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News of the Jewish VA Peninsula Community

Jewish Community NewsExecutive Director’s Message - Steven WendellOn February 7th, Carmella Malkin-Kuhn, Sarah Barnett, Jennifer Meyers, and I were invited to attend a special dedication ceremony on the campus of The College of William and Mary. After more than a decade of conversations and negotiations, the groundbreaking of the new Shenkman Jewish Center on the campus of William and Mary became a reality. As I stood in the chapel of the venerable Wren Building, constructed between 1695 and 1700 and the oldest college building still standing in the US, and looked up at the paintings of the founders of The College of William and Mary, I could not help but wonder how these folks might view the construction of a Jewish Center on this campus. But on this day, the room was overflowing with College faculty, students, guests, and dignitaries.W. Taylor Reveley, III presented moving and sincere remarks focused on the importance of Jewish students having a comfortable, home on campus, with a kosher kitchen, and how this new Jewish Center would hopefully attract more Jewish students to W&M. Paul Freiling, mayor of Williamsburg praised the College and Mark Shenkman for their commitment to diversity and investment in the future. Eric Fingerhut, President and CEO of Hillel International, spoke about the

importance of Hillel on university campuses throughout the world and the commitment of Hillel to supporting Jewish students by creating a warm and welcoming environment. Alexina Haefner, student president of Hillel at W&M, revealed her reluctance, at first, to attend W&M because of its lack of Jewish student facilities compared to other schools where she had been accepted. She noted Hillel’s struggles at W&M having to move from room to room, building to building, every time they held a program because unlike other groups on campus, they had no facility to call their own. Mark Shenkman, whose donation made possible the building of the Shenkman Jewish Center, spoke about how he, as a young teenager, became enamored with W&M when his parents took a tour of Colonial Williamsburg. And how, as a history buff, he was devastated when his freshman application was not accepted (in 2015, the College awarded Mark and honorary degree). But his love of the W&M remained with him, and one of his three sons attended and graduated from W&M in 2003. Mark and his family, are proud to be in a position to create this reality of a Jewish facility at one of the oldest and most respected colleges in the US.

Photos, Left to right: Mark Shenkman with Taylor Reveley; Taylor Revely; Paul Freiling; Eric Fingerhut

Dinner with Iris Pastor Pages 3

Purim CarnivalPage 3

Author Donnie Kanter Winokur Page 9

“A Lifetime of Caring” March 2018/5778

Continued on page 4

2 Jewish Community News | March 2018

Celebrate Passover with

Joan Nathan & Whole Foods Market!

We’ve partnered with Jewish food authority and James Beardaward-winning cookbook author Joan Nathan to bring you a deliciousPassover dinner inspired by flavors from around the world usingrecipes from her latest cookbook, King Solomon’s Table.

For more Passover meals and menu items, visit us in store, at shop.wfm.com or call 844-936-2428

Joan Nathan Passover Meal for 8Includes these cooked and ready to heat items:

Brazilian Haroset with Apples, Dates & CashewsDouble-Lemon Roast ChickenFried Artichokes Jewish-Style

Tunisian Carrot Salad with Cumin, Coriander & CarawaySicilian Eggplant Caponata Jewish-Style

Spinach with Pine Nuts & Currants

March 2018 | Jewish Community News 3


2200 EXECUTIVE DRIVE, SUITE A HAMPTON VA 23666

Sherri L. Becker, O.D.,F.A.A.O. American Board of Optometry Diplomat

Office: 757-827-0009 | Fax: 757-827-2820beckereyecare.com

Rabbi Litt and I both started our Peninsula Jewish community careers at the same time. My first visit to W&M was to meet Rabbi Litt for a tour of the campus. Sitting in the student center, Rabbi Litt discussed his plans to help bring to reality a Hillel House on the campus by cultivating a major donor who had expressed interest in participating in such a project. I committed to Rabbi Litt that we, at the UJC, would do whatever we could to help revitalize Hillel on the campus and support his efforts. All the speakers at the dedication noted the central role Rabbi Litt played in creating the environment and inspiration that enabled this project to happen. In his

closing remarks, Rabbi Litt specifically noted that without the help of the UJCVP and the support of our Jewish community, this dedication could not have happened.

