Rabbi Israel Zoberman of Congregation Beth Chaverim. Contributions to Commonwealth Autism Services at 2201 W. Broad St., Suite 107, Richmond, VA 23220. Donations can also be made to the Linda Levy Flick Memorial Scholarship Fund at Congregation Beth Chaverim, 3820 Stoneshore Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23451. H.D. Oliver. Condolences may be made at hdoliver.com. Jack Goldman Norfolk—Jack “Yankel” Goldman born on July 11, 1920, passed away on Oct. 2, 2013. He was preceded in death by his wife Irene Cohen, second wife Sarah Goldman, son Jeffrey and parents Fannie and Sol Goldman, sister Irene Tylman, brothers Mickey, Harold, Paul and Eugene Goldman. The WWII veteran is survived by his devoted nephew and caretakers, Eric Tylman and dear friend Mary Davis. Jack is also survived by sister Thelma Lazernick, many nieces and nephews. Graveside service took place at Forest Lawn Cemetery. Joan Leterman Nusbaum Norfolk—Joan Leterman Nusbaum, 88, passed away on Friday, Sept. 27, 2013. Born in Norfolk, she was the daughter of the late Herbert and Reba Leterman. Joan attended Maury High School and what is now Old Dominion University.
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obituaries She was happily married to E. Joseph Nusbaum, who predeceased her in 1994. She was an avid O.D.U. sports fan and supporter of the arts, interested in reading, music and volunteerism. She was known for her friendly disposition and for her many charitable gifts. She is survived by three daughters, Carol Jo Bays (Gary), Nancy Albinder (Ken), and Janis Hollenback; grandchildren, Bran Spiegel (Chanatta), Joli Lyman (Phil), Andrew Kaplan (Rebecca), Steven Albinder, Kevin Albinder, Michael Hollenback (Youka), and Joseph Hollenback; and great-grandchildren, Macy Lyman, Evan Spiegel, and Yui Hollenback. She will be greatly missed by her family and many friends. A funeral service was conducted in the Norfolk Chapel of H. D. Oliver Funeral Apts., with Rabbi Rosalin Mandelberg and Cantor Wally Schachet-Briskin officiating. Burial followed in Forest Lawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions to the charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be made to her family through www. hdoliver.com. Mary Margaret Pariser Virginia Beach—Mary Margaret Pariser died Sept. 24, 2013. She is survived by her husband, Robert, her three children, Kenneth, Marlene, and Andrew, and her beloved companions George, Reese, and Bruce, Great Danes, and Coco, a miniature Schnauzer. Cremation Society of Virginia. Memorial contributions may be sent to Great Dane Rescue of the Commonwealth, c/o Yvonne Sadler, 469 Warner Hall Place, Newport News, Virginia 23608.
Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, founder of Shas and Sephardic sage by Ben Sales
TEL AVIV (JTA)—Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, the Israeli sage who founded the Sephardic Orthodox Shas political party and exercised major influence on Jewish law, has died. Yosef died Monday, Oct. 7 at Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital in Jerusalem. He was 93. He served as Israel’s Sephardic chief rabbi from 1973 to 1983, and extended his influence over the ensuing decades as
the spiritual leader of Shas, which politically galvanized hundreds of thousands of Sephardic Israelis, though Yosef himself never served in Knesset. In 1999, at its height, Shas was the third-largest Knesset party, with 17 seats. Though he adhered to a haredi Orthodox ideology, Yosef, a charismatic speaker, published relatively liberal Jewish legal rulings and drew support both from traditional and secular Sephardic Israelis. Known to his followers as Maran, “our master” in Hebrew, Yosef’s main Jewish legal goal was to take diverse Jewish practices from the Middle East and North Africa and mold a “united legal system” for Sephardic Jews. As his influence grew, Yosef presided over a veritable empire of Sephardi religious services. Shas opened a network of schools that now has 40,000 students. Yosef managed a kosher certification called Beit Yosef that has become the standard for many religious Sephardim. And he was a dominant power broker when it came to electing Sephardic chief rabbis and appointing Sephardic judges in religious courts. This year, Yosef’s son—and preferred candidate—won the Israeli Sephardic chief rabbi election. Through his work, Yosef hoped to raise the status of Israel’s historically disadvantaged Sephardic community, both culturally and socioeconomically. He dressed in traditional Sephardic religious garb, including a turban and an embroidered robe, even as most of his close followers adopted the Ashkenazi haredi dress of a black fedora and suit. As a scholar, Yosef was known for his ability to recite long, complex Jewish tracts from memory. His best-known works, “Yabia Omer,” “Yehave Da’at” and “Yalkut Yosef,” cover an array of Jewish legal topics. “He was a character that people capitulated in front of, a man of Jewish law that created a political entity with strong influence on Israeli politics and culture,” says Menachem Friedman, an expert on the haredi community at Bar-Ilan University. “It raised up Middle Eastern Jewish culture, gave legitimacy to Middle Eastern Jewish traditions.” Outside the religious community, Yosef was best known for his sometimes controversial political stances. His authority
