Yiddish Club for everyone
The Yiddish Club meets on the first Tuesday of each month to discuss Yiddish music, culture, and classic literature. Members share insights, stories, and songs – celebrating a vibrant cultural heritage. Open to all, the club welcomes anyone interested in exploring the richness of the Yiddish tradition.

Seniors Club takes first trip of the year
The Seniors Club recently took a bus trip to the Portsmouth Jewish Museum and Cultural Center. The group had a smooth ride and was greeted by museum staff upon arrival for an informative tour. Housed in a former synagogue, the museum offered an interesting look at Jewish life and history in Portsmouth. Members viewed exhibits about local Jewish traditions, community life, and the building’s architecture, including its stained-glass windows.

Roundtable Conversations
A collaborative discussion group where all participants contribute equally, Roundtable Conversation is guided by facilitator Bob Low. Members share ideas, ask questions, and actively listen. This format encourages respectful dialogue, diverse perspectives, and deeper understanding, making it ideal for exploring complex topics in educational, professional, or community settings.

JCC Book Club
To celebrate Pride Month, the JCC Book Club selected Kissing Girls on Shabbat as its June book. The discussion was engaging and heartfelt, sparking meaningful conversations among participants.

Mah Jongg Mondays
Mah Jongg Mondays launched last month at the Simon Family JCC. Held on the second, third, fourth, and occasional fifth Mondays each month, games begin at 1 pm in the Fleischmann Lounge on the Sandler Family Campus. Used complete sets are gratefully accepted as donations.

Formerly known as Coffee and Conversation, Round Table Conversation is a lively discussion group that provides a welcoming space to discuss politics, history, and worldly events, with each participant offering a unique perspective. The open exchange of ideas leaves attendees energized and eager for the next session.

At the upcoming meeting, Seymour Teach, an active member, will present a report on Presidential Power to Pardon, exploring its history and implications.

Round Table Conversation meets on the first and third Thursday of each month. Don’t miss this chance to learn and connect with others with similar interests and different views.

For more information or to RSVP, visit Jewishva.org/RoundTable or contact Mia Klein at MKlein@UJFT.org.

People often ask, “What is Moon Circle? What do you do? What is it about?’ Here’s a breakdown of what Moon Circle is, with the hope that more will join in this meaningful experience.

Rosh Chodesh, the birth of the new moon, is a time of renewal and celebration. In October 2022, Sierra Lautman, United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s senior director of Jewish Innovation and Lois Weinthrob (who has since moved out of Tidewater) collaborated to create a way for the community to mark this significant time.

Rosh Chodesh is an opportunity to set intentions for the upcoming month while reflecting on the previous one. The Moon Circle, which used to meet monthly, will now gather less frequently, allowing more flexibility for people to engage in individual rituals at home or with smaller groups.

The At the Well Project releases a Moon Manual centered around a theme each month. This manual includes resources, journal prompts, intention-setting exercises, crafts, and activities that help guide the circle. During the gatherings hosted at the Simon Family JCC, the space is prepared with dimmed lights, cushions, and snacks, creating a warm and calming environment. A candle is lit to open the circle and is passed from person to person as each participant names a matriarch whose energy they want to bring into the circle for the evening—whether a biblical figure, ancestor, or even a neighbor or mother.

After the circle is opened, participants use their Moon Manuals to guide themselves through various activities. Sometimes, this involves reading poems or sharing journal prompts, while other times, it includes crafts or guided meditations. The activities vary but always focus on the monthly theme, reflection, and connection. These gatherings slow down time, offering a moment of peace and presence in what are normally fast-paced lives. Participants leave feeling more connected to Jewish wisdom and the community and prepared to face the month ahead.

For more information about the JCC’s Monthly Moon Circle, visit JewishVA.org/KCL or contact Sierra Lautman at SLautman@ujft.org.

The Campus buzzes with laughter, conversation, games, and a mix of activities on the third Wednesday of each month when the Seniors Club’s lively social takes place – always with a variety of entertainment and events. Members stay informed with the monthly Senior Scene newsletter. 

Book lovers find their haven with the JCC Book Club, which meets on the third Monday of each month. The club offers a welcoming space to discuss novels, memoirs, and non-fiction. Whether attending in-person or online, members relish the opportunity to share their thoughts and discover new literary treasures. 

Health and wellness are always a priority. This past May, the annual Senior Health and Fitness Day turned the Sandler Family Campus’ Cardo into a bustling wellness fair with vendors and prizes. Tom Purcell, JCC’s wellness/fitness director, led a fitness class and Dr. Rosanne Leipzig, author of Honest Aging, inspired all with her tips on staying active and healthy. 

One of the year’s highlights was the Seniors Prom, an evening filled with dancing, laughter, and new memories. Participants got to relive old times and make new connections, bringing everyone together in celebration. 

Tradition and community spirit are showcased each year at the Annual Model Passover Seder. This year, led by Rabbi Ari Oliszewski and song leader Dave Flagler, Passover was celebrated with joy and song. 

Stimulating exchanges take place with the Coffee and Conversation series on the first Thursday of each month when participants gather to discuss myriad topics over a warm cup of coffee, fostering connections and lively debates. 

Through fun and engaging activities, Yiddish Club members explore the rich culture and language of Yiddish, keeping traditions alive and vibrant. The group meets the first Tuesday of each month. 

With daily classes and spontaneous fun, there’s always something happening at the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and Simon Family JCC. Staying connected and enjoying community life has never been easier.

For more information or to sign up for any of these programs, visit www.JewishVA.org/Adults or contact Mia Klein at MKlein@UJFT.org.

It’s time for another round of Coffee and Conversation at the Simon Family JCC. After the enjoyable turnout and lively discussions from the last gathering, it is time to get together and do it again.

In recognition of Jewish American Heritage Month in May, the discussion’s focus will be on antisemitism – how it is showing up in society, and ways that individuals and organizations are working to combat it. Each attendee’s presence and perspective will enrich the conversation.

Thanks to the generous support of the Bartel Family, in honor of their parents and grandparents, Dolores and Alan Bartel, various accessibility accommodations are available for this program. Request them at registration. Join this group to connect with new friends. . . or bring a friend along.

For more information and to RSVP, go to www.Jewishva.org/CoffeeandConvo or contact Mia Klein at MKlein@UJFT.org or 757-452-3184.

The Sandler Family Campus will be bustling with joy and activity catering to the vibrant senior community with three events on Wednesday, May 29.

The day will begin with the Senior Health and Fitness Day Fair, inviting active adults aged 55 + to join the nationwide celebration of aging Americans staying healthy and fit. With more than 100,000 seniors participating across the U.S., this event promises to be both informative and engaging.

Organized by the Simon Family JCC, the fair will feature vendors from around Tidewater such as The Talbot on Granby, Sentara Optima Health, and many others, offering insights and resources.

A special session, Honest Aging with Rosanne M. Leipzig, MD, an expert in evidence-based geriatrics, will provide guidance on navigating the second half of life, addressing physical, psychological, functional, and emotional aspects of aging with candor, humor, and empathy. Thanks to the generous support of the Bartel Family, in honor of their parents and grandparents, Dolores and Alan Bartel, various accessibility accommodations are available for this program. Request them during registration.

Later that afternoon, the festivities continue with the Senior Prom, offering an opportunity for seniors to relive cherished moments and create new memories. Whether dancing ‘the night away’ or simply enjoying the company of friends, the Senior Prom promises to be a delightful affair, highlighting the spirit of community at the Simon Family JCC.

For more information or to be a part of some or all the events on this day, contact Mia Klein at MKlein@UJFT.org or 757-452-3184.