Honoring the B’nai Mitzvah “Covid Class”
We here at Neveh Shalom fully recognize how the current pandemic has interrupted the usual ways we celebrate Bar/Bat Mitzvah students on the momentous accomplishments they have achieved. While we are all doing the best we can, we recognize that this interruption meant that some of our usual platforms for celebration have not been available.
One of these areas is the B’nai Mitzvah section of the Chronicle. Because we work on the Chronicle months in advance of its arrival in people’s mailboxes, and because there was so much uncertainty, we did not publish these students in our usual fashion in the past two issues.
And these students deserve celebration! They had been studying and practicing for years and starting mid-March, they and their families had to make tough decisions to modify, adapt, postpone, reschedule, or make a change in some way, shape, or form. We are so proud of each one for doing what is needed to adapt to the new circumstances, and we still want to let our whole community know who these Bar/Bat Mitzvah students are.
Below are the mid-March-August 2020 B’nai Mitzvah “Covid Class.” We will begin publishing the B’nai Mitzvah students once again in the September/October 2020 Chronicle.
Tessa Wolpin-Kohl | March 20, 2020
Tessa Wolpin-Kohl is the daughter of proud parents Blyma Wolpin and Richard Kohl, twin sister of Danielle, and granddaughter of Phylia and Marvin Kohl, Sara Wolpin (z”l) and David Wolpin (z”l). She is a seventh-grader at The International School of Beaverton, where she enjoys writing poetry and working her way through the library. She loves history, decorating cakes, Harry Potter, and every animal ever born, especially her cat Motek and rescue dog Skittles.
Danielle Wolpin-Kohl | March 21, 2020
Danielle Wolpin-Kohl is the daughter of proud parents Blyma Wolpin and Richard Kohl, the twin sister of Tessa, and granddaughter of Phylia and Marvin Kohl, Sara Wolpin (z”l) and David Wolpin (z”l). She is a seventh-grader at The International School of Beaverton, where she enjoys studying Japanese and working on the theatre stage crew. She loves stand-up paddleboarding, cooking, reading, annoying her sister, and snuggling with her cat Motek and rescue dog Skittles.
Ella Ertischek | April 11, 2020
Ella is the daughter of Kristen and Benjamin Ertischek, sister to Samuel, Madeline, and Jordan. She is the granddaughter of Sharon Elliott and Mark (z”l) and Jacqui Ertischek. Ella attends Robert Gray Middle School and enjoys playing basketball, running cross country, and Spanish. She loves attending Camp Solomon Schechter and spending time with her dog, Rudy.
Lily Crow | April 18, 2020
Lily Crow is the daughter of Debra Anchel and Michael Crow, stepdaughter of David Anchel, younger sister to Evan Crow, stepsister of Keryn Anchel, and granddaughter to Sandy King (Philadelphia), Edward and Judith Anchel (New York), and Bonnie Crow (Los Angeles). Lily is a well-rounded student at Robert Gray Middle School. She loves working on her acting chops at The Studio Northwest, skiing at Mount Hood Meadows, spending time with friends, and pampering her cats, Todd and Keith. Lily’s friends love her sincerity and always want to spend more time with her. Her passion for acting may lead her to a career in Hollywood.
Rose Sapoznikow | May 16, 2020
Rose Gabriela Sapoznikow is the daughter of proud padres Karen & Dave Sapoznikow, is sister to devoted brother, Jacob, and is granddaughter to abuelitos Sharona & Jorge Sapoznikow (Rockville, MD) and Bubbe and Zayde Elaine (z’’l) & Paul Smelkinson (Tucson, AZ). Rose is an 8th grader at the International School of Beaverton. A staunch reader, talented baker, joyful swimmer, and gifted pianist, Rose works her tush off and is a wonderful, awesome person. She DEFINITELY didn’t write that last part herself.
Celia Janoff | May 23, 2020
Celia Janoff is the daughter of Shannon and Daniel Janoff, a big sister to Hailey, and granddaughter of Christine and Scott Fulmer, Marianne Janoff and Walter Janoff (z”l). She is a seventh-grader at Riverdale Grade School in Portland, where she enjoys advanced art and participating in the school play. She loves playing marimba, volunteering at the Oregon Humane Society, listening to records, spending time with her friends and family, and snuggling with her guinea pig Hershey and rescue dog Toby.
