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Hanukkah happenings in Jewish Tidewater

Hanukkah happenings in Jewish Tidewater

Light up the holiday by attending one or more of these community-oriented experiences.  With some events geared for children and others for adults, some in Virginia Beach and others in Norfolk, plenty of options are available to celebrate Hanukkah with community. Chag...

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....

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. 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

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...

Concerned citizens form PAC to elect school board candidates

With a mission to support students-first candidates for the Virginia Beach School Board, Jody and Alan Wagner, along with a group of parents, educators, and members of the Virginia Beach community, have formed The Citizens Advocating for Responsible Education PAC...

Governor Glenn Youngkin signs legislation to combat bigotry

RICHMOND, VA – Governor Glenn Youngkin on August 28 signed HB 18 and SB 7 to expand criminal penalties against bigotry and close a serious gap in the code by ensuring ethnicity is explicitly recognized among the protected classes. Attorney General Jason Miyares. “I’m...

TJF relaunches Life & Legacy Plus program

Kickoff event: Thursday August 15, 5:30 pm, Sandler Family Campus Life & Legacy, now branded as Life & Legacy Plus, is being relaunched by Tidewater Jewish Foundation. Life & Legacy Plus is a four-year extension of the partnership program of the Harold...

Christians United for Israel 2024 Summit

Last month, I attended the Christians United for Israel (CUFI) Summit. The event was a powerful demonstration of solidarity with Israel and the Jewish people, bringing together thousands of supporters from diverse backgrounds.From the moment I arrived, the atmosphere...

An archival journey through Tidewater Jewish history

“Cardboard is evil!” At least it is when it’s backing for a framed document from 1878. As a result, when the volunteers who staff the Archive at Ohef Sholom Temple came across a framed document from 1878 that was backed with cardboard, the document was removed from...

First Person – A secret weapon – Mitzvot Matter

I hear it over and over again – “Mi K’amcha Yisrael” – Who is like you the Jewish people?Enter the world of mitzvot – our secret weapon. How could that be? After all, what is a mitzvah? It’s a commandment in the Torah, which is 3,500 years old. How could doing a...

Myths vs. realities: Understanding Tidewater Jewish Foundation

Guided by the principles of tzedakah (charity) and tikkun olam (repairing the world), Tidewater Jewish Foundation is dedicated to creating permanent resources for the Jewish community. The many facets of community involvement in which TJF is engaged have caused some...

Meet Tidewater’s new Shinshinim

Tidewater is starting its third year working with the Jewish Agency for Israel, hosting Shinshinim (Israeli Emissaries) to bring Israeli culture, knowledge, and experiences to people of all ages. Shinshin is an acronym for Shenat Sherut – a year of service given by an...

SIA receives TJF grant for Stop the Bleed and first aid kits

A recent Tidewater Jewish Foundation grant enabled Strelitz International Academy to purchase 50 enhanced emergency first aid and Stop the Bleed kits, significantly improving and enhancing the school’s emergency preparedness and response capabilities.In addition to...

Building more than bridges

Children signing brachot in American Sign Language (ASL). Students harmonizing with hand-drumming while singing Oseh Shalom. Kids laughing while playing drama games they learned at day camp. ASL interpreters at community events. What’s going on?Sharon Serbin is going...

Tu B’Av: One way to a man’s heart

A minor Jewish holiday, Tu B’Av is celebrated as a holiday of love. This year, it begins on the evening of Sunday, August 18 and ends at nightfall on Monday, August 19. There are few gestures that say “I love you” quite like making someone a meal. But as a chef, I...

Winner of passes to Beyond Monet

Sherry Lieberman is the winner of the Jewish News contest for two passes to the Beyond Monet: The Immersive Experience at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. Sponsored by the Virginia Arts Festival, the Monet experience showcases more than 400 of Monet’s most iconic...

Israeli, Australian, American Jews medal at the 2024 Olympics

Windsurfing to wrestling – Jewish athletes earned at least 16 medals (at press time) at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.The stories about these Olympians are all interesting – even for those who don’t care all that much about sports. Read about them at JTA.org. Gold medals...

Educators’ Conference asks “Who Will Tell Our Story?”

The successful 16th Biennial Educators' Conference, hosted by the Holocaust Commission and the Jewish Community Relations Council of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, offered invaluable resources and insights to educators dedicated to teaching about...

Celebration of Lifelong Learning: A year of growth and commitment

The Konikoff Center for Learning of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater celebrated a remarkable year of Jewish education with a Celebration of Lifelong Learning event last month. This year, dedicated learners deepened their knowledge of Jewish history, thought,...