What’s Happening | Jewish News

Hunger in Virginia: Caring for neighbors this Thanksgiving

Brooke Rush — Thu, 22 Oct 2026 17:40:38 +0000

Hunger does not always look how one might imagine. It may be a senior trying to stretch a fixed income, a parent choosing between groceries and a utility bill, or a working family facing unexpected expenses.

According to the 2026 Virginia Hunger Study, 42% of Virginia households experienced food insecurity at some point between May 2025 and May 2026. That means more than four in every 10 households did not always have reliable access to enough food for a healthy life. Among households with children, that number rises to 51% – more than half of Virginia households with children experienced food insecurity during the study period.

In Hampton Roads and on the Eastern Shore, 43% of households experienced food insecurity. Among households with children in this region, the rate rises to 56%. The study also found that 87% of food-insecure Virginia households reported that higher-than-usual grocery prices were placing significant strain on their budgets.

These numbers challenge a common misconception about hunger: that food assistance is needed only by people experiencing homelessness or living in extreme poverty. Food insecurity can affect people from all walks of life. A household can have a home, a job, and a car and still struggle to afford enough nutritious food. When the cost of groceries rises alongside housing, utilities, transportation, and medical expenses, even a carefully managed budget can fall short.

For older adults living on fixed incomes, these pressures can be especially difficult. At Jewish Family Service of Tidewater, the Food Pantry has seen a marked increase in visitors over the age of 60. For seniors managing rising living expenses, the cost of groceries can leave little room in an already limited budget. Access to nutritious food is essential for meeting immediate needs as well as for maintaining health, independence, and overall well-being.

Emily Krouse, JFS Mission Services coordinator, says she sees these challenges as she manages the JFS Food Pantry: “Thankfully, we have had a generous community this year because it has been a struggle to keep our Pantry shelves stocked due to the number of visitors we are getting. A few people have even told us they are trying to pay for their prescriptions, so they needed the pantry’s help to get them through until next month.”

The need extends beyond the pantry’s regular hours and shelves. As the holiday season approaches, JFS is preparing for one of its largest annual community outreach efforts: the Thanksgiving Food Giveaway.

This year, JFS plans to provide Thanksgiving groceries to 300 families, ensuring they have the ingredients needed to prepare a holiday meal at home.

Each family will receive a frozen turkey or chicken, pantry staples, and traditional Thanksgiving favorites, including stuffing, potatoes, onions, green beans, cornbread mix, rolls, small pies, cranberry sauce, gravy, macaroni and cheese, and more.

Years ago, when the drive began, JFS distributed approximately 100 turkeys. Last year, it was 300 turkeys. The growth reflects both the increasing need for food assistance and the generosity of the community that makes this effort possible.

Volunteers who distribute the groceries experience the meaningful impact of the drive when they watch a family’s car being loaded, knowing that a Thanksgiving dinner will be possible.

The gratitude on people’s faces is a powerful reminder that these groceries represent more than a meal. They offer relief from financial pressure, the opportunity to gather around a table with loved ones, and the comfort of knowing that someone in the community cares.

JFS is accepting donations of Thanksgiving food items through November 16.

Volunteers are needed to pack Thanksgiving grocery bags on November 17 at the Simon Family JCC and to assist with the Thanksgiving Food Giveaway on November 20, 10 am – 12 pm.

To register to receive a Thanksgiving food package, visit bit.ly/JFSgiving.

Rabbi Ari loads Thanksgiving groceies in 2025.

Bryan from Sysco and Steve Leon, 2025 Thanksgiving.

From Capitol Hill to community: TJF’s new development strategist, Lauren Sucher

Tidewater Jewish Foundation Staff — Thu, 22 Oct 2026 14:53:04 +0000

From the corridors of Capitol Hill to military deployments in Afghanistan and Poland, Lauren Sucher has built a career where every word matters, relationships are critical, and the stakes are high. Now, she’s bringing that experience closer to home: strengthening Jewish life and building lasting legacies in Tidewater.

Sucher joined Tidewater Jewish Foundation in September as development strategist, bringing more than two decades of experience in strategic communications and public service. Her career spans political campaigns, advocacy organizations, a think tank and three federal agencies, serving as a spokesperson, public affairs director, and congressional liaison.