The Shenkman Jewish Center is yet another jewel in the crown of the Peninsula Jewish community. We all share the “nachus” of this groundbreaking and look forward to the grand opening of this magnificent facility later this year.

Executive Director’s Message cont. from page 1

Photos, from left to right: Alexina Haefner, Rabbi Litt.

http://beckereyecare.com/


Campaign Director’s Message - Sarah BarnettCampaign 2018 Super Sunday was a Super Success!

Thanks to scores of volunteers, our annual Super Sunday phone-a-thon was a great success. The ease with which we pull off this event is a terrific testament to the deep volunteer base in this community. While many communities have suspended this day for lack of participation or have difficulty making it work effectively, Super Sunday remains for the UJCVP an effective time to get together with friends and community members to complete vital volunteer work and to build community connections.

During breakfast we were treated to a JCCY update by youth coordinator Jessi Malkin followed by an inspiring story shared by Sarfan parent Stacy Trout. Stacy shared her family’s struggle find an appropriate preschool placement for her son before landing at the Sarfan Center. Stacy’s compelling story about her son’s growth in our program highlighted that we are a community of caring more than we are merely a school, and that we take seriously our mission to provide a developmentally appropriate and caring facility that meets the unique needs of our children and families. We are grateful to Stacy for sharing her family’s story and for helping to “pump up” our callers before their vital work.

In total we reached over:- 150 households and completed 137 commitments including 10 new gifts.- The pledge for pledge increase over last year was 12% !- We raised $30,232 to add to our 2018 Annual Campaign

Thank you to all of the following volunteers who made this day so successful.

Super Sunday did not end with our morning phone-a- thon. On Sunday evening we welcomed over 50 young adults to Cozzy’s Comedy Club in Newport News for an evening of music, comedy, fun and fundraising. This truly was an evening of “This is Us”, with home-grown entertainment. Jessi Malkin, Lead Jew and Campaign Council member, organized the evening while her husband, Michael, local stand-up officianado MC’d the evening. Local Pre-School, Hebrew School, summer camp, and lifeguard alum, Susie Hockman, provided first- class vocals for our schmooze hour. Then we welcomed Tidewater Jewish comedians with headliner Sid Bridge to finish off our evening. Two year old teacher and long time community member Aime Clinkenbeard, along with Jessi, charged the room to support he community. All attendees contributed to our Annual Campaign raising an extra $1500 for Super Sunday.

Just like “This is US”, we have a regular season for our Annual Campaign, which is currently winding down so that we can create a viable and growing budget for our next fiscal year. But, as with TV seasons there is always a rerun, always an opportunity to tune in and give. If we haven’t been able to reach you please use the form on the bottom of page 6 to send in your pledge or visit us at www.ujcvp.org/pledge

Our season is never really complete without you!

Beth AragerJim BarnettEvelyn BibiKelli CaplanJenny DavidLibby DavidDave HarrisEttalea KanterMartha Katz-HymanJoel KirschGeoffrey Kostiner

Chris KuhnDavid LemberskyLeonid LemberskyYelena LemberskyGuy LevyCharles LipscombJessi MalkinSam MargolinJoan MarksSteve MarksDave MeyersBill Nachman

Ginny PhillipsCelia RinaldoLinda RoesenBarbara RosenbaumNeal RosenbaumTed SandlerJody SarfanMike StuparStacy TroutCharlene Wendell

Our regular season on Facebook of our This is US UJCVP is over but reruns are easy to see! Just visit our page at https://www.facebook.com/ujcvp/ and go to the photos section and look for the album titled This is Us. And, while you’re there, if you haven’t already “liked” our page please press the like button and you receive our regular facebook posts and announcements.

https://www.facebook.com/ujcvp/


To the United Jewish Community of the Virginia Peninsula 401 City Center Blvd, Newport News, VA 23606 - (757)930-1422

UJC 2018 ANNUAL CAMPAIGN

YES, I will support the United Jewish Community 2018 Annual Campaign

[ ] My gift of $__________ is enclosed

[ ] I pledge $________. Please send me a bill.

