Julian Rashkind
Eagle Scout 1933
Distinguished Eagle Scout 1971
Julian Rashkind was born and raised in Jamaica, New York. His life spanned two centuries, 11 decades, 17 U.S. Presidents, the Great Depression, two World Wars, the Korean and Vietnam wars, the development of the automotive and aviation industries, women’s suffrage, the enactment and repeal of Prohibition, the civil rights era, the internet, the revitalization of Ghent and the launching of light rail in Norfolk, and numerous societal developments that we take for granted but at which he marveled.
Rashkind was an Eagle Scout at 17 (1933) and, at 20, graduated from Columbia University’s College of Pharmacy as the youngest member and secretary of his class. He worked for the Boy Scouts of America in New York and then joined the U.S. Army, where he rose to the rank of captain during World War II, serving in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps.
After the service, he joined his father-in-law, Jacob Brody, in the building business and moved to Norfolk. Over time, he became a pillar of his adopted community, ultimately serving as president and later Trustee Emeritus of the Tidewater Builders Association. For 20 years, he was on the board of Norfolk’s Redevelopment and Housing Authority, 17 years as its chair. He was a director of the Home Builders Association of Virginia and a senior life director of the National Association.
His civic and philanthropic endeavors were not limited to the building business. He was a founder and trustee, and honorary president of Temple Israel in Norfolk. He was one of the first presidents of the Jewish Community Center; he chaired the United Jewish Fund, and held leadership positions with Beth Sholom Home, the National Jewish Welfare Board, and the United Jewish Federation. He enjoyed his participation in the Jewish Philanthropic group, the 400 Club.
Rashkind was a steadfast supporter of the Boy Scouts of America, serving on the Executive Board of the Tidewater Council and as a National Council Member. He also held governing positions on the Norfolk Symphony Association, the Edgewater Turney Home for Boys and Girls, Child and Family Services, and the Planning Council of the United Community Fund.
He adopted his sons’ alma mater, Randolph-Macon College, serving first as president of its Parents Advisory Council, and later as a long-time trustee of the College. He remained a trustee emeritus until his passing.
Numerous awards recognized his contributions to the community, civic, and philanthropic endeavors. Julian received the Brotherhood Award from the National Conference of Christians and Jews and the B’nai B’rith Distinguished Service Award. From the Jewish Community Center, the Krug Award, and the Thomas L. Hofheimer Humanitarian Award. From the Tidewater Builders Association, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award. He received from Randolph-Macon College the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award, an Honorary Alumnus Award, and an Honorary Doctor of Laws.
In 1971, the Boy Scouts of America recognized him with its Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. Rashkind died in 2012.