Brad Bangel

Congregation Beth El - Norfolk, VA

Brad Bangel was born and grew up in Portsmouth, Virginia inspired by a family legacy of active involvement, leadership and support of their synagogue, the Jewish community and helping other local organizations.

Brad and his wonderful wife Babbi have been acquainted nearly all their lives as their sisters were close friends—but their lifelong journey really began when they started dating. Four years later, they were married at Gomley Chesed Synagogue where Brad was a Bar-Mitzvah ten years earlier. They moved across the river to Norfolk that year where they would raise their family and still reside today. They have three amazing children: Addie (Jacob), Ross (Lindsay) and Hannah (Matt). They have also been blessed with six grandchildren: Jude, Lucy, Benji, Sonny, Ozzie and Milo. And expect their seventh soon!

The mainstay of Brad’s professional career was his founding and managing B. J. Bangel Construction Company for thirty-three years. During that time, Brad was also: chairman of the Ghent Square Architectural Board for nine years, served on the board and executive committee for Tidewater Builders Association and founded and led their Remodelers Council as well.

Following the stellar example set by his parents, Brad has continued their legacy of helping out in similar ways and directions. Besides supporting so many good causes in the community, he also served on the board and as treasurer of the Youth Crisis Network for five years. Over many decades, Brad has been continually involved in our local Jewish community as well. He was one of the original board members and served several terms for the Jewish Museum and Cultural Center in Portsmouth. Brad served numerous terms on the local Jewish Community Center board, has chaired their finance committee, served as treasurer and on their Building & Grounds committee as well. He’s served numerous terms on the Jewish Family Service board and currently serves on both the Personal Affairs Management and Budget & Finance Committees. 

Then, there is his decades-long support of and service to Congregation Beth El—especially in offering his time, talents and experience. And Brad has been counted on far beyond transporting bulk orders and other large items using his truck! In 2016, after retiring from construction, but not retiring--Brad began attending minyans on Wednesdays and has since increased to two or three times each week. Brad has also served numerous terms on Beth El’s board, including a term as Secretary, and has served on multiple committees over the years--including chairing both the Security and Building and Maintenance committees. He’s built numerous games for Purim Carnivals, an oversized Hanukkah Menorah and a beautiful arched entrance with lights used for Purim dinners and programs. Brad’s generous spirit and lifelong love for music have benefitted Beth El too. Brad played bass for years as a founding member of the local rock band ‘Fretomology,’ whose motto is: “Rock On – Do Good.” As Brad became experienced and adept at setting up sound and lighting equipment, he became Beth El’s “go-to audio consultant” whenever new microphones or equipment were needed. Brad also helped start Rock Shabbat several years ago with Rabbi Ezring’s encouragement and was ‘the TrIBE’s’ bassist. His most selfless, related contributions, however, was “schlepping,” setting up and often running his own  sound equipment and lights for both the “Shabbat Unplugged” and “Rock Shabbat” groups when periodically rehearsing and performing at Beth El. Naturally, after each performance, 90% of it would have to be removed right away in order to “put the Bimah back to normal” for the Shabbat service the following morning. These efforts were both physical and quite time-consuming. Brad and his family have also supported the Men’s Club for many years and in many ways—particularly our annual, major family Bingo fundraiser. And, since implementing the new electronic bingo software, Brad has done the audio-visual setups each year. 

Brad’s personal list of hobbies, interests and passions are: family, fishing, playing music, bicycling & kayaking and volunteerism. He’s most satisfied when his days are productive. He doesn’t aspire to develop any new skills or hobbies in the years ahead. His lifetime goal is simply to continue trying to be a better husband, father, grandfather and friend—and also improve his musical abilities and skills as a fisherman!