Milestone anniversaries worth celebrating
A wedding anniversary of any number is reason to celebrate, yet milestone anniversaries traditionally get special attention. Reaching a milestone is no easy feat and so Jewish News asked three of area couples about their secrets to the foundation of their...
Holocaust Commission marks International Holocaust Remembrance Day
The Holocaust Commission of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater hosted a moving community gathering in recognition of International Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 27. Held on the Sandler Family Campus, the program brought people of all ages together to...
Virginia Jewish Advocacy Day highlights bipartisan support
Virginia Jewish Advocacy Day once again brought voices from across the Commonwealth to the State Capitol, underscoring a simple but powerful truth: showing up matters. Nearing the midpoint of the 2026 General Assembly session, Jewish community members...
My family runs to our safe room when the sirens sound. I try to believe it’s enough.
MODIIN, Israel — To get a sense of what life is like in Israel these days, consider the circumstances in which air raid sirens have caught me over the last several days: Reading the Purim megillah in a school bomb shelter near my synagogue. We closed the door when the...
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JTA News
Assault of Hebrew-speaking Israelis in San Jose, Calif., spurs outcry and investigation
One of the victims told J. The Jewish News of Northern California that he recalled hearing an assailant say "f---ing Jew" during the attack.
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The post Assault of Hebrew-speaking Israelis in San Jose, Calif., spurs outcry and investigation appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
Ted Cruz says GOP not ‘winning’ fight against antisemitism from figures like Tucker Carlson
At a conservative symposium on anti-Jewish bigotry, the Texas Republican worries about both major parties becoming “unambiguously anti-Israel and unapologetically antisemitic.”
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The post Ted Cruz says GOP not ‘winning’ fight against antisemitism from figures like Tucker Carlson appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
Workplaces open, schools remain shut — and Israeli parents pull out their hair over wartime Zoom classes
Parents of young children are being allowed to take unpaid leave. They say they need more help.
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The post Workplaces open, schools remain shut — and Israeli parents pull out their hair over wartime Zoom classes appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
Mamdani hosts Mahmoud Khalil to break Ramadan fast
Plus, Orthodox teachers are denied a religious observance day to prepare for Passover.
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The post Mamdani hosts Mahmoud Khalil to break Ramadan fast appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
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Thank you to our supporters who recently donated to Jewish News!
Supporters of Jewish News help keep local Jewish journalism alive at a time when it feels as if it is disappearing almost everywhere else. Jewish News appreciates all who support the newspaper with generous contributions – whether in honor of or in memory...
KBH sells building, creates endowment
And with stroke of a few pens, it was over! The closing documents were signed, the checks issued, and Kehillat Bet Hamidrash/Kempsville Conservative Synagogue (KBH) was officially a congregation without a building – yet with a new endowment fund. After...
State of the Foundation: Securing Jewish life in Tidewater
The State of the Union. The State of the City. Most people have heard of or attended gatherings like these, where leaders reflect on the present and make projections about the future. Last month, Tidewater Jewish Foundation did just that. Board members gathered...
JCC Lifeguard Josef Patar celebrates citizenship
His story could be a novel. . . and a page-turner, at that. This past December, Josef Patar added a chapter he’s been trying to write for a while. . . he became a naturalized U.S. citizen. With several supporters, including a couple of friends from Ohef...
Jonathan Zur honoredat ODU’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Observance
The Hugo A. Owens Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Award was presented to Jonathan C. Zur at Old Dominion University’s 41st Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Observance in January. Zur is president and CEO of the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities. Robin Mancoll,...
JFS volunteer honored as Food Bank Superhero of the Month
Laura Goldstein, a volunteer for Jewish Family Service of Tidewater, was recently honored by the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore as their Superhero of the Month. Goldstein was nominated and recognized for her dedication, compassion, and...
Turning the Page: 2026 JAHM books announced for Tidewater schools
One of the annual initiatives of Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM), which takes place in May, is the distribution of books to local schools. Through this program, thousands of students encounter Jewish stories, many for the very first time. The 2026 JAHM...
Beth Sholom Village launches new grant program to support seniors
Aging with dignity is a cornerstone of a strong community. Increasingly, that dignity is defined not only by care, but by connection, purpose, and opportunity. Through the newly launched Beth Sholom Village Grant Program, Beth Sholom Village is investing in innovative...
Other News
In JFNA’s first ‘State of the Jewish Union’ address, security and antisemitism loom large
(JTA) — Speaking from Washington, D.C., on Thursday, Feb. 19, the president and CEO of the Jewish Federations of North America, Eric Fingerhut, laid out his assessment of the state of Jewish life in America. “The state of the Jewish union in America is strong,...
Mike Goldsmith shares security expertise with community
After 35 years of service on the Norfolk Police Department fighting crime as a police officer, advancing through the ranks to become Norfolk’s Chief of Police, then on to a second career as an Assistant City Manager for Norfolk, Mike Goldsmith was more than entitled...
7 years in prison for praying at the Western Wall? Netanyahu’s coalition is threatening a war on Jewish unity
(JTA) —During the recent Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish Organizations’ mission to Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demanded that Jews around the world stand strong and unified in support of Israel and against antisemitism. “Fight, fight, fight,” he...
Jewish hockey star Jack Hughes’ overtime goal propels US to historic gold medal in Olympic hockey
(JTA) — Jewish hockey star Jack Hughes scored the game-winning goal Sunday, Feb. 21 to clinch a gold medal for the U.S. men’s hockey team, its first since 1980. The New Jersey Devils star center, who had scored twice in Team USA’s semifinal win, sent the puck...
What’s Happening
Securing Houses of Worship:Countering Active Threat Training (CATT)
Active threat situations are unpredictable and can unfold quickly—often ending within three to...
Launch of Lev Sara Bikur Cholim
A new initiative dedicated in memory of Shirley Farfel Berman a”h, Lev Sara Bikur Cholim is being...
Tidewater BBYO updates website
When Courtney Krutoy took on the role of Eastern Region BBYO City Director - Tidewater last year,...
KBH to kick off creative Shabbat services for families
Saturday, March 21,10:30 am, Sandler Family Campus Members of KBH synagogue are excited to unveil...
Obituaries
May the Source of Peace
send peace to all who mourn, and comfort to all who are bereaved.
Ashley Brooke Coleman
Virginia Beach – Ashley Brooke Coleman, age 46, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2026. She was born in Norfolk, Virginia to...
Helen Cohen Laibstain
Norfolk – After a brief illness, Helen Laibstain, 96 years old, died Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at her home. Born March 3, 1929, Helen...
Sylvia Bernstein Wagner
Omaha, Nebraska – Sylvia Bernstein Wagner, a pioneering civic leader, accomplished actress, and champion of social progress in Omaha,...
Gilda Weber
Virginia Beach – Gilda Weber, aged 99, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2026, in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Born on June 5, 1926,...