For 15 years, Sucher also served as a Public Affairs Officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve, including overseas deployments. “I’ve spent much of my career working in environments where trust, communication, and relationships can make all the difference. People need to know you’re listening and that you care about what matters to them.”

A graduate of Towson State University, Emerson College, and Brandeis University, Sucher moved to Norfolk in 2023. Conversations with Naomi Limor Sedek, TJF president and CEO, led to an opportunity uniting her professional experience with her Jewish identity.

In her new role at TJF, Sucher will connect with individuals, families, and Jewish organizations throughout Tidewater to explore their philanthropic goals. “Lauren brings a fresh perspective and an impressive background in public service,” says Sedek. “She understands how to connect people with a shared purpose, and I’m excited to see the energy and ideas she brings to TJF and our community.”

Sucher may be reached at lsucher@tjfva.org.

Disconnect to reconnect: The Tidewater Shabbat Project returns

Jewish News VA — Thu, 22 Oct 2026 14:51:51 +0000

Friday, Oct. 30 – Saturday, Oct. 31

Step away from the business of everyday life and join thousands of Jews around the globe for the annual Tidewater Shabbat Project. Last year, a record breaking 300 people from around Tidewater came together for a lively and energetic Friday night meal. Don’t be left out this year. Unplug from screens, build lasting community bonds, and experience the unified magic of Shabbat.

Visit https://www.tidewatershabbat.com/ for more information or to register.

Together we rise: Challah Bake set for next month

Liba Eisenberg — Thu, 22 Oct 2026 14:49:34 +0000

Wednesday, November 4, 7 pm, B’nai Israel Congregation

B’nai Israel Congregation, in partnership with the Konikoff Center for Learning of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, invites Jewish women of all ages, stages, and backgrounds to Together We Rise, a special challah bake experience.

Whether seasoned challah bakers or never-before challah braiders, participants are invited to join mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends from across the community for an evening of faith, unity, and connection.

Participants will share in the meaningful tradition of challah baking while enjoying uplifting moments of prayer, dancing, and a delicious grazing station. The evening will celebrate both the traditions that connect generations of Jewish women and the shared bonds that bring the community together.
Admission is $15 per person. Registration closes Sunday, November 1.

B’nai Israel Congregation is located at 420 Spotswood Avenue in Norfolk.

Conversational Hebrewwith the Shinshinim

Jewish News VA — Thu, 22 Oct 2026 14:47:08 +0000

October 19 – May 24, Mondays, 5 pm Sandler Family Campus, Free

Join Tidewater’s Shinshinim for weekly conversational Hebrew classes designed to help participants build confidence in speaking and understanding modern Hebrew. Through interactive activities, games, real-life scenarios, and cultural discussions, participants will strengthen their vocabulary, pronunciation, and everyday communication skills while gaining insight into contemporary Israeli life and culture.

This engaging class is ideal for beginners and intermediate learners of all ages who want to improve their Hebrew in a fun, supportive, and welcoming environment.

For information about Conversational Hebrew classes and the Shinshinim program: JewishVA.org/Shinshinim or contact Nofar Trem at NTrem@UJFT.org.

Make the most of School Days Out at Camp JCC this Veteran’s Day

Kate-Lynn Cipolla — Thu, 22 Oct 2026 14:44:59 +0000

Wednesday, November 11, 9 am-4 pm, Simon Family JCC

Need a fun, reliable plan for kids when school is out? Camp JCC has the answer for students in grades K–5: An action-packed day of crafts, gym games, free swim, and plenty of fun. It’s the perfect opportunity for children to reconnect with their favorite summer counselors and build new friendships.

The fun doesn’t end on Veteran’s Day, as Camp JCC is also open for Winter Break, MLK Day, Presidents’ Day, and Spring Break. Enrollment is completely flexible, allowing registration for a single day or an opportunity to save by adding it to a 5-day or 10-day School Days Out bundle. To grab a spot, visit www.campjcc.org.

In addition to the School Days out hours of 9 am – 4 pm, extended care options are available, 8 am – 6 pm.

