Margaret Sawyer and Alice Titus, co-chairs of Ohef Sholom Temple’s archives, along with their team, spend hours each week exploring and preserving documents, photographs, and oral histories that chronicle nearly two centuries of Jewish life in Tidewater. 

 Both women devote their Wednesdays to the temple’s archives as volunteers. Their motivation is simple.

 “American Jewish history sometimes gets omitted,” says Titus. “Sometimes it’s because people don’t know it. Sometimes it’s because they choose other things to focus on.”

 While researching local stories, Titus was struck by how often Jewish contributions appeared only in passing. “You pick up older histories of Norfolk and Tidewater, and they only sometimes mention a Jewish person. They only sometimes mention a Jewish congregation,” she says. 

 OST’s archives provide a fuller picture of the region’s development by documenting the civic, cultural, and philanthropic roles Jewish residents have played throughout Tidewater’s history. 

 “We’re collecting things that have not been published or mass circulated,” Titus explains. Unlike a library, which houses published materials that can often be found elsewhere, archives preserve unique historical records.

 The work is meticulous, but it often leads to unexpected discoveries. Volunteers spend hours cataloging documents, rehousing materials in archival folders, and learning the stories behind each collection.

 Researchers, filmmakers, authors, and family members regularly turn to Ohef Sholom’s archives for assistance. For example, the archives supported research into the SS Quanza, a ship carrying Holocaust refugees back to Europe that had to stop for coal in Norfolk in 1940. Records preserved in the archives documented the efforts of local Jewish leaders who advocated for the passengers. 

  “I don’t think there’s ever a Wednesday that somebody doesn’t have an ‘aha’ moment,” Sawyer says of the archives’ team’s regular meeting time. “All of a sudden something jumps out at you.”

 In addition to preserving historical records, the archives also connects families to their own history.

 One day, while sorting through family records, Sawyer found handwritten notes created decades earlier by a congregant who had passed away, but whose family still belonged to the temple. She made copies and passed them along to the woman’s granddaughter. 

 “She was in tears,” Sawyer recalls.

 In another particularly meaningful case, the archives provided documentation that helped establish a deceased woman’s Jewish identity, allowing her to be buried in a Jewish cemetery in New York City.

 Those moments transform routine archival work into something more personal, offering glimpses into lives that might otherwise be overlooked.

 Among the collection’s most valuable holdings are more than 40 oral history interviews, preserving the voices and experiences of community members.

Titus and the other volunteers also offer educational programs and presentations highlighting the archives’ collection and efforts. 

 For Sawyer and Titus, preserving history is about more than organizing old documents. It is about ensuring that future generations inherit stories and hear the voices that shaped Jewish life in Tidewater.

 More than a meeting, the occasion was a celebration of JFS’s decades-long commitment to caring for individuals and families across Hampton Roads through the enduring Jewish values of chesed (loving kindness), tzedakah (justice through giving), and tikkun olam (repairing the world).

 One of the meeting’s highlights was the installation of Steve Brown as the new president of the JFS board of directors. Brown will serve a two-year term, helping guide the organization as it continues to meet the changing needs of the community with compassion and dignity. The organization also recognized Stephanie Peck, outgoing board president, for her dedication and leadership. Peck served as president from April 2024 through June 2026, and her commitment helped strengthen JFS’s mission of serving others with respect, responsibility, and heart.

 Kelly Burroughs, JFS CEO, presented the Distinguished Community Service Award to Lawrence Steingold in recognition of his many years of dedicated service to Jewish Family Service. Steingold has served as a board member, board president, and treasurer. His leadership reflects the Jewish principle of avodah, sacred work done in service of others. Steingold’s long-standing commitment has helped JFS grow, adapt, and continue providing care to people who need it most.

