Virginia Beach – Reba Karp passed away peacefully on March 17, 2026, at the age of 92.
Reba was truly one of a kind. She began working as editor of the Southeastern Virginia Jewish News in May 1978 and was also instrumental in the creation of Renewal Magazine. Both publications won numerous state and national awards. Her most rewarding moment, however, was the publication of the book, To Life, featuring the testimonies of Tidewater’s Holocaust survivors, rescuers, and liberators, which received two national awards.
Prior to her association with United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, Reba was the afternoon editor of the Ledger-Star, again the recipient of awards for writing and page design. Reba published 10 books, one of which is in its fourth printing, The Edgar Cayce Encyclopedia of Healing.
She leaves behind a son, Dr. Nelson Karp, a brother, and a nephew, Mark, and her four adoring cats.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward.
A colleague and friend, Rabbi Israel Zoberman, noted that Reba was “devoted to the well-being of the community and will be sorely missed.” Harry Graber, UJFT’s former executive vice president, said, “Reba’s leadership made sure that antisemitism was fought and the diverse aspects of Judaism were heightened and celebrated. She was well-respected and loved by her staff and fellow colleagues of United Jewish Federation of Tidewater.”
Another friend and colleague, the late Hal Sacks, upon her retirement, left these words in tribute to Reba: “Here’s to Reba whose heavenly muse Gave us three decades of the Jewish News. Peace, peace oh Madame Queen, we pray you think of us each day.”
During these past few years as Reba’s health declined, her dear friend, Teresa Lilly, was by her side, assisted by Loquanda.