Mona Flax, president, United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, Robin Mancoll, UJFT’s chief program officer and senior director, Jewish Community Relations Council, and Rabbi Jacob Herber were among the participants.

 The bill would boost Nonprofit Security Grant Program funding to $1 billion that can be used by Jewish communities, create a new grant that can be used for places of worship, require the Department of Education to designate an antisemitism coordinator, and lay out new regulations to combat antisemitism at colleges that receive DOE funding. Additionally, the measure would require new disclosures about how online platforms moderate and respond to antisemitic content. 

  Over the last 12 months, Jews have been deliberately targeted with violent attacks threatening Jewish religious expression. In fact, during the week prior to the meetings, members of Congress received antisemitic death calls, and a commander of an Iranian-backed militia was charged with plotting to attack Jewish sites in the United States. This need for security funding extends beyond American Jewish communities – with three people killed last month in the shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego, including a security guard.  

 Americans of all faiths deserve the right to gather safely with their communities, which is why Jewish leaders joined Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Representative Dan Goldman (D-NY-10) on Capitol Hill to discuss the rising domestic security crisis and support the Jewish American Security Act. The Act is co-sponsored by Rosen and James Langford, a Republican from Oregon.

    “Jewish communities across the United States are facing a real and growing security crisis, and the federal government has a responsibility to ensure that all Americans can gather, worship, and live openly and safely as who they are,” said Hon. Eric D. Fingerhut, president and CEO of Jewish Federations of North America. 

  “This legislation represents one of the strongest congressional responses we have seen to the alarming rise in antisemitism and targeted violence against the Jewish community,” Fingerhut continued. “It sends a clear and unmistakable message: protecting Jewish Americans is not optional — it is an urgent national priority. We are proud to support this effort and urge Congress to act swiftly, because no American should have to live in fear simply for being Jewish.” 

  In Michigan this March, a terrorist crashed a car filled with weapons into Temple Israel, where more than 120 preschoolers hid in fear. If not for critical security training and personnel, this near massacre could have become one of the worst attacks on American soil since 9/11. This incident is one of many that underscores the tragic need for increased security to ensure Jewish Americans can gather safely and openly practice their faith. 

  “The Nonprofit Security Grant Program is the federal funding stream that helps houses of worship and community centers protect themselves,” Temple Israel’s Rabbi Jen Lader told the gathered members of Congress and Jewish leaders. “In our case, prior investment in our security infrastructure was the difference between the destruction of a building and an unspeakable tragedy. This funding is without exaggeration a matter of life and death.”  

  Jewish communities are being forced to choose between programs like schools, camps, food banks, and social services to meet increased security needs while demand outpaces the federal program Congress built to help. Proper funding ensures that all communities of faith will have access to critical security dollars, allowing all religious groups to practice freely. 

   Senator Jacky Rosen and Representative Dan Goldman expressed their support for the bill, discussing how they can champion Jewish safety in their states and around the country. 

  “The historic moment that we are in right now, here today, that we have come to through all of this, calls for an equally large effort, and that’s why today we are proud to introduce our bipartisan bill in the Senate and in the House to launch an aggressive and comprehensive domestic approach against antisemitism through our bipartisan Jewish American Security Act,” said Senator Rosen. “We will help keep Jewish students safe, will help secure Jewish community institutions, and we will help fight antisemitism online. 

  “In the last decade, we’ve seen record-breaking year after record-breaking year of antisemitic incidents. We’ve seen vandalisms, attacks, murder, threats on Jewish communities at schools and our college campuses, at Jewish-owned businesses, at our places of worship. But this last year has been one I will never forget,” continued Senator Rosen. “We must agree that intimidation, discrimination, violence, and even murder of Jews is always wrong and always unacceptable.”

 “The importance of fighting antisemitism, though, is not just for Jewish Americans, because we know through history that antisemitism may strike first, but it never strikes last….it may start with Jews one day, but it will go to another group the next day, and we saw an example of this in San Diego with a horrific attack on the Islamic Center,” said Representative Dan Goldman.  

