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 As a child, his mother taught him to notice when someone needed help, to carry groceries for a neighbor, to lend a hand without being asked, to show up for others simply because it mattered. Those early lessons became the foundation of who he is.

Today, that same instinct to serve defines Aiden, the 2026 recipient of the Stein Family Scholarship. He will attend JMU. 

A senior at Kempsville High School, Aiden has built a strong record of leadership and community involvement, from mentoring elementary school students to volunteering extensively and serving as a student representative on the Virginia Beach Resort Advisory Committee.

 “I’ve just always been taught to help,” Aiden says. “If anyone calls, I’m there.”

His approach is grounded in servant leadership. “You’re not being a leader to grow yourself; you’re being a leader to grow others,” he says. “And then you grow with them.”

 That commitment to serving others is also deeply rooted in his Jewish identity. From helping at synagogue to founding and leading the Jewish Student Association at Kempsville High School, Aiden has carried those values into his everyday life. 

 That mindset is shaping his future. Aiden plans to study hospitality and tourism management alongside business administration. He hopes to return to Virginia Beach to support local, family-owned businesses and create shared spaces that bring people together. “I really just want to help the local community thrive,” he says.

 The Stein Family Scholarship, created in memory of Arlene Shea Stein, reflects a legacy of compassion and a belief that education should be accessible to all.

“This scholarship gave me options,” Aiden says. “If I don’t have to work just to pay off debt, I can put that energy into helping others and making a bigger impact.”

 Naomi Limor Sedek, Tidewater Jewish Foundation president and CEO, says, “When we see young leaders like Aiden, alongside families like the Steins who continue to invest in the next generation, we are reminded that the future of our Jewish community is strong. We can move forward with confidence knowing it is in the hands of individuals who are deeply committed to service, leadership, and lifting others.”

 For Aiden, the opportunity carries responsibility. “It’s not just about what this does for me,” he says. “It’s about everyone I’ll be able to help because of it.”  And in that way, the lessons he learned as a child continue to ripple outward, shaping not only his path, but the lives he will touch along the way. “There’s no such thing as a missed opportunity. Just opportunities that lead you somewhere different.”

As a child in Houston, Linda attended Sunday School, became a Bar Mitzvah (he says his parents “made him,” but he’s now happy about that – especially since he’s still friends with his Bar Mitzvah Buddy), and went to synagogue with his family for all of the major holidays, and some of the minor ones, too.  

 Linda’s teen years were spent at Houston’s High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, where half of each school day concentrated on theater classes, including everything from voice lessons to learning aspects of lighting, costumes, etc.  Those classes he says, ensures he really appreciates the behind-the-scenes people, who “work many more hours than I do.”

In 2016, Linda left Houston for Chicago to attend Northwestern University, where he majored in theater. He’s one of those 2020 graduates whose graduation ceremony and festivities took place via Zoom.  

Not to be deterred, however, he’s remained in the Windy City, appearing in several productions at various theaters. Among his favorites are the Band’s Visit and Fiddler on the Roof.

“I’m obsessed with the score of the Band’s Visit,” he muses.  

Besides singing and dancing, Linda plays the piano and is a self-taught percussionist.  

The original animated version of The Lion King, he says, was “on the VHS rotation at home” when he was a toddler. He first saw the stage production when he was 12 years old once the national touring company made it to Houston. 

 Linda’s audition for the show is a story filled with mishaps that sound as if they are perfect fodder for a film about the trials of young actors.  His agent encouraged him to put together an audition tape that turned out to be good enough to get him a ‘callback’ to New York City. His trip from Chicago included being “trapped in Milwaukee” due to a cancelled flight, managing to get the last seat on “a crack-of-the-dawn” Delta flight bound for New York, taking a cab to the wrong place, and basically “feeling like a train wreck running on four hours of sleep” when he finally arrived at his audition.  “Maybe all of that helped,” he laughs, as he got the job!

And it’s a job doing what he loves that is taking him around the country to see and experience new places, such as Norfolk. (When asked if he had ever been to this city, he first responded, “Is THAT how you say it?!?) Quickly getting the pronunciation correct, he says he hopes to explore the entire area as time permits.

Feeling like he’s standing on the shoulders of Jewish humorists such as Eugene Levy and Mel Brooks, as well as those of his great grandfather who ran the synagogue in Crowley, La., Linda is appreciative of his roots. That great grandfather had a truck spray-painted orange with ‘Shalom Y’all!’ on the side.

