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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year, she noticed that BBYO’s digital presence on United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s website was both buried and outdated.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...

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...

Judaica Shop opens in Virginia Beach

The Blue Dove was “created out of love for my Jewish community,” says shop owner Lauren Broudy.  A Tidewater native, she says she was shopping at The Painted Tree in the shops at Hilltop and noticed there were no Jewish-themed items. After some thought, she...

Ashley Brooke Coleman

Virginia Beach – Ashley Brooke Coleman, age 46, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2026.   She was born in Norfolk, Virginia to Barbara and Harvey Coleman.  Ashley was a proud graduate of Norfolk Academy, University of Maryland, and Cumberland...

Helen Cohen Laibstain

Norfolk – After a brief illness, Helen Laibstain, 96 years old, died Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at her home.   Born March 3, 1929, Helen was the daughter of Julius and Celia Shulman Cohen.   Seventy-two years ago, Helen married the love of her...

Sylvia Bernstein Wagner

Omaha, Nebraska  – Sylvia Bernstein Wagner, a pioneering civic leader, accomplished actress, and champion of social progress in Omaha, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on February 20, 2026, at the age of 100.   Her life was defined by principled...

Gilda Weber

Virginia Beach – Gilda Weber, aged 99, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2026, in Virginia Beach, Virginia.   Born on June 5, 1926, she lived a long life devoted to her family.  Gilda was born in the Bronx, N.Y., and graduated from Beth Israel...

Engagement stories filled with romance and surprise

When it’s time to propose, the days of going it alone and private are a thing of the past.  It used to be that all that was necessary to become engaged was a couple in love and a ring.   Family, friends, and photographers to capture the moment, are all part of today’s...

Jody’s Popcorn opens new retail store

A small factory retail store recently opened at Jody’s Gourmet Popcorn’s Norfolk manufacturing facility – making in-person purchasing of the artisan popcorn again doable for Tidewater residents.  While it’s always possible to purchase the popcorn from the...

Securing Houses of Worship:Countering Active Threat Training (CATT) 

Sunday, March 22, 3 pm First Presbyterian Church, Norfolk 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...

Sababa Beach Camp plans a Bowling Experience

Saturday, February 21, 7 – 9 Campers who have attended Sababa Beachaway, possible new Sababa Beachaway campers, and their families, are all invited to attend a Sababa Beach Camps Bowling Experience.   The evening includes two hours of bowling, soft drinks,...

JCC Maccabi Games and Access interest meeting

Thursday, February 19, 6 pm Sandler Family Campus Ready for the experience of a lifetime? Attend this meeting to learn about this summer’s JCC Maccabi Games and Access, happening August 2–7 in Toronto, Canada. The Games are open to Jewish teens, ages 13–17; Access...

Howard J. Bernstein

Galloway, N.J. – Howard J. Bernstein, 93, passed away on January 22, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was predeceased by his parents, Ida and Benjamin Bernstein, and his sister, Selma Shefferman.   Howard is survived by his loving wife, Shirley, his high...

Robert Buckman

Virginia Beach – Robert “Bob” Buckman, passed away peacefully at his home on January 13, 2026.   Bob was a loving husband, father, grandpa, and friend. His greatest legacy was the love he had for his preceded in death wife, Ittie (Edye) Buckman; children,...

Barbara Carlson

Chesapeake – Barbara Carlson, a remarkable soul who dedicated her life to the pursuit of truth and beauty, passed away peacefully on the morning of January 11, 2026, in Chesapeake, at the age of 91.   Born on April 9, 1934, and raised in New York, Barbara’s...

Thelma Laderberg

Norfolk –Thelma Laderberg passed away peacefully on January 15, 2026, at Harbor’s Edge in Norfolk, Virginia, at the age of 100.   She lived a long, full, and deeply meaningful life—one defined by creativity, independence, devotion to family, and enduring...

Marvin Joel Merkle

Norfolk – Marvin Joel Merkle, 79, passed away peacefully, Thursday, January 22, 2026.   He was born in Richmond, Virginia, the son of the late Harold Hyman and Eva Merkle.   He is survived by his two daughters, Jenefer Dayle Snyder and husband...