 “My biggest takeaway” from the meetings, says Mona Flax, “was how engaged and interested Senator Mark Warner’s, Senator Tim Kaine’s, and Congressman Bobby Scott’s aides were.  Most of them were aware of the antisemitism but I could tell many were surprised by how personal the issue has become for all Jewish Americans. Telling personal stories brought the issue home.”

Jewish Tidewater has much to applaud with its graduates – the awards, impressive degrees, and outstanding plans are all worthy of celebrations.

Mazel Tov to all these graduates and their families!

Madeline “Maddie” Elyse Acosta 

Kempsville High School

Graduating with Honors, National Honor Society, Honorable Mention in District
Art Contest

Next: James Madison University, majoring in Political Science 

Maddie is the daughter of Alison and Bernard Acoste and granddaughter of Bonnie and Bob Rothschild.

Hayden Caplan

Cape Henry Collegiate 

Peer leader to the Class of 2029 at CHC; BBYO Regional Board Gizbor

Next: University of Arizona,
Eller College of Business 

Hayden is the son of Stacie and L.T. Caplan.

Avi B. Cardon

Tidewater Collegiate Academy 

Earned Advanced Diploma, along with Virginia Wesleyan University dual enrollment.

Next: Avi is staying local, excited to dive into the intersecting worlds of business and the creative trades

Avi is the son of Elyse and David Cardon.

Bella Rose Cardon

Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts   

Magna Cum Laude BFA 

Next: After some travel abroad, Bella will continue living in Richmond to expand her multi-disciplinary visual art practice while providing families lifestyle management support through expert home organization, personal assistance, and nannying

Bella is the daughter of Elyse and David Cardon. 

Brian Cohn

University of South Carolina

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with majors in Finance, Business Economics, Real Estate, and Risk Management – Insurance

University of South Carolina Outstanding Senior Award and graduated summa cum laude

Next: Brian will work as an advisor analyst at J.P. Morgan Private Bank in Palm Beach, Florida

Brian is the son of Lisa and Joel Cohn.

Jordan Cubitt

Kempsville High School
ATC Advanced Technology Center

Honor Roll

Next: JMU for Engineering

Jordan is the son of Dennis and Rochelle Cubitt.

Joshua Darrow

Washington and Lee University 

Phi Beta Kappa, Omicron Delta Epsilon, Honors in Economics, Johnson Scholarship for Leadership and Integrity, Reynolds Scholarship in Business Journalism, John McKenzie Gunn Economics Scholarship

Next: Two-year Research Assistantship at the Federal Reserve Board of Governors

Joshua is the son of Beth and David Darrow.

Graham Eilberg

Ursinus College 

Bachelor of Arts in Finance

Next: Assistant Basketball Coach at Ursinus College

Gram is the son of Donna and Seth Eilberg and grandson of Susan and Jim Eilberg. 

Lindsey Foer

James Madison University

College of Business-Accounting with Honors

Next: Working at the accounting firm, Stewart & Company in Virginia Beach 

Lindsey is the daughter of Tammi and Jerry Foer.

Dr. Ari Goldman

Auburn University

Ph.D. Aerospace Engineering

Next: Seeking a position designing and testing rocket propulsion systems

Ari is the son of Dean and Dr. Ilene Goldman.

Lainey Goldman

First Colonial High School 

Honor graduate

Next: James Madison University

Lainey is the daughter of Stacey and Todd Goldman.

Ella Goodove

Cape Henry Collegiate

Cum Laude Society, Karl Tewes Award Winner, First team TCIS lacrosse recipient

Next: University of Georgia

Ella is the daughter of Amy and Scott Goodove.

Charlie Gross

Frank W. Cox High School

Next: Loyola University New Orleans
to study Entrepreneurship in the College of Business. He was selected as a MAGIS Scholar and awarded Loyola’s merit-based Cardoner Opportunity Grant

 Charlie is the son of Kim and Michael Gross.

Samantha “Sammi” Jankell

Oscar F. Smith High School

International Baccalaureate, National Honors Society, National Science Honors Society, Mu Alpha Theta (National High School and Two-Year College Mathematics Honor Society), Section Leader for the Mighty Marching Tigers

Next: Virginia Tech Honors College on a Pamplin Leadership Scholarship

Sammi is the daughter of Shayna and Peter Jankell.

