Virginia Beach—Leo S. Simon passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his family on Thursday, May 14, 2020 after a short illness. Leo was born November 17, 1927 in Norfolk, Va. to the late Sol Simon and Dora Chadwick Simon and spent most of his life in Hampton...
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Lois Lowenberg Snyder
Richmond—Lois Lowenberg Snyder, 95, passed away on Saturday, May 23, 2020 in Richmond, Va. Born in Norfolk, she was the daughter of the late David and Miriam Goodman Lowenberg. She was preceded in death by her husband, Julius J. Snyder, M.D. and her brother, Lt. David...
Thelma Saunders Steingold
Norfolk—Thelma Steingold, 93, was born in Norfolk and raised in the Ghent/West Ghent area. She was the daughter of Isaac and Rose Saunders, immigrants who were devoted, life-long members of Congregation Beth El. After living in Florida for many years, she returned to...
Prominent AIDS activist Larry Kramer
Larry Kramer, one of the most important figures in the history of LGBTQ activism and a writer, died on Wednesday, May 27. Kramer, who wrote the semi-autobiographical play A Normal Heart, died in Manhattan of pneumonia, his husband, David Webster, confirmed to the New...
Dolores Bartel
Virginia Beach—We are saddened by the passing of Dolores Bartel on May 7, 2020, after fighting a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Dolores was born in Miami Beach, Fla., the daughter of George and Alice Norris. She graduated from Miami Beach High and attended the...
Rita Semel Cohen
Norfolk—Rita Semel Cohen 86, of Norfolk, died May 16, 2020 at Beth Sholom Home in Virginia Beach. Born in Syracuse, New York she was the daughter of the late Jack Semel and Sarah Coplon Semel. Rita was a graduate of Maury High School and attended Syracuse University....
Jewish Family Service launches Past Presidents Society
Eleven former Jewish Family Service presidents convened at the home of Beth and Nathan Jaffe last month to show their support for JFS and to reconnect with like-minded agency leaders. The first annual Past Presidents Lunch launched this new society of leadership...
Matching Gift Programs ensure donations matter even more
Two matching gift programs are currently in place that give new or increased donations to the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater a higher monetary value. The programs translate into the community having a greater impact on improving the lives of Jews in Tidewater,...
Grant allows Special Needs children to get religious education
In January, Ohef Sholom Temple will launch an innovative program designed specifically to make Jewish education accessible and tailored to children with special needs. “We believe that v’shinantam l’vanecha, you shall teach your children, refers to all children,” says...
Revitalized Synagogue-Federation Partnership strengthens community
Jewish communities across the United States are grappling with the reality of dwindling synagogue memberships, struggling or shuttered JCCs, shrinking Day School enrollment and little opportunity for Jewish culture, education and interaction. This area is not immune...
What is Chanukah?
Chanukah stands out from all other Jewish festivals for many reasons. It is unique in its position as a dated festival; its origins clearly marked in history as the revolt against the Greek Syrian King Antiochus and the victory of the Hasmoneans. The events leading up...
Operation Pillar of Defense: Lessons learned
(JTA) – As Israel and Hamas mostly stilled their guns after reaching a cease-fire agreement, ending eight days of intense bombardment, both sides took home some new lessons about their foes. By firing longer-range rockets capable of reaching Jerusalem and Tel Aviv,...
Morris M. Elstein, MD: Witnessing miracles
As an OBGYN, Morris Elstein helped many infants enter into this world, placing them into the loving arms of their parents. He believes every delivery was an opportunity for him to witness God’s work. Born in Augusta, Ga. on May 11, 1951, Elstein’s mother’s family came...
Dr. Norman Tavss
Danville—Dr. Norman Tavss, 92, of the 200 block of Oakwood Circle, died Thursday, Nov. 16, 2012. He was a native of Norfolk and was the son of the late Mathew and Frieda Katz Tavss. He was a Navy veteran of World War II, having served as a wartime executive officer on...
Ferdinand Bernard Spieker
Clairemont Calif.—Ferdinand Bernard Spieker, 82, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012. Ferd was born in Baltimore, Md. on May 23, 1930. After serving in the Army during the Korean War, he moved to San Diego with his bride, Joan, in 1953 and has...
Martha Klaff Robbins
Norfolk—Martha Klaff Robbins, 90, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012 in Lake Taylor Transitional Care Hospital. Martha was born in Norfolk, Va. on Feb. 19, 1922 to Harry and Rae Klaff. She was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Manuel (Buddy). Martha is...
Bevalan Cohen Rafal
Chesapeake—Bevalan Cohen Rafal, 83, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012 surrounded by her loving family. Born in the Berkley section of Norfolk, she was the daughter of the late Ben and Anna Cohen. She was a founding member of Temple Israel in Norfolk, and was...
Jane Hope Stern Beskin
Norfolk—Jane Hope Stern Beskin, 91, a New York City native who made Norfolk her home shortly after the end of World War II, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 11, 2012. She was preceded in death by her rock and husband of 46 years, LeRoy N. Beskin of Norfolk. She is survived...
The Auschwitz Volunteer: Beyond Bravery
The Auschwitz Volunteer: Beyond Bravery Captain Witold Pilecki Translated by Jarek Garlinski Aquila Polonica Publishing, 2012 460 pages, $34.95(paper) ISBN 978-1-60772-010-2 We have been reviewing Holocaust literature for the Jewish News for 29 years; survivor...
Why Do THEY Do That? — A series of understanding
Sundays, Dec. 9 and Jan. 13, 2 pm The Jewish Museum & Cultural Center continues its new series to discuss the many differences in religious cultures, yet similarities. Each event is open to the public and suitable for all ages. Donation of $5 per person. The...
Cary Vaughan and Herb Eilberg
Cary Vaughan and Herb Eilberg of Brooklyn, N.Y. on the birth of their son, Paul Vaughan Eilberg on Sept. 28. Big sister is elated as are grandparents Susan and Jim Eilberg of Norfolk and Dr. Polly and Bill Vaughan of Newcastle, Maine.
Daniel E. Hahn
Daniel E. Hahn, executive chef of Beth Sholom Village who recently obtained his Certified Culinary Administrator® (CCA®) designation. This designation was only possible after a 10-year journey for Hahn. He obtained his initial certification culinary degree and...
Marcia Futterman Brodie
Marcia Futterman Brodie, for becoming director of marketing at Beth Sholom Village. Futterman Brodie has been in sales and marketing for most of her career. For the last five years, she was the marketing director for The Frieden Agency and worked with agents on...
What We Carry
Sunday, Jan. 6, 3 pm In January it will have been a year since the Holocaust Commission’s Speakers’ Bureau was cut in half, when David Katz and Hanns Loewenbach passed away. To try to continue to fulfill its mission of sharing personal survivors’ stories, the...
CRC prepares for Date with the State 2013
Monday, Dec. 10, 12 pm The Community Relations Council of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater invites the community to weigh in on the issues that will be lobbied on in Richmond with the annual Date With the State— Virginia Jewish Advocacy Day on Tuesday, Jan....
Chanukah with an Asian flair for Young Adult Division
Saturday, Dec. 1, 8–11 pm The Young Adult Division of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater is celebrating Chanukah this year with a bash they’re calling “Sushi, Sake, Latke.” Steve Zuckerman, Chanukah Party planning committee co-chair, says “we wanted to do...