The Jewish Community Relations Council of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, Simon Family JCC, & Community Partners'
12th Annual Israel Today Series
2022-2023
Celebrate Israel @ 75 with PhotoHouse
The world-renowned PhotoHouse is one of Israel’s most valuable and monumental private archives of historical photographs. Founded in 1936, it has been owned and operated by the same family for three generations.
Rudi Weissenstein captured millions of photos of pre-state Israel into the beginning decades of her early statehood. His grandson, Ben Peter, currently oversees the collection, which is the largest private photo archive in Israel, comprised of approximately one million negatives.
The United Jewish Federation of Tidewater is thrilled to be bringing the PhotoHouse to Hampton Roads to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Israel’s independence.
Selections from the PhotoHouse Archive, Curated by Ben Peter
Each month leading up to the community celebration of Israel @ 75 on Sunday, April 30, we will feature a rotating collection of photographs from PhotoHouse’s archive in the Simon Family JCC’s Copeland Cardo.
A campus-wide exhibit of Rudi Weissenstein’s photos, curated by Ben Peter, will be on exhibit at the JCC’s Leon Family Gallery in celebration of Yom Ha'Atzmaut, Israel's Independence Day, April through June, 2023.
Life in Stills Film Screening
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26 · 7:30 PM
Simon Family JCC
5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Virginia Beach
At the age of 96, Miriam Weissenstein never imagined that she would be facing a new chapter in her life. When The PhotoHouse — her late husband’s life’s work — was destined for demolition, she knew she needed help. A special relationship is forged between Miriam and her grandson, Ben, as they join forces to save the shop and its nearly one million negatives that document Israel’s defining moments.
Join us at the Simon Family JCC for this heart-wrenching, humorous, and touching journey that defies the gap between generations. A conversation with Ben Peter will follow the screening.
REGISTER
Presented by The Jewish Community Relations Council of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, Simon Family JCC, & Community Partners’ 12th Annual Israel Today Series, in partnership with the Virginia Festival of Jewish Film.
LIFE IN STILLS
Dir. Tamar Tal-Ana • 58 minutes • Israel • Hebrew, English
Experience Israel without leaving Tidewater
SUNDAY, APRIL 30 · 12:00-4:00 PM
There will be something for everyone at United Jewish Federation of Tidewater's and Simon Family JCC's annual celebration of Yom Ha’Atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day.
Visit Ben Peter on the Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus, and spend the day experiencing some of the exciting tastes, smells, attractions, and sites that make Israel the country she is today.
FREE and FUN for all ages and faiths. Learn more HERE!
12th Annual Israel Today in partnership with:
Beth Sholom Village, Jewish Family Service of Tidewater, Inc., Strelitz International Academy, Tidewater Jewish Foundation, YAD UJFT, Jewish Women 757, Holocaust Commission UJFT, Jewish News, Tidewater BBYO, Bnai Israel Congregation, Congregation Beth Chaverim, Congregation Beth El, Chabad of Tidewater, Kempsville Conservative Synagogue: Kehillat Bet Hamidrash, Ohef Sholom Temple, Temple Emanuel, Temple Israel in Norfolk, ODU Hillel, The Institute for Jewish Studies & Interfaith Understanding, Center for the Study of Religious Freedom at VWU, Embassy of Israel in Washington, D.C.
FOR SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES, VOLUNTEERING, AND MORE:
Contact Joel Bond, Director, Jewish Community Relations Council of the UJFT, at JBond@ujft.org or (757)965-6129.
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