Brittany Johndrow

Baylor University-Doctorate of Pediatric Nursing

DNP project presented at
2024 NAPNAP Virtual Symposium

Next: Pursue position in pediatric primary care setting

Brittany is the daughter of Brian and Katherine McCann.

Carolena Johndrow

Western Branch High/Cosmetology at Chesapeake Career Center

Graduating with Honors

Next: University of Mary Washington-Biology major, Spanish minor

Carolena is the daughter of Steven and Brittany Johndrow. 

Ethan Kesser

Western Albemarle High School

Senior class president, member of National Honor Society, National English Honor Society officer, member of National Math Honor Society, National Science Honor Society, and National Social Studies Honor Society

Next: University of Virginia 

Ethan is the son of Bradley and Sonnia Kesser and grandson of Kay and Barry (of blessed memory) Kesser.

Martin Jackson Lemke

Frank W. Cox High School 

Next: University of Richmond as a D1 pitcher

Martin is the son of Shawn and Ashley Lemke.

Sam Levin

First Colonial High School

Next: Virginia Tech, majoring in Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Technology Management, Pamplin College of Business 

Sam is the son of Betty Ann and Scott Levin and grandson of Susan and Mayer Levy, Carol Levin, and Elaine and Herbert Levin (both of blessed memory).

Reese Longwater

Ocean Lakes High School

Math and Science Academy, Brock Center Environmental Studies Program, National Honor Society Publicity chair, and Bayfront Advisory Commission student member 

Next: Virginia Tech to study Agribusiness

Reese is the daughter of Karen and Adam Longwater. 

Kendall McKechnie

Bishop Montgomery High School, Torrance, California 

Next: University of Alabama  

Kendall is the daughter of Jim and Danielle McKechnie and granddaughter of Anne and Sandy Goldberg.

Anna Mirovski 

Touro College of Dental Medicine

Doctor of Dental Surgery

Next: Advanced Prosthodontics residency and Masters of Oral Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago

Anna is the daughter of Margaret Baumgarten and Max Mirovski. 

Sophia Mirovski

College of William and Mary

Bachelor of Arts in Psychological Sciences, Summa Cum Laude

Next: Master’s in counseling, University of Virginia School of Education and Human Development

Sophia is the daughter of Margaret Baumgarten and Max Mirovski.

Alyson Morrissey

Hebrew Union College

Executive Master of Arts in Jewish Education

Next: Continue serving as director of Lifelong Learning at Ohef Sholom Temple

Alyson is the daughter of Martha and David Javinsky. 

Elijah Morrissey

Granby High School

IB Graduate, Eagle Scout   

Next: Old Dominion University 

Elijah is the son of Alyson and Chris Morrissey.

Leia Morrissey

University of Virginia

Bachelor of Science in Architecture, minors in Architecture History and Global Sustainability, High Honors   

Next: Architectural Designer at Tymoff & Moss in Norfolk

Leia is the daughter of Alyson and Chris Morrissey.

Elijah Muhlendorf

The Hague School

International Baccalaureate diploma

Next: University of Virginia 

Elijah is the son of Alyssa and Jonathan Muhlendorf. 

Max Salomonsky

Cape Henry Collegiate 

National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Health and Medical Science Program Scholar, Senior Peer Leader, University of Maryland President’s Scholarship

Next: University of Maryland, majoring in Biology

Max is the son of Daniel and Jill Salomonsky. 

Helene Schulwolf

Tulane University

Major in Psychology and Linguistics, Summa Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa, Excellence in Linguistics Award, co-president of ACEing Autism, research assistant in lab, Dean’s List at eligible semesters

Next: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Master’s in Speech Language Pathology

Helene is the daughter of Lisa and Neal Schulwolf. 

Erin Wainger 

Norfolk Academy

Next: University of Maryland 

Erin is the daughter of Jill and Brian Wainger and granddaughter of Kathy and Jerry Kantor and Patti and Jules Wainger. 

Caroline Wainger 

Norfolk Academy

Next: Tulane University 

Erin is the daughter of Jill and Brian Wainger and granddaughter of Kathy and Jerry Kantor and Patti and Jules Wainger. 

