Blake Sisler | Jewish News

More than a summer goodbye

Blake Sisler — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 15:50:45 +0000

Families gathered at the Sandler Family Campus on Friday, August 21 for United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s and PJ Library’s annual End-of-Summer Shabbat.

The celebration was originally planned as a pool party, but unexpected weather required a change of plans. Rather than allowing the weather to interrupt the evening, the festivities moved indoors – a shift that did little to dampen the evening. What could have been a disappointment quickly became an energetic and welcoming gathering. The gym was filled with the sounds of children laughing and playing, families reconnecting, and friends catching up after a busy summer.

For many of the children, the evening was an extension of the relationships they built throughout the summer at Camp JCC, which is about more than the daily activities. Camp is a place where children develop friendships, gain confidence, discover new interests, and become part of a community. Seeing campers recognize one another, run to greet their friends, and immediately begin playing together was a wonderful reminder that those connections do not end when camp is over.

A special highlight of the evening was welcoming Tidewater’s newest Shinshinim, Liel Aisikowitz and Evyatar Olswang, who recently arrived from Israel. As they spend the coming year engaging with children, families, and community members, they will bring their Israeli experiences, perspectives, and energy to Tidewater. Their presence creates opportunities for children to form personal connections to Israel and provides an additional way for Tidewater to experience the richness of Jewish life beyond the local community.

To wrap up the evening, families gathered for Shabbat dinner. The transition from an active evening of play to a shared Shabbat meal created a moment to slow down and be present with one another. Rabbi Ari Oliszewski led the Shabbat blessings. The evening reflected the strong connections that unite Jewish Tidewater and the excitement of the coming year.

To learn more about upcoming family programs, visit JewishVA.org/PJLibrary.

Pati Oliszewski lights the candles with Rabbi Ari and Rabbi Israel Zoberman.

Liel Aisikowitz and Evyatar Olswang, Tidewater’s newest Shinshinim.

Noah Bowers plays basketball with younger brother, Bennett Bowers.

Middle School Game Night

Blake Sisler — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 15:14:37 +0000

Saturday, October 10, 5 -7 pm Sandler Family Campus, Free

Middle school students are invited to Game Night, an evening filled with games, laughter, friendship, and fun. Dinner will be provided.

Whether challenging friends to classic favorites such as Monopoly and Clue, battling it out in fast-paced card games, or working together to crack clues in an exciting mystery escape room, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. Students will test strategy skills, solve puzzles, and take on fun challenges while making new memories with friends.

Why not make it a night for the entire family? While middle school students enjoy dinner and board games, younger siblings are welcome to attend Kids Night Out, 5 – 9 pm, also at the Sandler Family Campus, giving everyone an evening of fun and connection.

To register, visit Jewishva.org/gamenight. Contact Blake Sisler at bsisler@ujft.org for more information.

Books to share, stories to love

Blake Sisler — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 16:32:28 +0000

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 children’s outgrown PJ Library books. Donations will be accepted through May 1. Then, starting Monday, May 4, all collected books will be displayed on tables in the Campus lobby for families to browse and take home.

It’s all about sharing stories, passing along beloved favorites, and helping books find new readers. Whether donating a few titles or browsing, be part of this fun exchange that celebrates reading, community, and the joy of finding a next favorite story.

Information: jewishva.org/pj or Blake Sisler at bsisler@ujft.org.

A middle school event with friendly competition and a creative activity

Blake Sisler — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 16:15:57 +0000

Sunday, March 29, 12:30 – 2:30 pm Pinboys, Virginia Beach

A fun afternoon of bowling and beading is planned for middle school students this month.

Participants have the choice to hit the bowling lanes with friends, spend time creating beaded crafts, or enjoy a mix of both throughout the afternoon.

This is a time where middle schoolers can socialize, try something new, and connect with peers in a welcoming environment. Bring some energy, creativity, and maybe even a friend or two. This will be an afternoon filled with conversation, and a touch of friendly competition.

$5 per person.

Registration and more information: Jewishva.org/bowling or Blake Sisler at bsisler@ujft.org.

