Recent Articles
Archives
Last 30 Articles
79% of Jews voted for Kamala Harris, according to largest preliminary exit poll
(JTA) — The first rule of exit polls is to be careful about interpreting early exit polls, which aren’t always accurate. The second rule is that, for now at least, they represent the best information we have about the question occupying Jews of all political...
JFS’s Chanukah Gift Program now accepting gifts for local Jewish children and teens
Jewish Family Service helps local Jewish families of all ages, including elderly people and their grandchildren. Here is one such story: A grandmother comes to JFS for help with her electric bill, and JFS provides the funds to keep her power bill current....
Mitzvah Projects deserve their own “Mazel Tov!”
Becoming a bar or bat mitzvah is a multi-faceted time for 13-year-olds and their families. Preparations for this special milestone include studying Jewish history and Hebrew, learning how to conduct a Shabbat service, interpreting a parsha, and applying its...
Mazel Tov! Lenny Brooke
Lenny Brooke 90 years old The former owner of Southern Packing Corporation, Lenny Brooke has been married to Ellie for 63 years and is nearly as active as ever. His son, Jeffrey Brooke says, “Even now after my father has turned 90, he still calls on a few customers...
Mazel Tov! Lorraine Fink
Lorraine Fink 100 years old The oldest in this esteemed group, Lorriane Fink manages to find humor in almost every situation – at her 99th birthday, for example, she suggested the cake be turned upside down to make her 66! She’s an award-winning artist, a...
The now ubiquitous mazel tov
Sitting in a movie theater, watching a favorite show, or listening to the radio, most Jewish people can’t help but chuckle when Hebrew or Yiddish vernacular is heard, as if they’re the only listener privy to this inside joke. But how, and when, did the phrase “mazel...
Strelitz Fall Festival creates an unforgettable autumn celebration
On a cool Sunday in October, the Sandler Family Campus transformed into a magical Fall Wonderland for the 2nd Annual Strelitz Fall Festival. This signature Strelitz International Academy event brought the community together with delicious food, unique vendors,...
Federation Mission participants meet with tour guide for Israel updates and insights
Nearly a year on from the horrific events of October 7th, dozens of participants from several United Jewish Federation of Tidewater Israel Missions met at the home of Ashley and Greg Zittrain to welcome, hear, and learn from their beloved Israeli tour guide and...
Strelitz International Academy students dive into STEM and Jewish culture
Fourth-grade students at Strelitz International Academy engaged in an exciting blend of STEM education and cultural exploration as part of the school’s International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) on Tuesday, Oct. 16. Incorporating themes from recent...
My grandsons and I will be on the Mitzvah Mall. Please join us.
They say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. I would like to think that’s the case with our family. Over the years, we have donated to a host of causes, from Beth Sholom to Strelitz to Jewish Family Service (for whom I worked 31 years ago), and to...
Community Impact Day: Creating kindness and Jewish camp curiosity
Camp Fair at the Simon Family JCC Sunday, November 24, 10 am – 12 pm, Sandler Family Campus | Learn more and register at JewishVA.org/CampsandKindness As part of Community Impact Day: Creating Kindness and Jewish Camp Curiosity, a Camp Fair will offer an opportunity...
Jewish Family Service of Tidewater looks forward to the Mitzvah Mall
The Mitzvah Mall aspect of Community Impact Day is an amazing way for area youth and adults to know about all the incredible work that is taking place in Hampton Roads. Jewish Family Service serves and supports those in the community who are forgotten and vulnerable. ...
Sharing my love of camp and community
I am beyond excited to attend and present at the Community Impact Day: Creating Kindness and Jewish Camp Curiosity. The energy of being at Jewish overnight camp is unmatched, and I am thrilled that the camp I attended as a child and teen, and then worked at as...
Here’s to the Ladies: Conversations with More of the Great Women of Musical Theater
Eddie Shapiro will take part in a special cabaret-style evening with live music in partnership with Zeiders American Dream Theater and ROÚGE Theater Reinvented*Wednesday, December 4, 7:30 pm, Sandler Family Campus Reviewed by Nili Belkin In Here’s To The Ladies, Eddie...
Hurricane Emergency Relief Fund
Hurricane Helene struck the east coast as a powerful Category 4 storm, bringing wind speeds exceeding 140 mph, a once-in-a generation storm surge, and more than 15 inches of rainfall. This caused widespread flooding and damage across Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, North...
Embrace Counseling Program receives grant to expand counseling services
It has been just over a year since Jewish Family Service’s Counseling program moved off the Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus of the Tidewater Jewish Community to its old digs on the second floor of 260 Grayson Road and rebranded itself as Embrace Counseling. ...
