Danielle Hartman and Emily Patyuk | Jewish News https://jewishnewsva.org Southeastern Virginia: Chesapeake • Norfolk • Portsmouth • Suffolk • Virginia Beach Thu, 07 Aug 2025 17:07:56 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 ShinShinim say goodbye to Tidewater https://jewishnewsva.org/shinshinim-say-goodbye-to-tidewater/ Thu, 07 Aug 2025 17:07:52 +0000 https://jewishnewsva.org/?p=33112 Over the past year, we have had the privilege of creating a second home in Tidewater, through the open arms, hearts, and doors of the amazing people we have met. We eagerly seized the incredible opportunity to engage with everyone we could, knowing that we would learn from them as much as we had to offer in knowledge and experience.

We met with community members of all ages at schools, universities, synagogues, organizations, retirement homes, and more, educating on everything Israel, from culture and traditions to history and current affairs. We were delighted to discover how curious and excited everyone was, how thirsty for knowledge they were, their courage and ability to ask important questions, and their passion to learn and share what they already knew.

We were able to experience American Judaism and how it differs from the ingrained Jewish mentality prevalent in Israel. We learned a great deal about the various streams of Judaism, prayers, and different ways of belief. We explored how there are numerous interpretations, opinions, and ways to analyze religion and scripture, yet despite these differences, they manage to unite us and connect us all to Israel. Emily was fortunate to celebrate her Bat Mitzvah at Ohef Sholom Temple, thanks to the warm and generous guidance of Rabbi Roz and Cantor Jen.

We spoke with various groups in the community throughout the year about the tragic, important, and historic events that happened in Israel while we were here and their impact on Jews in the diaspora. We discussed many topics, such as Israeli society and society in general, Israel’s multi-front war, antisemitism on campus, and more. We managed to have deep and fascinating conversations while dealing with disagreements and different perspectives that opened our eyes to all sides. We created meaningful connections and earned lifelong friends.

One of the greatest gifts we received during our Shinshinim year was the opportunity to live with our host families. From the very first moment, we felt like part of the family. Around the Shabbat table, on trips, at events, during holidays, and in everyday life – these families surrounded us with warmth, attentiveness, generosity, and a true sense of belonging. The connection with our host families was an inseparable part of our experience. Every conversation, every meal, every little smile left a meaningful mark on us. We learned so much from them, and more than anything, we felt loved, appreciated, and truly welcome.

We would be remiss not to mention the amazing travel opportunities we received this year. We explored the Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah, New York City, Washington D.C, California, Florida, Tennessee, Boston, Chicago, Kentucky, and even Hawaii! It would be an understatement to say that our bucket lists were checked.

We closed the year with the amazing kids and counselors and Camp JCC, providing us the quintessential experience of a Jewish Day Camp.
We would like to conclude by expressing our gratitude. Thank you for the opportunity you gave us to make an impact. Thank you for the opportunity to enter your institutions, classrooms, community, and hearts. Thank you for entering our hearts and strengthening the invisible string between Tidewater and Israel.

Danielle Hartman and Emily Patyuk with ODU Hillel students.
Danielle Hartman and Emily Patyuk with ODU Hillel students.
Emily Patyuk and NADIV on an aircraft carrier.
Emily Patyuk and NADIV on an aircraft carrier.
Danielle Hartman and Emily Patyuk at Tidewater’s Yom Ha’Atzmaut celebration.
Danielle Hartman and Emily Patyuk at Tidewater’s Yom Ha’Atzmaut celebration.
Danielle Hartman and Emily Patyuk with Rabbi Roz Mandelberg (right) and Cantor Jen Rueben (left) Ohef Sholom Temple.
Danielle Hartman and Emily Patyuk with Rabbi Roz Mandelberg (right) and Cantor Jen Rueben (left) Ohef Sholom Temple.
Emily Patyuk with her host family, the Portnoys.
Emily Patyuk with her host family, the Portnoys.
]]> Ice cream social planned to celebrate Golda Meir Day https://jewishnewsva.org/ice-cream-social-planned-to-celebrate-golda-meir-day/ Thu, 27 Feb 2025 16:40:10 +0000 https://jewishnewsva.org/?p=31896 Monday, March 17, 5 pm, Simon Family JCC

Golda Meir is remembered for many accomplishments – from playing a pivotal role in the founding of the State of Israel to becoming its first, and only, female Prime Minister.

In Israel, her legacy now extends to a popular ice cream chain named in her honor.

In celebration of Golda Meir Day, a one-night-only Golda ice cream pop-up shop will take place at the Simon Family JCC. Enjoy delicious ice cream, play fun games, learn more about Golda’s remarkable story, and even snap a photo with ‘her!’

The free event requires advanced registration at JewishVA.org/Golda. For more information, contact Nofar Trem at NTrem@UJFT.org.

Test your Golda knowledge

  1. Golda Meir was known as the “Iron Lady” of which country?
    A. Egypt
    B. Israel
    C. The United States

  2. Where was Golda Meir born?
    A. Russia
    B. The United States
    C. Israel

  3. In which year did Golda Meir become Israel’s Prime Minister?
    A. 1967
    B. 1975
    C. 1969

  4. Golda Meir was one of the signatories of which document in 1948?
    A. The UN Partition Plan
    B. The Israeli Declaration of Independence
    C. The Balfour Declaration

  5. Before becoming Prime Minister, Golda Meir held which position in the Israeli government?
    A. Minister of Foreign Affairs
    B. Minister of Defense
    C. Minister of Labor and Social Affairs
    D. Minister of Education

  6. What major event occurred during Golda Meir’s tenure as Prime Minister in 1973?
    A. The Camp David Accords
    B. The Six-Day War
    C. The Yom Kippur War
    D. The signing of the Oslo Accords

    (scroll down for answers)

Answers:
1B, 2A, 3C, 4B, 5C, 6C

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