ISRAEL

in this issue

Answer the Call on Dec. 4 pAge 3

FEDERATION

Jewish Community FederationOF RICHMOND

Reflectorthe

Volume 59 | Issue 11 Cheshvan/Kislev 5772 | November 2011

From Slavery to Freedom pAge 3

AgENCIES

parkside OpenpAge 7

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Community members attend-ing the Annual Grand Event

on Oct. 5, learned how in the heat of the Civil War, General Ulysses S. Grant in 1862 initiated one of the most blatant official episodes of anti-Semitism in 19th-century American history.

Guest speaker Professor Jona-than Sarna, a preeminent Jewish scholar and educator, often read passionately and emphatically from letters, telegrams, documents and newspaper stories of the pe-riod in telling the story of Grant’s infamous action. The audience showed their appreciation to the history lesson through applause and laughter.

Sarna explained that Grant’s

The entire community is invited to attend a Holocaust Memorial Service in remembrance of Kristallnacht,

Night of Broken Glass, on Sunday, Nov. 6 at 2 p.m., at Emek Sholom Holocaust Memorial Cemetery, Forest Lawn Cem-etery.

This event is jointly sponsored by the Emek Sholom Holocaust Memorial Cemetery and the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond.

The program theme will address the unique issues of “The 2nd Generation,” children of Holocaust Survivors. Rabbi Cantor Annie L. Bornstein, Miriam Davidow and Irina Manelis will speak on this topic. Rabbi Royi Shaffin of Congregation Or Atid will officiate, Rabbi Cantor Born-stein will chant the liturgy. Second and third Generation.Holocaust Survivors will participate in a candle lighting cer-emony.

For assistance with transportation, contact Tatyana Perelman at 741-1317. For more information, visit www.e-cemeteries.net/emeksholom

Directions: 195-N, 95-S, or 64-E take Laburnum exit. Follow Laburnum 2.5 miles to Alma Ave. Left on Alma Ave. 1 block; to en-trance of Forest Lawn, where you will be directed.

2011 Annual KristallnachtRemembrance: November 6

grand Event Features Lesson on general Order No. 11 Expelling Jews

ISRAeL 2FeDeRATION 3AgeNCIeS 5FOUNDATION 8SYNAgOgUeS 9HADASSAH 10COMMUNITY 11

infamous General Order No. 11, expelled all Jews from Kentucky, Tennessee and Mississippi. It read:

The Jews, as a class violating every regulation of trade established by the Treasury Department and also depart-ment orders, are hereby expelled from the department [the “Department of the Tennessee,” an administrative district of the Union Army of occupation composed of Kentucky, Tennessee and Mississippi] within twenty-four hours from the receipt of this order.

The cause of the expulsion or-der was the smuggling of South-ern cotton. Although enemies, the North and South remained dependent on each economically.

gRAND EVENTMore on page 11

(From left) Susan and Mark Sisisky and speaker Jonathan Sarna.

(From left) Sara Belle November, Neil November, Frances Lewis and Amy Krumbein.

th

1938 - 2008

Commemoration

Memorial Service

In Remembrance of KristallnachtNight of Broken Glass

Sunday, November 6, 20112:00 p.m.

Emek Sholom HolocaustMemorial Cemetery

Forest LawnRichmond, Virginia

Northern textile mills needed Southern cotton. The Union Army used Southern cotton in its tents and uniforms.

As commander of the Depart-ment of the Tennessee, Grant was charged with issuing trade li-censes in his area. As cotton prices soared in the North, unlicensed traders bribed Union officers to allow them to buy Southern cot-ton without a permit. Grant’s headquarters were besieged by merchants seeking trade permits.

When Grant’s father appeared seeking trade licenses for a group of Cincinnati merchants, some of whom were Jews, Grant’s frustra-tion overflowed.

A handful of the smugglers were Jews, although the great ma-jority were not. In the emotional climate of the war zone, ancient prejudices flourished. The terms “Jew,” “profiteer,” “speculator” and “trader” were employed in-terchangeably. Grant describing “the Israelites” as “an intolerable nuisance.”

Convinced that the smuggling was organized “mostly by Jews,” Grant ordered that “no Jews are to be permitted to travel on the railroad southward [into the De-partment of the Tennessee] from any point,” nor were they to be granted trade licenses.

The order was enforced im-mediately in the area surround-ing Grant’s headquarters in Holly Springs, Miss. Some Jewish trad-ers walked 40 miles on foot to evacuate the area. In Paducah, Ky., military officials gave the town’s 30 Jewish families - all long-term residents, none of them speculators and at least two of

CalendarNov. 6 - An Evening with Israeli Novelist Meir Shalev, Weinstein JCC, 7 p.m.Nov. 13 - Or Ami Musical Event, Craig Taubman and Band, 3 p.m., Virginia Historical SocietyNov. 13 - L’Dor V’Dor Women of Valor Event on Sunday, 7 p.m., Saxon ShoesNov. 28 - Annual Legislative Reception, JCFR, 5:30 p.m., Weinstein JCCDec. 1-18 - Weinstein JCC Jewish Book Fair, Weinstein JCCDec. 4 - Federation’s Annual Super Sunday, Weinstein JCCDec. 11 - PJ Library Hanukkah Story Program, Barnes & Noble, Libbie Place 2 p.m.

Visit jewishrichmond.org for a complete calendar of Jewish community events.

www.JewishRichmond.org

How good & pleasant it is for brethren to dwell in unity.

Jewish Community FederationOF RICHMOND

5403 Monument Avenue • Richmond, VA 23226

(804) 545-8620Email: reflector@jewishrichmond.org

The Reflector is published monthly by the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond. Copy must be received two and a half weeks prior to the date of publication. The Reflector reserves the right to edit or refuse any copy or advertisement submitted. Views expressed by guest writers and reader’s letters do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond.

Call for information about advertising in The Reflector at 545-8623. Acceptance of advertis-ing does not endorse or guarantee kashruth.

Ivan Jecklin, President

Samuel H. Asher, Chief Executive Officer

Matt Langsam, Assistant Executive Director

Raymond (Skip) Kozakewicz, Editor

Sara Rosenbaum, Director of Operations

ReflectortheBy Robin B. ZeigerIsraeli Emissary to Richmond

2 | the Reflector | November 2011 . Cheshvan/Kislev 5772

and making a house run. In some ways, life here is simpler and less materialistic. Yet, in some ways it is much harder. The cost of living is high. I travel far distances to practice as a psychologist. I struggle to help my children with their Hebrew homework (or perhaps I should say Jonathan struggles with this job). Even housework is harder and more complex. No more cleaning ladies. I hang my laundry out to dry and constantly sweep the dust of Emek Hefer off my stone floors

Yet, even this is miraculous. The dust is part of the holy earth of our land. I think what many of our sages of yore would have given to even kiss the dust of the land. I hang my laundry out to dry in our small Moshav (agricultural village) in Emek Hefer and I sometimes wonder if it is all real.

As a teen I dreamed of living in the countryside and walking to an Orthodox synagogue. This is perhaps the only country in the world where I am able to recognize such a dream. And as I traverse Israel in my (usually) trusty, but old car, I am in awe of a people who have truly made the dessert bloom.

