Jewish Family Service of Tidewater will hold its 67th Biennial Meeting at a luncheon that will welcome new board members, install Steve Brown as incoming board president, and recognize Stephanie Peck for her dedicated service as outgoing president. The program will also honor individuals whose contributions have strengthened JFS and the broader community, celebrating the organization’s continued growth and impact.

Over the past year, JFS has continued its core mission of serving the community through vital programs and services. In 2025 alone, JFS provided 362 medical transports for seniors, delivered 7,458 meals to homebound individuals, and assisted 346 Jewish individuals with food and financial support. In addition, 984 holiday gifts were delivered to seniors, and 1,333 adults received court-appointed guardianship services.

These numbers represent more than statistics—they reflect thousands of lives touched. From countless counseling hours to hundreds of neighbors leaving the food pantry with their arms full, to Jewish children receiving Hanukkah gifts, JFS remains deeply committed to meeting the needs of the community with compassion and care.

The Biennial Meeting offers an opportunity to reflect on this impact, celebrate those who make the work possible, and look ahead to the future.

To RSVP, contact Julie Kievit, Jewish community relations manager, at jkievit@jfshamptonroads.org or 757-321-2318.

The Simon Family JCC invites seniors to celebrate National Senior Health & Fitness Day – a free event that promotes “Stay Active at Any Age!” with fun activities for health and community connection.

Participants can enjoy mini health fairs, exercise demonstrations, informative health presentations, free screenings, and fitness classes tailored to all ability levels. Door prizes, tasty treats, and social opportunities add to the excitement.

Staying active enhances strength, flexibility, balance, and overall well-being, supporting independence in older adults. Discover resources designed for healthy aging.

Join fellow community members for an uplifting morning of movement and wellness. No registration required. Open to JCC members and guests.

For additional information, contact Nicole Slade, JCC member service manager, at NSlade@UJFT.org or 757-321-2338.

A dynamic and thought-provoking Visiting Scholar weekend planned and presented by Congregation Beth El, will feature Rabbi Jeffrey Salkin, one of the most widely read and influential voices in contemporary Jewish life.

An award-winning author of 12 books, Rabbi Salkin is best known for his nationally recognized column Martini Judaism, published by the Religion News Service, which has earned multiple “Best Religion Column of the Year” honors and inspired an award-winning podcast. A sought-after speaker and media commentator, he has appeared on CNN and the BBC, with essays featured in The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, Tablet, and Forward.

Over the course of the weekend, Rabbi Salkin will lead a series of lectures exploring the future of American Judaism, the meaning of Jewish prayer, and the hidden Jewish wisdom in contemporary culture.

The weekend begins on Friday, May 29, at 6:30 pm with a Shabbat evening service, followed by dinner and Rabbi Salkin’s presentation, “How Do We Reboot American Judaism?” In the wake of October 7 and its aftermath, he will explore how American Judaism is evolving and what its future might look like. Dinner costs $18 for adults, $8 for children ages 6–13, and $45 per family, with advance RSVP required.

At Shabbat morning services on Saturday, May 30, at 9:30 am, Rabbi Salkin will deliver the sermon. The service will be followed by a complimentary Kiddush lunch and his presentation, “Why Are We Reading This?” In this session, he will address the challenges many modern Jews face with prayer, unpacking some of the most complex and controversial passages in the liturgy and revealing their deeper meanings in ways that are both accessible and inspiring.

The weekend concludes on Sunday, May 31, at 10:30 am with a brunch and Rabbi Salkin’s presentation, “Fixing the Broken Hallelujah.” This talk explores the life and legacy of the late singer songwriter Leonard Cohen, highlighting the profound Jewish themes and spiritual insights embedded in his work. Brunch costs $18 for adults, $8 for children ages 6–13, and $45 per family, with advance RSVP required.

This special Visiting Scholar weekend offers a unique opportunity to engage with one of today’s most compelling Jewish thinkers in an intimate and welcoming community setting.

All events will take place at Congregation Beth El in Norfolk.

For more information and to RSVP, visit: www.bethelnorfolk.com or contact the Beth El office at Ada@bethelnorfolk.com or 757-625-7821.

Step out of the sanctuary and onto the porch. Join NextGen 757 for a high-energy journey through Ghent to prep for Shavuot.

NextGen 757 joins TIDE by B’nai Israel to bring bite-sized learning, sweet treats, and great company. Free to attend and open to the Tidewater Jewish community, ages 22-45ish.

RSVP required at JewishVA.org/Hop

Don’t miss this intentional gathering hosted by United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s NextGen757 in partnership with Temple Israel. Capture the “lingering magic” of Shavuot with a light dinner, guided discussions on modern belonging, and a communal Havdallah.

This event is perfect for those looking to deepen their connection to the community and explore Jewish identity and what “chosen family” looks like today.

Open to the Jewish community ages 22-45ish.

RSVP required at JewishVA.org/ThirdHour.

