This year’s theme was travel, which made the room feel fun and welcoming. The little touches, such as globes and mini suitcases that tied into the theme, gave everyone something light and enjoyable to talk about while also taking time to appreciate their meaningful work.

 Many different volunteer groups are involved at Jewish Family Service of Tidewater, so it was special to have them all together in one place. Some volunteers help with PAM filing, while others are Meals on Wheels drivers who deliver food to those who need it, along with food pantry volunteers who make sure families have access to groceries, as well as knitters, quilters, and crocheters who create handmade items with care. Tax preparers even donate their time and expertise to help others during tax season.

 JFS depends on its volunteers. The organization truly could not run without them. Along with the generous donations from the Jewish community, the volunteers are what keep everything going and allow JFS to support so many individuals and families in need.

 The luncheon was not fancy, but it didn’t need to be. It felt genuine and heartfelt, which made it meaningful. People had the chance to connect, share stories, and just feel appreciated for what they do.

 The event took place at the Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus, which continues to be a central place for Jewish life in Tidewater.

Anyone who is interested in volunteering, donating, or learning more about Jewish Family Service, can contact Julie Kievit, Jewish Community Relations Manager, at 757-321-2318 or jkievit@jfshamptonroads.org. Giving even a little bit of time can make a big difference.

 Goldstein consistently steps in wherever needed—whether picking up food orders from the Foodbank, taking initiative in the pantry, or offering steady leadership with confidence and care. Always greeting with a smile, she is quick to ask, “What can I do to help?” Her warmth and positivity help create a welcoming, supportive environment for every client who walks through the pantry doors.

 Goldstein’s commitment to service extends beyond her volunteer hours. This past Thanksgiving, for example, her daughter organized a fundraiser to support JFS, reflecting the values of generosity and community that Goldstein models every day.

 Jewish Family Service of Tidewater is grateful for Goldstein’s dedication and is proud to see her recognized for the meaningful difference she makes in the community.

If interested in volunteering with JFS, contact Julie Kievit at jkievit@jfshamptonroads.org. 

Through the Personal Affairs Management program, JFS met Frances. Frances loved three things deeply: her country, her health, and chocolate.

Born at the start of the 20th century, Frances lived through eras most of us only read about. During World War II, she proudly served in the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps—a voluntary military support unit that paved the way for women in the U.S. armed forces. She never married and had no children, but she lived an independent, determined life for as long as she possibly could.

When age and illness eventually made that independence impossible, Jewish Family Service was called in to help. Frances, now suffering from severe dementia, was placed in a care facility where she could be safe—but she could no longer speak or express herself clearly. Even her strong, beautiful past was, in many ways, locked away.

Still, her PAM guardian visited regularly, and even when words failed, they searched for something—anything—that could spark joy or connection. Then, one day, it happened.

Frances was handed a Hershey’s chocolate bar.

Her face softened. Her eyes lit up. For a moment, something familiar returned. From then on, every visit included a chocolate bar—sometimes two. It became a quiet ritual, a bridge between her past and the present.

Years passed. Frances’s 100th birthday was approaching—an extraordinary milestone. Her care team planned a joyful celebration: cake, party hats, decorations, music, and guests. But Frances didn’t understand the party was for her. She sat quietly at the table, distant and still, her party hat slightly askew.

Then her guardian placed several Hershey’s bars in front of her.

Slowly, carefully, Frances reached out. She began to move the chocolate bars across the table, one by one. She didn’t say a word—but her hands told the story. In that small act of engagement, surrounded by sweet reminders of something she still loved, Frances celebrated a century of life in her own unique way.

At JFS, we are reminded time and again: connection doesn’t always come through conversation, sometimes it comes through patience, attention—and a little bit of chocolate.

This is how we honor dignity. This is how we heal the world… one person at a time.

Together, we can make a lasting impact.

Jewish Family Service is dedicated to supporting the most vulnerable members of our community. With your help, we can continue healing the world, one person at a time.
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Every gift made to JFS goes back into the community and helps PAM clients such as Francis. Tax-deductible donations to Jewish Family Service of Tidewater may be made at jfshamptonroads.org.

We also accept nonperishable food items for our Food Pantry and new clothing items for our PAM clients, as well as hygiene items, that can be dropped in the donation bin outside of the Sandler Family Campus entrance.

Every act of kindness matters. Stand with us in bringing hope, dignity, and care to those who need it most. As we say at JFS, you never know when you’ll need help, but you’ll always know where to find it.

Meril Amdursky is a Jewish Family Service of Tidewater board member.

To get involved, contact Julie Kievit, Jewish community services manager, at 757-321-2318 or jkievit@jfshamptonroads.org.

Jewish Tidewater heard about the needs and responded with generosity. Local synagogues and other Jewish service programs collected donations from food drives totaling nearly $9,000 and financial contributions totaling nearly $30,000.

 In November, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (aka SNAP) benefits were suspended. According to the Federation of Virginia Food Banks, families with children comprise 67% of Virginia’s SNAP recipients as of 2024, and more than 80% of the families who receive SNAP have been employed in the past year. 

