Virginia Beach Mayor Will Sessoms with Rabbi Israel Zoberman.
An afternoon filled with praise, warmth, dance, song, speeches, proclamations and a packed house, commemorated the 40th anniversary of Rabbi Israel Zoberman’s ordination.
On Sunday, June 1, Congregation Beth Chaverim’s sanctuary was standing room only as religious and civic leaders came together to honor, reflect and rejoice with the area rabbi.
Virginia Beach Mayor Will Sessoms and Chesapeake Mayor Alan Krasnoff each read proclamations from their cities declaring June 1, 2014 “Rabbi Israel Zoberman Day.”
Among the many speakers from the Tidewater community were the Rev. Jim Parke, the Rev. James Medley and Bishop Fred Hill— each who have experienced close working relationships with Rabbi Zoberman—whether sharing space or services.
From the Jewish community, Rabbi Arthur Ruberg, Rabbi Michael Panitz, Rabbi Arthur Steinberg, Rabbi Mordechai Wecker, Cantor Elihu Flax and Rabbi Rosalin Mandelberg and others such as Linda Spindel and Betsy Karotkin took to the podium to express their appreciation for Rabbi Zoberman’s commitment to Judaism, his congregation and the welfare of Jews in Tidewater and around the world.
“Thank you, Israel, for making us feel so good and so proud in our faith and in ourselves,” said Rabbi Mandelberg.