Baby & Me is back

Blake Sisler — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 16:13:38 +0000

Thursdays, 9 –10 am – Sandler Family Campus

Parents, guardians, and their little ones are invited to participate in an hour of connection and fun every Thursday.

Join for coffee and a sweet treat while babies enjoy age-appropriate activities and playful games designed to engage. This is also an opportunity to connect with other caregivers, share stories, swap tips, and enjoy some much-needed adult conversation.

Baby and Me is open to all guardians with babies up to 24 months. Free to attend. No registration or JCC membership is required. Be ready to enjoy a morning of community.

Information: jewishva.org/pj or Blake Sisler at bsisler@ujft.org.

Bring Tu B’Shevat to life PJ Library in Tidewater’s Tu B’Shevat Sunday Funday

Blake Sisler — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 16:23:54 +0000

Sunday, Feb. 1, 1 – 3 pm, Sandler Family Campus

Tu B’Shevat, the New Year of the Trees, is a Jewish holiday that marks the “birthday” of trees and celebrates a connection to the land, nature, and renewal. Once tied to the agricultural calendar in Israel, it is now a moment to focus on caring for the environment and nurturing growth.

Families can bring Tu B’Shevat to life at home through simple, hands-on activities. Kids can help by recycling, saving water, turning off lights, and cleaning up outdoor spaces. Caring for a nearby tree by watering it, clearing weeds, or picking up trash around it helps children see how their actions make a difference. Planting is another popular way to celebrate the holiday – whether that means starting herbs on a windowsill, sprouting an avocado pit in water, or planting parsley to use later for Passover. These activities encourage curiosity, responsibility, and appreciation for the natural world.

PJ Library in Tidewater invites families to celebrate at Tu B’Shevat Sunday Funday. This program will be filled with interactive stations where kids can explore nature, plant seeds, learn about trees and the environment, and create crafts inspired by the holiday, all while having fun with friends.

To learn more about different ways to celebrate Tu B’Shevat at home, visit pjlibrary.org.

All aboard the PJ Library Challah Train

Blake Sisler — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 16:17:32 +0000

A new initiative begins this season: the PJ Library Challah Train – the delivery of Shabbat baskets to local families, one home at a time, creating a chain of kindness and connection throughout Tidewater.

Each week, a nominated family will receive a basket containing a challah, along with other Shabbat essentials. After enjoying the basket, families are encouraged to nominate the next household to participate, ensuring the tradition continues and allowing more families to share Shabbat joy with one another. Nominations can be submitted at Jewishva.org/ChallahTrain.

This simple act helps families connect with neighbors, celebrate Jewish traditions, and experience the power of community.

PJ Library is providing the foundation for this initiative. The goal of the PJ Library Challah Train in Tidewater is to give families an opportunity to be part of a meaningful tradition that combines generosity, celebration, and connection.

To learn more about PJ Library and the Challah Train in Tidewater, visit Jewishva.org/ChallahTrain or contact Blake Sisler, United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s coordinator of Youth and Family Engagement, at Bsisler@UJFT.org.

From curiosity to compassion: Kids learn the impact of Tzedakah

Blake Sisler — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 17:47:17 +0000

Nearly 250 members of Jewish Tidewater gathered at the Simon Family JCC for this year’s Community Impact Day on Sunday, Nov. 23.

Students from Congregation Beth El, Ohef Sholom Temple, and Temple Emanuel attended Religious School at the event instead of their usual classrooms, spending the morning learning, giving, and engaging with their local Tidewater community.

The gym at the Sandler Family Campus was transformed into a Mitzvah Mall, where roughly 25 nonprofit organizations welcomed families to explore their purpose through interactive activities. Each child received a scavenger hunt booklet upon entering, which guided them to explore each table, ask questions, and engage with the activities. The prompts encouraged students to think about how their donations could support the organization’s work – from funding snacks for children in need to providing materials for shelters or educational programs. This purposeful day allowed attendees to understand that their contributions can create a tangible impact in their community.

“Walking around during Community Impact Day filled my heart to the brim. Seeing children of all ages learning about the amazing organizations helping our community and having the opportunity to donate to them was powerful,” says Jo Nossen.

In addition to the nonprofit tables, children participated in mitzvah projects throughout the gym. They braided dog toys for shelters, assembled snack baskets, and made bracelets, experiencing firsthand the connection between thoughtful acts and meaningful mitzvot.