Emily P. Weinberg

JMU Graduate Psychology Program, Applied Behavior Analysis Concentration

Master of Arts

Next: Board Certified Behavior Analyst for Augusta County Public Schools following the completion of her certification exam

Emily is the daughter of Lauren Lantz. 

Chloe Rose Zuckerman

First Colonial High School and Governor’s School for the Arts, Musical Theatre Department 

4-year Principal’s List graduate; GSA, Musical Theatre Department Graduation Speaker; numerous GSA and Virginia Musical Theatre productions

Next: Emerson College, BFA in Comedic Arts 

Chloe is the daughter of Megan and Steve Zuckerman and granddaughter of
Leslie and Larry Siegel and Phyllis and Bob Zuckerman. 

  The F. Craig Read Service Award honors individuals who have demonstrated sustained leadership, volunteerism, and dedication to HRACRE’s mission. Sacks exemplifies those values through decades of involvement and impact.

  Sacks became involved with HRACRE in the mid to late 1990s, first serving on the Programs Committee and later chairing the committee for many years. In 2006, he and Scott Adams established the HRACRE Internship Program, which Sacks chaired for many years and helped shape into one of the organization’s most impactful initiatives.

  In 2008, Sacks participated in HRACRE’s Strategic Planning Process, contributing to key initiatives that strengthened the organization’s role in the region, including enhanced legislative efforts, the revitalization of the HRACRE Presidents Council, and some of the earliest joint meetings among regional economic development offices.

Sacks served on the HRACRE board and executive committee for many years and was president in 2013. In 2013 and 2014, he taught “Legal Aspects of Commercial Real Estate” at Old Dominion University as part of HRACRE’s outreach efforts. His class, which frequently featured HRACRE members as guest lecturers, became the model for the expanded Internship Program. He says he is especially proud of the positive feedback he received from students, noting with humor that he never earned a single “chili pepper” on Rate My Professor.

  In 2019, Sacks received the Robert M. Stanton Real Estate Teacher of the Year Award from ODU’s Strome College of Business.

 In addition, Sacks served on the HRACRE REACH Foundation Board for several years and was president in 2024. During his tenure, he led the effort to create a permanent endowment for the HRACRE Internship Program. This endowment secures the program’s future, ensuring that students will continue to have access to meaningful commercial real estate internships for generations to come. The Internship Program endowment stands as one of Skip’s most significant and lasting contributions to HRACRE.

Along with all these volunteer efforts for HRACRE, Sacks finds time to occasionally write book reviews for Jewish News and assume the chair of Tidewater Jewish Foundation’s Gift Acceptance Committee. And, of course, he and is wife, Ellen, are the proud parents of Sam, Nate, and Hannah.

HRACRE is a commercial real estate organization serving Hampton Roads, focused on networking, education, and industry engagement. The organization brings together professionals across the commercial real estate sector to support collaboration and growth.

“Thank you very much for the generous gift of books!” Porter-Smith wrote. “Our students are already checking them out! One student in particular who is very proud of his Jewish faith and heritage was over the moon when I showed him the new titles.”

The books were sent as part of The Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM) Book Project, which brings Jewish stories to thousands of local students each year, many encountering this history and culture for the first time.

Carefully curated by a diverse volunteer committee of educators and community members, this year’s selections highlight the breadth of Jewish life while exploring universal themes such as identity, empathy, courage, and belonging. 

 Spanning elementary through high school, the books invite students to engage with meaningful questions, connect personal experiences to larger historical narratives, and develop a deeper understanding of both Jewish and American identity. The project is provided by United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s Konikoff Center for Learning, with generous support from the family of Rita Frank, in memory of Abraham E. Frank, and powered by local volunteers who help prepare and distribute the books. Through this collaborative effort, the initiative continues to foster curiosity, compassion, and meaningful conversation across classrooms throughout the region.

 Eight years after building the Shenkman Jewish Center, William & Mary Hillel’s engagement has exploded with success. During the 2024-2025 academic year, more than 440, out of the university’s approximate 650 Jewish students, attended programs at W&M Hillel at least once, and 90 students attended six or more events. During the 2025 – 2026 academic year, 525 Jewish students attended programs or events at least once and 101 students attended six or more programs. This massive increase in engagement is being celebrated as a significant achievement in Williamsburg. 

