1 Rodef Sholom Temple The Messenger rodefsholomtemple.org March - April 2021 | 5780

Rabbi’s Message - Rabbi Gilah Dror

Set Me Free Yes, hopefully, this will end soon. For example, the Hebrew phrase Hopefully, we will be back to “min HaMetzar” (out of the depths Emma Lazarus’ poem “The New some kind of new normal in the of despair) which we chant in Colossus,” inscribed on the Statue foreseeable future. But since we Hallel on holidays, and the Yiddish of Liberty, really inspired me when I are now approaching the second word “tzuris” (troubles), are both learned it as a child. Most especially, iteration of Passover in pandemic related to the Hebrew word I remember this part: “Give me mode, I find myself thinking: Mitzrayim. Both connote a sense your tired, your poor, your huddled of confinement and of forceable What have I/we learned from masses yearning to breathe restraint. free.” I must admit that I used to the experience of this past think that the phrase “yearning to year? And, in particular, how will Clearly, the pandemic has breathe free” expressed a feeling this experience impact my/our constrained us this past year, but that “they” had – once upon a time. upcoming Passover celebration? the virus is not the only source of confinement and of restriction in Now, however, as we all navigate Below, I share with you my our society. Racial discrimination, the choppy waters of the Covid-19 thoughts on these questions and, anti-Semitism and the horrific pandemic and despite being one of as always, I welcome your thoughts phenomenon of human trafficking the lucky ones, I personally identify and reactions. with that feeling of “yearning to are all modern instances that create breathe free.” Like you, I am sure, This year, I believe that I have a sense of living in Mitzrayim – in I am tired of the “restraints” that experienced a small, but significant, dire straits, today. Torah tries to our situation has imposed on us, fraction of what our ancestors must teach us sensitivity to others and necessary as they may be. have experienced over the 400 caring for the downtrodden by years of enslavement in Mitzrayim repeatedly reminding us not to (Egypt). I feel that I have tasted oppress the stranger in our midst, Religious Services just a bit of what people, then and reminding us that we were once slaves in Egypt. Please check your email for now, imprisoned by circumstances, living in fear and “yearning to As a result of my experiences this times to virtually connect to breathe free” experience/d. services. year, I understand the weight of And, it is enough. I understand these reminders more deeply. And, more. And, I want to help people I feel the Torah’s imperative to Office Hours who are still trapped and living in “love thy neighbor as thyself” more “Mitzrayim-like” circumstances. profoundly. Please call or email to speak The Hebrew word, Mitzrayim, is The beauty of the Passover story is with Rabbi or office staff. related to the many other Hebrew that it highlights not only the plight (and Yiddish) words that connote of oppressed people, individuals and Rodef Sholom Temple a sense of discomfort – a sense groups, but also the process of the 401 City Center Blvd. Exodus and of redemption. It gives Newport News, VA 23606 of being stuck in a bind, of being (757) 826-5894 constrained in a narrow space. us hope for a better future and a www.rodefsholomtemple.org March - April 2021 2

Adult Education - Weekly Topics on Parsha Studies Via Zoom 2021

March 2nd April 6th May 4th June 1st March 9th April 13th May 11th June 8th March 16th April 20th May 25th June 15th March 23rd April 27th June 22nd March 30th June 29th

Rodef Sholom Temple 401 City Center Blvd., Newport News, Virginia 23606 757.826.5894

Rabbi ...... Gilah Dror [email protected] Treasurer ...... Chip Goldstein [email protected] President...... Allen Fraley Recording Secretary...... Saul Gleiser [email protected] [email protected]

Immediate Past-President...... Steve Shapiro Financial Secretary ...... Arnie Abrams [email protected] [email protected]

Administrator...... Radie Maye Education Director ...... Gavrielle Bargash [email protected] [email protected]

Sisterhood Representative ...... By Committee 1st Vice President, [email protected] Fundraising & Administration...... Geoffrey Kostiner ...... [email protected] Men’s Club President ...... Johnny Parker

