Thursday, May 29, 5:30 pm, Sandler Family Campus
The Konikoff Center for Learning at the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater is ending its year by celebrating the educators whose expertise and warmth have enriched Tidewater’s Jewish community. “Learning is being alive in a better world. I am grateful for all the opportunities offered at the Jewish community,” says Evalyn Horowitz, a learner.
The free event which includes dinner, is open to all ages. For more information or to register, visit JewishVA.org/Learn4Life.
A few of Tidewater’s incredible Jewish educators are recognized here.
Rabbi Michael Panitz
Scholar, storyteller, and community treasure.
Renowned for his encyclopedic knowledge and engaging teaching, Rabbi Michael Panitz brings Jewish history to life with depth, humor, and modern connections. These learners agree:
“Rabbi Panitz is one superb teacher! He has a vast mastery of history as well as the Torah and connects those two areas in the most understandable (and often humorous!) way.”– Myrna Teck, PhD
“I’ve taken many classes with Rabbi Panitz, including graduate Melton classes, antisemitism classes, and now a class on Jewish views of the afterlife. He asks questions that make you think, but he always has the answers.” – Vivian Margulies
“I had been working on my series of Biblical novels, and after hearing how wonderful a teacher Rabbi Panitz is, I signed up for a course with him. I must say, Rabbi Panitz is one of the kindest, most insightful, golden-tongued, erudite teachers I’ve ever been privileged to learn from.” –Elizabeth Clifford Murphy (author of “The Faithful Harlot”, available summer 2025)
Alene Jo Kaufman
Facilitating joyful, interactive learning
Alene Jo Kaufman’s classes foster dynamic, participatory learning, encouraging exploration and making every session memorable. Kaufman’s students say this about her:
“Alene gave a talk to our JCC Seniors Club on why Jewish people do or do not do certain customs or rituals. This talk helped Jewish and non-Jewish folks gain a better understanding of our many beautiful traditions.” – Sherry Lieberman
“I can’t say enough about learning with Alene Kaufman. The topic was Bereshit (Genesis), and she did an excellent job guiding us through some of the consequential events in that book of the Torah. She engaged us in lively, interactive discussions in every class. I hope she will keep teaching because I will keep coming.” – Joel Rubin, APR
“Alene does not lecture but opens the class to participation by encouraging thoughts, comments, and questions. The Bereshit course was beautifully organized to present midrash from the ancient to the modern. Alene always brought her evident joy and enthusiasm for studying Bible text – it was contagious.” – Lorna Orleans
Dr. Amy Milligan
Creating safe spaces for growth and understanding
Dr. Amy Milligan’s engaging style creates supportive spaces where learners of all backgrounds feel empowered to grow. Milligan’s students have much to say about her:
“I’m about to finish my latest Melton class with Dr. Milligan. The topical nature of this class (the history of antisemitism), combined with Amy’s engaging teaching style, makes it that much more enjoyable (if learning about something horrible can be enjoyable). I look forward to my next class from Amy, whatever it might be.” – Janet Kass
“Dr. Milligan’s classes have been a comfort over the past two difficult years. I don’t normally seek classes out for comfort but rather for knowledge. However, Dr. Milligan has provided a safe, supportive environment where all levels of learners can grow and have a voice.” – Shyanne Southern
“I have had the pleasure of taking two disparate courses with Amy Milligan – Jewish Humor and currently the History of Antisemitism. Amy handled both subjects with grace and erudition. She encouraged us to participate in the discussions while helping us to elucidate our thoughts. At the end of the first course, I hoped that Jewish humor would last forever, and at the end of the second course, we all hope for abiding change.” – Diane Muhlendorf
Other esteemed educators
The impact of the Konikoff Center for Learning’s educators extends beyond courses offered by UJFT and includes partnerships.
For example, Ruth Schepper learned with Chabad of Tidewater’s Jewish Learning Institute, and says, “I will never be able to thank Rabbi Margolin enough. He is unique, a master spiritual teacher.”
Elizabeth Clifford Murphy participated in the community-wide Rabbi Sacks Book Club and says, “Craig Schranz is another educator who leads incredible discussions. The Rabbi Sacks Book Club meetings are filled with amazing local Jewish (and other) thinkers and lifelong learners.”