Jewish News VA | Jewish News https://jewishnewsva.org Southeastern Virginia: Chesapeake • Norfolk • Portsmouth • Suffolk • Virginia Beach Thu, 11 Dec 2025 19:38:42 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 Thank you to our supporters who recently donated to Jewish News! https://jewishnewsva.org/thank-you-to-our-supporters-who-recently-donated-to-jewish-news-3/ Thu, 11 Dec 2025 19:38:38 +0000 https://jewishnewsva.org/?p=34257 Supporters of Jewish News help keep local Jewish journalism alive at a time when it feels as if it is disappearing almost everywhere else.
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]]> One of this year’s Hanukkah kids’ books offers a new sort of fairytale,z https://jewishnewsva.org/one-of-this-years-hanukkah-kids-books-offers-a-new-sort-of-fairytalez/ Thu, 11 Dec 2025 18:11:40 +0000 https://jewishnewsva.org/?p=34224 Written and illustrated by “Bub,” Eight Fairy Nights is crafted to nurture a meaningful and fun Hanukkah experience.

The story captures the magic of Hanukkah and illuminates the importance of “standing up for what we believe.”

The book engages children intellectually and emotionally in understanding the admirable qualities of the Maccabees, with the Fairies representing the magic of the oil burning eight nights. Each Fairy portrays a different admirable Maccabee trait.

“Fairy Cards” and Riddles liven up traditions and engage excitement for the holiday and the hand-drawn illustrations give the book a unique one of-a-kind appeal.

Eight Fairy Nights is a family initiative and tradition with “Bub and Pop’s” two sons’ wonderful families and four beautiful granddaughters.

JTA’s review for the book follows:

Eight Fairy Nights
Imagined and illustrated by Bub
BookBaby; ages 4-8
Penny Schwartz
Bub’s unique Hanukkah story introduces young kids to a fairytale version of the Hanukkah story and the Maccabees — who are lauded for their courage. Readers then meet eight fairies with eight virtues, one for each night. The book captures Bub’s enthusiasm for celebrating Hanukkah, and her weakness for riddles.
Without referencing God’s hand in the Hanukkah miracle, Eight Fairy Nights may be especially appealing to secular and humanist Jews.

]]> JCC Seniors Club Meeting https://jewishnewsva.org/jcc-seniors-club-meeting/ Thu, 11 Dec 2025 17:01:35 +0000 https://jewishnewsva.org/?p=34203 Wednesday, January 21,12 pm Sandler Family Campus

JCC Seniors Club is for adults who are at least 55 years old who are interested in education, culture, and connections to others and the Jewish community.

Join active seniors to learn what’s going on in the community and how to get involved. January’s discussion will focus on Jews in the Confederacy.

The Seniors Club meets on the third Wednesday of each month. The membership fee is $15 per year. For more information, visit jewishva.org/Adults or contact Hunter Thomas at HThomas@UJFT.org.

]]> Stem Odyssey – afternoon sessions for first and second graders https://jewishnewsva.org/stem-odyssey-afternoon-sessions-for-first-and-second-graders/ Thu, 11 Dec 2025 16:57:50 +0000 https://jewishnewsva.org/?p=34199 Tuesdays, Jan. 20 – Feb. 24 • 4 – 5 pm • Sandler Family Campus

Harness heat energy, explore the properties of light and color, and put your sense of smell to the test. Students in grades 1 and 2 will examine curious optical illusions and create amazing sound effects.

Every week offers a different hands-on topic and includes an educational take home project to continue the learning and fun at home.

Cost is $130/members and $160/potential members. Visit Jewishva.org/madscience to register or contact Kate-Lynn Cipolla at klcipolla@ujft.org or 757-321-2306.

]]> Kathleen Patricia Bronstein https://jewishnewsva.org/kathleen-patricia-bronstein/ Thu, 11 Dec 2025 16:48:51 +0000 https://jewishnewsva.org/?p=34193 VIRGINIA BEACH – Kathleen Patricia Bronstein, 78, died November 23, 2025.

Born on July 19, 1947, in Long Beach, California, she was the daughter of the late John Francis Adams and Kathleen Patricia Adams. Kathleen graduated from Granby High School and DePaul Nursing School, both in Norfolk, Va. She started her career as an ER nurse and later spent 35 years as an RN at the Virginia Center for Women, where she was known for her compassion, skill, and dedication to her patients.

Kathleen was predeceased by her beloved husband, Charles Z. Bronstein. Kathleen and Charles were married on November 20, 1971, and shared a devoted partnership that lasted 27 years.

She is survived by her four daughters: Rachel McAlpin (Dean), Melissa Zulandi, Megan Bronstein, and Ashley Bronstein; her five grandchildren: Ashdon Proctor, Ava Zulandi, Brennan Zulandi, Charlie McAlpin, and Colin Zulandi; her brother, Dennis Adams (Karen); her sister-in-law, Susan Zemil; and ten nieces and nephews.

