Purim is a holiday filled with joy, costumes, laughter, and of course, mishloach manot — gifts of food shared with friends and neighbors. JFS wanted to be certain those gifts also reached area seniors who may not have family nearby or who are unable to participate in community celebrations.

 To include as many people as possible in this effort, JFS partnered with two congregations and welcomed volunteers to its offices to assist.

During B’nai Israel’s Purim carnival, between the games and festivities, children and families created handmade cards and wrote notes to include in mishloach manot baskets. Watching little hands carefully decorate cards and write messages such as “Happy Purim” and “We are thinking of you” was a beautiful reminder of what Jewish Tidewater is all about.

 At Ohef Sholom Temple’s Purim carnival, JFS staff spoke about the meaning of tzedakah and the important ways Jewish Family Service helps the community every day. JFS staff spoke about how it supports seniors, feeds families facing food insecurity, and cares for the most vulnerable. They also shared how community members can partner with JFS — through volunteering, donating, and acts of kindness — to make a difference in someone’s life.

 At JFS’s office, volunteers assembled the baskets. Tables were filled with hamantaschen and other treats, and the room buzzed with conversation and laughter as community members packed each basket. Every package represented more than just holiday goodies — it carried warmth, kindness, and connection.

 The celebration didn’t stop there. Many dedicated volunteers helped deliver the baskets to seniors throughout Tidewater. For some recipients, the visit was just as meaningful as the treats. Smiles, stories, and even a few tears were shared at doorways and in common rooms.

 Purim reminds of the importance of community, generosity, and taking care of one another. This year, those values came to life in tangible ways. From the children who made cards, to the volunteers who packed and delivered, Jewish Tidewater ensured that no one was forgotten.

Julie Kievit is Jewish Community Services manager for Jewish Family Service.

 Stephanie Peck, JFS president, welcomed guests and set the tone for a gathering centered on gratitude, remembrance, and community pride. From the very beginning, it was clear that this was not only a look back at history, but a celebration of values that continue to guide Jewish life today.

 At the heart of the program was honoring Dorothy Spitalney and Linda Samuels, the last two remaining members of Hebrew Ladies Charity Society. They were presented with tzedakah boxes, a symbol of a lifetime devoted to caring for others. The boxes represented not only their personal commitment, but the countless acts of charity carried out by generations of women who quietly ensured that those in need were never forgotten.

 The room was filled with thoughtful details, such as the tin cans and mason jars filled with flowers and historic photographs that symbolized Jewish Family Service’s long-standing work feeding the hungry, a mission rooted in the same values championed by the Hebrew Ladies Charity Society.

 Each attendee received a white handkerchief as a keepsake, representing the white handkerchiefs the original Hebrew Ladies used to collect spare change to help community members. This powerful symbol reflected the creativity, humility, and determination of the women who found ways to care for others with whatever resources they had.

 The program also included a D’var Torah by Cantor Jen Reuben, grounding the gathering in Jewish tradition and reinforcing the values of tzedakah and communal responsibility that defined the Hebrew Ladies Charity Society from its founding.

 Ellen Hundley gave the keynote address. She spoke about her family’s heritage, sharing the story of her great-grandmother, Fanny Brenner, the first member of Hebrew Ladies Charity Society in 1902 – bringing the organization’s history to life through a personal lens.

 “My great-grandmother didn’t see this as charity—she saw it as responsibility,” Hundley said. “These women showed up for their community in quiet, powerful ways, and their work reminds us that caring for one another is how Jewish life has always been sustained.”

 While the luncheon honored the past, it also looked ahead. Guests were reminded that the Hebrew Ladies Charity Society’s work continues today through Jewish Family Service, and that the legacy of caring for one another lives on through volunteering, generosity, and community involvement.

 To volunteer with Jewish Family Service, donate, or leave a legacy gift, contact Brooke Rush, director of development, at BRUSH@jfshamptonroads.org.

Julie Kievit is Jewish Community Services manager for Jewish Family Service of Tidewater. 

 Guests enjoyed a delicious spread of Hanukkah favorites, including brisket sliders, crispy latkes, and sweet sufganiyot. As plates were filled and candles lit, the room buzzed with warmth and joy. Children eagerly spun dreidels alongside their grandparents, sharing laughter and creating memories that spanned generations.

