Jewish News

Tidewater BBYO makes its mark at Eastern Regional Spring Cultural Convention

Courtney Krutoy — Fri, 15 May 2026 12:48:45 +0000

Twenty Tidewater BBYO teens (11 AZA and nine BBG), along with City Director Courtney Krutoy and Simcha BBG Advisor Anya Dippold, attended Eastern Region’s Spring Cultural Convention, April 17-19 in Charlotte, North Carolina. More than 200 teens attended the convention from across the four states of Eastern Region (North Carolina Council, Southeast Council, and Virginia Council).

With help from staff, teens plan and lead convention logistics, programs, and activities. Simcha BBG’s Hattie Friedman was on the underclassmen track steering committee, planning fun activities for newer members at times when tracks were divided. Simcha BBG’s Amelia Portnoy was on the Judaic Team, planning a “Club Israel” Saturday morning service (there was also a Wholesome Shabbat and a Shaloha Shabbat option).

Teens also enjoyed sisterhood/brotherhood activities, limmud (learning/art/culture/etc.), Havdalah, a wild west themed dance party, special senior programming, chofesh (free time), and some amazing speakers. This year’s speakers were Ksenia Prints, social media chef of Mediterranean cuisine, Elana Horowitz, a cheerleader for the Eagles with a background in Israeli dance, and Jared Firestone, American Israeli skeleton racer who represented Israel’s national bobsleigh team in Milan.

Top row: Hazel Ashe, Amelia Portnoy, Leah Steerman, Yael Haas, Alexa Steerman, and Shai Zittrain. Bottom row: Hattie Friedman, Skylar Caplan, and Kenna Werby.

Hayden Caplan, Adam Noonan-Sloan, Jonah Kass, Henry Ashe, Logan Hoffman, Sam Levin, Ari Simon, Spencer Barkan, Avi Zittrain, Henry Krupnick, and Abe Flax.

SCC is also a time to handle Eastern Region BBYO business. The six elected regional presidents (one BBG and one AZA from each council) give a state of the region (“States”) where they review the successes and challenges of the past year. The new regional board is also elected.

Simcha BBG’s Skylar Caplan was elected as the fourth regional mazkirah (secretary) of Eastern Region. Mazkirah is responsible for managing Instagram posts, social media storytelling, designing flyers, and creating digital materials, as well as taking meeting notes, tracking member information, and keeping records of gatherings. Skylar will do this and more while leading and supporting her chapter counterparts in the region (all the mazkirahs in each BBG/BBYO chapter).

Conventions bring members together for a fun and meaningful weekend of programming, activities, Shabbat moments, and hanging out with friends. More than a few tears were shed upon departure.

Members are already looking forward to L’dor V’dor Convention (LVC) taking place November 13-15 outside Charlotte, North Carolina.

SIA creates new initiatives to support their military families

Carin Simon — Fri, 15 May 2026 12:45:39 +0000

Strelitz International Academy supports a large population of military families, including those serving in the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, NATO, the IDF, as well as other branches. Understanding the unique challenges military children face including frequent relocations, new environments, and extended parental deployments, the school has made it a priority to ensure every child feels supported, connected, and valued.

In response to ongoing global conflicts, extended deployments, and the increasing demands on military families, Strelitz has expanded its efforts to provide meaningful, proactive support. Through thoughtful programming and a strong sense of community, the school is creating an environment where military children can thrive both emotionally and academically.

On Wednesday, April 15, Strelitz recognized Military Child Day with a purple t-shirt school-wide show of support. The following Friday, students and faculty wore red in honor of “Remember Everyone Deployed” (RED Day), demonstrating unity and appreciation for those serving. The celebration included a special Shabbat dedicated to recognizing military children.

Strelitz also created spaces for connection among both students and parents. A New Parent Coffee welcomed military families, where they could build relationships and share experiences. Plus, a special lunch for military students provided a safe, welcoming space to connect with peers and engage in conversations with school counselor Michelle Fenley.

These initiatives were supported by dedicated parents such as Leigh Casson, who played a key role in helping bring these programs to life.

“By fostering a strong and welcoming military community, SIA gives my boys a place where they feel understood on multiple levels: their faith, their service, and the unique challenges and strengths that come with both,” says Casson. “That sense of connection and belonging is something we don’t take for granted—it’s shaping not just their education, but their character and we are so incredibly grateful for that.”