[ ] Charge my credit card - #________________________________ Expiration Date____________________

Name_____________________________________________ Email Address_______________________

Address___________________________________________ Phone_______________________________

Or visit us at www.ujcvp.org/pledge








Address___________________________________________ Phone_______________________________









Address___________________________________________ Phone_______________________________


UJC Preschool Fund In memory of Dorene Z. Sarfan

Teresa Phillips Adrianna Jimenez Ellen Eisenberg Carolyn Vassos Ethel Krinick Tzina & L J Richman Heather & Scott Wolf

In honor of Richard Gordon’s special birthday

Carmela & Chris Kuhn

Grand Club In honor of Jill Hyman

Linda & Howard Maltz

Mikveh Fund In honor of Jill Hyman

Linda & Howard Maltz

Belle S. Frank Endowment Fund In memory of Dorene Z. Sarfan

Michelle & Len Frank

UJC Senior Grand Club

Dates For February 2018Tuesdays, March 6th,

13th, 20th, 27thCome to the UJC for Lunch and Bingo.

Fund Donations


UJCVP Pearl Society Giving Circle Our Pearl Society women’s giving circle is going strong. Thanks to host Judie Kavit, we had a ladies’ night Shabbat dinner pop-up in her home. After fun, food and wine, we shared our ideas about local giving opportunities. We came up with a great list of local Jewish and non-Jewish causes on the Peninsula to support. In the coming weeks we will have a preliminary survey/vote for our members and then make our final choice in June. Our next pop-up will be held at the home of Pearl, Robin Levy on Thursday, March 22nd. If you are a woman and donate to our Annual Campaign and are interested in hearing more about our Pearl Society Giving Circle, please email [email protected].

Calling ALL women in the UJCVP community (yes, that’s all of you reading this newsletter!). Save-the-Date for a Pearl-sponsored Royal Shower happy hour. Are you fascinated by the British royals? Are you waiting for the upcoming birth and wedding? We are! As Pearls, we want to acknowledge these fun worldwide events with good works. We will be hosting a Royal Shower happy hour on Wednesday, April 25th at 5:30. We will partner with a local organization to donate new household and baby items to. Organization/s TBA. Your admission to our happy hour will be a shower gift! Let’s have fun together while doing something good for our greater community.

Cooking Night with Chef Richard Mason

Thursday March 29th, 6:30pm

$12 per person

[email protected]

More Paper Quilling Jewelry Workshop for Beginners

Tues., March 6, 2018 at 6:30pm

When it comes to paper quilling, getting started might seem intimidating,

but it’s actually pretty simple. After a little bit of practice, we’ll move on the

making some awesome jewelry!

If you were in last class, bring your quilling tool and cork board.

$10/person - Includes all suppliesClass will be led by Judie Kavit

RSVP to [email protected]

mailto:sarah%40ujcvp.org?subject=Pearl%20Society

mailto:straster%40ujcvp.org?subject=Cooking%20with%20Chef%20Mason

mailto:straster%40ujcvp.org?subject=Jewelry%20Class%20March


Our final convention, VA Spring Cultural Convention, will be held in Virginia Beach, VA the weekend of March 23rd – March 25th.Spring Cultural is a contest convention as well as the weekend we will elect our VA Council officers. Chapters will compete in chapter song, lip sync battle, t-shirt, mini golf, video games, basketball and much more. In addition, we have individual contests in photography, scrapbook, music video along with many others. The judges for these contests will be members of the Tidewater community. We will hold our “states” ceremony to honor our current council presidents and celebrate Shabbat. Council elections will be held on Sunday followed by the AZA and BBG chapter spirit gavel and cup awards. We are excited to welcome our newest 8th grade members to their first

BBYO convention and will have special programming during the weekend just for them.

