Virginia Beach – Marsha Del Rosario Wilks, 87, passed away in her home on April 12, 2026.She was born in California to Gregorio and Stella Del Rosario.She is survived by her husband Jay Wilks of 40 plus years, sister Triva Stanton, brother Jessel Curry, one grandson...
Month: October 2021
Archives
Hampton Roads Real Estate Planning Council recognizes TJF’s Neil Rose and Randy Parrish
Tidewater Jewish Foundation is guided by a board and network of community leaders whose professional excellence and civic commitment help shape the way it stewards legacy, philanthropy, and the future of Jewish life in Tidewater. Their accomplishments extend far...
Rabbi Zoberman’s articles inserted into Congressional Record
Remembering the Liberation of Auschwitz, an article by Rabbi Israel Zoberman was inserted in the Congressional Record by Congresswoman Jen Kiggans in honor of International Holocaust Remembrance Day.The article focuses on a book written by Marc Saperstein, a...
The books that made me a BeAR
We all carry certain books with us long after childhood ends. They sit quietly on the shelves of our memory; dog-eared, underlined, loved, while shaping who we become and teaching us how to dream. Some stories came easily. Others were challenging, the kind where you...
Dive into summer at theMetzger Outdoor Aquatic Center
If you’re feeling ready to beat the summer heat poolside, you’re in luck. The Metzger Outdoor Aquatic Center opened on Saturday, June 6, marking the start of the Simon Family JCC’s seven-day-a-week summer pool season.The outdoor pool opens daily at 11:30 am, closing...
America at 250 Spotlight:Tidewater Jewish Hero Dorothy Salomonsky
Dorothy Salomonsky never expected that an effort to help a few vulnerable community members would grow into one of Virginia’s leading public guardianship programs. But more than 30 years after helping launch the JFS Personal Affairs Management (PAM) program at Jewish...
400 Jewish leaders push to advance bipartisan Jewish Security Act
Amid rising threats to the American Jewish community, Jewish Federations of North America brought more than 400 Jewish leaders from 82 different communities across the country to Capitol Hill to hold over 200 meetings with key Congressional leadership late last month....
Beth Sholom Village: Inaugural grant recipients support seniors across Tidewater
What does it mean to age with dignity? Sometimes, it means having transportation to the grocery store or a doctor’s appointment. Sometimes, it means sharing a meal with friends, participating in a wellness program, or simply feeling connected to a community. Often,...
The responsibility and reward of service
Reflections on leadership, legacy, and the future of Jewish Tidewater Two years have flown by. My term as chair of Tidewater Jewish Foundation is nearing its end. I have served with some of the most dedicated board members and staff anyone can ever be privileged to...
TJF: Community projects intersect
Tidewater Jewish Foundation is often a convener, bringing together organizations, ideas, and opportunities to strengthen the community. Sometimes, projects such as the Maria A. Mansbach Memorial Student Motivation Program and the Elie Wiesel Writing Competition...
Jewish Tidewater’s Graduates
Graduations are a time to recognize achievements, formally bid farewell to schools, prepare for the next steps along life’s journey, and of course, celebrate! Jewish Tidewater has much to applaud with its graduates – the awards, impressive degrees, and outstanding...
A new judge for Virginia Beach: The Honorable Aaron Kass
The Honorable Aaron F. Kass was sworn in on Friday, March 27 as a Judge of the Virginia Beach General District Court. “Outside of being Melissa’s husband, and Jonah, Micah, and Alexa’s father, there is no greater privilege than this role,” Judge Kass said at his...
BeAR Literacy Project celebrates a year of growth and heart
The BeAR Literacy Project concluded another meaningful school year with its annual End-of-the-Year Mentor Luncheon, a celebration of the extraordinary volunteers whose time, patience, and compassion continue to change children’s lives.Approximately 140 students...
Yom Ha’Atzmaut brings community together for Israel @78
Jewish Tidewater gathered in full force for a Yom Ha’Atzmaut celebration on Sunday, April 26 that was hosted by United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and presented by Avraham and Karen Ashkenazi. The event took place on the Sandler Family Campus.Marking Israel’s 78th...
Israeli Chef’s Table Experience brings community, culture, and cuisine together for Israel Fest
As part of this year’s Israel @ 78 celebration, United Jewish Federation of Tidewater hosted its signature Israeli Chef’s Table Experience, an evening that blended vibrant flavors, storytelling, and a deep sense of community connection.Held at the Sandler Family...
JFS’s 22nd Annual Run, Roll, Stroll: Races for fun and funds
Jewish Family Service of Tidewater raised vital funds for community services during its 22nd Annual Run, Roll, Stroll on Sunday, May 3, attracting nearly 300 participants to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront for a 5K and community walk.Hundreds of community members,...
B’nai Israel Congregation’s community continues to grow
A lively BBQ on B’nai Israel Congregation’s patio took place on Sunday, May 3 for families who have joined the Norfolk Jewish community over the past two to three years. Rabbi Shlomo and Liba Eisenberg, whose leadership of the shul began in July 2023, hosted the...
JFS plans 67th Biennial Meeting
Monday, June 22, 12 pm • Fred Huette Garden, 1000 Botetourt Gardens, Norfolk Jewish Family Service of Tidewater will hold its 67th Biennial Meeting at a luncheon that will welcome new board members, install Steve Brown as incoming board president, and recognize...
JCC hosts National Senior Health & Fitness Day
Wednesday, May 27, 9 am – 12 pm • Sandler Family Campus The Simon Family JCC invites seniors to celebrate National Senior Health & Fitness Day – a free event that promotes “Stay Active at Any Age!” with fun activities for health and community...
Memorial Day Commemoration
Thursday, May 21, 8:30 am Jewish War Veterans Memorial Sandler Family Campus Memorial Day began in the wake of the Civil War when a grieving nation came together to honor the fallen. What started as springtime tributes at newly established national cemeteries has...
Erica Unger
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...
Lawrence Kirstein
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...
Abraham Foxman, transformative longtime director of the Anti-Defamation League
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...
Congregation Beth El’s Visiting Scholar weekend to feature Rabbi Jeffrey Salkin
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...
Pre-Shavuot Neighborhood Hop
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...
Post-Shavuot Seudah Shlishit& Havdallah experience
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...
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...
Aiden Vonegloffstein named 2026 Stein Family Scholarship recipient
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...
Sam Linda: Lion King actor with JCC roots
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...
Hadassah advocates visit DC to press Congress on US-Israel relationship, antisemitism, and health
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...
Women’s Philanthropy celebrates at Spring Lunch
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....
Bobby Friedman at Ninety-Five
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...