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Women’s Philanthropy proved again that when you mix limoncello with purpose and a passionate group of women, magic happens.Held last month in the Sandler Family Campus’ Fleishman/Moss Lounge, Girls’ Night Out – Round 2 brought together a vibrant group of women for an...
Tidewater is entering its fourth year of collaboration with the Jewish Agency for Israel to host Shinshinim (Israeli Emissaries) on their mission to share Israeli culture, knowledge, and experiences with community members of all ages. Shinshin is an acronym for Shenat...
The summer of 2025 is a special year for the swimming pool at the Simon Family JCC, with a record number of 40 guards, enabling the pool to remain open throughout the summer without closures due to staff shortages. But what is truly unique about the summer of 2025 is...
A bit of Yiddish has managed to slip into everyday language. In fact, it’s not uncommon to hear people of all backgrounds talk about chutzpah. And most who do, have no idea they’re speaking Yiddish, a language historically spoken by Ashkenazi Jews.A combination of...
Looking to add something fun and thought-provoking each month? The JCC Book Club, led by the always enthusiastic Adrienne Royes, might be the answer. Each month, the group explores a compelling book (sometimes two) – and occasionally gets to chat with the author.The...
Thursdays, September 11- November 20 11 am, Sandler Family Campus The fundamental lesson emphasized about Judaism is the belief in One God. In fact, Judaism’s most important prayer is an excerpt of a speech from Moses to Israel, repurposed as a declaration made to...
As summer transitions into fall, the Jewish Community Relations Council of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater annually takes deliberate steps to ensure Jewish students, families, and professionals are recognized and respected in their schools, workplaces, and...
Surrounded by stacks of colorful books, the BeAR team is deep into preparations for the 2025–2026 school year, which is BeAR’s 26th year of inspiring young readers.Be A Reader (BeAR) partners with Title I schools to support second grade students who need a little...
Teens in 8th through 12th grade are invited to join Tidewater’s BBYO for its fall kickoff event.The $10 registration fee includes two hours of play and drinks (soda, lemonade, and water). Light snacks will be provided, and additional food will be available for...
Begins: Tuesday, August 12 5:30 pm • Sandler Family Campus Have you always wanted to read and speak Hebrew but didn’t know where to start? Whether completely new to the language or looking to refresh skills, Hebrew for Beginners is a place to begin the...
Virginia Beach – Robert Sanford Cohen, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and respected attorney, passed away peacefully at the age of 96, leaving behind a legacy of deep integrity, enduring friendships, and unwavering commitment to both his...
Virginia Beach – Jonas Michael Goldman, born on April 26, 1989, in Norfolk, Va., passed away on July 13, 2025, in Virginia Beach, Va., at the age of 36.From an early age, Jonas was a comedian, athlete, music lover, doting son, and everybody’s friend. Jonas was deeply...
It’s a classic American love story—football player meets a pretty girl. They begin a courtship, marry, and the rest is history. Sixty-four years later, Helen and Warren Aleck still tell that story with a gleam in their eyes. Who knew that a chance high school romance...
Governor Glenn Youngkin issued Executive Order 48 Combating Antisemitism and Anti-Religious Bigotry in Virginia Public Schools and Institutions of Higher Education to further expand his efforts to combat antisemitism at Virginia public schools and institutions of...
Tidewater’s Yom Ha’Atzmaut community celebration marking Israel’s 77th Independence Day, took place Sunday, May 4 at the Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus. Hosted by United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and Simon Family JCC, the afternoon was filled with engaging...
The role of Dad has evolved, from a staunch disciplinarian to a guiding light who changes diapers, drives carpool, and might even stay at home while Mom goes to work. According to their children, these Jewish Tidewater dads are generous with their time, community...
The statement was signed by groups representing the Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform movements as well as other major organizations. After a gunman murdered two people outside a Jewish museum, a wide range of major Jewish groups has asked the federal government to...
The Marty Einhorn Pavilion at the Sandler Family Campus was filled with laughter, conversation, and the unmistakable sense of unity on Thursday, May 1 for the second annual Israeli Chef’s Table Experience. Hosted by United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and presented...
Graduations are a time to recognize achievements, formally bid farewell to a valued educational institution, prepare for the next steps along life’s journey, and of course, to celebrate! Jewish Tidewater has much to applaud with its graduates – the awards, impressive...
United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s Women’s Philanthropy Spring Lunch took place last month in the sun-filled Fleischman Lounge on the Sandler Family Campus. This event serves as a ‘Thank you’ for members of the Women’s Philanthropy who serve as volunteer campaign...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...