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Safety Tips
In these trying times, advice from a security professional can go a long way to assuring personal and community safety in public, as well as, in private spaces. Mike Goldsmith, SCN regional security advisor, will offer a couple of easy-to-follow tips here, and in the...
A rabbi walked into a convention of Lutherans — and rebuked their ‘one-sided’ debate on Israel
(JTA) — Rabbi Rick Jacobs, the president of the Union for Reform Judaism, arrived at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Churchwide Assembly with decades of experience building ties between the Lutheran and Jewish communities.But on Wednesday, July 30, as...
On Monday my son was sworn into the IDF. I spent that afternoon protesting the Israeli government.
(JTA) — On Monday, July 28, my son was inducted into the IDF. He started thinking about joining as a hayal boded, a “lone soldier” (someone who makes aliyah alone with the intention of serving) while in high school. After his friend was murdered by Hamas terrorists at...
NEA board rejects members’ proposal to sever ties with ADL
(JTA) — The board of directors for the National Education Association, the United States’ largest teachers union, rejected a proposal by its delegates to sever ties with the Anti-Defamation League.The rejection on Friday, July 18, came after the delegates’ proposal...
Combating antisemitism on Virginia’s college campuses
Hamas’s attack on the Nova Music Festival on October 7, 2023, caused a massive surge in anti-Israel and antisemitic sentiments across the United States, and notably, on college campuses. Virginia’s university and college campuses were not immune to protests and...
KBH to move to Sandler Family Campus
Virginia Kehillat Bet Hamidrash (KBH), also known as Kempsville Conservative Synagogue, is entering a transformative new chapter as it prepares to relocate its synagogue from Indian Lakes Boulevard to the Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus of the Tidewater Jewish...
Seniors Club installs 2025–2026 board, celebrates culture and community at July meeting
The Simon Family Jewish Community Center’s Fleischmann Lounge was filled with warmth and excitement as members of the Seniors Club gathered for their July meeting, which included the formal installation of the club’s 2025–2026 Executive Board.The new officers are:...
Nadiv visits Camp JCC, celebrates record fundraising total
The men of Nadiv visited Camp JCC on Friday, July 25 to spend the afternoon with campers and see firsthand the impact of the group’s fundraising efforts.Nadiv, United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s young men’s fundraising group, donated more than $25,000 to assist...
Girls’ Night Out – Round 2 is another big success
Women’s Philanthropy proved again that when you mix limoncello with purpose and a passionate group of women, magic happens.Held last month in the Sandler Family Campus’ Fleishman/Moss Lounge, Girls’ Night Out – Round 2 brought together a vibrant group of women for an...
Tidewater’s new Shinshinim set to arrive
Tidewater is entering its fourth year of collaboration with the Jewish Agency for Israel to host Shinshinim (Israeli Emissaries) on their mission to share Israeli culture, knowledge, and experiences with community members of all ages. Shinshin is an acronym for Shenat...
Families of Lifeguards at the Simon Family JCC
The summer of 2025 is a special year for the swimming pool at the Simon Family JCC, with a record number of 40 guards, enabling the pool to remain open throughout the summer without closures due to staff shortages. But what is truly unique about the summer of 2025 is...
A bissel of community Yiddish
A bit of Yiddish has managed to slip into everyday language. In fact, it’s not uncommon to hear people of all backgrounds talk about chutzpah. And most who do, have no idea they’re speaking Yiddish, a language historically spoken by Ashkenazi Jews.A combination of...
Books come to life at the JCC Book Club
Looking to add something fun and thought-provoking each month? The JCC Book Club, led by the always enthusiastic Adrienne Royes, might be the answer. Each month, the group explores a compelling book (sometimes two) – and occasionally gets to chat with the author.The...
Explore the many meanings of “God is One”
Thursdays, September 11- November 20 11 am, Sandler Family Campus The fundamental lesson emphasized about Judaism is the belief in One God. In fact, Judaism’s most important prayer is an excerpt of a speech from Moses to Israel, repurposed as a declaration made to...
JCRC shares Jewish Holiday Calendar and letter to promote inclusion
As summer transitions into fall, the Jewish Community Relations Council of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater annually takes deliberate steps to ensure Jewish students, families, and professionals are recognized and respected in their schools, workplaces, and...