[email protected] 2nd Vice President, Education/Members Services...... Celia Rinaldo Ritual Committee Chair ...... Steve Meyerson [email protected] [email protected]

Web Manager...... Radie Maye rd 3 Vice Pres., Building & Grounds...... Jason Frank [email protected] [email protected] Messenger Editor...... Judie Kavit [email protected]

Rodef Sholom Temple 3 Rabbi’s Message - continued vision of how we can help to make entry in the 2021 Eurovision Song a woman who succeeds in freeing our world a better place. And, by Contest, which will be held in herself from a toxic relationship. retelling the Passover story, we are Norway this May. It highlights a sense of “yearning reminded that there are modern- to breathe free.” It speaks to Eden Alene’s parents were part of day stories of oppression, as well as the aspiration of human beings, this modern Exodus story. They stories of Exodus, of redemption, individuals and groups, to taste had immigrated to Israel from and of hope. For example, the story the flavor of a life of freedom in the Ethiopia, and Eden was born, in of Ethiopian immigration to Israel is fullest sense of the word. truly a modern-day Exodus story - Jerusalem 20 years ago. She was one which is very reminiscent of the educated in the religious stream The Passover story reminds us that Biblical Exodus from Egypt in ancient of public schools in Jerusalem and freedom is so much more than lack times. served in the army as a singer. of constraints. Freedom is the joy Now, she has been chosen to of having a sacred purpose in life – When I left Israel to return to represent Israel in the Eurovision a purpose that imagines all human the U.S. just about 20 years ago, contest. What an amazing beings as respected neighbors in I had been privileged to work moment for her, for the Ethiopian the world which we inhabit, with with Ethiopian immigrants who community, for Israel and for all of dignity and justice for all. We are settled in Beer Sheva. Just as in us. reminded that, with our active the Biblical Passover story, when participation, there can be light at our people needed 40 years of Eden’s story, and the story of the the end of the tunnel. wandering in the desert before Ethiopian immigration to Israel, they were truly ready to enter give witness to a process of Exodus As we contemplate the approach the Promised Land, there was and redemption – a process in of Passover this year, may we be so much work to do, helping which people, individuals and privileged to see the flourishing of the Ethiopian immigrants to groups, can move from narrow, a sense of true freedom, speedily, acclimate to Western society and dire straits, to a better place. It and in our time! to integrate them into the fabric is inspiring to know that Israelis I take this opportunity to wish you of Israeli society. I was privileged voted overwhelmingly to have a and your loved ones a happy and a to play a very small role in that daughter of Ethiopian immigrants Kosher Passover, filled with joy and “resettlement” effort. represent Israel on a world stage. with a taste of true freedom and Recently I read an article about, And, coincidentally, Eden’s song fulfillment. Next year in Jerusalem! Eden Alene, a 20-year-old Israeli choice, “Set Me Free,” reflects Rabbi Gilah Dror Ethiopian singer who was recently one of the major themes of the chosen to perform Israel’s song Passover story. The lyrics are about

New Year Greeting Book Corrections Email address for - Bev Phillips is [email protected] For the up-to-the-minute The correct phone number for - all things RST- Follow us on Facebook! Kenny & Robin Murov is 757-291-8048 Like us at: The correct phone number for - https://www.facebook.com/ Bonnie Brooks is 757-771-3705 rodefsholomtemple