Evan Hart | May 24, 2020
Evan is the son of Davis and Maxine Hart, younger brother to Eli, and grandson of Seymour (z”l) and Shirley Bernstein (z”l), (New Jersey), and Norris (z’’l) and Leona Hart (Canby, OR). Evan is a 7th grader at Robert Gray Middle School. He loves playing basketball and his Wilson Youth team was headed to compete in the state basketball tournament until the coronavirus pandemic put that on hold. He also enjoys skiing at Mt. Hood. He is hoping he can hang out with his friends and play hoops at Camp Solomon Schechter NEXT summer.
Marla Brenner | May 30, 2020
Marla is the daughter of Julia and Bill Brenner. She is the cherished granddaughter of Marlene and Marv Brenner (z”l) and Laura and Howard Waco (z”l). Marla attends Whitford and participates in school plays and Student Council. She enjoys reading, watching animation, and drawing home designs and spends her summers at B’nai B’rith Camp. Marla’s friends love her loyalty, sense of humor, and kindness. For her mitzvah project, Marla established a volunteer reading program for autistic students.
Levi Johnson | June 6, 2020
Mazel Tov to Levi Johnson, son of Wendy and Doug Johnson, and younger brother to Mason Johnson. Proud grandparents include Trudi Stone and Mel Hoffman of Tualatin, OR. Levi is a soon to be an eighth-grade student at Hazelbrook Middle School, where he plays trumpet and enjoys Math and PE. He is active in Boy Scouts and on a fall soccer league. In his spare time, he enjoys playing with his friends, shooting hoops, and playing with his dog and cats. He celebrated his Bar Mitzvah on June 6th at Neveh Shalom with his immediate family, Grandparents, Aunt, Uncle, Cousin, and two close friends.
Madeline Pines | June 13, 2020
Madeline Pines is the daughter of Rachel and Itai Pines, and younger sister to Zachary Pines. Proud grandparents include Alex and Ditsa Pines of Berkeley, CA, Ayala Pines (ז״ל ), and Lisa Luna of Sherman Oaks, CA. Madeline will be an eighth-grader in the Summa program at Meadow Park Middle School. She loves creating art (especially drawing), reading, listening to podcasts, acting, making people laugh, and playing both video games and board games with her family. Our entire family is so proud of Madeline. She celebrated her Bat Mitzvah on June 17th (with the same Torah parshah that Zachary had exactly three years earlier) with her immediate family, her Aunt Shani, her tutor Morah Deb, and family friend, Vicki Weiss.
Mazal tov to Ami Weingrad, son of Mel Berwin and Michael Weingrad, who celebrated his bar mitzvah in a “backyard minyan” and on Zoom on the Shabbat of June 20. From Tot Shabbat and Foundation School through Kochavim, ALIYAH, and Mensches & Mavens at Tichon, Ami has grown up immersed in the CNS community, and finds joy each summer at Camp Schechter. He is a rising 8th grader at Robert Gray Middle School and volunteers with CNS cooking for Outside In.
Isabella Heitner | July 11, 2020
Isabella Vera Heitner is the daughter of very proud parents Emma Scott and Stephen Heitner, sister of Juliette Heitner and grand-daughter of Yvonne and the late Rene Heitner, Alexander and Adrienne Scott. She is entering 8th grade at the Gilkey French American International School where she is a multilingual student in the Spanish immersion and French track. She loves reading and is very artistic, as well as being very adventurous and loving backcountry skiing, horseback riding and skateboarding. She is a very compassionate and balanced person, and is adored by many including her sister, her friends, and dogs Serafina and Lupita.
Sophia Malinoski | July 18, 2020
Sophia Malinoski is the daughter of proud parents Sehra Sampson and Darren Malinoski, the big sister of Noah, and granddaughter of Lesley Malinoski, Robert Malinoski (Christine), Karey Cresap (Chris) and Thomas Sampson (Cathy). She will be an 8th grader at West Sylvan Middle School, where she is enrolled in Spanish Immersion. She loves playing soccer and tennis, baking, reading, traveling, and cuddling with her dog Oscar. Sophia’s Bat Mitzvah project is focused on supporting those who are affected by relationship inequality as it pertains to her Torah portion. Sophia is collecting personal hygiene items for Raphael House which supports families who suffer from domestic violence. If you would like to donate please contact us (sehra.sampson@gmail.com) or donate directly to Raphael House (https://raphaelhouse.com).
