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 Numbers 24:9: “Whoever blesses Israel will be blessed, and whoever curses Israel will be cursed.”

Signed:

Pastor Archie Callahan
Pastor Emeritus Clinton Brown
Pastor James Smith
Pastor Chris Amos
Pastor James R. Boyd
Pastor Bruce E. Vann
The Rev. Dr. Marty O’Rourke
Pastor Nile Gomez
Rev. Marlin Sharp
Dr. Daniel B. Goff
Pastor Rich Pickens
Pastor Jimmy Flaskey
Pastor Kevin Beggs
Pastor Todd Woolston
Rev. Todd Woolston
Rev. Dr. Eric R. McCaskill
Gary Hamrick
Liane Ridley
Trina Olson Keeny
Pastor Bob Fox
Dr. Joseph Umidi
Rev. Neverette Yarbough
Pastor Jonathan Carpenter
Bishop Anne N. Gimenez
Bishop E.W. Jackson, Sr.
Rev. Carlos Frias
Ronald J. Atkinson, Jr
Dr. Lynn Hardaway
Rev. Moses David
Rev. Ray Boetcher

Bridge Church, Virginia Beach
First BAPTIST CHURCH BOWLING BROOK
Lampstand Christian
Chr1st Fellowship Church – Norfolk
Seed of Faith Ministries Virginia Beach
Rivers of Life Fellowship Church
Church of the Messiah, Chesapeake
Church of the Messiah, Chesapeake
Freedom Mentoring
Calvary Assembly of God, Virginia Beach, Virginia
Rich Pickens Ministries, Virginia Beach
True Vine Baptist Church
Crossfire Ministries, Norfolk
Real Life Church, Virginia Beach
Christians United for Israel
Alpha & Omega Network of Ministries, Hampton
Roman Catholic Leader in New Creation Community, Chesapeake
Malchut Chayim (Kingdom Life Messianic Congregation)
Director of Sonrise Ministry, Virginia Beach
757 Church
Regent University Dean, Virginia Beach
Harvest Ministries, Yorktown
Exmore Baptist Church
Rock Church International, Virginia Beach
The Called Church
Iglesia Libres Para Adorar
YESUHA Transformational City
Blackwater Baptist Church, Virginia Beach
ForeRunner Ministries
The River Room Church

May the peace and power of God protect and fill Israel today and always,

Bob Fox

We’ve questioned what can be done to show support for Israel and ensure that the United States remains a safe refuge from the overt discrimination that has been afflicted upon Jews throughout history.

An opportunity to do all of this exists with Virginia Jewish Advocacy Day, also known as Date with the State.

A delegation from Tidewater will head to the State Capitol to meet with groups from the Peninsula, Richmond, and Northern Virginia. Once there, partcipants will break into smaller groups and then meet with members of the Virginia Senate and House of Delegates to discuss issues of importance to local Jewish communities.

Some of the issues on the table for this year’s Virginia Jewish Advocacy Day include combatting antisemitism, maintaining security funding for Jewish institutions, and making sure the Virginia Israel Advisory Board continues to help Israeli companies build and grow their U.S. operations.

Last year at Date with the State, the Jewish communities in Virginia were especially fortunate to hear from the trifecta of Governor Glenn Youngkin, Lt. Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, and Attorney General Jason Miyares. All of them are expected to again take time out of their busy schedules to address the delegations over a statewide Jewish community lunch.

To work with the Jewish Community Relations Council to prepare for the community’s annual visit to the General Assembly for Virginia Jewish Advocacy Day and/or to attend, visit JewishVA.org/DWTS or contact Julie Kievit at JKievit@ujft.org or 757-965-6110.

$54 helps defray the cost of lunch and transportation. Registration is required by January 29.

Kirk Levy is Legislative Action Committee chair for the Jewish Community Relations Council of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater.

Sandler has served on JDC’s board since 2012, most recently as a vice president. Her involvement in Jewish life and global humanitarian relief efforts is informed by extensive global travel and her flagship work revitalizing Jewish life in Romania and bolstering and innovating Israel’s social service sector for more than 20 years.