Looking back over two years, our family’s “miracles” are numerous. My children’s command of the Hebrew language is awesome. Nechama, now 15, speaks Hebrew like an Israeli teen, slang and all, and Bracha, almost 12, has an Israeli accent.

My husband and I are both licensed and practicing and teaching in our respective fields. We are blessed with good friends, both Anglos and Israelis. Eliana, our eldest, met and became engaged to a wonderful young man, American turned Israeli. And we love our home in K’far Haroe, cows, chickens, snakes, and all.

I recently bought a bag of sand at the garden store. The clerk wished me a Shabbat Shalom and a Shana Tova (Happy New Year). Graffiti on the wall in Jerusalem states in Hebrew, Tshuvah (return and repentance) is our nation’s weapon. The local bus stop bears a weekly

israel

Every once in a while I am intensely moved; often at the most seemingly

random moments. Recently, it happened at the Hadera train station on my way to work. I heard a little child speaking Hebrew to his mother.

For some inexplicable reason, I was moved to tears over the modern miracle of our language. Thanks to Eliezer Ben Yehuda and the state of Israel, this young child speaks to her parents in fluent

Hebrew. To put this into perspective, can you imagine Latin becoming a popular spoken language?

For much of my adult life, I have been a proud Zionist. My family’s Aliyah exactly two years ago, August, was one the most monumental days of my life. Yet, two years and counting, I do not always reflect on the miracle of it all.

As a family, we are immersed in the day to day dramas of paying bills, working hard,

Two Years & Counting: The Miracles of Israel

Save the DateJewish Community Federation of Richmond

Annual Legislative ReceptionMonday, November 28, 2011

5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Carole & Marcus Weinstein Jewish Community CenterRSVP to Diane Munsey at 545-8654 or

dmunsey@jewishrichmond.org

reminder of the time that Shabbat begins. And the aggressive Israeli drivers stop

to see if all is alright when I am stalled on the side of the road. It is all the small things that remind me to be proud and grateful for our country and our people.

In the final analysis, it is the small miracles of everyday life that touch me the most.

But, I have to confess one thing. I was recently in Richmond for a week to

visit. I forgot how much I miss the nice, polite Southern drivers on the roads!This is Robin Zeiger’s favorite daily scene in Israel.

November 2011 . Cheshvan/Kislev 5772 | the Reflector | 3www.JewishRichmond.org

focus on federation

B’chol dor vador – “In every genera-tion,” the Passover Haggadah instructs, “each person is obligated to see him/herself as if s/he personally went forth from Egypt…for God redeemed not only our ancestors, God redeemed us with them.”

We recite these words early in the Seder; they are a central

theme of the holiday and perhaps a central theme to Jewish life. We are instructed not just to remem-ber but also to envision ourselves as active participants in the actual Exodus story of slavery and re-demption.

And so Gilad Shalit was able to breathe “free air” this week in Is-rael after spending more than five years as a prisoner of Hamas.

All Israel and Jews everywhere celebrate his freedom. Israel breathes a collective sigh of relief because of its commitment to the lives of its young men and women in military service. Israel does not abandon its soldiers and citizens. It was as if we were all enslaved in Gaza with Gilad and now we are free.

This week a Jewish Commu-nity Federation of Richmond mis-sion left for Israel. More than 80 members of the community took in the sights and sounds of Israel. We will be reporting back to you in a blog on Jewishrichmond.org. Please take a moment to visit our website and follow our journey.

In the meantime, here is Rebecca Caspi’s report from Israel on Gilad Shalit’s return to Israel. Becky is Jew-ish Federaton of North America’s Senior Vice President and Director of the JFNA Israel Office.

A Personal View from JerusalemOct. 18, 2011

Gilad Shalit is finally home!

Welcome back Gilad! I cannot even begin to express how long I have been waiting to write those very words. I know, of course, how closely people across our Federa-

tion movement have been follow-ing his story, how much this sup-port has meant to his family. This is a uniquely Israeli story. You just can’t imagine the joy, the pain, the pride, the loss – the tumultuous swirling emotions that have envel-oped the nation.

There is no other story in the media, there is no other discussion around people’s Shabbat tables and I’d even go as far as to say that there is barely a song being played on the radio that is not dedicated to Gilad.

The fact that Shalit, the IDF soldier captured by Hamas on June 25, 2006, the young man who has spent six birthdays in captivity, is being returned to the world of

sunlight and freedom, is the only subject in town.

I think back to the milestones passed in my own family over the past five years, the past 1,940 days that Shalit has been held, in con-finement, stripped of his human rights, denied even a visit by the Red Cross, paralyzed by the hands of the enemy. How many times did we let our minds linger too long on the matter to shake our-selves to action, affirming, Gilad is still alive, yes, Gilad is still alive.

They say that Gilad is the son of all of Israel, that we are all re-sponsible for him. As an Israeli, I

really felt that. How ironic that “Shalit” was

heavily trending on Twitter this past week. Yet, Gilad probably has no idea what Twitter even is.

I don’t know how many times I have walked past the tent Gi-lad’s parents first pitched outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netan-yahu’s house – just around the corner from JFNA’s Jerusalem of-fices - in March 2009, the 1,000th day of their son’s captivity.

And how painful it has always been to look Noam and Aviva in the eyes, knowing that I could not - and did not want to – fully com-prehend their pain. Yet, like so many thousands of others, I was with them and I wanted to show that. And today, Tuesday, I am smiling along with the rest of the country. We’re simply so happy he’s home.

Religious and secular, left wing and right wing – all have cam-paigned for Gilad’s release. For the past long five years, psalms were read in synagogues for his safe release, youth marched, bloggers posted, politicians cam-paigned and everyone dreamt of this day. A large group of Cha-sidim danced through the night on Thursday to celebrate Gilad’s return.

Whether it is just or not to release 1,027 prisoners for one man, whether Israel’s security will be able to withstand these ter-rorists’ attempts the second time round, it is clear that all of Israel has rallied together in support of Gilad in a way that they did not for any other cause.

From Slavery to Freedom By Samuel AsherChief Executive Officer, JCFR

All Israel and Jews everywhere celebrate his freedom. Israel breathes a collective sigh of re-lief because of its commitment to the lives of its young men and women in military service.

Super Sunday: Answer the Call on December 4

On Sunday, Dec. 4 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., join other

volunteers as they make the most important calls of the year.

Super Sunday supports the Annual Campaign and will be chaired by Seth and Lisa Kaplan for the second year in a row.

One phone conversation can make a difference in the lives of Jews in our community, in Israel, and around the world. One phone conversation can help strengthen social services and celebrate Jewish life. Answering the phone has never been so important:

Answer the call on Super Sunday, and make a generous contribution to Federation. It’s a

L’Dor V’Dor/Woman of Valor Event: November 13 Join the JCFR Women’s

Division on Sunday, Nov. 13, at 7 p.m. at Saxon Shoes Short Pump Town Center.

This year’s honoree is Hedy Lapkin, a longtime community volunteer, who is being recognized for her many years of serving the community.

Guest speakers are Jill Zarin, Lisa Wexler and Gloria Kamen.

