SCC is also a time to handle Eastern Region BBYO business. The six elected regional presidents (one BBG and one AZA from each council) give a state of the region (“States”) where they review the successes and challenges of the past year. The new regional board is also elected.

Simcha BBG’s Skylar Caplan was elected as the fourth regional mazkirah (secretary) of Eastern Region. Mazkirah is responsible for managing Instagram posts, social media storytelling, designing flyers, and creating digital materials, as well as taking meeting notes, tracking member information, and keeping records of gatherings. Skylar will do this and more while leading and supporting her chapter counterparts in the region (all the mazkirahs in each BBG/BBYO chapter).

Conventions bring members together for a fun and meaningful weekend of programming, activities, Shabbat moments, and hanging out with friends. More than a few tears were shed upon departure.

Members are already looking forward to L’dor V’dor Convention (LVC) taking place November 13-15 outside Charlotte, North Carolina.

 As a child, his mother taught him to notice when someone needed help, to carry groceries for a neighbor, to lend a hand without being asked, to show up for others simply because it mattered. Those early lessons became the foundation of who he is.

Today, that same instinct to serve defines Aiden, the 2026 recipient of the Stein Family Scholarship. He will attend JMU. 

A senior at Kempsville High School, Aiden has built a strong record of leadership and community involvement, from mentoring elementary school students to volunteering extensively and serving as a student representative on the Virginia Beach Resort Advisory Committee.

 “I’ve just always been taught to help,” Aiden says. “If anyone calls, I’m there.”

His approach is grounded in servant leadership. “You’re not being a leader to grow yourself; you’re being a leader to grow others,” he says. “And then you grow with them.”

 That commitment to serving others is also deeply rooted in his Jewish identity. From helping at synagogue to founding and leading the Jewish Student Association at Kempsville High School, Aiden has carried those values into his everyday life. 

 That mindset is shaping his future. Aiden plans to study hospitality and tourism management alongside business administration. He hopes to return to Virginia Beach to support local, family-owned businesses and create shared spaces that bring people together. “I really just want to help the local community thrive,” he says.

 The Stein Family Scholarship, created in memory of Arlene Shea Stein, reflects a legacy of compassion and a belief that education should be accessible to all.

“This scholarship gave me options,” Aiden says. “If I don’t have to work just to pay off debt, I can put that energy into helping others and making a bigger impact.”

 Naomi Limor Sedek, Tidewater Jewish Foundation president and CEO, says, “When we see young leaders like Aiden, alongside families like the Steins who continue to invest in the next generation, we are reminded that the future of our Jewish community is strong. We can move forward with confidence knowing it is in the hands of individuals who are deeply committed to service, leadership, and lifting others.”

 For Aiden, the opportunity carries responsibility. “It’s not just about what this does for me,” he says. “It’s about everyone I’ll be able to help because of it.”  And in that way, the lessons he learned as a child continue to ripple outward, shaping not only his path, but the lives he will touch along the way. “There’s no such thing as a missed opportunity. Just opportunities that lead you somewhere different.”

 Alicia London Friedman, Campaign chair, welcomed attendees and described the “wonderful and successful year” of events and fundraising. The luncheon honored volunteer campaign ambassadors (members of Women’s Philanthropy), as well as Lions of Judah—women contributing $5,000 or more annually.

 Friedman thanked Betty Ann Levin, executive vice president; Amy Zelenka, chief development officer; and Linda Ausch, Women’s Development director; and offered a touching tribute to her mother, Joan London, who was in attendance, acknowledging her as a lifelong source of inspiration.

 Mona Flax, UJFT president, shared an encouraging campaign update, noting that the 2026 Community Campaign has surpassed $5.1 million and is on track to hit or exceed its goal of $5.2 million, with the Women’s Division contributing an impressive $1.5 million from 417 donors—already exceeding last year’s total.

