Amy Zelenka | Jewish News

2027 Super Sunday brings Jewish Tidewater together to learn, play, act, and give

Amy Zelenka — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 17:01:35 +0000

Sunday, October 11, 12 – 3 pm, Sandler Family Campus

Tidewater’s Jewish community will gather for a very special Super Sunday this month. 2027 Super Sunday is a day dedicated to learning, family fun, volunteerism, and giving, while connecting with local and global organizations.

Learn about the impact of giving
Throughout the day, attendees will have the opportunity to stroll displays in the Copeland Cardo and meet community partners whose work is made possible in part through United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s support. Each agency will share stories highlighting the impact of their services on Jewish communities from Tidewater to Tel Aviv. This is an opportunity for participants to see firsthand how their individual and collective tzedakah supports local and overseas programs, nurtures Jewish pride, and safeguards the Jewish community’s shared future.

A Sunday Funday for families
Noon – 4 pm, Sandler Family Campus
Families are invited to bring their children to Sunday Funday where the kids can bounce, create, and play while parents and other family members take part in the day’s activities. Parents volunteering for Super Sunday who are making calls in support of the Campaign may also drop-off children ages 4 and older during their calling shift. Childcare spots are limited, and drop-off is available only during parents’ calling shifts. Families can register for Sunday Funday when registering for Super Sunday.

Taking action together
Super Sunday is Tidewater’s largest day of Jewish community action, with volunteers playing a central role in making the campaign successful. During the event, volunteer callers will reach out to fellow-community members to request pledges of support for the 2027 Community Campaign. Super Sunday shows that every gift matters, and every connection matters, whether it comes through a phone call, text message, or personal conversation. Community members interested in volunteering are encouraged to sign up for a calling shift. Calling will take place in the Fleder Multipurpose Room.

Giving back to the community
Super Sunday also brings with it the simple invitation to give. Donations to United Jewish Federation of Tidewater help strengthen the local community while supporting Jewish life beyond the region.

This year’s Super Sunday offers something for everyone — and an opportunity to learn about the work UJFT does every single day.

For more information and to register, go to jewishva.org/supersunday.

Amy Zelenka is chief development officer for United Jewish Federation of Tidewater.

A record year for the UJFT’s Community Campaign

Amy Zelenka — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 11:32:25 +0000

As this article goes to press, the 2026 Community Campaign of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater has passed the $5.2 million mark for the very first time. It’s a major milestone, and the Federation is incredibly grateful to the donors and community members who have brought the campaign to this amazing total. With three weeks left of the campaign, the Federation hopes for additional pledges and donations at all levels.

“Reaching $5.2 million is certainly impressive, but what’s more impressive and more important is the additional work which can be done by the agencies and programs who receive funding from the campaign,” says Jason Hoffman, 2026 UJFT Campaign chair. “These are the frontline organizations that build and strengthen Jewish life – here at home and around the world.”

This increase comes at a time when additional funds are greatly needed. The costs of hardening and securing the community are real and growing. But UJFT’s commitment to enhancing Jewish life and celebrating the things that bind Jewish Tidewater as a people cannot suffer as a result. So, the Federation continues to work hard to balance the safety of the community with programs, events, and opportunities to bring people together in strength, celebration, and shared remembrance; in classes that bring everyone closer to Judaism; in gatherings which ensure the well-being of senior adults; and in many other ways.

The Tidewater Jewish community is truly special, and it is made so not by the size of the campaign, but by the dedication of community members ensuring its health and well-being. Doing so requires “time, talent, and treasure.”

So, through the lens of pure gratitude and appreciation, the Federation thanks its donors, its volunteers, and its lay and professional leaders for all that they have done and continue to do each year to make Jewish Tidewater the remarkable community that it is.
Working together, in service to the Jewish People… is there anything better?

If you’d like to help strengthen and secure the Jewish community with a gift to the 2026 UJFT Community Campaign, there is still time. Visit www.jewishva.org/donate, call Amy Zelenka, UJFT’s chief development officer, at 757-965-6139, or mail a check to the Federation with the note: “2026 UJFT Campaign” to 5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Suite 200, Virginia Beach, VA 23462.

