To our beloved Jewish Community: We support the nation of Israel—or any nation—in defending its citizens from massive terrorist attacks. We reject any form of antisemitism as unbiblical. We bless the nation of Israel and Jews worldwide. We believe what God wrote in...
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Special Section: Retirement (January 2024)
Virginia Jewish Advocacy Day: Lobby and Meet State Leaders
Kirk Levy Over the past three months, most of us in the Jewish community have been affected by events in Israel, rallies in the streets both here and abroad, and antisemitism on college campuses. We’ve questioned what can be done to show support for Israel and ensure...
JDC Names Tidewater’s Annie Sandler president
Terri Denison The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), the leading Jewish humanitarian aid organization, announced that Tidewater’s Annie Sandler — a noted Jewish, civic, and global philanthropic leader— is its new president, following a unanimous vote...
New year, new director, new programs for BBYO
Stephanie Peck The new school year began for BBYO with a new Tidewater city director, Evan Gordon. Forty teens are registered between the two chapters, OD (AZA for the boys) and Simcha (BBG for the girls). Last fall, BBYO Tidewater held two events to begin their year....
International Holocaust Remembrance Day is January 27, 2024
Elka Mednick As Holocaust denial and antisemitism continue to spread at alarming rates, International Holocaust Remembrance Day provides an opportunity to learn and reflect upon this important event that connects in so many ways to the present environment. The United...
TJF’s 2023 Annual Report: Building today for a secure tomorrow
Charlie Nusbaum As chair of Tidewater Jewish Foundation’s board, I am proud to present our 2023 Annual Report, which is inserted in this edition of Jewish News. Unfathomable events have taken place globally over the past year, with the crisis and war in Israel...
PJ Library in Tidewater helps families gather with friends for Jewish-themed events
Sarah Cooper Tidewater residents are discovering the joy of celebrating Jewish values and culture through PJ Library Get Together grants. Many know that PJ Library sends free, award-winning books that celebrate Jewish values and culture to families with children from...
Amy Weinstein joins Tidewater Jewish Foundation as development strategist
Staff report A seasoned professional in the field of philanthropy and development, Amy Weinstein is rejoining Tidewater Jewish Foundation’s team as its development strategist in March. “Amy’s return to TJF marks a significant milestone for us,” says Naomi Limor Sedek,...
How Do They Get It So Wrong?
Noach Gruen Why was it so hard for the university presidents of Harvard, Penn, and MIT to offer the most obvious directive of safety and stability to students of all faiths? How did college campuses become such tense places for Jewish students? I think the answer goes...
Martin Brenner
Jewish News: Where were you educated? Martin Brenner: I graduated from Granby High School and then went to University of Georgia where I received a degree in business administration. JN: What was your work history? Did you work anywhere besides Spertner Jewelers? MB:...
Laurie Goldsticker, MD
Jewish News: Where were you educated? Dr. Laurie Goldsticker: I spent my undergraduate years exploring the grounds of University of Virginia before attending graduate school at the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond. JN: What was your work history? LG: I was...
Herman Shelanski, Vice Admiral, USN Retired
Jewish News: Where were you educated? Herman Shelanski, Vice Admiral, USN Retired: I have a Bachelor of Arts in Molecular, Cellular and Development Biology from University of Colorado at Boulder. I also have a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering and Space...
Steve Wohlgemuth, MD
Jewish News: Where were you educated? Dr. Steve Wohlgemuth: I received my Bachelor of Science in biology from University of Connecticut in 1976. In 1979, I graduated from University of South Carolina with a master’s degree in marine biology. I then went to medical...
Charitable giving and financial planning in 2024
Scott R. Saal The New Year is always a time to reflect, as well as to start planning for the year ahead. As we consider financial plans in 2024, we encourage clients to consider the charitable impact they hope to make. Of course, many of us know the cornerstones of a...
Rebecca Koltun’s art creates positivity, joy, and customers
Stephanie Peck Through MadebyMouth on Etsy, Rebecca Koltun has sold approximately 200 unique pieces of art. Etsy is an online site where sellers list their handmade items and buyers find something unique to purchase. It is also where Koltun’s stellar, 5-star reviews...
Keiliim mikvah for new vessels and utensils now open
Etsy Gruen It’s been a dream for many in Tidewater, and now it is a reality. Judaism invests in the mundane activity of eating with kedusha, special sanctity. . . eating kosher food, with the table upon which the food is eaten representing the holy altar, the...
Israel Connection Club connects in area homes
Nofar Trem United Jewish Federation of Tidewater is taking Israel Club on the road with Shinshinim Naomi Friedland and Maya Ostrov bringing their love and knowledge of all things Israel directly to area families’ homes. During Israel Connection Club, participants...
Third grade scientists take on oil spills
Ally St. Pierre At Strelitz International Academy, students become International Baccalaureate® learners starting as early as six weeks old. A huge part of an IB® education is the IB® Learner Profile Traits, which include being principled, open minded, an inquirer,...
Camp JCC: Where fun happens all year
Dave Flagler Another successful winter break camp wrapped up last month, concluding a fun-filled 2023 for Camp JCC. Covering two weeks of private school and public school closures, campers enjoyed winter themed crafts, indoor games, STEM projects, culinary creations...
Norfolk artist Rick Seguso’s painting, KLEZMER for the JOYFUL SOUL, on exhibit at Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts
Exhibit runs through Saturday, Feb. 3 Nearly 60 local writers and artists have been paired together for the Suffolk Center for the Cultural Arts’ exhibit, “Everyone Has a Story.” Rick Seguso, an artist, musician, and singer/songwriter, was inspired by an essay on...
A Night in Casablanca . . . the beginning of a beautiful evening at Temple Emanuel
Saturday, February 3, 7 pm, Temple Emanuel Stephanie Adler Calliott “Round up the usual suspects” and head to the oceanfront for a great “Night in Casablanca.” From music to casino games and horse racing to great food and drink, everyone will want to be at Temple...
Stars Among Us: The Holocaust Commission’s new podcast
Elka Mednick The Stars Among Us podcast, a collaboration between The Holocaust Commission of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and WHRO, offers a compelling exploration of the lives of Holocaust survivors and liberators. The podcast features excerpted sections...
Lewis Greenhouse
VIRGINIA BEACH - Lewis A. Greenhouse, 88, passed away December 20. A graveside service was held at Forest Lawn Cemetery. Altmeyer Funeral Home.
Toby Ann Grim
VIRGINA BEACH - Toby Ann Grim, 76, passed away on December 6. Born on May 12, 1947, Toby was the beloved daughter of Beatrice and David Alpert. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Marvin and Norman Alpert, her daughter Bonnie Ungar Dowdy, her...
Barbara Joy Helfant
VIRGINIA BEACH - Barbara Joy Helfant, 94, passed away on December 10. Besides her parents, the late Murray and Fanny Wacke, Barbara was preceded in death by her loving husband, Seymour, with whom she ran off and eloped when she was only 18. They remained married until...