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A journey of science, spirit, and the arts

Jewish News VA — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 11:02:03 +0000

My journey with the arts began in 1958, born out of a weekly compromise. Every Saturday, my childhood was split between the spiritual tradition of the temple and the creative freedom of the art studio. This early dual education shaped my perspective, and by the age of eight, I received my first formal recognition: an award for a painting of a red flying chicken. It was a whimsical start to a lifelong fascination with visual expression.

When it came time to choose a professional path in college, I felt pulled between the rigor of the natural sciences and the fluidity of the arts. I ultimately found my home in psychology, a field that allowed me to bridge those two worlds. While the scientific elements of the discipline were clear, I always viewed clinical practice as its own form of theater—an “art of the hour” built on empathy, therapeutic alliance, and the delicate work of witnessing another’s experience.

As I dedicated myself to building a career and raising a family, my personal practice in the arts moved to the periphery for a time. However, as life became more established, I found my way back through photography, eventually having the privilege of seeing my work exhibited in several galleries.
Since transitioning into semi-retirement eight years ago, I have come full circle to my first love, painting. In recent years, I have delved more deeply into the medium, formalizing my study through lessons and serious practice. Today, my work is often filtered through the rich lens of Jewish mysticism, reflecting a lifelong journey back to the canvas. What you see in my work today is the culmination of that journey, a sincere inscription of the joy I find in the creative process.

Pearlman’s work will be on exhibit in the Leon Family Gallery on the second floor of the Sandler Family Campus through August. Join the artist for an opening reception in the gallery on Thursday, June 25. The exhibition is supported in part by the citizens of Virginia Beach through a grant from the City of Virginia Beach Arts and Humanities Commission. Thanks to the generosity of the artist, 100% of proceeds from art sales will benefit Arts + Ideas programming at the UJFT. For more information or to RSVP for the reception, visit JewishVA.org/Gallery or contact Hunter Thomas, UJFT director of Arts + Ideas, at HThomas@UJFT.org or 757-965-6137.

Ira Pearlman at the Leon Family Gallery.

Tears of Joy by Ira Pearlman.

Joan Carole Bass Baydush

Jewish News VA — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 10:37:11 +0000

Lewisville, N.C. – Joan Carole Bass Baydush, 82, recently of Lewisville, N.C. and formerly of Norfolk, Va., died peacefully after a prolonged illness.
A warm welcoming smile, a tender touch, a kind manner, a keen intelligence, a passion and excitement for life and a future with her loving husband-to-be Jerry Baydush, marked Joanie’s early life history.

Blessed with two wonderful children, Helen and Alan, and precious grandsons Alex and Aidan, and a loving family and friends, her life unfurled as it is apt to do with a combination of great joy and sadness, pleasure, and pain. However, Joan centered her life with her family and her home. Jerry was a very kind, attentive, loving husband who married Joan in September 1963. Words cannot possibly express how special a husband he was to his forever sweetheart, Joanie. They catered to each other with love and respect and were always at each other’s side and in each other’s heart. They were best friends and spouses.

They cherished their son, Alan Baydush, their late daughter Helen Baydush Kehayas Verhurlst, deceased brother Philip Stephen Bass, and grandsons Alexander Kehayas and Aidan Baydush. They were treasures beyond words and the lights of their life. Alan’s wife, Lori Tebbets Baydush, was as adored as an actual daughter would be. Joanie was predeceased by her father Abraham Milton Bass, mother Helen Feldman Bass, and second mother, Naomi Legum Bass.

To cherish Joan’s memory were siblings, Robin Feldman Kyle, husband Rickie, and nephews Philip and Lance, Brian Feldman and wife Terri, and nephews Philip and Max and niece Erin, and Howard Feldman and his life partner Maria Winn and niece Lexie and nephew Robin and numerous other cousins, nieces, and nephews on both sides and many friends. We will all miss Joan dearly.

She and Jerry had a deep interest in spirituality and helped guide their two grandsons toward Torah and Judaism. Alex and Aidan brought light to her eyes, a big smile and constant joy. Joanie could look at you and tug your heartstrings like none other. Alan, her cherished, loving attentive son became the family patriarch early and he was a blessed honored gift every day.

Graveside services were held at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Norfolk. Rabbi Rosalin Mandelberg officiated. Memorial donations in Joan’s name may be made to either Trellis Supportive Care (Hospice), 101 Hospice Ln, Winston-Salem, NC 27103 or Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters, 601 Children’s Lane, Norfolk, VA 23507.

Online condolences may be offered to the family at hdoliver.com.

