Inking of You



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IN OUR CORNER  

WeMazel Tov to Bob Schwarz. He swam in the U.S. Masters Swimming - the 2015 National Qualifier Meet in three events and received one gold and two silver medals. Way to go, Bob!

Mazel tov to Joe and Karen Freedman on the birth of a granddaughter, Caroline Grace. Caroline is the daughter of Kasey and Aaron Sporck.

We would like to wish a refuah shelama, a speedy recovery, to our dear friend Debbie Victorson and pray for her return to good health.

Mazel tov to Rabbi Urecki. He has been invited to attend the join session of Congress when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks in Washington in early March. This will be the second time he has been given this great opportunity and honor, the first being in 2011.

Mazel tov to David and Carol Querry on the birth of a baby boy. They became parents on Friday February 13th right before the Shabbat!

Our deepest sympathies to our congregants and friends Dr. Alex and Vicki Rosenstein on the passing of her beloved mother Roslyn Tarshish. Her funeral was held on February 10th in St.Louis Park, Minnesota.

Our condolences to the Handelsman family on the passing of Cynthia Clarridge Handelsman. Cynthia was the wife of Gene Handelsman of Severna Park, Maryland.

We are so proud of Sam Saunders, son of Margot Saunders and former Bar Mitzvah at B’nai Jacob. Last year, Sam started a program at the University of Michigan gathering music and art students and bringing them to community centers in three of Detroit's most blighted neighborhoods. He has been overwhelmed by the need in these communities, and is now trying to provide a music and arts summer camp in one of the worst neighborhoods in Detroit. You can see a full description of the project here -- https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1302138132/summer-in-the-city-art-camp-music-and-art-for-detr  You will also be able to hear Sam's recently performed concerto -- "Detroit." It was performed by the University Symphony just last weekend. To hear it, press the play button on the audio link right after the pictures of the burned buildings.

We are so pleased to announce that Senator Joe Manchin is a confirmed speaker at this year's AIPAC Policy Conferenc. The growing list of featured speakers and participants will make this another incredible event but the Senator's presence will make it a memorable moment for our growing West Virginia delegation!

We would like to wish a refuah shelama, a speedy recovery to Keren Teyler and wish her our best. We look forward to her returning to Torah and Talmud class.

Mazel tov to Beth Steinberg-Hudnall on her forthcoming marriage to Gary Winter.

We are saddened to announce the passing of Leo Gardner, husband of Pam and brother of Aggie Rubin. May the Holy One, blessed be He, comfort his family among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

Mazel tov to Betty Schoenbaum, our long time devoted member and beloved friend of us all. She is a board member and supporter of the Women's Resource Center of Sarasota County and they are honoring her with their first ever "Renaissance Woman of the Year" Award! Another well deserved honored and tribute for this remarkable woman.

  We regret to announce the passing of David Caruthers, husband of Janet Caruthers. Our sympathies go out to his children David and Courtney, two grandchildren and the entire Caruthers family.

We would like to thank Senator Shelley Moore Capito for donating to our synagogue the book "The Historic Synagogues of Turkey". This book, which she acquired during her recent trip, is inscribed "To my friends at B'nai Jacob. I enjoyed my tour of synagogues in Turkey. Thought you might enjoy the book. All the Best, Shelley Moore Capito."

Mazel tov to Trish Weisberg who was elected this past year to serve a two year term as Co-President of Hillel at Southern Methodist University.  Within the first semester of her role as President, Trish has helped reach an unprecedented number of students.

We would like to wish a refuah shelama to Emily Marks and pray for her speedy recovery.

We would like to wish a speedy recovery this week to Debbie Victorson and pray for her complete recovery.

We would like to wish a refuah shelama to Marc Slotnick, Ivor Sheff, Terri Preiser, Marty Glasser, Betty Schoenbaum, and David Caruthers. Our thoughts and heartfelt prayers will continue to be with them all this week.

Enjoy this great article about Rabbi Chaim Landau and his incredible racquetball abilities which was prominently featured in Tablet Magazine. The article is found here.  

We would like to wish a mazel tov to Rob Bastress and Blaire Malkin on the birth of a baby daughter. Della Anne Bastress was born on December 21st!

Mazel tov to Robert and Robin Peck on their daughter Julie Winegard. Julie is graduating Magna cum laude for WVU with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Graphic Design.

Mazel tov to Russell and Beth Emrick on the birth of a son, Will Bloom Emerick. Mazel tov to the grandparents Duke and Carole Bloom.

Mazel tov to Dr. Arthur Rubin who has been appointed interim health officer for the Kanawha-Charleston Board of Health.

A beautiful article on Hanukkah, complete with video, can be found at the Charleston Gazette website. You can see them both here.

We continue to ask G-d to be with our friends Marty Glasser, Betty Schoenbaum, David Caruthers and Dee Hayes and pray for their health.

Our deepest sympathies to Beverly Marks, the late Harold and the entire Marks family on the passing of Harold and Beverly's son Gil Marks. Gil's family was from Charleston and he became a well know scholar of Jewish cuisine. A beautiful tribute to him can be found here.

Mazel tov to Barrie Kaufman on her new Glass Art exhibit at the Clay Center. Her magnificent work will be on display until January 4th and a great article with pictures of some of her pieces can be found here.

Mazel tov to Donna Hark on the birth of her grandson, Preston Thomas Hark. Preston is the son of Adam and Nicole Hark.

Our deepest sympathies go out to the Stabins family on the passing of Maxine Stabins who passed away on November 30th. Her funeral will take place in Charleston on Thursday afternoon.

We want to wish a speedy recovery to Dr. Steve Jubelirer and David Caruthers. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with Marty Glasser and wish him a refuah shelama, as well.

A wonderful article in the Charleston Gazette on Ivor Sheff and his store can be read here. 

Our deepest sympathies to Bobby and Robin Peck and Ruby Newman-Peck on the passing of beloved father and husband Alfred Peck. We extend our condolences to the entire Peck and Newman families.

We would like to wish a refuah shelama to our dear friend Marty Glasser and pray for his complete recovery.

Mazel tov to Kirk and Sherri Brandfass on the  birth of a grandson, Aiden. Aiden is the son of Adam and Ashley Brandfass.

We would like to wish a refuah shelama to our good friend Dr. Bob Rubenstein and pray for his speedy recovery.

Mazel tov to Dr. Cyndi Persily and the good work she is doing at Highland Hospital. An article in the Charleston Gazette on her can be found here.

Our deepest sympathies to our friends Kirk and Sherri Brandfass on the passing of his beloved mother, Martha Ross Brandfass.

Our sincerest sympathy to Maurice and George Samuels and family on the passing of beloved brother and father, Joseph Samuels.  He was the son of the late Rev. & Mrs. Benjamin Samuels.

We would like to wish a refuah shelama, a complete recovery to our beloved friend Randi Neurman and pray that good restores her to complete health.

David Pushkin was featured in Sandy Wells "Innerviews" on his work at Montessori and giving back to his city that shaped him. That article can be found here.

Mazel tov to Drs. Cyndi and Eric Persily on their daughter Alexandra Merit Scholarship Award. An article about her and the other finalist can be found here.

A wonderful article about Helen Lodge and the Holocaust Remembrance series that she has spearheaded can be found here.

Congregant, board member and friend Harry Peck has written a book about the history of Edgewood. The Charleston Gazette article on his work can be found here.

We would like to wish a refuah shelama, a complete recovery, to our dear friends Eric Gordon, Malcolm Silverberg and Susan May. May G-d grant them His blessing and return them to good health.

An article about former Charleston High lineback and B'nai Jacob alumni Rick Katzeff appeared in Sunday Gazette-Mail. You can read it here.

As he does every year, we would like to give a huge thank Michael Susser for his wonderful contribution to our Sunday school.  He provides us with an enormous amount of candy that we use throughout the year for rewards for participation and effort for our children.  We thank him for making Sunday school and Hebrew school such a fun place for our young. 

We want to wish Mrs. Sylvia (Borstein) Berg of Florida a happy 100th birthday.

We want to wish Betty Schoenbaum a happy 97th birthday on September 27th. May G-d continue to bless her with good health and blessing.

We wish a refuah shelama, a speedy recovery to our friend Arnie Schulberg, and pray for his good health.

Happy 50th birthday to Ernie Lazernick! He is inviting his friends to a special party /reception which will take place at the Synagogue on Tuesday September 23rd at 6:15 PM!

Mazel tov to our long time member Ed Goldberg. He was honored for completing 45 years of distinguished service as a professor at the West Virginia State.

Mazel tov to Jennifer Hoffman and Lincoln Crall  on their marriage. Jennifer is the daughter of Kathie and Dr. Marty Kommer  and the granddaughter of Margaret Kartagener.

Mazel tov to our friends Carol Strickland and David Querry on their marriage. We are so blessed to have them in our community.

We would like to thank Bill Carter for his hard work improving and upgrading our Synagogue computer and email system. As more of our time is spent using computer technology, Nancy, the Rabbi and the entire community are blessed to have his skills and support.

We want to wish a refuah shelama, a speedy recovery, to Dr. Barry Lifson and pray for his good health.

The Ladies' Auxiliary would like to thank Helen Lodge for donating beautiful new serving pieces to be used in our kitchen. She continues to make our Oneg shabbats and kiddushes wonderful for everyone.


Mazel tov to Mary Ann and Ed Fox on the marriage of their son Kory to Meagan Meadows.


Mazel tov to Rick Sadolf who not only finished 96th (out of of almost 500 runners) in the annual  5K Charleston Distance Run but 3rd in his age group!

Mazel tov to both Jennifer Ogrin and Henry Nearman for completing (and looking awesome passing the shul at the halfway mark!) the annual 15-mile Charleston Distance Run.

Our deepest sympathies to the Goldberg family on the passing of our long time friend and congregant Louis Goldberg.  We extend our condolences to his daughters Julie Boggs and Dee Hays as well as his son David. May the Holy One, Blessed be He, comfort Lou's family among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

Mazel Tov to Barbara & Ken Rubin on the B'nai Mitzvah of their grandchildren, Eli Sutker Rubineau and Morielle Daisy Rubineau, children of Brian & A.J. Rubineau

Mazel tov to Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks Manager Doug Simunic. He is the only manager that the RedHawks have ever known and is going to be sticking around a little bit longer. His team announced that they were exercising a two-year option on skipper Doug Simunic's current contract. This would keep the manager in the F-M clubhouse through 2017. Simunic has fashioned a remarkable record with the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks, posting a 1,061-697 record, good for a .604 winning percentage. His RedHawks teams have won five league championships (1998, 2003, 2006, 2009, 2010). In addition, Simunic has led 16 teams to the post-season and posted eight 60-win seasons in 19 years with Fargo-Moorhead. Simunic is the only field manager the RedHawks have employed. He joined the Northern League expansion franchise RedHawks for the 1996 season after spending three seasons in the dugouts of the Rochester Aces (1993) and Winnipeg Goldeyes (1994-95) of the same league. He led the Goldeyes to the Northern League title in 1994.

Enjoy a wonderful article about our friend and congregant Craig Snyder who is the head football coach for the Winfield Generals. That article can be read here.


Mazel tov to Sandy & David Cohen on the birth of their 2nd great-grandchild, Dominic James Goclon, son of Rachel & Matthew Goclon.


Great article on Michael Pushkin and his campaign run for the West Virginia State House appeared in the Charleston Daily Mail. You can find it here.

A wonderful article on Ben Glasser's adventure in the Andes appeared in Charleston Gazette. You can read it here.