COST and REGISTRATION: Registration is now open and will close on March 4th at midnight. The price of the convention is $130. While registering for the convention, please make sure to answer all questions such as: t-shirt size and any food restrictions.If you are having a problem registering, please call the regional office at 704-944-6834 and we will be happy to take your payment over the phone.

Register Here: http://form.jotform.com/80174950062150

Calling all 4th- 7th graders for “PJ Our Way”

Rebounderz Trampoline park in Newport News! March 11th 2pm-4pm

$25.00 per person

Waiver must be signed online in advanceRSVP and pay online

Questions: [email protected] at Rebounderz

12650 Patrick Henry Dr, Newport News, VA 23602

http://form.jotform.com/80174950062150

http://form.jotform.com/80174950062150

https://www.rollerdigital.com/rebounderznewportnews/waivers/394#/

mailto:Jennifer%40ujcvp.org?subject=Rebounderz

mailto:jmalkin%40ujcvp.org?subject=movie%20matinee


Chancer - How One Good Boy Saved AnotherUJCVP & Jewish Book Council Author Talk

with Donnie Kanter Winokur Sunday, March 18th 2pm

at the United Jewish Community CenterDog Lovers welcome!

Winokur doesn’t mind being upstaged by children or dogs, especially her son, Iyal, and his service dog, Chancer. Internationally renowned as a writer, speaker,

and human rights advocate, Donnie has inspired, entertained, and educated a global audience for over three decades.

Donnie Kanter Winokur and her husband, Harvey, a Reform rabbi, never could have imagined the heart-wrenching struggle that becomes their new reality after adopting two infants from Russia. She finds herself looking for God in the broken places of life as her fairy tale collapses under the weight of her sons’ battles with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and its crushing toll on her marriage and family. Desperate, she turns to an innovative untested four-pawed solution: a golden retriever service dog named Chancer. Chancer’s unique love is what the entire family has needed to stay—and grow—together. With writing that’s sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes hilarious, and always honest, Chance: How One Good Boy Saved Another reveals a journey that will forever change how you think about hope.

Date with the State Recap

Eight of our community members from the Virginia Peninsula, under the leadership of Community Relations Chair (CRC) Richard Gordon, participated in Virginia’s Jewish Advocacy “Date with State” on Tuesday, January 30, 2018.

This was our opportunity to be counted, seen, and heard along with our counterparts from all over Virginia, in the Capitol. We walked the halls of representatives and visited and spoke with 5 of our local delegates and senators and their staff, addressing issues of concern to our communities.

After our productive visits talking about guns in houses of worship, the specifics of labeling hate groups and need for caution, and the importance of continued support for the Virginia Israel Advisory Board (VIAB), we were treated to lunch-time addresses from Attorney General Mark Herring, Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax, and Governor Ralph Northam.

“Date with the State” is a crucial event annual event that insures that our UJCVP voice is heard on the state level.


Congregation Adath Jeshurun 401 City Center Blvd. , Newport News, VA 23606

What’s for Passover?

It’s Not Just Manischewitz & Matzah

When: Tuesday, March 20, 6pm – 7pmWhere: Whole Foods Market

12080 Jefferson Ave. Newport News VA 23606Topic: Passover food and wine tasting

at Whole Foods Market

Jenn Meyers, Director of Jewish Programs, will be availableto talk about upcoming events at the Jewish Community Center,

while locally-available Passover food and Kosher for Passover wine is sampled.


Passover DatesSunday, March 11 at 4:00 p.m. Bring Your Chametz to Bunko! Wednesday,

March 28 by noon: Sale of Chametz forms due

Friday, March 30: No Service; Seders in homes

Saturday, March 31 at 9:30 a.m.