Thank you in advance for your caring and support.

Living well as the campaign reaches new heights

Amy Zelenka — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 16:03:57 +0000

As this article goes to press, the 2026 United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s Community Campaign is very near $5.1 million and on track to hit a record goal of $5.2 million.

In a time that continues to see rising antisemitism and threats to Jewish communities all over the world, the Federation is resolved to bring light and joy and Jewishness – whether it is through Arts & Ideas programs; the Konikoff Center of Learning and all of its educational opportunities; or the Jewish Community Relations Council and its proud and constant advocacy and support for all, here at home or in Israel. Or maybe it’s through the Federation’s allocated support for the amazing Jewish agencies and organizations who deliver specialized services to the Jewish community.

If “living well is the best revenge,” then UJFT’s goal is to enable living well – for us, for our children, for our neighbors, and for those we may never have the chance to meet.

All of these programs and services cost money. And it’s the UJFT Community Campaign (and its remarkable donors, who give year after year) which help bring these services to all who want and need them.

So, whatever “living well” means to each person – being healthy, being secure, or being inspired to build a closer relationship with God, the Federation hopes you’ll support the programs and services of the Jewish community with a gift of support for the UJFT Campaign –
which ultimately brings so much wellness in the world.

The three options to make a gift of support to the 2026 UJFT Community Campaign are:

• Online via the Federation’s secure website at www.jewishva.org/donate.

• Call or email Amy Zelenka, UJFT’s chief development officer, at 757-965-6139 or azelenka@ujft.org.

• Mail a check to: United Jewish Federation of Tidewater
5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Suite 200
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
(Note: 26 Community Campaign on the check).

Amy Zelenka is United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s chief development officer.

Nadiv to host 2nd Annual Texas Hold’em Fundraiser

Amy Zelenka — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:35:52 +0000

Tuesday, May 12, 6 pm: dinner; 7 pm: game play, Sandler Family Campus

The Nadiv Young Professional Men’s Campaign Division of United Jewish Federation of Tidewater will hold its second annual Texas Hold’em Fundraising event next month. Last year’s inaugural event sold out, and it is anticipated that this year’s will, as well.

All player levels are welcome – from beginner to expert. $100 buys players one seat at the poker table and includes kosher snacks and drinks along with the chance to win amazing prizes. Opportunities are also available for Add-Ons to extend play during the tournament.

Nadiv is excited to show-off its brand-new customized chips and, more importantly, to engage the community in a fun and meaningful night of “playing for a purpose.”

All proceeds from this year’s event benefit Tidewater’s PJ Library program. PJ Library sends free, high-quality, age-appropriate Jewish children’s books and music to families monthly to encourage reading and foster connection to Jewish values, traditions, and culture. It serves families with children from birth through age 8, with the PJ Our Way option for kids ages 9-12. PJ Library resources are especially helpful in bringing interfaith families (where one parent may not be Jewish) closer to one another and to the community, as parents learn alongside their children about history, holidays, and culture.

This year’s tournament aims to attract approximately 150 players.

If interested in playing, register ASAP (seats are selling fast!) online at www.jewishva.org/poker.

For more information or for assistance with the online registration form, contact Amy Zelenka at 757-965-6139

2026 Annual Campaign on track for successful fundraising year

Amy Zelenka — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 18:19:37 +0000

United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s 2026 Annual Community Campaign kicked off in August and has been raising funds at a steady pace since. As this article goes to press, the campaign total has surpassed $4.3 million, well on its way to a $5.2 million goal.

The response to this year’s campaign has been incredibly generous, with many donors increasing their levels of support. But why so many increases? Unfortunately, it’s not too difficult to guess: security. Yes, security has become the byword of Jewish communities across the country and around the world, including right here in Tidewater. Many donors have increased their giving this year to help offset the increased cost of community security, and it’s helping.

Security covers not just the Sandler Family Campus and its agencies, but also area synagogues, Hillels, and other places where Jews gather. And it includes not just the “hardening” of physical spaces but also training for those who dwell within them – training for scenarios everyone hopes to never encounter.