 The Distinguished Community Partner Award was presented to St. Stephen Martyr Catholic Church for its generosity and dedication to clients in the Public Adult Guardianship program. Each Christmas, members of the church ensure that every client receives a thoughtful gift, reminding them that they are remembered and cared for during the holiday season. This partnership is an example of neighbors coming together across faith traditions to uphold the shared values of dignity, compassion, and care for the vulnerable.

 Rabbi Pinchas Zimmer shared an inspiring D’var Torah, offering words that connected the day’s celebration to the deeper responsibility of community: to see one another, to care for one another, and to pass that responsibility from one generation to the next. 

 Guests enjoyed a delicious Mediterranean lunch catered by Charlie’s Mediterranean.

 Over the past year, JFS has continued to make a difference throughout Hampton Roads. In 2025, JFS provided 362 medical transports for seniors, delivered 7,458 meals to homebound individuals, assisted 346 Jewish individuals with food and financial support, delivered 984 holiday gifts to seniors, and provided court-appointed guardianship services to 1,333 adults. Behind each number is a person, a family, and a moment when help arrived with dignity. Together, these services reflect not only a year of impact, but a legacy built over decades of showing up for the community in times of need, transition, celebration, and uncertainty.

 One of the most meaningful parts of the afternoon was seeing so many generations of the JFS family together in one place. Former leaders, current board members, staff, volunteers, donors, and long-term supporters gathered to honor the organization’s past while looking toward its future. Their presence reflected the Jewish value of l’dor v’dor, from generation to generation, reminding everyone that the work of JFS is both an inheritance and a promise: to preserve what has been built, to strengthen what is needed today, and to ensure that compassionate care continues for generations to come.

 The Biennial Meeting was a celebration of leadership, service, and community, as well as a heartfelt thank you to everyone who helps Jewish Family Service continue making a difference every day. For decades, JFS has stood as a trusted source of support, compassion, and practical assistance. Guided by Jewish values and sustained by the dedication of its community, JFS will continue to provide care, dignity, and hope for individuals and families now and for generations to come.

Julie Kievit is Jewish Community Services manager at Jewish Family Service.

 Jewish life in Tidewater is built on connection, community, and caring for one another. Whether someone has lived in the area for decades or is new to the area, there are countless ways to become part of something bigger than oneself.

 One can celebrate a holiday with friends, visit the Simon Family JCC, support a local Jewish organization, cheer on a community fundraiser, attend the Viginia Festival of Jewish Film, or spend time getting to know someone from a different generation. This list could go on forever.

 But wait, there’s something else to add to the list. Become a BeAR mentor.

 For one hour each week during the school year, BeAR volunteers read with second graders in local Title I schools. It sounds simple, but that hour becomes something special. Children build confidence, discover the joy of reading, and know that someone believes in them. Mentors leave with something too, a sense of purpose, new friendships, and the satisfaction of knowing they’re helping shape the future of the community.

 There’s a reason Judaism places such value on caring for others. Communities don’t become strong by accident. They become strong because ordinary people choose to show up for each other.

 As the new school year approaches, BeAR seeks caring adults in Norfolk and Virginia Beach who are ready to make a difference – one child and one hour at a time.

 The next chapter starts soon, and there’s always room for one more person to help write it.

To learn more about becoming a BeAR mentor, contact Robin Ford at 757-321-2304 or rford@ujft.org. 

 Rooted in the traditions of Chabad, Brashevitzky has spent her career helping children, families, and educators in Tidewater discover Judaism as a living, relevant, and personal tradition. 

 Brashevitzky’s story begins with her upbringing at Chabad of Tidewater, where Jewish education was a way of life. From an early age, she was taught the importance of sharing Jewish learning with others, a value that became foundational to her approach as an educator and leader. 

 Even as a child, she stepped naturally into leadership, running youth Shabbat groups and engaging other children in Jewish life. By 19, she was teaching full-time. Her early involvement evolved into a lifelong calling. 