We extend our deepest sympathies to our friend and congregant Pam Waybright on the passing of her father. May the Holy One, blessed be He comfort her and her entire family.

We regret to announce the passing of long time member of B'nai Jacob Synagoue, Edwin "Peachy" Masinter. His graveside funeral will be held on Thursday August 21st and our sympathies go out to the entire Masinter family.

We mourn the passing of Rozz Weiss, beloved wife of Cantor Maurice Weiss. The Cantor and his wife were married for 62. May the Holy One, blessed be He, comfort the Cantor among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

The B'nai Jacob family joins our brothers and sisters in mourning the loss of Temple President Philip Angel. Phil was a great friend of this community and was part of our synagogue's fabric as well. Our deepest sympathies to his wife Ida and his family. He will be missed.

Our deepest sympathies to John Sutter on the passing of his beloved sister, Joanne Emerson.

Mazel tov to Henry and Ellen Kanner on the marriage of their daughter Emily to Jacob Kleidman. Emily is the granddaughter of Mrs. Jeannette Kanner and Mrs. Bernice Saxe.

We regret to announce the passing of Evelyn Galinsky Sheffer.

Our deepest sympathies to Carmen Shimm on the passing of her beloved mother.

Mazel tov to Steve and Sharon Rubin on the wedding of their son Bradley to Leah Beth Mutnick. Mazel Tov to Bradley dear grandmothers Aggie Rubin and Sylvia Koslove.

We are saddened to announce the passing of the father of Stephanie Abramowitz, Norman Kutner.

Our deepest sympathies to Rachel Rubin on the passing of her beloved brother, Charlot Ohana who died in Israel.


June-July 2014

   We regret to announce the passing of long time member Dr. Joe Abrams who passed away shortly after his 101st birthday. Our condolences go out to his children Dr. Ross Abrams, Lynn Abrams, Rocky Abrams and the entire Abrams family.

   Our deepest sympathies go out to Dr. Todd and Eileen Goldberg and Matt on the passing of their beloved mother and grandmother, Elaine Goldberg.

   Mazel tov to Dr. Fred Pollock who won the 2014 Biggest Liar Award at the Vandalia Festival. His prize? A beautiful shovel, of course!

    Our deepest sympathies go out to our friend Dr. Zalman Fixler on the passing of his beloved wife Betty.

    We regret to announce the passing of Evelyn Galinsky Sheffer. Evelyn was the aunt of Miki Bloom.

     Mazel tov to Sophie Nellhaus, daughter of Dr. Kurt and Danita Nellhaus. Sophie will be attending WVU this fall.



















March-May 2014

Mazel tov to Michael Pushkin for winning the democratic primary nomination to serve in the House of Delegates representing the 37th District. We wish him the best of luck in the Fall campaign!

Our deepest sympathies go out to Doris and Jack Goldfarb on the passing of her beloved brother Irvin Gotlieb of Birmingham, Alabama. May the Holy One, Blessed be He, comfort Irv's entire family.

 Mazel tov to Rachel Clarke, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Greg and Lynn Clarke, received the degree of Doctor of Medicine from Marshall University's Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine on May 9th. Rachel will be entering a Pediatrics Residency at Tufts University/Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, MA on July 1. Rachel also received an Honors in Community Service Award from Marshall's Medical School.

Mazel tov to Aaron Persily, son of Drs. Eric and Cyndi Persily who is graduating from Charleston Catholic. He will be attending Hampden-Sydney College in the fall. He will be playing on their golf team. He was awarded their highest academic scholarship, the Allan Scholarship, as well as their Student Leadership Scholarship. He was also awarded the West Virginia Golf Association Campbell Scholarship.

Mazel tov to Julie Rubin on her graduation from Vanderbilt University. She graduates with a BA in Public Policy. Mazel tov to Bradley Rubin who graduated from Duke with a masters in engineering management. Julie and Bradley are the children of Steve and Sharon Rubin and the grandchildren of the Agatha Rubin and the late Dan Rubin and Sylvia Kozlove and the late Julius Kozlove.

Mazel tov to Caroline Kaufman who will graduate on May 16th from Pratt Institute with a B.F.A. in Fashion and Design. She has been selected this month for a 2014 Windgate Award. The Windgate Fellowship is a competitive national grant awarded to ten graduating college seniors with exemplary skills in crafts. Each Windgate fellow receive $15,000, one of the largest awards offered to American art students. Caroline was one of two winners in the field of textiles and fabrics. She is the daughter of Tod and Barrie, granddaughter of Marion Baer and the late frank Baer, Paul and Rose Jean Kaufman of blessed memory.

Mazel tov to Leah and Michael Ernest on the birth of a daughter, Gwen Rose. Gwen is also the granddaughter of Duke and Carole Bloom.

Mazel tov to Katrina Fernandez on her graduation from the West Virginia University School of Nursing with a Masters of Science in Nursing (Family Nurse Practitioner). Katrina is the daughter of Manie and Andrea Fernandez.

Mazel tov to Jacob Pettry on his graduation from Liberty High School.  Mazel tov to his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Howard Pettry.  Jacob will be attending Concord College University this fall.

Mazel tov to Jacob Levenson, son of Cary & Rosemary Levenson, who was inducted as a Knight of the Golden Horseshoe.  This award recognizes students for their knowledge of our states history and culture.

We would like to wish a refuah shelama to Elaine Max, Sibbie Redmond, and Terri Rosenfeld. We pray for their speedy and complete recoveries.

Mazel tov to David Freeman who graduates on May 10th with a law degree from Washington and Lee. David is the son of Bruce and Francie Freeman.

Mazel tov to Dan Marks who is graduating from Princeton with a degree in evolutionary Biology and a certificate in East Asian Studies. He will be serving in an Asian Fellowship in Jishou, China. Mazel tov to Ethan Marks who is receiving his law degree from Boston College. Dan is the son of Roger and Robbie Marks, Ethan is the son of Steve and Joan Marks and both are the grandsons of Norman and Marsha Marks of Richmond.

 Mazel Tov to our friend Rabbi Zalman Gurevitz of Morgantown. He just closed on a home that will now be the new Chabad House for WVU. You can read about it here.

Mazel tov to Avrah Urecki, daughter of Rabbi and Marilyn Urecki and granddaughter of Elliot and Jean Urecki. She is graduating from the Maryland Institute College of Arts with a Masters of Arts in Teaching (MAT). She is being recognized in May as a MICA Student leader for contributing time and energy for the betterment of the community. She has officially accepted the art teacher position at Charleston Catholic and will begin teaching in August!

Mazel tov to Barrie Kaufman, the West Virginia Division of Culture and History 2014 artist of the year. A wonderful article on her artistic gifts can be found here.

 We would like to wish a continued refuah shelama to our friends Elaine Max and Florence Sheff and pray for their complete recovery.

We are saddened to report on the passing of Sylvia Mallory, mother of Kathy and Arnie Schulberg. Kathy's mother passed away last week after a long illness. May the Holy One, Blessed Be He, comfort Kathy and the entire Mallory family.

The Charleston Gazette had a wonderful article on Passover featuring Millie Snyder and Marilyn Urecki. You can read it here.

We extend our deepest sympathies to our dear friends Bruce and Francie Freeman on the passing of her beloved father Oscar Sanford. May the Holy One, blessed be He, comfort Sanford's entire family.

We wish our dear friend Elaine Max a refuah shelama, a speedy recovery, and pray that Hashem grant her a lasting healing.

Last Thursday, a symposium on what "In G-d We Trust" means today was held at the University of Charleston. Rabbi Urecki was on the panel and an article on the event can been found in the Charleston Gazette here.

A great article appeared in the Sunday Gazette-Mail on our friend Dr. Fred Pollock's trip to Vietnam with his son Joe and daughter Lealah. Read it here.

Mazel tov to our friend Millie Snyder whose book "Lean and Luscious" , which has sold over one million copies has just won another national award! You can read about it in the Charleston Gazette here.

Mazel tov to Drs. Michael and Beth Jaskolka on the naming of their daughter Maggie Elizabeth. Her beautiful naming was held on Sunday March 23rd at the Synagogue.

Our deepest sympathies to our dear friend Karen and Bob Schwarz on the passing of Karen's mother, Evelyn Hollander. Evelyn's funeral will take place on Monday March 24th in Florida. May the Holy One, blessed be He, comfort Evelyn's entire family among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

Mazel tov to the Rubenstein family. Mikaela Rubenstein was selected to the Sigma Theta Tou - International Honor Society of Nurses. Mikaela is completing her MS Family Nurse Practitioner's degree at Marshall University. Anna Rubenstein made the Dean's Honor List at the Benjamin M. Slater College of Engineering and Mineral Resources. Anna is freshman at West Virginia University majoring in Chemical Engineering.
Jessica Rubenstein was selected to the National Honor Society and  National Math Honor Society - Mu Alpha Theta. Jessica is a sophomore at Nitro High School.

Dr. Steve Artz was featured recently in the Charleston Gazette on a wonderful article about the Anvil Club. Read it in it's entirety here.

In conjunction with the PBS 5 part series "The Story of the Jews", West Virginia Public Radio aired an interview with Rabbi Urecki on his Jewish experiences in West Virginia. You can listen to it here.

Our best wishes to our dear friend Sid Lopinsky who just turned 91 years of age! May Hashem continue to strengthen him and bless him with good health and happiness!

Mazel tov to our belove Helen Lodge who is receiving the "Arts to the Max" award by the
Charleston Area Alliance and City National Bank as part of the 2014 We Love Our Community Awards Program.

Our sympathies go out to the Goldstein family on the passing of Shirley Ardman. Shirley was the wife of the late Bill Ardman. She will be buried in a private ceremony at the B'nai Jacob Eternal Home Cemetery.

We extend our deepest sympathies to Alvin and Gayle Preiser on the passing of his beloved sister Shirley Osen. May the Holy One, Blessed Be He, comfort the entire Prieser family among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

An article about Rabbi Urecki's Civil Right's award appeared in the Charleston Gazette. It can found here.

Cookie Glasser had a op-ed piece in this week's Gazette. You can read it here.

We would like a wish a refuah shelama, a speedy recovery, to our beloved friends, Malcolm Silverberg, Andrea Fernandez, Elaine Max and we pray that they returns to good health.

We are saddened to announce the passing of our beloved friend Sam Rubin who passed away in Florida Sunday at the age of 90. Our sincerest condolences to his wife Sugar, son Rick and Wendy and the entire Rubin family. May the Holy One, Blessed be He, comfort the Rubin family among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

Our  deepest sympathies to the entire Preiser family on the passing of Joyce Preiser. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her children Monty, Sara, and Terri and her grandchildren and great granchild. May the Holy One, Blessed be He, comfort the Preiser family among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

Rabbi Urecki has an op-ed in the Charleston Gazette on the role our West Virginia Congressional delegation is playing in preventing Iran from attaining a nuclear weapon. You can find that piece here.

We are so happy to wish our best to our wonderful friend Bob Nearman who will be celebrating his 92 Birthday on March 5th! Please contact the synagogue if you would like to get Bob's number, email or physical address to write or give him a call. He would love to hear from you!

Our own Paula Kaufman has another piece in the Charleston Gazette. Her op-ed can be found here.

Mazel tov to our beloved friend Malcolm Silverberg on the birth of a great granddaughter, Shindel Silverberg, daughter of Josh and Dossi Silverberg of Israel and granddaughter of Jeffrey and Leslie Silverberg of Baltimore. She is his 34 great grandchild!

