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In JFNA’s first ‘State of the Jewish Union’ address, security and antisemitism loom large
(JTA) — Speaking from Washington, D.C., on Thursday, Feb. 19, the president and CEO of the Jewish Federations of North America, Eric Fingerhut, laid out his assessment of the state of Jewish life in America. “The state of the Jewish union in America is strong,...
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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...
Mike Goldsmith shares security expertise with community
After 35 years of service on the Norfolk Police Department fighting crime as a police officer, advancing through the ranks to become Norfolk’s Chief of Police, then on to a second career as an Assistant City Manager for Norfolk, Mike Goldsmith was more than entitled...
7 years in prison for praying at the Western Wall? Netanyahu’s coalition is threatening a war on Jewish unity
(JTA) —During the recent Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish Organizations’ mission to Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demanded that Jews around the world stand strong and unified in support of Israel and against antisemitism. “Fight, fight, fight,” he...
KBH sells building, creates endowment
And with stroke of a few pens, it was over! The closing documents were signed, the checks issued, and Kehillat Bet Hamidrash/Kempsville Conservative Synagogue (KBH) was officially a congregation without a building – yet with a new endowment fund. After...
State of the Foundation: Securing Jewish life in Tidewater
The State of the Union. The State of the City. Most people have heard of or attended gatherings like these, where leaders reflect on the present and make projections about the future. Last month, Tidewater Jewish Foundation did just that. Board members gathered...
Jewish hockey star Jack Hughes’ overtime goal propels US to historic gold medal in Olympic hockey
(JTA) — Jewish hockey star Jack Hughes scored the game-winning goal Sunday, Feb. 21 to clinch a gold medal for the U.S. men’s hockey team, its first since 1980. The New Jersey Devils star center, who had scored twice in Team USA’s semifinal win, sent the puck...
Investing in futures: JELF helps local students afford college –interest free
Applications for the 2026-2027 Academic Year accepted through April 30 In 2025, JELF (Jewish Educational Loan Fund) loaned $2.3 million in 0% interest loans to almost 500 students, allowing Jewish students to pursue higher education without the burden of...
Securing Houses of Worship:Countering Active Threat Training (CATT)
Active threat situations are unpredictable and can unfold quickly—often ending within three to five minutes. Recognizing warning signs and knowing how to respond can save lives. In collaboration with Jewish Community Relations Council, a local pastors’ group,...
JCC Lifeguard Josef Patar celebrates citizenship
His story could be a novel. . . and a page-turner, at that. This past December, Josef Patar added a chapter he’s been trying to write for a while. . . he became a naturalized U.S. citizen. With several supporters, including a couple of friends from Ohef...
Milestone anniversaries worth celebrating
A wedding anniversary of any number is reason to celebrate, yet milestone anniversaries traditionally get special attention. Reaching a milestone is no easy feat and so Jewish News asked three of area couples about their secrets to the foundation of their...
Erica Ausch celebrates her 90th with family and friends
Family and friends gathered on a Saturday evening in January to celebrate an extraordinary milestone as Erica Reisner Ausch turned 90 years young. Her daughters – Jodie Woodward, Linda Ausch, and Bonnie Laibstain — brought together those who know her best and love her...
Hannah Yasemsky joins UJFT in newly formed position
United Jewish Federation of Tidewater recently established the position of NextGen Engagement coordinator, a re-imagined role designed to strengthen connection and community among Jewish young adults in Tidewater. Hannah Yasemsky is the first person to assume the...
Jonathan Zur honoredat ODU’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Observance
The Hugo A. Owens Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Award was presented to Jonathan C. Zur at Old Dominion University’s 41st Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Observance in January. Zur is president and CEO of the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities. Robin Mancoll,...
Bruce Waldholtz to receive a VCIC Tidewater Humanitarian Award
Thursday, March 26, Westin Virginia Beach Town Center The Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities will hold its 62nd annual Tidewater Humanitarian Awards event this month. These awards honor individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to...
Learning and creating with Mizrach class and workshop
The recent Mizrach class and hands-on glass workshop offered by United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s Konikoff Center for Learning provided a journey from learning to creating. The experience began with a class led by Rabbi Ari Oliszewski, who explored...