Rita Gamsey Burnat

Jewish News VA — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 10:36:20 +0000

Atlanta – Rita Gamsey Burnat, daughter of the late Milton Linwood Gamsey and Rosalind Gamsey, passed away on June 5 at her home in Atlanta, at the age of 74.

She was predeceased by her son Kyle Burnat. Rita is survived by her son Lawson Burnat and daughter-in-law Laura Burnat of Milton, Ga; grandchildren Kyla Burnat and Weston Burnat; brothers Dr. Alan Gamsey (Helen) of Norfolk, and David Gamsey (Carrie) of Sandy Springs, Ga; nephews Mark Gamsey, Jeff Gamsey (Elise), Brian Gamsey (Katie); nieces: Robyn Gamsey and Elizabeth Deutsch (Isaac). In addition, she is survived by numerous other cousins, relatives, and friends.

Rita was born on November 22, 1951, in Norfolk, and graduated from Granby High School in 1969. She was very active in school activities acting as the Granby High School SCA (Student Council) president. She graduated from Emory University with a B.A. in Economics in 1973 where she met her future husband, Larry Burnat. They married and raised two children in Atlanta. After college Rita worked as an economist at Trust Company of Georgia, and later as a vice president of Commercial Real Estate at the First National Bank of Atlanta. She later worked as a mortgage broker for many years.
Rita was a devoted mother whose love knew no limits. She was her children’s greatest supporter – cheering from the sidelines and driving her kids all over town to numerous sporting events. She surrounded herself with a wide, vibrant circle of friends playing Alta Tennis, participating in Stock Club, attending ladies’ birthday lunch groups, traveling to Europe and other destinations around the globe, and spending time at art museums. She was a member of Temple Sinai and attended services regularly.

Rita will be remembered for her remarkable gift for caring – the kind that wasn’t loud or showy, but steady, instinctive, and deeply felt by everyone around her. Her friends knew they could lean on her without hesitation, because she always made space for their worries, their joys, and their stories. Her children grew up wrapped in that same unwavering love, guided by her gentle strength and her belief that their needs came before her own.
She moved through life with a heart tuned to the well-being of others. Whether it was offering a listening ear, showing up when someone needed her most, or quietly putting aside her own burdens to lift someone else’s, she gave of herself freely. Caring wasn’t something she did – it was who she was.
One of her greatest joys in life was being a grandmother. She was endlessly proud of her grandchildren Kyla and Weston – proud of who they were, what they were becoming, and every milestone they reached. They brought her light, laughter, and purpose, and she poured her love into them in the same selfless way she cared for everyone she loved. Her grace in hardship and her boundless love for her grandchildren will remain among the most beautiful parts of her legacy.

Funeral services were held at Temple Sinai with burial at Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs. Contributions to Woodward Academy in support of the endowed Kyle Burnat ’01 Scholar Athlete Award would be appreciated. Memorial gifts may be made online at woodward.edu/giving (indicate tribute gift) or by check made payable to Woodward Academy and mailed to: Woodward Academy Advancement Office, 1662 Rugby Avenue, College Park, Georgia, 30337 (noting Kyle Burnat ’01 Scholar Athlete Award in memo line).

Dean Joel Casper

Jewish News VA — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 10:33:10 +0000

Norfolk – Dean Joel Casper, age 86, was born on August 22, 1939, in Brooklyn, N.Y., to Jennie Goodman Casper and Israel Casper. He passed away on May 29, 2026, at Beth Abraham Homes.

He is survived by his partner, Anna Karp, and his children: Scott Casper, Tracy Casper Lang (Eric Lang) and Andrew Casper; his grandchildren, Audrey Lang, Emily Lang, and Oliver Lang. Also, his sister Carol Casper Kadanoff, his nieces and nephews Paula Kadanoff (Eric Wolfe) and Orion Kadawolfe; Allison Kadanoff; David Kadanoff (Annie Chartrand Kadanoff), as well as numerous cousins.

Dean was a toddler when his family moved from Brooklyn, N.Y., to his mother’s hometown in Portsmouth, Va. True to the smaller town traditions, he attended Green Street Elementary School and was taught by the beloved three teachers – Miss Downey, Miss Tea, and Miss Ernest. They are the same teachers who taught his mother and later his younger sister Carol. Dean graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School and attended Old Dominion College and began working in the retail market until he joined his father in the growing Abby Sales Company. Throughout his life, he lived and worked in the Tidewater area.

Retirement brought a great life filled with books, learning, and conversations. His sometimes gruff voice hid the loving man that he was. His health brought him to Beth Abraham Home, where he passed away in his sleep.