within Shas was virtually absolute, and even in his ninth decade he remained closely involved in the party’s decisions. While Yosef favored policies that served the religious community’s interests, he also supported peace treaties involving Israeli withdrawal from conquered territory. He argued that such deals were allowed under Jewish law because they saved Jewish lives. In the 1990s and 2000s, Shas joined left-wing governing coalitions multiple times, allowing for the advancement of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process—though Yosef opposed the 2005 Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip because it was done unilaterally. In his later years, Yosef also stirred controversy with a number of inflammatory statements, often made at a weekly Saturday-night sermon. In 2000, he said that Holocaust victims were reincarnated sinners, and in 2005 he said that the victims of Hurricane Katrina deserved the tragedy “because they have no God.” In 2010, Yosef said, “The sole purpose of nonJews is to serve Jews.” “Rabbi Ovadia was a giant in Torah and Jewish law and a teacher for tens of thousands,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement. “He worked greatly to enhance Jewish heritage and at the same time, his rulings took into consideration the times and the realities of renewed life in the State of Israel. He was imbued with love of the Torah and the people.” Ovadia Yosef was born Abdullah Yosef in Baghdad, Iraq, on Sept. 23, 1920. Four years later his family moved to Jerusalem, in what was then Palestine, where Yosef studied at the Porat Yosef yeshiva, a well-regarded Sephardic school. At 20, he received ordination as a rabbinic judge, and at 24 he married Margalit Fattal. She died in 1994. Yosef began serving as a rabbinic judge in 1944, and in 1947 moved to Cairo to head the rabbinic court in the Egyptian capital, returning in 1950. He continued serving as a religious judge until becoming Sephardic chief rabbi of Tel Aviv in 1968, a position he held until he was elected Sephardic chief rabbi of Israel in 1973. During that period, he began publishing his well-known works, beginning with his Passover Haggadah, “Hazon Ovadia,” in
1952. In 1970, the government awarded him the prestigious Israel Prize in recognition of his books. Yosef defeated a sitting chief rabbi in the 1973 election, itself a controversial move. In the wake of the Yom Kippur War that year, he ruled that women whose husbands were missing in action could remarry. Later in his term, he endorsed the Ethiopian Jews’ claim to Judaism, helping them immigrate to Israel under the Law of Return. Yosef founded Shas in 1984, one year after finishing his term as chief rabbi. The party now holds 11 Knesset seats. Save for four years, Shas was part of every governing coalition between 1984 and 2013, acting as a kingmaker in Israeli politics. Because the party represents both haredi and poor Sephardim, it advocates a unique mix of dovish foreign policy, conservative religious policy and liberal economic policy. Yosef took an active role in shaping Shas through this year’s elections, heading a council of rabbis that chose the party’s slate and mediating leadership conflicts. What was most impressive about Yosef, says Friedman, was his influence over almost every aspect of Sephardic religious and political life—making it unlikely that another rabbi will be able to take his place. “He’ll create an empty space politically and an empty space religiously,” Friedman says. “He was a source of strength and great control in Middle Eastern Jewish religious society. I don’t know what will happen.”
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Serving as president of any board requires a commitment of time, mediation skills, funds and an abundance of patience. Meet the Presidents is a new Jewish News column that introduces these remarkable people who have accepted the challenge of heading local Jewish organizations and synagogues.
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26 | Jewish News | October 14, 2013 | jewishnewsva.org
Marcia Samuels, president, Jewish Family Service Profession I am a licensed clinical psychologist in a private practice in Norfolk. Education Undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia; master’s and doctorate degrees from Florida Institute of Technology. Family Married to David Kamer Two children, Olivia and Leo. Jewish organizations Jewish Family Service of Tidewater, board member for 13 years Marcia Samuels Hebrew Academy of Tidewater, alumni and parent Congregation Beth El, past board member Jewish Community Center, member and served on Book Festival committee UJFT Women’s Cabinet member Jewish Women International, lifetime member Favorite Jewish holiday I love Sukkot, as it is a beautiful time of year and a great holiday to socialize with friends and family. Most memorable personal Jewish milestone I have had so many wonderful Jewish experiences that it is hard to choose a most memorable one. My daughter’s bat mitzvah in 2012 was very meaningful, perhaps more so than my own bat mitzvah. It was gratifying to see my daughter affirm her commitment to Judaism and to share the experience with family and dear friends. I took the opportunity to reaffirm my commitment to Judaism by reading from the Torah as well. I look forward to my son’s bar mitzvah in a few years. Ties to the Tidewater Jewish community I was born and raised in Tidewater, a fourth generation Norfolkian. My parents, Linda and Stanley Samuels, are not only great parents, but they also taught me and my sisters the importance of leadership in the community in which we live. Hampton Roads is a great place to live and be a Jewish leader. Most admired Jewish leader Golda Meir. I respect the hard choices she had to make and her inner strength. What other positions have you held with Jewish Family Service? I have held various positions including member-at-large, secretary and vice president. Why have you chosen to devote so much time to the JFS? The organization is focused on helping others, which is pretty much my life philosophy. In addition, the agency leadership and staff are so dedicated, compassionate, and professional. It is a joy to be affiliated with such a committed agency. What are your goals as president? My goals include increasing fundraising to the agency since the General Assembly has cut some of our funding sources, focusing on board development, and increasing the community’s knowledge of all of the services that JFS provides.
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