“I am honored to be trusted to lead this incredible organization during this tumultuous time in the world—a time when it is needed more than ever! I have watched JDC tirelessly serve communities in distress across the globe, from Ukraine to Israel, and it has only reinforced my passion for its timeless work on behalf of the Jewish people,” says Sandler.
Tidewater’s Jewish community, she says, “absolutely” influenced her commitment and drive to work with JDC. “Our community has been there for all the most important upheavals in recent Jewish history.”

“I had never been to Israel until after I got married,” she says. Her first trip there was a United Jewish Federation of Tidewater mission in 1984. With each subsequent visit – including many JDC trips around the world with her husband, Art – all which featured site visits to witness the impacts of the programs Tidewater supported, Sandler says her desire to be more actively involved grew. “To see immigrant populations actually being served was extremely impactful.”

The sense of “being a Jew, religiously, and part of a people resonates with her,” says Art Sandler. On her own, he says, she became a Bat Mitzvah.
“Annie and I have been involved with JDC over 30 years. No one is more qualified than Annie to serve as president. Her passion and commitment for Jewish peoplehood, for ruach, is second to none. She lives it, is ready for the challenge and is recognized by her board as the person for the time,” he says.

Touting Annie Sandler’s leadership style as “committed to collegiality,” Art says she is good at listening to others, which brings people and the organization together.

“I am excited to continue working closely with the JDC’s professional leadership and my board colleagues to further the organization’s exceptional work in creating a Jewish future that is strong and resilient for our children, grandchildren, and all who follow in our footsteps,” says Annie Sandler.

A passionate champion of the Jewish people and Israel, Sandler begins her tenure as JDC’s president after decades of senior volunteer leadership positions at local, national, and international agencies. Among these are organizations in her home community, including United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, Hebrew Academy of Tidewater, Simon Family JCC, and as a founding member of the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts. Sandler was a recipient of the Virginia Beach Education Association’s Whole Village Award and named one of the Influential Women of Virginia. She is also the proud mother of four children and grandchildren.

Sandler serves on the board of the Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies, the Commonwealth of Virginia Commission to Combat Antisemitism, and is a fellow of the Hadassah-Brandeis Institute, where she was a founder and president. She has been deeply involved with the Jewish Federation system over the years, especially in roles with JFNA’s National Women’s Philanthropy, as a Lion of Judah, and one of the first recipients of the Kipnis-Wilson Friedland Award. Sandler previously served on the board of the New York City Ballet Choreography Institute and was a founder of Project Healthy Minds.

“Our Tidewater Jewish community has worked with JDC for many years to help countless individuals and communities in Israel, Eastern Europe, and elsewhere around the world. The Tidewater/JDC partnership is a special one and we are so lucky to have Annie now at the helm,” says Betty Ann Levin, executive vice president/CEO, UJFT. “She cares so deeply about the Jewish people – really ALL people – and jumps in to immediately lend a hand, and support, whatever is needed, wherever it is needed, without hesitation.”

“We are fortunate to have someone as passionate as Annie to take the role of JDC president. Her love of our global work, her leadership in so many roles over the years, her time in the field—all are truly extraordinary!” says JDC CEO Ariel Zwang. “I am confident she will serve as a strong leader as all of us work together to navigate multiple international humanitarian crises impacting the Jewish people, Israel, and the global rise in antisemitism.”

“It has always been my honor to represent us (Tidewater),” says Sandler. “I didn’t get there on my own. . . I got there through Tidewater.”

Last fall, BBYO Tidewater held two events to begin their year. The first, a pool party, was held in September at the home of the Nied family. Although inclement weather almost cancelled the event, the evening prevailed with s’mores served and new eighth and ninth graders meeting older members. In October, Tidewater’s BBYO members hoped to join the Peninsula BBYO for an evening at Top Golf. Due to a scheduling conflict, however, only Tidewater teens were able to attend.

Other events in the fall included an OD fundraiser car wash (to raise money for the chapter and for Israel), a Simcha pumpkin-decorating activity, and an OD Sunday football watch-along.

On Friday, Dec. 8, Global Shabbat took place on the Sandler Family Campus. Global Shabbat is a worldwide BBYO effort created to offer “a diverse array of thoughtful programming designed to bring the community together around the strength that Shabbat brings to our communities.” BBYO teens lit Hanukkah and Shabbat candles, had a pot-luck dinner, socialized, and competed in an impromptu, girls versus boys, basketball game.