Strelitz International Academy continues to set a standard for how schools can support and uplift military families, ensuring every child feels at home, no matter where their journey begins.

Nurse Ellie and her daughters Avery and Maura Goldstein are a proud SIA military family

Toras Chaim brings internationally acclaimed child safety program to students, staff, and families

Rabbi Aryeh Kravetz — Fri, 15 May 2026 12:43:27 +0000

As summer approaches and children prepare for camps, day trips, and new environments, Toras Chaim Day School is making sure its students head into the season with something more than sunscreen and a packed lunch.

This spring, the school brought in Debbie Fox and the Magen Yeladim International Safety Kid Program to equip students, parents, and staff with the knowledge and language children need to stay safe.

The transition from the structured school year to the relative freedom of summer is one of the most vulnerable periods for children. New settings, unfamiliar adults, and less-supervised hours can create situations where children are unsure of how to respond or who to turn to. The Safety Kid program addresses that gap head-on by giving children a clear, memorable framework and the confidence to use it.

Fox, who consults and speaks internationally on the topic of child abuse prevention, led a comprehensive series of trainings that touched every level of the Toras Chaim community. Teachers participated in professional development sessions designed to help them recognize warning signs and reinforce safety concepts throughout the school year. Parents were also trained, giving families the vocabulary and conversation starters to continue these discussions at home, with a key element focusing on how to create a home environment where children feel safe and comfortable sharing about their day and raising any struggles they may have come across. Finally, a cohort of staff members participated in a “train the trainer” program, training in the Safety Kid approach to ensure the program can be sustained and delivered to students from year to year.

At the heart of the program are the ABCs of Safety: Ask for help, Bring a friend, Check first, and Do Tell. These four principles were taught directly to students in age-appropriate classroom sessions and are designed to be immediately actionable. Rather than relying on abstract warnings, the ABCs give children concrete steps they can take in real situations.

Students learned practical emergency skills: how to call 911, how to speak clearly to safety personnel, and, critically, how to stay on the line until help arrives. They were taught what to do if they become separated from their group or get lost in a public place, and how to communicate changes of plans to a parent or trusted adult. Scenarios included a child at a summer camp, on a family outing, or in any new setting a child might genuinely encounter.

Perhaps one of the most lasting lessons involved identifying a trusted adult. Students were taught how to recognize which adults in their lives they can turn to when something feels wrong or makes them uncomfortable, and that speaking up is not only permitted but expected. This message is especially vital for children navigating new social environments during the summer months, where the trusted figures of the school year may not be present.

The Magen Yeladim International Safety Kid Program has earned wide recognition from law enforcement officers, mental health professionals, and school administrators for the way it delivers critical safety information in ways that are dignified, age-appropriate, and culturally sensitive. It has been equally praised by parents and children themselves; a reflection of how carefully the program is designed to empower rather than frighten.

Students learn the ABCs of safety.

For Toras Chaim, bringing the Safety Kid program to the entire school community reflects a commitment to the whole child, not just academic excellence. As families finalize summer plans, the school encourages all parents to help their children know what to do and who to talk to when a situation feels uncomfortable, making sure their children know who the child’s trusted adults are at camp or in new settings. But perhaps the most important thing for parents is to be present and create a happy and comfortable home environment where the parent-child relationship is a healthy and supportive one.

Rabbi Aryeh Kravetz is Head of School at Toras Chaim.

A summer that shapes a lifetime:Investing in Jewish campthrough One Happy Camper

Tidewater Jewish Foundation Staff — Fri, 15 May 2026 12:40:31 +0000

What if there were a place where Jewish children could safely explore and express their heritage? A place where the values and traditions learned at home are not only reinforced but shared and lived among peers. A place where identity is not questioned but cultivated. Where friendships take root, and over time, grow into something lasting.

For the Hoffman family, that place was Jewish camp.

When Summer Hoffman attended BBYO International Kallah through a One Happy Camper grant, the experience became far more than a summer away. It became a turning point. As her father, Jason Hoffman, says, “BBYO Kallah gave Summer the space to explore what being Jewish means to her… it helped her connect with our community and ultimately led to her decision to embrace her Jewish heritage.”

That transformation is the very reason Jewish camp remains one of the most powerful investments a community can make in its future. At a stage in life when young people are still forming their sense of self, they are also the most open to influence. Jewish camp meets them in that moment. It surrounds them with shared language, ritual, and belonging, creating an environment where identity is not taught in theory, but experienced in real time.