Zarin, is the breakout star of Bravo’s hit series, “The Real Housewives of New York.” Her devotion to philanthropy arises from personal experience - both her daughter, Allyson, and stepson have been diagnosed with arthritic diseases and she has made it her mission to raise money and awareness to managing and living with this disease.

Wexler is an award-winning talk radio host and the creator and executive producer of “The Lisa

Wexler Show.” Kamen has been spreading

her wisdom around for years. She currently writes advice for New York’s The Daily News and Bravo.com.

Please bring your daughters, mothers, sisters, nieces and friends.

Participants will have the opportunity to make their commitment to the Annual Campaign. Minimum commitment to the 2012 Annual Campaign is $365; for those 35 and younger, $100. Couvert is $20. Dietary Laws Observed.

Saxon Shoes is currently collecting gently used shoes for the needy; bring a pair with you to the event to donate.

For information or to RSVP, contact Diane Munsey at 545-8654 or dmunsey@jewishrichmond.org.

call that’s too important to miss.If you cannot volunteer,

please make sure you answer the phone and support the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond, the local agencies and our national and international partners.

Your dollars help Jews in need here in Richmond, in Israel and around the world.

Campaign General Chair Nathan Shor, said, “Super Sunday is the time for all Jewish Richmonder’s to answer the call from another Jewish Richmonder so that we can all help our local Jewish Community, our brothers and sisters in Israel and most importantly, the people who need our help the most, the lonely Jews of Eastern Europe.”

Shor noted, “Please answer the call when it comes and please remember, our fellow Jews need us more in bad times.”

For more information or to volunteer, contact Sara Rosenbaum at 545-8629 or srosenbaum@jewishrichmond.org.

FREEDOM More on page 10

gilad Shalit speaks to family members following his release after more than 5 years of captivity.

www.JewishRichmond.org

PJ Library Holds High Holiday Program with RTA

These Tikkun Olam Tuesday opportunities will take place for an hour one evening once a month in different locations around Richmond. If you know of an organization that is interested in utilizing a group of young, energetic volunteers, please keep Network JCFR in mind.

Stephanie Paul said, “Meeting other young Jewish adults and helping with BINGO at Beth Shalom gardens was the perfect way to spend a Tuesday evening - it is wonderful to put a smile on someone’s face and it helped me feel more connected with the greater Richmond Jewish Community.”

Will Kilstein said, “The Tikkun Olam Tuesday event was a blast. It was rewarding to see the residents get out and have a good time. They showed such vivacity in their eagerness to play, excitement in winning and even lamenting their defeats. They were gracious hosts and happy to have us, which made it that much more pleasant.”

Helping Beth SholomThe volunteers of Network JCFR also

built a Sukkah for the residents at Beth Sholom Gardens. The Sukkah volunteers, residents, and children came together to build and decorate the Sukkah in preparation for Sukkot.

For more information about participating in Network JCFR programs and events such as opening your home to welcome the future leaders of our community, or have the volunteers involved in a special project, please contact Danielle Aaronson (daaronson@jewishrichmond.org).

4 | the Reflector |November 2011 . Cheshvan/Kislev 5772

Network JCFR has been kicking

off the New Year with many opportunities for young Jewish adults to connect and

network in casual and informal settings. To keep updated on events, pictures, news,

and more and read about past events, please LIKE us on Facebook (/Network JCFR) and FOLLOW us on Twitter (@NetworkJCFR)

Shabbat DinnerAdam Plotkin opened his home on Sept.

23 to host 16 young Jewish adult peers as they came together for a Shabbat dinner. With the family feel of Shabbos blessings, homemade challah, and a spread of cozy food, these young leaders had the opportunity to meet and connect with young adults who have shared interest and, of course, play some serious Jewish geography!

Jessica Smith said, “It was great to spend Shabbat dinner with other Jewish adults my age. I have been able to start making great connections and form a family away from home and look forward to expanding my family at future events. Thanks Network JCFR!”

Steve Gordon said, “The warmth and welcoming environment of Richmond Jewish Community has made my transition to this city feel seamless. The opportunity to get involved as acting sous chef for Master Chef Aaronson for a recent Shabbat dinner as well as meeting other young Jewish adults in the community has really made Richmond feel like home.”

Home-hosted Shabbat dinner will become a monthly tradition for Network JCFR.

Tikkun Olam Tuesday Network JCFR is starting a tradition:

Tikkun Olam Tuesday! One Tuesday a month keep your eyes out for young Jewish leaders running around Richmond performing mitzvot. September brought them to Beth Sholom Gardens where they ran a BINGO game with the residents. It is tough to say who enjoyed it more: the young or the old.

Network JCFR Kicks Off New Year With Many Activities

On Sunday, Sept. 25, in conjunction

with RTA’s High of the High Holiday program, PJ Library helped welcome children of all ages to read stories and make holiday craft projects.

The children worked with the high school student’s from Shaarie Torah and made tzedekah boxes and shofars to use during the holiday.

PJ Library: Dec. 11

Join the PJ Library for a Story Hour on Sunday, Dec. 11 at 2 p.m. at the Barnes and Noble at Libbie Place. The group will hear Hanukkah stories with a special guest reader.

Since being offered to the Richmond community in the Summer of 2008, more than 20 events have been held. Currently, 250 children receive the monthly books music.

The PJ Library, which was created and is funded nationally by The Harold Grinspoon Foundation sends FREE Jewish-content books and music on a monthly basis to children 6 months through 7 years old.

This program was developed to help create stronger Jewish homes that foster Jewish curiosity and help families explore their Jewish identity. Families receive monthly mailings with appropriate material for the specific age of their child.

The Richmond PJ Library is a project of the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond in partnership with the

Josh Bilder and Barbara Diamond enjoy a game of bingo at Network JCFR Tikkum Olam Tuesday.

Stephanie Paul and Jason Klinghofffer play bingo with (from left) Lillian Feibish and Claudette Atkin.

(From left) Steve gordon, Rebecca Clark, Alex Ross and Jason Klinghoffer at Shabbat dinner.

(From left) geri Stahl, Dan Miller and Rabbi Dovid Asher were among a group of volunteers who helped build a Sukkah at Beth Sholom gardens.

Richmond Council for Jewish Education, Richmond Jewish Foundation Funds and other community donors.

For more information, contact Sara Rosenbaum at 545-8629 or srosenbaum@jewishrichmond.org

RTA Jewish Studies Teacher Perel Sherman along with a group of children enjoy the stories during the PJ Library event.

Students from Shaarie Torah help children make tzededah boxes and shofars.

www.JewishRichmond.org November 2011 . Cheshvan/Kislev/5772 | the Reflector | 5

in our agencies

The Weinstein JCC Patrons of the Arts

series has announced the arrival of ceramic artist and master potter, Yael Atzmony.

An accomplished teacher, artist and guest lecturer world-wide,

Atzmony will visit the Weinstein JCC Nov. 13 -19.

She will hold demonstrations at the Weinstein

JCC as well as classes for the beginner and the master thrower. In addition, Atzmony will present a lecture both on her works as well as the works of graduate students from the Bezael Academy of Fine Arts and Designs, Jerusalem.