March - April 2021 4 Eduction Director’s Message

Dear Rodef Sholom Temple Friends, It is so hard to believe that (while composing this article) we are almost approaching Purim! We continue to make the most of our virtual learning and are looking forward to connecting, hopefully in the very near future, in person. Nevertheless, our connections are meaningful and important. Our recent Kabbalat Shabbat session was beautiful, as our students took part in different areas of the service. A special thank you to our students, families, and teachers for participating and arranging such a wonderful service. Our Confirmation class had an exclusive opportunity to attend Dr. Richard Freund's two-part series entitled "Not Written in Stone: The Ten Commandments and Their Meanings in Their Ancient Near Eastern Context," along with our congregation and students from CNU. This experience was truly educational and filled with so much thought-provoking information. Our STAR and Confirmation classes were invited to hear Ms. Rebecca Brindza with Tikkun Olam Makers and the featured speaker for the UJCVP's Super Sunday event. This was a wonderful and interesting opportunity for our students. During each session our students continue to learn beneficial Jewish values, traditions, and lessons, and we always enjoy the beautiful and comforting Tefillot that Mrs. Barnett provides. The friendships and relationships built through RST and RST's Religious School are invaluable and special, and for that we are grateful. Here is to the new opportunities and learning that awaits us! Best always, Gavrielle

Rodef Sholom Temple 5 President’s Message

As you view this issue of the Messenger, I hope you will notice that our community is active and full of opportunities to engage. We continue to plan for this year’s activities, festivals, and simchas. So many are working on, and have delivered, fantastic programming opportunities for our congregation. In addition, our weekly services have been well attended. Please join us soon. Now is the time to be looking for Covid-19 vaccination opportunities. Continue to check with your physician, pharmacy, CVS, and others. Continue to read the news and pay attention to such opportunities. The CDC has good information, and if you haven’t seen it yet, the Virginia Department of Health has a statewide pre-registration and status check system at vaccinate.virginia.gov. Our task force continues to monitor the situation as we look to the near future with optimism. Things are moving in the right direction. I invite you to read the Task Force page in this issue of the Messenger for more information you may find helpful. A special yasher koach to our Blue Yarmulke Person of the Year, Steve Shapiro. and to Bill Becker for receiving a Lifetime Achievement award for the Seaboard Region of FJMC. Both honorees have done outstanding work, and our congregation is proud to have them represent RST. Mazel Tov! Allen Fraley

Temple News

Milestones: Condolences:

• Charles and Sue Friedman are proud to announce The congregation notes with sadness the passing of: that their youngest grandson, Noah Friedman, had • Harold Levinson, husband of Terry Levinson, father his Bar Mitzvah on December 19th in Houston, Texas. of Tony Levinson (Amy), grandfather of Lauren and Noah is the son of Ben and Tara Friedman. Alyssa Levinson. Harold Levinson is also survived • Steve and Mariea White welcomed their newest by numerous nieces and nephews and by Wayne great-granddaughter, Carolyn Jade Anderson, born Gousse who was like a son to him. Tuesday, January 26th, weighing 8 lbs. 3 oz., and 19 • Bruce Press, brother of Jeff Press, brother-in-law of inches, long to Ziven and Danielle Anderson. Marleen Press and son of the late Stanley & Laura Press. Bruce passed away from complications of Covid in Atlanta, GA. • Eugene (Gene) Wendell; husband of Sue Wendell; brother of Steve Wendell (Charlene); and father of Lauren and David.

March - April 2021 6 Todah Rabah Thank You! Olshansky Family Fund Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund Rodef Sholom Minyan Club