Those early experiences, says Jay Kossman, a Tidewater Jewish Foundation board member, are “where identity starts to take hold… those experiences stay with people, and they shape how connected they feel later in life.”

Through the One Happy Camper program, TJF provides one-time, up to $1,000 scholarships to children who do not attend Jewish day school, ensuring more families can access this formative experience. It is not simply a grant, it is an intentional step along what TJF calls “The Journey,” a lifelong path of connection, leadership, and giving.

Now, TJF is looking ahead. With the goal of creating an endowed fund to support 20 campers annually, the Foundation is inviting the community to think beyond a single summer and toward a sustained investment in Jewish continuity.

That camp experience can become part of a donor’s legacy, extending forward so that the next generation has the same opportunity to discover, connect, and belong. Afterall, the question is not just where children spend their summers. It is who they become because of them.

To learn more about supporting One Happy Camper or to begin a conversation about establishing a lasting legacy through this initiative, contact Naomi Limor Sedek at Tidewater Jewish Foundation, nsedek@tjfva.org or 757-965-6109.

New manager for Camp JCC

Kate-Lynn Cipolla — Fri, 15 May 2026 12:38:28 +0000

Christine Carnahan, Camp JCC’s new manager, will oversee daily camp operations as well as support campers and staff. She will also provide year-round support for the Simon Family JCC and related programs.

A Virginia Beach native, Carnahan’s background is in retail management. She most recently managed Book Exchange Red Mill. During her time there she engaged in community outreach and reading programs with local schools.

Carnahan says she is “looking forward to engaging with and building connections with families and campers.”

To learn more about Camp JCC, Kids Night Out, School Days Out, children’s classes, and more, contact Christine Carnahan, Camp JCC manager, at ccarnahan@ujft.org or 757-452-3182.

Summer at the Academy features wide range of camp options

Mike Connors — Fri, 15 May 2026 12:36:18 +0000

Norfolk Academy’s Summer at the Academy camps offer six weeks of excitement for students of all ages.

Starting this year on June 22 and running through the end of July, summer camps offer a perfect mix of adventure, learning, and lasting memories. From exciting outdoor activities and creative arts to team-building games and hands-on learning, programs are designed to keep kids engaged, active, and growing.

With experienced staff, including many Norfolk Academy teachers and coaches, as well as former campers who return to lend a hand, camps create a safe and welcoming environment. The camps focus on building confidence, friendships, and independence, and leave students wanting to come back year after year.

Athletics offerings include the ever-popular bike camp, as well as baseball, flag football, girls with sticks, and new this year, Zumba. If the fine arts are more the camper’s speed, offerings range from poetry, yoga, and theater to broadcasting, comic book creation, and of course, Slime Time.

Camps are available for students entering kindergarten through 10th grade and are not limited to Norfolk Academy families. Children throughout Hampton Roads may attend and busing is available.

For more information, including the full list of 2026 offerings, and to register, visit Norfolk Academy’s website: https://www.norfolkacademy.org/summer.

Mike Connors is the digital and social media specialist at Norfolk Academy.

BeAR Literacy Project celebrates a year of growth and heart

Robin Ford — Fri, 15 May 2026 12:34:49 +0000

The BeAR Literacy Project concluded another meaningful school year with its annual End-of-the-Year Mentor Luncheon, a celebration of the extraordinary volunteers whose time, patience, and compassion continue to change children’s lives.

Approximately 140 students participated in BeAR during this school year. Some of the students proudly reached their reading goals and “graduated,” while others continued progressing steadily week by week. New students also joined the BeAR family, each paired with a caring mentor who offered encouragement, consistency, and confidence along the way.

For 26 years, under the leadership of Gail Flax, BeAR has connected dedicated adult mentors with local Title I elementary school students. The success of the program is rooted in the commitment of these volunteers who faithfully give their time every week, building relationships that often become just as important as the reading lessons themselves.

One especially moving moment at the luncheon came from a 90-year-old mentor who shared that older adults are no longer truly heard. BeAR reminds both children and adults how important it is to listen with care. When mentors take time to listen, students feel seen, valued, and important. In addition, the students learn to offer that same respect to others.