 Flax then called Annie Sandler, past Women’s Campaign chair and current president of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, to install new Women’s Philanthropy members. Sandler gave a special shout out to retiring member Judy Rosenblatt for nine years of service and thanked Debra Aleck for agreeing to serve another term. She then welcomed new members: Rebecca Auerbach, Stacie Caplan, Amy Gladstein, Nichole Kushner, Laura Wingett, Nikki Shapiro Roth, Laura Goldstein, and Ellen Rosenblum.

 A special lunch inspired by the book, eat small plates, was next. Lunch was followed by a lively Q&A with cookbook authors Zikki and Ben Siman-Tov, moderated by Deb Segaloff. The discussion was entertaining and uplifting as Ben charmed the audience while holding the couple’s newborn daughter and Zikki spoke to the mechanics and details of the ingredients they love. Both agreed that food was not just important for its nutrition and caloric intake, but for bringing people together… whether from the same community or across divides.

 Betty Ann Levin closed the event with her own thanks to the women in the room and others not present – for caring and for doing the vital work of giving and asking others to give, so that together, all can continue to strengthen the Tidewater Jewish community.

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Thank you!

 I’m a semi-regular attendee, but on this occasion, I felt compelled to go to show that the violence of the previous day’s events could not be allowed to be a deterrent. 

 Still, I was on high alert.

 So, it came as a surprise to me to find the regular police duo who provide security at the entrance showing no outward change in demeanor. They were as casually friendly as ever, ready with a warm greeting, an open door, and no bag search. 

 (They know you, I was later assured.)

 Sitting in the chapel, I found my mind drifting. I scanned the room for exits. I wondered idly if the two exit doors on either side of the bimah, which lead directly to the parking lot, were operational. Would they open? Would they set off an alarm if used? How recently had they been tested? Which of the other exits would be safer to use?

 The more I thought, the more I became concerned that I had no idea what action I should take in the event of “an active threat” – that’s the terminology used by Mike Goldsmith, former Norfolk police chief, now with the nonprofit Secure Community Network, and security advisor for United Jewish Federation of Tidewater. What if my uninformed actions contributed to endangering others? And, I thought, if I don’t know what to do, there must be others who also don’t know. 

 When I expressed my concerns in an email to Rabbi Roz Mandelberg the next day, I received an immediate response —- while she was on vacation, no less. She copied her response to our temple administrator, Jennifer Levin-Tavares, who pointed me towards an upcoming security briefing at First Presbyterian Church.

 And that’s how I found myself inside in First Hall, on the left as you enter the church from the parking lot, on a glorious spring afternoon. I was part of a group of around 100 members of local faith communities who had gathered to learn about congregational safety in a one-hour presentation by Goldsmith. 

 And I give that detail about the room and its location as one of the lessons I learned that afternoon. Always know where you are! It sounds so obvious, but it’s easy to attend an event or take a class and not pay particular attention to the room number or its name, or which floor it’s on, information which could be critical in a crisis. 

 Despite feeling skeptical at the outset – what could I learn unless it was specific to Ohef Sholom? – I came away with several really useful tips, and a determination to follow up and ensure that other members of Ohef Sholom have the same opportunity. 

 I know OST has been diligent over the past few years in ‘hardening’ the facility, in training staff, and having a security committee that is constantly working to ensure the safety of those who use the building. 

 But we also, as individuals, have a responsibility to be proactive to ensure our safety and the safety of others. 

 Here are my main takeaways from Goldsmith’s presentation:

1. Take immediate action! The natural reaction to an unusual circumstance or threat is denial: It’s essential to believe something bad is happening and to act immediately. There is no time to lose; the average time of an attack from start to finish is 12 minutes. 

2. Goldsmith expanded on the mantra “Run, hide, fight” developed from the lessons imparted by hundreds of attacks at schools and places of worship over decades. (And if you already know this slogan, rest assured that as a graduate of remedial driving classes, there’s always something new to be learned from a refresher course!)

a) Run: The preferred option is to run from danger/the scene of the attack until you are far enough away to be safe. Detail: Run with your EMPTY hands in the air. 

b) Hide: Again, this does not mean to hide somewhere obvious where you are. He cited the Tree of Life Synagogue attack in Pittsburgh where multiple victims ‘played dead’ on the sanctuary floor with tragic results. To hide means that if you’re in a room with one door, you barricade it, turn off the lights, cover any glass if possible, and hide out of line of sight of the door. This option is used to buy time.  For example, the average time that it takes Norfolk police to respond to a top-priority call is 4 minutes.  

c) Fight: This is your last option when the other two aren’t possible. Scan the room in advance for anything that can be used as a weapon, such as chairs, desks, mic stands, etc. Working with others to attack a perpetrator(s) from different directions vastly increases the likelihood of success. 

