Joseph and Boglarka Edouard, both natives of Hungary, embarked on a remarkable journey that brought them together in Los Angeles in 1995. Now, after over 29 years of marriage, they continue to share a beautiful life filled with love and purpose, and they are blessed with a wonderful daughter, Shana, who is now 26 years old.

 

Joseph's story begins in the heart of Budapest, where he grew up just a few blocks away from Europe's largest synagogue. Raised by his devoted mother and his grandfather, a Jewish survivor of a Russian POW camp in Siberia, Joseph's early life lacked formal Jewish education, as his grandfather was not religious. It wasn’t until he arrived in America at 18 that he truly embraced his Jewish heritage.

 

Boglarka, also known as Bogie, also hails from Budapest and navigated her youth without the guidance of religious education. Demonstrating remarkable entrepreneurial spirit, she launched her own pet grooming business at just 16 years old, mastering the art of dog grooming and sharing her knowledge by teaching others. Bogie made her way to America at 18 to join her mother, who had been living there.

 

Joseph has been serving as for 38 years in the United States Navy and was recently promoted to the rank of Commander. He currently leads the Department of Medical Logistics at the Portsmouth Naval Medical Center, where his leadership provide high-quality patient care for 340,000 military beneficiaries.

 

Bogie lends her nurturing spirit to the role of substitute teacher at the United Jewish Community of the Virginia Peninsula. She skillfully cares for children of all ages and makes a lasting impact on their lives.

Together, they are proud Jewish community members; Joseph serves as the Second Vice President, a Board member of the Rodef Sholom Temple, and a dedicated Sunday School teacher for 6th-7th graders. Likewise, Bogie inspires young minds as a Sunday School teacher for 1st-2nd graders and actively volunteers at various Jewish community events. As they look to the future, in July 2025, Joseph and Bogie are set to embrace a new adventure in Okinawa, Japan, where they will be assigned on a two-year military assignment, ready to make new memories and positively impact the Jewish community there.