 The celebration was inclusive and welcoming, with both Jewish and non-Jewish residents eating, celebrating, and learning about the holiday. 

 “This was such a wonderful party and joyous occasion,” says Sara Jo Rubin, Beth Sholom Village board member. “Being able to celebrate Hanukkah at Aviva Pembroke, surrounded by seniors, families, and the broader community, made it incredibly special.”

 The Hanukkah celebration at Aviva Pembroke was more than just a party—it was a reminder of the strength of community partnerships and the light that shines when people come together.

Julie Kievit is Jewish Family Service of Tidewater’s Jewish Community Services manager.

To get involved, contact Julie Kievit, Jewish community services manager, at 757-321-2318 or jkievit@jfshamptonroads.org.

 For years, JFS has hosted a knitting and crocheting group at the Sandler Family Campus, where volunteers have lovingly crafted blankets, hats, and scarves that are distributed to JFS clients during Hanukkah. “At least every day someone tells me they knit—or used to knit—for JFS,” says Emily Krouse, JFS special projects coordinator.  “We realized there was so much interest and community around this project that expanding to Aviva Pembroke just made sense.”

 The first session was a great success, drawing both Aviva residents and volunteers from across the community. Laughter and conversation filled the room as people worked side by side, sharing patterns, stories, and friendship.

Knots of Kindness at Aviva Pembroke will continue to meet on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month, 10:30 am to 12:00 p.m. The original Knots of Kindness group at the Simon Family JCC also continues to meet every Tuesday at 10 am, welcoming both longtime participants and new members. Everyone from the community is invited to join either group, regardless of experience level.

All items created will be donated to Jewish Family Service clients and community members to bring warmth and comfort during the holiday season and beyond.

For more information or to get involved, contact Julie Kievit, JFS Jewish Community Services manager, at jkievit@jfshamptonroads.com or

757-321-2318.

 Instead of decorating a traditional sukkah this year, JFS invited the community to fill a small tabletop sukkah with food to help feed local families in need. The mini sukkah was built and displayed in the lobby of the Sandler Family Campus, serving as a cheerful reminder of the holiday and a collection point for non-
perishable donations.

 The drive began on October 3 and aimed to stock the JFS Food Pantry in preparation for its Thanksgiving food drive. As families gathered to share meals in their sukkahs, JFS encouraged everyone to remember that some neighbors struggle to put food on their tables.

 In addition to the display at the Sandler Family Campus, synagogues, Jewish organizations, and community partners were invited to participate by hosting their own collections or arranging pickups directly with JFS. The response was heartwarming — each donation added to the spirit of giving that defines this season.

 “Sukkot reminds us to be thankful for what we have and to extend that gratitude to others,” says Kelly Burroughs, CEO of Jewish Family Service of Tidewater. “By filling our sukkah with food instead of decorations, we’re not only honoring the traditions of the holiday but also ensuring that families in our community have what they need. It’s a beautiful reflection of what Sukkot is all about — kindness, generosity, and caring for one another.”

 The “Fill the Sukkah” initiative is a powerful reminder that even small acts of generosity can make a big impact. Through the support of the community, JFS continues its mission to ensure that no one is forgotten and that every family has access to nutritious food.

 Together, the JFS sukkah was filled with kindness to help feed the community.

 Each Rosh Hashanah bag was filled with symbolic treats for the New Year: challah rolls, apples, honey, and a Jewish calendar. The challah was lovingly baked by volunteers at JFS’s first (and now annual) Community Challah Bake. The bags were decorated by students at Strelitz International Academy, with many including handmade cards from students and community members, alike. Volunteers from the JFS board and staff packed the bags, which were then delivered door-to-door by members of the wider Jewish community — making this project a collaborative mitzvah.

 As part of the outreach, JFS also visited Aviva Pembroke. Harriet Meier joined in the effort, helping to spread warmth and connection as she delivered cards and greetings alongside the treats.

