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Operation Hamantaschen: A sweet gathering

Operation Hamantaschen: A sweet gathering

An excellent community turnout greeted Operation Hamantaschen’s return to the Simon Family JCC on Sunday, March 9.The JCC was abuzz with cookie-making and engagement for people of all ages. BBYO volunteers jumped to the challenge of setting up for the event, running...

Nadiv, BBYO join for Strelitz Garden cleanup

Nadiv, BBYO join for Strelitz Garden cleanup

Two generations of young Jewish men combined forces on Sunday, March 30 to revitalize the garden at Strelitz International Academy.Nadiv, the young professional men’s fundraising group for United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, worked with Old Dominion AZA, the boys’...

Purim in 2025

Purim in 2025

Of the many Jewish holidays that dot the calendar, one of my son’s favorites is Purim. For children, Purim is celebrated with costumes, festival foods like hamantaschen, donations to those in need, and a community reading of the Book of Esther, which joyously...

TJF & UJFT: The power of partnership

TJF & UJFT: The power of partnership

Members of Tidewater’s Jewish community annually support programs and initiatives that strengthen Jewish life locally, in Israel, and around the world through programs and initiatives not only funded, but, in some cases, are led by United Jewish Federation of...

BeAR Literacy Project seeks more volunteers

BeAR Literacy Project seeks more volunteers

The Be A Reader (BeAR) Literacy Project has always been about resilience, adaptability, and community. The program even managed to create a space during the COVID-19 pandemic. As BeAR celebrates 25 years of fostering literacy among young students, it is navigating yet...

Doing due diligence

Doing due diligence

As the year begins, many people are recommitting to the charities they hold dear – whether as donors, volunteers, board members, or a combination of roles.In Tidewater, and across the nation, hundreds of thousands of charities contribute to meaningful causes every...

From despair to hope:an emotional encounter with Israel

From despair to hope:an emotional encounter with Israel

The dichotomy I recently experienced during my first trip to Israel is a testament to the emotional complexities of the country. Organized by the iCenter in partnership with the JCCA, this journey brought 24 JCC professionals together for a Mifgash (Encounter) that...

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

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...

JCRC Guide to 2024 Election created to keep voters informed

The Jewish Community Relations Council of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater has compiled a Guide to the 2024 Election to provide the information needed to become an informed voter. Visit JewishVA.org/Election24 to determine which district is yours, which...

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

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

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...