In appreciation for Ed Olshansky’s In memory of Bruce Grunwald In memory of Beverly Allen kindness Woody & Ann Chapman Larry & Danile Spokony Louis Osman In memory of Ethel Rogatz Krinick The Glasofer Family Bob & Meryl Kessler Education Fund Silverman-Schoenbaum Arnie & Elaine Abrams Fund In memory of Ethel Rogatz Krinick In honor of Adam Beiter achieving Sylvia Craft Eagle Scout In memory of Ethel Rogatz Krinick In honor of Saba Jay Warren’s Harvey & Doris Margulies Louis & Bobbi Sue Silverman birthday In honor of Sandy Katz’s 80th Shula, Tzachie, Vared & Yael Puder Ritual Committee birthday In memory of Stan Glasofer Jeremy & Deb Rycus & JoJo In memory of Rita Meyerson Bernard & Celia Friedland Richard & Joanne Gordon In memory of Eugene Wendell In memory of Irving Weinstein Evelyn Goodman Jonathan & Wendy Eisner Bernard & Celia Friedland Gemilut Chasadim (Acts of Arnie & Elaine Abrams In memory of Harold Levinson In memory of Bessie Banks Loving Kindness) Janet Glasofer Jonathan & Wendy Eisner With thanks to Martha Katz-Hyman In memory of Stan Glasofer Wishing Robin Levy a speedy Ellen Eisenberg Louis & Bobbi Sue Silverman recovery Herbert & Betsi Garfinkel Sylvia Craft In memory of Ethel Rogatz Krinick Saul & Carina Gleiser Len & Michelle Frank Sisterhood Torah Fund In honor of Charles & Sue Friedman’s Dina & Leon Familant grandson’s bar mitzvah Memorial Scholarship Fund In honor of the birth of Steve & Bernard & Celia Friedland Mariea White’s great-granddaughter In memory of Eugene Wendell Jay & Tova Warren In memory of Bessie Banks Janet Glasofer Harold & Aileen Familant Sisterhood Shalach Manot In honor of Elaine Abrams’ milestone In memory of Lewis Familant birthday Joe & Lynne Familant Geofrey & Lisa Nochminson Janet Glasofer In memory of Marvin Fish Ann & Woody Chapman In memory of Bruce Press Harold & Aileen Familant Janet Glasofer In memory of Lewis Familant In memory of Eugene Wendell Harold & Aileen Familant Gavrielle Bargash In honor of Steve Shapiro’s Blue Yarmulke Award Sylvia Craft In honor of the birth of Steve & Mariea White’s great-granddaughter Janet Glasofer

Rodef Sholom Temple 7 Todah Rabah Thank You! Building Fund – Relocation Bernice S. Gordon Fund

In memory of Ethel Rogatz Krinick In honor of the birth of Sylvia Craft’s Kenny & Robin Murov great-grandchild Marvin Posner Richard & Joanne Gordon Sondra Markoff Rosalind Damsky In honor of the bar mitzvah of Charles & Sue Friedman’s grandson In memory of Carolyn Murov Richard & Joanne Gordon Cathy Krinick In memory of Bessie Banks In memory of Gertrude Gordon Richard & Joanne Gordon Cathy Krinick In memory of Ethel Rogatz Krinick In memory of Buddy Holzsweig Richard & Joanne Gordon Cathy Krinick In honor of the birth of Brian & In memory of Stan Glasofer Jeanette Weinberg’s granddaughter Cathy Krinick Richard & Joanne Gordon In memory of Selma Petock In honor of the bar mitzvah of David Cathy Krinick Spigel Richard & Joanne Gordon In memory of Norman Petock Cathy Krinick In memory of Carl Goldenberg Richard & Joanne Gordon In honor of the birth of Sylvia Craft’s great-grandchild Norman & Bonnie Katzenberg Sadye C. Nachman Memorial Library Fund In memory of Shirley Carp Norman & Bonnie Katzenberg In memory of Jeff Press's brother, Bruce Press In honor of the birth of Brian Tsvi & Martha Katz-Hyman & Jeanette Weinberg’s first granddaughter In memory of Ellen Eisenberg's Kenny & Robin Murov mother, Bessie Banks Tsvi & Martha Katz-Hyman

Wishing Ettalea Kanter a complete and speedy recovery Tsvi & Martha Katz-Hyman

March - April 2021 8 Yahrzeits

The names of these loved ones will be called on these weekends: March 5-6, 2021 March 12-13, 2021 March 19-20, 2021 March 26-27, 2021

