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A strong community is a healthy community. Thursday, October 29, 6 pm • Sandler Family Campus To support Tidewater’s growing Jewish community, Jewish Family Service of Tidewater is partnering with JScreen to host a life-saving educational event this fall. Whether...
The Simon Family JCC Fitness Center recently upgraded its cardio equipment with new treadmills, ellipticals, and rowing machines featuring iFit technology. These machines offer interactive global workouts and studio classes, with systems that automatically adjust...
My journey with the arts began in 1958, born out of a weekly compromise. Every Saturday, my childhood was split between the spiritual tradition of the temple and the creative freedom of the art studio. This early dual education shaped my perspective, and by the age of...
Members of United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s Patrons of the Arts gathered at Aviva Pembroke on Wednesday, May 20 for a screening of Once Upon My Mother. The film tells the story of a mother’s unwavering devotion as she helps her son, born with a clubfoot in...
Tidewater Jewish Foundation’s Simon Family Legacy Celebration on Wednesday, May 27 was an opportunity for communities to converge, gathering around a shared vision, shared responsibility, and shared purpose.More than 100 TJF fundholders, community leaders,...
This year, Shavuot celebrated 3,338 years since the giving of the Torah at Mt. Sinai. To this very day, Jews continue to study the Torah, cherish it, and hold it close. The Torah serves as guidance on how to live and make the world a better place.SIA’s Primary Years...
Throughout May, area students visited the Sandler Family Campus to view their artwork displayed in the Cardo.The exhibit featured pieces from the Holocaust Commission of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s annual Elie Wiesel Writing & Visual Arts...
Graduation is always a meaningful and emotional milestone at Strelitz International Academy. For the fifth-grade students, many of whom have been part of the SIA community since infancy, it is a time to reflect on their growth, celebrate their accomplishments, and...
Sunday, June 28, 6:30–9 pm, Norfolk’s waterways | Optional afterparty: 9–10 pm Trade the usual Sunday evening for an unforgettable experience on the water with United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s NextGen community (ages 22–45) for this next adventure: Sunset on...
Sunday, July 26, 12 – 4 pm • Sandler Family Campus United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s NextGen community teams up with PJ Library to celebrate Tu B’Av, the Jewish holiday of love, through meaningful action, music, and poolside fun tailored specifically for young...
(JTA) — As golden confetti rained down around him Thursday, May 28, Israeli chef Raz Shabtai broke down in tears and was embraced by his cheering staff.Moments earlier, a livestreamed Michelin ceremony had announced that his Miami restaurant, Mutra, had become the...
Lewisville, N.C. – Joan Carole Bass Baydush, 82, recently of Lewisville, N.C. and formerly of Norfolk, Va., died peacefully after a prolonged illness.A warm welcoming smile, a tender touch, a kind manner, a keen intelligence, a passion and excitement for life and a...
Virginia Beach – We are deeply saddened to share that Erica Unger passed away on April 11, 2026, just three days before her 95th birthday.Born in Vienna, she was a Holocaust survivor who went on to live a rich and vibrant life marked by travel, meaningful...
Norfolk – Lawrence Harold “Larry” Kirstein, 76, of Norfolk, Virginia, died Jan. 15, 2026.Mr. Kirstein is survived by his sisters and brother-in-law, Robert Grosinger, Rita and Dr. Pedro Paragas, and Ina Kirstein; nephews and nieces, Eric and Amy Grosinger, Jason and...
Ron Kampeas(JTA) — Abraham Foxman, the longtime leader of the Anti-Defamation League who for decades was the last word in post-Holocaust Jewish fury and forgiveness, died at 86 on Sunday, May 10.Foxman, a child survivor of the Holocaust, could be scathing and...
Friday, May 29 – Sunday, May 31 Congregation Beth El A dynamic and thought-provoking Visiting Scholar weekend planned and presented by Congregation Beth El, will feature Rabbi Jeffrey Salkin, one of the most widely read and influential voices in contemporary Jewish...
Sunday, May 17, 4 – 7 pm • TIDE by B’nai Israel Step out of the sanctuary and onto the porch. Join NextGen 757 for a high-energy journey through Ghent to prep for Shavuot.NextGen 757 joins TIDE by B’nai Israel to bring bite-sized learning, sweet treats, and great...
Saturday, May 30, 7 pm • Temple Israel Don’t miss this intentional gathering hosted by United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s NextGen757 in partnership with Temple Israel. Capture the “lingering magic” of Shavuot with a light dinner, guided discussions on modern...
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...
Long before leadership titles and community recognition, Aiden Vonegloffstein was learning what it meant to serve in the most ordinary moments. As a child, his mother taught him to notice when someone needed help, to carry groceries for a neighbor, to lend a...
The role of Uncle Henry in the Jewish Community Center of Houston’s production of The Wizard of Oz was Sam Linda’s first real experience on stage. He was eight years old. Linda says he knew then that he was hooked on acting – and he’s been performing ever since...
Tidewater’s Sharon Goretsky, past president of Hadassah Southern Seaboard Region, was among the group of 200 leaders of Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, who arrived on Capitol Hill from across the country for the organization’s Day of Impact in...
United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s Women’s Philanthropy gathered for its annual Spring Lunch at the Sandler Family Campus last month. The event served as both a celebration and thank you for a year defined by generosity, leadership, and community impact....
In March of twenty six, dear friends, a milestone came alive— A shining, joyful moment: Bobby turning ninety five. From Philly roots to Waynesboro, she grew both bright and popular, A star whose appeal and laughter made each room feel spectacular. At RPI...
In late February, Ilana Peck Leibler was in Norfolk, expecting to return to Israel after a quick visit with her family. The war in the Middle East, however, swiftly and drastically altered her plans. A Norfolk native, Leibler has lived in Israel for nine years....
During BBYO’s Rush Week, both Simcha BBG and OD AZA were able to host successful programs. Rush Week is when BBYO chapters host events that are targeted towards new members, in an attempt to attract more people to get involved and join. On...
At this year’s Yom Hashoah commemoration on April 13, Megan Zuckerman and Elyse Cardon, Holocaust Commission co-chairs, reminded the community that memory is not just something to hold onto, but something that commands action, asking each person to reflect on their...
Members of Women’s Philanthropy of United Jewish Federation of Tidewater convened for its sixth meeting of the year – this time at the Chrysler Museum of Art. Blending community leadership with cultural enrichment, it was an afternoon marked by inspiration and...
An opportunity to recognize the many people who give their time to help others, the Jewish Family Service volunteer luncheon was held on Friday, April 17, at the Sandler Family Campus. This year’s theme was travel, which made the room feel fun and...
Another successful spring break camp took place last month at Camp JCC. Students from Strelitz International Academy and local public schools participated in sports, nature walks, Israeli culture, and arts and crafts. Each day featured specific themes:...
With summer just ahead, Pop-Up Shabbat dinners are bringing renewed energy and excitement to Jewish young adults and families across Tidewater. Coordinated by United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, this initiative creates warm, welcoming spaces where community members...
Each May, Jewish American Heritage Month invites communities across the nation to pause, reflect, and celebrate the many ways Jewish Americans have shaped, and continue to shape, the nation’s cultural, civic, and artistic life. Established by presidential proclamation...