Sunday, April 1 at 9:30 a.m.

Friday, April 6 at 9:30 a.m.

Friday, April 6 at 6:00 p.m.

Saturday, April 7 at 9:30 a.m.

401 City Center Blvd. | Newport News, VA 23606 757-826-5894 | www.rodefsholomtemple.org [email protected]


Need Money for School for the 2018-19 Academic Year?

Apply for a JELF Interest-Free Loan for Higher Education

Beginning March 1!

Applications for interest-free loans for higher education (college, graduate school and vocational programs) are available to Jewish students in your area for the 2018-2019 school year from JELF (Jewish Educational Loan Fund).

From March 1 – April 30 (and from September 1 – September 30), the loan application is available on JELF’s website at jelf.org.

JELF loans are need-based and offer “last-dollar” financing, meaning that JELF provides the final dollars that bridge the gap between a student’s total financial resources and the cost of attending school.

To qualify, applicants must be:• Enrolled full time in a program leading to a degree or certificate at an accredited U.S. institution

• A U.S. citizen or have lawful immigration status• Able to demonstrate financial need (2018 FAFSA application required).

For more information, contact [email protected] or visit jelf.org.

Wintt St ies Connnues

mailto:contact%20application%40jelf.org?subject=

http://jelf.org


TEMPLE BETH EL

Williamsburg, Virginia

Temple Beth El is located at 600 Jamestown Road, Williamsburg, Virginia For additional information call (757) 220-1205

For more information check the Temple Beth El E-News or call the office

Time to Get ready

Our Gift Shop Is A Great Place To Start � Passover Plates � Matzah Holders � Elijah & Miriam Cups � Wine Cups & Candles Stop By To Check Out All The Passover Items

Passover Is Coming Soon and Temple Beth El Can Help You Prepare

Temple Sinai 11620 Warwick Blvd., Newport News VA 23601 | 757-596-8352 March 2018 All are welcome to our services, programs and activities!

- Friday Night Shabbat Services @ 7:30 p.m.: - Mar. 2nd (Shabbat/Purim Service)- Mar. 16th (Service of Healing)- Mar. 23rd (Brotherhood Shabbat)

- Saturday, March 10th:- 9:00 a.m. – Jewish Cuisine – All are invited to learn how to cook Moroccan roast chicken with yellow rice & peppers. RSVP by Mar. 5th.- 10:00 a.m. – Shabbat Morning Service followed by Community Luncheon. RSVP by Mar. 5th.

- Sunday, March 25th @ 10:00 a.m.:- Brotherhood Breakfast. Speaker TBA

-Friday, March 30th Community Passover Seder @ 6:15 p.m.- Catered by Evelyn Mason (Sweet Endings). Call Temple office for more information. RSVP deadline March 9th.

Rabbi Séverine Sokol (1-314-628-9196) [email protected]| Administrator - Mary Beth Colgan [email protected]

http://www.templesinai-nn.org | www.facebook.com/pages/Temple-Sinai/161739667352609t twitter account, address: templesinai_nn@templesinai_nn


Family Camp

Camp Sessions

Upcoming Camp Tours

4 ways to experienceCapital Camps this summer!

www.capitalcamps.org

Rookie Camp!

August 14-17, grades 2-4A taste of summer camp

2, 3, 4 weeks (grades 3-5)3, 4 weeks (grades 6-10)

August 17-19Fun for the whole family!

Sundays, 2-3:30pm, 1/28,2/11, 3/4, 3/25, 4/15, 4/22

Offering Quality Rehabilitation ServicesFor You and Your Family

n State-of-the-art outpatient facilityn Close to home and convenientn Flexible, extended hoursn Patient-centered rehabilitative therapyn Accepting most insurances

Quality physical therapy from a caring team of your friends and neighbors.