Rabbi is pleased to announce that he has been selected as one on honorees for the 2014 Civil Rights Award. He is being recognized for his longtime interfaith work, humanitarian service, and civic work in West Virginia. What makes this award even more special is that he will be joined by Rabbi Beth Jacowitz Chottiner of Temple Shalom for her work as chair of the City of Wheeling Human Rights Commission. In addition, this will mark the second time our congregation has been recognized. Rabbi Samuel Cooper, of blessed memory, was one of the first individuals honored with this award for his lifetime of contributions in the area of civil rights.

We mourn the passing of Rosalee Krasne Swerdloff, the sister of David Krasne. Rosalee and David were the children of Sol and Frieda Krasne and were members of our community up until in the 1950's. May Rosalee's memory always be for a blessing.

A refuah shelama, a speedy recovery, to our dear friends Lou Goldberg and Jessica Rubenstein. We prayer for their good and continued health.

Draza Peck and her daughter Alexa were featured in an article on living a gluten-free life in Charleston Gazette. You can read about it here.

Mazel tov to our dear friend Sam Rubin who is celebrating his 90th birthday this month. Mazel tov to our beloved and lovely Florence Sheff who just turned 89. May G-d bless them both!

Rich Katz and Allan Tweddle each wrote op-ed pieces on the West Virginia Water Crisis. Rich's piece in the Daily-Mail can be found here and Allan's op-ed in Gazette is here.

Our condolences to Linda and Paul Gay on the passing of their beloved son, Paul David Gay. Linda is a long time friend of the B'nai Jacob family and took extraordinarily great care of Sam Wilan, Meyer Jason and others.

Michael Pushkin has created a great folk song, emblematic of our water crisis. "We're All A Bunch of Water" is well worth listening to! Hear it here

A refuah shelama to our dear friends Dr. Joe Abrams and Harry Silverman. We pray for their complete recovery.

Dr. Fred Pollock and the West Virginia Jewish Film Festival was featured in a fabulous article in the Charleston Gazette. You can read it here.


Mazel tov to Tanner Haid, son of Sheila Wilson and grandson of Dr. Phil Goldstein, on his recent marriage to Alexandra Beaulieu.

Our deepest sympathies to our friend and congregant Ernie Lazernick. Ernie lost his youngest brother. Lee Frank Lazernick, on January 17th in Norfolk, Va.  May the Holy One, blessed be He, comfort Ernie and his family among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

Ladies Auxiliary President Linda Toborowsky has a wonderful op-ed piece in the Charleston Gazette. Click here to read her article.

Mazel tov and continued prayers for health to Helen Lodge. The West Virginia Youth Symphony announced that they are recognizing Helen for her outstanding commitment and dedication to the organization over the past nearly 20 years and as its President for three years. In order to express their apprecation, they are naming the WVYS Concertmaster Chair, their highest honor after her. It will called the Helen F. Lodge Chair, a wonderful tribute to an amazing and inspiring woman!

We would like to wish a refuah shelama, a speedy recovery, to Donna Hark and Phil Angel. We pray for their good and complete health.

Mazel tov to Scott and Katie Goldman on the Bar Mittzvah of their son Ike Goldman.

Mazel tov to Cookie and Marty Glasser on the Bar Mitzvah of their grandson Zach Schulman, son of Jeff and Kristy Glasser.

Mazel tov to Dr. Eric Persily who is now the president of General Anesthesia Services, 27 incredible doctors who provide anethesia services at all three CAMC hospital as well as Charleston Surgical Hospital. A great honor for a fantastic doctor and congregant!

Robin Godfrey was featured in an interesting article on his efforts to track down his relative that had been killed in World War I. That article can be read here.

Our condolences go out to Ben Hark on the passing of his beloved cousin Toby Gail Stone. Toby, the daughter of Jenny Stone, passed away on January 1st, 2014 in Paris, France. Toby is also survived by a sister, Lean Jane, of Richardson, Texas. May the Holy One, blessed be He, comfort the entire Hark family.

We want to wish  a speedy recovery to our dear friends, Aggie Rubin and Dr. Don Rosenberg and we pray that G-d grants them both a refuah shelama.

Mazel tov to Ginny Adams on her new website, "Mango Kitchen". Mango Kitchen is a great site for wonderfully easy and creative kosher ideas. It is an amazing place to explore! Check it out here.

Millie Snyder is featured in a wonderful article in the Charleston Gazette about her Shape Shop business. That article can be found here.

Our own Michael Pushkin is running for the House of Delegates in the 37 District. A great piece on Michael in the Charleston Gazette here.

We want to wish a refuah shelama, a speedy recovery, to Dr. Stewart Bloom and pray that he be restored to complete health and vigor.

We regret to announce the passing of Ruth Elam, wife of the late Omer Elam and beloved sister of Aggie Rubin and Leo Gardner who passed away on December 17th after a long illness. May the Holy One Blessed Be He, comfort the entire Elam, Gardner and Rubin families among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

November 2013/ January 2014

Mazel tov to our esteemed leader and congregant Stephen Meyer. The newest volume of his West Virginia Practice Library book "Trial Handbook for West Virginia Lawyers" has been published, encompassing all laws and rulings in 625 pages! What an incredible accomplishment for our dear friend, Steve!

Our deepest sympathies to Ellyn-Mae Friedman on the passing of her beloved husband Dr. Asher Friedman. His funeral will be held on December 9th in Norfolk, Virginia. May the Holy One, blessed be He, comfort you among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

Mazel tov to Sigal Kuhl and Charlie Kuhl on the Bar Mitzvah of their son Ben. Ben was called to the Torah at B'nai Jacob Synagogue on the fourth day of Chanukah.

Watch Rabbi Urecki join Dr. Bill McCoy, Senior Pastor at First Presbyterian Church, to discuss the holiday season with Bray Cary on Decision Makers. The show can be found on the WOWK site here.

Dr. Alex Rosenstein and his dear wife Vicki are two of our newest members to the B'nai Jacob community. Sandy Wells of the Gazette has an wonderful interview of Alex, highlighting his extraordinary life, which can be read here.

The Nearman family, as well as Rabbi Jim Cohn, are featured in a nice article on Chanukah in the Charleston Daily Mail. You can find it here.

The Slotnick, Rubenstein, and Deutsch families are featured in a great article on Chanukah in the Charleston Gazette. You can find it here.

We would like to wish a refuah shelama to our dear friends Aggie Rubin and Lora Levenson.  We pray for their speedy and successful recoveries.

Our deepest sympathies go out to our friend Jay Miller on the passing of his beloved father Manny Miller.  May the Holy One, blessed be He, comfort the Miller family along with all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem. 

Mazel tov to Dr. Zelman Fixler on receiving "Practitioner of the Year" award for 2013 in the field of Dermatology. 

Our deepest sympathies to Pam and Leo Gardner on the passing of his beloved daughter Pamela Gardner Burdett. Pamela died on November 12th in Bonita Springs, Florida. May the Holy One, Blessed be He, comfort Leo and the entire family.

Mazel tov to our dear friend and congregant Ruby Newman-Peck who celebrates her 93rd birthday on November 18th!

Mazel tov to Sara and Monty Preiser and Joyce Preiser on the birth of a grandson and great-grandson Caden Samuel Wolfson. Caden is the son of Blair Preiser and her husband Evan Wolfson.

Mazel tov to Terry and Sandy Cooper on the engagement of their son Nathan Cooper to Whitney Nicole Centers.

Our deepest sympathies to Margaret Kartagener on the passing of her brother-in-law, Bryant Griffin of North Carolina. May the Holy One, blessed be He, comfort Margaret and the entire family.

We extend a mazel tov to Helen Lodge who has adopted her beloved niece Alice White. A wonderful ceremony was conducted on November 8th for this beautiful occasion.

We would like to wish a refuah shelama to our dear friend Barbie Sadolf and pray for her complete healing and recovery.

Our deepest sympathies go out to Beth and Russell Emrick on the passing of his beloved grandmother Lera Stein. May the Holy One, blessed be He, comfort Russell and the entire family among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

We want to wish a refuah shelama, a speedy recovery, to our good friends and congregants Eric and Scott Gordon. May Hashem bring them to good health.

B'nai Jacob mourns the passing of Patzy Swain who has been cleaning the windows of our congregation for many years. We appreciate and will fondly remember all her kindness and good work for our synagogue.

Mazel tov to Sharon Rubin who led our first ever contemporary Ma'ariv (daily evening service)!

Mazel Tov to Lynn Meyer who has received the annual Hadassah National Leadership Leadership Award, which honors members whose leadership accomplishments reflect Hadassah's dedication to the principles of the volunteer ethic.

Enjoy an outstanding article on Cantor and Roz Weiss from the Denver Jewish Newspaper here.

Mazel tov to Mary Ann Fox for her new position as Vice President with Land and Rex Energy.

JoEllen Zacks is featured in a wonderful piece in the Gazette on successful businesswomen in our area. You can see it here.

Our own Helen Lodge's life and work is featured in a remarkable feature piece in the Charleston Gazette. You can read it here.

Mazel tov to Rick and Barbie Sadolf on the forthcoming marriage of their son Dr. Josh Sadolf to Lisa Tarakji.

September/ October 2013

Mazel tov to Philip and Lynn Abrams who are celebrating their 4oth Wedding anniversary.

Mazel tov to Karen and Robert Schwarz on the birth of a granddaughter, Lena Schwarz Batka. Mazel tov to the parents, Madie and Brian, who live in Brooklyn, New York!

We want to extend prayers to Ruth Elam and wish her a refuah shelama. May G-d bless her and watch over her.

Mazel tov to Thorney and Anne Lieberman on the engagement of their daughter Cincy to Shabsi Kaplan.

Mazel tov to Aaron Persily who came in second in West Virginia state high school tournament. Aaron has finished in the top four in all four years he competed at the state tournament!

We wish a refuah shelama to our beloved friend Helen Lodge. We pray for her speedy recovery.

Mazel tov to Beth Bloom Emrick as she joins the department of  Pediatrics specializing in Pediatrics and Developmental Behavior Pediatrics at CAMC.

Mazel tov to Ed and Mary Ann Fox on the engagement of their son Kory to Megan Meadows.

We wish a refuah shelama to our dear friends Aggie Rubin and Jeannette Kanner. We pray for their complete recovery.

We regret to learn of the passing of Evelyn Goldfarb Horn, mother of David and Susan Horn of MD, Joel and Susan Horn of Seattle, WA and sister of Dr. Martin and Sandra Goldfarb of Beverly Hills, CA. , grandmother of Madeleine Udell and Matthew, Kathryn, Ruby and Max Horn. Graveside services were held on Tuesday, September 24th in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Our condolences to Wendy and Rick Rubin on the passing of her grandfather, William "Bill" Abrams. He was 101. May the Holy One, Blessed be He, comfort his entire family.

Mazel tov to our beloved Betty Schoenbaum who will be celebrating her 96th birthday on September 27th. May G-d continue to bless her with the joy of giving, the joy of sharing and the joy of loving!

A refuah shelama to Donna Hark and Pam Goldfarb. May G-d grant them both a speedy and complete recovery.

Mazel tov once again to Aaron Persily, son of Drs. Eric and Cyndi Persily. Aaron won the West Virginia/Ohio High School Golf Showcase shooting an amazing 73! Way to go, Aaron!

Mazel tov to Rabbi and Marilyn who have been invited to join Senator and Mrs. Joe Manchin on their trip to Israel this November. This wonderful honor is all the more special since it will be Rabbi's first trip to Eretz Yisrael.

Mazel tov to Mary Ann Fox who has taken a Vice President positon of Land Depatment with Rex Energy ( State College, PA).