Gordon says that COVID caused the loss of some active members, when four BBYO chapters were combined to two. “My goal is to drive-up interest in BBYO and make it more known in Tidewater,” he says.

“I’m looking at partnerships with other Jewish organizations to help promote the excitement of BBYO.”

The United Nations General Assembly designated January 27 — the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau — as International Holocaust Remembrance Day. This day is a time to honor the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust, as well as millions of other victims, including Roma, disabled individuals, and political dissidents who suffered and perished under the Nazi regime. The day serves to ensure that the memories of those who who were lost and those who survived are honored each year.

International Holocaust Remembrance Day is also a reminder of the importance of educating future generations about the history of the Holocaust and the dangers of hatred, prejudice, and discrimination. It presents an opportunity for people worldwide to reflect on past atrocities and reaffirm their commitment to promoting human rights, tolerance, and understanding.

There are a number of ways to acknowledge the significance of International Holocaust Remembrance Day and learn the lessons of the Holocaust, including reading a section in the Holocaust Commission’s To Life: The Past is Present, listening to an episode of the podcast, Stars Among Us, visiting the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum or the Virginia Holocaust Museum, and encouraging a student to enter the Elie Wiesel Writing and Visuals Arts Competition.

To learn more about International Holocaust Remembrance Day, visit https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/international-holocaust-remembrance-day.

To learn more about the Holocaust Commission of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, visit www.holocaustcommission.org.

Unfathomable events have taken place globally over the past year, with the crisis and war in Israel standing at the forefront. Despite the lack of warning, the strength and resilience of our community were apparent. The strategic planning and financial stewardship of our donors, combined with the success of our engagement activities and programs, positioned us favorably to respond to needs arising from this conflict. Our proactive approach to fund development and allocation has proven vital, enabling us to offer significant support and humanitarian aid where it is most needed.

Along with the remarkable generosity of our donor community, TJF’s board members’ guidance have been essential in steering our strategic decisions towards such positive outcomes. In addition, TJF’s dedicated team of professionals works tirelessly with our donors to facilitate legacy and gift planning. Their expertise and personalized approach ensure that every contribution not only meets today’s immediate needs, but also secures a lasting impact for future generations. Through these combined efforts, we are creating a strong, interconnected Jewish community, both locally and around the world.

Within TJF’s Annual Report, you’ll discover narratives of impact and generosity, of hope, and of the enduring legacy of our actions. These stories illustrate the transformative power of unity and shared commitment to the future of Jewish life and culture.

I invite you to delve into this report, to draw inspiration from our collective achievements, and to envision the future we can build together.
With ongoing community support, we can continue to make a significant impact, ensuring a world where Jewish life, culture, and people are not only safeguarded but flourish.

Charlie Nusbaum is chair of Tidewater Jewish Foundation’s board.

“We had a Hanukkah get together on the third night,” says Lindsey Aftel. “It was a fun evening and something we have been doing for years. We made Hanukkah cookies, latkes, played games, and had a delicious dinner. Ari even played I had a little Dreidel on the piano.”

Get togethers can be anything from traditional Shabbat dinners to Jewish book clubs and playdates with other Jewish families. Last year, local requests included hosting a sleep-away camp style Shabbat, a Shabbat pizza party, gathering with Jewish families to celebrate simchas, milestones, and accomplishments, and a Havdalah service with crafts and games for the kids. The grants aim to enhance and elevate these gatherings.

Rochelle Aviv took advantage of PJ Library expanding the grant to allow families to invite non-Jewish friends and neighbors to participate in the gathering. “We had some neighbors who were inter-
ested in learning more about Hanukkah, so we invited them over to celebrate with us! We had latkes, sufganiyot, and lots of dreidel and play time for the kids.”

“Our main goal is to build community by giving people the incentive to do something Jewish they may not have done otherwise,” says Sierra Lautman, senior director of Jewish Innovation at United Jewish Federation of Tidewater. “If they were already planning to get together, they can make it extra special with the $100 grant.”

1. Families may apply up to three times before June 7, 2024. The process is:
2. Submit an online application detailing your Get Together plans with at least two other families.
3. Once approved, host your event within three to five days.
4. Complete a simple online report sharing details on your Get Together event.