This year also marked meaningful milestones. BeAR welcomed its first deaf mentor, whose student not only improved his reading skills but also learned some sign language skills and the importance of respectful communication. The luncheon also recognized volunteers and school partners who continued mentoring through personal hardships and even government shutdowns.

BeAR is about far more than reading levels. It is about trust, kindness, confidence, and connection. Most importantly, it is a reminder that every mentor matters, and every hour they give leaves a lasting impact on a child’s life.

Those who would like to join BeAR in the upcoming 2026/27 school year should contact Robin Ford at 757-321-2304 or rford@ujft.org.

Yom Ha’Atzmaut brings community together for Israel @78

Nofar Trem — Fri, 15 May 2026 12:32:50 +0000

Jewish Tidewater gathered in full force for a Yom Ha’Atzmaut celebration on Sunday, April 26 that was hosted by United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and presented by Avraham and Karen Ashkenazi. The event took place on the Sandler Family Campus.

Marking Israel’s 78th Independence Day, the afternoon brought together families and friends of all ages for an experience centered on gathering and connection.

Even with rainy weather throughout the day, the spirit of the community never wavered. The rain did not stop attendees from showing up in large numbers, embracing the opportunity to be together and celebrate their shared connection to Israel.

Children moved between Israel-themed activity stations while families enjoyed Israeli food and music. Community partners created hands-on experiences that brought Israel’s culture, history, and values to life. A highlight of the day was the ESEK Shuk, where Israeli small businesses showcased handcrafted goods and art, offering attendees a way to support Israeli entrepreneurs and connect to their stories.

Megan Zuckerman, UJFT’s Jewish Community Relations Council’s Israel chair, says about the impact of the marketplace, “My daughter, Chloe, and I loved every minute spent with Ofek and learning how he created ESEK to help as many artists, Nova festival survivors, and IDF reservists as possible, who were understandably struggling after the horror they experienced on October 7th and its aftermath. Out of great tragedy, Ofek and ESEK have given light, hope, and beauty not only to the artisans but also to us, the customers, and the greater community who got to view, purchase, and now own a piece of these Israelis’ stories and resulting artistry.”

Held just after Yom HaZikaron, the gathering reflected the traditional transition from remembrance to joy that defines Yom Ha’Atzmaut, bringing the community together in resilience and pride.

“My family had such an incredible time at Israel Fest!” says Leigh Casson. “There was something meaningful and fun for every age. Seeing my boys so engaged and excited was really special. My kids loved all of the activities, and I enjoyed exploring the Israeli small businesses—there was so much creativity and heart in everything they offered. More than anything, seeing our community show up with such strong, visible support for Israel was incredible. Can’t wait for next year!”

As the day ended, a lasting impression was left of what it means to show up for one another—with pride, purpose, and heart. Through shared experiences, connections, and unwavering support for Israel, the community was reminded that even in challenging times, coming together remains a powerful source of strength and hope.

For more information on upcoming Israel-related programs, visit JewishVA.org or contact Nofar Trem at NTrem@UJFT.org. Save the date for next year’s Yom Ha’Atzmaut gathering on Sunday, May 16, 2027.

Alex and Alexandra Kosatykh.

Amy Brooke, Anna and Chana Horowitz, and Jeff Brooke.

Bellamy and Cora Baldwin, and Bayla Shames.

Courtney Krutoy, Hatti Friedman, and Anya

Farkas family.

Marcy Mostofsky, Ilana Peck Leibler, and Michael Mostofsky.

Mark Solberg and Rabbi Michael Panitz.

Monica Gerand volunteering with ESEK.

Nechama and Noam Haas.

Ofir family.

Persaud family.

Zibby Robertson.

Leah and Rabbi Ari Oliszewski.

Rabbi Levy Brashevitzky and Sammy Alofer.

Yaala Nimrod.

Israeli Chef’s Table Experience brings community, culture, and cuisine together for Israel Fest

Nofar Trem — Fri, 15 May 2026 12:23:04 +0000

As part of this year’s Israel @ 78 celebration, United Jewish Federation of Tidewater hosted its signature Israeli Chef’s Table Experience, an evening that blended vibrant flavors, storytelling, and a deep sense of community connection.

Held at the Sandler Family Campus, the event featured celebrated chefs Ben and Zikki Siman-Tov, the rising culinary stars behind New York City’s Buba Bureka and authors of the acclaimed cookbook eat small plates, whose modern, shareable approach to Israeli cuisine reflects both tradition and innovation. Guests were treated to a thoughtfully curated kosher three-course meal inspired by authentic Israeli flavors, while the chefs shared personal stories highlighting the powerful ties between food, heritage, and identity.