 “These holiday outreach bags are a small token of appreciation from JFS and the community to the elders in our community,” says Brooke Rush, JFS director of development. “I delivered a bag to a lovely woman in a facility whose smile filled the room when she saw the challah roll. Though mostly nonverbal, she showed me how she used to braid her own challah. That quiet moment reminded me of the deep joy our traditions can bring.”

 “We are just so thankful that Jewish Family Service can think of all of us during this holiday season,” said Lynn Seltzer, as she prepared to deliver bags to her neighbors.

 This project is an example of how outreach can be deeply enriching — not just for those receiving, but also for those giving. 

Children stood on tiptoes to braid round challahs beside parents and friends, while others focused on decorating gift bags with colorful drawings and heartfelt messages to be filled and delivered to seniors prior to the start of the High Holidays. Handmade greeting cards were tucked inside, each one a personal wish for sweetness and joy in the year ahead.

 “Our goal is to make sure that no one feels forgotten during the holidays,” says Kelly Burroughs, CEO of Jewish Family Service. “Delivering these bags helps bring joy and connection to members of our community who may not be able to celebrate with family.”

 The Challah Bake was about more than just baking—it was a chance for the community to gather, share traditions, and live out the value of caring for others. In addition to flour on their hands, families left with a sense of purpose and pride in knowing they helped brighten someone else’s holiday. In fact, the event was so well received that it’s already being called “Annual Community Challah Bake.” 

Jewish Family Service continues this tradition throughout the year, delivering gift bags to Jewish seniors for holidays to ensure they feel remembered and cherished. To join this meaningful effort, contact Emily Krouse, special projects coordinator, at 757-321-2222.

This year, ODU Hillel’s team was joined by members of Jewish Family Service of Tidewater, as well as by other members of the Jewish community, who came out to walk in solidarity with the students. Their presence underscored the importance of community support and emphasized the role that Jewish organizations play in promoting mental health awareness and healing. As part of the walk’s message, participants wore beads to represent their personal connections to the cause—whether they’ve lost someone to suicide, struggle with their own mental health, or walk to support a loved one.

The walk also served as a prelude to Mental Health Awareness Month, observed nationwide in May. It’s a time to open dialogue, reduce stigma, and encourage those struggling to seek help.

Bringing conversations about mental health into the open can break the stigma and save lives.

While the skies were gray, the energy was anything but. Children and adults alike embraced the activities, tackling an obstacle course packed with hula hooping, basketball throws, baseball swings, jump ropes, and even axe throwing. One of the highlights of the day was the bubble cannon, which produced a mountain of bubbles and nonstop joy for all ages. “My daughters had an absolute blast—especially in the bubbles and running around with their friends,” says Ken Kievit. “Even with the rain, they didn’t want to leave!”

“This event is always about more than just the run,” says Kelly Burroughs, CEO of JFS. “It’s about celebrating our community, supporting our mission, and showing up for each other—even when the weather doesn’t cooperate.”

This year’s Run, Roll, or Stroll was made possible by the generosity of sponsors, who continue to make a direct impact on the lives of those JFS serves across Hampton Roads.

Leading the way was Ted Kaufman of Davenport & Co. as this year’s Lead Sponsor, joined by long-time supporters Lisa and Mark Delevie as Diamond Sponsors. Gold Sponsors were Ann and Robert Copeland, Robin and Todd Copeland, Renee and John Strelitz, Shari Friedman, Lawrence Steingold, and Lynn and Rachel Schoenbaum.

Community partners also provided generous sponsorship, including Davenport & Co., TowneBank, Merit 2.0, Southern Bank, Beth Sholom Village, Alperin Law, Altmeyer Funeral Home, Cinema Cafe, Changing Tides, Cooper Spong & Davis P.C., Garriott Maurer, PLLC, Payday Payroll, Jody G., and Hercules Fence.

“Each dollar raised, and every show of support helps JFS meet critical needs—whether that’s delivering meals, offering counseling, or providing care and comfort,” says Brooke Rush, JFS director of development. “Events like Run, Roll, or Stroll are a reminder of how generous and strong this community is.”

As JFS celebrates more than two decades of this tradition, the heart of Run, Roll, or Stroll remains unchanged: bringing people together for a cause that matters.

To support the mission of JFS or learn more about how to get involved, visit www.jfshamptonroads.org.