For a complete schedule of events or to sign up for her class, please contact Lisa Looney at 545-8608 or llooney@weinsteinjcc.org

I n The Things We Cherished,

a Philadelphia public prosecutor, u n e x p e c t e d l y finds herself heading to Europe to search for information that may exonerate a client of her former boyfriend Brian

Warrington. Roger Dykmans stands accused of a

1943 collaboration with the Nazis that caused the death both of his own brother Hans and of hundreds of Jewish children Hans was trying to save during the Holocaust.

Author Pam Jenoff will be visit our community on Wednesday Dec. 7 at 12 p.m.

Having set the scene for Charlotte’s adventure, Jenoff takes the reader back to rural Bavaria in 1903 to begin the tale of a

very special clock that will eventually play a central role in Roger’s acquittal.

Jenoff switches back and forth between the two narratives until they intersect and the clue to Roger’s innocence finally comes to light. Working alongside Charlotte in her travels through Germany, Poland and Italy is Jack, Brian’s estranged older brother with whom Charlotte gradually finds herself falling in love. The dramatic tension between Charlotte, Jack and Brian is a major element of this present-day narrative and an echo of the wartime relationship between Hans, Roger and Hans’s wife Magda.

The Things We Cherished is as much about love, survival and new beginnings as it is about how we struggle with difficult choices in difficult times and appeals to a wide audience.

A lunch will be served followed by a book signing. The cost to participate is $12 for Weinstein JCC members and $15 for guests. To RSVP please call 285-6500.

This event is co-sponsored by Hadassah.

Book Fair to Open Dec. 1 With Journalist Martin Fletcher

Due to record attendance

and community support over the years, the Weinstein JCC’s annual Book Fair has been extended to 18 days of a literary celebration.

B e g i n n i n g Dec. 1, the Book Fair kicks off with Emmy Award Winning Broadcast Journalist Martin Fletcher at 7 p.m.. He will be introduced by Laura Geller, reporter and videojournalist for Richmond’s NBC12.

Fletcher has written The List, a moving and poignant debut novel, culled from the rich and also painful history of Fletcher’s family’s past, takes you on a journey of hope and sadness, faith and despair.

Also don’t miss out on the Gift Shop during the Book Fair. It has the largest and best selection of Jewish books, Hanukkah gift items and Judaica.

Come by and take a look at all of the new items in stock and pick up something new for yourself or take care of any gifts that your may need to give throughout the year.

For information, call 285-6500.

Best Selling Israeli Novelist and Writer Meir Shalev: Nov. 6

Meir Shalev, a bestselling author in Israel, Holland and Germany, will be at the

Weinstein JCC on Sunday, Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. to talk about his most celebrated novel, My Russian Grandmother and Her American Vacuum Cleaner.

This event is co-sponsored by University of Richmond and is a Patron of the Arts event.

Shalev’s books include A Pigeon and a Boy, The Loves of Judith (Four Meals), Fontanelle, Alone In the

Desert, But A Few Days and Esau. Shalev’s writing is often compared to Gabriel Garcia Marquez for his ability to “create worlds inhabited by the richness of invention and obsessiveness of dreams.... He delivers both startling imagery and passionate, original characters whose destinies we follow through love, loss, laughter and death,” (New York Times Book Review). Shalev is also a columnist with the Israeli daily Yediot Ahronot.

There will be a book signing with the author following the event. Preferred seating for all Patrons of the Arts subscribers is included.

Contact Lisa Looney at 545-8608 or llooney@weinsteinjcc.org for seating information.

The Weinstein JCC is supported, in part, by a generous contribution from the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond

Second Year

Israeli Artist-In-Residence

Meir Shalev

Men’s Poker Night Out The Weinstein JCC will hold a Men’s

Night Out Poker Night - Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament - on Thursday, Nov. 10 at 6 p.m.

Take a break from your weekly home poker game and come join other guys at the Weinstein JCC for an evening of fun. (After all,why should the ladies have all the fun?)

This will be a night of great poker, food, drinks and socializing. Tables will feature a maximum of 8 players randomly picked.

The cost includes: professional tournament director, tournament entry fee,

all cards and chips, “bar food” catered by Kenny Bendheim and 3 drink tickets (beer and wine). Great prizes will be awarded; however, but this will not include cash. All additional proceeds will go to aid the Weinstein JCC Senior Adult programs and Richmond BBYO.

The cost: $36 per person (Rebuys and add-ons will be $36 as well).

For online registration go to: w.weinsteinjcc.org/class/mens-night-out-poker-tournament/

To register by phone, please contact Shari Menlowe-Barck at 545-8611. You must be 21 to enter.

Yael Atzmony

In The Things We Cherished

Community Read Choice for Jewish Book FairBook ReviewBy Kate More

6 | the Reflector |November 2011 . Cheshvan/Kislev 5772 www.JewishRichmond.org

Opening Reception Thursday, Nov. 10

The Weinstein JCC is hosting its annual Undiscovered Artist Exhibit from Nov.

10 - Dec. 8 in the Sara D. November Art Gallery.

Any artist age 18 or over whose work has not been exhibited in a major show in

the Richmond area, or has not placed with either 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in an Undiscovered Artists Exhibit in the past five years is eligible to enter. Prizes will be awarded.

The entry form is on weinsteinjcc.org. Call Tracey Shenker at 545-8659 or tshenker@weinsteinjcc.org for questions.

Sign Up Now for NBA Fit Basketball Leaque

Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra: Nov. 22

On Tuesday, Nov. 22, join Kids’ Place in welcoming the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra (RSYO)

at 4:45 p.m. in the Weinstein JCC’s Israel November Auditorium.

Kids’ Place is the Weinstein JCC’s afterschool program for kids in grades kindergarten through eighth. Kids are transported from area schools to the Weinstein JCC to participate in after school enrichment classes, spend time

with friends and be part of the Weinstein JCC’s after school community. Community members are invited too.Contact Alex Ross for more information at aross@weinsteinjcc.org or call 545-8631.

Nov. 10 - Dec. 8

Undiscovered Artist Exhibit

2011 Holiday Boutique Weinstein JCC Preschool requests

the pleasure of your company at its annual Holiday Gift & Craft Boutique on Monday, Nov. 14 from 8:45 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Tuesday, Nov. 15 from 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Weinstein JCC in the Richard A. Arenstein Lobby. Admission is free.

These are a few of the many items available: Artisan jewelry, biscotti, wands, popcorn tops, pashmina scarves, purses,

beaded jewelry, shawls, unique crocheted and other scarfs & hats, crocheted dolls, animals & specialty gift, gourmet food, zipper purses and much more.

For information, call Barbara Wise, Weinstein JCC Early Childhood assistant director, at 545-8616 or bwise@weinsteinjcc.org.

Preschool Begins the Nature Explore Outdoor Classrooms

Culinary Journeys Class Come and explore the many tasty

Hanukkah culinary traditions from around the world at the Weinstein JCC in the new Culinary Journeys class on Nov. 30 at 7 p.m.

Samples will be prepared and enjoyed together and recipes to take home will be provided. Look for our Purim and Passover

Culinary Journeys classes in the spring! For more information or to register for this class or any Jewish education class at the Weinstein JCC, please contact Shoshanna Schechter-Shaffin, Jewish Engagement Coordinator, at 545-8657 or sshaffin@weinsteinjcc.org..

