Jewish News VA

Archives

Launch of Lev Sara Bikur Cholim

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

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year, she noticed that BBYO’s digital presence on United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s website was both buried and outdated.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...

Dream Doctors bring humanity in action to Tidewater

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

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

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...

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...