Rabbi Roz Mandelberg reflects on her 20th anniversary at Ohef Sholom Temple
When the new rabbinic candidate’s resume crossed the desks of the search committee in late 2004, everyone immediately knew: Rabbi Rosalin Mandelberg would be Ohef Sholom Temple’s new rabbi. An assistant rabbi at Baltimore Hebrew Congregation at the time, Rabbi Roz...
Sarah Kosovsky named 2025 Stein Family Scholarship recipient
A standout student, Sarah Kosovsky has been named the 2025 recipient of the Stein Family College Scholarship, the largest scholarship available to Jewish students in Tidewater. Awarded through the Tidewater Jewish Foundation, this prestigious scholarship provides up...
YAD members enjoy post-Passover chametz
Young area adults with United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s Young Adult Division gathered at Hank’s Filling Station on Tuesday, April 22 for a Happy Hour to celebrate the end of the Passover holiday. Two dozen participants enjoyed drinks and plenty of post-Passover...
Celebrations and observances abound in Jewish Tidewater
Dinners and luncheons with a famed Israeli chef, Yom Ha’Atzmaut (Israel’s Independence Day), and Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) were among myriad gatherings that took place throughout Jewish Tidewater just prior to this issue going to press. All were well...
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JTA News
Russell Brand defends Ye’s ‘Heil Hitler’ music video
“You have to celebrate voices like Ye’s, true artists that are willing to go into very, very difficult situations in order to tell the truth," the actor and podcaster said.
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The post Russell Brand defends Ye’s ‘Heil Hitler’ music video appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
Israel’s Eurovision contestant, Yuval Raphael, says she’s focused on the music, not the protests
Raphael, a Nova music festival survivor, takes the stage in the competition semifinals on Thursday.
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The post Israel’s Eurovision contestant, Yuval Raphael, says she’s focused on the music, not the protests appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
NYC’s mayor has vowed to fight antisemitism. Now he’s creating an office devoted to the task.
The mayor, who is up for reelection this November, is also exploring running on an "EndAntiSemitism" ballot line.
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The post NYC’s mayor has vowed to fight antisemitism. Now he’s creating an office devoted to the task. appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
After hooking Israelis, former hostage Keith Siegel is bringing his famous pancakes to NYC this week
12 Chairs, the Israeli restaurant, is hosting a five-hour popup version of Keith Siegel's Pancake House.
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The post After hooking Israelis, former hostage Keith Siegel is bringing his famous pancakes to NYC this week appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
Latest News
2025 UJFT Annual Campaignon track for a successful finish
The 2025 Annual Campaign of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater recently crossed over the milestone $5 million mark, on its way to a successful close. The campaign year officially closes on Monday, June 30. Every attempt is made to have all gifts closed before...
Lag BaOmer: A light that never goes out
Lag BaOmer is Friday, May 16 From Passover to Shavuot, the Torah teaches that the days must be counted to prepare to receive the Torah. This counting is known as Sefirat HaOmer. It is a period marked by introspection and mourning, which is unexpectedly interrupted by...
Jewish camp experience spans two generations
On the third try, I landed at an overnight camp that was the right fit for me.The first, an all-girls sleepaway camp, located in New England, required an eight-week commitment, where campers dressed in uniform bloomers and saddle shoes to have “fun.” I was nine years...
Moms and flowers and bagels… Oh my
On a glorious spring Sunday morning, 10 young moms came together for a fun brunch and flower arranging workshop.Hostess Bo Lepchitz and her sister, Sunny, provided a plethora of floral options and the ladies “went to town.” Everyone created a beautiful centerpiece to...
Camp JCC: More than just a summer camp
When schools close for winter and spring breaks and other federal holidays, Camp JCC School Days Out is the fun place to be for campers and a convenient and flexible option for parents.Registration was available for individual days, 5- and 10-day bundles, and for the...
Sunday Fun Day: Down on the farm
Sunday, April 6 turned into a very warm and sunny day for Sunday Fun Day at Hunt Club Farm. The event sold out and had a waiting list of families that wanted to join the farm fun. Families put on their sunscreen, hats, and tennis shoes and arrived at the first...
And then there were none. We need to pick up the mantle
In 2010 when the Holocaust Commission conceived of what would become the What We Carry program, its previously robust survivor Speakers Bureau was beginning to shrink. Witnesses to history continued to leave us, but eventually the program grew, and consisted of films...
“Man Smart, Woman Smarter”: The witty influence of a mom, wife, and daughter
I’ve been trying—unsuccessfully—to get Naomi Limor Sedek, president and CEO of the Tidewater Jewish Foundation, to listen to this song for weeks now. Man Smart, Woman Smarter, by Grateful Dead, has always made me smile, not just because of its catchy tune, but because...
Other News
See something wrong? Report it!
Report an antisemitic incident at Federation.JewishVA.org/IncidentReportingIn an emergency, always call 9-1-1 first.If online reporting is not practical, contact local law enforcement and/or the relevant suspicious activity reporting authority.Also contact Mike...
“I Wish the World Knew . . .”Inspiring a greater understanding of neurodiversity through art and self-expression
When asked about neurodiversity, the odds are most people wouldn’t be able to answer. Social media, television, and film often misrepresent neurodiversity, either exaggerating its effects or minimizing its impact.Neurodiversity describes the unique ways people’s...
Outdoor Pool at the Simon Family JCC opens Memorial Day
Get ready for summer when the Simon Family JCC’s outdoor pool opens on Saturday, May 24.Weekday aquatics exercise classes will move outside during the summer season, weather permitting, and many other events return to enjoy with friends and family. Among the special...
Excitement is building for Camp JCC Summer 2025
Stepping outside this time of year, one might initially squint because of the bright sun or the pollen, which means that bright summer days are ahead. One might even figuratively squint at the realization that the end of the school year is near. While those eyes are...
What’s Happening
Contributions for Ohef Sholom Temple’s Sisterhood’s Rummage Sale needed
Sale: Friday, August 15 and Sunday, August 17: 9 am – 2 pm Donations accepted: Monday, June 2 –...
May is Jewish American Heritage Month
President George W. Bush proclaimed May as Jewish American Heritage Month in 2006, designating the...
Honoring some of Tidewater’s outstanding Jewish educator
Thursday, May 29, 5:30 pm, Sandler Family Campus The Konikoff Center for Learning at the United...
Registrations rolling in for Nadiv Poker Night
Tuesday, May 13, 6 pm • Sandler Family Campus The first-ever Nadiv Poker Night is set for...
Obituaries
May the Source of Peace
send peace to all who mourn, and comfort to all who are bereaved.
Herschel Blum
NORFOLK – Herschel Blum passed away on March 29, 2025, just weeks short of his 98th birthday. A private graveside service was held at Forest Lawn...
Robert (Bob) Brotman
VIRGINIA BEACH – Born December 18, 1940, in Brooklyn, New York, Bob was a fun-loving man who brought happiness to all those fortunate enough to have...
Bernard “Bernie” Chovitz
SILVER SPRING, Md. - Bernard Chovitz passed away peacefully on April 25, 2025.Bernie is survived by daughter Phyllis Chovitz (Danny Gainsburg),...
Reatha Fay Kantor
VIRGINIA BEACH - Our beloved matriarch, Reatha Mirman Kantor (affectionately known as “Re”) passed away on April 25, 2025, at the age of 89.Reatha...