David Rubenstein
David Rubenstein, the billionaire philanthropist, has purchased the abstract sculpture “Blue” that was removed from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts grounds last month. Eventually, the Joel Shapiro sculpture will be displayed in the Sculpture Garden of the National Gallery of Art.
Rubenstein, a major arts donor was chair of the Kennedy Center’s board until he was ousted in early 2025 during President Trump’s takeover. He is chair of the board of trustees of the National Gallery.
Since 2019, the aluminum, 24-foot tall stick-figure-like sculpture stood on the grounds of the Reach, an addition to the Kennedy Center that was partly funded by Rubenstein. The sculpture, painted a vivid electric blue, was designed to look like a person mid-kick while dancing on the grass. “In Joel’s mind, it celebrated joy, freedom and creativity,” his daughter Ivy Shapiro said. Mr. Shapiro died in 2025.
Amy-Jill Levine
Amy-Jill Levine, a New Testament scholar, has had a lifelong fascination with all things Catholic, and has devoted her life’s work to understanding Jesus as a first-century Jew. Recently, she received a unique honor: She was named president of the Catholic Biblical Association of America, the first Jewish scholar to hold the title. Levine joined the organization soon after she earned her Ph.D. from Duke University 42 years ago, and has been an active participant in the organization’s committees since that time. In announcing her election to the one-year post, the association’s statement said Levine was “recognized and deeply appreciated for her work in Jewish-Christian relations.” It also mentioned that she was the first Jewish scholar to teach New Testament at the Pontifical Biblical Institute in Rome (2019), and that she had three audiences with Pope Francis.
Sasha Troufanov and Sapir Cohen
Sasha Troufanov and Sapir Cohen, both kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oa on Oct. 7 and held for months in Gaza, were married on July 5 in an emotional ceremony attended by President Herzog and fellow former hostages.
Cohen was held by Hamas terrorists for 55 days before her release in November 2023, during the first hostage release deal, while Troufanov was in captivity for 498 days. He was released as part of phase one of a mediated ceasefire/hostage release deal in February 2025.
Suzan E. Lipson
The Shofar is pleased and proud to announce that at the Annual Congregation Meeting, held on June 13, 2026, Suzan E. Lipson was elected president of Congregation Tifereth Israel for a one-year term beginning July 1, 2026. The Shofar congratulates the new president and wishes her well. See the new president’s first message to the Congregation and Shofar readers on Page 2 of this issue.
Immediate past president Sara Bloom expressed admiration for the new president’s diligence and skill. “I see a bright future for our shul under Suzan Lipson’s leadership, she said.
Sonia Spar
Community leader Sonia Spar was named the 2026 Champion of Diversity for Suffolk County Legislative District 1, it was announced at the May 4 Southold Town Board meeting.
The honoree, who moved to Southold from Colombia 20 years ago, has helped run a shelter for victims of domestic violence on the East End, assisted those coping with mental health or substance abuse challenges, and is an advocate for educational outreach.
Jack Schlossberg
Jack Schlossberg, grandson of former President John F. Kennedy, is a leading Democratic contender for an open US. House seat, representing part of New York City.
Eli Savit
Eli Savit, a progressive county prosecutor, won the Michigan Democratic Party’s nomination for attorney general at a recent convention.
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