Mazel Tov | Jewish News

Birthday

Jewish News VA — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 14:45:22 +0000

Wishing Stanwood Dickman a very Happy and Healthy 91st Birthday on Friday, August 28. His family will be celebrating with him.

Achievement

Jewish News VA — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 14:44:41 +0000

Sam Sacks was recently chosen Teacher of the Year in Savannah-Chantham County Public School System. He was also named Teacher of the Year for his school, New Hampstead, K – 8. A STEM coordinator, Sacks is known for his dedication to his students.

As the recipient of this honor, Sacks will help lead as part of the Superintendent’s Professional Senate and will join the school board for all regular session meetings.

Sacks was also selected to be the teacher in residence at UGA Marine Institute at Sapalo Island, a research facility run by the University of Georgia. At the facility, research is conducted on tides, animals that live in wetlands, and other related topics. The facility occasionally invites a public school teacher to participate. Sacks was invited last year and then was asked to present to the University’s graduate students regarding lessons he created for his students based on his experience on the island. Sacks got invited back this year, which is apparently unusual.

Jewish Tidewater’s Graduates

Jewish News VA — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 17:00:01 +0000

Jewish Tidewater has much to applaud with its graduates. We celebrate some here. See more 2026 graduates in last months edition.

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.

Hampton Roads Real Estate Planning Council recognizes TJF’s Neil Rose and Randy Parrish

Tidewater Jewish Foundation Staff — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 10:27:43 +0000

Tidewater Jewish Foundation is guided by a board and network of community leaders whose professional excellence and civic commitment help shape the way it stewards legacy, philanthropy, and the future of Jewish life in Tidewater. Their accomplishments extend far beyond the boardroom, strengthening institutions and communities throughout Hampton Roads.

Neil L. Rose, Esq., TJF’s treasurer and a board member, was recently named the 2026 recipient of the Hampton Roads Estate Planning Council’s Distinguished Estate Planner Award. The honor recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership and longstanding contributions to the field of estate planning.

A former IRS and Treasury Special Attorney, Rose has spent decades advising families, businesses, and nonprofits with integrity and expertise while also serving countless civic and Jewish communal organizations across the region.

At the same event where Rose was honored, Randy Parrish, TJF’s vice president and CFO, was recognized for his service as a past president of the Hampton Roads Estate Planning Council.

“These recognitions reflect the caliber of leadership that exists within our community,” says Naomi Limor Sedek, president and CEO of Tidewater Jewish Foundation. “We are proud to work alongside individuals whose professional achievements are matched by their commitment to service, stewardship, and impact.”

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.

Jewish Tidewater’s Graduates

Jewish News VA — Thu, 28 May 2026 16:38:55 +0000

Graduations are a time to recognize achievements, formally bid farewell to schools, prepare for the next steps along life’s journey, and of course, celebrate!

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! (See more graduates in next month’s edition.)

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.

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.

Calling all 2026 graduates

Jewish News VA — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 16:55:50 +0000

Graduation season is almost here, and Jewish News wants to celebrate Jewish Tidewater’s students as the Class of 2026 graduates from high school, college, and graduate schools.

To help us acknowledge as many graduates as possible, please submit, along with a photo, this information by Monday, May 11:

• Name

• School

• Awards, special notes

•What’s next (college, grad school, job)

• Parents

Send to news@ujft.org with Graduate in the subject line. You will receive an email acknowledging receipt. If you don’t, please call 757-965-6132.

Rabbi Zoberman poem in Congressional Record

Jewish News VA — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 16:55:08 +0000

Under My Grandpa’s Tallit (Prayer Shawl), a poem by Rabbi Israel Zoberman, was inserted in the Congressional Record by Congresswoman Jen Kiggans in honor of International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

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

Locals complete Boston Marathon

Terri Denison — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 16:50:52 +0000

Howard Roesen and Tom Purcell, Simon Family JCC’s Wellness director, ran the Boston Marathon on Monday, April 20. It was Roesen’s first Boston Marathon and Purcell’s third.

Both avid runners have completed a lot of marathons over their years of friendship, which began at the Simon Family JCC when Purcell was hired and Roesen was head of the Wellness committee.

“We have run many of the same races over the last several decades,” says Purcell. In fact, they have completed 20 straight years of the Rock ‘n’ Roll ½ marathon that was held in Virginia Beach on Labor Day Weekend.

To train for the Boston Marathon, they took a couple of 20- and 22-mile long runs together. “We discussed our training and communicated weekly to see how we’re doing,” says Purcell.

“It was a pleasure to run with Howard and to get to experience the Grand Race again,” he says. “I just turned 60 years old and wanted to run Boston one last time. Now I can say I’ve run a full marathon in every decade of my life from my 20s. I’ll keep running 1/2 marathons, but I’m closing the chapter in my 60s.”

The cool Boston temps didn’t seem to bother any runners, Purcell and Roesen included. “The weather was perfect,” says Purcell, noting that ideal marathon conditions are in the upper 40s to low 50s. “There was very little wind, and it was slightly overcast. We had a late start in our corral, so it wasn’t until 11:30 am when we started.”

The last time Purcell ran the Boston Marathon was 20 years ago when he turned 40. “Those conditions were perfect, too, as I ran a 2:39 time (6:07 pace per mile). I wanted to run Boston this time and enjoy and have fun with my dear friend Howard,” he says.

“We had a blast to soak in the 130 years of the tradition of the Boston Marathon.”

Howard Roesen and Tom Purcell in Boston.

JCC Lifeguard Josef Patar celebrates citizenship

Terri Denison — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 17:24:44 +0000

His story could be a novel. . . and a page-turner, at that.

This past December, Josef Patar added a chapter he’s been trying to write for a while. . . he became a naturalized U.S. citizen. With several supporters, including a couple of friends from Ohef Sholom Temple, he went to the Walter Hoffman United States Courthouse in Downtown Norfolk, made his citizenship official, and left waving an American flag.

A lifeguard and swim instructor at the Simon Family JCC, among other work endeavors, Patar escaped from Hungary at just 2 years old in 1956 with three siblings and his pregnant mother. They left, he said, with nothing, not even any documents. His father stayed behind fighting for his country against Russia. “In the 1990s, my father got knighted by the Hungarian government for fighting the Russians,” recalls Patar.

Once his family made it to England, they were able to board the Empress of Great Britian ocean liner in Liverpool to head to Canada, which was accepting refugees. At the time, the U.S. was not. The ship docked in Halifax, and Canada was his home for three decades. His father was able to join the family after the war.

Patar’s first trip to Virginia was in January 1965 when he was ranked #2 in Canada in swimming at just 10 years old. His team flew to Arlington, Va. for the competition, which by the way, Patar won, setting a record in his age category. He continued to set records throughout his swimming career.

Patar’s swimming success and ultimately, coaching, brought him to the United States many times, with his official move taking place in 1986 when he began a retail career in San Francisco. That work had him transferred throughout the country, living in Miami, Detroit, Colorado Springs, San Jose, New York, and Los Angeles, among other places.

In 2024, Patar arrived in Virginia and has been a lifeguard and swim instructor at the JCC since that April. He says he “liked the Jewish community,” and decided to stay.

Mazel Tov Josef on your citizenship!