Jewish News VA

Archives

AJC responds to election of Zohran Mamdani

AJC responds to election of Zohran Mamdani

The day following the election of Zohran Mamdani as mayor of New York City, Ted Deutch, CEO of American Jewish Committee, distributed the following email.  The world’s attention is focused on New York City with Zohran Mamdani winning the mayoral election, and I...

Rabbi Dr. Israel Zoberman turns 80

Rabbi Dr. Israel Zoberman turns 80

Celebrating his 80th birthday this month, Rabbi Israel Zoberman has packed a lot into his eight decades – including living on three continents. Tidewater has been his home since 1981.  Born on November 12, 1945, in Chu, Kazakhstan to Polish Holocaust survivors,...

Scolnick raises nearly $8,000 in 10 minutes 

Scolnick raises nearly $8,000 in 10 minutes 

Henry Scolnick gave a speech at this year’s Annual Aid Another Gala, an event sponsored by Aid Another, an organization founded to promote and empower individuals with disabilities through dance, music, art, educational assistance, recreational activities, and sports....

A Bissel of Yiddish

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

Be a hero in minutes. Simon Family JCC Annual Blood Drive

November 24, 2025, 11:00 AM–3:45 PM: Join the Simon Family JCC and Red Cross in the Jaffe Gymnasium, 5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Virginia Beach, for a lifesaving blood drive.  Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood, and one donation can save up to...

Sally Segal Adler

VIRGINIA BEACH - Sally Adler was a force of nature — ahead of her time, deeply informed, and an inspiration to all who knew her. She will be remembered for her warmth, hospitality, and extraordinary culinary skills, as well as her tireless devotion to community causes...

Roger Allen Bress

NORFOLK - Roger Allen Bress, 65, passed away peacefully on October 28, 2025, surrounded by the family who adored him — a circle of love he built, nurtured, and protected his entire life. Born on February 22, 1960, to Phillip and Sondra M. Bress (Cohen), Roger filled...

Irene Ann (Renee) Fritsch

SARASOTA, Florida - Renee Fritsch passed away after a brief illness on October 28, 2025, at age 93. Renee and her beloved husband Bob celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary in June, and their life together was transformative. Renee grew up in the Catskills in...

Sandra Jean Smith

ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. - Sandra Jean Deziel Smith, age 73, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, died at Sentara Albemarle Medical Center, on October 14, 2025.  Born in Minneapolis, Minn., on August 2, 1952, to the late Frederick T. Deziel and Dorothy A. Johnson...

Phyllis Wallach Steen

VIRGINIA BEACH - Phyllis Steen passed away peacefully the morning of October 24, 2025, after a long illness.  Earlier that week, she told her caregiver she was tired and wanted to “go be with Harvey,” her husband of 69 years whom she lost unexpectedly in...

Jewish Artists of the Past

Legacy 2025 L’ Dor V’Dor – From Generation to Generation Opening: December 6, 6:30 pm Sandler Family Campus Talk: Sunday, November 16, 4 pm Jewish Museum and Cultural Center Legacy 2025: Hampton Roads Jewish Artists of the Past arrives at the Simon Family Jewish...

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

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...

Local firm has wide reach when purchasing investment properties 

Cohen Investment Group (CIG) is a privately owned commercial real estate investment firm specializing in multifamily apartments and self-storage properties.  The firm’s strategy is to identify and acquire well-located real estate assets below replacement cost...

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

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,...