 Brashevitzky’s current role as Judaic Studies director at Strelitz International Academy came after she began raising her family with her husband, Rabbi Levi Brashevitzky. When her third and youngest child was in kindergarten, Brashevitzky says she embraced a leadership opportunity, describing it as the beginning of a new chapter in her professional and communal life. 

 Emphasizing that Jewish tradition is not static, but alive, Brashevitzky’s view, which is shaped by Chassidic tradition, is that the Torah speaks across generations, offering wisdom for experiences and challenges that remain part of the human experience. 

 In today’s world, Brashevitzky sees Jewish education as both grounding and essential. As young Jews encounter a wide range of identities and influences, she believes Jewish learning provides continuity and connection. She also acknowledges that Jewish community feels especially meaningful during a time of increased antisemitism. 

“When the world is scary,” she says, “Jewish education feels like coming home.” 

 Outside the classroom, Brashevitzky’s work at Chabad of Tidewater reflects that same philosophy. Together with her family, she welcomes Shabbat guests from across the community and around the world, designs engaging holiday programs, and leads a women’s personal growth group rooted in Jewish wisdom. 

 Brashevitzky’s commitment to building community among parents, staff, and families shaped her decision to pursue a Master of Social Work, which she sees as a natural extension of her work. At Chabad of Tidewater, she assists with everything from pastoral counseling and grief support to addressing food insecurity and connecting individuals with needed resources. 

 Her perspective reflects a broader philosophy that Jewish values and social-emotional health are inseparable. Caring for others, sharing what one has, and taking responsibility for one another are central expressions of Jewish teaching, while emotional and spiritual wellbeing must be considered together. 

 When reflecting on the people who shaped her path, Brashevitzky points to her parents, Rabbi Aron and Rychel Margolin, and the Lubavitcher Rebbe as central influences. 

 “The Rebbe was a big part of my universe as a child, but something I’ve chosen as an adult,” she says. 

 Being recognized as an Outstanding Jewish American in Tidewater, she says, is both humbling and meaningful. 

 “It is pretty cool. I am really touched and honored that someone would think of me. It is nice to know that when you work really hard, the impact is seen. I pride myself on being inclusive, and I am so happy that was recognized.” 

  Through classrooms, family engagement, and community life in Tidewater, Brashevitzky continues to advance a vision of Jewish education that is accessible, connected, and alive—one rooted not only in teaching tradition, but in helping people see themselves within it. 

Interested in nominating someone to be recognized as an Outstanding Jewish American in Tidewater? Visit JewishVA.org/TidewaterHeroes or contact Sierra Lautman at SLautman@UJFT.org. 

Mazel Tov to all these graduates and their families!

Madeline “Maddie” Elyse Acosta 

Kempsville High School

Graduating with Highest Honors, Varsity Field Hockey All Region honorable mention

Next: Christopher Newport University majoring in Biology/Health Science

Maddie is the daughter of Alison and Bernard Acoste and granddaughter of Bonnie and Bob Rothschild.

Devon Olivia Parker-Ashe

Virginia Tech

Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Public Health

Next: Eastern Virginia Medical School, Class of 2030.

Devon is the daughter of Dr. Allison R. Ashe and the granddaughter of Michel and Marilyn Ashe.

Jamie Levin

Eastern Virginia Medical School 

Next: Internship at MCV in Richmond

Jamie is the daughter of Ted and Cindy Levin and the granddaughter of Pauline Levin and Gilbert Levin (of Blessed Memory).

Samantha Levin

Brown University 

Degree in Environmental Science Graduated with Honors and Phi Beta Kappa 

Next: Working for the City of New York. 

Samantha is the daughter of Drs. Lawrence and Marianne Levin and the granddaughter of Pauline Levin and Gilbert Levin (of blessed memory).

Evan Nied

University of Virginia 

M.S. in Commerce, with a concentration in Business Analytics.

Evan was a Jefferson Scholar.

