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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...

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 Jewish...

Jonathan Zur honoredat ODU’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Observance

The Hugo A. Owens Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Award was presented to Jonathan C. Zur at Old Dominion University’s 41st Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Observance in January. Zur is president and CEO of the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities. Robin Mancoll,...

Bruce Waldholtz to receive a VCIC Tidewater Humanitarian Award

Thursday, March 26, Westin Virginia Beach Town Center The Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities will hold its 62nd annual Tidewater Humanitarian Awards event this month. These awards honor individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to...

Virginia Jewish Advocacy Day highlights bipartisan support

Virginia Jewish Advocacy Day once again brought voices from across the Commonwealth to the State Capitol, underscoring a simple but powerful truth: showing up matters.  Nearing the midpoint of the 2026 General Assembly session, Jewish community members...

Launch of Lev Sara Bikur Cholim

Sunday, March 8, 6 PM 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...

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...