August Family of the Month: The Rikshpuns

Gabrielle Rivka, Darya and Naum Seymon were born in Ukraine and are of the Rikshpun family. 

Daria, 39, had a long career as a TV producer, after which she decided to pursue her true passion. For the past 6 years she has been working as a ceramic artist. She holds an MA in Japanese language and literature and has spent some time living in Japan.

Naum, 60, immigrated as a teenager with his parents to the US. Since completing his education, he has been living and working mostly in Europe. Naum is a psychotherapist and coach working with clients internationally. He holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology. In addition to psychotherapy and coaching practice, Naum has been an entrepreneur in the field of alternative energy. 

The Rikshpun family has been at Beth Sholom since June 2022 when Gabrielle, now 5 years old, attended summer camp at Beth Sholom Family Preschool, where she has been a student since. 

The Purim Festival is their favorite Beth Sholom event, but really all the holidays are very inspiring, warm, educational and special each in its own way.

What does the Rikshpun family love most about Beth Sholom?

The unparalleled sense of a very welcoming, warm, and tightly knit community which always makes you feel at home. 

When asked about their favorite Jewish holiday, food or family tradition, the answer was: Pesach for being the main Jewish holiday marked with a special family gathering by secular Jews, such as Naum's family, in the former Soviet Union. Gefilte fish and matzah always occupied a central place at the holiday table as reminders of their Jewish identity and tradition. The same with latkes on Hanukkah.