Next: After traveling throughout Asia, Evan will move to New York City and work as a Strategy Analyst at JPMorgan Chase. 

Evan is the son of Emily and Joel Nied and grandson of Renee and Stephen Caplan and Thelma Nied.

Moriah Schranz

Maury High School

Next: Hevruta Gap Year Program in Israel and then Washington University in St. Louis, Mo.

Moriah is the daughter of Craig and Joanna Schranz.

Erin Wainger 

Norfolk Academy

Next: University of Maryland 

Erin is the daughter of Jill and Brian Wainger and granddaughter of Kathy and Jerry Kantor and Patti and Jules Wainger. 

Caroline Wainger 

Norfolk Academy

Next: Tulane University 

Erin is the daughter of Jill and Brian Wainger and granddaughter of Kathy and Jerry Kantor and Patti and Jules Wainger. 

 The hosts who have opened their doors, hearts, and kitchens have done more than just cook a meal. They welcomed Shabbat with open arms, creating a sanctuary for the NextGen community and fostering meaningful connections around the table.

The spark behind the magic.

This initiative thrives because of the vision and generosity of Jess and Jake Glasser, whose impact on Jewish life is felt every single week. Through their dedicated support, NextGen members are doing far more than just attending dinners. These casual, warm gatherings naturally break down barriers, turning strangers into lifelong friends while weaving a tighter, more supportive local Jewish network. Ultimately, every meal becomes an opportunity to celebrate shared heritage, honor traditions, and experience the pure happiness of being Jewish together.

An invitation to host.

NextGen is looking for new hosts, ages 22–45, to be a part of this rewarding experience.

Hosts do not need to be professional chefs or have massive dining rooms. All that is needed is a willingness to welcome others. Whether hosting an intimate gathering or a larger backyard potluck, each host’s hospitality helps shape the future of this vibrant community.

To learn more about this initiative, financial reimbursement options, or how to host, visit JewishVA.org/NextGen or contact Hannah Yasemsky at Hyasemsky@ujft.org.

If you’d like to help strengthen and secure the Jewish community with a gift to the 2026 UJFT Community Campaign, there is still time. Visit www.jewishva.org/donate, call Amy Zelenka, UJFT’s chief development officer, at 757-965-6139, or mail a check to the Federation with the note: “2026 UJFT Campaign” to 5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Suite 200, Virginia Beach, VA 23462.

Thank you in advance for your caring and support.

Ally St. Pierre is admissions and marketing manager at Strelitz International Academy.

Graduation Award Winners

• Abe and Anna Rudolph Award for Excellence in Mathematics – Lena Aftel
• Rabbi Charles J. Mantel Memorial Award for Excellence in Judaic Studies – Niv Rubin
• Harold and Jacqueline Spiro Goodman Award for Excellence in General Studies – Avi Weinstein
• Hyman J. Stromberg Memorial Award for Academic Excellence – Ari Mulligan
• I. James London Memorial Athlete of the Year Award – Levi Cohen
• Lorna Legum Rising Star Award – Hadley Karpielian
• Rabbi Philip Pincus Memorial Award for Excellence in Hebrew Studies – Harper Warranch
• Shirley Helfant and Ruth Josephberg Award for Visual Arts – Ella Gladstein
• SIA Inquirer IB Learner Profile Award – Lena Aftel
• SIA Inquirer IB Learner Profile Award – Levi Cohen
• SIA Reflective IB Learner Profile Award – Andrew Dodge
• SIA Balanced IB Learner Profile Award – Ella Gladstein
• SIA Caring IB Learner Profile Award – Avery Goldstein
• SIA Risk-Taker IB Learner Profile Award – Honzi Hodicky
• SIA Thinker IB Learner Profile Award – Hadley Kaprielian
• SIA Communicator IB Learner Profile Award – Quinn Margulies
• SIA Distinguished IB Scholar Award – Ari Mulligan
• SIA Performing Arts Award – Avery Goldstein
• SIA Risk-Taker IB Learner Profile Award – Mia Pinto
• SIA Principled IB Learner Profile Award – Niv Rubin
• SIA Open-Minded IB Learner Profile Award – Harper Warranch
• SIA Knowledgeable IB Learner Profile Award – Avi Weinstein

 In honor of America at 250, Salomonsky is being recognized by United Jewish Federation of Tidewater as an Outstanding Jewish American in Tidewater.

