New Jewish Community Services Manager for Jewish Family Service
Julie Kievit
Jewish Family Service of Tidewater recently announced the appointment of Julie Kievit as its new Jewish community services manager.
Originally from New York, Jewish life played a central role in Kievit’s upbringing — especially during summers spent at a Jewish camp owned by United Jewish Federation of New York. Those formative years, she says, instilled in her a lifelong passion for building and strengthening Jewish community.
After graduating from University of Maryland, Kievit began her career in event planning at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, working with renowned restaurateur Danny Meyer. She then moved to Washington, D.C., where she coordinated the popular jazz concert series at the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden, combining her love for the arts with her talent for creating meaningful experiences. Also in D.C., she met her husband, Ken.
In 2020, the Kievits, now a family with two daughters – Alexandra and Ruby– moved to Virginia Beach, quickly becoming active members of Tidewater’s Jewish community.
Members at Ohef Sholom Temple, she says the family enjoys participating in congregational life. Professionally, Kievit joined United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s programs department before transitioning into her new role at JFS.
“I’m excited to connect with our community members in meaningful ways and continue JFS’s tradition of care, compassion, and engagement,” Kievit says. “This community has been so welcoming, and I’m honored to give back.”
In her new position, Kievit oversees programs and outreach that strengthen connections within the Jewish community, support seniors, and promote JFS’s mission to enhance lives.
New hires at UJFT
Shyanne Southern
Shyanne Southern joined United Jewish Federation of Tidewater as coordinator of arts and lifelong learning.
Originally from California, Southern moved to Virginia Beach three years ago when the Navy relocated her family – her spouse and two boys.
Southern is currently enrolled at Old Dominion University, working towards her master’s degree in special education, adaptive curriculum.
A former UJFT volunteer, her new position allows her to use her gallery experience and Bachelor of Arts degree in studio art and communications. Southern says she is excited to “join an amazing team of professionals at UJFT and work with our active adult community.”
She will oversee programs such as Book Club, Roundtable Conversations, Senior’s Club, and Yiddish Club. Contact Shyanne Southern at ssouthern@ujft.org.
Kyleigh Eyl
Kyleigh Eyl is the new coordinator of advocacy and community engagement, working with the Holocaust Commission and Jewish Community Relations Council.
Originally from North Carolina, she holds a bachelor’s degree in Holocaust and Genocide Studies and a master’s degree in Genocide Prevention and Human Security.
Eyl recently returned from a four-month stay in Israel and says she “is excited to be working with the Jewish Federation of Tidewater.” Contact Kyleigh Eyl at keyl@ujft.org.