Mazel tov to Malcolm Silverberg on the birth of his 32nd great-grandson, Yaakov, son of Avram and Jenny, grandson of Jeff and Leslie Silverberg of Maryland.

Our condolences to the Pickett family on the passing of our beloved friend and congregant George Pickett. Our deepest symapathies go out to his dear wife Terry, sons Alan and Vince, daughter Rachel, brother JC and sister Molly. May the Holy One, blessed be He, comfort them among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

We would like to thank Michael Susser for his wonderful contribution to our Sunday school. He provides us with an enormous amount of candy that we use throughout the year for rewards for participation and effort for our children. We thank him for making Sunday school and Hebrew school such a fun place for our young.

Mazel tov to Jeannette Kanner and Henry and Ellen Kanner on the wedding of their granddaughter and daughter Rachel Kanner to Adam Volin.

Our deepest sympathy goes out to Mrs. Beverly Marks and Marsha and Normna Marks on the passing of husband and brother Harold. Harold passed away on August 29th in Israel. He is also survived by 5 children, 31 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. May the Holy One, Blessed be He, comfort the Marks family among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

Mazel tov to Dr. Glenn and Pam Goldfarb and Jack and Doris Goldfarb on the wedding of their daughter and granddaughter Sarah to Jesse Thomas.

Mazel tov to Kirsten Kennedy for becoming part of our faith community. We welcome her to our people.

July/August 2013

Mazel tov to David Pushkin who was named lead guide teacher for the junior elementary class of the Mountaineer Montessori School.

We regret to learn of the passing of Mrs. Bernice Weiner of Florida. May the Holy One, Blessed be He, comfort her family among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

Mazel tov to Susie Hark Simon on the birth of a granddaughter, Arielle Faith Simon born on August 5th to her son and daughter-in-law Mr. and Mrs. Brett Simon.

A refuah shelama to our dear friends Ruth Elam, Phil Angel, and Jack Goldfarb. We continue to pray for their health.

Mazel tov to Marge Snyder for being selected the Putnam County Middle Schools Middle School Teacher of the Year for 2013. A well deserved honor for a wonderful congregant and friend!

Mazel tov to Drs. Michael and Beth Jaskolka and Maggie on the birth of a son and brother, Eli. Eli's brit milah, please G-d, will take place on Tuesday August 13th. May G-d bless the Jaskolka family!

A refuah shelama to our beloved friends and congregants  Helen Lodge, Ginny Gattlieb and Barbie Sadolf. We continue to pray for their health.

Mazel tov Trish Weisberg, daughter of Louis and Liz Weisberg, who graduated from Charleston Catholic High School and will be attending Southern Methodist University this fall as a Hunt Scholar.

Mazel tov to Aaron Persily who is the new student body president of Charleston Catholic High School.

Mazel tov to Dr. Cyndi Persily who will become the new President  and Chief Executive Officer of Highland Hospital Association and it affiliated companies!

A refuah shelama to our dear friend and congregant, Jack Goldfarb. We pray for his complete health and recovery.

Congratulations to Aaron Persily, son of Doctors Eric and Cyndi Persily. Aaron successfully qualified for the WV State Amateur tournament to be held at the Greenbrier August 5-8.  He won his spot in a four man playoff by making a birdie on the first playoff hole. Way to go, Aaron!

We extend our deepest sympathies to Dr. Justin Cohen on the passing of his beloved father Harold Cohan. May the Holy One, blessed be He, comfort him and his wife Sara among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

Mazel tov to Mike and Miki Bloom and Ruth Bloom on the marriage of their son and grandson, Ryan Bloom to Valarie Lynn Wood.

We extend our deepest sypathies to Dr. Martin and Kathie Kommor on the passing of his beloved son, Captain Benjamin Kommor. a service of tribute for Ben was held at Temple Israel on July 21st. May the Holy One, blessed be He, comfort the Kommors among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

Mazel tov to Sandy and Merrill Nearman and their family on their new home. They recently moved to Park City, Utah from Boca Raton, Florida. Merrill is the son of Rita and Nemo Nearman.

Our deepest sympathies go out to Dr. Greg and Lynne Clarke on the passing of her beloved mother, Mildred Saltzman. Her funeral was held on sunday July 21st in Buffalo. May the Holy One, blessed be He, comfort the Clarke family among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

Mazel tov tov to Steve and Sharon Rubin on the engagement of their son Bradley Rubin to Leah Mutnick. Bradley is the grandson of Aggie Rubin and Sylvia Koslove.

Our deepest sympathies go out to Linda Rubin on the passing of her beloved husband Dr. Phil Rubin, father of Jodi and Richard Katz and Dr. Mark Rubin.

We are saddened to report the passing of Mrs. Thelma Seltzer, the mother of Joanne Seltzer of New York.

Our deepest sympathies go out to Mr. Joanne Carp Feinberg on the passing of her beloved husband Gerald Feinberg of Charleston, SC.

Mazel tov to Malcolm Silverberg on the birth of a great-granddaughter Aliza Suffin, daughter of Nathan and Tamar Suffin, granddaughter of Jeff and Mindy Silverberg.

Mazel tov to Barry and Eileen Ogrin on the birth of a grandson, Cy Gabriel, son of Cindy and Greg Concodora of Chicago, great-grandson of Mel and Rita Ogrin.

Mazel tov to Jennifer and Howard Mize, Brian Briant and Millie Snyder on the Bar Mitzvah of their son and grandson, Jack Briant.

Mazel tov to Brian and Lena Glasser, cookie and Marty Glasser on the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter and granddaughter, Emma Glasser.

Mazel tov to Dr. Aaron and Brooke Masters Bloom on their recent marriage. Aaron is the son of Dr. Stewart and Dolores Bloom, grandson of Mrs. Ruth Bloom.


May/June 2013

Mazel tov to Lynn Meyer on her leadership award from Hadassah. This is a tribute to all her hard work  in our community for that important institution.

Mazel tov to Sophia Kaufman on her graduation from Choate Rosemary Hall in Connecticut. Sophia is the daughter of Judge Todd and Barrie Kaufman, the granddaughter of Marion Baer.

Mazel tov to Dina Hornbaker who graduated from WVU this past December. Her sister, Hanna, graduates from the University of Amsterdam in July. Dina and Hanna are the daughter of Dr. Mark and Branka Hornbaker.

We would like to wish a refuah shelama to our friend Dr. Phil Rubin and wish him a speedy recovery.

We would like to wish a refuah shelama to our dear friend, Dr. Joel Levien. May Hashem be with him and grant him a speedy and successful recovery.

Mazel tov to Courtney Masinter, Helen Lodge, Frannie Slotnick and Trish Weisberg who were selected to be GIRLS ON FIRE in the West Virginia Symphony League's annual fashion show on May 9th. Trish's "look" was voted "People's Choice" by the sold out audience of  more than 300. Helen,who headed the fashion show for many years, also served on the committee with Missy Rubin  and co-chair JoEllen Zacks. Featured retailers included our own Ivor Sheff.

Mazel tov to Lynn and Steve Meyer and Phyllis Sopher on the their son David. David Meyer has been inducted as President of the Ohio Association of Justice.

Mazel tov to Ray and Gloria Max on their grandson Zachary Miller. Zachary , son of Jackie and Mark Miller, graduated summa cum laude from Duke University.

Mazel tov to David and Sandy Hartz Cohen on the engagement of their daughter Susan Cohen and Jeremy McDaniel.

Mazel tov to Marsha and Norman Marks on the graduation of their granddaughter, Miranda Marks, who received a chemical engineering degree from Princeton and will attending graduate school at Duke University. Miranda is the daughter of Steve and Joan Marks. Mazel tov to the Marks' family on the high school graduation of their granddaughter, Amy. Amy, the daughter of Roger and Robbie Marks, will be attending the University of Cincinnati and majoring in Interior Design.

B'nai Jacob mourns the tragic passing of Mellisa Koppel. Melissa is the daughter of Denny and Sheryl Hirsh of Cleveland. May G-d comfort them among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

Mazel tov to Michelle Morton Ruppert, daughter of Nancy Morton. She received her Master's in Leadership Studies from Marshall University. She was also accepted into the Doctoral Program at Marshall and will begin in the Fall.

Our condolences on the passing of Richard Rosenberg. Richard is the brother of Dr. Don Rosenberg. Our sympathies to his dear wife Nadine and daughter Julie who just celebrated her Bat Mitzvah this past December.

We would like a refuah shelama to our dear friend and congregant Debbie Victorson. May she have a speedy recovery.

Mazel tov to Barry and Eileen Ogrin on the birth of a grandson, Cy Gabriel. Cy is the son of Cindy and Greg Concodora of Chicago and was born on Barry's 61st birthday! Cy is also the greatgrandson of Mel and Rita Ogrin.

Mazel tov to Anna Elise Rubenstein who graduates from Nitro High School this month. She will be attending West Virginia University in the Fall as a Rhododendron Scholar and has been accepted into the Honors Program majoring in Engineering. Anna ranked 3rd in her class of 175 and is a member of the National Honor Society.

Mazel tov to Chava Urecki who graduated from Roanoke College on May 4th. Chava graduates with honors in her major (Psychology), Phi Betta Kappa, and Alpha Lamda Delta (seniors with the highest grade point average). She will attend Xavier University in the Fall, pursuing a doctorate in Clinical Psychology.

Mazel tov to Malcolm Silverberg on the birth of a great granddaughter, Aliza Suffin, daughter of Nathan and Tamar Suffin, granddaughter of Jeff and Mindy Silverberg.

Our deepest sympathies go to Dr. Don and Janine Rosenberg on the passing of her mother, Elise Baden. Janine's mother passed away in Switzerland on April 26th. May the Holy One, blessed be He, comfort her family among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

Mazel tov to the Vice President of our congregation, Dr. Bob Rubenstein, on being the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award at Marshall University. This award recognizes his outstanding record of distinguished service and teaching to the university.

Mazel tov to Michael and Miki Bloom and Mrs. Ruth Bloom on the Bar Mitzvah of their grandson and greatgrandson, Ethan. Ethan is the son of Sarah and Jeremy Schlussel.

B'nai Jacob extends our condolences to our brethren at Temple Israel on the passing of our friend Stanley Margolis. Stanley passed away on April 17th after a long illness. Our sympathies go out to his three son Mark (Louise), Robert (Whitney) and Aric (Diana), his seven grandchildren and the entire Margolis family.

Mazel tov to Sam and Sugar Rubin on the birth of a great granddaughter, Sydney Lane Lazarus. Sydney is the daughter of Jodi and Mike Lazarus and granddaughter of Debbi and Jim Steiger. She is also the great granddaughter of the late Sherwin and Alayne Steiger.

We would like to wish a refuah shelama, a speedy recovery, to Mrs. Betty Fixler of Cincinnati. May G-d be with her and restore her to good health.

Mazel tov to Leslie Lopinsky Morton on her marriage to Phil Young. Leslie is the daughter of Sid Lopinsky.

Mazel tov to Harry and Draza Peck on the birth of a grandson, Spencer Maddux, son of Ben and Allyson Peck.

Mazel tov to Joy and Ben Redmond on the birth of their daughter Sylvia "Sibbie" Madrona. Mazel tov to the grandparents Ed and Ellyn Goldberg and sister Raya!

                                                         April 2013

We are saddened to note the passing of Ida Marie Berman who died in March 31st in Charlotte, NC. Ida grew up in Charleston and was the aunt of the late William "Bill" Miller. She is survived by her son Larry Berman and her daughter Jenny Rosenthal.

Our condolences to the entire Lewis family on the passing of our longtime friend and beloved congregant Sanford Lewis. We extend our deepest sympathies to his dear wife Zel, his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. May the Holy One, Blessed Be He, comfort them among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.


