Giddy up and mark calendars for another fun night at the annual Temple Emanuel Casino Night. The event is riding into town with its Wild West theme – decorations, food, and attire.

Cowboys and cowgals of all ages (21 and over) will join old friends and make new ones dressed in their finest western attire.
Enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres and an open bar as part of admission. There will be door prizes and more fun than “you can shake your stick at (and that’s a wild west stick we’re talking about).”

The proceeds from this event help sustain vital synagogue activities including educational programs, holiday celebrations, and community outreach and assistance.

Tickets include gaming tables (all done in fun), horse racing, amazing food, an open bar, and more. There will be a 50/50 raffle and a killer silent auction of restaurant certificates, garden art, home furnishings, gift cards to boutiques, artwork, and more.

Admission is only $50 for online tickets or $65 at the door. Special pricing is available for those 40 and under – only $36. Yee haw!

Buy tickets for this fun evening at: https://www.tevb.org/event/CasinoNight2026. And don’t wait as last year’s Casablanca-themed event was a full house.

For more information, contact Temple Emanuel at 757-428-2591 or https://www.tevb.org/event/CasinoNight2026

See you around the saloon, podners!

Temple Emanuel is located at 424 25th street in Virginia Beach.

There’s something in the air. Mah Jongg Mondays (or “Mahj” to insiders, which you may already be or are about to become) are coming to the Sandler Family Campus. If you already play or have always wanted to, Mahj Mondays are for you. Did you grow up watching your mom play (and occasionally help yourselves to the snacks)? Did you once play? Do you play weekly now? Then, you’re a Monday Mahjer.

Beginning Monday, June 23, Mah Jongg will be available two ways: lessons and open play.

Amy Levy has wanted to kick this off for some time. Now, that idea is becoming a reality. “I’ve seen other communities host open play games successfully, and I thought we needed to bring that concept here,” she says. “Whether you are part of a group or someone looking for a game, we see Monday Mah Jongg as a destination for everyone. For me, it’s more than just a game. It is a social activity that fosters sisterhood and creates wonderful friendships.”

If you’ve always wanted to learn or haven’t played in years and need a refresher, join us for three complimentary lessons. You’ll learn the tiles, the game (National Mah Jongg League card), and what all those bams, cracks, and dots mean. If it seems like a secret language, you’re right. And you’ll have fun learning it.

• LEARN: Lessons: June 23, June 30, and July 14;
  11 am – 12:30 pm.
  Learners are encouraged to attend all three sessions, but if that’s not possible, all are still welcome.
• PLAY: 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Mondays of each month (except holidays); 1 – 4 pm (or for as long as your schedule allows).
  Bring your group or come solo. It’s a fun way to play.

Excited by the news, Laura Gross says, “Although I grew up playing cards with my grandmother (Rummy, Gin Rummy, Spades, Go Fish), I have not had the opportunity, as an adult, to learn the games my friends are playing. Now, with the “R” word in my not-too-distant future, I am thrilled to learn Mah Jongg from friends and then play with friends at the Simon Family JCC.”

Lessons and general play are open to the community; JCC membership is not required. Walk-ins are welcome, but an RSVP will help to set the room and let others know there will be players. Everyone is welcome — all ages, all affiliations, all backgrounds, and all levels of experience (you’ll play with others at your level).

“I think it’s great the JCC is doing this because it’s really nice for community engagement. I have friends who have open play where they live, and I’ve always thought it would be fun here — so count me in,” says Babbi Bangel.

Megan Zuckerman is also on board. “I’m looking forward to joining the Monday Mah Jongg group,” says Zuckerman, “because I’m always up for a new challenge. I love when our community offers new and interesting opportunities for us to play and learn together.”

Viewing the calendar and RSVPing online are easy with the free TeamReach app. It’s not required, but if you use a mobile phone, give it a try. It’s easy and information is right at your fingertips:

1. Download the free TeamReach app (it’s a red square with a T in the center).
2. Enter the group code “BamCrack2025” and click “join.”
3. Click on the “JCC Mahj Group” to open the page and you’re in.
4. Click the “settings” icon in the top right corner (looks like a spiked wheel) and enter your experience level in the “role/also known as” section: Seasoned, intermediate, beginner.
5. Then, click the “calendar” icon to select the lessons and games you’re interested in. RSVP (yes, no, maybe) when you’re available. You may change your response at any time. You may also view the other participants by clicking on the “people” icon. And that’s it!

While walk-ins are always welcome and invited, those who sign up will be given priority seating (if the room fills up). Fun is heading your way.
“I see Mahj Mondays at the J as a wonderful way to bring women together. You may win or lose, get lucky with jokers or not, but I know you’ll walk away having had a great time, great conversation, and hopefully even made a few new friends,” says Levy.

Mahj is a game of tiles and strategy but it’s also a gift. I’ve been playing for close to 40 years and the best hand I ever won was the Tuesday Mahj night my son was born. That beat all jokers. Then and now. So come join us.

For additional information, contact Amy Levy at momofjnsb@cox.net; Stephanie Calliott at sacinva@aol.com; or Mia Klein at 757-452-3184.

Leslie Siegel transformed Temple Emanuel into a Moroccan market with everything from lush fabrics draping the ceilings and walls to colorful rugs, lanterns, and artifacts. There were even two camels! Rick’s American Cafe served Marrakesh Martinis and attendees dined on tasty Mediterranean treats.

Janet Mercadante says, “It was such a fun night! Since our trip to Morocco last fall was cancelled, Temple Emanuel’s ‘A Night in Casablanca’ was the next best thing. You couldn’t believe it when you walked in. The room was a buzz of energy with everyone at the casino tables and horse racing, followed by great food, drinks, and a super silent auction!”

From the decor to the food to the dress, it felt like strolling through a Moroccan market — it was colorful, chaotic, and incredibly exotic.

More than 150 people played at the packed casino tables and cheered on their horse racing picks. The enthusiastic bettors also stayed close to the silent auction tables to make sure theirs was the winning bid.

Here’s looking at you, kid.