Rabbi Jeffrey Arnowitz, Barry Kesser
The Program
Rabbi Jeffery Arnowitz of Congregation Beth El in Norfolk was introduced by Rotarian of the Day Barry Kesser.
Rabbi Arnowitz was ordained in 2003 and came to Norfolk in 2011. He’s been part of Hands United Building Bridges (HUBB) for 2.5 years, partnering with two of our previous speakers, Dr. Antipas Harris and Imam Rachid Khould. Upon moving to Norfolk from his native New Jersey, Rabbi Arnowitz noticed that Hampton Roads neighborhoods are segregated, and that he saw that this was also true of communities in Ferguson, Mo., and Baltimore, where civil unrest recently took place. Rabbi Arnowitz got in touch with Rev. Harris and soon HUBB was born with 20 faith leaders of different ethnic backgrounds attending a breakfast at the Town Point Club. Rabbi Arnowitz said that the group now meets the second Wednesday of the month, with the 70 members hosting gatherings at their places of worship.
“Most important what we’ve built over time is understanding,” Rabbi Arnowitz noted. “When we just sit there and just listen to our own narrative over and over again,” he added, “we can’t learn anything.” The group has had speakers from schools and law enforcement, and from Sen. Mark Warner’s office. Rabbi Arnowitz said that they have provided recent events including a freedom singalong and a screening of Marshall at Roper Center. He also invited everyone to gather at Jan. 18, featuring six speakers and moderated by Rev. Harris. “What’s happening now is dialogue,” Rabbi Arnowitz said. “We are not there to debate. We approach the conversation that way. The only thing that keeps dialogue from happening is fear.”
Rabbi Arnowitz took questions about politics, victimization and collaboration, concluding with “Houses of Worship may be great places to make progress.”
The Meeting
Guests: Caleb Cooper brought Audra Bullock of Norfolk Friends of Foster Care
Joey Rothgery gave the visitation report, pointing out that Bob Ash was back with us.
Gary Boswick presented Paul Harris Fellows to Michael Desplaines +1, Jim Kitz +1, Sigur Whitaker +5, and Skip Burton +8.
Upcoming Events:
Sharon Laderberg reported on
- the Jan. 23 tour of the ICON building,
- lessons on how to use your SmartPhone by Dyteya Lewis on Jan. 22 at Susan Donn’s house,
- a tour of Sentara on Feb. 27,
- a preview of American Watercolors at the Chrysler on Jan. 30,
- a preview of Lantern Asia Feb. 14 with Michael Desplaines at Norfolk Botanical Garden,
- An April scavenger hunt
Happy Bucks:
- President Gary paid happy bucks for Bob Ash’s return.
- Bob Heely gave more for his 44th wedding anniversary.
- Bob Ash gave happy bucks for his 49th anniversary.
- Edna Kolovani gave Happy Bucks for receiving the Lead Like King Award.
One bit of business took place after the meeting ended: Anthony Mia paid a fine because his cell phone had gone off.