A graveside service was held at Gomley Chesed Cemetery. Online condolences may be offered to the family at hdoliver.com.
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Alan David Galumbeck

Jewish News VA — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 10:32:10 +0000

Tazewell, Va – Alan David Galumbeck, 81, a technical guru for Landmark Communications at The Virginian-Pilot in Norfolk and with The Weather Channel in Atlanta, died June 7 in Tazewell, Va, after a battle with cancer.

Alan was predeceased by his parents, Ella and Edward Galumbeck of Norfolk.

He is survived by his brother, Robert (Annabelle); his two nieces, Dori Hazan (Mark) and Paula Gravitt (Mark); his great-nephews Evan and Ethan Gravitt; his great-nieces Sophie and Olivia Hazan; his great-nephew Parker Hazan; and his best friend and “brother from another mother,” Larry Kabo.
Alan had a lifelong interest in gadgetry, starting as a HAM radio operator as a teen. He was always the first to adopt new technology, including calculator watches, Mac computers, and Blackberry phones.

Seeking to put his math and engineering skills to work, he attended Virginia Tech and Old Dominion University, where he founded the campus’ Jewish fraternity, AEPi.

On a job interview with The Pilot, Alan made a design-altering suggestion for the newspaper’s new press/distribution facility. Not only did Alan get the production manager job, but the idea created a big cost savings for the company. Later, Alan patented a system for transmitting pages from the composing room in downtown Norfolk, via microwave, onto metal plates at the pressroom in Virginia Beach.

Alan then got in on the ground floor of Landmark’s creation of The Weather Channel in the early 1980s. He moved to Atlanta where he patented software to enable “local weather on the 8s” during the national cable broadcast. He was promoted to vice president of new technology on Landmark’s corporate staff.

During his early retirement in Atlanta, he became an entrepreneur and partnered on the purchase of an old movie theater. Alan really liked movies, the perfect popcorn recipe, and hosting the Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Around 2015, Alan moved from the big city to small town, Tazewell, to be near his brother Robert and sister-in-law Annabelle. He became involved in book club, game nights — “he was a stickler for rules” — and enjoyed a broad social life.

A graveside service was conducted by Cantor David Proser at Norfolk’s Forest Lawn Cemetery. Donations are suggested to Covenant House.

Linda Sinowitz

Jewish News VA — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 10:30:26 +0000

Virginia Beach – Linda Louise Lillian Linde Sinowitz, 75, passed away peacefully on May 22, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with kidney disease and several other conditions.

Born on December 12, 1950, in New York, Linda was the beloved daughter of William Linde and Lillian Veidt. She carried with her throughout life the warmth, resilience, and deep love of family that would become the center of everything she did.

After graduating high school, Linda earned her undergraduate degree from Molloy College before continuing her education at Adelphi University, where she received her master’s degree. She devoted more than 30 years of her life to serving others as a social worker, beginning her career in a long-term care facility in New York. It was there that she met the love of her life, Allen Sinowitz, who worked at the same facility as a dietitian and administrator. Together they built a loving marriage that spanned 42 years, full of partnership, laughter, traditions, and unwavering devotion.

In 2006, the family relocated to Virginia for Allen’s career. No matter where life took her, Linda created a home filled with comfort, warmth, and unforgettable meals. Her family will forever remember the love she poured into every dish she made, from her matzo ball soup to lasagna, chicken cutlets, and countless other meals that nourished both body and soul. Her kitchen was less a room and more a sacred little kingdom of aromas, simmering pots, unsolicited second helpings, and absolute refusal to let anyone leave hungry.

Linda embraced life with enthusiasm and authenticity. She faithfully observed every Jewish holiday and treasured the traditions and history of Judaism. And in her spare time, she loved volunteering, serving as the Sisterhood president at Temple Emmanuel in Long Beach, N. Y. and Congregation Beth Chaverim in Virginia Beach, Va. She was also the director of the religious school at Beth Chaverim, where she loved working with children. She also loved jazz music, summer sunshine, water aerobics, sunbathing, and curling up with a good book, especially horror novels, romance stories, nonfiction, historical works on Judaism, and books by Stephen King and Jodi Picoult. She adored horror and witch or vampire films, especially The Shining, Queen of the Damned, and the classic Bell, Book and Candle. She also enjoyed cooking competition shows, though she maintained a spirited and very firm dislike of Bobby Flay, a stance that amused everyone who knew her.

Even though she really disliked the end of summer, Halloween was one of Linda’s favorite times of year. She delighted in dressing up and creating matching costumes with Allen, embracing the fun and joy of the season with the same wholehearted spirit she brought to everything she loved.

