Other News

Archives

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...

Puttering around at the Simon Family JCC

Puttering around at the Simon Family JCC

A common advertising refrain, “Membership has its benefits,” takes on extra meaning at the Simon Family JCC, where membership includes opportunities that feature fitness and swim options, cultural arts programs, clubs for all ages and interests, leagues, and an...

Kristallnacht: A turning point in Nazi persecution

Kristallnacht: A turning point in Nazi persecution

November 9-10, 1938, Kristallnacht, or the “Night of Broken Glass,” marked a critical escalation in Nazi persecution of Jews. This pogrom led to the destruction of more than 1,000 synagogues and 7,500 Jewish-owned businesses, resulting in the arrest of 30,000 Jewish...

Holiday table conversation starters

Holiday table conversation starters

When gathering for the upcoming High Holiday meals with family and friends, this might be the year to veer away from a discussion of politics.   Instead, consider exploring a topic that is often overlooked, but is incredibly important –philanthropy. What better...

ZIM moves to Virginia Beach

ZIM moves to Virginia Beach

Rabbi Meir Lessof joins Nissim Yochai, president of ZIM, and other dignitaries to affix mezuzot at ZIM’snew office building in Virginia Beach. The move from Norfolk marks more than 1,000 new job opportunities for Virginia Beach. Rabbi Meir Lessoff and Nissim Yochai,...

Welcome to Tidewater’s Great Jewish Bookshelf

Welcome to Tidewater’s Great Jewish Bookshelf

An opportunity to deepen connections to Jewish heritage, culture, and contemporary thought A new initiative of the Konikoff Center for Learning of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, the Great Jewish Bookshelf invites Jewish adults—or anyone interested in the...

Knowledge is Key

Knowledge is Key. Some basic facts.

Iran funds approximately $700 million to Lebanon annually. Hezbollah effectively controls Lebanon, is stronger than many national armies and poses a significantly greater threat than Hamas. Hezbollah’s stated goal is the complete destruction of the Jewish state....

Donations to Jewish News

Donations to Jewish News

Jewish News appreciates all who support the newspaper with generous contributions – whether in honor of or in memory of friends and loved ones or as a Friend of Jewish News. Friends of Jewish News Mr. and Mrs. Charles Lines  Virginia Hawks Carol Waters Barbara...

Family Shabbat Experience was a hit at Ohef Sholom

I don’t “belong” to Ohef Sholom Temple, but on Saturday, Jan. 27, I felt as if I did. My friend, Paul Terkeltaub, invited me to attend Ohef’s first “Family Shabbat Experience” and to bring my son, daughter-in-law, and their two sons (ages 8 and 5), promising a morning...

First dates, first meals

While not every first date is centered around a meal, most involve some sort of dining, even if it’s not fancy fare or a sit-down meal. When Jewish News asked these couples to share their first dining experiences together, one unexpected result was that the settings...

Challenges to charity: Alene and Ron Kaufman give with TJF

Marriage has its ups and downs, challenges and stability, joy and sadness, romantic moments, and “just everyday” happenings. We often simply react and respond to what is happening around us. Sometimes, however, we are intentional – when we purposely start a process....

BBYO strikes a winner with its bowling event

Thirty area Jewish teens attended BBYO’s bowling event at Pinboy’s on Sunday, Feb. 4. BBYO’s winter kickoff, the event was a perfect program, allowing potential members and newer members to meet older teens. Both Old Dominion AZA and Simcha BBG chapters led an opening...

International Holocaust Remembrance Day is January 27, 2024

Elka Mednick As Holocaust denial and antisemitism continue to spread at alarming rates, International Holocaust Remembrance Day provides an opportunity to learn and reflect upon this important event that connects in so many ways to the present environment. The United...

TJF’s 2023 Annual Report: Building today for a secure tomorrow

Charlie Nusbaum As chair of Tidewater Jewish Foundation’s board, I am proud to present our 2023 Annual Report, which is inserted in this edition of Jewish News. Unfathomable events have taken place globally over the past year, with the crisis and war in Israel...

