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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...

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...

Forward features To Life: The Past is Present

Earlier this year, the Forward wrote about the Holocaust Commission of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s book, To Life: The Past is Present, including six of the publication’s stories. The article, with two of the stories, is reprinted here with permission....

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...