Heightened security, helping to rebuild Israel (physically, emotionally, and economically), and the deep desire to continue living proud Jewish lives – these are the factors which make fundraising especially critical and meaningful this year.

For those who have not already made a pledge or gift of support for the 2026 UJFT Annual Community Campaign, please consider doing so before December 31. Gifts may be made online at jewishva.org/donate.

For those who are able to maintain, or increase a gift this year, by even a small amount, know that it will help defray the increased cost of security and enable UJFT to continue meeting its obligations to the agencies, programs, and services which make Jewish Tidewater a strong and vibrant community.

Prefer to send a check? Please make it out to UJFT with a note that it is for the 2026 UJFT Campaign, and mail it to: Campaign Department, United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, 5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Suite 200, Virginia Beach, VA 23462.

Prefer to speak with someone? Call the UJFT Campaign Department at 757-965-6115 to make a pledge or gift over the phone.

For more information about Untied Jewish Federation of Tidewater and the work it does on behalf of Jewish Tidewater, locally and around the world, visit jewishva.org.

Amy Zelenka is United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s chief development officer.

Introducing Next Gen 757:A new era for young Jewish adults in Tidewater

Amy Zelenka — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 16:28:12 +0000

United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s Young Adult Division (YAD) has a new name and a new way of doing business. Now officially rebranded as Next Gen 757, this bold new identity reflects its mission, its members, and the vibrant future UJFT is helping to shape in the Hampton Roads Jewish community.

Why the change?

Over the years, UJFT’s YAD Division has grown into a dynamic platform for young professionals, emerging leaders, and community changemakers. But as its reach and impact evolved, the leaders at UJFT started to realize that there might be better and more creative ways to connect and engage the young Jewish population (who are also future Jewish leaders). And so, significant collaboration between the development (fundraising) side of the organization and the programming (engagement) side is taking place, which will strengthen all aspects of Next Gen 757.

Next Gen 757 represents more than a demographic. It reflects a movement — the next generation of thinkers, doers, and emerging leaders who are invested in shaping the future of the Jewish community of Tidewater.

What does “Next Gen 757” stand for?

• Next Gen signifies forward-thinking leadership, innovation, and inclusivity.

•757 grounds the group in the Tidewater Jewish community — connecting young Jewish adults across all cities in Hampton Roads.

What’s staying the same?

While the name is changing, the group’s core values and dedication remain unchanged. It is still very much committed to the core mission: to connect, empower, and elevate the next generation of Jewish leaders and community members – through engagement, networking, and leadership development opportunities.

Members can still expect:

•Engaging events that foster close relationships with one another and with the Jewish community.

•Service opportunities that make a real impact.

•A strong network of peers, mentors, and local leaders.

•An opportunity to set the course for young Jewish adult programs and activities moving into the future.

What’s next?

The Next Gen 757 brand will soon appear across UJFT’s website, social media platforms, and other communications. All current and prospective members are invited to embrace this new chapter — because the future of Hampton Roads is being written by the next generation.

UJFT is currently seeking a dedicated professional for this group – an energetic and engaging Next Gen Engagement Coordinator whose top priority will be engaging young adults in the Jewish community. That professional will work hand in hand with Next Gen 757 members, as well as fellow Jewish communal professionals, across departments and agencies, to ensure the most vibrant, creative, and inclusive programming.

So, no more YAD Cabinet. But instead: a dedicated professional working closely with Next Gen 757 members to identify interests within this group and connect those interests with Tidewater’s Jewish community through programming (both existing and new!) – giving more input AND more ownership to Next Gen 757 participants.

Next Gen 757 is more than a name. It’s a vision. And it is just getting started.

Amy Zelenka, United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s chief development officer, may be reached at azelenka@ujft.org.

Virtual Super Sunday…How will it work? What will be the impact?

Amy Zelenka — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 21:18:05 +0000

Sunday, September 14

United Jewish Federation of Tidewater will host its first all-virtual Super Sunday on Sunday, Sept. 14. In a multi-pronged approach to fundraising, volunteers will mail, text, email, and yes, call members of the Tidewater Jewish community to talk about Campaign and the impacts of the efforts for those at home and for the Jewish People around the world.