Our condolences to Rabbi and Mrs Chaim Landau on the passing of his beloved mother. Ilse Landau died in Israel and is buried there. May the Holy One, blessed be He, comfort the Landau family among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

Mazel tov to Anna Rubenstein, a semifinalist in the state Poetry Out Loud: National Recitation Contest, held March 8-9.

We are so proud of our friend and congregant Russell Emrick and all he is doing to accelerate response times for 911 calls. A great article can be found here.

Ben Glasser was featured in an article on his attempts to seek a plan on school redistricting. You can read about it here.

Our condolences go out to Ruth Bloom on the passing of her beloved sister-in-law Lila Goldman. Our deepest sympathies to Ruth and the entire family.

Mazel tov to Gabriel Pollock. He was accepted into the Anesthesia Residency Program at the University of Illinois, Chicago. His dad, Dr. Fred Pollock, is also a graduate from the same medical school!

Mazel tov to Dr. Josh Sadolf whose medical career will begin in  Internal Medicine at Hanover in Wilmington, North Carolina. We wish him our best!

We continue to offer our prayers for the recovery of our dear friend Sanford Lewis. May G-d watch over him and give him strength and healing.

Mazel tov to our beloved congregant Mel Ogrin who is celebrating his 90th on March 19th! We wish him, Rita and the entire Ogrin family our best wishes for continued good health and happiness.

Mazel tov to Chava Urecki who has been accepted into the the Clinical Psy.D program at Xavier University.

A refuah shlema to our good friend and congregant Ginny Gattlieb. May Hashem grant her a speedy recovery.

Mazel tov to the Middle School Boys team of B'nai Jacob. Led by Jeremiah Weintraub's 20 points, B'nai Jacob beat First Presbyterian Church 48-34  to win the championship!

Our deepest sympathies to Kathy Mallory Schulberg on the passing of her dear father Charles Mitchel Mallory. May the Holy One, Blessed be He, comfort Kathy and the entire Mallory family among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

Mazel tov to Manie and Andrea Fernandez on the engagement of their son Stephen to Megan Jett.

                  January/February 2013

A refuah shelama, a speedy recovery, to our  wonderful friend and congregant, Dr. Roberto Kusminsky. Our continued prayers go out to our beloved friend and community leader Sanford Lewis. May G-d be with them in their illness and in their recovery.

Our deepest sympathies to Duke and Carole Bloom on the passing of her beloved mother, Doris Lewis. May the Holy One, Blessed be He, comfort the entire Bloom/Lewis family among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

Mazel tov to Eileen Goldberg on her second advanced practice nursing certificate-geriatric nursing certificate.

Mazel tov to Randi and Donn Neurman on the birth of a grandson, Andrew Paul Neurman. Andrew is the son of Jeff and Melissa.

Mazel tov to our dear friends and long time congregants Sid Lopinsky and Lou Goldberg. Lou will celebrate his 90th Birthday later this month and Sid will turn 90 next month. We wish these two extraodinary men good health and happiness.

A big thank you to our wonderful Betty Schoenbaum. She has donated her baby grand piano to our shul, a beautiful addition to our new social hall. It has a magnificent sound and will bring us much joy in the years to come!

A refuah shelama to our dear friend and beloved member Lou Goldberg. We prayer for his speedy recovery.

Mazel Tov to Joe Pollock, son of Dr. Fred Pollock and Dr. Carol Freas. He was on national television this month. The link to watch him can be found here.

A big shout out to our church league elementary school boys team. They are playing terrific ball and just beat the number two team in the league in triple overtime! The final score was 27-25. Mazel tov!

Our best wishes for a speedy recovery to our dear friends and cherished members Jane Hark, Barbie Sadolf,  and Sanford Lewis. We pray that G-d grants them all a refuah shelama.

Mazel tov to Malcom Silverberg on the birth of a great-grandson, Yaakov Shalom Hyatt, son of Mindy and Steve Hyatt, grandson to Jeff and Leslie Silverberg of Maryland.

Mazel tov to Linda Toborowsky on the Bar Mitzvah of her grandson Daniel Grzesik, son of Nancy and Art Grzesik of Pa., great nephew to Gary Borstein.

The B'nai Jacob family extends our best wishes to our beloved Florence Sheff who is celebrating her 88th Birthday on February 4th! Many, many more, Florence!

Mazel tov to Dina Hornbarker on graduating from WVU with a BA in Multidisciplinary Studies: Geography, Spanish and Communication.

We mourn the passing of long time member and dear friend Stephanie Harvit Sloman. Our sympathies go out to her daughter Kathe Harvit Whitt, her brothers Steve Sloman and Simon Sloman, her sister Beverly Fisher and the entire Sloman family. May the Holy One, Blessed Be He, comfort her family among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

A refuah shelama to our great friend and beloved congregant Sanford Lewis. We pray for his complete recovery.

Mazel to Rick and Barbie Sadolf on the engagement of their son Josh Sadolf to Lisa Tarakji.

Mazel tov to friend and colleague Rabbi Jim Cohn. His book "The Minds of the Bible" is now available from Amazon and as an eBook. You can find out more about his wonderful work which speculates on the cultural evolution of human consciousness  by clicking here.

Mazel tov to Henry and Tammy Nearman and Samuel Levenson, the winners of this year's annual Men's Club Chili Cookoff!

A refuah Shelama to Barbie Sadolf. May G-d watch over her and grant her a speedy recovery.

Mazel tov to Rick and Barbie Sadolf on the graduation of their son, Josh, from medical school. Mazel tov to Dr. Josh Sadolf on his graduation from the St. Matthews University School of Medicine!

A refuah shelama, a speedy recovery to our wonderful friends and dear members, George Pickett  and  Eric Gattlieb. We wish them our best and pray for their good health.

Watch our own Dr. Bob Rubenstein talk about the problems of online relationships on WSAZ this weekend by clicking here.

Paula Kaufman, daughter of Todd and Barrie Kaufman and granddaughter of Marion Baer wrote an op-ed piece in the Charleston Gazette this past week. That article can be found here.  Recently, Alan Tweddle also had an op-ed in the Charleston Gazette. His piece is found here.

Mazel tov to Alec Schulberg who was accepted to Duquesne University School of Law. Alec is the son of Arnie and the late Mary Sue Schulberg.

Our condolences to the Ostrin/Borstein families on the passing of Arnold Ostrin. Arnold was the son of the later Arthur and Rebecca Ostrin, brother of Dr. Anita Ostrin Solomon, cousin of Linda Toborowsky and Gary Borstein. Arnold was a past member of B'nai Jacob and Temple Israel and was Bar Mitzvahed at our shul. He passed away on January 15th and his funeral will be held in Washington, DC. May the Holy One, Blessed be He, comfort his family among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

Mazel tov to Dr. Bob Bloom and Amy Hicks on their recent marriage. May G-d bless them both with a long and beautiful life together!

Mazel tov to Alex Berman and Lisa Wald on the birth of a daughter, Hannah Michelle Berman. Hannah was born on January 11 in Silver Spring, MD. She is the granddaughter of Pam Waybright. Mazel tov to the entire family!

Our condolences to Mrs. Evelyn Ettleman on the passing of her beloved husband, Ben. Ben is the uncle of Phyllis Sopher and died at the age of 92. May the Holy One, Blessed be He, comfort the family among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

Mazel tov to B'nai Jacob Synagogue and West Virginia. We are going to be part of a presentation highlighting our growing involvement with AIPAC and the pro-Israel movement at this year's Policy Conference in Washington, DC. Rabbi has been selected to showcase what we are doing to strengthen the American-Israel friendship in our State.

A continued refuah shelama to our dear friend and congregant Barbie Sadolf. We pray for her complete recovery.

Mazel tov to Dr. Bob and Sue Rubenstein who celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary this past weekend (January 12th).

Our deepest thanks to Lynne Clark who recently purchased copies of the Artscroll Rashi Commentary on the Torah for our Tuesday morning Torah class. Her generous gift allows everyone to be able to understand the Hebrew Bible with a  wonderful level of clarity and understanding.

Mazel tov to Rabbi and Mrs. Chaim Landau on the birth of a grandson, Adir Yoseph. Adir is the son of Talia and Arnon Shorr.

Mazel tov to Leah Ernest on her appointment as the new principal of Cedar Grove Elementary. May G-d grant her continued success in her new position.

A refuah Shelama, a speedy recovery to our dear friend Aggie Rubin. We pray for her complete healing and may G-d grant her a healthy 2013.

Our deepest sympathies to the entire Cooper family on the passing of our beloved Rebbetzin Lillian Cooper. Mrs. Cooper passed away on December 31st at the age of 101 in Florida. Her funeral was on January 2nd and was held in Toronto, Canada. May the Holy One, Blessed be He, comfort the family among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

November/December 2012

A refuah shelama to our beloved Mrs. Lillian Cooper. She has suffered a stroke in Florida and we pray for her speedy and complete recovery.

Our deepest sympathies to Emily Shrut on the passing of her beloved mother, Bertha Romat. Bertha died on Thanksgiving morning, on her 100th birthday, surrounded by her entire family. May the Holy One, Blessed be He, comfort Emily and the entire family.

We are honored as a community that our former synagogue president, Dr. Eric Persily, delivered the commencement address at the University of Charleston on December 9th. You can find out more by clicking here.

We want to wish a speedy recovery to our community's dear friend, Hazel Crowley, and pray that G-d grant her a refuah shelama.

We want to wish a speedy and successful recovery to Aggie Rubin and Alvin Preiser. May the Holy One, Blessed be He, grant them both a refuah shelama.

Mazel tov to Michael and Janet Victorson and Debbie Victorson on the engagement of their daughter and granddaughter Sara to Adam Scheinbach.

Dr. Roberto Kusminsky's important op-ed on the importance of breast screening appeared in the Sunday Gazette-Mail and can be found here.

We extend our best wishes to Leslie Lopinsky Morton on her engagement to Phillip Young.

Enjoy a wonderful article on Dr. Art and Missy Rubin's joyous Chanukah decorations and menorah collection in this article in the Sunday Gazette Mail found here.

We wish a complete and speedy recovery to our dear  sweet friend Barbie Sadolf. May the Holy One, Blessed be He, grant her a refuah shelama.

An inspiring article appeared in the November 22nd issue of the Charleston Daily Mail on Betty Schoenbaum and the joy her philanthropy brings to her heart.  You can find the article by clicking here. 

Judge Todd and Barrie Kaufman's daughter Paula had a wonderful op-ed in the Charleston Gazette this month.  It can be found here. 

The B'nai Jacob family joins the members of B'nai Sholom in Huntington, WV in mourning the passing of long time member, regional business leader, major benefactor of so many worthy causes, and beloved friend Art Weisberg.  Our sympathies go out to his wife Joan, his children Martha and Mark Barvin, Charles and Amanda Weisberg, Seth and Rivka Weisberg, Pamela Weisberg, Louis and Liz Weisberg, and his 11 grandchildren. 

B'nai Jacob mourns the passing of long time member of our shul and beloved friend Rose Iris "Billie" Schwartz, wife of the late Gerald Schwartz.  Our sympathies go out to her children Michael and Theresa Schwartz, Susan and Barry Goldner, Howard and Buffy Schwartz, Barbara Schwartz, her 11 grandchildren and the entire Schwartz family.

Mazel tov to Jim and Diedre Doria on the birth of a granddaughter, Nora Elizabeth, daughter of Elaina and Nolan Tully.