 Engagement success, says Rabbi Gershon Litt, executive director of W&M Hillel, has to do with teaching leadership and empowering students to succeed. The programs need to be engaging, recruitment strategies need to be in place, but the work on campus today is to find Jewish students wherever they may be both physically and philosophically and be willing to meet them there. 

  “Many Jewish students are not ready to come to a Jewish institution the first day on campus,” says Litt. “Their experience with Jewish institutions has not always been positive. A relationship can take time, and we need to go to where they are and help Jewish students see what Judaism and the Jewish people have to offer.” 

 This academic year, Rabbi Litt hired a part-time engagement professional to assist with student recruitment. A W&M Hillel success story, Lilly Tanenbaum became the president of the Hillel student board, graduated in 2025, and decided to stay at W&M to obtain her master’s degree in psychology. Tanenbaum was hired to add an engagement lens to everything that takes place at Hillel. 

 “Most of our programs are planned and facilitated by our student leaders. Lilly exemplifies the best of the best and she is now utilizing her skills to engage more Jewish students as staff,” says Rabbi Litt. 

 In addition to success in engagement, W&M Hillel saw incredible success in the Israel education space. Yeela Mimrod was the full-time Israel Fellow at W&M Hillel for the past two years and worked with Rabbi Litt, Tanenbaum, and the student board, to create a dynamic and inspirational Israel education program.  

 The Israel education program at W&M Hillel brought together students virtually every day of the academic year to examine the relationship between Jews in America and the Jewish state. Yeela had one-on-one coffee meetings, large classes, experiential cooking events, Hebrew classes, Israeli history and politics events, and much more. While Yeela will be leaving the area, W&M Hillel is looking forward to continuing the program with a new educator in the fall. Even during the recent wars, Rabbi Litt has not stopped leading Taglit Birthright Israel trips. His last Birthright trip was in January and his next trip, traveling with 37 students, is scheduled for June 8. 

 Engagement of Jewish students on college campus today is one of the toughest nuts to crack. William & Mary Hillel has not only cracked it but exploded in success. W&M Hillel needs more support to keep up with the growing need. 

To learn more about Jewish life at William & Mary or how to support the Jewish students on campus, contact Rabbi Gershon Litt at rabbilitt@wmhillel.org. 

William & Mary Hillel is a recipient agency of United Jewish Federation of Tidewater. 

As the school year winds down, many educators are already looking ahead, reflecting on what to maintain and what to change for the next year. In today’s classrooms, that reflection often includes navigating difficult conversations, addressing bias, and ensuring that every student feels safe and respected.

 The 2026 Tidewater Inclusive Educators’ Conference is designed with those realities in mind. Hosted by the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities, in partnership with the Jewish Community Relations Council and Holocaust Commission of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and United Jewish Community of the Virginia Peninsula, this two-day experience brings together educators from across the region for focused, practical learning.

 Educators are often called to respond to bias in real time—whether it arises in classroom comments, student interactions, or broader questions of identity and belonging—and this conference centers on what they need most: clarity, confidence, and practical strategies. 

 Participants will explore how to address antisemitism and identity-based bullying, facilitate meaningful conversations, and build stronger engagement across diverse classrooms. Just as importantly, the conference helps educators turn difficult moments into opportunities for learning, equipping them to approach sensitive topics with intention, guide students through tension, and foster environments that are both inclusive and accountable. The focus remains on immediately applicable skills that shape not only individual student experiences, but the broader culture of schools.

 A central element of the conference is its focus on connecting historical understanding to present-day student experiences. On the second day of the conference, participants will take part in a guided visit to the Virginia Holocaust Museum in Richmond, using this experience as a professional tool to deepen context and support more meaningful classroom discussions. By grounding contemporary challenges in historical reality, educators are better equipped to foster empathy, critical thinking, and informed dialogue among their students.