Where Campaign dollars go

It’s important to recognize the impact of combined Campaign dollars around the community. The funds raised on Super Sunday, and throughout the Campaign, impact the programs and services the community relies on at Jewish Family Service; that ensure top-quality programs the Simon Family JCC brings to the entire Hampton Roads community – through speakers, books, films, and other art media; and that ensure access to a full spectrum of Jewish education – from early childhood to tween and teen youth groups, to Hillels, to adult education and Jewish book clubs.

The combined Campaign dollars help ensure that Jewish Tidewater is prepared for potential threats against it and that it can act swiftly in the face of antisemitism. Campaign dollars ensure that Jewish Tidewater’s voices and concerns are heard at the highest levels of state and federal government.

Overseas, the Campaign supports the most vulnerable Jews around the world – including those who’ve endured more than three years of a brutal war in Ukraine and Israelis who’ve experienced nearly two years of ongoing trauma following the horrific events of October 7th.
Super Sunday allows each community member to touch many lives.

What’s new about Super Sunday this year

Traditionally, Super Sunday volunteer callers have gathered on the Sandler Family Campus equipped with cell phones and chargers to make calls. This year, when volunteers sign up, they’ll receive a calling sheet with the names of donor prospects, their contact information, and suggested “ask amount.” Then, volunteers can decide how best to make contact. Several campaign leaders will be recording video messages that can be shared via text. A link in the text will allow donors to pledge or donate, right from their phones.

In the days leading up to Super Sunday, some donors may receive a phone call or other communication from their assigned solicitor (looking to get a jump on Super Sunday… or soliciting in advance, because they won’t be available on Super Sunday). Other donors may get a pledge card and return envelope in the mail, encouraging them to give right away, so that their gifts can be counted in the Super Sunday total… and ultimately the Super Sunday impact.

Excited about stepping into these newer technologies, Campaign staff and volunteers anticipate excellent results and look forward to reaching the community and beyond to maximize Tidewater’s impact here at home and around the Jewish world. More information at JewishVA.org/SuperSunday

Amy Zelenka is chief development officer for United Jewish Federation of Tidewater. She may be reached at azelenka@ujft.org.

Super Sunday, reimagined Sunday, September 14

Amy Zelenka — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 18:57:28 +0000

For decades, Super Sunday has been a flagship event in the lifecycle of United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s community campaign. It’s been a day of community mobilization – bringing volunteers together in a room buzzing with energy, armed with phones, stacks of pledge cards, and the shared mission of raising vital funds for Jewish life locally and abroad.

But when the world changed, so did Jewish Tidewater.

In response to shifting realities, the Super Sunday community phonathon made a bold transition from live and in-person to hybrid and virtual. UJFT is trying something new this year – a completely virtual event using various communication platforms to reach donors.
What began as a necessary pivot during the pandemic has evolved into a powerful new model for engagement, connection, and fundraising. So much has been learned in the past few years as tools and technologies have evolved – allowing for new and creative methods.

Why the change?

Like many legacy events, Super Sunday has faced some hurdles in a post-pandemic world: health concerns, scheduling conflicts, and a broader cultural shift toward remote and hybrid gatherings. Rather than seeing these as obstacles, leadership and staff saw them as opportunities.”

“We didn’t want to lose the spirit of Super Sunday,” says Jason Hoffman, UJFT Campaign chair. “So, we asked ourselves: How can we preserve the energy, the impact, and the sense of community, while also meeting people where they are?”

The virtual solution

Enter virtual Super Sunday: a new way of reaching current and prospective donors. Volunteers can now join from their homes, making calls or sending texts to their assigned prospects. And instead of a one-day blitz, Super Sunday is expanded into a full “Super Week” of flexible calling, texting, and even a good old fashioned direct mail campaign. The aim is to be more inclusive and more impactful – to reach even more members of Tidewater’s amazing Jewish community than in the past.

Looking ahead

This is a new way of doing things. And while elements of an in-person Super Sunday may return in the future, this year should offer many lessons on the best and most effective ways to reach donors.