Davis Familant Joan Aaron Bessie Altman Lena Eisenberg Friedman Lillian Familant Sylvia Garfinkel Carmel Max Aronoff Sarah Gutterman Robert Neulander Raphael Feldman Miriam Carmel George Posner Anna Seigel Bernard N. Flax Bernice Euzent Louis P. Spritzer Siegfried Stern Shirley Goldstein Murray Golding Jack Miller Ida Strauss Newman Charles Gutterman Jules Morgenstern Julius Conn Jr Nathan Rosenbaum Annie January Jack D. Silverman Jacob A. Kirsner Elliott Abraham Marion R. Mirmelstein Rose Blackman Brenner Marvin I. Mazur Jacob Benjamin Damsky Bertha Rosenstein Alexander Sodden Maurice Marvin Portnoy Joseph Gold Bessie Blackman Clara Spritzer Kate W. Sachs Jeannette Korfin Percy Carmel Ludwig Stern Lionel Serating Charles A. Levinson Louis Chernock Myer "Mike" Beresh Patricia Smith Jennie Becker S. Herman Goldberg Abraham Gross Sandra Tilles Snyder Daniel Berlin Louis Katz Edell Gabel William A. Chait Ida Braslow Jacob Sandler Joseph Getsug Murrie Hyman Sherman Aaron Kathy Wood Gertrude Gordon Shirley Klein Clevenson Minnie Meyhr Cohen Ida Minkoff Cecilia Korsen Hilda Kirsner David Lapidus Selma "Bebe" Petock Robert Aaron Levin Sidney Kaplan Louis B. Mirmelstein Reba Aronoff Mary Morganstein Robert W. Lerner Pauline Vogel Rose Goldman Bessie Tessler Rhoda Spokony Sarah Ornoff Abelkop T. Hornsby Fannie Waxman Doris Starr Marie Penn Blechman Ernest Katzen Judith Anapol Carl Anapol Bertha Gellman William Richman Pearl Smith Caplon Harry Blackman Milton M. Katz Freida Silverman Samuel Fox Myrtle S. Braslow Rose Frances Levinson Eve Avedon Spirn Jack Greene Jeanette Cooper Glasser Anna Tickler Carlton January Greenberger Gertrude Richman Frieda Adelson Abraham Kalkin Saul Minkoff Anna Slutsky Isaac Greenspon Rebecca Klaff Sylvia Freed Moonves Joseph W. Jacobson Elinore Blumenson Kavit Morris H. Lieberman Al Snyder Arthur Segall, Sr. Morton Miles Zedd Sadye Nachman Neufeld Dolly Katzenstein Seymour I. Wilks Ethel L. Simon Lena S. Tannen Minnie Smith Cohen Irene Leah Cohen Cynthia Beth Katz Phillip Fox Marcia Lynn Levy Olitsky Arthur Levy Grace Wise Morris Pearlman Israel Bodner Nellie F. Rosenbaum Rebecca Greenberg Ida B. Kramer Jacob Ofsa Gertrude Simon Matilda Greenfeld Rose L. Gural Louis Heller Frederick D. Margulies David Recant Rodef Sholom Temple 9 Yahrzeits, continued

The names of these loved ones will be called on these weekends: April 2-3, 2021 April 9-10, 2021 April 16-1, 2021 April 23-24, 2021