A heart-healthy President’s Day at Camp
While school was out on Monday, Feb. 16, campers spent Presidents’ Day getting active and inspired at Camp JCC’s School Days Out program. To celebrate American Heart Month, the day’s theme was all about heart health. Campers began the morning by...
Launch of Lev Sara Bikur Cholim
A new initiative dedicated in memory of Shirley Farfel Berman a”h, Lev Sara Bikur Cholim is being created to extend a loving hand to individuals in the community—and beyond—who are in Norfolk for medical care. This evening is an opportunity to learn about the...
Tidewater BBYO updates website
When Courtney Krutoy took on the role of Eastern Region BBYO City Director - Tidewater last year, she noticed that BBYO’s digital presence on United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s website was both buried and outdated. Krutoy worked with Teresa Knecht, marketing...
KBH to kick off creative Shabbat services for families
Saturday, March 21,10:30 am, Sandler Family Campus Members of KBH synagogue are excited to unveil a brand-new Shabbat services format designed for children and families. Once a month, KBH, in partnership with Tidewater Shinshinim, will hold a special program...
Art Spiegelman: Disaster Is My Muse to screen at Chrysler
Sunday, March 15, 2 pm, Chrysler Museum of Art Few works have transformed Holocaust storytelling as profoundly as the graphic novel Maus. When Art Spiegelman won the 1992 Pulitizer Prize, it was the first time a graphic novel earned that honor, signaling a cultural...
Books to share, stories to love
Monday, May 4 – Friday, May 8, Sandler Family Campus A PJ Library book swap families won’t want to miss is about to begin. Starting April 6, collection boxes located in the Sandler Family Campus lobby and at Strelitz International Academy will accept...
Camp JCC presents Kids Night Out: Ultimate Bracket Bash
Saturday, March 21 5 - 9 pm, Sandler Family Campus Get ready to hit the court and experience the madness! Children, ages 4–12, are invited to the Ultimate Bracket Bash Kids Night Out. The evening kicks off with basketball relays where campers can showcase their...
Registration now open for Spring Break Camp
April 6 - 10, 9 am – 4 pm Sandler Family Campus When school is out, Camp JCC is in. Children currently in K-5th grade can look forward to a week filled with energy, friendship, and fun with a jam-packed schedule that includes free swim sessions in the indoor...
Conversational Hebrew with the Shinshinim, Session 3: Around Town
Mondays, March 9 - April 13, 5:30 pm, Sandler Family Campus Planning a trip to Israel or just want to feel more comfortable getting around in Hebrew? If so, join the Shinshinim, Noga Yaniv and Yarden Lahan, for Session 3 of Conversational Hebrew: Around Town....
Dream Doctors bring humanity in action to Tidewater
Tuesday, March 24, 7:30 pm Sandler Family Campus Israel’s renowned Dream Doctors Project—professional medical clowns who bring healing, dignity, and emotional support to patients and families in hospitals and humanitarian settings around the world – will visit...
Golda Day with the Shinshinim
Tuesday, March 17, 6 pm Sandler Family Campus Children and families are invited to join Shinshinim Noga Yaniv and Yarden Lahan for a delicious evening of games, crafts, and an ice cream social to celebrate Golda Meir, Israel’s first female Prime Minister. Kids...
Partners in Jewish Life: Discussing the new antisemitism
Tuesday, March 17, 6 –7:15 pm, Sandler Family Campus The upcoming evening of Partners in Jewish Life will center around a conversation about The New Antisemitism: Roots and Responses, inviting participants to explore how antisemitism has evolved over time—and how...
Two opportunities to learn and laugh with Miriam Anzovin
Wednesday, March 11, 7:30 pm and Thursday, March 12, 12 pm, Sandler Family Campus The community has two options to experience Jewish learning through the voice of Miriam Anzovin, the creator behind the beloved #JewishLoreReactions series on TikTok and Instagram. Known...
NextGen Happy Hour Shabbat
Friday, March 27, 5 – 7 pmSandler Family Campus Jewish adults between ages 22 and 40, are invited to begin the weekend with “Shabbat mode” at a NextGen Happy Hour Shabbat. Leave the stress of the work week behind and unwind in a relaxed, friendly...