This morning, I had a phone call with a former summer camper of mine. She is now a first-year student at George Washington University in DC, and she wanted to talk to me because she is beginning to explore the idea of becoming a rabbi. When I called at the time that...
Month: February 2019
Archives
Topping Off: Another milestone for Aviva Pembroke and Virginia Beach senior living
A crowd of community members, including principal project partners and future residents, gathered on Friday, March 22 to celebrate another significant milestone towards the completion of the newest Virginia Beach senior living community, Aviva Pembroke. The level of...
Knowledge is the answer
Jewish News is gathering and presenting some basic facts for this space to equip readers during this difficult time with the confidence needed to engage in conversation about Israel. This information is from Jewish Federations of North America, as of April 8. Six...
Iran attacks Israel: How we got here and what might happen next
Ben Sales(JTA) — On Saturday night, April 13, Iran fired more than 200 missiles and drones at Israel.The unprecedented attack — from Iranian soil to Israeli territory — is the most direct confrontation ever between the two longtime adversaries. It threatens to spiral...
A view from Israel: Motzi Shabbat
It was Saturday night.One of my lecturers and I were on a Zoom call with a bubbly and cheerful English lecturer from Mexico planning a collaboration between our students. My phone rang and I saw it was my administrative coordinator, calling at 9 pm – which only means...
Forward features To Life: The Past is Present
Earlier this year, the Forward wrote about the Holocaust Commission of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s book, To Life: The Past is Present, including six of the publication’s stories. The article, with two of the stories, is reprinted here with permission....
Senator Tim Kaine visits Sandler Family Campus
U.S. Senator Tim Kaine spent a couple of hours at the Sandler Family Campus last month chatting with members of Tidewater’s Jewish community about a host of issues, including Israel’s war with Hamas.
Congresswoman Jen Kiggans visits Sandler Family Campus after first trip to Israel
Most first trips to Israel don’t begin with a tour of carnage, but Congresswoman Jen Kiggans’ did. In addition to meeting with families of hostages from the Hamas attack on Oct. 7, Kiggans and the other 14 members of Congress on the AIPAC trip spent time at Kibbutz...
Tidewater: Get ready to be charmed and laugh with Phil Rosenthal
Saturday, April 20, 7 pm, Harrison Opera House He made it clear in Ireland. The same in India. And, of course, in Tel Aviv. Phil Rosenthal of Netflix’s Somebody Feed Phil is Jewish. In a brief phone conversation this week, when asked why he manages to insert being...
The Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus of the Tidewater Jewish Community is celebrating 20 years!
To commemorate this milestone 20th anniversary, Jewish News is planning a special section in the May 13 issue.We invite you to share your personal stories, memories, and photos of being on the Sandler Family Campus since 2004.Think about all the reasons that brought...
Celebrating Moms
Nothing prepares a woman for motherhood, a role which requires on-the-job training. Parenting books and podcasts abound, if she has the time and energy to read and listen; after all, she has just spent the day…cooking, driving, bathing, feeding, hugging, entertaining,...
The Auxiliary of Beth Sholom Village: A beacon of support for Jewish seniors
Standing as a shining example of community service and support for Jewish seniors in Tidewater, The Auxiliary of Beth Sholom Village’s membership exceeds 600 dedicated women. The Auxiliary is a non-profit organization that takes great pride in backing Beth Sholom...
Barbara Dudley’s story of love, loss, and a path to legacy
“I found her under a rock!” This tongue-in-cheek remark by the late Noel Dudley about his first encounter with his wife, Barbara, set the foundation for a lifelong partnership filled with love, laughter, and an enduring legacy. Sitting on a mountainside rock with her...
Myrna Teck to lead trip this fall to Goniadz, Poland
During a trip to Poland in 2018 to attend a meeting of the International Association of Jewish Genealogical Societies, Myrna Teck and her sister visited the shtetl where their grandmother lived in Goniadz. As part of this guided tour, they also visited the abandoned...
Lisa Richmon adds a new kind of flavor at Roast Rider with its Cocktail Lab and jazz nights
“Coffee shop owners are Gen X; we are their grandparents age!” says Lisa Richmon, as she tells the tale of opening Roast Rider at Hilltop with her husband, Wayne, 10 years ago. With no retail experience between them, they had every reason to fail – they don’t roast...
Celebrating Women’s History Month
Rugelach baking evening unites Jewish women in Tidewater Last month, 25 Jewish women met one evening at the home of Betsy Karotkin, UJFT Women’s Philanthropy chair, to meet and greet one another and to discuss the significant impact of Jewish women – all while...
Maror and Chazeret: What is the deal?!
There is a phrase from Isaiah that I find particularly relevant these days… “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who present darkness as light and light darkness, who present bitter as sweet and sweet bitter.” (Isaiah 5:20)On Passover, we eat maror and...