Mary Levitzky Rose G. Chernock Philip A. Abraham Anna Bernstein Herman Massell Isaac Drucker Leon E. Diamondstein Herbert B. Lewitt Dora Spector Celia Goldman Harry Frank Max Moliken Abraham Bailey Hyman Seltzer Harry Friedland Ethel Workman Esther Cudisevici Milton Friedman Lena Laibstain Goodman Ana Maria Alvarez-Mena Sol Goldblatt Bertrum N. Legum Dr. Emmanuel Greenspon Joseph Klein Naomi Harris Yetta Smith R. Lorraine Morewitz David Kruger Isabel S. Ostheimer Esther Meyhr Cannon Al Sugerman Laura L. Press Eunice Liebman Portnoy Reuben Epstein Anne Weinstein Ben Jacobs Gertrude Greenberg Bob Siegel Minnie Zilber Diane Korfin Norman Kroncik Sadye Massell Blechman Rose F. Caplan Mary Millin Marks Bertha Stern Spigel Fannie Blumenthal Maurice Erlach Harry Perzekow David Waranch Martin William Damsky Bessie Pear Jacobs Fred Soefer Florence M. Block Edith Smith Kane Thomas J. Casey,Sr. Harry A. Green Sarah Ethel Nevias Samuel S. Morewitz Barney Farber Melvin Klein Rose Portnoy Strauss James Cohen Max Lemer Emil Margolis Sarah Frank Arroll Sarah Epstein Sol Nachman Mary Marks Milton Familant Alex Lipsitz Shirley Rogers Boris Rosenfeld Amelia Morris Leopold Riibner Maurice Solomon David Smith Johnny Lee Pack Donald W. Rosenbaum Anna Teichman Milton Weinstein Ita Pomeranz Anna Cohen Helen Weiser Tyler Ford Bialek Ben Weiner Herbert Gerald Hotchner Rosa Bregman Damsky Benjamin Blackman Samuel Zedd Esther Katzenberg Anne Moliken Ruth Blumenthal Annie Goldstein Brown Dorothy Lichtenstein Rae Astor Tillie S. Diamonstein Irene Bookbinder Leifer Charles Salken Leatrice Brooke Nathan Eidels Hilda Levy Rose E. Sandler Joseph Burlock Goldie Epstein Fisch Marion Markowitz Jacob Schatzman Rev. A. B. Mirmelstein Joseph Klein Yenta Reva Siegel Charles L. Segaloff Alfred Simon Seymour Rogoff Eva Arch Meyer Kanter Carol A. Spigel Herman Smith Abraham "Abe" Firestone Dora Leicher Louis B. Tuchmann Benjamin Weisenfeld Edna Margolis Franklin Sara Omansky "Sassi" Levy Mildred K. Fox Gabriel Brown Leah Gross Sarah Morewitz Simcha Friedman Rebecca Diamondstein David Levine Henry Sachs Irwin Heller Samuel Friedleng Nehama (Nina) Miroyan Katie Kaplan Jene Highstein George H. Nataupsky Dr. Lynn Levitt Kruger Doris G. Jacobs Marian Sandler Nataupsky Carolyn Ruderman Belle Levinson Lillian Z. Rogatz Joseph Silverstein Anna Abel Cohen Harry Stein Zipporah Friedman Benjamin Vogel Anna Goodman Mark Voloshin Clarence I. Klein Golda Kramer Martin Nochimson

continued on page 10

March - April 2021 10 RST Sisterhood Our annual Torah Fund program this year featured the Ezring family: Barbara Ezring, who is the International WLCJ Torah Fund chair, the moderator; her husband, Rabbi Murray Ezring, the interim rabbi at Congregation Beth El in Norfolk, and their son, Cantor Gil Ezring, the interim cantor at Bet Torah in Mt. Kisco, NY, as Rabbi Ezring and Cantor Ezring discussed their decisions to become clergy and their experiences at the Jewish Theological Seminary. Cantor Ezring sang several of his own melodies to familiar verses and prayers. In addition, Debbi Kaner Golditch, president of Women's League, Cathy Litofsky, president of Women's League's Seaboard Region, and Marjorie Fuhrmann, Seaboard Region Torah Fund vice-president, joined us. Thank you to everyone who has donated to Torah Fund this year; it is not too late to do so! Go to https://inspired.jtsa.edu/torahfund to easily donate online. Plans for our March meeting are not yet set. Watch your emails for more information. Wishing the entire congregation a sweet and kosher Passover! Sisterhood Coordinating Committee

Yahrzeits, continued from pg. 9

April 30 - May 1, 2021

Irving Klesmer Kay Andrea Scher Bella Levien Donald Strouse Solomon Paster Adolph B. Banks Theodore H. Beskin Sophie Levy Ellis J. Graff Helen Cooper Schmerling Harry D. Gross Samuel M. Aaron Frances S. Krinick Louis Becker Martin J. Krinick Edward Elsberg Alan B. Nataupsky Robert Passovoy Max Spritzer Meyer Slater Frances Stadlin Irwin B. (Buck) Freedman Mary E. Summers Jacob Milner Robert David Wendell Steven Sidney Ruben Anita L. Abrams Albert Schy Ralph M. Becker Isabelle Yolen Minnie Kessler Lyla Rubin Longman Fannie Goldstein Lewitt Anne Kabik Posner Bessie Mazur Jean Morgan

Rodef Sholom Temple 11

A Message from the RST President & COVID Committee

Please- right now- register for your Covid-19 vaccination if you have not already done so. We hope every member of our RST community gets vaccinated as soon as they can.

