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An emotional reunion for all

An emotional reunion for all

I am sure you, like us, are filled with emotion after seeing the 20 living hostages returned home to Israel and their families.   We continue to pray for the imminent return of the remaining hostages and for their families and loved ones to be able to give them...

October 7 remembrances

October 7 remembrances

Throughout the world, the nation, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and Tidewater, events took place marking Oct. 7, 2023 –recalling the horrors of that day, while praying for the safety and release of the 48 remaining hostages still in Gaza at the time.In addition to the...

Tidewater teen attends BBYO summer program

Tidewater teen attends BBYO summer program

International Kallah is where BBYO members from across the globe come together to explore their Jewish identity and learn about their shared Jewish heritage, all while enjoying adventures in a beautiful camp setting. It takes place for 20 days during the summer at the...

Mike Goldsmith, security expert, speaks with seniors

Mike Goldsmith, security expert, speaks with seniors

The online world can be confusing and scary for people of all ages. That is why on Wednesday, Sept. 17, Secure Community Network’s Regional Security Advisor for Tidewater, Mike Goldsmith, spoke with the JCC Senior’s Club about recognizing common scams. Protecting...

Beth El celebrates 175 years

Saturday, November 8, 7 pm Congregation Beth El will celebrate 175 years of Jewish life in Tidewater with an evening featuring music, food, drinks, and highlights of the past 175 years – as well as insights into the future.   This evening is for celebrating...

Luncheon honoring Hebrew Ladies Society 

Sunday, January 11 Ohef Sholom Temple Jewish Family Service will host a special luncheon to celebrate the remarkable legacy of the Hebrew Ladies Society of Tidewater. Established in 1902, this pioneering group of women laid the foundation for what would later become...

Thanksgiving Drive

Friday, November 21 10 am – 12 pmSandler Family Campus Jewish Family Service will host its annual Thanksgiving Drive the Friday prior to the holiday, offering people in need to pick up a free Thanksgiving meal through its drive-up pantry.   To volunteer to help...

Knots for Kindness

Tuesdays, 10 am -12 pm Sandler Family Campus Every other Thursday 10 – 12 pm, Aviva A combined knitting and crocheting group, Knots for Kindness is open to beginners and experienced makers alike. All are welcome. All projects — scarves, lap blankets, and full-sized...

Lawrence E. Bress

VIRGINIA BEACH - Lawrence Edward “Larry” Bress passed away peacefully on October 9, 2025, in Virginia Beach, Virginia.  Born in Norfolk on November 26, 1942, to Lewis and Bertha Bress, Larry was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother whose warmth,...

Bettie Minette Cooper

NORFOLK - With profound sadness, we announce that Bettie Minette Cooper, age 87, died on October 14, 2025. Minette was born on December 23, 1937, in New York City, N.Y. to Louis Leyens Switzer and Bettie Kleisdorf Switzer. She was raised in a family that valued music,...

Marsha Hirschler

VIRGINIA BEACH - Marsha Hirschler, 80, passed away at her home surrounded by family, on October 7, 2025.  She was preceded in death by her father, Jack Thornton, Sr., mother, Ruth Thornton, and brother, Jack Thornton, II. Born in West Virginia, Marsha grew up in...

Samuel Sandler

NORFOLK - Samuel Sandler, 59, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on December 7, 1966, to Jack and Jacqueline Sandler, Samuel grew up in a home filled with warmth, humor, and strong family values. He will be remembered...

George Walter Stein

VIRGINIA BEACH - With profound sadness and deep love, we announce the passing of George Walter Stein on October 7, 2025, at the age of 83.  George was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, and valued friend to many. George is preceded in death by his...

Biased reporting in the media

Editor: Ever since Oct.7, 2023 this country (and around the world) has seen a strong upsurge in antisemitism.  Much of this originates with right-wing white supremacists and the left Muslim pro-Palestinian sectors.  But a large contingent also comes from...

2025 Virginia General Election Jewish Voters’ Guide

The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of Greater Washington and Washington Jewish Week produced this Virginia General Election Jewish Voters’ Guide for the 2025 statewide races. The candidates running for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General...

Charlotte Cooper Corey

NORFOLK - Charlotte Cooper Corey, some knew her as ‘CHICK,” has gone ‘Home” to dance once again with her beloved husband, Donald Leigh Corey.  She was 92 when she passed and often spoke of what a wonderful life she had. She was anxious to join her friends and...

Robert P. James

PORTSMOUTH - Robert P. James, 87, passed away on August 25, 2025.  Robert was born in Portsmouth, Va. He retired as a school bus driver after many years of service. He leaves to cherish his memories his only child, Nakita James, who will miss him dearly.  A...

Ariel Joel Lazier

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. - Ari Lazier passed away unexpectedly on September 26, 2025.  He was born in Norfolk, Va., to his loving parents, Jay and Nancy Lazier. He was 44 years old. He was a brilliant and voraciously energetic man who lived those years with...

Jewish Book Festival 2025

For more than 40 years, this annual celebration of Jewish writers, books, and ideas has brought together bold voices and fresh perspectives.  From Israel and her neighbors to Jewish tradition, from comedy to cuisine, from telling history to telling YOUR story, there...

Hope and joy in 5786

As we enter this High Holiday season of reflection and renewal together, I am reminded that these holidays invite us to pause, look inward, and reconnect—with our traditions, our communities, and with our loved ones. This year, more than ever, we are reminded of the...

Locals celebrate Sukkot in their home sukkah 

Sukkot – also known as the Feast of Tabernacles or Feast of Booths – celebrates the fall harvest and commemorates the Israelites’ 40 years of wandering in the desert after their Exodus from Egypt. The week-long Jewish festival is celebrated by building, dwelling, and...

A Bissel of Yiddish | A bissel of Yiddish for Yom Kippur

A combination of High German and Hebrew, Yiddish is a language historically spoken by Ashkenazi Jews.  In Tidewater, the Yiddish Club is embracing Yiddish culture, language, and history with music, film, poetry, and literature at its monthly meetings. For...

Sukkot 5786

Jewish Tidewater celebrates Sukkot with an array of events throughout the region. All listings are open to the public.  Chabad of Tidewater Community Sukkot Dinner and Dessert in the Sukkah   Monday, October 6, 7:30 pm Suggested donation $18/person RSVP:...