“I think I inherited some of that humor.  He wore his Jewishness on his sleeve.”

 “There’s no way I would be where I am without the support of my parents,” he says.  “They are my biggest support system.  I try to tell them I appreciate them when I can.”

Linda says he is “Super grateful that I get to do this.  It’s so cool.”

The touring schedule for The Lion King says, “To be continued,” so Sam Linda might be on the road for a good long while.

The Lion Kingruns through Sunday, May 17
at Norfolk’s Chrysler Hall. Tickets are available
at the Scope Arena box office and at Ticketmaster.com. 

The advocates held more than 100 meetings with staff for members of the House and Senate.

Among the meetings, Goretsky says that the one with a staff member of Senator Mark Warner’s was particularly productive.  “He has Israeli family,” she says. 

She also had a good meeting with staff from Congresswoman Jen Kiggan’s office.

One of the most impactful portions of the day, according to Goretsky was a lunch where four U.S. Senators – Elissa Slotkin, Marsha Blackburn, Jacky Rosen, and James Lankford – spoke to the group.  “It was excellent,” she says.

Hadassah’s coordinated advocacy effort took place amid record numbers of antisemitic incidents in the US and continuing discussions in Congress about America’s support for Israel.

 “Hadassah has never sat on the sidelines, and we are not going to do so at this pivotal moment,” says Carol Ann Schwartz, National president. “We brought the combined strength of our nearly 300,000 members, donors, and supporters directly to Congress to stand firm against antisemitism, to uphold the strategic US-Israel alliance, and to safeguard the health and well-being of women everywhere.”

 Hadassah’s Day of Impact reflects the organization’s broader national advocacy network, which mobilizes members across all 50 states to engage policymakers at the federal, state, and local level. 

 Hadassah’s priority issues include increased funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which will protect American communities at risk of terrorist attack; support for medical innovation and US-Israel medical partnerships, including the MIRACLE Act; and expanded federal investment in women’s health research, particularly for conditions that disproportionally affect women.

 Hadassah also reaffirms its commitment to advancing women’s health priorities through expanded research, inclusive clinical trials and stronger protections for personal health data.

Goretsky is a national board member for Hadassah and serves as chair of both the Zionist Affairs Department and Nurse and Allied Health Professionals Council.

 Alicia London Friedman, Campaign chair, welcomed attendees and described the “wonderful and successful year” of events and fundraising. The luncheon honored volunteer campaign ambassadors (members of Women’s Philanthropy), as well as Lions of Judah—women contributing $5,000 or more annually.

 Friedman thanked Betty Ann Levin, executive vice president; Amy Zelenka, chief development officer; and Linda Ausch, Women’s Development director; and offered a touching tribute to her mother, Joan London, who was in attendance, acknowledging her as a lifelong source of inspiration.

 Mona Flax, UJFT president, shared an encouraging campaign update, noting that the 2026 Community Campaign has surpassed $5.1 million and is on track to hit or exceed its goal of $5.2 million, with the Women’s Division contributing an impressive $1.5 million from 417 donors—already exceeding last year’s total.

 Flax then called Annie Sandler, past Women’s Campaign chair and current president of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, to install new Women’s Philanthropy members. Sandler gave a special shout out to retiring member Judy Rosenblatt for nine years of service and thanked Debra Aleck for agreeing to serve another term. She then welcomed new members: Rebecca Auerbach, Stacie Caplan, Amy Gladstein, Nichole Kushner, Laura Wingett, Nikki Shapiro Roth, Laura Goldstein, and Ellen Rosenblum.

 A special lunch inspired by the book, eat small plates, was next. Lunch was followed by a lively Q&A with cookbook authors Zikki and Ben Siman-Tov, moderated by Deb Segaloff. The discussion was entertaining and uplifting as Ben charmed the audience while holding the couple’s newborn daughter and Zikki spoke to the mechanics and details of the ingredients they love. Both agreed that food was not just important for its nutrition and caloric intake, but for bringing people together… whether from the same community or across divides.

 Betty Ann Levin closed the event with her own thanks to the women in the room and others not present – for caring and for doing the vital work of giving and asking others to give, so that together, all can continue to strengthen the Tidewater Jewish community.

A shining, joyful moment: Bobby turning ninety five. 

From Philly roots to Waynesboro, she grew both bright and popular,

A star whose appeal and laughter made each room feel spectacular.

At RPI she studied hard, her future wide and deep, 

Till one day on 34th Street, fate took a sudden leap. 

