Jewish News appreciates all who support the newspaper with generous contributions – whether in honor of or in memory of friends or loved ones or as a Friend of Jewish News.

In memory of
Mark McKenna
Terri and Steve Budman

To donate, please go to jewishnewsva.org/donate/ or send a check, 

with details of who should be notified of your contribution, to:

Jewish News

5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Suite 200

Virginia Beach, VA 23462

No matter the reason for giving, all contributions are appreciated.

Thank you!

Mazel Tov to all these graduates and their families!

Madeline “Maddie” Elyse Acosta 

Kempsville High School

Graduating with Highest Honors, Varsity Field Hockey All Region honorable mention

Next: Christopher Newport University majoring in Biology/Health Science

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

Devon Olivia Parker-Ashe

Virginia Tech

Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Public Health

Next: Eastern Virginia Medical School, Class of 2030.

Devon is the daughter of Dr. Allison R. Ashe and the granddaughter of Michel and Marilyn Ashe.

Jamie Levin

Eastern Virginia Medical School 

Next: Internship at MCV in Richmond

Jamie is the daughter of Ted and Cindy Levin and the granddaughter of Pauline Levin and Gilbert Levin (of Blessed Memory).

Samantha Levin

Brown University 

Degree in Environmental Science Graduated with Honors and Phi Beta Kappa 

Next: Working for the City of New York. 

Samantha is the daughter of Drs. Lawrence and Marianne Levin and the granddaughter of Pauline Levin and Gilbert Levin (of blessed memory).

Evan Nied

University of Virginia 

M.S. in Commerce, with a concentration in Business Analytics.

Evan was a Jefferson Scholar.

Next: After traveling throughout Asia, Evan will move to New York City and work as a Strategy Analyst at JPMorgan Chase. 

Evan is the son of Emily and Joel Nied and grandson of Renee and Stephen Caplan and Thelma Nied.

Moriah Schranz

Maury High School

Next: Hevruta Gap Year Program in Israel and then Washington University in St. Louis, Mo.

Moriah is the daughter of Craig and Joanna Schranz.

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. 

 This new project will bring together fitness, lifelong learning, cultural, and social opportunities to help older adults across Tidewater stay active, connected, and engaged. By building on existing programs and strengthening community partnerships, the initiative will expand access and create more opportunities for meaningful connection. 

 Rooted in connection, lifelong learning, wellness, and purpose, this evolving approach is designed to help older adults across Tidewater stay active, engaged, and thriving. 

 More details will be announced soon. In the meantime, to learn about the current myriad opportunities for engagement, visit JewishVA.org/adults or contact Sarah Cooper, Center for Active Living manager, at Scooper@ujft.org or 757-452-3184.

 Gil lived a remarkable and deeply meaningful life marked by curiosity, adventure, service, and love. Strong yet gentle, brilliant yet humble, he touched countless lives through his warmth, generosity, and genuine care for others. He had a rare gift for leaving every person, every place, and every life experience better than he found it.

 A true Renaissance man, Gil embraced life fully. He was a world traveler, avid sailor, master gardener, competitive Scrabble player, and lifelong student of the world around him. He found great joy in nature and remained connected to it throughout his life—tending his beautiful gardens and beloved fishpond until just three weeks before his passing.

 Gil was also a cancer survivor whose resilience, determination, and appreciation for life reflected the strength of his character. He faced challenges with courage and continued to live with optimism, purpose, and gratitude.

 Gil graduated from Virginia Tech and later earned a master’s degree in Horticulture from Cornell University. Although his education began in the natural sciences, life took an unexpected turn after he met and married the love of his early life, Roberta Binder. Together they built a family and shared many years before her passing 22 years ago. Her memory remained an enduring part of his life.

 Professionally, Gil built a successful career in insurance and estate planning, helping individuals and families prepare thoughtfully for the future. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he dedicated himself to serving others through volunteer work with Jewish Family Service, where he played an instrumental role in establishing the Personal Affairs Management Program (PAM). The program became recognized as a Model Program by the Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging and continues to support individuals and families today. Gil did not simply participate in his community—he helped shape it.

 Gil was one of life’s fortunate souls who experienced true love twice.

 In his later years, he found deep companionship and joy with his beloved life partner, Sylvia Kaplan. Together they built a beautiful, blended family filled with laughter, love, and shared adventures.  They were so connected that they were fondly referred to as ‘Gilva’ (Gil+Sylvia).

 Gil is survived by Sylvia Kaplan and her daughters, Lisa Stern and Bonnie Sterling, along with their spouses, children, and grandchildren.

 He is also survived by his daughters, Dr. Lisa Barr and her life partner Kelly Hayes of Virginia Beach, and Dr. Shelley Binder and her husband Mark Knebusch of Knoxville, Tenn.; his granddaughter Becca Barr of Virginia Beach; and his grandson Josh Barr and his wife Felice Herman of Fairfax, Va. and his step granddaughters Tamsin and Sara Keh.

 His Coast Guard adventures, sailing stories, travels, gardens, and legendary Scrabble matches will continue to live on through family gatherings and cherished memories for generations to come.

 Gil’s greatest accomplishment was not found in titles or achievements, but in the love he gave, the lives he enriched, and the example he set.

 His memory will remain indelibly etched in the hearts and minds of all who knew and loved him.

Donations in Gil’s memory may be made to Jewish Family Service of Tidewater or the Norfolk Botanical Garden.  There will not be a formal funeral.  A Celebration of Life will be planned in the future.

 Fair winds and following seas, Gil.

 You were deeply loved and will be deeply missed.

 Mrs. Goodman was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Goodman and Hilda Deluty Goodman, and her brother, George Goodman.