 For educators, this is an opportunity to strengthen practice alongside peers who understand the realities of today’s classrooms and to leave with tools that can make an immediate difference. Professional development that is both relevant and practical, can be difficult to find; this conference is intentionally designed to meet that need.

 Educators should consider registering today. If not an educator, consider sharing the conference with a teacher, administrator, or counselor. Encouraging participation helps extend the conference’s impact, reaching classrooms and students across the community.

 The registration fee (early bird fee of $25 through June 15) of $40 includes all materials, meals, transportation, and 13.5 Continuing Education hours. Scholarships are also available. 

The conference is made possible by a grant from Tidewater Jewish Foundation.

For more information or to register, visit InclusiveVA.org/tiec2026. 

 He was born on June 12, 1930. Irving retired from US Department of Defense in 1995 after more than 31 years, where he worked for the US Information Agency Voice of America, Naval Sea System Command SUPSHIP, Naval Air Rework Facility, and as a US Army soldier. His assignments took him to Navy ports around the world, from which he always returned with stories and gifts for his wife, daughter, and twin boys. While waiting for his wife to retire, Irv drove tour and school buses in Maryland. 

 After he and Jackie retired to St. Petersburg, Florida, he drove Pinellas County Florida school buses with his buddy, Stan. After retiring, Irv and Jackie lived in a Point Brittany, Saint Petersburg 12th floor condo with water views for 16 years. They explored at least 90% of the restaurants and all the flea markets on Florida’s Gulf Coast and cruised the Caribbean many times. In early retirement, they made high-speed drives up I-95 to visit Benay, Darin, and Suzanne in Pennsylvania and Maryland; and in later years flew to Singapore and Los Angeles to visit Adrian, Mandy, and Bella. 

 His interests and hobbies included car repair and resale; Ham radio; boating and fishing the Chesapeake Bay with Jackie and his kids; camping in North Carolina at Lazy B; touring on his Honda Gold Wing with Jackie sleeping on the back; hot dog stand owner and operator featuring a secret (and delicious) chili sauce; sharing time shares with his children in Mexico and Las Vegas; cruising with family and friends; and being the best pal of Poochie, Toto, and Toto2. Memberships and affiliations included FCC Amateur Radio License W3SEX; 50.7 Amateur Radio Catfish Network WA4IYJ; and LP Club Amateur Radio Leg Pullers Club membership. 

 He was predeceased by his father Nathan Alperin, mother, Belle (Horwitz) Alperin, and brother and sister-in-law, Willie and Billie Alperin. Survivors include Jacqueline Hecht Alperin, wife of 65 years; children Darin (Suzanne Baker) Alperin, Adrian (Mandy Holloway) Alperin, and Benay Alperin; and grandchild Bella Alperin-Holloway. 

 A memorial service was held at Altmeyer Funeral Home Southside Chapel. Following the service, his cremains were buried at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Norfolk. 

 In lieu of memorial donations/contributions; spend a week at sea with your spouse, relatives, or friends.

 He was born on April 26, 1937, and was a lifelong resident of Norfolk. He was the devoted son of Fannie Gurfein Friedman and Milton Levisohn Friedman, who were successful business owners of the Milton Music Company and other Norfolk business ventures. Leslie was a member of Ohef Sholom Temple in Norfolk.

 Leslie attended schools in Norfolk: Taylor Elementary, Blair Junior High, and graduated from Maury High School. He attended University of Virginia, graduating in 1961 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce.

 Leslie grew up in a home with his parents where music and art was much more than a business venture; music and art were a passion for his parents and through them, Leslie developed a passion and appreciation of music and art in all forms. Leslie, like his parents, was a strong supporter of the art communities, especially Virginia Symphony Orchestra, Virginia Arts Festival, Virginia Stage Company, Virginia Opera, and Chrysler Museum, as well as many other charitable organizations.

 The Virginia Symphony Orchestra honored Leslie at their November 2014 Annual Dinner as the longest serving VSO board member, as well as a sponsor of the Young Audiences of Virginia – supporting young musicians in the Hampton Roads area.

