Jewish News

(JTA) – As Israel and Hamas mostly stilled their guns after reaching a cease-fire agreement, ending eight days of intense bombardment, both sides took home some new lessons about their foes. By firing longer-range rockets capable of reaching Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, Hamas demonstrated for the first time that it could expand the borders of [...]

As an OBGYN, Morris Elstein helped many infants enter into this world, placing them into the loving arms of their parents. He believes every delivery was an opportunity for him to witness God’s work. Born in Augusta, Ga. on May 11, 1951, Elstein’s mother’s family came from Eastern Europe in the mid 1800’s, and his [...]

Danville—Dr. Norman Tavss, 92, of the 200 block of Oakwood Circle, died Thursday, Nov. 16, 2012. He was a native of Norfolk and was the son of the late Mathew and Frieda Katz Tavss. He was a Navy veteran of World War II, having served as a wartime executive officer on an LCI gunboat. He [...]

Clairemont Calif.—Ferdinand Bernard Spieker, 82, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012. Ferd was born in Baltimore, Md. on May 23, 1930. After serving in the Army during the Korean War, he moved to San Diego with his bride, Joan, in 1953 and has lived in Clairemont for the last 55 years. [...]

Norfolk—Martha Klaff Robbins, 90, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012 in Lake Taylor Transitional Care Hospital. Martha was born in Norfolk, Va. on Feb. 19, 1922 to Harry and Rae Klaff. She was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Manuel (Buddy). Martha is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Nancy and Chuck Zeitman, [...]

Chesapeake—Bevalan Cohen Rafal, 83, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012 surrounded by her loving family. Born in the Berkley section of Norfolk, she was the daughter of the late Ben and Anna Cohen. She was a founding member of Temple Israel in Norfolk, and was recently a member of B’nai Israel in St. Petersburg, [...]

Norfolk—Jane Hope Stern Beskin, 91, a New York City native who made Norfolk her home shortly after the end of World War II, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012. She was preceded in death by her rock and husband of 46 years, LeRoy N. Beskin of Norfolk. She is survived by her three sons: [...]

The Auschwitz Volunteer: Beyond Bravery Captain Witold Pilecki Translated by Jarek Garlinski Aquila Polonica Publishing, 2012 460 pages, $34.95(paper) ISBN 978-1-60772-010-2 We have been reviewing Holocaust literature for the Jewish News for 29 years; survivor memoirs, scholarly works, books by children of survivors have been standard fare in this publication. But this book, The Auschwitz [...]

Sundays, Dec. 9 and Jan. 13, 2 pm The Jewish Museum & Cultural Center continues its new series to discuss the many differences in religious cultures, yet similarities. Each event is open to the public and suitable for all ages. Donation of $5 per person. The Jewish Museum & Cultural Center is located at 607 [...]

Cary Vaughan and Herb Eilberg of Brooklyn, N.Y. on the birth of their son, Paul Vaughan Eilberg on Sept. 28. Big sister is elated as are grandparents Susan and Jim Eilberg of Norfolk and Dr. Polly and Bill Vaughan of Newcastle, Maine.