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Inspired at JFNA’s General Assembly
I have recently returned from the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) annual General Assembly (GA) in Washington, D.C., where Tidewater had a strong delegation of both lay leaders and United Jewish Federation of Tidewater professional staff. We joined more than...
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 of friends or...
Trump’s new White House ballroom architect is a Jewish immigrant who has advocated for refugees
(JTA) — After parting ways with the first architect hired to carry out his vision for the White House’s East Wing, President Donald Trump has picked a replacement — turning to a firm run by a prominent Jewish architect who once called on Trump to keep the country’s...
NYC rabbi who spurred anti-Mamdani push turns his criticism toward Jews and Israel at Zionist gathering
(JTA) — In the lead-up to New York City’s mayoral election last month, Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove emerged as one of the most outspoken rabbinic critics of Zohran Mamdani, the anti-Zionist activist who is now the mayor-elect.On Monday, Dec. 8, speaking to a convention of...
Ambivalence is not leadership when Jews are targeted
The protest outside Park East Synagogue in New York was not a complicated sociological moment. It was a group of demonstrators shouting slurs, taunts, and explicitly hostile language at Jews entering a house of worship.That should be the starting point for any...
ADL says bots can be tricked into antisemitism — if you feed them a really elaborate prompt
(JTA) — A new study by the Anti-Defamation League found that open-source artificial intelligence models can be “easily” manipulated into generating antisemitic and dangerous content.But in order to test the 17 open-source models in its study, the researchers had to...
A lesson in Tikkun Olam at Jewish Family Service
When you hear the phrase Tikkun Olam—healing the world—you might picture simple acts of kindness: delivering meals, visiting the sick, or donating clothes. That’s what I imagined too when I joined the Jewish Family Service board in 2020. But I quickly realized I had...
Feldman Family Scholarship honors two recipients for 2025
When Dr. William and Mary Feldman created the Feldman Family Medical and Health Professional Scholarship Fund through Tidewater Jewish Foundation, their goal was to unite two lifelong passions, Judaism and medicine, by supporting Jewish students pursuing healthcare...
Glenn Saucier retires from role at Sandler Family Campus
After serving as the facility director of the Sandler Family Campus for more than 18 years, Glenn Saucier will retire on Dec. 31, 2025.The Sandler Family Campus houses the offices of United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, Simon Family JCC, Jewish Family Service,...
Year-end decisions, opportunities, and possibilities
While bidding farewell to 2025, many may have free time during these final weeks to address tasks that have been put off for the last 11 months. Whether it’s crunch time for finances, shopping for last-minute Hanukkah gifts, or making plans for New Year’s Eve, Jewish...
It’s the most wonderful time of the year….to tip!
Year-end is a good time to remember those people in our lives, besides family and friends, who play a part in our daily activities. According to the Emily Post Institute, which has been weighing in on proper etiquette for five generations, during the holidays it’s...
2026 Annual Campaign on track for successful fundraising year
United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s 2026 Annual Community Campaign kicked off in August and has been raising funds at a steady pace since. As this article goes to press, the campaign total has surpassed $4.3 million, well on its way to a $5.2 million goal.The...
Stephanie Peck says goodbye to newspaper deadlines
This issue of Jewish News is Stephanie Peck’s last as assistant editor. She joined the paper in July 2023 and made the decision several months ago to step away from the hectic world of newspaper deadlines. The paper appreciates that she offered to remain at her desk...
Hampton Roads Community Foundation celebrates 75 years of philanthropic service to the community
Earlier this year, Hampton Roads Community Foundation celebrated its 75th anniversary with an event at the Chesapeake Conference Center.“Now more than ever, America’s non-profit sector is an absolutely critical component in the democratic and economic framework that...
The will to build, together
As we complete another incredibly successful year at Tidewater Jewish Foundation, I am heartened by the faith, trust, and confidence that is placed in us to safeguard personal heritage ideals.This past year, we grew our assets under management by 17%; 2% better than...
One of this year’s Hanukkah kids’ books offers a new sort of fairytale,z
Written and illustrated by “Bub,” Eight Fairy Nights is crafted to nurture a meaningful and fun Hanukkah experience.The story captures the magic of Hanukkah and illuminates the importance of “standing up for what we believe.”The book engages children intellectually...