The Early Childhood Department at the Weinstein JCC has begun construction

on two new preschool playgrounds. The new playground design was developed as a response to the research that has shown that children today are missing a “connectiveness” to nature, a rich social and fantasy play life and spaces to cultivate imagination.

Early Childhood Director Donna Peters explains that the goals of the newly designed outdoor play spaces will, among other things:

• Enhance Jewish identity through the mitzvah of Tikkun Olam - repairing the world - while encouraging children to understand their role as custodians of the natural world;

• Offer ongoing opportunities for discovery, exploration, and experimentation that encourages children to think, reason, question and experiment through intentional activities planned by the teachers and those that emerge from the interests of the children;

• Provide challenges that help children learn how to be safe and to be aware of others;

• Support developmentally appropriate

practice, which is driven by the children’s interest and needs;

Peters explains, “Part of Phase One is the creation of the entry walls & arbor and we are off to a great start. The walls were built to resemble Jerusalem stone and there will be areas on each playground for the children to engage in ‘archeological digs’”

The plan is to have the following done in the coming months:

• Moving larger playground equipment and preparing the playgrounds for future renovations

• Removing equipment that will no longer be used

• Moving the large green shade structure over the sand “dune” area

• Installation of bike paths that will meander through each playground. The bike paths will be made out of recycled rubber. The next phase for both playgrounds will be the creation of a water feature that will include a rock stream and a hand pump that the children can use. The water will re-circulate creating a shallow stream.

The NBA Fit Basketball League will take place at the Weinstein JCC from Jan. 15 through March 18 (9 weeks).

The program is recruiting co-ed players of all skill levels, ages 5 to 13. Practices will be held before each game on Sundays throughout the season.

Online registration has begun and participants who sign up early will receive a discounted rate. The league is also seeking volunteers for coaching positions.

For information contact kfield@weinsteinjcc.org or call 545-8650. Please visit weinsteinjcc.org for further details and to registrar.

Nov. 7 - Heartstrings Singing Group

Nov. 14 - Chancellor Bruce Heilman, University of Richmond, “Cross-Country Motorcycle Ride 84 Years Old.”

Nov. 21 - Dr. Patricia Strait, University of Richmond, “Rising Nationalism What You

Need to Know.”

Nov. 28 -Marvin Anderson and Professor Brandon Garrett, University of Virginia Law School, “Convicting the Innocent: The Analysis and Experience of Wrongful Convictions.”

5400 Men’s Club

It’s time to order the new 2012 Mah Jongg cards. As usual, the cards come in two sizes: small print cards are $7, large print costs $8. Checks made payable to Hadassah should be mailed to Edie Merriam, 6516 Park Avenue, 23226. Closing date for receipt of checks is Jan, 25, 2012. A portion of each check is contributed to Hadassah which enhances the organization’s life-saving endeavors.

Order Mah Jongg Cards

www.JewishRichmond.org November 2011 . Cheshvan/Kislev 5772 | the Reflector | 7

Beth Sholom Lifecare Community Holds Annual 65th Annual Meeting; Parkside Opens

The community gathered Sun-day Oct. 2 to celebrate Beth

Sholom’s 65th annual meeting and the opening of Parkside As-sisted Living, Beth Sholom’s new-est addition to the campus.

Dan Siegel, president of the Board of Directors, welcomed ev-eryone and Samuel Asher, chief executive officer of the Federa-tion, extended greetings.

Recognized were volunteers of the year from the Woods, Harriet Bernstein; the Gardens, Steve Hur-witz and from the Home, Taylor Easley.

Employee of the Year was Matthew Blunt from dining servic-es and the first “Raising the Bar” award for excellence in service was given to Michael Floyd in Nursing.

Mark Resnick introduced a video about Parkside, which can be viewed at www.Parkside-at-bethsholom.org.

“We are excited to finally con-tinue our goal of expanding quality assisted living and Alzheimer’s and dementia care for the elderly popu-lation we serve,” said Mark Finkel, executive vice president/CEO of Beth Sholom Lifecare Community.

Parkside is a 73-apartment as-sisted living facility, with the first floor dedicated to dementia and Alzheimer’s residents.

This state of the art memory center has direct access to the sen-

sory garden, country kitchen and spa room with a whirlpool bath.

Each floor has a 180-gallon salt water aquarium and multiple seat-ing and activity areas. There is a massage spa on the second floor as well as a beauty/barber shop and exercise/therapy room. The third floor has the dining area as well as a private dining room.

There are also outdoor covered porches that look down on the sensory garden. A 5,000 square foot multipurpose area with state-of-the-art electronics and theatre is one of the crowning features at Parkside. This will function as a central place for events at Beth Sholom as well as a community

On Sunday, Sept. 25, a large crowd of all ages came to

the Weinstein JCC to participate in “Highlighting the Highs of the High Holidays,” an exciting session of learning for the community led by the faculty and students of Rudlin Torah Academy.

The program was coordinated by Dr. Leslie Cohen and Rabbi Chaim Moskowitz. Cohen said, “The RTA staff and students have such a wealth of talent in Jewish education and knowledge, and we were excited to bring this asset to benefit our entire Jewish community.”

RTA Leads Community Learnings Program at Weinstein JCC

There was truly something for everyone. For the adults, Rabbi Moskowitz delivered an inspiring and compelling talk on Yom Kippur, its theme of attaining forgiveness, and the potential in all of us to reconnect with our spiritual side.

For the younger scholars, Rabbi Mo Sherman exuberantly led an interactive program focusing on the highlights of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, with high-energy skits and contests that were informative, inspiring, and also entertaining.

Simultaneously, Noa Klestzick and her Shaarei Torah students

led this year’s inaugural “PJ Library” event for children up to grade 2. The children enjoyed “Sammy Spider’s First Rosh Hashana,” created and decorated shofars and tzedaka boxes, and topped it all off with a Rosh Hashana-themed treasure hunt.

After the learning, everyone had the opportunity to socialize over the delicious High Holiday-themed refreshments, and start talking about RTA’s next community learning day.

Rudlin Torah Academy is supported, in part, by a generous contribiuton from the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond.

Parkside Assisted Living recently opened.

A number of community members attended Beth Sholom Lifecare Community’s Annual Meeting.

(From left) Employee of the Year Matthew Blunt was recognized by Mark Finkel, president and CEO.

(From left) Taylor Easley is congratulated by Beverly Stocks, activities director for the Campus.

(From left) Sue Berinato, administrator of the Woods, presents award for Volunteer of the Year at the Woods to Harriet Bernstein.

and entertainment venue.For more information on Parkside or to request an applica-

tion, call Selma Harlow at 421-5142.For more information, go to bslcc.org.

Beth Sholom Home is supported, in part, by a generous contribution from the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond.

(First row, from left) Julia Marcus, Izabella Bender, Nachi Moskowitz, Ally Lichtman and Jed Solomon; (back row, from left) Samantha greene, Faith Minor and Julia Dinkin

A courtyard at Parkside Assisted Living.

www.JewishRichmond.org 8 | the Reflector| November 2011 . Cheshvan/Kislev 5772

JFS Brings Rosh Hashanah to Seniors

The Holiday Outreach volunteers pre-sented its Rosh Hashanah program to

over 45 residents of four assisted living fa-cilities in September.