She spotted someone playing handball—“Who is that handsome guy?” 

Her friend replied, “You don’t know Boodie Friedman? You two will surely fly.”

He asked her out not once but twice—each time she had a previous plan,  

The third? A boat in choppy seas—she said, “no way,” to that brave young man. 

Still, he tried again, and that fourth ask would be a start,

To a love that lasted seventy years, two souls, one beating heart.

On their first date she told him straight, “You’re going to marry me,” 

He laughed—but she was right, of course, as everyone could plainly see. 

She left her path as a physical therapist and built a life instead, 

With Boodie, her beloved prince, the one she chose to wed.

Now Norfolk is her kingdom where she’s lived a life so grand, 

Three children—Alan, LynneDee, Penny—her extraordinary band. 

Each morning with her crossword and her trusty orange slice, 

Though sometimes she’ll switch to a banana—for something different and nice.

Mom emphasized education and studying with thoughtful care,

Penny became an accomplished teacher, an educator extraordinaire. 

LynneDee supported children with unique special needs, 

Alan ensured pharmacy information would not mistakenly mislead. 

She writes, creates, imagines—Temple Israel knows it well, 

Her plays brought joy and laughter and the stories she could tell. 

A friend so true and trusted, with a Yiddish lilt so sweet, 

Who loves key lime and chocolate delights—her favorite dessert treats.

Bobby’s a Mahjongg Maven through and through, a knitter with great flair, 

A reader who librarians greet with joy when she is often there. 

When weather’s fine she jokes, “I played pickleball today!” 

Her kids all know she’s teasing—but they go with it anyway.

Working at UJF with Sonny Lefcoe—witty, warm, a dear, 

Who knew he’d be her mayechutan in a later, blessed year? 

With Darryl’s dental wisdom, panache, and charms galore, 

It’s clear that Bobby’s son Alan certainly did score. 

And family wove through friendships—how life can intertwine, 

Bobby’s mechutanim, Morty and Esther—were oh so very divine. 

Allan—a mister fix-it and believe us, this is not fakery, 

He made delicious bread at Richmond’s Weiman’s Bakery. 

For Bobby, mishpocheh is the center of her life, 

Mentor, guide, role model, mother and wife. 

Grammy to her grands and greats, each one a cherished treasure— 

JD, Andrea, Lee, and Orly—names she speaks with pleasure.

As if that wasn’t enough, great love abounds much more,

Generations continue to expand—it warms Bobby to the core. 

Penny’s joys are Allie, Ross, and Grace who joined the crew, 

Then Shane, Hugh, Maya, Vera—great grand blessings, too.

At ninety five she’s thriving still, silver hair and manicured nails,  

Driving off to Wegmans and home again to check her numerous emails. 

From her perch at the Oceans, watching surf and sky unfold, 

She speaks to her heavenly prince in whispers soft and bold.

So, Mom and Grammy, on this day, with hearts that overflow, 

With all our love, all our lives—and thanks—for countless ways you glow. 

May this small Mother’s Day surprise bring joy that brightly thrives, 

For the woman we adore so much—Bobby at ninety five.

— Your Children

A Norfolk native, Leibler has lived in Israel for nine years.

“I came home to visit my parents, Grandma Nancy and Zayde, and other extended family,” says Leibler. “It was supposed to be a 10-day trip and instead, it has turned into two months.” 

Not only is Leibler not where she lives, she’s not near her new husband, Meir Leibler. 

A Lone Soldier (an Israel Defense Forces member who serves without immediate family in Israel), Leibler met her husband during Reserve Duty after Oct. 7. 

The couple planned their wedding to take place in June 2025, but as Liebler muses, “Iran messed that up. We got married on Aug. 5, instead.”

At the time Leibler boarded her flight in Israel with Norfolk as her destination, she admits she knew there was a possibility that travel issues might occur, as murmurs of war were brewing. She says, however, she was not dissuaded from making the trip because, “I really wanted to see my family.”   

 When asked if this was the first time she and her husband had been separated, she was quick to laugh, “We’re not separated, we are just not physically together.”  In truth though, it is not their first ‘physical separation’ in their young marriage. . . “Three days after we got married, Meir was called into Reserve Duty, and we were apart for three weeks.”  

 While her husband is serving, communication, she notes, is limited.  

 “We have a What’s App group with all the wives of the soldiers and we get daily updates that everything is going well, but aside from that, communication is very limited,” says Liebler. 