Faith is not a supporting character
When I wrote my first piece about Nobody Wants This in Jewish News (December 2024), I analyzed its first season through the lens of the Argentine film Transmitzvah. In that essay, I highlighted how the film treated Judaism with humanity — characters who make mistakes,...
BeAR and Southern Packing deliver holiday goodwill
Just in time for Thanksgiving, the BeAR Literacy Project partnered with Southern Packing Corporation to donate 16 turkeys to the Norfolk Federation of Teachers. The turkeys were set aside for retired school employees, including teachers, bus drivers, cafeteria...
Author explores story of brave Jewish women in the Warsaw Ghetto
New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth R. Hyman was a featured speaker of the Lee and Benard Jaffe Family Jewish Book Festival on Thursday, Nov. 6 at the Sandler Family Campus.Hyman shared the story behind her new book, The Girl Bandits of the Warsaw Ghetto,...
Plan to participate in Virginia Jewish Advocacy Day
The opening of the 2026 legislative session in the Virginia General Assembly takes place in January. In anticipation, the Jewish Community Relations Council is preparing for one of its most impactful annual gatherings: Virginia Jewish Advocacy Day on Tuesday, February...
Ohef Sholom Temple to host Taste of the Town II
Saturday, January 31, 2026 • 6 – 8:30 pm After last year’s Taste of the Town drew a wonderful crowd and received glowing feedback, Ohef Sholom Temple is “bringing it back – bigger, brighter, and even more delicious!”This year’s celebration will feature a festive...
Stem Odyssey – afternoon sessions for first and second graders
Tuesdays, Jan. 20 – Feb. 24 • 4 – 5 pm • Sandler Family Campus Harness heat energy, explore the properties of light and color, and put your sense of smell to the test. Students in grades 1 and 2 will examine curious optical illusions and create amazing sound...
Camp JCC registration: A Black Friday tradition
On Black Friday, November 28, registration for Camp JCC Summer 2026 opened.Opening camp registration on Black Friday is not an accident. Through the Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and New Year’s seasons, families travel to be together and often have their own traditions of...
Temple Emanuel’s Wild West Casino Night is coming to town
Saturday, January 10, 2026, 7 - 11 pm, Temple Emanuel Giddy up and mark calendars for another fun night at the annual Temple Emanuel Casino Night. The event is riding into town with its Wild West theme – decorations, food, and attire.Cowboys and cowgals of all ages...
Jewish News seeks a copywriter/editorial assistant
Jewish News seeks a copywriter/editorial assistant. The paper is looking for a passionate storyteller who can craft clear and compelling copy for the newspaper. POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES • Write clear and persuasive copy with an emphasis on writing articles •...
AG Miyares: Resolution reached for Jewish children allegedly subjected to antisemitic harassment
The Nysmith School for Gifted Children entered into a settlement agreement with a Jewish family who alleged their children were wrongfully expelled after they complained to the school about their 11-year-old daughter being harassed based on her Jewish religion and...
Rabbi Gershon Litt receives Birthright Israel award
Birthright Israel and Birthright Israel Foundation named Rabbi Gershon Litt the recipient of the 2025 Jeffrey R. Solomon Prize. The prestigious annual award recognizes an exceptional Jewish communal professional who has made a profound and lasting impact on the Jewish...
Is dining-hall matzah ‘DEI’? The answer isn’t clear to UVA’s pushed-out ex-president.
(JTA) — Months after being forced out as president of the University of Virginia, Jim Ryan is still pondering Passover food. More specifically, Ryan, who was pushed out of the role over the summer amid mounting GOP pressure on the public university, cited the...
Power of mentoring: How BeAR volunteers are changing young lives
In the Be A Reader (BeAR) Literacy Project, mentors do far more than help children improve their reading skills, they help them see what’s possible. Each week, these caring volunteers meet with second graders in under-resourced schools, opening books, sharing...
Building a stronger community together: Apply for a TJF Community Impact Grant
Every day, Tidewater’s Jewish agencies, synagogues, and schools dream up new ways to educate, inspire, and connect the community. Tidewater Jewish Foundation helps make those visions real through its Community Impact Grant Program — funding catalytic projects that...