Here’s some general safety advice: 

1. Check the location of the exits.

2. Know where you are.

3. Know how/with whom you’d communicate in a crisis.

4. Determine good hiding places in advance.

5. Scan the location for things to use as weapons (chairs, mic stands, coat racks).

6. Know that you should silence your phone; you can TEXT 911. 

7. If you call 911, stay on the line until you are told to end the call. 

8. Be alert to law enforcement response and follow all instructions calmly and without question.

Goldsmith’s presentation was outstanding, both chilling and practical. He presented the facts without sugar-coating and further conveyed the chaos and noise – fire and smoke alarms, sirens, etc. – that typically accompanies an unfolding situation. Body-camera footage taken from past ‘active threat situations’ showed just how terrifying such episodes are for first responders too.

So, what can you do? 

• Be personally prepared; take responsibility for yourself and learn the appropriate responses.

• Have your synagogue or church invite the local police for a tour so they’re familiar with the layout before there’s a crisis. 

• Encourage others to learn how to thwart an active threat.

While it’s hard to think in these terms, it’s both prudent and essential for everyone’s safety. And that holds not only for the Jewish community, but for the community at large, as evidenced by the diverse crowd in attendance at that recent Sunday afternoon meeting.  

 I’m grateful to Mike Goldsmith for his work and also to Ohef Sholom Temple’s administration for their thoughtful and reassuring response to my concerns. 

To schedule a presentation, contact Mike Goldsmith at mgoldsmith@securecommunitynetwork.org; for more information, go to www.securecommunitynetwork.org.

  In a time that continues to see rising antisemitism and threats to Jewish communities all over the world, the Federation is resolved to bring light and joy and Jewishness – whether it is through Arts & Ideas programs; the Konikoff Center of Learning and all of its educational opportunities; or the Jewish Community Relations Council and its proud and constant advocacy and support for all, here at home or in Israel. Or maybe it’s through the Federation’s allocated support for the amazing Jewish agencies and organizations who deliver specialized services to the Jewish community.

 If “living well is the best revenge,” then UJFT’s goal is to enable living well – for us, for our children, for our neighbors, and for those we may never have the chance to meet.

 All of these programs and services cost money. And it’s the UJFT Community Campaign (and its remarkable donors, who give year after year) which help bring these services to all who want and need them.

 So, whatever “living well” means to each person – being healthy, being secure, or being inspired to build a closer relationship with God, the Federation hopes you’ll support the programs and services of the Jewish community with a gift of support for the UJFT Campaign –
which ultimately brings so much wellness in the world.

 The three options to make a gift of support to the 2026 UJFT Community Campaign are: 

• Online via the Federation’s secure website at www.jewishva.org/donate. 

• Call or email Amy Zelenka, UJFT’s chief development officer, at 757-965-6139 or azelenka@ujft.org. 

• Mail a check to: United Jewish Federation of Tidewater
5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Suite 200
Virginia Beach, VA  23462
(Note: 26 Community Campaign on the check). 

Amy Zelenka is United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s chief development officer.

 The IBMA (International Baccalaureate Mid-Atlantic) is a regional association of International Baccalaureate World Schools that supports collaboration and excellence in IB programs across Virginia, Maryland, Washington, D.C., Delaware, and Pennsylvania. This award honors students who represent the values of the International Baccalaureate (IB).  

 As part of the application, students reflect on a service project and their growth through the IB Learner Profile. Ari shared how participating in a community service project helped him understand the power of empathy, teamwork, and taking action to make a difference. It was a great example of the IB mission in action, caring about others and helping build a more peaceful world.