Residents of Gayton Terrace, Imperial

Plaza and the Lynmore met at Gayton Ter-race on Sept. 21.

The next day, Marywood Apartments packed 30 people into the party room. This year, JFS has a new shofar blower, Charlie Alexander, who magnificently picked up the torch from his predecessor and RTA classmate, Benny Winkelmann. Charlie’s younger sister, Nancy, also an RTA student, performed the shofar honors for the group at Gayton Terrace.

Many thanks to volunteers Syral Spec-ter, Judy Wiener, Debbie Harley and Bar-bara Gardetz for organizing and present-ing these festive events. It was thrilling to have residents approach the volunteers with thanks and see their faces light up when Charlie and his family joined the celebra-tion.

Jewish Family Services is supported, in part, by a generous contribution from the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond.

Presenter: Colleen M. Quinn Esq. of The Adoption & Surrogacy Law Center at Locke, Partin,

DeBoer and Quinn & Adoption with Love by JFS Staff

6718 Patterson AvenueRichmond VA 23226

www.jfsrichmond.org

Oh Baby, Adoption’s a Fabulous Option!Successful Adoptions!

a Free Workshop on Wednesday, November 16, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.Reserve today! 804.282.5644 ext. 0

The Workshop will cover: Homestudies; various ways to adopt; legal questions; post-placement services & more.

ADOPTIONwith LOVE by JFS

By Sheryl LuebkeJFS Volunteer Coordinator

(From left) Elayne Baliff, shofar blower Charlie Alexander and Shirley Kirsch at the gayton Terrace Rosh Hashanah celebration. “Technology companies and global investors are

beating a path to Israel, and finding unique combinations of audacity, creativity and drive everywhere they look.” - from Start-up Nation, the bestselling book by Dan Senor and Saul Singer.

With the continued growth and success of the Israeli economy and the Tel

Aviv Stock Exchange, Richmond Jewish Foundation (RJF) recently made its first investment in the newly created I2 (Invest Israel) Fund. “The Invest Israel option offers RJF a way to show our pride in the State of Israel by participating in the dynamic growth of the Israeli economy,” said RJF Chairman Stuart Cantor.

Cantor added, “New and existing donors can now recommend that up to 5% of their funds be invested in the Invest Israel portfolio with a minimum investment of $1,800. This includes donor advised funds, agency funds, special purpose and field of interest funds.”

According to Adam Ploktin, RJF Investment chairman, “Our board and investment committee feel very strongly about our Jewish heritage and connection to Eretz Yisrael, and we have for some time been discussing the optimal way to ensure that like-minded charitable individuals, families and other foundations might have an opportunity to express those beliefs with their charitable dollars.”

Plotkin added, “In conjunction with Glenmede, the RJF investment committee and executive committee worked to structure a prudent investment option for both the RJF Genesis Fund and other investors who appreciate the opportunity and the longer term risks and potential. We now have such an investment - a balanced approach with Israel only investments in stocks, bonds and private equity as well. I’m very proud of the process we have undertaken, but am especially proud that RJF is leading the way for anyone so inclined.”

Israel is one of the most successful countries in the Middle East and the world. In just a few decades, Israel has transformed itself from an agriculture based economy to a hi-tech powerhouse with leadership positions in software engineering, computer component manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and medical technologies. This vibrant economy offers many excellent opportunities for investors. Widely praised as a “start-up nation”, Israel has the highest number of companies listed on the NASDAQ after Canada and the US and the highest level of venture capital as a share of GDP.

With the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE) recently setting record high levels and natural gas discoveries off Israel’s shores capturing investor interest around the world, Israel’s economy is well suited to continue its upward. Additionally, Israel was recently reclassified as a developed market from an emerging market which opens up Israel to a broader range of potential new investors and flows of capital.

To learn more about the I2 program, contact Robert Nomberg at (804) 545-8656

By Robert Nombergpresident & ceo, rjf

focus on foundation

New Fund: Invest Israel

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Penthouse Condo (12th fl corner unit) - 5100 Monument Ave. Beautifully reno-vated 1,000 sf, 1BR/1BA/Den. Custom cabinets/granite kitchen & butler’s pantry. Restored hardwood floors. New tile/fixtures/appliances. Sunrise and sunset views. Call 426-6315.

Group, Couples & Individual Therapy for Adults. Supportive & Challenging Therapist. Relationships; Vocation; Gay/Lesbian & Cultural Issues; Addictive Behaviors; Mood Disorders. Jonathan Lebolt, PhD, LCSW, (804) 683-4536, Doctor-Jon@comcast.net, http://Doctor-Jon.home.comcast.net.

To advertise, call 545-8623 today.

Susan Greenbaum, who has made it a top priority to give back to the Richmond

community, is releasing a new CD and will donate a portion of every CD sale to the Positive Vibe Café. She wrote the song in 2005 as a fundraising tool for the non-profit restaurant and training facility.

Greenbaum and her husband, Chris Parker, have performed for several Richmond Public Schools, singing for elementary-school students and supporting the Virginia Mentoring Partnership. Greenbaum also has performed at Swansboro Elementary School

during holiday programs many times. She donates performances to a wide

variety of worthy non-profits, including the American Cancer Society, Central Virginia Food Bank, Freedom House, Special Olympics VA, The Virginia Home, Children’s Hospital, CJ’s Thumbs Up Foundation and AIDS Walk Richmond.

She will perform from her new CD, “This Life,” at Carpenter Theatre on Nov. 19. Information can be found at susangreenbaum.com. The public is invited.

Susan greenbaum Donates Part of CD Sales

November 2011 . Cheshvan/Kislev 5772 | the Reflector | 9 www.JewishRichmond.org

Beth El Religious School Off to A great Start!

The KBI Mess Hall is Open

Temple Beth-El’s Religious

school is off to a great start.

They kicked off the year with

an Open House on Sept. 11. After meeting the teachers and hearing about the curriculum and plans for the coming year, families finished their morning socializing at Annual the Men’s Club picnic.

This is the religious school’s second year using the Chai Curriculum to teach Judaics and the Hineni Curriculum for Hebrew instruction. Joining a great group of classroom teachers, are two instructors who work individually with students for Hebrew language remediation or enrichment. The lead teachers for grades K-5 also have madrichim (high school students) assisting them in the classrooms.

The fourth grade teacher, Ronit Saar, created a successful Rosh Hashanah workshop on Sept. 25 for grades 4-7. All four grades started the day playing Rosh Hashanah Jeopardy.

The students worked in teams to answer questions of increasing levels of difficulty. When the students could not come up with an answer as a team, they were able to

ask parents, who were there as “life lines,” for help. After the game, students rotated through several different stations doing holiday themed activities.

They made cards that were delivered to residents at Beth Sholom Gardens, watched holiday music videos, and learned to blow the shofar. Finally, a Rosh Hashanah workshop would not be complete without a station where the students practiced the blessings for the specific holiday foods and got to enjoy apples dipped in honey!

The Ruach youth group had its first event in September for 3rd-5th graders. It was fun for all, starting with a scavenger hunt and ending with ice-cream sundaes. Ruach’s next event was a miniature golf outing and picnic on Oct. 16.

Contact Debbie Falik at Debbie@falik.net or 360-2640 with questions.