757-594-0330204 NAT TURNER BOULEVARD, PORT WARWICK | NEWPORT NEWS, VA 23606

www.virginiahealthrehab.com— A member of the Virginia Health Services family —

Improving the quality-of-life for our patients.

Wednesday, April 11th at 7 PM


Please support a mikveh for ALL at the UJCVPNaming opportunities available for dedication to honor the memory

of a loved one in the amount of $25,000 and up.

Thank you for your support! Please email Meryl and Kayren at [email protected] find out more.

Comments from Mikveh Users

On connecting to Judiasm: This, I believe, is why the mikveh is indispensable, particularly for younger Jews who may feel little connection to Jewish ritual practice. My first experience entering a mikveh did not produce in me the feelings of self-alienation and confusion that formal Jewish ceremony often does; in fact, it produced in me the exact opposite feeling: a profound sense of presence. ~Andrew Wofford

A new life for the new year: I’ve seen couples return to immerse in the 9th month of pregnancy, or post-partum with a newborn in their arms, or to celebrate the adoption and conversion of their child. These are the biggest smiles I’ve ever seen. ~Carrie Bornstein~All taken from the Mayyim Hayyim blog

Steering Committee: Gary Kavit * Meryl Kessler * Scott Wolf * Kayren Segall

On mourning and healing: The mikveh provided me the opportunity to look beyond the sadness and grief I had been overwhelmed with and to start to feel connected to my grandfather’s memory through an ancient and deeply meaningful tradition. ~Nadav David

We hope to build a mikveh space where you can bring your whole selves – your joys, your losses, your sorrows – into the living waters of the mikveh.

Do you have the soaps, shampoos, and other toiletries

that are in your hotel rooms when you travel? People in homeless shelters, centers

for abused women and other havens for the less fortunate can

always use these items.

Please bring them by the UJC when you can, and they will be

distributed to persons in need. If you have any questions, please

get in touch with:

Stan Glasofer at 930 -4606 or

[email protected].

401 City Center Blvd.Newport News, VA 23606

Address Service Requested

Thursday, March 1 Purim (Tel Aviv)10:00am- Preschool Purim Celebration & Parade4:00pm - Hebrew School

Friday, March 2Shushan Purim (Jerusalem)

Saturday, March 3CEVO ~ Michael Hackworth ~ Bar Mitzvah RST ~ Tzipora Hyman ~ Bat Mitzvah

Sunday, March 412:00pm - Community Purim Carnival

Monday, March 54:00pm - Williamsburg Hebrew School

Tuesday, March 610:30am - Grand Club4:00pm - Hebrew School6:30pm - Jewelry Workshop

Wednesday, March 712:00pm - Campaign Council5:45pm - Fitness with Kelli Paul6:00pm - Lunch & Learn: Dinner Edition7:00pm - WAKA Basketball

Thursday, March 84:00pm - Hebrew School

Friday, March 96:00pm - 20 Something Shabbat

Sunday, March 11 Daylight Saving Time starts


Tuesday, March 1310:30am - Grand Club4:00pm - Hebrew School

Wednesday, March 146:00pm - UJC Executive Committee7:00pm - WAKA Basketball


Sunday, March 182:00pm - Jewish Book Council Author


Tuesday, March 20 Whole Foods - Cooking for Passover10:30am - Grand Club4:00pm - Hebrew School

Wednesday, March 217:00pm - UJC Board meeting


Friday, March 2310:30am - Preschool Grandparents Day

Sunday, March 252:00pm - 2PM JCCY

Monday, March 26 Yom HaAliyah4:00pm - Williamsburg Hebrew School

Tuesday, March 2710:30am - Grand Club4:00pm - Hebrew School


Friday, March 30Erev Pesach

Saturday, March 31Pesach I (First day of Passover)

March 2018

UJCVPCommunityCalendar

author page 3 pages 3 page 9 jewish community...photos, from left to right: alexina haefner, rabbi...

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