Poppies (Kalaniot): Proud and strong
Since I was a little girl, I’ve always liked Poppies. I remember when they taught us about law-protected flowers, you know, those that you can’t pick – even if it’s your deepest desire. Out of the list, poppies were my favorite. I still can’t figure out what drew me...
Todd and Ryan Kletz: Knowing when to turn up the heat and how to cool down
Recognized around town as the guys in the TV commercials touting their One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning business, Ryan Kletz joined his dad, Todd Kletz, at work in 2008. Theirs is a story of appreciating the strengths of each other’s generational skills and...
Ronnie Brooke andTodd Goldman: Making decisions together at Southern Packing
A family-owned and operated business for more than 80 years, Ronnie Brooke and his cousin, Todd Goldman, keep the communication lines open and always find something to laugh about. Ronnie Brooke Southern Packing Corporation, Wholesale Meats Jewish News:...
John Stein brings a taste of New York to Tidewater
Start spreading the news…Ess-a-Bagel has made its way from New York to Tidewater. Baker’s Crust Bagel, a new concept by restauranteur John Stein, is now open at The Shops at Hilltop. The eatery features a full menu of Ess-a-Bagel bagels, deli sandwiches, and Three...
For Donor Advised Funds: Think “Hub,” not “Autopilot”
Most people know or have heard that a Donor Advised fund at Tidewater Jewish Foundation offers the convenience of a one-stop-shop. Cash (or, ideally, appreciated stock) tax-deductible contributions are made to the fund, and then the fund’s owner recommends grants to...
The Art of Diplomacy: How American Negotiators Reached Historic Agreements that Changed the World
Ambassador Stuart E. Eizenstat will be joined by Virginia Beach City Councilman Joash Schulman for a conversation* Monday, November 18, 7:30 pm, Sandler Family Campus In my 56 years, I have been fortunate to meet many people who were a part of history. Sometimes I...
The Counterfeit Countess: The Jewish Woman Who Rescued Thousands of Poles During the Holocaust
Elizabeth White and Joanna Sliwa will be joined by Carol Jason for a conversation* Thursday, November 7, 12 pm Sandler Family Campus The Counterfeit Countess is an unforgettable account of inspiring courage, resilience, and humanity in the face of unspeakable cruelty....
Supporting grieving children for 25 years
Twenty-five years ago, Jewish Family Service and Edmarc, a children’s hospice program, partnered to develop Peace by Piece, an emotional safe haven for kids and teens who have experienced the loss of a loved one. Adult support groups for the caregivers are also...
BeAR begins 25th year
The Be A Reader (BeAR) Literacy Program is celebrating a major milestone this year, and what better way to begin the year than with United Jewish Federation hosting the largest ever BeAR kickoff luncheon. Now in its 25th year, the BeAR program continues to ignite a...
Mizrahi culture through music and dance: Experience the rich traditions of Middle Eastern Jewry
Sunday, November 3, 1 pm, Simon Family JCC The terms “Ashkenazi” or “Sephardic,” might be familiar, but not as much for “Mizrahi.” Mizrahi comes from the Hebrew word “Mizrach,” which means east. Mizrahi Jewish communities, sometimes known as “Oriental Jews,”...
BBYO in Tidewater begins new year with increased participation
Last month’s BBYO kickoff event had a great turnout with about 20 Aleph Zadik Aleph (AZA) boys and 16 B’nai Brith Girls (BBG) attending. The teens swam, ate pizza, caught up with old friends, and met some new additions to BBYO Tidewater. The night wrapped...
Engaging Yiddish Club meets monthly
Tuesday, November 5, 1 pm, Sandler Family Campus The Yiddish Club offers a welcoming space for participants to engage in readings, discussions, and performances while enhancing their understanding of the Yiddish language. Attendees can expect lively conversations and...
Round Table Conversation – the New Coffee and Conversation
Thursday, November 7, 1 pm, Sandler Family Campus To better align with the group’s goals, “Coffee and Conversations” is now “Roundtable Conversations: Agree to Disagree,” with thoughtful discussions focusing on tougher, more challenging topics. United Jewish...
Seniors Club exclusive event with authors of The Joy of Costco
Wednesday, November 20, 11:30 am Sandler Family Campus The Lee & Bernard Jaffe Family Jewish Book Festival will host Susan and David Schwartz, authors of The Joy of Costco, for an exclusive 30-minute meet and greet with the JCC Seniors Club. The...