 Exemplifying what it means to be a caring and reflective IB learner, Ari says, “In 2023 and 2024, for my birthday, instead of getting presents, I asked everyone to bring canned food. I took the food to the food pantry and stocked the shelves. The volunteers there told me who the food helped. This showed me the importance of intercultural understanding and respect. I learned that helping someone in need is better than getting something for your own benefit.”

 Through this meaningful service, Ari demonstrated the IB mission to develop empathy, understand different perspectives, and choose to make a positive impact.

Alicia Pahl-Cornelubs is International Baccalaureate coordinator for Strelitz International Academy.

 BBYO advisors serve as positive role models, working in partnership with staff members to supervise and guide AZA and BBG chapters. Advisors empower each BBYO member to do their best, develop new leadership skills, and grow into dynamic and engaged young Jewish leaders.

 A native of Charlotte, N.C., Dippold was an active and dedicated member of Ohavim BBG in Eastern Region’s North Carolina Council throughout high school. During her time in BBYO, she served her chapter as Gizborit (treasurer), Morah (vice president of membership and recruitment), and ultimately as N’siah (president). BBYO, she says, played a significant role in shaping her leadership skills, confidence, and some of her closest friendships.

 Dippold attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she studied psychology and advertising/public relations. While at UNC, she discovered her passion for working in sports and later interned in public relations with the Carolina Hurricanes. She currently serves as the manager of Sponsorship Fulfillment for the Norfolk Admirals Professional Hockey Club, where she oversees corporate partnerships and community activations.

 Now living in Norfolk, Dippold says she is excited to return to BBYO in a new role as Simcha BBG advisor. She looks forward to mentoring teens, building meaningful programming, and helping members create the same lasting memories and leadership experiences that meant so much to her.

“The directions said we could take inspiration from anywhere such as inspiring people, places we love, landmarks, quotes, or historic events,” says Gruber. “For me it was an easy choice.” Turns out the Hawaiian-born third generation Filipino American and so-called “Army brat” was married to Larry, a Jewish sailor whom she met in New Jersey. “So, I was a Navy wife and then became an Army mom” when her twin sons enlisted, one of whom subsequently graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. 

In fact, 26 of her family members have been in one military uniform or another, having collectively given 300 years of service to their country. “And I was a procurement analyst for the Navy for 22 years,” adds Gruber, “so clearly I have a feel for these men and women.” Indeed Larry was assigned to ships for 17 of his 22 years in the Navy, “so I had the main role in raising the kids.”

No wonder Gruber opted to include the logos of all five military branches in her quilt pattern. “I hope it inspires more people to respect those who serve and thank them and their families for their sacrifices.” 

Grossman’s late dad was in the Navy, but the Hopewell/Petersburg native chose to highlight the plight of those of her faith in her design. “Frankly I am very upset with how our government is treating immigrants today, considering how many Jews came to America to escape persecution.” Grossman’s 16”x20” block (same size as Gruber’s) reminds that Jews fled pogroms in Eastern Europe and came to this country, most passing by the Statue of Liberty, erected in the New York harbor in 1886. “As most of us know, Emma Lazarus’ poem called The New Colossus, which is on the statue, includes the words, ‘give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.’ Those words speak to me, so I decided to use the welcoming of foreigners, and particularly Jewish ones, as my theme.”

A former president of her synagogue, Grossman sewed a pair of ships on her piece. The first one is coming to America over blue waves in the early 1900’s, its passengers greeted by a hand offering friendship. The second boat, however, recalls ones that brought Holocaust refugees to America’s shores, through dark and ominous seas, and were turned away.  “I don’t know whether anyone else sending in quilt blocks will focus on religious freedom, but it is a very important issue for me.”

Visit the project website at visitwilliamsburg.com to see what others have submitted.  

Sometime this year, Visit Williamsburg will stitch the sections, as many as 4,000 are expected, into one huge birthday quilt, unveil it in April and then display it at the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center. No doubt these two Hampton Roads Jewish crafters will drive there to see how hundreds of other creative countrymen and women chose to commemorate this nation’s rich diversity.