Visit PJLibrary.org/GetTogether to apply for the grant or get ideas for celebrating holidays, hosting get-togethers, and creating unique experiences. Contact Sarah Cooper at Scooper@UJFT.org for more information.

“Amy’s return to TJF marks a significant milestone for us,” says Naomi Limor Sedek, TJF’s president and CEO.

“Her profound connection to the Jewish
community and her exceptional fund-raising, development, and community relations skills are invaluable assets. We are confident that her contributions will greatly impact the growth and sustainability of our Jewish legacy.”

When Weinstein served as TJF’s director of development, 2015 – 2017, she was responsible for developing the Foundation’s relationships with affiliates to cultivate, solicit, and steward planned giving donors and prospective donors, regionally and nationwide. Recently, she volunteered as a member of TJF’s Strategic Planning Task Force and has been instrumental in shaping the strategic roadmap. In her new role as development strategist, Weinstein will capitalize on this experience, driving TJF’s vision for a sustainable Jewish future.

As the development strategist, Weinstein will help shape the Foundation’s multi-generational endowment development plan, including teen philanthropy, LIFE & LEGACY, and Jewish Future Pledge programs. She will steward the organization’s planned giving program, communicating its benefits to affiliated agencies, donors, and prospects.

“Rejoining TJF in a strategic capacity is a true honor,” says Weinstein. “The opportunity to contribute to the Jewish community in such a meaningful way is incredibly fulfilling. I am eager to bring my experience and passion to this role, and I look forward to working with the team to achieve our ambitious goals.”

Weinstein most recently served as vice president of marketing and development for Beth Sholom Village. She is a past president of the Association of Fundraising Professionals-Hampton Roads, was director of development at Eggleston, and was the director of the Young Adult Division at United Jewish Federation of Tidewater. Weinstein holds a Master of Social Work from University of Pennsylvania and a graduate certificate of Jewish Communal Service from Gratz College. In 2015, she received her Certified Fund-Raising Executive designation.

How did college campuses become such tense places for Jewish students?

I think the answer goes beyond antisemitism, although there definitely is plenty of that (especially considering most donors lack Ross Stevens’ backbone).

To get a clearer picture of the ethical failures of secondary and tertiary education, it would be instructive to contrast it with traditional Jewish education.

Traditional Jewish education celebrates and perpetuates values received by Hashem at Sinai. Religious Jewish students, as a whole, are proud of their heritage.
By contrast, many elements of so-called higher education look to jar the public’s sense of right and wrong with avant-garde cause célèbres. The unspoken philosophy of the “new normal” is:Old is dead. Traditional values are boring.

We, with the wisdom of high-brow ivory tower training, have discovered ethical causes no one but us have the sophistication to appreciate.

The moralistic veneer of these counter-culture messages has a certain appeal. But unfortunately, they reveal a hopelessly hypocritical weltanschauung.

Let’s assume that the “hot” causes (like alternative energy sources, Palestinian nationhood, etc.) are legitimate efforts to invest in.

But why not also emphasize being nice to your mother?

Why constantly reaffirm tolerance of some, yet stand idly by as peaceful Hasidic Jews in Brooklyn are verbally and physically harassed?

Why protest belligerently against Israel’s “war crimes” and not protest the chemical warfare, ethnic cleansings, etc. that Bashar al-Assad visits upon hundreds of thousands of Syrians?

Universities have the right, even obligation, to broadcast awareness of moral causes to the global community. But when they largely ignore other egregious moral catastrophes, they are revealed as, at best, hypocritical, if not clearly antisemitic.

I am proud to teach Torah to my young charges in Portsmouth. In my classroom, like thousands of Torah classrooms around the world, we teach the classic pillars of our faith: Torah study, lovingkindness, and service of G-d. The pictures of great rabbinical figures hanging on the walls serve as a springboard to recount special stories of their sensitivity and righteous dedication to G-d and His people. They are the heroes in my classroom, not pop-culture celebrities.

To restore society’s faith in the moral compass of university education, the global college community must promote kindness and tolerance for every cause, including one’s own family or religious Jews – and do so as fiercely as they do for Palestinians in Gaza.

I’ll put my money on traditional Jewish education.

Rabbi Noach Gruen, MSEd, a Ghent resident, teaches Torah at Toras Chaim in Portsmouth.