Amy Weinstein joins Tidewater Jewish Foundation as development strategist

Staff report A seasoned professional in the field of philanthropy and development, Amy Weinstein is rejoining Tidewater Jewish Foundation’s team as its development strategist in March. “Amy’s return to TJF marks a significant milestone for us,” says Naomi Limor Sedek,...

How Do They Get It So Wrong?

Noach Gruen Why was it so hard for the university presidents of Harvard, Penn, and MIT to offer the most obvious directive of safety and stability to students of all faiths? How did college campuses become such tense places for Jewish students? I think the answer goes...

Martin Brenner

Jewish News: Where were you educated? Martin Brenner: I graduated from Granby High School and then went to University of Georgia where I received a degree in business administration. JN: What was your work history? Did you work anywhere besides Spertner Jewelers? MB:...

Laurie Goldsticker, MD

Jewish News: Where were you educated? Dr. Laurie Goldsticker: I spent my undergraduate years exploring the grounds of University of Virginia before attending graduate school at the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond. JN: What was your work history? LG: I was...

Herman Shelanski, Vice Admiral, USN Retired

Jewish News: Where were you educated? Herman Shelanski, Vice Admiral, USN Retired: I have a Bachelor of Arts in Molecular, Cellular and Development Biology from University of Colorado at Boulder. I also have a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering and Space...

Charitable giving and financial planning in 2024

Scott R. Saal The New Year is always a time to reflect, as well as to start planning for the year ahead. As we consider financial plans in 2024, we encourage clients to consider the charitable impact they hope to make. Of course, many of us know the cornerstones of a...

Rebecca Koltun’s art creates positivity, joy, and customers

Stephanie Peck Through MadebyMouth on Etsy, Rebecca Koltun has sold approximately 200 unique pieces of art. Etsy is an online site where sellers list their handmade items and buyers find something unique to purchase. It is also where Koltun’s stellar, 5-star reviews...

Keiliim mikvah for new vessels and utensils now open

Etsy Gruen It’s been a dream for many in Tidewater, and now it is a reality. Judaism invests in the mundane activity of eating with kedusha, special sanctity. . . eating kosher food, with the table upon which the food is eaten representing the holy altar, the...

Camp JCC: Where fun happens all year

Dave Flagler Another successful winter break camp wrapped up last month, concluding a fun-filled 2023 for Camp JCC. Covering two weeks of private school and public school closures, campers enjoyed winter themed crafts, indoor games, STEM projects, culinary creations...

Chesapeake’s Mayor West delivers statement against antisemitism

Stephanie Peck At Chesapeake’s City Council meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 28, Mayor Rick West read a statement unequivocally condemning the recent rise in antisemitism and standing in solidarity with those affected by antisemitism. Before his remarks, Mayor West noted that...

Germaine Clair, long-time Jewish News art director, retires

Terri Denison After 18 years, the April 3, 2023 issue was Germaine Clair’s last as art director for Jewish News. Germaine served as art director for the final Renewal magazine published by United Jewish Federation of Tidewater in the fall of 2004. By 2005, she was...

Have your cake and eat it too: A dual approach to charitable giving

Naomi Limor Sedek At Tidewater Jewish Foundation, a number of fund holders and donors enthusiastically embrace strategies for lifetime gifts and bequests. These champions of the “do it now” approach to charitable giving and their longstanding commitment to estate...

Volunteer in Israel with Masa

Due to the high demand for volunteer work in Israel, Masa has created Masa Volunteers, a new six-week volunteer program in Israel, turning compassion into action. This program, priced at just $350, offers various dates throughout December, January, and February,...

YAD’s Pop-Up Shabbat brings young adults together for Israel

Elana McGovern Since October 7, young adults have rallied in support of each other and Israel, culminating in a heartwarming Pop-Up Shabbat experience on November 17. To strengthen ties and contribute to the Tidewater Supports Israel 2023 Emergency Campaign, members...