Other News

At this time of year, most think about other people, friends, and family. This year, I hope you will also think about your community and the many ways to make a difference. Several exciting programs and matching gift opportunities are available through Tidewater...

On a bright and cozy fall Saturday, I arrived to Temple Emanuel’s Shabbat morning service, to men and women walking toward the door, to cars lining the streets and even propped up on the grass. Three policemen were standing guard by the front door, and two by a table...

How fitting that Congregation Beth Chaverim’s first service in its new home was for Simchat Torah. This holiday was an extremely special occasion for the congregation as they not only turned the Torah scrolls back to the beginning, but brought them to rest in a new...

America’s bipartisan pro-Israel organization, AIPAC holds the Schusterman Advocacy Institute High School Summit in Washington, DC each year for students from across the country. More than 500 teenagers attended the summit this year, including two members from...

Toras Chaim conducted their 36-hour matching campaign fundraiser on Sunday, Oct. 14. The campaign goal of $40,000 was met within the first four hours of the event. Ultimately, Toras Chaim raised more than $60,000 from over 230 donors. This success comes as Toras Chaim...

Donors to Jewish Family Service of Tidewater’s Chanukah Gift Program probably know how much joy they bring to the children who receive the gifts. What they may not know is how much of a burden they lift off of the parents. Without these gifts, many families would have...

Kelly Burroughs, MA, LAC, BHP, CCTP recently joined Jewish Family Service of Tidewater as the agency’s new chief executive officer. She replaces Betty Ann Levin, who joined United Jewish Federation of Tidewater in July as its executive vice president. Burroughs brings...

When U.S. Naval Lt. Commander Adam Goldberg was stationed in Rhode Island, he was an active member of its Jewish War Veterans Post. So, in 2013 when he was transferred to Norfolk, Va., it was only natural to him that he join JWV Post 158, one of the oldest chapters in...

The brave men and women of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) put their lives on the line each day to protect the hopes and dreams inspired by the Jewish state. Since 1981, Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) has supported the defenders of Israel with educational...

During Avraham Infeld’s recent threeday visit to Tidewater, he made many statements that caught my attention. While here, Infeld spoke with various groups—from BBYO teens to rising young adult leaders, to senior Federation leaders. Infeld is president emeritus of...

JTA)—Before he shot dead 11 people at a Pittsburgh synagogue, Robert Bowers blamed one Jewish organization: HIAS, an immigrant aid group that has been helping refugees since the 1880s. “HIAS likes to bring invaders in that kill our people,” he wrote on his website. “I...

WHEREAS, the clergy, leadership and congregation of Christ and St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Norfolk, Virginia, are committed to striving for justice and peace among all people and respecting the dignity of every human being; WHEREAS, we as a congregation are blessed...

Each year during the holidays, Jewish Family Service of Tidewater reaches out to those in the community who need a little help. Whether it is meals, gift baskets, hand-knitted items, or bags of goodies, the gifts serve as a reminder to the recipients that they are...

Hebrew Academy students put on its annual Hanukkah performance last month, with a show chock full of talent, including singing, dancing, acting and artwork. The production is a cherished school tradition that brings together students, faculty, family and friends year...

In the Image of God—B’Tzelem Elohim At Ohef Sholom Temple (OST), Big Ideas are taught on Sunday mornings— ideas that enrich and move toward action throughout the week. One Big Jewish Idea from the Torah is B’tzelem Elohim—the idea that God created humanity “in the...

Since the inception of the film festival, three committee members haven’t missed a single movie. The Virginia Festival of Jewish Film, presented by Alma* and Howard Laderberg is now in its 23rd year, and Lois and Barry Einhorn, along with Ellie Lipkin, have been...

(JTA)—Itzhak Perlman, the Israeli-born violin virtuoso, was named the third winner of the Genesis Prize. Perlman was named the winner on Monday, Jan. 4 of the annual $1 million prize that has been dubbed the “Jewish Nobel.” He joins former New York City Mayor Michael...

As we turn our calendars to 2016, it is easy to think about the age old New Year’s resolutions, such as: • Exercise more • Lose weight • Eat healthier • Save more (get out of debt) • Spend more time with family (worklife balance) • Quit smoking But, have you thought...

The ultimate test of Jewish and Israeli knowledge (JTA)—Bernie Sanders, Jenna Jameson, criminal rabbis: How much do you know about the Jews and their goings-on in 2015? 1. Which U.S. Jewish religious denomination made which landmark decision this year? a. The...

WASHINGTON (JTA)—At first blush, it appears like a bombshell: The United States listened in on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s phone calls. But on closer examination, the revelations reported Dec. 29 by The Wall Street Journal might not be so far reaching....