A graveside service was conducted at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Norfolk, Va.

Memorial donations may be made in Kathleen’s name to Alzheimer’s Association (https://www.alz.org/).

]]> Helene Berger Frost https://jewishnewsva.org/helene-berger-frost/ Thu, 11 Dec 2025 16:48:08 +0000 https://jewishnewsva.org/?p=34191 VIRGINIA BEACH – After 13 courageous years of fighting Scleroderma, Helene Berger Frost, 78, peacefully passed away on November 26, 2025, surrounded by her adoring family.

Through unwavering perseverance, she defied the conventions of medical expectations with her grace, grit, and positive attitude. Family members unanimously agreed that Helene was the only one strong enough to handle the relentless and grueling setbacks. Even at her weakest moment near the end, Helene faintly declared, “I want to be the best and nicest patient to these nurses.” She shared her kindness and appreciation to all the amazing nurses by her side and earned a much-loved reputation, and VIP status, during her frequent hospital stays.

As the beloved and gorgeous matriarch, she was always known for her thoughtfulness, listening ear, creative spirit, and of course, her legendary cooking. Helene would always deliver her roasted veggie orzo and famous chocolate chip cake to celebrate or comfort her friends. Passovers will never be the same without her infamous stuffed cabbage, matzoh ball soup, and her loving presence. She always made sure to make extra noshes for her cousin Harvey Coleman to take home. The aroma of her homemade vegetable soup and slow cooked brisket will be forever engraved in our souls along with the elegance of her beautifully decorated tables.

Helene’s favorite things were dancing with her favorite dance partner, Allan, devouring Frankie’s ribs (and cleaning the bones), walking the Middle Plantation circle with Peggy Fine, decorating special events with her close group of friends, and of course, reading on her cozy screened-in porch. She was the go-to advice confidant, pro bono editor for her daughter, and a wonderful writer.

Born In Norfolk to Irwin and Rose Berger, she graduated from Granby High School and then earned her baccalaureate from Virginia Commonwealth University. She volunteered her time to support many causes in her community, but most of all she was an incredible mom and role model to her kids. The loving relationship she shared with her husband Allan served as an inspiration to all who had the privilege of being a part of their endearing lives.

She is survived by the love of her life and husband of 56 years, Allan Frost, daughter Lee Belote (James), son Scott Frost (Nadine), grandsons Justin, Garrett, and granddaughters Ally and Ruby, her sister Madeline Lieberman (David), brother-in-law Steven Frost, and many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.

There was a graveside service at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens.
Donations can be made to Ohef Sholom Temple’s Soup Kitchen.

]]> Matthew A. Krakower https://jewishnewsva.org/matthew-a-krakower/ Thu, 11 Dec 2025 16:47:19 +0000 https://jewishnewsva.org/?p=34189 Chesapeake – Matthew Arthur Krakower, age 88 and ¾, passed away on November 20, 2025.

He was the best husband, father, and Papa his family could ever have hoped for, and he loved us all with unwavering devotion.

Born in the Bronx, N.Y., Matthew was the beloved son of the late Sydel and Sidney Krakower and the brother of Phyllis Smith.

He earned his bachelor’s degree from Baruch College and his MBA from Michigan State University. A proud retired Navy commander, he instilled a deep love of country in his children—something they carry with them to this day. After retiring from the Navy, Matthew continued a life of service through education, joining the staff at Old Dominion University and later teaching at St. Leo College, where he touched the lives of countless students.

Matthew shared 66 beautiful years of marriage with his wife, Sheila, who lost a piece of her heart when he passed. His greatest joy in life was his family. He cared for Sheila and their children—Lynne Sobel (Eric) Cheryl Lacey (Tim), and Bruce Krakower (Shelagh)—with generosity, strength, and an abiding love. He adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren fiercely.

Matthew was the cherished grandfather of Cameron Krakower (Mary), Justin Sobel, David Sobel (Madison), Sidney Krakower, Katelyn Finch (Rob), Jonathon Lacey and the proud Papa of three great-grandchildren. He treasured every moment spent watching Graham play t-ball and cheering on little Declan as he ran around full of energy. Our family is especially grateful that he lived long enough to welcome his newest great-grandchild, Raelynn, into the world this year.

Dad, Papa—you were the glue that held us all together. You were everything we could have asked for, and we promise to honor you always. We love you a bushel and a peck.

Donations can be made to the Fisher House at www.fisherhouse.org.

]]> Dr. Jay T. Lazier https://jewishnewsva.org/dr-jay-t-lazier/ Thu, 11 Dec 2025 16:46:25 +0000 https://jewishnewsva.org/?p=34187 NORFOLK – Jay T. Lazier passed away after a six-month illness on November 28, 2025.

