VIRGINIA BEACH - EJulie Wendy Comess, passed away on August 18, 2025.She was born on September 29, 1967, to Sonya C. and Alan B. Comess, and lived a life dedicated to the service of caregiving, education, and advocacy.She graduated from Norfolk State University with a...
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Timothy Cooper
NORFOLK - On July 23, Timothy Cooper lost his battle with a series of overwhelming illnesses, leaving a multitude of friends, relatives, and former members of the Naro Expanded Video to fondly remember this extraordinary man.With highly developed interests that...
Dorothy Stavin Goldman
VIRGINIA BEACH - Dorothy Stavin Goldman, known by most as “Dottie,” passed away peacefully on August 10, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.She courageously battled cancer since 2019. She fiercely fought with strength, bravery, determination, and plenty of humor...
Abe Goldstein
EDMONTON, ALBERTA - It is with deep sorrow, enduring love, and immense gratitude for the time we had together, that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, Zaidie, and friend, Abe Goldstein.Abe passed away surrounded by the love of his family — his...
Dr. Howard Kesser
NORFOLK - Dr. Howard Kesser, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and devoted husband, passed away peacefully at the age of 91 on August 26, 2025.Born on May 9, 1934, to Leah Salsbury Kesser and Clifford Kesser, Howard lived a life marked by dedication—to...
Phillip Morton Levy
Cocoa Beach, Fla. - Phillip Morton Levy passed away on August 26, 2025, at the age of 94, surrounded by the love of his family and memories of a well-lived life.Born in Newport News to Nathan and Sara (Sassi) Levy, Phil’s generous spirit, unwavering integrity, humor,...
Louis A. Miller
CHESAPEAKE – Louis A. Miller, 85, passed away April 27.He was the son of the late Charles and Inez Miller.Louis served his country proudly in the United States Army National Guard.Besides his parents, he is predeceased by his wife, Marilyn Miller, son, Michael Miller,...
Tova Polishuck “Doba” Katz
HAIFA, ISRAEL – Tova Polishuck “Doba” Katz, 93 years old, passed away in her apartment in Haifa, Israel on April 25.Tova was born on January 17, 1931 to Yahuda and Donia Soroko Polishuck of Raanana, Israel. She was the widow of Gerald Katz, mother to David Katz of...
Yetta Cohen Sifen
VIRGINIA BEACH – Yetta Cohen Sifen passed away peacefully in her home at the age of 93, surrounded by her loving family, on April 23.She was born on November 15, 1930, in Portsmouth, Va. In 1942, she welcomed her brother Stanley (married to Judy) into this world. In...
Regina (“Jeanie”) Holzsweig Weinstock
NEWPORT NEWS - Regina (“Jeanie”) Holzsweig Weinstock, 99, passed away on April 2.Born in Portsmouth, Va., to Philip and Fannie Holzsweig, Jeanie moved to Newport News as an infant. She grew up in Newport News, and although she lived many other places, Newport News was...
Knowledge is the answer
Jewish News is gathering and presenting some basic facts for this space to equip readers during this difficult time with the confidence needed to engage in conversation about Israel. This information is from Jewish Federations of North America, as of April 8. Six...
Forward features To Life: The Past is Present
Earlier this year, the Forward wrote about the Holocaust Commission of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s book, To Life: The Past is Present, including six of the publication’s stories. The article, with two of the stories, is reprinted here with permission....
Senator Tim Kaine visits Sandler Family Campus
U.S. Senator Tim Kaine spent a couple of hours at the Sandler Family Campus last month chatting with members of Tidewater’s Jewish community about a host of issues, including Israel’s war with Hamas.
The Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus of the Tidewater Jewish Community is celebrating 20 years!
To commemorate this milestone 20th anniversary, Jewish News is planning a special section in the May 13 issue.We invite you to share your personal stories, memories, and photos of being on the Sandler Family Campus since 2004.Think about all the reasons that brought...
Chrysler Museum of Art: Camp with an art focus
Does your child’s summer include Fantastic Creatures or 3D Illusions? How about painting, sculpting, or mosaics? For campers who attend Camp Art Stars at the Chrysler Museum of Art, the answer will be “Yes!”At Camp Art Stars, campers will find inspiration behind the...
Checking out the Solar Eclipse at the Sandler Family Campus
Some events simply cannot be missed. Apparently, that was the thought when young students at Strelitz International Academy were covered up with proper fashionable paper plates, in addition to the special protective sunglasses, to view the Solar Eclipse on April 8 at...
Next Rabbi Sacks Tidewater Community Book Club: The Great Partnership: Science, Religion, and the Search for Meaning
Sunday, April 28, 10 am, Temple Emanuel In The Great Partnership: Science, Religion, and the Search for Meaning, the late Rabbi Jonathan Sacks challenges traditional perspectives on the intersection of science and religion. The Rabbi Sacks Tidewater Community Book...
Simon Family JCC to participate in Family and Student Wellness Expo
Saturday, May 11, 11 am – 2 pm Bayside High School The Family and Student Wellness Expo connects families with local resources, cultivating a stronger sense of community as well as ensuring families remain informed of mental wellness, family engagement, and student...
Mary Alice Fobian Epstein
VIRGINIA BEACH - Mary Alice Fobian Epstein passed away March 29.Mary was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania on September 30, 1938. She graduated from St. Gertrude’s High School in Richmond. Mary then became a registered nurse after graduating from Mary Immaculate School...
Anita Smith Kinsley
MERRIMACK, N.H. – Anita Smith Kinsley passed away on April 2.Beloved wife of the late David Kinsley, Anita was the devoted mother of Michelle Kinsley and Jeffrey Kinsley and his wife, Christine. She was the dear sister of Mannie Smith and his wife, Judy, and Debbie...
Betty Lou Legum
NORFOLK - Betty Lou Legum, a lifelong resident of Norfolk, passed away on April 13 at the age of 96.She was predeceased by her parents, Jesse and Rose Ruden Rafelman, Robin Legum Siegel, and her husband Charles “Sonny” Stuart Legum.After graduating from Maury High...
Shirley Rosen
PORTLAND, MAINE – Shirley Rosen, 93, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend, passed away March 22.Shirley, the daughter of Lena Shlanger Binder and Joseph Binder, was born in New York City, N.Y. on Dec. 16, 1930, on the Lower East Side. She graduated from Seward...
Jeffrey Alan Swartz
UERTO NUEVO, MEXICO - Jeffrey Alan Swartz passed away March 11 at his home. He left this world suddenly after an incomparable 71 years, having perpetually blazed his own trails.Son of the late Arthur F. Swartz and Raye Zfass Swartz-Keller, Jeff was born on February...
Mindy Kaufman Stergas
CHESAPEAKE - Mindy A. Stergas, beloved wife, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away on January 13.She was born on September 21, 1961, in Maryland. Mindy was 62 years old at the time of her passing.Mindy led a life filled with simple pleasures and cherished moments. She...
Friends of Jewish News
Recent donors to Jewish News: Walter FenskaVirginia HawksCarol WatersBarbara KledzikMr. and Mrs. Charles LinesPeter PrzyjemskiTerri and Steve Budman In memory of Carole Bernstein All contributions are appreciated and help the paper fulfill its mission of being a link...
Knowledge is the answer
Israel’s war with Hamas has resulted in vocal and aggressive antisemitism that has not been witnessed in the United States for many generations.Jewish News is gathering and presenting some basic facts in this space to equip readers during this difficult time with the...