BeAR gears up for 26th year with books and big dreams
Surrounded by stacks of colorful books, the BeAR team is deep into preparations for the 2025–2026 school year, which is BeAR’s 26th year of inspiring young readers.Be A Reader (BeAR) partners with Title I schools to support second grade students who need a little...
Tidewater BBYO plans 2025 Fall Kickoff at Top Golf
Teens in 8th through 12th grade are invited to join Tidewater’s BBYO for its fall kickoff event.The $10 registration fee includes two hours of play and drinks (soda, lemonade, and water). Light snacks will be provided, and additional food will be available for...
Last chance to join Hebrew for Beginners: A 6-week course
Begins: Tuesday, August 12 5:30 pm • Sandler Family Campus Have you always wanted to read and speak Hebrew but didn’t know where to start? Whether completely new to the language or looking to refresh skills, Hebrew for Beginners is a place to begin the...
Israel’s PhotoHouse hit by missile in June
Saved from the rubble: the story of Israel’s PhotoHouse In May 2023, the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater hosted Ben Peter, owner of Tel Aviv’s PhotoHouse and grandson of its founder Rudi Weissenstein, for Tidewater’s community celebration of Israel @ 75....
Thank you to our supporters who recently donated to Jewish News!
Jewish News appreciates all who support the newspaper with generous contributions – whether in honor of or in memory of friends and loved ones or as a Friend of Jewish News. Friends of Jewish NewsWalter FenskaMr. and Mrs. Peter Przjemski In honor of the tenure of...
Jewish Family Service and Beth Sholom Village continue their support of Jewish seniors
Beth Sholom Village’s Auxiliary recently awarded Jewish Family Service a gift that makes it possible for 20,000 meals to be provided to hungry people in Tidewater. Collaborative projects between Jewish Family Service and Beth Sholom Village have taken place for...
Using an IRA to leave a Legacy:A conversation with Wendy Goldberg, CPA
Wendy Goldberg has spent nearly 30 years helping clients make smart financial decisions. As a CPA and founder of her own practice, she brings a personal and practical approach to advising clients—especially when it comes to aligning financial planning with...
Netanyahu leaves White House without fanfare or announcements
(JTA) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu left the White House after two days of meetings with the Trump administration — but without the public appearances or breakthrough announcements of his previous trips.Instead, Netanyahu released multiple statements...
Be A Reader: Volunteer Mentors needed for 2025–2026 school year
Heading into its 26th year, the Be A Reader (BeAR) Literacy Project is growing, adding two new partner schools to the BeAR family: Newtown Elementary in Virginia Beach and Suburban Park Elementary in Norfolk.The growth translates to more second graders to support,...
Leading, learning, and looking ahead
Shinshinim supervisors from communities supported by the Zeff Family Foundation gather each year with Diana Zeff, along with staff from the Jewish Agency for Israel and The Adelson Shlichut Institute.For the second time, I had the privilege of serving on the planning...
Striving for ‘healthy longevity’
Balance and moderation in eating increases the chances of living a longer and vital life.“A lifetime of making healthier food choices and maintaining an active lifestyle contributes to a positive health span, not just a long lifespan,” says Judy Mitnick, Registered...
Beth Sholom Village charts bold future with new home and renewed mission
Taking another step forward, Beth Sholom Village is relocating its offices to space within Jewish Family Service at the Sandler Family Campus. This move represents more than a change of address; it reflects a deepened commitment to area seniors and a renewed vision...
A first Bissel of Yiddish
A bit of Yiddish has managed to slip into everyday language. It’s not uncommon to hear people of all backgrounds talk about shlepping and shmoozing. And most who fling words such as glitz and shtick, have no idea they’re speaking Yiddish, a language historically...
Programming for seniors abound at the Simon Family JCC
Trips, Yiddish, debates, games, and so much more are available for seniors to explore at the Sandler Family Campus. Seniors are generally considered to be anyone 55 years old and above.For specific days and times and to learn more, go to jcc.jewishva.org or call...
Jewish Tidewater’s Graduates
Graduations are a time to recognize achievements, formally bid farewell to a valued educational institution, prepare for the next steps along life’s journey, and of course, to celebrate!In the June 2 issue of Jewish News, nearly 40 area graduates were featured. Here...