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The Ketubah – a Jewish marriage contract

The Ketubah – a Jewish marriage contract

The ketubah, or Jewish marriage contract, has traditionally spelled out the groom’s obligations to his wife, including financial responsibilities and his commitment to provide for his bride’s basic needs, such as food, shelter, and intimacy. In the orthodox tradition,...

BBYO holds a successful fall event 

BBYO holds a successful fall event 

Thirty-five members and prospects (17 AZA and 18 BBG) gathered at Top Golf to kick off the new programming term for BBYO. Sports, socializing, and snacks were enjoyed by all.   To learn about more programming, contact Courtney Krutoy, city director - Tidewater...

New advisors for Old Dominion AZA

New advisors for Old Dominion AZA

Dr. Ben Rubenstein and Eric Miller joined the advisory committee last month for Tidewater BBYO’s Old Dominion AZA. BBYO advisors serve as role models working in partnership with staff members to supervise and guide AZA and BBG chapters. Advisors empower each BBYO...

Hope and joy in 5786

Hope and joy in 5786

As we enter this High Holiday season of reflection and renewal together, I am reminded that these holidays invite us to pause, look inward, and reconnect—with our traditions, our communities, and with our loved ones. This year, more than ever, we are reminded of the...

Sukkot 5786

Sukkot 5786

Jewish Tidewater celebrates Sukkot with an array of events throughout the region. All listings are open to the public.  Chabad of Tidewater Community Sukkot Dinner and Dessert in the Sukkah   Monday, October 6, 7:30 pm Suggested donation $18/person RSVP:...

Mini-Golf fundraiser was a big success

Mini-Golf fundraiser was a big success

On Sunday, September 14, I hosted a charity mini golf fundraising tournament at the Sandler Family Campus. We had 25 people show up to play and donate to Jewish Family Service.  The tournament was split into three rounds. The first round was a normal round, and...

JFS makes Thanksgiving meals possible for hundreds

Cars started lining up down Corporate Woods Drive at 8 am on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, eagerly waiting for the Jewish Family Service Food Pantry to begin its Thanksgiving food distribution.   Busy volunteers and staff were loading carts carrying bags of...

Another spirited Shabbat Project for Tidewater

The 2024 Tidewater Shabbat Project was once again a smashing success. The weekend began with the Travelling Chassidim leading Friday night services at B’nai Israel Congregation on Nov. 15. The synagogue came alive as everyone joined together in dance while singing the...

That’s A Wrap: Jewish Book Festival 2024

Over six weeks, the 2024 Lee & Bernard Jaffe Family Jewish Book Festival brought together bestselling authors, emerging voices, and an audience hungry for stories. The festival began with a look into history, as novelist Rachel Beanland transported attendees back...

Catholic Church of St. Stephen creates holiday cheer for thousands

For the eighth consecutive year, clients at Jewish Family Service of Tidewater have been adopted by members of the Catholic Church of St. Stephen in Chesapeake. Carol Ehrbar, who coordinates this project for St. Stephen each year, helped collect more than 3,000 gifts...

Letting go at year-end for a better beginning

As the 2024 calendar year nears the finish line, one pervasive question is: How is it possible to leave behind the stresses and anxieties of the past 12 months and approach 2025 with renewed hope and opportunity? With ongoing wars and hostilities in the Middle East...

Looking back and looking forward

Year end is fast approaching, and with it comes an opportunity to look back and assess… Did I do all I wanted to do over the past 12 months? Did I accomplish my goals? Stick with my New Year’s resolutions? Make the world better in some small way?   Year end...

Janet Porter Kramer and Kathryn Kramer

One unique aspect about this mother- daughter realtor duo –  Janet Kramer and Kathryn Kramer – is their succession into real estate. Kathryn Kramer entered the field first and encouraged her mom to pivot from a career in architecture to selling homes. ...

Maximize 2024 tax benefits with smart year-end giving

As the end of the year approaches, individuals and families are considering ways to maximize the financial benefits of their charitable giving. Tidewater Jewish Foundation offers guidance to help donors make informed decisions that align with their financial goals...

Nadiv members tour USS Eisenhower

More than a young men’s fundraising group for United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, Nadiv is a place to network, socialize, and learn about each other’s professional lives. On Friday, November 8, 12 Nadiv members toured the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. Jonathan Beha, a...

Mitzvah Projects deserve their own “Mazel Tov!”

Becoming a bar or bat mitzvah is a multi-faceted time for 13-year-olds and their families.  Preparations for this special milestone include studying Jewish history and Hebrew, learning how to conduct a Shabbat service, interpreting a parsha, and applying its...

Strelitz Fall Festival creates an unforgettable autumn celebration

On a cool Sunday in October, the Sandler Family Campus transformed into a magical Fall Wonderland for the 2nd Annual Strelitz Fall Festival.  This signature Strelitz International Academy event brought the community together with delicious food, unique vendors,...

Community Impact Day: Creating kindness and Jewish camp curiosity

Camp Fair at the Simon Family JCC Sunday, November 24, 10 am – 12 pm, Sandler Family Campus | Learn more and register at JewishVA.org/CampsandKindness As part of Community Impact Day: Creating Kindness and Jewish Camp Curiosity, a Camp Fair will offer an opportunity...

John Stein brings a taste of New York to Tidewater

Start spreading the news…Ess-a-Bagel has made its way from New York to Tidewater. Baker’s Crust Bagel, a new concept by restauranteur John Stein, is now open at The Shops at Hilltop. The eatery features a full menu of Ess-a-Bagel bagels, deli sandwiches, and Three...

For Donor Advised Funds: Think “Hub,” not “Autopilot” 

Most people know or have heard that a Donor Advised fund at Tidewater Jewish Foundation offers the convenience of a one-stop-shop. Cash (or, ideally, appreciated stock) tax-deductible contributions are made to the fund, and then the fund’s owner recommends grants to...