What’s Happening

Class begins Thursday, October 27, 12 pm What is the history behind the narrative of the Jewish religion’s core story? One way to better understand Judaism’s history—as well as its “story”—is to explore the international framework in which its people emerged. The...

Leon Family Gallery Through early November Reception with the artist: Thursday, October 13, 4 pm   Shony Rivnay is an interdisciplinary Israeli-American artist based in Tel Aviv. His work has been exhibited in galleries throughout the world —Germany, Japan, South...

Friday, October 28, 6:30 pm Forty years ago, Edith Harrison, a long-time Ohef Sholom Temple member and founder of the Virginia Opera, asked a young Charles (Chuck) Woodward who was working for the Opera at the time, if he would “fill in” for OST’s organist who was...

Starts Thursday, October 6, Noon Monthly current affairs discussions with Lahav Harkov, the Jerusalem Post’s senior contributing editor, will take place on the first Thursday of each month, October through March. Grab lunch as Harkov leads an online briefing and...

Tuesday, November 15, 7 pm Wells Theater Wiesenthal: Nazi Hunter…a one-man show written and performed by Tom Dugan, in partnership with the Virginia Stage Company, will be presented as a fundraiser for the Holocaust Commission of the United Jewish Federation of...

Tuesday, Sept. 13, 7–8 pm Ohef Sholom Temple, Free   Richard Wagner’s Ring Cycle is the most monumental operatic experience ever created. Comprised of four epic operas, the Ring Cycle tells the story of Norse gods, heroes, and a magical ring of power. Since its...

Sundays, 9 am–12 pm   Each Sunday that Hebrew and Religious School takes place at Ohef Sholom Temple, families and community members are invited to enjoy some nibbles and nosh. Need to get some work done? Bring your laptop. Looking to make new friends? Come...

10-week online course begins Wednesday, October 12 Wendy Juren Auerbach has served on the Holocaust Commission of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater for nearly 30 years, touching almost every program through volunteering and co-chairing various committees and...

Next month, Jewish families around the world will begin to put up sukkot (plural form of sukkah). These temporary huts have an open roof often covered in branches and an open side to welcome guests during the Jewish festival holiday of Sukkot. The open booth is a...

Friday, October 28, 6:30 pm Known in Tidewater as a choral conductor and keyboard player, Charles (Chuck) Woodward serves two historic congregations in Norfolk: Ohef Sholom Temple, where in 2022 he celebrates his 40th anniversary as music director; and St. Paul’s...

Thursdays, October 27–November 17; 12–1:30 pm  $60 for all four sessions; Simon Family JCC Where did the Jewish people come from? For many centuries, the answer to that question could come only from the sacred books of our tradition. But over the past 225 years, we...

Six monthly briefings Thursdays, starting October 6, 12 pm Upcoming Knesset elections, normalization with Turkey, and much more is currently taking place in the Israeli news cycle. Keeping up-to-date on current events in the U.S. is challenging, let alone remaining...

For its 10th Annual Chevra Cinema Series, the Jewish Museum and Cultural Center is featuring “Saturdays At Seven.” These four Saturday evening films, beginning at 7 pm, will have an introductory commentary by the cinema specialist who chose the evening movie. The...

For its 10th Annual Chevra Cinema Series, the Jewish Museum and Cultural Center is featuring “Saturdays At Seven.” These four Saturday evening films, beginning at 7 pm, will have an introductory commentary by the cinema specialist who chose the evening movie. The...

Israel Today: Yaakov Katz, editor-in-chief of the Jerusalem Post and author of Shadow Strike: Inside Israel’s Secret Mission to Eliminate Syrian Nuclear Power Monday, December 9, 7:30 pm Sandler Family Campus, Free “On September 6, 2007, shortly after midnight,...

Monday, December 16, noon, Beth Sholom Village Jane Bernstein The Face Tells the Secret by Jane Bernstein is a story of a woman who discovers love and learns how to open herself to life’s happier relationships. The main character, Roxanne, a single 40-year old product...

Sunday, December 8, 10 am, Temple Emanuel, Free The Storyteller’s Story—Michelle Obama’s trailblazing speechwriter forges new path, again Sarah Hurwitz was Michelle Obama’s speechwriter. Now she’s dubbed Judaism’s speechwriter. If grace and gravitas were a big box...

Tony Award®-nominated Broadway revival of Fiddler on the Roof Tuesday, November 19–Sunday, November 24 Chrysler Hall A beloved theatrical classic from Tony Award-winner Joseph Stein, and Pulitzer Prize-winners Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick, Fiddler on the Roof is the...

Latkes, books, music, crafts and camps Sunday, December 15 | 11:30 am–2:30 pm Sandler Family Campus Three children’s authors, a light lunch and latkes, crafts, visiting overnight camp representatives, and tons of activities combine to create a celebration of Hanukkah...

Friday, November 15, 6–9 pm B’nai Israel Congregation For the past five years, the Tidewater community has joined this global Shabbat Project movement. Last year, 200 people came together for a beautiful and inspiring Friday night dinner in Ghent. The Tidewater...

Friday, November 15, 8:30–9:30 am Strelitz International Academy Kindergarten–5th Grade Hear about the school’s new International Baccalaureate® candidacy program, meet middle school alumni, learn about its K-5 affordability program, and explore the primary years...

Wednesday, November 13, 7 pm B’nai Israel Congregation Women of all ages are invited to Tidewater’s fifth annual Great Big Challah Bake, a partnership between B’nai Israel Congregation and the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater. The event will be just one of...

Sunday, November 17, 9:30 am–1 pm Sandler Family Campus Super Sunday, as always, is being planned by a group of up and coming visionary leaders. Now called Rishon: Emerging Leaders, the group has spent the last few months learning about the Jewish community and...

Naomi Nachman hosts the Vaad of Tidewater’s Chopped Competition Sunday, November 3, 5 pm, Sheraton Waterside On the precipice of Naomi Nachman’s visit to Norfolk, I had the opportunity to speak with her about her extensive travels, love of food, and what to expect at...

Wednesday, November 6, 7:30 pm Sandler Family Campus I first heard Inbal Arieli speak in January during the International Lion of Judah conference in Florida. She was one of an interesting group of panelists who shared their stories—all ground-breaking women in...

Temple Israel’s unique hour-long Second Saturday programs are excellent and uplifting experiences For nearly seven years, synagogue past president and former local TV interviewer Joel Rubin has led a once a month interactive conversation on a Jewish related topic....