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...
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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...
Allen Arthur Steckenberg
VIRGINIA BEACH - With heavy hearts and profound respect, we commemorate the vibrant life of Allen Arthur Steckenberg, affectionately known as “Steck,” who passed away on July 19, 2025, in Virginia Beach, Virginia.Born on August 28, 1941, in New York, Steck lived a...
Paul Andrew Moore
PORTSMOUTH - Paul Andrew Moore, 72, passed away, March 24, 2025.He is survived by his wife Debbie, daughter Angela Woody (Chris), sons Daniel and Jeremy (Sarah), brother Marvin Moore (Donna), sister Connie Moore (Sam), brother-in-laws Ken Lubar (Suzi) and Steven Lubar...
Benn Lewis Richels
NORFOLK - With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Benn Lewis Richels, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and cherished friend, on March 20, 2025, at the age of 82.For over 20 years, he led BMR (Berlin, Miles, Richels) as its dedicated...
Jon Franklin Sedel
VIRGINIA BEACH - Jon Franklin Sedel passed away March 29, 2025, from cancer.He grew up in Birdneck Point, son of the late Dr. Norman Sedel and Reitha Sedel.Jon graduated from First Colonial High School in 1969 and Virginia Commonwealth University in 1973 with a degree...
Steve Jay Spindel
PORTSMOUTH - After 85 years, Steven Jay Spindel, a plumber and a drummer, left this earth on March 24, 2025.As a master plumber, he worked with his father and two brothers at I. Spindel & Sons Plumbing & Heating until 1976. He retired from Norfolk Naval...
Mark D. Stadler
CHESAPEAKE - Mark D. Stadler passed away on March 29, 2025.He was born September 24,1944 in Norfolk, Va. and was the son of M.G. “Mike” and Jeanne G. Stadler, of blessed memory.A hallmark of his disposition was his convivial nature, patience with students, and good...
Stef Wertheimer, one of Israel’s richest men
(JTA) — Stef Wertheimer, one of Israel’s richest men and a former lawmaker, has died at 98.Wertheimer’s granddaughter Maya Wertheimer, an Israeli actress and model, posted on social media last month that he had died in his sleep.“The man who taught me what derech...
Area congregations and organizations are hosting various Seders and Passover-related events this year.
✡️ Simon Family JCC Seniors ClubModel Passover SederLed by Rabbi David BockmanWednesday, April 9, 12 – 2 pmSimon Family JCCInformation: Mia Klein, programdepartment/seniors program coordinator, 757-452-3184 or MKlein@UJFT.org ✡️Beth ChaverimPassover Community Seder...
Purim party: A time-traveling celebration
The Sandler Family Campus was unrecognizable on Saturday, March 1, as partygoers stepped into Mordechai’s Time Machine for an unforgettable Purim celebration. Immersive décor transported guests across time and space — from a 1920s speakeasy to a garden of Eden. Every...
Liel Leibovitz brings the Talmud to Tidewater with wisdom and wit
Thursday, April 3, 7:30 pm • Sandler Family Campus United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s Konikoff Center for Learning will welcome Liel Leibovitz, author and journalist, as he discusses his latest book, How the Talmud Can Change Your Life: Surprisingly Modern Advice...
Yom Hashoah: Community Holocaust Commemoration
Wednesday, April 23, 6:45 pm Ohef Sholom Temple The Holocaust Commission of United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s annual Holocaust Day Remembrance, Yom Hashoah, will take place next month. The event is open to the community.The commemoration will feature survivor...
John Louis Bachman
NORFOLK - John Louis Bachman, aged 45, of the 200 block of E. 41st Street, passed away on March 11, 2025. After a brief and courageous battle with kidney cancer, he died peacefully surrounded by his family.Born in Norfolk, he was the beloved son of Gail Wasserman...
Stuart Berman
ROCKVILLE, MD - Stuart Alan Berman passed away at the age of 78 on February 25, 2025.Beloved husband of Beverly Berman; devoted father of Scott (Hillary) Berman and Rachel (Chris) Newman; loving brother of Judi Klass and Howard (Barbara) Berman; cherished Pop Pop of...
Charles N. Cooper
NORFOLK - With profound sadness, we announce that Charles Neilson Cooper, age 89, died on Tuesday, February 25, 2025.Charles was born on July 13, 1935, in Norfolk, Va. to Dudley Cooper and Mary Miller Cooper. He was raised in Norfolk alongside his older brother, Joel...
Marilyn Miller
NORFOLK – Marilyn Miller passed away peacefully on February 18, 2025, at the age of 97.She is survived by two sons and her daughter-in-law.Marilyn Miller was born January 29, 1928, in Brooklyn, N.Y. She was the only surviving child of Helen and Louis Epstein. Her...
Ronnie Hermelin Moscovitz
NORFOLK - Ronnie Hermelin Moscovitz passed away peacefully in her sleep at home, family by her side, on February 28, 2025.Born to Al and Bea Hermelin, of blessed memory, in Norfolk, Va., on May 7, 1940, she was the eldest of four children. Being diagnosed with...
Robert Oasis
PALM BEACH GARDENS, FLORIDA - Robert (Bob) Oasis passed peacefully at home on March 6, 2025. He was surrounded by both family and friends.Bob grew up in West Hartford, Conn., attended Hall High School and earned a BA from Curry College in Milton, Mass. His career...
Dr. Louis O. Tonelson
VIRGINIA BEACH - Dr. Louis O. Tonelson passed away on March 15, 2025.Dr. Tonelson was born to A. Rufus and Sara Tonelson on May 1, 1947, in Norfolk, Va.Dr. Tonelson is survived by his best friend and confidant of 54 years, his wife Anita. He is also survived by his...
Broken Vessels, Restored Souls: Ceramics in Jewish Mysticism and Art
Sunday, March 30, 12:30 – 2:30 pm, Torggler Center at Christopher Newport University In Judaism’s mystical traditions, the myth of the ‘breaking of the vessels’ imagines vessels of divine essence shattered at creation, left for humans to find and repair the...
Celebrate Israel’s 77th Anniversary at the Yom Ha’Atzmaut community celebration
Sunday, May 4, 12 - 3 pm, Sandler Family Campus Jewish Tidewater is making plans to celebrate Yom Ha’Atzmaut, Israel’s 77th Independence Day, with another vibrant and family-friendly afternoon filled with fun, culture, and community spirit.Attendees will have the...
BBYO holds spring kick-off
Tidewater BBYO had its spring kickoff at Surge Adventure Park, a multi-adventure trampoline park, ninja course, and arcade in Virginia Beach on Saturday, Feb 8. Eighteen teens attended the event, connecting with Jewish friends over pizza and an afternoon of fun. Henry...