B'nai Jacob regrets to announce the passing of long time member and beloved friend Harriet Masinter, wife of Edwin "Peachy" Masinter. Our sympathies go out to her children Michael and Maria Masinter, Richard and Judy Masiner, her grandchildren, great grandchildren and the entire Masinter family. May the Holy One Blessed Be He comfort the entire Masinter Family among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

Happy Birthday to our dear friends Stephen Meyer who is celebrating his 80th birthday and Dr. Phil Goldstein who is celebrating his 90th birthday this month!

Mazel tov to Dr. Jason and Mandy Prigozen on the birth of a daughter, Jaqueline Maya Prigozen.

Mazel tov to Stacy and Eric Snyder on the birth of a son, Isaac Snyder.

A refuah shelama to our dear friends, Billie Schwartz, Aggie Rubin, Dr. Phil Rubin, and Hazel Crowley. May G-d grant them all a speedy recovery.

Mazel tov to our beloved Barrie Kaufman. From November 10th, 2012 - February 3, 2013, the Huntington Museum of Art will exhibit a selection of works from her 35-year career with an emphasis on recent works. For more information, visit www.hmoa.org .

Mazel tov to Ed and Ellyn Goldberg on the birth of a granddaughter Hazel Goldberg. Hazel is the daughter of Abe and Roni Goldberg.

Mazel tov to Arthur and Joan Weisberg. The groundbreaking of the Arthur Wiesberg Family Applied Engineering Complex at Marshall University took place on Monday, October 29th, 2012. For more, click here.

                                         September/ October 2012

Mazel tov to Margee and Stan Denver on the birth of a granddaughter, Wila Jane Denver. Wila is the daughter of Nathan and Emily Denver and the great granddaughter of Stan and Judy Rubin, of blessed memory.

A refuah shelama to Lynn Meyer and Stuart May. We wish her a speedy recovery.

A continued refuah shelama to our beloved congregants Lou Goldberg, Sanford Lewis, Harriet Masinter and Jonathan Kurland. Our thoughts are with them and may G-d grant them a speedy recovery.
 
Mazel tov to Marvin and Sylvia Newman on celebrating their 41st wedding anniversary on October 17th.

We regret to announce the passing of Gloria Bass Fine. Gloria was the wife of the late David Bass.

Our deepest sympathies to Michael and Paula Hyman on the passing of his beloved father, Seymour "Bud" Hyman. Bud was the husband of Sara (Slutsky) Hyman and the brother-in-law of Mose Slutsky. May the Holy One, Blessed be He, comfort the Hyman family among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

Mazel tov to Monty and Sara Preiser and Joyce Preiser on the marriage of their daughter and granddaughter Blair to Evan Wolfson. The couple were married on October 14th in Pittsburgh.

Mazel tov to Sandra and Terry Cooper on the marriage of their daughter Tara. Tara was married on October 13th to Michael Dolin.

Mazel tov  to Dr. Steve and Sharon Jubilirer on the birth of a grandson. He was born on October 12th to daughter and son-in law Susan and Jonathan Jablow.

Mazel tov to our beloved friend Ruth Bloom who is celebrating her birthday this month.

Continued speedy recovery and a happy birthday this month to our dear friend and respected community leader Sanford Lewis. May G-d grant him a refuah shelama and many more years on health and happiness.

Mazel tov to Aaron and Allie Persily, son and daughter of Drs. Eric and Cyndi Persily. They helped lead Charleston Catholic High School to their second straight Golf Championship. You can read more about their great accomplishment by clicking here.

Mazel to Henry and Ellen Kanner on the engagement of their daughter Rachel to Adam Violin. Rachel is the granddaughter of Jeannette Kanner.

Mazel tov to Mary Pesetsky on the birth of a grandson, Dominic. Dominic was born on July 7th to Sam and Steph Pesetsky!

We are saddened to annouced the passing of Mickey Westrich (Sherman), formerly of Charleston. She was the sister of Sanders Levine. May the Holy One, Blessed be He, comfort the family among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

Mazel tov to Chava Urecki. She has been selected by her school to join the Phi Beta Kappa Society.

Mazel tov to Sarah Goldfarb and Jesse Thomas on their engagement.  Mazel tov to her parents Dr. Glenn & Pam Goldfarb and grandparents Jack & Doris Goldfarb and Ceph Evans.

We wish a refuah shelama to our beloved friend Hazel Crowley.  We pray for her speedy recovery.

We wish a refuah shelama to our beloved congregant and friend Sanford Lewis. We pray for his speedy recovery.

Happy 60th Birthday to our dear friend and the wonderful rabbi of Temple Israel, Rabbi Jim Cohn. May we be blessed to share many more years together!

We want to wish a refuah shelama, a speedy recovery to Ruth Bernstein. We pray for her complete recovery.

Mazel Tov to our friends Barry and Eileen Ogrin and Mel and Rita Ogrin on the birth of a granddaughter and great granddaughter, Aria Danielle Singh. Mazel tov to the parents, Tracey and Manish Singh. A beautiful way to begin the new year!

We extend our deepest sympathies to Rabbi and Mindy Landau and Henry and Ellen Kanner on the passing of their beloved father Haskell "Huck" Saxe. May the Holy One, Blessed be He comfort them among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

We wish our good friend Dr. Greg Clarke, a refuah shelama, a speedy recovery.

Mazel tov to Rabbi and Mindy Landau on the engagement of their son Dov to Melissa Chava Novella.

We mourn the tragic passing of Drew Morton, a student at George Washington High School in Charleston. Our deepest sympathies go out to his mother Leslie Lopinsky Morton, his father Thomas Morton, sister Alexa, grandfather Sid Lopinsky and the entire family. May the Holy One, Blessed be He, comfort the Morton/ Lopinsky Family among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

Mazel tov to our dear friend Allan Tweddle on celebrating his 80th birthday last month. May
G-d grant him many more and in good health.

Once again, our sincerest thanks go out to Michael Susser. Each year at this time, Michael brings us boxes and boxes of some of the most wonderful candy available, all to be given out as prizes throughout the year at Sunday school and Hebrew school. This is an incredibly generous donation that not only helps our school finacially, but offers great incentives and joy to our kids. Thanks so much, Michael!

 Mazel tov to Dr. Steve and Jackie Artz who celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on September 1!

Mazel tov to Alvin Preiser who was featured in the Charleston Gazette on a wonderful article on how exports are boosting local economies. You can read about it here.

Our deepest sympathies to David Hoffman on the passing of his mother Mary. May the Holy One, Blessed be He, comfort David among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

A refuah shelama, a speedy recovery, to our dear friends Sanford Lewis and Jon Kurland.

Mazel tov to our dear friends Ernie Lazernick and Joe Cragg. They just celebrated the second anniversary of their wonderful restaurant, Thelma Fay's Cafe. We appreciate all they do for the community and we look forward to enjoying many years of good food and friendship! Much success and continued mazel to them!

Mazel tov to all our congregants and friends who ran in the Annual Charleston Distance Run. Congratulations to Carly Sadolf who finished the 15K run in 2:30:41.3 finishing with her father Rick ( 2:30:41.6)! Mazel tov to our 5k runner William Godfrey who completed the course in 21:09.1, good enough for 19th place and second in the male 25-29 group. Howard Mize finished the 5K at 28:28 while Jennifer Mize's time was 33:11. Mary O'Farrell completed the 5K walk in 58:03.4, while Sarah Goldfarb ( 1:51:09) and Glenn Goldfarb ( 1:50:47) competed in the 10K walk. Mazel tov to all! 


                                              August 2012



Mazel tov to Susan Cowin on the birth of a granddaughter, Lucia Rae Adams, daughter of Kristin and Tony Adams. Lucia was born on August 22nd.

Mazel tov to Lee Diznoff who is generously volunteering his time as a speaker at a seminar: "How to be an Effective Board Member/Administrator of a Nonprofit on September 12th sponsored by the Fund for the Arts, to help strengthen the nonprofits in our community. A link can be found at: http://www.fundfortheartswv.org/seminar-nonprofits.php

Mazel tov to Arie Spitz and Emily Beal on the birth of a son. Ethan was born on August 18th and his bris will take place on Sunday, August 26th.

Mazel tov to Dr. Marty and Kathie Kommor on the engagement of her daughter Jennifer Hoffman to Lincoln Crall. Jennifer is the granddaughter of Margaret Kartagener.

Mazel tov to Bob and Ann Goldberg who celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary this past June. May they be blessed with many more!

Mazel tov to Dr. Barry and Rosa Lifson on the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Marc. Marc celebrated his Bar Mitzvah at Temple B'nai Israel in Parkersburg.

B'nai Jacob Synagogue joins our brethren at Temple Israel in mourning the passing of Phillip Silverstein. We send our deepest sympathies to his wife Jane, his sisters Lois Kaufman and Marion Lehman, and the entire family. His funeral will take place on August 15th at 11 AM at Temple Israel. May the Holy One, Blessed Be He, comfort the Silversteins among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

Mazel tov to our own Sarah Goldfarb. She just received the Meritorious Honor Award from our State Department for her outstanding international and domestic media work during the Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings in Big Sky, California. Her extraordinary performance as a public affairs specialist has earned her the distinction of being the youngest person to ever receive this award! 

Mazel tov to Kirk and Sheri Brandfass on the birth of a granddaughter, Naomi Elaine Brandfass. Naomi is the daughter of Taylor Brandfass.

 A refuah shelama to our friends and congregants Helen Lodge, Ruby Newman-Peck and Harriet Sutter. We pray for their speedy recovery.

   Our condolences to Andy Nason on the passing of his beloved father, Benjamin. May the Holy One, Blessed be He, comfort Andy and his family and may Benjamin Nason be bound up in the bond of everlasting life.


                                         June/July 2012


Our deepest sympathies to John and Janie Stutzman on the passing of his mother Thelma Stutzman. May G-d watch over her and be with her family.

Mazel tov to John and Janie Stutzman on their son Dr. Jacob Stutzman earning his PHD.

A refuah shelama, a speedy recovery to our dear friends Phyllis Sherman and Lynn Meyer. May G-d grant her a complete recovery.

Mazel tov to our beloved friends and supporters Manie and Andrea Fenandez on the birth of a granddaughter Amlia. Amelia is the daughter of their middle son Stephen.
 
Mazel tov to the gifted and talented Paula Kaufman. She just wrote a beautiful piece entitled "We should celebrate elders" which appeared in the Charleston Gazette. Read it here.

Mazel tov to our beloved friend, Rita Ogrin, on her 90th birthday. May G-d bless her and Mel with continued health and blessing.

A refuah shelama, a speedy recovery to our dear friends Rabbi Israel Koller and Helen Lodge. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.

Mazel tov to Dr. and Mrs. Roberto Kusminsky on the the birth of a granddaughter, is the daughter of Matthew and Jonelle Kusminsky. We would like to wish a refuah shelama, a speedy recovery to our friends Lou Goldberg, Joanne Carp Feinberg, and Rabbi Israel Koller.

Our deepest sympathies to David and Sandy Hartz on the passing of his brother Jackson Cohen.

Mazel tov to Harriet Masinter who will celebrate her 90th birthday on June 17th, the same day she and her dear husband Edwin "Peachy" celebrate their 69th wedding anniversary! A double simcha!

Mazel tov to Dr. and Mrs. Roberto Kusminsky on the birth of a grandson Noah Charles Kusminsky on June 8th. Noah is the son of Andrew and Rachel Kusminsky!

Mazel tov to Dr. and Mrs. David Abramowitz on the graduation of their son Ben from Ohio State University Medical School!

Mazel tov to Al Peck who turned 95 on June 1st! Many, many more, dear Al!

