Yom HaShoah | April 24

From Monzon to Jerusalem and Beyond

Guest Speaker: Goldie Monzon

Goldie Monzon shares her family's Holocaust story.

On Yom HaShoah, we welcomed Goldie Monzon to share her family's Holocaust story—her father survived the horrors of Auschwitz and Josef Mengele’s cruel experiments. The program included a screening of the powerful documentary "Sobrevivo el Holocausto," which follows four Holocaust Survivors who rebuilt their lives in Lima, Peru.

Throughout the week, Goldie and her husband, Moshe Monzon, displayed and sold their beautiful artwork in the Richard A. Arenstein Lobby. Their pieces—ranging from microcalligraphy and lithographs to jewelry and Judaica—reflected deep cultural and spiritual meaning.

Artwork display with Goldie and Moshe Monzon

We thank Goldie for sharing her family’s story— a reminder of the importance of memory, legacy, and never forgetting.

Yom HaZikaron | April 29

A Community United in Remembrance

As a community, we came together to honor the memory of Israel’s fallen soldiers and victims of terror — those whose lives were given in the defense and the dream of the Jewish homeland.

The November Auditorium is set up with the flag of Israel and Memorial Yartzeit candles.

Through stories of friends, family and even those known only in name shared by community members and IDF soldiers, we connected to our brothers and sisters in Israel. Their resilience is a shared one, written into our history, and the values of courage, sacrifice, and hope continue to sustain the State of Israel. We shared heavy hearts as we recalled the faces and futures that were taken too soon. Amidst our mourning we found strength through shared prayers and songs, remembering that though many lives have been lost, they lived with passion, purpose and hope for a stronger, safer future.

We remembered their courage, mourned their loss, and stood together in prayer and song. Their stories live on in us as a legacy of strength and hope.

Community members gathered in memorial pray.

This meaningful program was created by:

Ariel Birnbaum, Ephraim Seidman, Melissa Krumbein, Pinina Morgan, Rabbi Sherry Grinsteiner, Rebecca Strulson-Haine, Sara Rosenbaum, Stacie Stufflebeam, and Tal Bahar.

Yom Ha’atzmaut | April 30

RVA Torch Lighting Ceremony |

Celebrating Israel’s 77th Independence Day      

Community Shlicah Tal leading the Torch Ceremony

From mourning to strength, our community celebrated Israel’s 77th birthday with Richmond’s first Torch Lighting Ceremony— (Tekes Hadlakat HaMasuot). This special event, co-hosted by the Weinstein JCC and the Jewish Federation of Richmond, was made possible through the leadership of our JAFI community shlichah, Tal Bahar.

Together, we created a meaningful program recognizing seven individuals nominated by the community for their outstanding contributions to Israel and the Jewish diaspora.

2025 Honorees:

• Ephraim Seidman – Israel Activism & Volunteerism

• Conor Shapiro – Combating Antisemitism & Anti-Zionism

• Sarah Kranz-Ciment – Social Activism Inspired by Jewish Values

• Roger Loria – IDF Soldier & Holocaust Survivor

• Dawn Kowal – Jewish and Israel Education

• Cady Bunce – Next Generation Jewish Activism

• Phil Bernstein – Israel and Jewish Sports

Quote from Daniel Staffenberg, CEO, Jewish Federation of Richmond:

“This marks a milestone and unique opportunity for Richmond’s Jewish community, recognizing our unshakable bond with our Israeli brothers and sisters.”

Quote from Orly Lewis, CEO, Weinstein JCC:

“We’re proud to co-host this event—it honors Israel while celebrating those in Richmond who support her each and every day.”

 Community Celebration Highlights

Water bottle arts and crafts with Israel Stickers

 

Community members enjoying the program

Prior to the ceremony, attendees enjoyed music by *Chabibi*, crafts, an archaeology activity area, henna art, and a delicious Israeli-themed menu from *JewFro*—featured in Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and on the Food Network.