 At its core, Pop-Up Shabbat is about building unity and ensuring that every young adult in the community has a place at the table. Designed for those who are roughly ages 22 to 45, along with their families, the program highlights a growing network of enthusiastic hosts. Each host brings their unique family traditions and a passion for community, offering guests a varied Shabbat experience.

 There is no expectation to observe Shabbat in any one way, reflecting a commitment to respecting the traditions that feel most meaningful to each host and participant.

Upcoming dinners include:

• Shabbat hosted by Josh and Bo Lepchitz – Friday, May 29 in the Town Center area. This kid-friendly gathering offers a warm and relaxed Shabbat experience. The home does not have any pets. 

• Shabbat hosted by John and Erma Dupon – Friday, May 29, near Mount Trashmore. This dinner takes place in a home with two cats.

• Shabbat hosted by Michael and Aly Yaary – Friday, June 5, in the Great Neck area of Virginia Beach. This gathering is kid friendly.

• Shabbat hosted by Lauren Fitzwater and Tomas Moore – Friday, June 12, in the Town Center area. This dinner takes place in a home with two cats and offers another opportunity for meaningful connection around the Shabbat table.

Organizers are eager to continue growing the calendar. Community members who have ever considered opening their homes are encouraged to step forward as hosts. For those who want to participate, browsing host profiles offers a chance to find the perfect fit and experience a meaningful Shabbat in a fellow community member’s home.

Supported by the Richard Glasser Family Foundation, Pop-Up Shabbat dinners provide a perfect blend of tradition, community, and modernity – a wonderful way to spend an evening. 

To learn more, explore upcoming dinners, or sign up to host or attend, visit JewishVA.org/PopUpShabbat or contact Hannah Yasemsky, NextGen coordinator at UJFT at HYasemsky@UJFT.org.

 This year’s JAHM programming in Tidewater, presented by United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and community partners, brings together film, history, art, sports, music, and family‑friendly events, inviting participants of all backgrounds to engage thoughtfully with the Jewish American story.

Moses Ezekiel: Portrait of a Lost Artist 

Monday, May 4, 1 pm, Sandler Family Campus

The month opens with a focused exploration of Moses Jacob Ezekiel, one of the most complex figures in American Jewish art history. UJFT will present the documentary Moses Ezekiel: Portrait of a Lost Artist, which examines Ezekiel’s international acclaim alongside his support of the Confederacy and the legacy of the memorials he created. 

Guided walk‑and‑talk tours 

Tuesday, May 5, and Tuesday, May 12, 10 am, Norfolk Botanical Garden

The conversation about Ezekiel continues with guided walk‑and‑talk tours at the Norfolk Botanical Garden, where participants will explore the Moses Ezekiel Statuary Vista Garden and view Carrara marble sculptures he created in Rome between 1879 and 1884.

Jewish American Heritage Month Night at the Tides game

Wednesday, May 6, Harbor Park, 6:35 pm, Harbor Park

JAHM also creates space for celebration and shared experience when the community is invited to Harbor Park for a Norfolk Tides game, honoring Jewish contributions to America’s favorite pastime. Tidewater native and award‑winning Jewish country artist Troy Breslow will sing the National Anthem. Tickets are $19.99.

Architects of Being

Tuesday, May 12 and Sunday May 17, 2 pm, Chrysler Museum

Visual art is highlighted through a continued partnership between UJFT and the Chrysler Museum of Art, with guided tours focusing on the exhibition Architects of Being, which features the work of Jewish‑American immigrants Louise Nevelson and Esphyr Slobodkina.

Jason Schachter McKinney 

• Thursday, May 28, 6 pm, Jewish Museum and Cultural Center 

• Friday, May 29, 10:30 am, Central Library, Virginia Beach

• Friday, May 29, 6:30 pm, Ohef Sholom Temple

• Saturday, May 30, 10 am, KBH 

• Sunday, May 31,10 am, Second Presbyterian Church, Norfolk

• Sunday, May 31, 11 am, Moses Myers House

A defining focus of this year’s JAHM programming is the residency of musician and author Jason Schachter McKinney. 

McKinney will perform at UJFT’s Konikoff Center for Learning’s third‑annual Celebration of Lifelong Learning at the Jewish Museum and Cultural Center in Portsmouth, bringing together learners from preschool age through nonagenarians for an evening of music, reflection, and shared learning.

Families are invited to a story time at the Meyera E. Oberndorf Central Library in Virginia Beach featuring Jason Belongs, his autobiographical children’s book that explores identity, belonging, and what it means to be both Black and Jewish. 

 His residency continues through participation in Shabbat services at Ohef Sholom Temple and at Kehillat Beit Hamidrash (Kempsville Conservative Synagogue), in partnership with Temple Israel and Temple Emanuel. McKinney will also take part in a conversation about faith and music and an interfaith service at Second Presbyterian Church in Norfolk alongside Pastor Craig Wansink and Rabbi Michael Panitz. That conversation will be followed by services at 11am, which are open to all.

 Later that day, Rabbi Panitz will conclude the month at the historic Myers House by exploring the life of Moses Myers, one of Norfolk’s first permanent Jewish residents, and what his story reveals about early American Jewish ideas of citizenship and belonging.