 “Even before the SNAP cuts, we were concerned about the increased utilization of our food pantry,” says Kelly Burroughs, Jewish Family Service CEO. Earlier in the year, funding to Food Banks nationwide was massively cut. “These cuts have already led to fewer resources for food banks whose empty shelves bear witness to the greater need for their services.” 

 In addition to the funding cuts, the price of food increased by 2.9% from July 2024 to July 2025, according to USDA. Smaller pantries could not afford to keep their shelves stocked or their doors open. Many of them closed, which led to an increased number of people using the pantry at JFS each week.  In fact, this Thanksgiving, JFS has more than 300 people signed up to receive meals—nearly twice as many as last year. Each family averages four to five people, meaning that almost 1,500 people this year will benefit from the generosity of Tidewater’s Jewish community’s support.

 JFS often relies on monetary contributions to purchase supplemental items that are not available through the food bank, such as toilet paper and other hygiene products. “We are so grateful for the monetary donations and food drives that benefit JFS’ clients every day and even more considering the cuts to funding at Thanksgiving time,” says Brooke Rush, JFS director of development.

 In addition to the food pantry, JFS also delivers meals through its partnership with Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia and Meals on Wheels of Chesapeake. “There is a myth that there is no hunger in Jewish households. But the truth is, one in four people who receive home delivered meals by JFS is Jewish,” says Rush.

 “The community coming together to support one another is an incredible testament of tzedakah. No one should go hungry, and no one should be ashamed of need. That is why we exist,” Burroughs adds. “I think people underestimate how quickly we can be those people in line that we serve.”

 Roughly 40 volunteers – adults and children alike – busily prepared Thanksgiving meal kits for 350 families in need this holiday season. Jewish Family Service of Tidewater and Nadiv, the young men’s fundraising division of United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, partnered to make the event possible.

 Volunteers as young as three years old sorted canned goods and other non-perishable items while others put the food in bags ready for families to pick up the week of Thanksgiving.

 ‘Thank you to Nadiv and all the volunteers for helping us kick off the start of our Thanksgiving bag stuffing,’ says Brooke Rush, director of development for Jewish Family Service. “We couldn’t have done it without your hard work and energy.”

 Rabbi Pinchas Zimmer of the Norfolk Kollel provided food from Charlie’s Middle Eastern and brought in Rabbi Bentzi Epstein from Dallas for a talk on the Jewish meaning of Thanksgiving.

All Nadiv members give at least $365 to UJFT’s Annual Campaign. The group is open to men ages 22 – 50 and falls under UJFT’s Men’s Division.

To be involved in Nadiv, contact Amy Zelenka, UJFT’s chief development officer, at azelenka@ujft.org.

 Each Rosh Hashanah bag was filled with symbolic treats for the New Year: challah rolls, apples, honey, and a Jewish calendar. The challah was lovingly baked by volunteers at JFS’s first (and now annual) Community Challah Bake. The bags were decorated by students at Strelitz International Academy, with many including handmade cards from students and community members, alike. Volunteers from the JFS board and staff packed the bags, which were then delivered door-to-door by members of the wider Jewish community — making this project a collaborative mitzvah.

 As part of the outreach, JFS also visited Aviva Pembroke. Harriet Meier joined in the effort, helping to spread warmth and connection as she delivered cards and greetings alongside the treats.

 “These holiday outreach bags are a small token of appreciation from JFS and the community to the elders in our community,” says Brooke Rush, JFS director of development. “I delivered a bag to a lovely woman in a facility whose smile filled the room when she saw the challah roll. Though mostly nonverbal, she showed me how she used to braid her own challah. That quiet moment reminded me of the deep joy our traditions can bring.”

 “We are just so thankful that Jewish Family Service can think of all of us during this holiday season,” said Lynn Seltzer, as she prepared to deliver bags to her neighbors.

 This project is an example of how outreach can be deeply enriching — not just for those receiving, but also for those giving. 

Children stood on tiptoes to braid round challahs beside parents and friends, while others focused on decorating gift bags with colorful drawings and heartfelt messages to be filled and delivered to seniors prior to the start of the High Holidays. Handmade greeting cards were tucked inside, each one a personal wish for sweetness and joy in the year ahead.

 “Our goal is to make sure that no one feels forgotten during the holidays,” says Kelly Burroughs, CEO of Jewish Family Service. “Delivering these bags helps bring joy and connection to members of our community who may not be able to celebrate with family.”

 The Challah Bake was about more than just baking—it was a chance for the community to gather, share traditions, and live out the value of caring for others. In addition to flour on their hands, families left with a sense of purpose and pride in knowing they helped brighten someone else’s holiday. In fact, the event was so well received that it’s already being called “Annual Community Challah Bake.” 

Jewish Family Service continues this tradition throughout the year, delivering gift bags to Jewish seniors for holidays to ensure they feel remembered and cherished. To join this meaningful effort, contact Emily Krouse, special projects coordinator, at 757-321-2222.

To share a personal story about Hebrew Ladies Charity or to get involved, contact: Brooke Rush at brush@jfshamptonroads.org.