Jewish News VA

Archives

Jewish Tidewater’s Graduates

Jewish Tidewater’s Graduates

Graduations are a time to recognize achievements, formally bid farewell to schools, prepare for the next steps along life’s journey, and of course, celebrate! Jewish Tidewater has much to applaud with its graduates – the awards, impressive degrees, and outstanding...

Books for local schools are appreciated

Books for local schools are appreciated

Ghillian Porter-Smith, media specialist/librarian at Norfolk’s Larchmont Elementary School, wrote last month to express appreciation for books the school received from United Jewish Federation of Tidewater. “Thank you very much for the generous gift of books!”...

W&M Hillel: Success in Engagement 

W&M Hillel: Success in Engagement 

William & Mary has had a Hillel on campus for more than 60 years. Yet, 10 years ago there were only about 20 - 30 Jewish students attending programs annually. Meetings were held mainly in classrooms, and Entenmann’s and Krispy Kreme donuts was the fanciest kosher...

Irving Alperin

Virginia Beach – Irving Alperin, age 95, passed away on April 30, 2026.   He was born on June 12, 1930. Irving retired from US Department of Defense in 1995 after more than 31 years, where he worked for the US Information Agency Voice of America, Naval Sea...

Leslie Herbert Friedman

Norfolk – Leslie (Les) Friedman died at the age of 89 on May 15, 2026.   He was born on April 26, 1937, and was a lifelong resident of Norfolk. He was the devoted son of Fannie Gurfein Friedman and Milton Levisohn Friedman, who were successful business...

Thank you to our supporters who recently donated to Jewish News! 

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...

Bobby Friedman at Ninety-Five

In March of twenty six, dear friends, a milestone came alive—  A shining, joyful moment: Bobby turning ninety five.  From Philly roots to Waynesboro, she grew both bright and popular, A star whose appeal and laughter made each room feel spectacular. At RPI...

Calling all 2026 graduates

Graduation season is almost here, and Jewish News wants to celebrate Jewish Tidewater’s students as the Class of 2026 graduates from high school, college, and graduate schools. To help us acknowledge as many graduates as possible, please submit, along with a photo,...

Rabbi Zoberman poem in Congressional Record

Under My Grandpa’s Tallit (Prayer Shawl), a poem by Rabbi Israel Zoberman, was inserted in the Congressional Record by Congresswoman Jen Kiggans in honor of International Holocaust Remembrance Day.   Rabbi Dr. Israel Zoberman is the founder and spiritual...

Ambassador Dennis Ross and Ghaith al-Omari visit Sandler Family Campus

For more than two years since October 7, the Jewish world has continued to grapple with grief, anger, fear, and deep internal division. Conversations about Israel and the Palestinians have strained relationships, fractured communities, and tested leadership at every...

Thank you to our supporters who recently donated to Jewish News!

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...

SCN camp security initiative webinar for parents, future counselors

Wednesday, April 22, 2 - 3 pm, online Summer camp season is around the corner, and the Secure Community Network (SCN) is launching its first-ever Camp Security Initiative Webinar Series, designed for camp administrators, counselors, parents, and campers. This program...

Irene Thelma Bressler

Englewood, Ohio – Irene Bressler of Englewood, passed away on March 23, 2026, shortly before what would have been her 88th birthday.  She was pre-deceased by her husband of over 61 years, Ronald Bressler, in 2018, her parents, Arthur and Louise Halsband, and her...

Reba Karp

Virginia Beach – Reba Karp passed away peacefully on March 17, 2026, at the age of 92.    Reba was truly one of a kind.  She began working as editor of the Southeastern Virginia Jewish News in May 1978 and was also instrumental in the creation of...

Anna Lee Rapport Langman

Charlotte, N. C. – Anna Lee Rapport Langman passed on March 9, 2026, at the age of 86. She was a resident of Charlotte, North Carolina.  A funeral service was held at The Hebrew Cemetery, Chapel, in Charlotte. Interment followed in the Hebrew Cemetery. McEwen Funeral...

 Jordan S. “Buddy” Levitin

Norfolk – Longtime Norfolk resident, Jordan S. Levitin, better known as “Buddy,” 92, passed away on April 10, 2026.   He is survived by his wife, Carol, 88, and children Michael (Caryn), Samuel (Susan), son-in-law Bob Mastorakis, and grandchildren Brenna,...

Howard Mark Miller

Virginia Beach – Howard Miller passed away peacefully on March 19, 2026; he was 74 years old.   He will be remembered as a devoted father, a cherished family member, an accomplished Bridge and basketball player, and a respected legal advocate whose...

Shirley E. (Cohen) Neumann

Phoenixville, Pa. – Shirley E. (Cohen) Neumann, 96, wife of the late Leonard J. Neumann of Phoenixville, passed away on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.  Born on December 30, 1929, in Philadelphia, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Julius and Beatrice (Abramson)...

Stephen Howard Pitler

Norfolk – Stephen (Steve) Howard Pitler, age 81, passed away on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.   Steve was born in Norfolk on March 20, 1945. The son of Julia and Albert Pitler, Steve attended Granby Elementary and Granby High School. He graduated from Temple...

Richard Taylor

Norfolk – Richard Taylor, 86, passed away on April 2, 2026.   Richard was born on May 10, 1939, in Norfolk, Va.  Of blessed memory are his mother, Dorothy, his father, Hyman, and his brother, Martin H. Taylor.   Richard is survived by his...

Passover seders around Tidewater

Compiled by Konikoff Center for Learning Looking for a Passover seder to attend this year? Check out these options and make a decision soon to secure a spot, as Passover begins at sundown on Wednesday, April 1. B’nai Israel Congregation Anyone who would like home...

Spring Break Adventure awaits at Camp JCC

April 6 – 10 9 am - 4 pm, Sandler Family Campus The countdown to Spring Break is officially on, with Camp JCC ready to transform a week away from the classroom into a memorable adventure. Designed specifically for children in kindergarten through fifth grade, the...

Beth El partners with 92NY to bring world-Class programming to Norfolk

Monday, April 6, 7:30 pmCongregation Beth El Congregation Beth El recently launched a partnership with the 92nd Street Y (92NY) in New York City, one of the world’s most respected cultural and intellectual institutions. Through this collaboration, Beth El will host...