Kadima Youth GroupGeri Stahl is the Kadima youth

group advisor and she is planning activities for students in grades 6-8. She encourages all students to suggest activities and join this group; Beth-El membership is not required to participate. Contact Stahl at germs2076@yahoo.com for more information.

(From left) Ben Sherman, Jacob Kalman, Alex Halpern and Jakob Schwartz.

Mara glock.

Beth El’s Pre-K program began on Oct. 2. Laurie Kaplan has returned to teach this popular program for 3 and 4 year olds that emphasizes Jewish music, stories and art.

Registration is still open; contact the synagogue office or the religious school with questions. It is not

In gratitude for their service to our country, Keneseth Beth Israel

will be honoring all Jewish Veterans with a “mess hall” Shabbat dinner on Friday Nov. 11.

You need not be a KBI member to attend. If you have served or are still serving in the Armed Services, please join the congregation for this special dinner. KBI would also like to hear about your experiences and will be creating a memory booklet for all our guests to enjoy.

Also, if you have a photo of yourself in uniform, please send KBI a copy to be displayed during the evening.

The price for the dinner is free for all veterans and $14 per adult, $9 per child with a $45 family max. Please send your paragraph about your military service and

Thank You So Much

For the Good Wishes and Kind Gestures of

My Many Friends During My Convalescence.

The Thoughts and Prayers

Of So Many Helped Speed My Recovery

Richard November

An Open InvitationTemple Beth-El Men’s Club Speaker Brunch

Sunday, November 20The Brown Religious School, 601 N. Parham Road

Doors open at 10 a.m. • Speaker at 10:30 a.m.Guest Speaker: Erin Freeman

Associate Conductor, Richmond SymphonyAll are welcome

You will enjoy a kosher nosh and good company. Please RSVP by November 16

to Martin Slutzah at 747-0765 or martin4907@gmail.com

your photo to Veterans Day Dinner, Keneseth Beth Israel, 6300 Patterson Avenue, 23226 or by email to kbi@cavtel.net. Dinner reservations can be made by calling KBI at 288-7953 or visit www.kbirichmond.com by Nov. 8. It is KBI’s pleasure to honor all U.S. and Israeli military veterans.

Scavenger HuntJoin KBI on Saturday evening,

Nov. 19 at 7 p.m. for a scavenger hunt around town. Come join your friends and help decipher the clues to find the ultimate treasure. There is no charge for this event but please R.S.V.P to KBI.

Scholar in ResidenceKBI has announced its next

Scholar in Residence during Thanksgiving weekend. Rabbi Joshua Livingstone is currently

serving as the MEOR campus rabbi at Northwestern University. He consistently attracts about 90 college students to his house for Shabbat Dinner. He is a proud Michigan Wolverine with a double degree in sociology and political science. He received ordination from Rabbi Beryl Gershenfeld, a Fulbright Scholar and Dean of Machon Shlomo. He will be joined by his family.

Torah News SeriesKBI is excited to announce its

Torah News Series led by Rabbi Dovid Asher. Each Sunday morning the class will take the week’s top stories and review them through the lens of Torah. Join all at 9:30 on Nov. 6 for the next class. Call 288-7953 for information.

necessary to be a member of Temple Beth-El to enroll your child in this class.

The wonderful parents and congregants have enabled the religious school to get off to a great start. There is much to look forward to this year.

in oursynagogues

(From left)Allison Weber & Anna Soffin.

(From left) Becca Falik and Jenna Stern.

Rabbi Creditor and Benjamin Katz.

Hannah green and Ronit Saar.

www.JewishRichmond.org10| the Reflector| November 2011 . Cheshvan/Kislev 5772

hadassah news

Hadassah is offering three special ways at bargain rates to show everyone that you

were a member during Hadassah’s centennial celebrating a century of empowered women who make a difference.

From now through December you can become a Life Member for a $100 donation. This offer is only good until the end of the centennial in December.

For more information, contact Sara Waskin at s.waskin@comcast.net, 741-9324 or Dana Reynolds at Dana Reynolds@hotmail.com, 750-1642.

You’ll be proud to own a beautiful crystal and sterling key on an 18 inch silver chain. You can unlock the door to Hadassah’s future for a donation of $100. It is the key to Hadassah’s century of women making a difference.

Only available through December, the crystal key is appropriate as a gift to yourself or as a gift for all special occasions such as Hanukah, birthdays, anniversaries and Bat Mitzvahs. To place your order call

Special Hadassah Membership

Or Ami Plans Musical Event with Craig Taubman

FreedomNo other country in history has ever

paid such a high price for one man’s life; Israel is sending a message to its citizens, its soldiers, that Israel will take responsibility for all people.

Of course, like all Israelis, I have very mixed emotions.

It was with a terrible pit in my stomach that I read the list of the 1,027 terrorists be-ing released to their homes (in some cases, only a matter of miles from where I live) to be welcomed back as heroes. I remem-ber where I was when the Sbarro pizza restaurant was exploded by a suicide bomb in 2001, murdering 15 people and brutally injuring 130.

The woman who drove the car for the bomber, and was closely involved in the planning is being let out. This same wom-an, when imprisoned, declared she had no regrets and anyway, she knew she’d be let out in a prisoner swap sometime soon and when out, she’d carry on.

When asked on television whether she knew how many children had been killed in that attack, she replied that she did not. On being told that the number was eight, she allowed a big smile to break out on her face- all in front of the camera, for the whole world to see.

Dalia Cohen’s daughter Kinneret was murdered in 1989 by terrorist Abed al-Hadi Ganaim when he took control of a public bus and drove it off a cliff. “On the one hand, I am happy that Gilad is com-ing back to his mother,” says Dalia. “I am also a mother and I know what it’s like. I know how much I would want to get my child back. Everybody is happy around me but I cannot rejoice. Abed al-Hadi Ganaim was set free today. I feel like I am betraying my daughter. I feel like she is screaming, her blood, her ashes are crying out to us and I cannot do anything to prevent it.”

President Shimon Peres, in praising Ne-tanyahu for his actions, says, “The safety of each soldier is no less important than the safety of the nation as a whole, and the an-guish of a family who lost loved ones to ter-ror is also the anguish of the nation.”

In the words of the 3,000 ‘welcome home’ banners plastering the country, ‘Gi-lad, it’s good to have you back home’. We are with you.

And the whole country is once again shedding tears of happiness and pride; pain and fear; and, above all relief and hope. Welcome home Gilad. We’ve missed you.

As always, I welcome your calls at 545-8622 or emails at sasher@jewishrichmond.org.

Continued from page 3

Congregation Or Ami enjoyed a wonderful turnout to our community

High Holiday services once again this year! The attendees numbered in the hundreds and it was truly heart warming to break-the-fast with so many new and old faces!

The first ever Or Ami Choir added additional sweetness to the worship. They worked hard all summer to perform piecesby Craig Taubman. Which also brought a big announcement.

Congregation Or Ami is proud to

National Hadassah toll free at 1-866-229-2395. For further information, contact Debbie Friedman at djfriedman1@verizon.net or 270-5380.

Long time life members and Associate Grandparent Members Susie and Ronnie Adolph recently jumped on the centennial life members promotion and purchased a child life membership for their grandchild, Ava Ruby, completing their 4-generation Hadassah family. Likewise Rebecca and Jason Young’s family are now a 6 generation Hadassah family.