Above all else, Linda cherished her family. She created a life filled with memories, traditions, laughter, and deep affection. Her presence brought comfort and steadiness to those around her, and the love she gave so freely will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Linda is survived by her devoted husband, Allen Sinowitz; her daughter, Whitney; her son, Scott; and her daughter-in-law, Anne, as well as her beloved animals, Bailey Rae, Gillian Pyewacket, and Oliver.

Services were private. Arrangements were entrusted to Altmeyer Funeral Home Southside Chapel.

Marsha Del Rosario Wilks

Jewish News VA — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 10:28:49 +0000

Virginia Beach – Marsha Del Rosario Wilks, 87, passed away in her home on April 12, 2026.

She was born in California to Gregorio and Stella Del Rosario.

She is survived by her husband Jay Wilks of 40 plus years, sister Triva Stanton, brother Jessel Curry, one grandson Stuart Wilkins, and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her sons Damon Wilkins and Steven Wilkins.

The funeral service took place at Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home Great Neck Chapel. Donations may be made to the Friends of Virginia Beach Mounted Police. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com.

Rabbi Zoberman’s articles inserted into Congressional Record

Jewish News VA — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 10:26:21 +0000

Remembering the Liberation of Auschwitz, an article by Rabbi Israel Zoberman was inserted in the Congressional Record by Congresswoman Jen Kiggans in honor of International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

The article focuses on a book written by Marc Saperstein, a distinguished rabbi, author, and scholar, titled Agony in the Pulpit: Jewish Preaching in Response to Nazi Persecution and Mass Murder, 1933-1945. Rabbi Zoberman draws attention to the relevance of the book today, amidst a surge of antisemitism, calling upon readers to learn from history, speak up, and act out before it’s too late.

A second article, Israel at 78, was inserted in the Congressional Record by Congresswoman Jen Kiggans in honor of Israel Independence Day. The article begins, “The world’s only Jewish state celebrates its 78th anniversary in the shadow of existential war with Iran and its proxies, fighting along its great American partner with shared values and interests.”

Rabbi Dr. Israel Zoberman is the founder and spiritual leader of Temple Lev Tikvah, a reform synagogue in Virginia Beach, as well as Honorary Senior Rabbi Scholar at Eastern Shore Chapel.

JCC hosts National Senior Health & Fitness Day

Jewish News VA — Fri, 15 May 2026 11:55:45 +0000

Wednesday, May 27, 9 am – 12 pm • Sandler Family Campus

The Simon Family JCC invites seniors to celebrate National Senior Health & Fitness Day – a free event that promotes “Stay Active at Any Age!” with fun activities for health and community connection.

Participants can enjoy mini health fairs, exercise demonstrations, informative health presentations, free screenings, and fitness classes tailored to all ability levels. Door prizes, tasty treats, and social opportunities add to the excitement.

Staying active enhances strength, flexibility, balance, and overall well-being, supporting independence in older adults. Discover resources designed for healthy aging.

Join fellow community members for an uplifting morning of movement and wellness. No registration required. Open to JCC members and guests.

For additional information, contact Nicole Slade, JCC member service manager, at NSlade@UJFT.org or 757-321-2338.

Erica Unger

Jewish News VA — Fri, 15 May 2026 11:51:30 +0000

Virginia Beach – We are deeply saddened to share that Erica Unger passed away on April 11, 2026, just three days before her 95th birthday.
Born in Vienna, she was a Holocaust survivor who went on to live a rich and vibrant life marked by travel, meaningful relationships, and a deep joy in sharing her experiences with family and friends.

Erica found happiness in life’s simple pleasures—rooting for her beloved Brooklyn Dodgers (before their move to Los Angeles), playing Mahjong and bridge, swimming, and singing along to Broadway tunes, opera, and classic oldies. Fluent in German, Spanish, and English, she truly embodied gemütlichkeit—a spirit of warmth, friendliness, and good cheer. Her humor, kindness, and generous heart left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.

She was deeply devoted to her family and community and took great pride in earning her Associate of Arts degree later in life, as well as in her career as a women’s clothing buyer at Sears, Roebuck and Co. Erica also believed strongly in charitable giving and instilled in her children the importance of helping those in need and remaining actively involved in their communities. She was a lifetime member of Hadassah, played a pivotal role in the creation of Congregation Beth Tefillah, and helped guide charitable contributions through the Unger Family Foundation.

Erica is survived by her sons, Jeffrey (Jeanine) and David; her grandchildren, Jack and Michael; and extended family across the United States, France, and Israel. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Unger; her parents; her sister and closest friend, Greta Burg; her brother-in-law, Fred Burg; and her daughter-in-law, Rebecca Unger.

In honor of Erica’s lifelong commitment to helping others, donations may be made to Beth Sholom Village, Meals on Wheels of Chesapeake, or a charity of the donor’s choice.