A look at other Federations and non-profits around the country suggests that this may well be the future of community engagement—hybrid, flexible, and inclusive. Walls are now optional.

Keep those cell phones close on Sunday, September 14 and in the days leading up to it. Donors may receive a call from an assigned solicitor or another volunteer… maybe there will be a text message with a short video and link to donate a 2026 campaign gift. Check mailboxes in the days leading up to Super Sunday for a letter requesting gifts also be made in a more traditional way.

No matter how one is asked, the community hopes people will support the Tidewater and global Jewish community with a gift that touches many, many lives. Super Sunday may look different today, but its heart remains the same: a community coming together, one call at a time, to strengthen Jewish life for generations to come.

Amy Zelenka is United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s chief development officer.

2025 UJFT Annual Campaignon track for a successful finish

Amy Zelenka — Thu, 08 May 2025 18:08:07 +0000

The 2025 Annual Campaign of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater recently crossed over the milestone $5 million mark, on its way to a successful close. The campaign year officially closes on Monday, June 30. Every attempt is made to have all gifts closed before that date. The Campaign is doing well – ahead of its dollar pace at this time last year, but slightly behind in terms of the number of gifts closed. The goal is to reach as many Jewish community members as possible to participate in this important fundraising effort.

Dollars raised during the Campaign are allocated to service delivery partners and agencies at home and around the Jewish world.
Generous gifts of support to UJFT’s Annual Campaign enable:

Clients to receive various kinds of assistance from Jewish Family Service of Tidewater.
Students to engage in Jewish education opportunities at Strelitz International Academy, Toras Chaim, Bina, and Talmudical Academy, among others.
Virginia college kids to have access to a Hillel on campus for Shabbat dinner or help navigating tough situations on campus.
Community members to be able to enter the JCC with confidence to enjoy the programs and services offered there, knowing they are safe and protected, because of security initiatives.
Elderly Jews in Ukraine to receive food and fuel from UJFT’s overseas partner, the JDC – just to get through a third frigid, war-torn winter.
Israelis to receive counseling services and emotional and physical therapies to address their inner and outer war wounds.

On behalf of all those folks and so many others, the Federation thanks all who’ve made a gift of support to the 2025 UJFT Annual Campaign and have subscribed to the belief that “All Jews are responsible for one another.”

Not yet had the chance to make a gift? Help UJFT complete another successful campaign by making a gift today.

Go online to www.jewishva.org/donate; call Amy Zelenka at the Federation at 757-965-6139; email azelenka@ujft.org; or send in a check made out to: UJFT Annual Campaign to UJFT, 5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Suite 200, Virginia Beach, VA 23462.

Gifts will help ensure the future of Tidewater’s Jewish community today, tomorrow, and always.

Moms and flowers and bagels… Oh my

Amy Zelenka — Thu, 08 May 2025 17:43:04 +0000

On a glorious spring Sunday morning, 10 young moms came together for a fun brunch and flower arranging workshop.

Hostess Bo Lepchitz and her sister, Sunny, provided a plethora of floral options and the ladies “went to town.” Everyone created a beautiful centerpiece to take home, but even more… they came away with new ideas on myriad challenges, such as “how to get my two-year-old to eat anything but chicken nuggets,” “how do I make sure my child will do well on his first airplane flight,” and “what’s the best way to make sure my husband doesn’t lose our child in the airport…” (Answer to the last one: Air Tags!)

What a wonderful way to bring together moms, ideas, bagels, and flowers. The group (which did not all know each other beforehand) is now asking: “When can we do this again?”

Any mom of an infant or toddler (or both) who wants to get together with other moms with kids of similar ages (at a leave-the-littles at home event), contact Amy Zelenka at United Jewish Federation of Tidewater at 757-965-6139 or email azelenka@ujft.org.

Emily Krouse, Jess Glasser, and Ally St. Pierre enjoy the morning.

Jessica Glasser creates a beautiful floral centerpiece.

Leah Wohlgemuth with her beautiful arrangement.

Moms of infants and toddlers come together for a UJFT YAD Brunch at the home of Bo Lepchitz (at the head of the table).