 Being so far away from her Israeli home, Leibler says, “I am very concerned about my family and friends in Israel, but I am very fortunate to have my family and friends in Norfolk.” 

 Since Leibler works remotely, “I have been able to work, and my company is very understanding and accommodating during these difficult times.”   

Still, she can’t recall the last time she has spent this much time Norfolk since she was 16 years old.  

 The forced stay hasn’t been all bad. “The weather has been amazing,” says Leibler.   

“I ended up being here for Purim and Pesach – and even joined a gym.”

And there’s been an added bonus for her family: “I went to Bishulm Culinary School in Yaffa while I was living in Israel, so my parents have definitely enjoyed me cooking for them.”

  For Leibler, though, she says, “I can’t wait to get back to my husband and my blind dog Stevie.”   

 Rush Week is when BBYO chapters host events that are targeted towards new members, in an attempt to attract more people to get involved and join. 

 On Wednesday, March 18, both chapters held their respective programs, with Simcha hosting Pizza, PJ’s, and Productivity night and OD’s blue-collar night with yard games. 

 “It was a great atmosphere, even though no one really got all that much work done,” says Leah Steerman, a Simcha board member, when recounting the Pizza, PJ’s, and Productivity program. 

 Tidewater BBYO also attended the Norfolk Admirals game on March 22 to finish the week. The Virginia Council presidents from Richmond, Nica Shapovalova and Kaden Staffenberg, joined the local chapters at the game. The group watched three thrilling periods before the game went into overtime, with the Admirals coming out on top versus the Greensboro Gargoyles with a final score of 4-3. 

 With these programs completed, both chapters are looking forward to finishing the term out strong and are anticipating the upcoming spring regional convention in Charlotte, North Carolina.  

 That theme shaped the evening’s program, which wove together personal testimony, education, and ritual. Through the voices of clergy, students, and educators, and the participation of descendants who serve as living links between past and future, the commemoration demonstrated how Holocaust memory is carried forward and given meaning in the present.

 Dr. Milton Zweig, the evening’s guest speaker, brought this theme to life through the story of his mother’s family, sharing their experiences during the Holocaust and the refuge they ultimately found in Colombia. Zweig spoke about how their survival often depended on human connection and compassion. His remarks emphasized that remembrance carries an ethical dimension. 

 Education remained a central focus of the event with the presentation of awards to student honorees connected to the Elie Wiesel Writing and Visual Arts Competition. Student winners were recognized for their thoughtful engagement with Holocaust history and memory, demonstrating how young people continue to grapple with both the weight of the past and its relevance today.

 Teachers Kindra Mosher and Lisa Kilczewski were also recognized for their dedication to Holocaust education, highlighting the critical role educators play in fostering historical understanding, critical thinking, and empathy. Their work was acknowledged as essential to ensuring that Holocaust education remains rigorous, meaningful, and responsive to the challenges of the present moment. 

 One of the most moving moments of the program was the lighting of six memorial candles by descendants of Holocaust survivors. Stepping forward as representatives of their families and generations, they expressed remembrance through ritual – embodying the continuity of memory as something carried, shared, and sustained over time.

 The evening concluded with a moment of reflection and intention. As attendees quietly exited, they were offered yahrzeit candles to light at home. 

Elka Mednick is director of United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s Holocaust Commission. 

 Following the meeting, attendees were treated to a private tour of Architects of Being: Louise Nevelson and Esphyr Slobodkina, led by Harry Graber, museum docent and former UJFT CEO. 

 Alicia London Friedman, Women’s Philanthropy chair, opened the program by welcoming the organization’s newest members: Rebecca Auerbach, Amy Gladstein, Ellen Rosenblum, Nicole Kushner, Allison Cooper, Laura Goldstein, Laura Wingett, and Nikki Shapiro Roth. “Mazel tov to all—we are so excited to have you with us,” she said.

 Friedman shared a Campaign update highlighting the strength of the community’s giving. “As of today,” she said, “The UJFT Campaign has reached $5.1 million from nearly 1,000 donors, with the Women’s Division contributing $1.5 million from 414 donors.” 

 “We could not do this without you,” she said. Thanking everyone for their dedication and generosity, Friedman emphasized the collective impact of the Women’s leadership, noting that this year has been meaningful and successful. “Women’s Philanthropy is strong and inspiring because of each of you—your leadership, generosity, and commitment.”

 The private tour engaged participants with the work of Nevelson and Slobodkina – two Jewish women artists – which deepened a shared sense of pride and community.