You, too, can become an Associate Grandparent Member for the centennial price of $100 per child until the end of 2011. Hadassah will post his or her picture in the Hadassah bulletin.

announce that it will be hosting Craig Taubman in Concert on Sunday, Nov. 13, at 3 p.m. at the Virginia Historical Society. General admission tickets are $36 each.

A $100 sponsorship will get you a pass to the Meet ‘n Greet reception with Craig. Additional sponsorship and patronage levels(as well as perks) are available.

Group ticket sales are available as well. Please contact Or Ami at 272-0017

for more information and reservations.

On Nov. 20 at 6 p.m., Congregation Or Ami presents: “Reel Theology:” Searching for Bobby Fischer, about a boy chess prodigy who seeks success without becoming - shall we say, “difficult.” A discussion will be led by Rabbi Ben Romer. The program is free. Please bring refreshments to share. For information, contact Dr. Jonathan Lebolt at 683-4536 or at Doctor-Jon@comcast.net.

Upcoming Or Ami Film Night

www.JewishRichmond.org November 2011 . Cheshvan/Kislev5772 | the Reflector | 11

Mazel Tov to RJCL forReaching its 13th YearMazel tov to the Richmond Jewish Co-

alition for Literacy (RJCL)!It has reached its 13th year, a time to

celebrate, reflect, and, feel the joy. It is a coming of age for this group sponsored by the Federation that after so few years feels like an old Richmond institution steeped in the Jewish ideals of learning and acts of loving-kindness.

The joy started this year on Oct. 10, at a Welcome Back to School event attended by about 40 mentors and 1 service dog owned by mentor Katy Yoffy. The group attended the opening exercises of Swansboro El-ementary School, where grades kindergar-ten through 5th meet to find out what’s for lunch, which class were heroes for 100% homework completion, what the week will bring, and pledge the flag and sing the school song.

The RJCL mentors were introduced to cheers and waves from the audience. All the children were thrilled to see the return of their mentors. Those without a mentor looked on with hope that they would get their own special adult this year. Doobie the dog, of course, got the biggest ovation.

RJCL mentors attending were: Claudia Biegler, Bill Craig, Michele Craig, Miriam Davidow, Phyllis Ellenbogen, Susan Farris, Matt Jackson, Robin Jackson, Alison Linas, Marci Linas, Joan Menkes, Cynthia Mey-er, Susan Meyers, Debbie Minden, Pam Norman, Ellen Norris, Michael Pressner, Tomomi Rubin, Barbara Shocket, Phyllis Silverman, Stan Williams, Katy Yoffy & therapy dog - Dobie.

You can join the crowd and celebrate by becoming a mentor. There are so many ways to become a participant in the RJCL. Mentors can meet one-on-one with a child

On Oct. 27, Miriam Davidow received an Humanitarian Award from the

Richmond Chapter of the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities.

Davidow was one of six deserving humanitarians at the 49th Annual Humanitarian Awards Dinner held at Richmond Marriott downtown.

She is director of Strategic Services with the Virginia Mentoring Partnership and has a long, successful history of work with children and education. She is the founder, in 1998, of the Richmond Jewish Coalition for

on a weekly basis, lead a Reader’s Café with a small group for a time limited period, or come once for a special event.

This year the list of activities continues to grow.

• Reader’s Café• Cake Walk – dance contest• Dolphin Tea Parties - monthly cel-

ebration for readers • One-on-one mentoring - reading and

math literacy• Book Tasting – sampling foods from 19

children’s books• After School Dance Group - a new

group led by Alison Linas• Black History Month Job Fair - stu-

dents research and channel their favorite Black history figures

In order to join in this B’nai Mitzvah year, reflect on the opportunities laid out for you and become a member of the RJCL, start 5772 with an act of loving-kindness that pays you back in ways you would never expect.

For more information, please contact Claudia Biegler at 928-5888 or Diane Munsey at the Federation at 545-8654.

Miriam Davidow ReceivesHumanitarian Award

Literacy, has served as a mentor and a team leader, as organizer of the “Swansboro United Volunteers,” and was a founding member of the Micah Initiative, a community-wide faith-basedmentoring/tutoring organization.

Current board and committee responsibilities include: Richmond Jewish Foundation, Children’s Museum of Richmond’s Education Committee and selection committee for The Community Foundation’s REB educator award.

communitynews

Continued from page 1

grand Event

(From left) Irv Blank and Federation President Ivan Jecklin.

(From left) Clare Sisisky, Dena Neuwirth and Nannette Shor.

them Union Army veterans - 24 hours to leave.

A group of Paducah’s Jewish merchants, sent a telegram to President Lincoln, con-demning Grant’s order as an “enormous outrage on all laws and humanity, ... the grossest violation of the Constitution and our rights as good citizens under it.”

Jewish leaders organized protest rallies in St. Louis, Louisville and Cincinnati, and telegrams reached the White House from the Jewish communities of Chicago, New York and Philadelphia.

One Jewish leader from the town went to Washington on Jan. 3, 1863, two days after the Emancipation Proclamation went into effect. There he conferred with influen-tial Jewish Republican Adolphus Solomons, then went with a Cincinnati congressman John A. Gurley, directly to the White House. Lincoln received them promptly and stud-ied copies of General Order No. 11. The President immediately ordered Grant to re-voke General Order No. 11, which he did in the following message:

A paper purporting to be General Orders, No.

11, issued by you December 17, has been presented here. By its terms, it expells (sic) all Jews from your department. If such an order has been issued, it will be immediately revoked.

Grant revoked the order three days later. Sarna said that the action haunted Grant for the rest of his life, although he often went out of his way to befriend Jews and later appointed a number to his cabi-net. But General Order No. 11 remains a blight on the military career of Grant and led to the first development affecting Jews in the U. S. It was the first development in the U.S. affecting the Jewish community and an example of how Jews found “community.”

The Federation’s Grand Event was chaired by Mark and Susan Sisisky and held at the Virginia Historical Society.

Sarna was recognized as one of Amer-ica’s fifty most influential American Jews by the “Jewish Daily Forward” in 2004. He was chief historian for the 350th commem-oration of the American Jewish community, and is recognized as a leading commenta-tor on American Jewish history, religion and life.

(From left) Fanny Rosenthal, Rick gary, Nancy Belleman, gilbert Rosenthal, Matt Langsam, Linda gary and Jim Weinberg.

(From left) Jessica Smith, geri Stahl and Steve gordon.

A group of RJCL mentors and Doobie, the dog; along with Swansboro staff, at Back to School event at Swansboro Elementary.

www.JewishRichmond.org12| the Reflector| November 2011 . Cheshvan/Kislev 5772

One phone conversation can make a difference in the

lives of Jews in our community, in Israel, and around

the world. One phone conversation can help strength-

en social services and celebrate Jewish life. Answer-

ing the phone has never been so important: Pick it up

on Super Sunday, and make a generous contribution

to Federation. It’s a call that’s too imporant to miss.

SUNDAY DECEMBER 4, 2011

Jewish Community FederationOF RICHMOND

JewishRichomnd.org | (804) 285-6500