10 ways to recognize and celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month in May
Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM) celebrates the contributions and experiences of Jewish Americans. Here are 10 ways to discover, explore, and celebrate the vibrant and varied American Jewish experience from the dawn of our nation to today. Spread the word: Help...
Summer Camp is the place to work: Don’t Miss Out: Part 2
In a similar article of a previous edition of Jewish News, Part 1 of why “Summer Camp is The Place to Work: Don’t Miss Out” was shared. In this piece, it was discussed how camp counselors have the opportunity to refine and practice interpersonal and leadership skills,...
Chrysler Museum of Art: Camp with an art focus
Does your child’s summer include Fantastic Creatures or 3D Illusions? How about painting, sculpting, or mosaics? For campers who attend Camp Art Stars at the Chrysler Museum of Art, the answer will be “Yes!”At Camp Art Stars, campers will find inspiration behind the...
Beth El Sisterhood stepped up to “Serve” Joan Nathan
Call them a well “oyled” machine.I am speaking of the quartet of Carol Smith, DeAnne Lindsey, Gina Rose, and Marlene Rossen who (along with Patty Shelanski) lead the unofficial culinary committee of the Congregation Beth El Sisterhood that plans, purchases, cooks, and...
Checking out the Solar Eclipse at the Sandler Family Campus
Some events simply cannot be missed. Apparently, that was the thought when young students at Strelitz International Academy were covered up with proper fashionable paper plates, in addition to the special protective sunglasses, to view the Solar Eclipse on April 8 at...
Beth El bids farewell to Pam Gladstone after 34 years
Bittersweet tears flowed from many eyes on Sunday, April 7 as community members gathered for brunch at Congregational Beth El to celebrate the retirement of Pam Gladstone, Beth El’s executive director for the past 34 years.Gladstone’s tenure at the synagogue saw four...
Spring fun at Camp JCC
As the weather gets warmer and summer gets closer, Camp JCC wrapped up another successful spring break camp. Covering one week for mostly public school closures, campers enjoyed spring themed crafts, indoor and outdoor games, STEM projects, a mini color war, and free...
Community Shabbat Dinner for families
Friday, June 7, 5 pm Sandler Family Campus After a year of learning how to make Friday night Shabbat dinners memorable in the Shabbat@Home series, it’s time to bring it all together.Cap off the year with a heartwarming community dinner at the Simon Family JCC,...
Coffee and Conversation at the JCC – Keep this conversation going!
Thursday, May 2, 1 pm, Sandler Family Campus It’s time for another round of Coffee and Conversation at the Simon Family JCC. After the enjoyable turnout and lively discussions from the last gathering, it is time to get together and do it again.In recognition of Jewish...
Next Rabbi Sacks Tidewater Community Book Club: The Great Partnership: Science, Religion, and the Search for Meaning
Sunday, April 28, 10 am, Temple Emanuel In The Great Partnership: Science, Religion, and the Search for Meaning, the late Rabbi Jonathan Sacks challenges traditional perspectives on the intersection of science and religion. The Rabbi Sacks Tidewater Community Book...
Simon Family JCC to participate in Family and Student Wellness Expo
Saturday, May 11, 11 am – 2 pm Bayside High School The Family and Student Wellness Expo connects families with local resources, cultivating a stronger sense of community as well as ensuring families remain informed of mental wellness, family engagement, and student...
Celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month: A journey through art at the Chrysler Museum
Wednesday, May 15, 2 pm In honor of Jewish American Heritage Month, the Chrysler Museum of Art is hosting a special guided tour to explore the rich tapestry of Jewish culture and heritage through art. The tour is in partnership with United Jewish Federation of...
Elie Wiesel Student Art Competition showcases powerful reflections on the Holocaust
Temple Emanuel: Sunday, May 5Sandler Family Campus: Monday, May 6 – Wednesday, May 15 Organized by the Holocaust Commission of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, the annual Elie Wiesel Student Art Competition recently concluded with a formidable display of...
Senior Health and Fitness Day Health Fair, Honest Aging with Rosanne Leipzig, and Senior Prom – All in one day!
Wednesday, May 29, Simon Family JCC on the Sandler Family CampusSenior Health and Fitness Fair: 9 am - 12 pm • Rosanne Leipzig: 12 pm • Senior Prom: 4 pm The Sandler Family Campus will be bustling with joy and activity catering to the vibrant senior community with...
Mary Alice Fobian Epstein
VIRGINIA BEACH - Mary Alice Fobian Epstein passed away March 29.Mary was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania on September 30, 1938. She graduated from St. Gertrude’s High School in Richmond. Mary then became a registered nurse after graduating from Mary Immaculate School...