Linda Anne Fox-Jarvis
President of Ohef Sholom Temple
Profession
Realtor, Broker Associate, RE/MAX Ambassadors
Education
Bachelor of Science, Hood College
Family
Husband—David Jarvis
Son—Brian Jarvis, 29 and his wife Amanda
Daughter—Stephanie Caskill, 27 and her husband Tyler
Dogs— Wiley the Westie and Izzy the Bichon Mix (rescue dog)
Organizations
President, Ohef Sholom Temple
Other community organizations: Crystal Ball For A Cure for MD and ALS, Virginia Chorale, Cerebral Palsey of Virginia
Favorite Jewish holiday
Passover—I just love the traditions and the whole family getting together. I love the reading of the story of Exodus at the table and everyone participating. And love my crazy family (with terrible voices) singing Dayeinu.
Most memorable personal Jewish milestone
My children’s life cycle events at Ohef Sholom Temple—Brian’s Bar Mitzvah, Stephanie’s Bat Mitzvah, and my daughter’s marriage in the sanctuary with Rabbi Roz officiating.
Ties to the Tidewater Jewish community
I moved here in 1976 after college and have been here since (except for two years in France when my husband was stationed at the French War College). I became a member of Ohef Sholom Temple when my children were born, so we have been members for more than 27 years. My parents now live here, along with my two brothers, their wives and children.
Most admired Jewish leader
Golda Meir—Israel’s first and the world’s third woman to hold such an office, she was described as the “Iron Lady” of Israel years before the epithet became associated with British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. What a role model for me and women throughout the world!
What other positions have you held with Ohef Sholom?
First vice president, second vice president
Chair of: Fundraiser committee, directory committee, Sisterhood Shabbaton
Committee member—Membership, Budget, Interfaith, Military Outreach, Special Needs, House, and Personnel.
Recipient of the Kurt Rosenbach award and the Henry B. Kaufman award
Why have you chosen to devote so much time to Ohef Sholom?
When I was asked to serve as president, I spent about two weeks thinking about it. I knew it was a big job, a very time-consuming job and a big commitment. Having a fulltime job as a realtor, and also serving as president of The Crystal Ball, I wanted to be sure I could devote the time necessary to serve as an effective president. All of a sudden it came to me, and I knew I had to serve. I felt I had to give back and to serve God. My son has Muscular Dystrophy and for years I prayed he would find a partner and soul mate who would see past his disability and he did. Now it was my chance to give back in gratitude.
What would you like people to know about Ohef Sholom?
Hmmm, where to start? Well, first let me say that I am obviously very biased, but I feel that Ohef Sholom is truly like a family. There is a warmth, openness and inclusivity that I think pervades everything we do: services, programs, activities, committee work, board meetings, our wonderful Religious School and of course it comes from our wonderful clergy whom we are so blessed to have—Rabbi Roz, Cantor Wally, Rabbi Steinberg and Rabbi Forman.