Vaccinations may be available through your own primary physician, Riverside and Sentara Hospitals, CVS, the Denbigh Pharmacy, and other local providers & pharmacies.

The vaccinations are safe and effective. The risk of a serious adverse reaction to a vaccination is ex- tremely rare, especially compared to the risk of complications from a Covid-19 infection. The public goal is total vaccination, and if a vaccination is available to you, then the recommenda- tion is for you get it as soon as possible.

The pandemic tragedy affects all of us in many ways. There is a high local risk of infection. To pro- tect ourselves and others, and to stop the spread of Covid-19, it is critical we all wear masks in pub- lic, wash our hands regularly, and maintain social distancing from others we do not live with. The more people you are in contact with, the more likely you are to be exposed to Covid-19.

CDC.gov is an excellent, useful, and reliable source for the most up to date information. Until this pandemic is over, there remains a real risk of acquiring and potentially transmitting this infection to others in the community. Everyone enhances their own safety and public safety by getting vaccinat- ed, adhering to published guidelines, and seeking medical attention if they are ill. The CDC website details what you need to know about the symptoms of Covid-19, who should get tested, and how to prevent getting sick.

Vaccination is the solution we have all been waiting for. Locally, some primary care physicians are scheduling patients at high-risk for severe illness. Please- today- contact a vaccine provider and register for your vaccination.

Please get vaccinated, stay alert, and stay safe.

March - April 2021 12

TO THE RODEF SHOLOM TEMPLE FAMILY SAVE THE DATE: A CELEBRATION IS PLANNED! August 1, 2021 will be Rabbi Gilah Dror’s 20th Anniversary as the Spiritual Leader of Rodef Sholom Temple.

What a wonderful occasion for a celebration…

But, since we’re in the middle of a Pandemic, we think it’s important to postpone the celebration to JANUARY 7-9, 2022

As we progress through Covid-19 toward a reopening of our Temple building, we hope we will be able to confirm these dates. In the meantime, mark them on your calendar and plan to join us on Friday, January 7, 2022 for Kabbalat Shabbat and Oneg Shabbat Saturday, January 8, 2022 for Shabbat Service and Kiddush Luncheon Sunday, January 9, 2022 for a Sunday Brunch MORE DETAILS TO FOLLOW!

Rodef Sholom Temple 13

Meet RST Members Edward Mayer Olshansky

Edward lives in Newport News/Stratford Manor and has been with RST since birth which is 72 very exciting years!

1. My favorite part of Rodef Sholom Temple is ____ 8. If I won the lottery, my top 3 spends/gives would be: and I wish: Edward said: If I won the lottery my top three gives Edward said: My favorite part of RST is leading would be going to Rodef Sholom Temple, the UJCVP, minyans and all parts of Shabbat and Festival and Jewish Family Service. services and, I wish that I could return in person to the RST Sanctuary to pray with fellow congregants in 9. I admire someone who is/does: person. Edward said: Who listens, and honors, and validates, another individual's opinion. 2. You may be surprised to know that I : Edward said: You might be surprised to know that I try 10. I am looking for someone to go with me: to acknowledge and communicate my Mazel Tov to Edward said: to visit the elderly shut-ins in our those folks celebrating a birthday or an extraordinary community who would benefit from a visit from a accomplishment in their Llife. caring individual to share their Inner Light with.

3. My life’s work is/has been: Edward said: My life's work has been helping others, making their lives better, thus making my life better.

4. I’m looking forward to saying: Edward said: When I die that my words and my actions preserved a strong and vibrant Jewish Community for the next generation and generations to come.

