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A Bissel of Yiddish

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

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...

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:...

Hebrew Ladies Charity Society to be honored at luncheon 

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

JFS preparing for Thanksgiving Drive

Friday, November 21, 10 am – 12 pm Jewish Family Service will host its annual Thanksgiving Drive at the Sandler Family Campus when community members in need can pick up a free Thanksgiving meal through its drive-up pantry.   Those who wish to volunteer to help...

Chanukah Gift Drive launch

Begins Friday, October 31  Jewish Family Service is launching its annual Chanukah Gift Drive to support families in need this holiday season.  Beginning October 31, JFS will begin accepting donations of gifts and monetary contributions. The deadline is...

Birdie Glanzer Brundage

BOCA RATON, FLORIDA - Birdie Glanzer Brundage, 95, beloved mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, passed away on September 3, 2025.  Born March 28, 1930, in New York City to Dr. Joseph and Helen Weiser Glanzer, she graduated from the Birch Wathen School and...

Larry W. Dobrinsky

NORFOLK - It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of Larry Wallis Dobrinsky, who passed away on September 7, 2025, at the age of 85.  Larry was a native of Norfolk, where he graduated from Maury High School. He lived in Norfolk most of his life and only...