Mirroring Israel’s annual Yom Ha’Atzmaut ceremony, our community joined together on April 22 for the 2nd Annual Torch Lighting Ceremony to celebrate Israel's 78th Independence Day. The special ceremony at the Weinstein JCC honored seven individuals whose actions have brought hope, strength, and resilience to Israel and the Jewish community. 

 

The seven have a deep personal commitment to live Jewishly and inspire others to strengthen Israel though education, activism and leadership. Each torch was a reminder that even in challenging times, light continues to shine through leadership, compassion, and unity.

 

The first six honored, with their action categories, were: Marvin Daniel (Building Interfaith Bridges and Partnerships); Kayla Galpern (Next Generation Jewish Activism); Shelley Gouldin (Leading the Fight Against Antisemitism); Nechomi Kranz (Jewish and Israeli Education Across Generations); Hedy Lapkin, (Lifelong Jewish and Israeli Leadership); and Shlomo Skaist, (Fostering a Passion for Jewish Learning).

 

The seventh honoree was Tal Bahar, Community Shlicha, in a surprise announcement by Federation CEO Daniel Staffenberg who credited her for bringing the Israel experience to the lives of so many Jewish community members – young and old – during her past two years in Richmond.

 

Staffenberg reflected on her energetic and inspiring presence in all aspects of her interactions with the community from discussion groups, conversations, cultural events, leadership, relationship building and more.

 

He noted, “We are deeply grateful for her presence in Richmond for the past two years building bridges. She helped to build the Israel experience one relationship at a time.”

 

Her selection as a special honoree was made along with Brad Finkel, CEO of the Weinstein JCC. Tal and Pinina Morgan from the JCC, served as co-chairs for the event. Several community Rabbis read inspiring prayers during the program to note Israel’s Independence Day. Cantor Sarah Beck-Berman helped lead the large group of community members in singing Hatikvah to conclude the event.