For more information about Jewish Family Service of Tidewater or to support its mission, visit JFSHamptonroads.org. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, contact Julie Kievit, Jewish Community Relations manager, at jkievit@jfshamptonroads.org.

Jewish Family Service of Tidewater will hold its 67th Biennial Meeting at a luncheon that will welcome new board members, install Steve Brown as incoming board president, and recognize Stephanie Peck for her dedicated service as outgoing president. The program will also honor individuals whose contributions have strengthened JFS and the broader community, celebrating the organization’s continued growth and impact.

Over the past year, JFS has continued its core mission of serving the community through vital programs and services. In 2025 alone, JFS provided 362 medical transports for seniors, delivered 7,458 meals to homebound individuals, and assisted 346 Jewish individuals with food and financial support. In addition, 984 holiday gifts were delivered to seniors, and 1,333 adults received court-appointed guardianship services.

These numbers represent more than statistics—they reflect thousands of lives touched. From countless counseling hours to hundreds of neighbors leaving the food pantry with their arms full, to Jewish children receiving Hanukkah gifts, JFS remains deeply committed to meeting the needs of the community with compassion and care.

The Biennial Meeting offers an opportunity to reflect on this impact, celebrate those who make the work possible, and look ahead to the future.

To RSVP, contact Julie Kievit, Jewish community relations manager, at jkievit@jfshamptonroads.org or 757-321-2318.

 This year’s theme was travel, which made the room feel fun and welcoming. The little touches, such as globes and mini suitcases that tied into the theme, gave everyone something light and enjoyable to talk about while also taking time to appreciate their meaningful work.

 Many different volunteer groups are involved at Jewish Family Service of Tidewater, so it was special to have them all together in one place. Some volunteers help with PAM filing, while others are Meals on Wheels drivers who deliver food to those who need it, along with food pantry volunteers who make sure families have access to groceries, as well as knitters, quilters, and crocheters who create handmade items with care. Tax preparers even donate their time and expertise to help others during tax season.

 JFS depends on its volunteers. The organization truly could not run without them. Along with the generous donations from the Jewish community, the volunteers are what keep everything going and allow JFS to support so many individuals and families in need.

 The luncheon was not fancy, but it didn’t need to be. It felt genuine and heartfelt, which made it meaningful. People had the chance to connect, share stories, and just feel appreciated for what they do.

 The event took place at the Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus, which continues to be a central place for Jewish life in Tidewater.

Anyone who is interested in volunteering, donating, or learning more about Jewish Family Service, can contact Julie Kievit, Jewish Community Relations Manager, at 757-321-2318 or jkievit@jfshamptonroads.org. Giving even a little bit of time can make a big difference.

Jewish Family Service’s Run, Roll & Stroll returns to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront next month. The 5K race and 1-mile fun run will begin at 24th Street Park. 

“We are thrilled to return oceanside and once again offer a true race-day experience,” says Kelly Burroughs, JFS CEO.

 This event is about more than just running—it is a celebration of community. Whether participants run, walk, roll, or simply come out to cheer, there is a place for everyone. This year’s event will also feature a variety of fun activities for all ages, including free fairy hair, balloon animals, glitter tattoos, and more, making it a perfect outing for families.

  “We are so excited to be back at the oceanfront!” says Kelly Burroughs. “I am personally so looking forward to seeing all the kids and Team Tiger out there running, Cheering them over the finish line is always my favorite part!” 

 As the organization’s largest annual fundraiser, Run, Roll & Stroll plays a vital role in sustaining JFS programming such as the JFS Food Pantry, home delivered meals, Embrace counseling, and support services. Every dollar raised goes directly back into helping individuals and families in Tidewater when they need it most.

 One of the most special aspects of the event is the way it brings people together. Individuals, families, and local organizations are encouraged to participate, and in past years, teams have added an extra layer of energy and connection to the day.

Whether by participating in the race, forming a team, sponsoring, or simply coming out to cheer, everyone’s involvement makes a difference. 

 Registration is open and sponsorship opportunities are available, offering meaningful ways to support the community while gaining visibility for organizations. 

For more information on registration and sponsorship, see the links below and contact Brooke Rush at brush@jfshamptonroads.org or 757-321-2238.

Registration: runsignup.com/jfsrunrollstroll

Sponsorship: jfshamptonroads.org/spring-into-healthy-living-sponsorships/

 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.