DistantNews
Support us
🇮🇱 Israel /Culture & Society

Tu B'Av love story: How two Jerusalem retirees found love after a lifetime apart

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • Barry Halpern, 90, and Rica Cuperman, 80, found love at the Mediterranean Towers Jerusalem retirement complex, proving romance can blossom at any age.
  • Halpern, originally from England and later California, fulfilled a lifelong dream of immigrating to Israel after his wife and daughter passed away.
  • Cuperman, who immigrated to Israel from Romania as a child, dedicated 35 years to Jerusalem Municipality's Welfare Department before meeting Halpern.

In a heartwarming story from the Mediterranean Towers Jerusalem retirement complex, 90-year-old Barry Halpern and 80-year-old Rica Cuperman have found love, demonstrating that romance knows no age limits. Their connection, blossoming in their golden years, serves as a powerful reminder that life's greatest joys can arrive unexpectedly.

When I was 10, my parents sent me to summer camp, where many of the counselors had returned from what was then Mandatory Palestine. They inspired all of us with stories about Israel, and I remember thinking that one day I would live there.

— Barry HalpernBarry Halpern reflecting on his childhood inspiration to immigrate to Israel.

Halpern, originally from Manchester, England, later moved to California, where he built a career as an interior designer and furniture store manager. He was active in the Conservative Jewish community and had harbored a lifelong dream of living in Israel since childhood. After the loss of his wife and daughter, and with his son and daughter-in-law having already made aliyah, Halpern fulfilled his ambition by immigrating to Israel in November 2022.

Cuperman's journey to Israel was different. Born in Romania, she immigrated to Israel as a child with her family. She settled in Moshav Olesh before moving to Jerusalem for university. For 35 years, she dedicated her career to the Jerusalem Municipality’s Welfare Department, impacting countless families. Though she never married, she cultivated a rich, independent life filled with friendships and meaningful work.

She divides her life into two parts: the life before Barry, and the life after meeting him.

— Rica CupermanRica Cuperman describing the impact of meeting Barry Halpern on her life.

Their story began with a chance encounter at the complex's coffee bar, a brief meeting that could have easily been forgotten. Halpern recalled the interaction as pleasant but moved on with his day. Months later, after Halpern experienced several health scares, Cuperman approached him to inquire about his well-being. Touched by her concern, Halpern invited her to dinner, marking the beginning of their relationship.

It felt pleasant, but I continued on with my day.

— Barry HalpernBarry Halpern recalling his initial brief encounter with Rica Cuperman at the retirement complex.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog