NORFOLK - Susan Margolin Brewer, 88, passed away peacefully on August 5, 2025.Born on September 30, 1936, in Baltimore, Maryland, Susan was the daughter of Ellis and Hilda Margolin. She pursued her education at the University of Maryland, laying the foundation for a...
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Julie Wendy Comess
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...
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...
The University of Virginia and the Brody Jewish Center, Hillel at UVA joins Hillel International’s flagship Campus Climate Initiative to address antisemitism on campus
As Jewish college students across North America experience unprecedented levels of antisemitism on campus, the University of Virginia has joined Hillel International’s flagship Campus Climate Initiative (CCI) program.Hillel’s CCI program is the nation’s leading...
HRCF celebrates 75th anniversary
Thoughout 2025, the Hampton Roads Community Foundation is celebrating 75 years of philanthropic service to the local community.Since it began in 1950, the Foundation has grown to become the largest provider of grants and scholarships in the region, supporting...
Summer Camp 2025
Summertime is right around the corner, with camps of every sort – day, overnight, specialty, and general – busy planning an exciting 2025 experience for campers. Whether campers stay close to home or embark on a few weeks away for an overnight experience, many...
Have a favorite camp memory?
Jewish News wants to hear from you!The memory could be from last year, the last decade, or the previous century. The memory could be from a Day Camp or Residential Camp, as a Camper or Counselor. Length: 100 - 150 words, plus the camp’s name and a photo of the camper...
Toras Chaim students share Purim joy
On the Tuesday prior to Purim, in coordination with Rabbi Levi Brashevitsky, the seventh and eighth grade boys from Toras Chaim took a trip to Harbor’s Edge in Norfolk to deliver Mishloach Manos packed at the school.The boys had a special opportunity to dance and talk...
Axes and apps for YAD
A dozen young Jewish Adults from United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s YAD division got together last month for an evening of food, drinks, and… axe throwing!Josh Leibowitz, YAD chair, distinguished himself as the most improved thrower (while still guarding his...
BBYO was busy in March
Tidewater BBYO had an active agenda last month. The teens volunteered, socialized, and celebrated Shabbat as part of their March calendar.During Operation Hamantaschen for PJ Library at the Simon Family JCC, the teens set up the event, baked, and delivered the...
Israeli Chef’s Table Experience with renowned Israeli Chef Moshe Basson
Thursday, May 1, 7 pm • Sandler Family Campus Celebrate Yom Ha’Atzmaut—Israel’s Independence Day —with an extraordinary evening of flavor, heritage, and storytelling at the second annual Israeli Chef’s Table Experience, presented by Avraham and Karen Ashkenazi.This...
Celebrate Israel’s 77th Independence Day with Tidewater
Sunday, May 4, 12 - 3 pm Sandler Family Campus Get ready for a joyful afternoon of culture, connection, and celebration at the Yom Ha’Atzmaut Community Celebration.Presented by Avraham and Karen Ashkenazi, this free, family-friendly celebration honors Israel’s 77th...
Dana Cohen
NORFOLK - Dana Cohen, 92, passed away peacefully in her home on April 6, 2025.She was born in Lwow, Poland, the daughter of the late Mauricy Sygal and the late Frederycka Sygal.A survivor of the Holocaust, Dana was a dedicated member of the United Jewish Federation of...
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...