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Knowledge is key

Knowledge is key

Jewish News continues to gather and present some basic facts to equip readers with the confidence needed to engage in conversation about Israel and antisemitism.  • Israel’s government is a parliamentary democracy and has three branches: executive, legislative,...

Philanthropy can start young

Philanthropy can start young

Some say it’s never too early to learn about generosity and tzedakah. That seems to be a prevailing philosophy for Alyson Gross and Michael Yaary, parents of two-year-old Asher.  Instead of gifts for his recent birthday party, the Strelitz International Academy...

The now ubiquitous mazel tov

The now ubiquitous mazel tov

Sitting in a movie theater, watching a favorite show, or listening to the radio, most Jewish people can’t help but chuckle when Hebrew or Yiddish vernacular is heard, as if they’re the only listener privy to this inside joke. But how, and when, did the phrase “mazel...

Hurricane Emergency Relief Fund

Hurricane Emergency Relief Fund

Hurricane Helene struck the east coast as a powerful Category 4 storm, bringing wind speeds exceeding 140 mph, a once-in-a generation storm surge, and more than 15 inches of rainfall. This caused widespread flooding and damage across Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, North...

Poppies (Kalaniot): Proud and strong 

Poppies (Kalaniot): Proud and strong 

Since I was a little girl, I’ve always liked Poppies. I remember when they taught us about law-protected flowers, you know, those that you can’t pick – even if it’s your deepest desire. Out of the list, poppies were my favorite. I still can’t figure out what drew me...

Supporting grieving children for 25 years

Supporting grieving children for 25 years

Twenty-five years ago, Jewish Family Service and Edmarc, a children’s hospice program, partnered to develop Peace by Piece, an emotional safe haven for kids and teens who have experienced the loss of a loved one. Adult support groups for the caregivers are also...

BeAR begins 25th year

BeAR begins 25th year

The Be A Reader (BeAR) Literacy Program is celebrating a major milestone this year, and what better way to begin the year than with United Jewish Federation hosting the largest ever BeAR kickoff luncheon. Now in its 25th year, the BeAR program continues to ignite a...

Letters offer support to Jewish community for October 7

Letters offer support to Jewish community for October 7

In recognition of the first anniversary of the brutal attacks by Hamas, several elected officials and retired U.S. military leaders issued letters in condemnation of the atrocities and in solidarity with the Jewish community. Among those sending letters were U.S....

Knowledge is key

Knowledge is Key

Some Basic Facts: A majority of Americans (61%) say the U.S. should play a role in diplomatically resolving the Israel-Hamas war. Still, more want the U.S. to play a minor role (37%) than a major one (24%). An additional 19% would prefer for the U.S. to play no...

Summer Camp is the place to work: Don’t Miss Out: Part 2

In a similar article of a previous edition of Jewish News, Part 1 of why “Summer Camp is The Place to Work: Don’t Miss Out” was shared. In this piece, it was discussed how camp counselors have the opportunity to refine and practice interpersonal and leadership skills,...

Chrysler Museum of Art: Camp with an art focus

Does your child’s summer include Fantastic Creatures or 3D Illusions? How about painting, sculpting, or mosaics? For campers who attend Camp Art Stars at the Chrysler Museum of Art, the answer will be “Yes!”At Camp Art Stars, campers will find inspiration behind the...

Beth El bids farewell to Pam Gladstone after 34 years

Bittersweet tears flowed from many eyes on Sunday, April 7 as community members gathered for brunch at Congregational Beth El to celebrate the retirement of Pam Gladstone, Beth El’s executive director for the past 34 years.Gladstone’s tenure at the synagogue saw four...

Spring fun at Camp JCC

As the weather gets warmer and summer gets closer, Camp JCC wrapped up another successful spring break camp. Covering one week for mostly public school closures, campers enjoyed spring themed crafts, indoor and outdoor games, STEM projects, a mini color war, and free...

Friends of Jewish News

Recent donors to Jewish News: Walter FenskaVirginia HawksCarol WatersBarbara KledzikMr. and Mrs. Charles LinesPeter PrzyjemskiTerri and Steve Budman In memory of Carole Bernstein All contributions are appreciated and help the paper fulfill its mission of being a link...

Knowledge is the answer

Israel’s war with Hamas has resulted in vocal and aggressive antisemitism that has not been witnessed in the United States for many generations.Jewish News is gathering and presenting some basic facts in this space to equip readers during this difficult time with the...

Federation welcomes Linda Ausch,new development professional

Linda Ausch joined United Jewish Federation of Tidewater last month as its newest development (fundraising) team member, assuming the role of Development Director - Community Campaign. She will be responsible for a variety of fundraising and community building roles...

Purim has fun with a serious situation

The Purim festival is an extraordinary fun-making of costumes and masks, which in a pandemic, save lives threatening all. The holiday masks and matches the extraordinary seriousness of the life and death issues behind it, allowing for the healthy release of pent-up...

You could (almost) eat the dishes!

In what may be the “sweetest” gala ever presented in its 31-year run, the 2024 Virginia Festival of Jewish Film celebrated the life and work of the late actor Gene Wilder during its “Wonka-themed” Saturday Night Celebration on Feb. 24. Remembering Gene Wilder was...

Appreciation for Sandlers’ work in Tidewater and Romania

Dear Editor,As the mother-in-law of a Romanian, Elena, I am very appreciative of the Sandlers’ work in Romania.I’m a member of Ohef Sholom Temple and a relative newcomer to Hampton Roads (2011). We moved here after retiring to help care for our grand babies while...

Rabbi Sacks Tidewater Community Book Club delves into Future Tense

The inaugural session of the Rabbi Jonathan Sacks Community Book Club took place on Sunday, Feb. 25 at Congregation Beth El. Participants included congregants of area synagogues as well as those without affiliation. As part of the series, sponsored by the Simon Family...

Antisemitism: A far deeper problem than can be imagined

America is experiencing a strong uptick in antisemitism, especially on our college campuses. Jewish students feel unsafe and numerous attacks have been registered. University presidents have struggled to admit that advocating for the genocide of Jews is against school...

Camp JCC is the place to be: Don’t miss out

Registration for Camp JCC Summer 2024 is off to a very promising start – after all, it is “the place to be” this summer. In fact, enrollment is significantly higher compared to this point last year, with many of the families who have registered new to camp. Based on...

Work at summer camp is inspiring

During the final days of staff training, camp directors across the country ask their teams to close their eyes and think about who their favorite camp counselors were and what was it about that person that made them special. What were their qualities? What interests...

A bag of kippot = memories for local caterer

Susan Byrne of Catering Concepts recently happened upon a bag of yamakas (kippot) – all from events where she had been the caterer. “It was fun to find them and have all of the memories come flooding back,” says Byrne. “Seeing those yamakas reminded me of viewing...

Make a difference with BeAR

“Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.” – Albert Einstein We all want to feel that we truly make a difference. Participating in the Be A Reader (BeAR) Literacy Project of the United Jewish Federation Tidewater is an easy and rewarding way to accomplish...

Build strength for a good life

“Strong legs, long life.” This is the mantra voiced by Tom Purcell during the LifeFit class he leads on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at the Simon Family JCC. It is just one among many positive thoughts Purcell shares during every class – all promoting fitness and...

Temple Emanuel’s Casablanca

Those who weren’t in Casablanca on Saturday, Feb. 3 missed out. Temple Emanuel’s Casablanca-themed Casino Night was the place to be and the numerous Ingrids and Humphreys in attendance can attest to that. It was an energetic, delicious, fun night on the town. Leslie...