For more information about School Days Out and Camp JCC, contact Kate-Lynn Cipolla, camp director, at klcipolla@ujft.org or 757-321-2306.

Baby & Me: Building community, one playdate at a time

Blake Sisler — Thu, 22 Oct 2026 14:43:08 +0000

Thursday, November 5, 9 am, Free, Sandler Family Campus

Looking for a fun way to connect with other parents and caregivers while little ones explore and play? Consider Baby & Me, a welcoming monthly gathering for babies up to 24 months and their caregivers.

Enjoy coffee, treats, conversation, and playtime in a relaxed and supportive environment every first Thursday of the month. While babies discover new toys, experiences, and friendships, caregivers can connect with one another, share parenting joys and challenges, and build community.

This month’s gathering is also a chance to help shape the future of Baby & Me – a time to share ideas about what would make this program most meaningful. From special guest speakers and parenting discussions to music, sensory activities, community outings, and seasonal celebrations, participants’ feedback will help guide future Baby & Me experiences.

Registration is required at Jewishva.org/BAM.

For more information about Baby & Me and PJ Library: JewishVA.org/PJLibrary or contact Blake Sisler at BSisler@UJFT.org.

ESEK: Made-in-Israel Pop-Up Market

Nofar Trem — Thu, 22 Oct 2026 14:36:10 +0000

November 23 – 24, Monday and Tuesday Sandler Family Campus

Israel’s story is often told through innovation, resilience, and entrepreneurship. Behind that story are artists, makers, and entrepreneurs whose creativity transforms ideas into products that reach global markets.

Featuring handcrafted goods from Israeli artists and small business owners, ESEK invites shoppers to discover unique gifts, hear the stories behind the work, and experience a different side of Israel through the arts’ creators.

Every purchase directly supports the artists and small businesses behind the work while strengthening the connection between Tidewater and Israel.

Presented by the Jewish Community Relations Council of United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, Simon Family JCC, all area synagogues, and Community Partners’ 16th Annual Israel Today Series.

For more information and to register: JewishVA.org/IsraelToday or contact Nofar Trem at NTrem@UJFT.org.

Israel on Trial with Judge Roy Altman

Nofar Trem — Thu, 22 Oct 2026 14:33:39 +0000

Thursday, December 10, 7 pm, Sandler Family Campus, Free

What happens when a federal judge applies the standards of the courtroom to the claims, headlines, and narratives surrounding Israel?

Through the lens of his book, Israel on Trial, Judge Roy Altman examines one of today’s most debated subjects through evidence, history, and law, offering audiences a framework for navigating difficult conversations with greater clarity and confidence.

Judge Altman’s path to the federal bench is anything but ordinary. Appointed to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida in 2019, he became the youngest federal district court judge in America and the youngest federal judge ever appointed in South Florida. A graduate of Columbia University (where he played both football and baseball and earned All-Ivy honors), and Yale Law School, Altman served as an award-winning federal prosecutor before entering private practice, earning a reputation for intellectual rigor, sharp analysis, and an ability to make complex issues accessible and engaging.

Presented by the Lee & Bernard Jaffe Family Jewish Book Festival in partnership with the Jewish Community Relations Council of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, Simon Family JCC, all area synagogues, and Community Partners’ 16th Annual Israel Today Series.

For more information and to register: JewishVA.org/IsraelToday or contact Nofar Trem at NTrem@UJFT.org.

HINENU: Israel at Ten Million

Jewish News VA — Thu, 22 Oct 2026 14:31:20 +0000

Thursday, November 5, 7 pm, Sandler Family Campus, Free

When Israel reached 10 million citizens, photographer and author David Shlachter set out to capture the country’s story through the faces, voices, and experiences of 100 people. In Hinenu: Israel at Ten Million, he provides a window into Israel’s diversity through striking portraits and first-person narratives that reflect the complexity, resilience, innovation, and humanity of modern Israeli society. Moving beyond headlines and politics, Shlachter explores the individuals behind the statistics, creating a multifaceted portrait of a nation at an important moment in its history and the people helping define its future.

Photographs from Hinenu will be on exhibit in the Leon Family Gallery November through December 2026.