Jewish News VA

Archives

Robert Sanford Cohen

Virginia Beach – Robert Sanford Cohen, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and respected attorney, passed away peacefully at the age of 96, leaving behind a legacy of deep integrity, enduring friendships, and unwavering commitment to both his...

Jonas Michael Goldman

Virginia Beach – Jonas Michael Goldman, born on April 26, 1989, in Norfolk, Va., passed away on July 13, 2025, in Virginia Beach, Va., at the age of 36.From an early age, Jonas was a comedian, athlete, music lover, doting son, and everybody’s friend. Jonas was deeply...

Elaine Dobken Lichty

VIRGINIA BEACH - Elaine Dobken Lichty passed away peacefully on July 3, 2025, at 89 years old. She was born in New Jersey on October 29, 1935.Elaine is preceded in death by her loving husband of 61 years, Sherman “Sherm” Lichty, and her two brothers, Phillip and...

Barbara Friedman Schechter

NORFOLK - A resident of Harbor’s Edge in Norfolk, Barbara passed away April 29, 2025, surrounded by family.Born with a congenital heart condition known as Tetralogy of Fallot (Blue Baby disease), she lived “way beyond years she thought possible,” with the advances of...

Richard Allen Schechter

NORFOLK - Richard “Rick” Allen Schechter, born on August 18, 1965, at Norfolk General Hospital in Norfolk, Virginia, departed this life on July 18, 2025, in Norfolk, Virginia. He was 59 years old.Rick was a man of many talents and passions. An avid woodworker, he...

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...

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...