Families also explored a camp fair in the Cardo, where local day and overnight camps provided information about summer programs focused on growth, learning, and community connection. Children asked questions, discovered new opportunities, and considered programs that may be the best fit for them in the future.

“The Mitzvah Mall is such a special and unique opportunity for kids to make a difference,” says Lindsey Aftel, who attended with her son. “Johnny was motivated to set up a tzedakah box at the Strelitz table after his second-grade class went on a field trip to Operation Smile a few weeks ago. It was important to him to try and help reach the $240 goal to provide a surgery. This event helped him realize that he can make a difference for others.”

“It was so wonderful to partner with the other religious schools and United Jewish Federation of Tidewater to make Community Impact Day a reality,” says Sharon Serbin, education director at Beth El. “Our students and teachers learned about local nonprofits and saw firsthand how their donations help others. Yasher Koach to everyone who made the day such a success!”

By engaging with nonprofits, participating in mitzvah projects, and making thoughtful donations, children gained a deeper understanding of giving, responsibility, and how their actions can make a real difference in the community.

To learn more about family programming visit https://jcc.jewishva.org/pj-library or contact Blake Sisler at Bsisler@UJFT

Ohef Sholom Temple’s Cantor Jen and Rabbi Roz at Community Impact Day.

Johnny Aftel, Zachary Kingsland, Asher Mulligan, and Lia Oliszewski work together to build Lego structures at the Strelitz table

Maya Gebler, Anna Sherman, Amelia Portnoy, Leah Steerman, and Windsor Gordon sell concessions to help raise funds for their future youth group programs.

Anna Sherman and Maya Gebler decorate bags to fill snacks with for children in need.

Creating community, one pumpkin at a time, with PJ Library in Tidewater

Blake Sisler — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 16:35:56 +0000

Families gathered at Red Wing Park for a PJ Library Pumpkin Pop-Up on Sunday, Nov. 2. Parents and children spent the afternoon enjoying each other’s company and connecting with families who live nearby. Designed with local families in mind, the pop-up offered an accessible way for neighbors to enjoy pumpkin painting while strengthening relationships within Tidewater’s Jewish community.

PJ Library in Tidewater is committed to making programming accessible to families. By hosting events in a variety of locations, families can participate in engaging activities close to home – limiting the need to travel far. These neighborhood pop-ups provide opportunities for families to meet neighbors and help form a welcoming, close-knit Jewish community.

PJ Library in Tidewater plans to offer more pop-ups in future months and encourages families to share their ideas for convenient locations. Contact Blake Sisler at Bsisler@ujft.org with suggestions. Every recommendation helps PJ Library bring programming closer to families, creating more opportunities for connection within the larger community.

To learn more about PJ Library in Tidewater, visit JewishVA.org/PJLibrary or contact Blake Sisler, UJFT’s coordinator of youth and family engagement at Bsisler@ujft.org.

Theo Trem, Alex Kievit, and Henry Trem get creative while painting their own pumpkins.

Monthly Volunteer Days launch to support Jewish Tidewater

Blake Sisler — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 14:10:51 +0000

Begins Friday, November 21• 10 am – 3 pm, Sandler Family Campus

United Jewish Federation of Tidewater is launching a new initiative to bring community members together: Monthly Volunteer Days. Volunteers will gather once a month to take part in meaningful hands-on projects that benefit UJFT or partner Jewish agencies on the Sandler Family Campus.

Each month’s projects will vary, ranging from sorting food donations, to labeling books, writing thank-you notes, assembling care packages, or preparing materials for classrooms or programs. Volunteers can participate in one session or several throughout the year.

“This initiative gives community members an easy, flexible way to roll up their sleeves and help strengthen Jewish Tidewater,” says Sierra Lautman, UJFT’s senior director of Jewish Innovation. “It’s also a wonderful opportunity to connect with others while supporting the incredible work happening across our campus.”

Interested volunteers may sign up online to share their availability and will receive details about upcoming projects each month.

For more information or to sign up, visit JewishVA.org/volunteer or contact Sierra Lautman at slautman@ujft.org.