He was born in Pittsburgh, Pa., to his loving parents, Joseph and Gertrude Lazier. He was 82 years old. He was a deeply caring, warm, and kind man who devoted his professional life to helping the developmentally disabled and his personal life to his family and the local, Jewish community.

Jay was schooled at Taylor Alderdice high school in Pittsburgh, and then at the University of Michigan, Penn State University, and Michigan State University, where he earned his doctoral degree. He arrived with his wife, Nancy, in 1975 in Virginia Beach, where he was hired by the city to pioneer services for mentally retarded adults. He retired 37 years later, having created a full suite of programs of care and opportunity for the developmentally disabled from cradle to grave. In honor of his service, the mayor of the City of Virginia Beach proclaimed January 31, 2013 “Dr. Jay T. Lazier Day,” noting that he was “loved by everyone whose life he has touched.”

Throughout this time and after, he was an active and committed community member. In recent years, he took on volunteer leadership roles at Ohef Sholom Temple and sang in the OST and Sounds of Joy choirs. He was an intuitive cook with little need for recipes, moved simply by the question, “what are my taste buds telling me today?” He was an enthusiastic gardener, and created with his wife, over a span of 50 years, a living work of art beneath a cathedral of trees. He loved water and made it a point to finish every swim with a 100-yard individual-medley. Above all, he loved to connect with people and to connect people with one another.

Jay’s memory will be cherished by his wife, Nancy, by his two surviving children, Benjamin and Yona, and by extended family, friends, and fellow congregants.

A graveside service was held at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Norfolk, Va. A memorial service followed at Ohef Sholom Temple.

Memorial donations may be made in Jay’s name to the Charles Woodward Music Fund at Ohef Sholom Temple. Online condolences may be offered to the family at hdoliver.com.

]]> Martin Marin https://jewishnewsva.org/martin-marin/ Thu, 11 Dec 2025 16:44:12 +0000 https://jewishnewsva.org/?p=34183 VIRGINIA BEACH – Marty Marin passed away on October 14, 2025.
Marty is survived by his wife Lora Marin, son Jeffrey Marin, and daughter Sheryl Ryan. Private burial services were arranged by the family in New York, N.Y.

]]> Steering through the currents of discord in the Jewish community https://jewishnewsva.org/steering-through-the-currents-of-discord-in-the-jewish-community/ Fri, 10 Oct 2025 13:40:21 +0000 https://jewishnewsva.org/?p=33599 In sanctuaries across the nation, in fact, across the globe, rabbis and cantors spent much of the recent High Holidays speaking about the rifts – the competing views – that exist within their congregations concerning Israel, Gaza, and the political divides in the United States.

Their messages were about listening to each other, managing anger, the struggles on determining which paths to pursue, and attempting to ease the acrimony, all while offering a particle of hope during these profoundly challenging times for the Jewish community.

Navigating fractures within the Jewish community is nothing new. The late Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks noted, “Jews are a fractious, fissile people, always given to divisions and disunity.” He went on to say that Judaism is the “only religion, the only culture in the world whose cannons are anthologies of arguments.” If Jews argue, he pondered, “how, then, do we stay as one?” His response: “By the sheer force of the argument itself. We stay, we converse, we disagree, but we never split apart.” Rabbi Sacks suggested that “never leaving the table but engaged in the collaborative pursuit of truth is what holds the Jewish people together. Unity without uniformity.”

While Rabbi Sacks did not experience today’s tumultuous times, his message could serve as a model for traversing the current waves of discord – Jewish community survives with argument, or a gentler way to put it, discussion, debate.

Like the rabbis and leaders within the Jewish communities around the world, Jewish News is acutely aware of diverse opinions and factions within our readership. As the paper’s editor, I’ve received calls accusing the publication of being too conservative, as well as calls accusing the paper of being too liberal. The fact that both sides feel that the paper doesn’t necessarily coincide with their beliefs indicates to me that perhaps we’re doing something right.

Jewish News aims to alert our readers to the news of the Jewish world (of which currently there is an overwhelming amount to choose from), mainly via our news partner, JTA. We’re dedicated to providing the facts to our readers – whether or not they align with one’s particular view of the world. Sometimes, the facts are not pleasant. Still, there is the hope that printing accurate nonpartisan information might stimulate conversation and opportunities to even learn from one another or perhaps motivate readers into activism.

Never could I imagine that writing about Israel would be deemed political. But that’s where we are, and these are the crazy, and quite inflammatory times we are attempting to navigate without alienating any of our readers – all of whom we cherish.

As Rabbi Sacks suggested, we don’t have to be uniform to be united.

Thank you for reading.

Terri Denison
Editor

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