NORFOLK – Herschel Blum passed away on March 29, 2025, just weeks short of his 98th birthday. A private graveside service was held at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Norfolk.Family – daughters, grandchildren, great grandchildren – and many friends miss him – but celebrate his...
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Robert (Bob) Brotman
VIRGINIA BEACH – Born December 18, 1940, in Brooklyn, New York, Bob was a fun-loving man who brought happiness to all those fortunate enough to have contact with him. Sadly, Bob passed away peacefully on May 3, 2025.Bob first caught sight of Margie Lewis at the...
Bernard “Bernie” Chovitz
SILVER SPRING, Md. - Bernard Chovitz passed away peacefully on April 25, 2025.Bernie is survived by daughter Phyllis Chovitz (Danny Gainsburg), son-in-law Phil Baker (Eileen), grandsons Izzy Gainsburg, Jesse Gainsburg, Nathan Baker (Molly), and great grandchildren...
Reatha Fay Kantor
VIRGINIA BEACH - Our beloved matriarch, Reatha Mirman Kantor (affectionately known as “Re”) passed away on April 25, 2025, at the age of 89.Reatha was born on August 7, 1935, in Norfolk, Va., the youngest child of Taft and Dora Mirman. She graduated from Maury High...
Sheila Van Dyke
PINEHURST, N.C. - Sheila Van Dyke, a woman of deep faith who had a gift for making close friends wherever she went, passed away peacefully on April 21, 2025, at her home in Pinehurst, N.C., after an illness.Born in Malone, N.Y., she was the daughter of the late...
Vote through May 4 in election for World Zionist Congress
Just a few days are left to vote in an election that gives American Jews an opportunity to directly shape Israel’s future.The U.S. election for seats in the 39th World Zionist Congress will help determine the balance of power in the legislative authority of a Zionist...
Rise in antisemitism and antiZionism calls for increased advocacy and education
More than 400 Jewish leaders and professionals from 65 communities (including 10 from Tidewater) traveled to Washington, DC in January to meet with more than 190 members of Congress (or their legislative aides) to advocate for legislation that supports Israel, combats...
Local teens attend BBYO International Convention
Members of Tidewater’s two BBYO chapters – Old Dominion AZA and Simcha BBG – attended last month’s BBYO International Convention in Orlando, Fla.
Make a difference with BeAR
“Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.” – Albert Einstein We all want to feel that we truly make a difference. Participating in the Be A Reader (BeAR) Literacy Project of the United Jewish Federation Tidewater is an easy and rewarding way to accomplish...
Build strength for a good life
“Strong legs, long life.” This is the mantra voiced by Tom Purcell during the LifeFit class he leads on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at the Simon Family JCC. It is just one among many positive thoughts Purcell shares during every class – all promoting fitness and...
17 Jewish organizations push for passage of Antisemitism Awareness Act
Jewish Federations of North America on Wednesday, Feb. 21, led 16 American Jewish organizations in a joint letter to members of the House of Representatives reaffirming their support for the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of...
Mikvah appreciation
Dear Editor, Thank you so much for accepting my article to the Jewish News on the new Keilim Mikvah, the mikvah for immersing vessels. I have received several comments on how much people appreciated seeing this article featured and knowing that we have made the mikvah...
Knowledge is key
Israel’s war with Hamas has resulted in vocal and aggressive anti-Zionism and antisemitism across the globe. Many American Jews lack basic knowledge about Israel to converse with certainty about the sole democracy in the Middle East. Beginning with this column, in...
60th Annual VCIC Tidewater Humanitarian Awards Dinner to honor Laura Geringer Gross
Thursday, March 21, 5:45 pmThe Westin Virginia Beach Town Center Laura Geringer Gross is one of this year’s honorees for The Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities’ (VCIC) 60th annual Tidewater Humanitarian Awards. Individuals and organizations who have made...
Cultivating young philanthropists: TJF’s B’nai Tzedek Youth Philanthropy Program
Tidewater Jewish Foundation’s B'nai Tzedek Youth Philanthropy Program instills the value of giving as early as birth. This innovative program teaches children and teenagers about philanthropy and how to actively participate in the process, shaping them into the...
Joan Nathan to headline Congregation Beth El’s 2024 Milton “Mickey” Kramer Scholar-In-Residence program
Friday, March 15 – Sunday, March 17, Congregation Beth El Best-selling and award-winning author Joan Nathan will be the featured guest speaker for the 2024 Milton “Mickey” Kramer Scholar-in-Residence program this month. This three-day event is open to the public....
The Israel-Hamas War: Ambassador Brad Gordon to brief the community
Tuesday, March 26, 7:30 pm Sandler Family Campus Not quite six months after Hamas used its base in Gaza to launch an unprecedented massacre in Israel’s south, calls for a ceasefire and a “two-state solution” have reached a fever-pitch. At the same time, more than 100...
Gerald Bloom
VIRGINIA BEACH - Gerald Bloom (Gerry), 85, passed away on February 18 from a chronic illness. He was born in the Bronx, New York on September 18, 1938, to Sidney and Rose Bloom.Gerald was adored. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Harriet, son Marc...
Rebecca H. Hermelin
VIRGINIA BEACH - Rebecca H. Hermelin, 73, passed away at home on February 23.She was born on August 25, 1950 in Norfolk to Al and Bea Hermelin, of blessed memory. A brilliant student, Rebecca graduated at the top of her nursing class and worked as a registered nurse...
Violet Kauder
NORFOLK - Violet Kauder, age 93, passed away on February 26. Violet was born in New York on February 9, 1931. Services were private. The funeral was handled by Woodlawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens.
David Erwin Langbord
VIRGINIA BEACH - David Erwin Langbord, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on December 28 at the age of 68. Born on May 10, 1955, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, David lived a remarkable life filled with joy, laughter, and meaningful...
Marvin J. Posner
NORFOLK - Marvin J. Posner passed peacefully at the age of 96, surrounded by family on February 23 at Harbors Edge in Norfolk, Virginia. He was born in Richmond, Virginia on April 7, 1927. Marvin was preceded in death by parents George and Francis Posner, his loving...
Albertine Rubin
VIRGINIA BEACH - Albertine Rubin passed away February 9, in her home, surrounded by family, after battling cancer and heart disease. She was born March 4, 1942, in Fez, Morocco. She was a veteran of the Israeli army and a hairdresser for over 50 years. She had a...
Bernard J. Semel
NORFOLK - Bernie Semel, 73, died on February 22. Predeceased by parents Margaret (Jimmie) Semel and Sidney Semel, he is survived by sisters Judy Rohn (Reuven) and Debbie Evans (Mark); niece Karen Alpert (Avi) and their children, Avital and Eliav; ex-wife Tricia...
Ohef Sholom Sisterhood Shabbat to feature Betty Ann Levin
Friday, March 6, 6:30 pm • Ohef Sholom Temple The Women of Ohef Sholom Temple Sisterhood’s Annual Sisterhood Shabbat will feature Betty Ann Levin, executive vice president/CEO for United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and Simon Family JCC. She will speak on “The...
JFS continues meal delivery program with new partner
Kelly Burroughs and Jody LaibstainJewish Family Service’s Home Delivered Meals program is a continuum of the organization’s food service programs. Geared to older and disabled adults throughout Virginia Beach who qualify, a steadfast group of volunteers has been...