A large group of community members, including her parents, sister and brother attending from Israel, honored Tal Bahar for her special two-year service to the community on Sunday, July 26, at the Weinstein JCC.

Federation Chief Impact Officer Melanie Fine welcomed community members and noted, “Tal is amazing and she has made lasting impact on all of us.” 

Hedy Lapkin, the first of several community leaders to speak, noted, “Tal is a real treasure and so precious. We are all friends of Tal. She enriched us for the past two years and taught us about Israel. She spread the word to so many groups about Israel. She was always ready to speak to anyone. It is honor to know and love her. She is Richmond’s treasure.”

Robyn Galpern, said, “Tal is always open minded … very curious. She helped to create so many connections to Israel and much more.” Robyn related stories about her family hosting Tal for part of her time earlier as a Shlicut at Camp Hilbert, and how much time they spent with her - helping her to learn about Richmond. 

“I am very proud to know Tal,” Robyn noted. 

Rabbi Yossel Kranz explained what a Shlicut – an emissary - is and does. “It’s the highest calling to be a Shlicut. She brought honor to being here. She inspired Richmonders to know more about Israel.”

JCFR CEO Daniel Staffenberg added, “We could not have been luckier to have Tal here for the past two years. She is so full of energy and passion. She made countless connections and interactions with groups and individuals. She doesn’t do anything halfway. Tal overachieved on everything ... building lasting relationships. Investing in people. Tal, your place will always be part of Jewish Richmond. We are stronger because of Tal.”

In her remarks with smiles and tears in her eyes, Tal talked about her life in Israel, her passion for talking about Israel, her strong and loving family, her time in the IDF and her years in Richmond. She said before she came, the only thing she learned was that it was the capital of the Confederacy.

Tal said, “I am hopelessly in love with Judaism and Israel … and I fell in love with Richmond and so many here. I was welcomed by so many. I loved advocating for Israel to so many.”

She explained further. “The only reason I was outside of Israel is Israel. I loved the IDF but felt I wanted to do more for Israel. There is no place in the world like Israel. And I fell in love with Richmond. You will always be part of my family. You helped shaped what I am today.”

Concluding with more tears, she offered, “I am overflowing with pride… and filled with sadness ... my journey is just beginning.” 

She drew a standing ovation from the gathering, hugging her family members and many community members.

As part of the event, there was a large display in the JCC’S Sara D. November Gallery of Tal’s Mixed Media Watercolor Creations.

We want to thank local photographer Tom Topinka for his time and talents.