5. The accomplishment I am most proud of: Edward said: The accomplishment that I am most proud of is serving on the boards of Rodef Sholom Temple and the American Cancer Society.

6. My perfect day would be: Edward said: Getting some exercise in at home and taking a long walk with a friend at Fort Monroe or the Noland Trail.

7. My motto is: Edward said: Make sure that I am honoring the memories of my parents every day by what words I use and what actions that I take.

March - April 2021 14

Thinking of ways to enhance your Passover? Consider one or all of the following online programs. There are a variety of topics to fuel your imagination and leave you with lasting memories. Registration links to follow via email.

ScholarStream from the Rabbinical Assembly: Reimagining Exodus Through Stories, Songs and Sightseeing - March 4, 1-2 PM : Ilana Kurshan, "Sorcery and Secret Arts: Magic and Demonology in the Lore of Passover, Then and Now"

March 11, 1-2 PM: Dr. Stephen Arnoff, "These Songs of Freedom: Discovering the Rock and Roll Canon for Passover"

March 4, 7 PM : Martha Katz-Hyman presents : "So Many Haggadot! How to Choose One For Your Seder"

March 8, 7 PM : Jenette Kuvin Orin an internationally acclaimed Judaic artist from My Jewish Learning, presents: Art for Your Passover Seder- fun ideas to enhance your table and menu. To register: https://forms.gle/cGdHfkXMxDp2ctt39

Hebrew College presents Cantor Danny Maseng: Sunday, March 14, 4:00-5:30 PM Pesach: The Sweet, the Sour and the Unexpected . Cantor Maseng will weave together story, song, and tzimmes to deepen our preparations for Passover 5781.

Rodef Sholom Temple 15

New Simcha Board

How do we recognize and celebrate life’s sweetest moments?

When we have a simcha or happy event, we want to hold onto those memories and have a reminder of our joy. Rodef Sholom and B’Nai Israel each had a simcha board in their old buildings. We came up with a beautiful way to blend our joy together by installing a beautiful piece of art, a Tree of Life, that is also our new simcha board. If you have not had a chance to see the new simcha board in the front hallway, I hope that you will take a moment the next time we are all allowed back into the building to check it out.

This tree of life is our opportunity to celebrate life’s wonderful events in a permanent way. We have included the simcha honors from the past and there is still plenty of room to commemorate many events in the future. If you are interested in purchasing a leaf on the simcha board tree, please contact the Temple Office.

RST Simcha Board Leaf Purchase Form ($250/leaf )

Your Name: ______

Phone: ______

Email Address: ______

Name on Leaf: ______

Occasion: ______

Date: ______

Leaf Color Preference: Copper Gold Silver

Leaf Location Preference: See Above

March - April 2021 16 Non-Profit Rodef Organization Sholom U.S. Postage Paid Temple Newport News, VA 401 City Center Blvd. Permit No. 30 Newport News, VA 23606 ELECTRONIC ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Sisterhood Mishloach Manot Purim Bags

Thanks to everyone who contributed and helped to as- semble this year's Sisterhood Mishloach Manot Purim bags. Through the congregation’s generosity, we made a sub- stantial donation to the Food Bank of the Virginia Peninsula. Details will be available in our weekly email and in the next Messenger.

The delicious homemade hamantaschen were prepared by Evelyn and Richard Mason.

Bags were packed and delivered by Tova Warren, Elina Blaha, Bonnie Brooks, Cheryl Spatt, Elaine Abrams, Celia Rinaldo, Bogie Eduoard, Danile Spokony, Stacey Herwitz and her mom Melanie, Disraeli Brooks, Sydney Frank, Zoe Epstein, Barbara Gordon, Ellen Waranch, Jenni Connolly, Ann Chap- man, Beverly Phillips, Allen Fraley, Arnie Abrams, Martha Katz-Hyman, Howard Kessler, and Carol Bender.

Thanks again to all who contributed. Danile Spokony

Rodef Sholom Temple