 Leslie also had a love of the United States Navy. This passion came from his years as a boy and young man boating the East Coast of the United States with his father, Milton, in the family motorboats. After graduating from University of Virginia, Leslie joined the Navy on Active Duty and served aboard a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier for four years and qualified as a Surface Warfare Officer and “drove” the aircraft carrier! After leaving Active Duty, Leslie transferred to the Naval Reserve where he served for 30 years, achieving the rank of Captain with numerous Command tours.

 He returned to Norfolk following the Navy to work with his parents in their various business ventures. After the passing of his parents, Leslie served as the director of The Fannie Milton and Leslie Friedman Family Foundation, which is a philanthropic organization established in 1996 and recognized for its commitment to voluntarism and philanthropy.

 Leslie leaves behind many friends and his love of the art communities in Norfolk.

 A memorial service was held at Ohef Sholom Temple. Donations may be made to the Virginia Stage Company.

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Thank you!

A shining, joyful moment: Bobby turning ninety five. 

From Philly roots to Waynesboro, she grew both bright and popular,

A star whose appeal and laughter made each room feel spectacular.

At RPI she studied hard, her future wide and deep, 

Till one day on 34th Street, fate took a sudden leap. 

She spotted someone playing handball—“Who is that handsome guy?” 

Her friend replied, “You don’t know Boodie Friedman? You two will surely fly.”

He asked her out not once but twice—each time she had a previous plan,  

The third? A boat in choppy seas—she said, “no way,” to that brave young man. 

Still, he tried again, and that fourth ask would be a start,

To a love that lasted seventy years, two souls, one beating heart.

On their first date she told him straight, “You’re going to marry me,” 

He laughed—but she was right, of course, as everyone could plainly see. 

She left her path as a physical therapist and built a life instead, 

With Boodie, her beloved prince, the one she chose to wed.

Now Norfolk is her kingdom where she’s lived a life so grand, 

Three children—Alan, LynneDee, Penny—her extraordinary band. 

Each morning with her crossword and her trusty orange slice, 

Though sometimes she’ll switch to a banana—for something different and nice.

Mom emphasized education and studying with thoughtful care,

Penny became an accomplished teacher, an educator extraordinaire. 

LynneDee supported children with unique special needs, 

Alan ensured pharmacy information would not mistakenly mislead. 

She writes, creates, imagines—Temple Israel knows it well, 

Her plays brought joy and laughter and the stories she could tell. 

A friend so true and trusted, with a Yiddish lilt so sweet, 

Who loves key lime and chocolate delights—her favorite dessert treats.

Bobby’s a Mahjongg Maven through and through, a knitter with great flair, 

A reader who librarians greet with joy when she is often there. 

When weather’s fine she jokes, “I played pickleball today!” 

Her kids all know she’s teasing—but they go with it anyway.

Working at UJF with Sonny Lefcoe—witty, warm, a dear, 

Who knew he’d be her mayechutan in a later, blessed year? 

With Darryl’s dental wisdom, panache, and charms galore, 

It’s clear that Bobby’s son Alan certainly did score. 

And family wove through friendships—how life can intertwine, 

Bobby’s mechutanim, Morty and Esther—were oh so very divine. 

Allan—a mister fix-it and believe us, this is not fakery, 

He made delicious bread at Richmond’s Weiman’s Bakery. 

For Bobby, mishpocheh is the center of her life, 

Mentor, guide, role model, mother and wife. 

Grammy to her grands and greats, each one a cherished treasure— 

JD, Andrea, Lee, and Orly—names she speaks with pleasure.

As if that wasn’t enough, great love abounds much more,

Generations continue to expand—it warms Bobby to the core. 

Penny’s joys are Allie, Ross, and Grace who joined the crew, 

Then Shane, Hugh, Maya, Vera—great grand blessings, too.

At ninety five she’s thriving still, silver hair and manicured nails,  

Driving off to Wegmans and home again to check her numerous emails. 

From her perch at the Oceans, watching surf and sky unfold, 

She speaks to her heavenly prince in whispers soft and bold.

So, Mom and Grammy, on this day, with hearts that overflow, 

With all our love, all our lives—and thanks—for countless ways you glow. 

May this small Mother’s Day surprise bring joy that brightly thrives, 

For the woman we adore so much—Bobby at ninety five.

— Your Children