Mazel tov to Ben Glasser who was elected student body president of George Washington High School. Mazel tov to his sister Hana Glasser who was elected Secretary/Treasurer for the Wellesley College Government.

Mazel tov to our beloved Mrs. Samuel Cooper who, please G-d, will celebrate her 101st birthday on June 11th. A small dinner party for her is scheduled for June 1oth in Boca.

Mazel tov to Sean Ian Levenson who graduated from TSU. Sean will be attending Wayne State University as he pursues his doctorate in English Literature. Sean is the grandson of Shirley Levenson and the late Harold Levenson.

Our deepest sympathies goes out Barbara Buchanan on the passing of her beloved brother, Stanley. Her brother lived in England where he will be buried.

Mazel tov to Anna Clarke who graduated cum laude from Brandeis University with a degree in European Cultural Studies, with highest honors. She won the Safier-Jolies prize for best senior thesis on a topic related to the history of ideas. Her thesis is about virus mataphors in literature and art. Anna is planning to attend Marshall University School of Medicine as a first year medical student beginning in August.

Mazel tov to Elizabeth Zacks, winner of the first Mountaineer Montessori School spelling bee. Winning word was: "braciole." She is the daughter of Ben and JoEllen Zacks.

                                                           May 2012

 A refuah shelama to our dear Eric Gattlieb, son of Sam and Ginny Gattlieb. We wish him a speedy and complete recovery.

Our deepest sympathies goes out to Cantor Moshe Weiss on the passing of his beloved sister Rita Mandelbaum. May the Holy One Blessed be He confort our Cantor and his family among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem. 

Mazel tov to Ken and Barbara Rubin on the Bat Mitzvah of their granddaughter Madeline (Maddy) Aarons Larson. She is the daughter of Jennifer and Robert (Rob) Larson.

Mazel tov to Carly Cowley Sachs who graduted from the University of Maryland with her MBA. Carly is the daughter of Jerry and Natalie Cowley, the granddaughter of Thelma Levine and the late Bob Levine.

The B'nai Jacob family regrets to announce the passing of long time member and beloved friend Ruth Barton, wife of the late Harry Barton. Our sympathies go out to her entire family. Ruth's funeral  took place on Monday, May 21st. May the Holy One Blessed be He comfort the Barton family among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

A wonderful article in the Charleston Daily Mail featuring Judge Louis Duke Bloom and the Kanwha County Courthouse can be found here. 

Mazel tov to Harvey and Phyllis Sherman on the Bat Mitzvah of their granddaughter Maya Naim, daughter of Renee and Gaby Naim of Florida.

Mazel tov tov Natalie and Jerry Cowley and Thelma Levine on the marriage of their daughter and granddaughter Carly to Ian Sachs.

Mazel tov to Sam Saunders who is graduating from George Washington High School. He will be attending the School of Music, Theater, and Dance at the University of Michigan ( in Ann Arbor), majoring in Music Composition.

Mazel tov to our beloved Dr. Joe Abrams who will celebrate his 99th birthday on June 3rd!

Mazel tov to David and Sandy Hartz Cohen on their grandson Brian Levvis' ( son of Susan Cohen) graduation from Colorado State. He graduates with a degree in Landscape Architecture and Business.

A speedy recovery to Diane (Goldberg) Hays and Joanne  Carp Feinberg. We wish them a refuah shelama.

A refuah shelama again to our dear friend Aggie Rubin.  We wish her a speedy and complete recovery.

A refuah shelama to Dr. Steve Jubelirer who had surgery on his knee. May he have a speedy recovery and a complete return to the tennis court!

Mazel tov to Gary Kanner who is graduating Magna Cum Laude from Boston University with a biology degree.

Mazel to Matt Goldberg who is graduating from Charleston Catholic High School this month. He will be attending Xavier University.

Mazel tov to Frannie Slotnick who is graduating from South Charleston High School. She will be attending Ohio University.

Mazel tov to Samuel Bloom who is graduating from George Washington High School this month.  He will be attending West Virginia University.

We want to express our sorrow on the passing of Carrol L. Selbe. Our condolences to his children Brian and Randy Selbe.  May G-d now watch over him and be with his family.

Mazel tov to Helen Lodge who was recently elected to the House of Delegates for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.  Helen has received two prestigious national awards:  Public Policy in 2001 and the Medallion in 2009.  The Academy has over 72,000 members and a 104 member House of Delegates. 

Mazel tov to Dr. Jim Lewis, son of Sandy Edison and the late Murray Lewis.  Dr. Lewis is the Associate Director of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Program at the University of Pennsylvania and has been leader and pioneer in the treatment of his disease.  This month, Jim was honored by the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America for the major role he plays in supporting the efforts to expand research and support services. 

Mazel Tov to Dinah Schulberg who is graduating from Hurricane High School in June.  She will be attending Auburn University in the fall. 

Mazel tov to Alec Schulberg who will graduating in May from High Point University.  Alec will be working in Canton, Ohio with the T.S. Dudley Land Company. 

Mazel Tov to Avrah Urecki who is graduating from Hollins University Summa Cum Laude in May.  In the fall, she will pursue her Masters at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA). 

Mazel tov to Zahava Urecki who will be graduating in May from Charleston Catholic High  School.  She will be attending Roanoke College in the fall. 

Mazel tov to Jacob Stern and Jennifer Slotnick who were recognized as part of Honor Corps Assembly at John Adams Middle School. To be selected, students must maintain a 3.75 for three consecutive semesters while attending JAMS and accumulate 30 hours of community service. 

Mazel tov to Paul and Marcia Friedberg who just celebrated their 60th wedding Anniversary. 

Mazel tov to Anna Rubenstein (daughter of Dr. Bob and Sue Rubenstein).  Anna was named by the United States Prosecuting Attorney's Office as an Ambassador of Justice.  She was nominated by the Nitro H.S. administration and faculty.  She will be participating in an orientation and recognition ceremony at the Robert C. Byrd Federal Courthouse on April 23rd.   Anna was also honored with three academic awards. She was named to the National Honor Society, the Mu Alpha Theta-National Mathematics Honorary and named a Distinguished Silver Scholar. 

We would like to wish a refuah shelama to our dear friends Kaethe Wells and David Caruthers.  We wish them a speedy recovery.

Mazel Tov to Samuel Levenson who earned the WV Golden Horseshoe Award this year.  This award is given out every year to promote the study of our state history.  Well done, Samuel!  "Sic jurat transcendere monte"! 

The B'nai Jacob family regrets to announce the passing of long time member and beloved friend Lillian Levine, wife of the late Sanders "Sandy" Levine. Our sympathies go out to her children Linda Brown, Robert (Robin) Levine, and Kenneth (Sheri) Levine, as well as her 6 grandchildren and her 4 great-grandchildren.  May the Holy One Blessed Be He comfort the Levine Family among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.




                                                                 February/March 2012

We regret to announce the passing of long time member and friend Frankie Koff, wife of the late Max Koff. Our sympathies go out to her children Harry and Draza Peck, as well as granchildren Alexa, Ben and his wife Allyson, and her great-grandchild Harper. Her funeral will be held on Wednesday morning at 11:00 AM at the B'nai Jacob Eternal Home Cemetery in South Charleston. A shiva minyan will take place on Wednesday night at 5:45 PM at the home of Harry and Draza Peck (811 Maple Rd.). May the Holy One Blessed Be He comfort the Koff/Peck Family among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

Mazel tov to our friend Debbie Victorson who celebrates her 80th birthday this month. Mazel tov to our friends Sam and Sugar Rubin of Naples, Florida on their 60th Wedding Anniversary.

 A refuah shelama to our dear friend Al Peck and Dr. Todd Goldberg. We wish them a speedy recovery.  

Mazel Tov to our friends David Stern, Brian Glasser, and Dr. Steve Jubilerer who each had wonderful articles in the Charleston Gazette recently. David's story can be found here , Brian's article here, and Steve's here. 

The B'nai Jacob family extends their deepest sympathies to Sam Myers on the passing of his beloved son, Samuel Myers lll who passed away last night. May the Holy One Blessed Be He Comfort Sam among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

Mazel Tov to our newest friends and members Michael and Beth Jaskolka on the birth of  their daughter Maggie Elizabeth.

Mazel tov to Sara Cohen who is opening "All Things Math". Her new business will provide an extensive variety of services with the goal of helping students with math and supporting families and teachers in the area. For more, check out this recent article in the Charleston Daily Mail.

Mazel Tov to our beloved friends Rabbi and Mrs. Israel Koller on their 5oth Wedding Anniversary this month!

We would like to offer our heartfelt thanks to the following people for helping with the Saturday Shabbat service while Rabbi Urecki was away: Cary Levenson ( Preliminary Services/ Pesukai D'Zimra) Gary Sheff ( Shacharit), Elliot Urecki ( Torah Reading), Marc Slotnick Haftorah (Haftara), Aaron Persily (Musaph), David Abramowitz, Cary Levenson and Elliot Urecki (Friday night service ) and Steve Max ( Gabbai). We really appreciate their efforts! 
 
The B'nai Jacob family mourns the passing of long time member and friend William "Bill" Miller, husband of the late Anna Miller. Our sympathies go out to his son Sam, brother Melvin and the entire Miller family. Bill was a beloved, loyal and active member of our shul, a regular at our daily minyanim, and will be missed. His funeral was held on Thursday, December 29th at 2:00 PM at the Barlow-Bonsall Funeral Home with burial at the B'nai Jacob Eternal Home Cemetery in South Charleston. May the Holy One Blessed Be He comfort the Miller Family among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

B'nai Jacob joins our brethren at Temple Israel in mourning the sudden passing of Daivd Selinger, son on Dr. Harold and Mary Selinger. David died on December 25th in Charleston. May the Holy One Blessed be He comfort the Sleinger family among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

                                                          December 2011

We note with sadness the passing our long time member and friend Patricia Max. Pat was 94 years old when she died on December 15th. We extend our deepest sympathies to her children, Steve and Elaine Max, Ray and Gloria Max, and the entire Max family. May the Holy One, Blessed be He, comfort her family among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

We want to wish a refuah shelama, a speedy recovery, to our dear friends Marion Baer, Todd Goldberg, Aggie Rubin and Bill Miller. We pray for their complete recovery. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Melvin Persily, father of Dr. Eric Persily, father-in-law of Dr. Cyndi Persily, grandfather of Aaron and Allie. If you would like to wish the family your condolences, you can click here. May the Holy One, Blessed Be He, comfort Melvin's family among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

We want to express our sorrow on the passing of Dorothy Ann Berty. Our sympathies go out to Dorothy's daughter Karen and son-in-law Joe Freedman. May G-d watch over her family and be with them.

Our sympathies go out to our friend Debbie Hill on the passing of her beloved mother Billie Hill. Debbie was able to return to the States and be with her in her last three weeks of life. May the Holy One, Blessed be He, comfort Debbie along with all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

Mazel tov to our friends Dr. Jay and Michelle Miller on the birth of their first grandchild, Eiley Justine. Eily was born on November 17th!

We want to wish a refuah shelama, a speedy recovery, to Debbie Masinter and send her our best.

Our sincerest thanks to Ellen Slonick for another successful and wonderful Chanukah Gift Show. We also want to thank Lynn Meyer and her crew for the delicious Chanukah luncheon that afternoon.

The Ladies Auxiliary wants to thank artist Paula Kaufman. She created and sold an absolutely gorgeous full stand mirror at the Chanukah gift show. The money was then contributed to the Auxiliary who will use this donation for the various children's activities that are sponsored by that organization. 