 She served as a teacher and librarian for the Virginia Beach Public Schools for many years. She studied and taught visual literacy and was an advocate for multimedia before the rest of us had even heard of it. Nobody ever beat her in a game of Scrabble.

 Survivors include her loving husband of 34 years, Carmine Anthony Nobile; her son, Jim Bander (Kassy); and her daughter, Holly Marx (Jim); grandchildren Tyler Marx (Kate), Kylie Marx, and Lauren Bander Schwenn (Kyle); as well as her brothers, Milton Goodman and Howard Goodman, and sister, Susan Jones.

 Services were private. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Friends and family may offer condolences at smithandwilliamskempsville.com.

 Born on October 26, 1961, in Brooklyn, New York, to Theodore and Shirley (Katz) Perrone, Randi carried the spirit of her beginnings throughout her life, meeting the world with adventure, compassion, and an open heart.

 After moving to Virginia Beach, Randi worked in her father’s many Italian restaurants, where she developed her remarkable talent and love for cooking. Following her graduation from Kellam High School, she attended James Madison University and earned a bachelor’s degree in political science.

 Always embracing new adventures, Randi began a career as a flight attendant with People’s Express Airlines in the late 1980s. Her passion for travel and connecting with others led her to continue flying all over the world with Continental Airlines and later United Airlines, where she worked until her retirement in the late 2000s. She loved exploring new places, experiencing different cultures, and sharing stories from her travels with family and friends. Her years in the airline industry perfectly reflected her adventurous spirit and her love of meeting people from all walks of life.

 Randi lived a life marked by deep love for her family and a genuine interest in people. One of her greatest gifts was her ability to make others feel welcomed, valued, and appreciated. 

 She is survived by her loving husband of 39 years, Gary Kerfoot, whose partnership and devotion stand as a testament to enduring love and commitment. She also leaves behind her four daughters, Morgan (Brody) Giger, Tyler Kerfoot, Madison Kerfoot (Ryan Kroft), and Raegan Kerfoot (Zach Kurtz), who were the pride and joy of her life. Above all else, Randi was devoted to her family.

 In addition to her children, Randi was a cherished grandmother of five: Hudson (12), Sawyer (11), Addison (8), Stetson (7), and Teddi (6), with a sixth grandchild expected in just a few months. She treasured each of them deeply. The love she shared with her grandchildren will remain a lasting part of their lives and live on through the memories they will forever hold dear.

 Randi also shared a loving relationship with Karson Benton (12), and other close relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Theodore and Shirley (Katz) Perrone, and is survived by her brother, Michael Perrone, and nephew, Joseph Spencer.

 Per her request, cremation took place and no services or memorial gathering will be held.

 She was born in Detroit Michigan and was the daughter of the late Louis Ackman and Dorothy Lese. She is survived by her husband of 31 years, Gary A. Parro; step-children, Dale Parro, Katrina Pentz, and Jennifer Parro; and her two daughters, Larissa Keiper and Daria Allen. She is also survived by her last sibling, Mitzi and her husband Michael Ashe, four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, as well as extended family members including nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friends.

 She was preceded in death by her brother Nathaniel Ackman, her sister-in-law Vivian Ackman, older sister Sylvia Cohen, and her brother in law David Cohen.

 Molly and Gary were married on December 30, 1989. She was a graduate of Maury High School and worked as a legal secretary.  She loved to dance, play bingo plus cards, and spend time with her family and loved ones.

 A graveside service was conducted by Rabbi Isreal Zoberman at Forest Lawn Cemetery.

 Her love remains a guiding presence for all who knew her.  She will be forever loved and deeply missed. 

 He was predeceased by his parents Stanley Singer and Marion Kallmeyer Singer, his sister Regina Joy Singer, his grandson Austin Michael Cook, and his wife of 41 years Lois Margaret Singer.

 He is survived by his children Allan Singer and Mindy Singer Cook, his grandchildren Maelisa Singer, Gillian Singer, Aoife Singer, Zachary Cook, Lindsay Cook and his great grandchild Vann Cook.

 Lee grew up in Queens, N.Y. and graduated from Brooklyn Tech High School. He served two years in the Army playing baseball and participating in the Atmospheric Nuclear Weapons Tests. He graduated from NYU with a master’s in business administration and became a successful corporate Personnel/Human Resources executive for General Electric, Xerox, and Mobil Oil. During his time with Mobil, he was selected to the Presidential Executive Exchange for 1 or 2 years and attended the inaugural Ball with he and Lois dancing with President Nixon, his wife, and daughter. He retired from Mobil Oil in the late 1980’s and moved to Norfolk with Lois. Lois passed suddenly on May 15, 1999.

 A graveside service took place at Forrest Lawn Cemetery in Norfolk.

 Janice was the kind of person who made people feel welcome, cared for, and loved. She truly didn’t have a mean bone in her body. Her warmth, compassion, and gentle spirit were evident in every conversation, every act of kindness, and every relationship she built throughout her life.

 She leaves behind a family who loved her deeply and will carry her memory forward every day, including her children Sharon Kuttner, Gary Zivitz and his wife Sherrie, and Mark Zivitz; her cherished grandchildren Jonathan Kuttner, Sam Kuttner, and Zachary Zivitz; her son-in-law Jacob Kuttner; her significant other David Hirsch; her beloved sisters Nancy Kanter and Betty Delman; along with lifelong friends who became family over the years.

 Janice’s legacy is found not only in the family she raised and loved so deeply, but in the countless lives she touched with her generosity, empathy, and unwavering kindness. She had a remarkable ability to bring comfort, laughter, and light to those around her.

 Though she will be profoundly missed, the love she gave so freely will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Her memory will remain a blessing to her family and friends forever.

A funeral service took place at Arlington Memorial Park.

 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.”