“When the kids are laughing that dad doesn’t know what is going on, you’ve arrived. If kids think dad is cool, something has gone terribly wrong,” Jerry Seinfeld once mused.
Describing their dads ahead of Father’s Day, these adult children may have once subscribed to Jerry Seinfeld’s philosophy on fatherhood. With a little maturity, however, and maybe children of their own, these sons and daughters celebrate the men who have stood by their sides, offered advice, and provided their own laughs to accompany them on their journeys from childhood to adulting.
Jon Becker
Our dad has always been a very involved man in all aspects of our lives and those in the greater Jewish community. He prides himself on being an active member of society and specifically the Jewish community. He instilled in us, from the time we were little, that we are Jewish first, then American. Along with our mother, they always put our Jewish education first, and this is something we four girls, to this day, still value above all.
He always is happy to share stories of his father, of blessed memory, and how he was an active part of his community, as well. Our dad is not only a talented lawyer, but chef, builder, problem fixer, expert of all things, and a wonderful Zayde to 12 grandchildren. Of all those titles, we couldn’t be more proud to simply call him “Dad.”
Amy Becker, Katie Becker, Jennifer Friedman, Lisa Klinger
Bobby Copeland
‘A Link in the Chain’ is a refrain we often hear at family gatherings – B’nai mitzvahs, weddings, Seders. That phrase embodies our dad, Bobby Copeland.
The ‘link’, we were taught, is what allows us as Jews to connect to our past and reach for our future. It recognizes the accomplishments and struggles of generations of Jews, honors the millions lost in the Holocaust, and expresses heartfelt grief for the brave men and women who fight for Israel – past and present.
Our dad, a man of great character, compassion, commitment, and loyalty, has shown us – his children, his 12 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren – by both word and deed, what it means to be a solid link in the chain of family, community, and continuity. (And this would never have happened without our mom, Ann Copeland, by his side.)
So, on this Father’s Day, while Jews in Israel and around the world face so many immediate and devastating challenges, all the Copelands, Brodys, and Klebanoffs want to thank Dad / Z for bestowing on us the honor and obligation of being a link in the chain!
With Love,
Stacy and Hyman Brody, Jodi and Jay Klebanoff, Scott and Jillian Copeland, Todd and Robin Copeland
Harry Graber
Growing up, you (almost) always appreciate the things that your parents do for you day to day. But there’s another view when you are grown up, maybe doing it yourself, and you can look back collectively and think about how it shaped you. You can appreciate decisions that you might not have realized were being made at the time and think about what you would’ve done differently. I think we’re very lucky to be able to say the answer is not much.
Our father dedicated his career to his community and helping other people, without taking anything away from us – which is something to be proud of and we’ll always appreciate. He was and is a great dad.
Alex Graber, Zachary Graber
Jerry Kantor
Our dad (affectionately known to his family as “JJ”) embodies the essence of a man dedicated to his family and his community. His life is a testament to the values of selflessness, humility, and unwavering commitment to others.
Family is paramount to JJ; he is deeply devoted to his wife of 52 years, Kathy, and together they have consistently shown up to support their children and grandchildren in every endeavor and milestone.
JJ’s sense of community extends far beyond his family. He has held leadership positions in countless organizations, including Congregation Beth El, Beth Sholom Village, CHKD, Norfolk Academy, JCC, JFS, United Way, the Norfolk Public Library, Norfolk Planning Council, Greater Norfolk Corporation, Azalea Festival, and multiple wine whole-saler organizations. He was awarded a humanitarian award by the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities (VCIC), like his father before him. His actions are guided by the golden rule – treating everyone with respect and kindness – and he taught us this lesson by example.
Highly regarded by his employees as president of Broudy Kantor Co. for many decades, JJ never misses an opportunity to lend a helping hand, whether to someone he knows personally or a stranger in need.
A quintessential mensch, on Father’s Day and every day, we celebrate JJ’s thoughtfulness, generosity, and great sense of humor. His legacy of quietly caring for others is an inspiration to us all. It has cemented his place as a cherished and respected member of his community, and as the deeply loved patriarch of our family.
Jill Wainger, Ross Kantor
Joel Rubin
What my sister, Molly, and I have observed from our dad, Joel, is the responsibility that comes with being a member of the Jewish community. As kids, we assisted with Shabbat services at Beth Sholom Home in Virginia Beach. Our dad served in volunteer leadership roles at Beth Sholom and conducted services for residents year after year after year. He then was Temple Israel synagogue president, helped in various ways within the Federation, and completed 100 other small and large tasks over the decades – whatever the community asks of him, he always steps up.
That kind of consistency rubs off. When I moved back to Virginia Beach in my late 20s, it only made sense to get involved and volunteer with UJFT and, specifically, the Young Adult Division. From there, I have found ways to contribute at the Federation and through other Jewish agencies in town.
On Father’s Day, my sister (who now lives in Northern Virginia) and I are grateful to have a father and mother who are terrific role models and show us what it means to live a life committed to the Jewish community.
Danny Rubin