 In the mid-1990s, while Salomonsky was working part-time for the Jewish Community Center, Jewish Family Service of Tidewater received a grant for a part-time “bill payer” position to assist older adults who needed help managing finances. Salomonsky took the job. From that position, she began encountering people who required guardianship services, but there was no local model for how to assist them.

 “We had Jewish community members who needed guardianships, and nobody really knew how to do it,” Salomonsky recalls.

 Working alongside Harry Graber (then JFS CEO), and local attorneys, Salomonsky helped create a structure that would eventually shape public guardianship across Virginia. The model, in which an agency serves as guardian with oversight from an advisory committee, became the foundation for the state’s public guardian law.

 Today, JFS’s guardianship program serves more than 1,200 clients and employs approximately 75 staff across local and remote teams.

 “We knew from the beginning there was a need,” Salomonsky says. “In the late 90s, we had 10 clients. Then in 2005, we had 60. Now we keep a steady number over 1,000 clients year after year.”

 For Salomonsky, however, success is not measured in numbers. The heart of the work is dignity.

 “By the time someone comes into the guardianship program, they’ve already gone beyond their worst day,” she says. “The point is for them to still feel human. They need to feel seen.”

 That philosophy shapes the program’s approach to care. The guardian representative acts not just as a case manager, but as a friend.

 One story from the late 1990s remains with Salomonsky.

 A former Navy nurse with dementia had recently moved into a facility. When she turned 100, JFS staff attended a large celebration for her at the facility, complete with decorations, food, and entertainment. But throughout the party, the woman sat quietly, staring at her hands.

 Then, her guardian representative brought her an assortment of Hershey chocolate bars, and suddenly the woman lit up, spending the rest of the afternoon happily arranging and admiring them.

 “It taught me that the big party didn’t matter,” Salomonsky says. “What mattered was that someone knew her well enough to know she loved Hershey bars.”

 That same commitment to individualized care extends to clients living on the margins. Salomonsky describes one man who chooses to remain homeless, despite the program’s efforts to help him find housing.

 “But when he’s sick, or there’s a storm, he calls us,” she says. “He knows someone will be there for him.”

 Salomonsky’s sense of communal responsibility stretches back generations. Both her family and her husband’s family have deep roots in Tidewater – since the early 1900s. In fact, her grandfather was among the founders of Brith Sholom Lodge. 

Her great-grandfather, Abraham Silverman, owned a fish market in Norfolk and on Friday nights, he would often bring newly arrived Jewish immigrants home from the port to share Shabbat dinner with the family.

 “My great-grandmother would make huge trays of gefilte fish from the market,” Salomonsky says. “I grew up hearing those stories from my mother, and they taught me that you show up for your community. You welcome people in.”

That’s a way of way of life Salomonsky has lived with her husband, Edwin, and modeled for her four children and seven grandchildren. 

 Though she never initially planned to become a Jewish communal professional, Salomonsky says helping others through the Jewish community always felt natural.

 Now, decades after helping build a program that changed lives across the Commonwealth, Salomonsky remains focused on the same simple lesson she learned from her family and from the clients she has served: meaningful care starts with truly seeing another person.

 Her advice to future Jewish leaders is equally straightforward: “Get involved. And don’t be afraid to try something new.”

Interested in nominating someone to be recognized as an Outstanding Jewish American in Tidewater? Visit JewishVA.org/TidewaterHeroes or contact Sierra Lautman at SLautman@UJFT.org.