Max Rispler | August 8, 2020
Mazel Tov to Max Rispler, son of Allison and Hollis Rispler, younger brother to sister Ava, and proud grandparents Roni and Ron Berger and Arlene Rispler of Fort Lauderdale, Fl. Max attends West Sylvan Middle School where he is on the Robotics team and enjoys math. Max enjoys hanging out with friends, gaming, and football. Max also trains and teaches his dog, Teddy. Max is celebrating his Bar Mitzvah on August 8th at Neveh Shalom.
Mia Schoenkerman | August 15, 2020
Mia Schoenkerman is the daughter of proud parents Michelle Fliman and Aaron Schoenkerman. And big sister to Orli. Mia is the granddaughter of Vivian and Henry Fliman and Marcey (z”l) and Bert Schoenkerman both sets of whom have played an immeasurable role in her Jewish identity. She will be entering 8th grade at Oregon Episcopal School. Mia is a dedicated gymnast and a talented artist. She speaks Spanish near fluently. She loves all animals but especially dogs.
Scott Wiley | August 22, 2020 (Rescheduled from April 25, 2020)
Scott is the son of Beth Buck and Shawn Wiley, brother to Keira, and the grandson of Brenda and Jacob Buck and Nancy and Evans Wiley. He is a 7th grader at Conestoga Middle School. Scott enjoys taekwondo, skateboarding, video games, spending time with his friends, and especially his summers at Camp Solomon Schechter.
Maya Rosman | August 29, 2020
Maya Rosman is the daughter of Staci and Stewart Rosman and older sister to Brooklyn. She is the granddaughter to Steve Singer and Joyce Singer (z”l) of Portland, Oregon, and Martin and Grace Rosman of Annapolis, Maryland. Maya will be an eighth-grader at Oregon Virtual Academy in the fall. Academically, Maya enjoys Spanish, Art, and Science. In her spare time, she loves to read, listen to music, and socialize with friends. Maya is passionate about animals and has spent the last three years at Camp Namanu’s ranch camp. She hopes to one day own a horse so she can ride daily.
Trevor Gilbert | February 20, 2021 (Rescheduled from July 4, 2020)
Trevor is the son of Robb and Bari Gilbert, youngest brother to Sophia, Ethan & Mickey. Proud grandparents are John and Marcia Grado (St. Johns, FL), Morton, and Carol Greenfield (Boyton Beach, FL), and Joel and Marsha Gilbert (Portland, OR). Trevor is a hard-working student eager to enter the 8th grade at Fowler Middle School, where he is a bi-lingual learner in the Spanish Immersion program and loves Drama, breezing through Math, and the critical thinking of Science. Although you can find him hanging upside down most days, he enjoys Drama Club, Parkour, moderating, Graphic Design, and debate (his parents can attest to this). Trevor thrives on his friends and community and looks forward to returning to one of his favorite places, Camp Solomon Schechter, and sharing Simchas in the near future. Mazel Tov to his classmates!
Nina Schwartz | Not yet rescheduled (Was to be April 4, 2020)
Nina Liat Schwartz is a 7th grader in Corvallis, OR, where she is an enthusiastic student and talented guitar player. Nina also enjoys tennis, plays the saxophone as part of Collegium Band, and loves spending time with her friends and family. Her parents are Talia and Gregory Schwartz, grandparents are Bracha Loren, and Ann and Steven Schwartz. Nina is younger sister to Maya and older sister to Leo, who she always finds a way to make laugh with her bright and fun personality.
Avital Horowitz | May 1, 2021 (Rescheduled from May 9, 2020)
Avital Horowitz is the daughter of proud parents Sonya and Zachary Horowitz, the sister of Yael, and granddaughter of Fanny and Barry Horowitz, Joanne and Arnold Logan, and Jeffrey Mitchell. She is a seventh-grader at Jackson Middle School in Portland, where she enjoys studying language arts, math, science, and improv. She loves reading, basketball, paddle boarding, baking, crafting, spending time with her friends and sister, and her dog Posey.