Our condolences to Marsha Albert on the passing of her beloved husband Robert "Bob" Albert. May the Holy One, Blessed be He, comfort Marsha along with all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

A refuah shelama to our congregant and beloved friend Lil Levine. Our prayers go out to her and we wish her a speedy recovery.

Mazel tov to the entire Ogrin family. The Charleston Department Store just celebrated their 90th Anniversary last month!

Mazel tov to Michael Susser. He received a "Smile" from the Charleston Gazette  (December 3rd, 2011) for his work on painting the Charleston's Giltinan Men's Shelter. Thanks for your good work for our community, Michael!

 





































                                                            November 2011

 
Mazel tov to our dear friend Ken Rubin. Ken participated in our state's Veterans Day Parade and a beautiful photo of him can be found here. Ken is a Distinguished Service Cross recipient, the second highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of the United States Army, for extreme gallantry and risk of life in actual combat with an armed enemy force. Actions that merit the Distinguished Service Cross must be of such a high degree to be above those required for all other U.S. combat decorations but not meeting the criteria for the Medal of Honor. The Distinguished Service Cross is equivalent to the Navy Cross (Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast
Guard) and the Air Force Cross (Air Force). His citation can be found here. 

Mazel tov to our beloved friend Ruby Newman-Peck who celebrates her 91st birthday on November 18th.

Mazel tov to Natalie and Jerry Cowley and Thelma Levine on the engagement of their daughter  and granddaughter Carly to Ian Sachs. They were engaged on November 5th!

The B'nai Jacob family mourns the passing of long time member and friend Robert Shrut, husband of Emily Shrut. Our sympathies go out to his children Michael, Stephen, Sean, Theresa, Jean, Betsy, and the entire family who loved this fine and good man. Bob was a loyal member of our shul, a regular at our daily minyanim, and will be missed. His funeral was held on November 11th at the B'nai Jacob Eternal Home Cemetery in South Charleston. May the Holy One Blessed Be He comfort the Shrut Family among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

Our sincerest thanks to Dr. Greg and Lynn Clarke who once again donated copies of the magnificent Artscroll Saperstein Rashi Edition of Genesis which will be used during our Tuesday morning Torah studies. 

Mazel tov to Dr. Todd and Eileen Goldberg on their son Matt.  Matt was named as a defender on the All Kanawha Valley boy's soccer team. He was also strongly considered as defender of the year which was awarded to a senior from Hurricane who also was awarded the recognition last year.  Matt was awarded the recognition of the defender of the year for AA-A high school soccer teams by the Coaches Association of West Virginia soccer.  He was also placed on the All-states first team as defender.  His school, Charleston Catholic, finished the year as state champions of the AA-A division for the 3rd year in a row. Way to go, Matt!

A refuah shelama, a speedy recovery, to our beloved Cantor Maurice Weiss. Our prayers and thoughts go out to him.

Our deepest sympathies go out to Dr. Donald Cohen on the passing of his beloved wife Floralee Cohen. May the Holy One, Blessed Be He, comfort the entire Cohen/Hark families among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

Mazel to Gregg and Jennifer Stern, David and Betty Stern on the Bar Mitzvah of their son and grandson, Jacob.

Happy Birthday to our beloved secretary and friend Nancy Morton on her birthday this past Saturday (October 29th). May G-d bless her with many years of health and happiness!

Our deepest sympathies go out to Dr. David and Stephanie Abramowitz on the passing of his brother-in-law Jim Katoff. May the Holy One, Blessed Be He, comfort David, Stephanie, and entire Katoff family among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

Mazel Tov to Richard Hess and his brother Bob. They donated the Justice Row property at the foot of the Carriage Trail to the city of Charleston as an adjunct to the popular trail. A wonderful Carriage Trail Appreciation Day ceremony was held on October 23rd.
                                        
                                            October 2011


Our deepest sympathies go out to Ruby Newman-Peck and Harold Newman on the passing of brother and uncle Herman Mogill. This was Ruby's last living sibling (She is one of eight). May the Holy One, Blessed Be He, comfort Ruby among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

A refuah shelama, a speedy recovery, to our dear friends and congregants Harriet Masinter, Pat Max, Bob Shrut, and Cookie Glasser.
 
Mazel tov to our dear friend Emily Marks who celebrated her 92nd birthday on September 23rd. She is looking forward to continuing that celebration in Charleston the week of October 18-25 as she visits with her son Bob.

Mazel tov to Marty Glasser. Due to his hard work and dedication, the West Virginia Bar State is relocating to a modern office building at Northgate Business Park. He is featured on the cover of The West Virginia Lawyer Magazine.

Mazel tov to Harvey & Phyllis Sherman on the Bar Mitzvah of their grandson, Jacob Elliot Latts.  Jacob's Bar mitzvah will be held in Deerfield, Illinois on October 15th.  He is the son of Linda & Adam Latts. 

Rabbi Urecki has an essay on Faith and Diversity in the newest issue of Views and Visions (Fall 2011), a publication of Bowles, Rice, McDavid, Graff and Love. Copies are available at the synagogue or can be seen at www.bowlesrice.com ( Views and Visions) 

Mazel tov to Lynn & Steve Meyer and Dr. Irv Sopher on the marriage of their son Andrew to Kristy Mayo.

Mazel Tov to Ted and Shelley Kanner and Jeannette Kanner. Their son and grandson, Jonah Kanner, successfully defended his doctoral thesis, Seeking the Optical Counterparts to  Gravitational Wave Signals, the final step to receiving his Ph.D. in physics at University of Maryland.  Next week, he begins a  post-doctoral position at NASA/Goddard Space Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.

The B'nai Jacob family join in extending our condolences to our dear friends Julie Adams and Josh Barrett on the passing of her father, Howard Adams. May the Holy One, Blessed be He, comfort them among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

We regret to announce the passing of  long time member and friend  Shirley Goldstein, wife of  Dr. Phillip Goldstein. Our sympathies go out to her children Chuck, Connie, and Sheila and their families. Her funeral was held on Sunday, October 2nd  at 1:00 PM at Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home with burial at the B'nai Jacob Eternal Home Cemetery in South Charleston. May the Holy One Blessed Be He comfort the Goldstein Family among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
                                           
                                                September 2011


Mazel Tov to Mrs. Betty Schoenbaum who celebrated her 94th birthday on September 27th. May Hashem bless this extraordinary woman with many, many more!

Mazel Tov to Dr. Jason and Mandy Pregozin on the birth of a son. Solomon Pregozin entered this world on Tuesday night, September 20th. 

A refuah shelama, a speedy recovery, to Gary Borstein, Dr. Asher Friedman, and Billie Hill (mother of Debbie Hill).

Mazel tov to Zahava Urecki, senior and student body president of Charleston Catholic for being voted "Most Likely to Transform the World" by her peers. Yes, her parents ( and grandparents are most proud!)

Mazel Tov to David Zack and Courtney Masinter on the birth of their son, Rafali Shalom, who was born on Sept. 6, 2011. Rafali is the grandson of Randy Masinter and the great grandson of Sevy Masinter and the late Allan Masinter.

Mazel tov to our newest Bar Mitzvah, Eli Shukrun, son of Lisa and Yossi Shukrun. Eli is a newcomer to the B'nai Jacob family and has impressed everyone with his warm smile, easy going nature and sweet personality. He was spectacular on his special day held September 10th at our shul.

Mazel tov to Kirk and Sherri Brandfass on the marriage of their daughter Stephanie Lichtman to Jonathan Wiseman. Stephanie and Jonathan were married on September 10th in Sevierville, (near Gatlinburg) Tennessee. 

We regret to announce  the passing of a long time member of our community Delores Miller, wife of the  late Morris "Babe" Miller. Our sympathies go out to her son Joel, his wife Renee,  and the entire Miller family. Her funeral will be held on Sunday, September 11th  at 12:30 PM at the B'nai Jacob Eternal Home Cemetery in South Charleston.

It was a joy to welcome back long time member and dear friend Dr. Joe Abrams who returned to Charleston for a visit. We had a great time as he joined us for minyan on September 5th. Click here for our photo scrapebook! 

Once again, our sincerest thanks go out to Michael Susser.  Each year at this time Michael brings us boxes and boxes of some of the most incredible candy available, all to be given out as prizes throughout the year at  Sunday School and Hebrew School.  This incredibly generous donation not only helps our school financially, but offers great incentives and joy to our kids.  Thanks so much, Michael! 



We regret to announce the passing of Ellen Sugarman Steinberg on September 4th after a long and arduous battle with cancer. Ellen grew up in Charleston,West Virginia and is being buried in Lexington, Kentucky.

Mazel tov To Ed and Ellyn Goldberg on the marriage of their daughter Joy to Ben Redmond. Ben and Joy have moved to Charleston and we welcome them and their beautiful daughter Raya!


Mazel tov to Harry Peck who is featured in a major article in the Charleston Gazette ( August 29th, 2011). A link for that piece can be found here.

Mazel tov to our own David Pushkin. He has produced a wonderful historical documentary entitled The Hawks Nest Tunnel. You can follow his progress by clicking  here . This is a non-profit film production. If you would like to help David bring this story to the screen, the site's web page has that information as well.

                                                August, 2011

Mazel Tov to Phyllis and Harvey Sherman on the Bar Mitzvah of their grandson, Michael Sherman Naim.  Michael is the son of Renee and Gavriel Naim and will be called to the Torah in Jerusalem on August 15th, 2011. While in Israel, Harvey and Phyllis planted a tree in honor of all the Jews of Charleston. The location of the tree is in Jerusalem in an area where many dignitaries of the Israeli Military have been laid to rest.

Mazel tov to Ted and Shelley Kanner on their forthcoming 35th Wedding Anniversary.

Mazel tov to Dr. Steve and Sharon Jubelirer on their forthcoming 25th Wedding Anniversary.

Our congregation joins Temple Israel in mourning the passing of a long time friend and member of the community, Esther Basman.  Esther passed away on Wednesday, August 10th, 2011.  May the Holy One, blessed be He, comfort Esther's family among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

 Mazel tov to Connie and David Covey and Dr. Phil and Shirley Goldstein on the birth of  a grandson and great grandson  Owen Michael. Owen is the son of Jeremy and Kim Covey.

Mazel tov to Ted and Shelley Kanner and Jeannette Kanner on the birth
of  grandson and great-grandson Jacob Harden Kanner. Jacob is the son of Jonah and Erin Kanner.

Mazel tov to Malcolm Silverberg on the birth of a great-granddaughter Miriam Fayga, daughter of Schmuel and Mindy Hyatt.

Our condolences to Thelma Levine, Natalie Cowley, Deborah Levine and the
entire Levine family on the passing of their beloved husband and father Bob
Levine. Bob was a revered man in our community, a trusted and generous leader
of B'nai  Jacob. He will be missed.

Our deepest sympathies to Marion Baer, Frank and Camilla Baer, Todd and
Barrie  Kaufman and their families on the passing of their beloved husband and
father Frank Baer II. Frank was a devoted member of Temple Israel and a great
friend.  He, too, will be missed.

We want to wish a nesiah tovah, safe travels, to Dr. Joel and Felicia Levien.  Joel has accepted a position in Jackson, Tennessee and will be continuing his  practice of medicine there beginning in September. The Leviens have been an  important part of our community and we will miss them both very  much.

We wish a mazel tov to Pam Pushkin on the marriage of her daughter Leah Rachelle Pushkin to Robert Allen Bess.

Mazel tov to Kathie and Dr. Marty Kommer and Margaret Kartagener on the marriage of their daughter and granddaughter Stephanie Hoffman to Tony Franco.