The Simon Family JCC invites seniors to celebrate National Senior Health & Fitness Day – a free event that promotes “Stay Active at Any Age!” with fun activities for health and community connection.

Participants can enjoy mini health fairs, exercise demonstrations, informative health presentations, free screenings, and fitness classes tailored to all ability levels. Door prizes, tasty treats, and social opportunities add to the excitement.

Staying active enhances strength, flexibility, balance, and overall well-being, supporting independence in older adults. Discover resources designed for healthy aging.

Join fellow community members for an uplifting morning of movement and wellness. No registration required. Open to JCC members and guests.

For additional information, contact Nicole Slade, JCC member service manager, at NSlade@UJFT.org or 757-321-2338.

A dynamic and thought-provoking Visiting Scholar weekend planned and presented by Congregation Beth El, will feature Rabbi Jeffrey Salkin, one of the most widely read and influential voices in contemporary Jewish life.

An award-winning author of 12 books, Rabbi Salkin is best known for his nationally recognized column Martini Judaism, published by the Religion News Service, which has earned multiple “Best Religion Column of the Year” honors and inspired an award-winning podcast. A sought-after speaker and media commentator, he has appeared on CNN and the BBC, with essays featured in The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, Tablet, and Forward.

Over the course of the weekend, Rabbi Salkin will lead a series of lectures exploring the future of American Judaism, the meaning of Jewish prayer, and the hidden Jewish wisdom in contemporary culture.

The weekend begins on Friday, May 29, at 6:30 pm with a Shabbat evening service, followed by dinner and Rabbi Salkin’s presentation, “How Do We Reboot American Judaism?” In the wake of October 7 and its aftermath, he will explore how American Judaism is evolving and what its future might look like. Dinner costs $18 for adults, $8 for children ages 6–13, and $45 per family, with advance RSVP required.

At Shabbat morning services on Saturday, May 30, at 9:30 am, Rabbi Salkin will deliver the sermon. The service will be followed by a complimentary Kiddush lunch and his presentation, “Why Are We Reading This?” In this session, he will address the challenges many modern Jews face with prayer, unpacking some of the most complex and controversial passages in the liturgy and revealing their deeper meanings in ways that are both accessible and inspiring.

The weekend concludes on Sunday, May 31, at 10:30 am with a brunch and Rabbi Salkin’s presentation, “Fixing the Broken Hallelujah.” This talk explores the life and legacy of the late singer songwriter Leonard Cohen, highlighting the profound Jewish themes and spiritual insights embedded in his work. Brunch costs $18 for adults, $8 for children ages 6–13, and $45 per family, with advance RSVP required.

This special Visiting Scholar weekend offers a unique opportunity to engage with one of today’s most compelling Jewish thinkers in an intimate and welcoming community setting.

All events will take place at Congregation Beth El in Norfolk.

For more information and to RSVP, visit: www.bethelnorfolk.com or contact the Beth El office at Ada@bethelnorfolk.com or 757-625-7821.

Step out of the sanctuary and onto the porch. Join NextGen 757 for a high-energy journey through Ghent to prep for Shavuot.

NextGen 757 joins TIDE by B’nai Israel to bring bite-sized learning, sweet treats, and great company. Free to attend and open to the Tidewater Jewish community, ages 22-45ish.

RSVP required at JewishVA.org/Hop

Don’t miss this intentional gathering hosted by United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s NextGen757 in partnership with Temple Israel. Capture the “lingering magic” of Shavuot with a light dinner, guided discussions on modern belonging, and a communal Havdallah.

This event is perfect for those looking to deepen their connection to the community and explore Jewish identity and what “chosen family” looks like today.

Open to the Jewish community ages 22-45ish.

RSVP required at JewishVA.org/ThirdHour.

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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 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.

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.