Advance registration or tickets are required for all events. For more information, visit JewishVA.org/JAHM, or contact UJFT’s programs department at Programs@UJFT.org.

 Messy Makers is officially in its second season, becoming the ultimate sensory riot for explorers aged three to six years old. This isn’t an average quiet art class where kids stay inside the lines; it is a high-energy, five-week exploration lab where the primary goal is to be wonderful and gloriously messy. These little creators are currently diving headfirst into a world of texture and color once a week, asking “what happens if I mix this?” and getting to hear a resounding “let’s find out!” every single time. From the mind-bending stretch of Oobleck and the fluffy wonder of cloud dough to the spectacular foam of elephant’s toothpaste and 3D puffy paint masterpieces, the innovation happening in this class is off the charts.

 Meanwhile, the air smells incredible every week as Reagan Goode leads her third season of Little Bakers and Chefs. This is a real-deal culinary adventure where young foodies in grades one through five are becoming absolute kitchen rockstars. These aspiring chefs sharpen their skills by whisking, pouring, and creating from-scratch treats that would make a professional baker jealous. Everything from savory cheese quesadillas and fresh smoothies to gooey cinnamon rolls, sugar cookies, vibrant fruit pizzas, and seasonal pumpkin muffins are on the menu. The confidence these kids are gaining is unmatched as they master new techniques and explore bold flavors. Plus, they are bringing home culinary skills and a sense of pride that will last a lifetime.

 Since children’s classes do not take place during the summer, the upcoming fall sessions are the next big opportunity for children to join the fun. To ensure every age group gets their time to shine, Goode switches the age requirements each season. This means that the fall will kick off with a 5-week session of Kitchen Kiddos for little chefs ages 3–6, followed by another highly anticipated return of Little Bakers and Chefs for the older students.

 Registration for these high-demand classes go fast. 

To learn more about Kids Night Out, School Days Out, Camp JCC, children’s classes, and more, contact Kate-Lynn Cipolla, Camp JCC director, at klcipolla@ujft.org or 757-321-2306. 

The Nadiv Young Professional Men’s Campaign Division of United Jewish Federation of Tidewater will hold its second annual Texas Hold’em Fundraising event next month. Last year’s inaugural event sold out, and it is anticipated that this year’s will, as well. 

 All player levels are welcome – from beginner to expert. $100 buys players one seat at the poker table and includes kosher snacks and drinks along with the chance to win amazing prizes. Opportunities are also available for Add-Ons to extend play during the tournament. 

 Nadiv is excited to show-off its brand-new customized chips and, more importantly, to engage the community in a fun and meaningful night of “playing for a purpose.”

 All proceeds from this year’s event benefit Tidewater’s PJ Library program. PJ Library sends free, high-quality, age-appropriate Jewish children’s books and music to families monthly to encourage reading and foster connection to Jewish values, traditions, and culture. It serves families with children from birth through age 8, with the PJ Our Way option for kids ages 9-12. PJ Library resources are especially helpful in bringing interfaith families (where one parent may not be Jewish) closer to one another and to the community, as parents learn alongside their children about history, holidays, and culture.

 This year’s tournament aims to attract approximately 150 players. 

If interested in playing, register ASAP (seats are selling fast!) online at www.jewishva.org/poker.  

For more information or for assistance with the online registration form, contact Amy Zelenka at 757-965-6139 

Jewish Family Service’s Run, Roll & Stroll returns to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront next month. The 5K race and 1-mile fun run will begin at 24th Street Park. 

“We are thrilled to return oceanside and once again offer a true race-day experience,” says Kelly Burroughs, JFS CEO.

 This event is about more than just running—it is a celebration of community. Whether participants run, walk, roll, or simply come out to cheer, there is a place for everyone. This year’s event will also feature a variety of fun activities for all ages, including free fairy hair, balloon animals, glitter tattoos, and more, making it a perfect outing for families.

  “We are so excited to be back at the oceanfront!” says Kelly Burroughs. “I am personally so looking forward to seeing all the kids and Team Tiger out there running, Cheering them over the finish line is always my favorite part!” 

 As the organization’s largest annual fundraiser, Run, Roll & Stroll plays a vital role in sustaining JFS programming such as the JFS Food Pantry, home delivered meals, Embrace counseling, and support services. Every dollar raised goes directly back into helping individuals and families in Tidewater when they need it most.

 One of the most special aspects of the event is the way it brings people together. Individuals, families, and local organizations are encouraged to participate, and in past years, teams have added an extra layer of energy and connection to the day.

Whether by participating in the race, forming a team, sponsoring, or simply coming out to cheer, everyone’s involvement makes a difference. 

 Registration is open and sponsorship opportunities are available, offering meaningful ways to support the community while gaining visibility for organizations. 

For more information on registration and sponsorship, see the links below and contact Brooke Rush at brush@jfshamptonroads.org or 757-321-2238.

Registration: runsignup.com/jfsrunrollstroll

Sponsorship: jfshamptonroads.org/spring-into-healthy-living-sponsorships/