More than just a meal, the evening emphasized the Israeli tradition of gathering around the table. The Siman-Tovs’ philosophy of “small plates” encourages diners to share, taste, and build connections, transforming food into a communal experience. That spirit was felt throughout the evening, as attendees lingered over each course, savoring both the dishes and the company.

“What a wonderful evening! If I could put the basil dip in a bucket and eat it with a spoon, I would—it was unbelievably good. Even more special was the chance to come together as a community and share time with one another; how fitting that we do it over a meal,” says Jason Hoffman.
“This was my first time attending the Israeli Chef’s Table Experience. The Federation put on a great event and the food was excellent,” says Jake Glasser. “I will definitely be attending next year.”

The Israeli Chef’s Table Experience continues to be a highlight of Tidewater’s Yom Ha’Atzmaut programming, offering not only a taste of Israel’s diverse culinary landscape but also an opportunity to strengthen community bonds. In a time when connection feels more important than ever, the evening served as a reminder that sometimes the most powerful way to come together is simply to sit, share, and enjoy a meal.

For more information on upcoming Israel-related programs, visit JewishVA.org or contact Nofar Trem at NTrem@UJFT.org.

Rachelle Karp, Mona Flax, and Laura Gross.

Renee Strelitz, Shelly Simon, and Shari Friedman.

Rabbi Gershon Litt, Janet Meyers, and Jim Guggenheim.

Leah and Jonathan Glaser.

Altmeyer Funeral Home table attendees.

Regent University table attendees.

Megan Zuckerman, L.T. and Stacie Caplan, and Steve Zuckerman

Annie and Art Sandler.

Avidan Itzhak, Danny Rubin, and Aviv Faraj.

Chef’s Ben and Zikki Simantov.

Fred Gross and Andrew Cohen.

JFS’s 22nd Annual Run, Roll, Stroll: Races for fun and funds

Julie Kievit — Fri, 15 May 2026 12:13:57 +0000

Jewish Family Service of Tidewater raised vital funds for community services during its 22nd Annual Run, Roll, Stroll on Sunday, May 3, attracting nearly 300 participants to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront for a 5K and community walk.

Hundreds of community members, families, volunteers, and supporters arrived for a morning filled with fun, fellowship, and philanthropy. The event serves as JFS’s largest fundraiser of the year, helping ensure the agency can continue meeting the growing needs of the Hampton Roads community.

Run, Roll, Stroll offered something for everyone, from the 5K race to the 1-Mile Fun Run and community stroll. Participants also enjoyed a variety of family-friendly activities including fairy hair, bubbles, glitter tattoos, and a balloon twister, creating an energetic atmosphere along the oceanfront.

The event highlighted the strength and spirit of the community, with teams representing local organizations and congregations coming out in support of JFS. Strelitz International Academy won the trophy for the largest team with Team Tiger, while Ohef Sholom Temple had the second-largest team. Participation in the race continues to grow each year.

The money raised through race registration and sponsors is used to support JFS programs. JFS emphasizes that donations remain essential in sustaining the agency’s mission and services throughout the year.

“Run, Roll, Stroll would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors and community partners. The generous support we receive all goes back into the community — 86 cents of every dollar directly helps someone in need,” says Kelly Burroughs, CEO of JFS. “We use events like Run, Roll, Stroll to bring the community together for fun and fellowship, but also importantly to thank the hundreds of people in the community that make it possible.”

“The board members and volunteers play an integral part every year in making Run, Roll, Stroll a success and we are so thankful to have a board that is excited to come out and show their support,” says Brooke Rush, JFS director of development.

For more information about Jewish Family Service of Tidewater or to support its mission, visit JFSHamptonroads.org. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, contact Julie Kievit, Jewish Community Relations manager, at jkievit@jfshamptonroads.org.

Adam Leiderman and Ina Leiderman.

Eliot and Dani Weinstein.

Maya Ball.

Benjamin Tabakin, Leo Baker, Zachary Kingsland, and Shai Rubin.

Jamie Baker, Amy Weinstein, Adam Leiderman, Heather Moore, and Carin Simon.

Naomi Sedek, Helen Sissel, Charlotte Zito, Ari Zito, and Lawrence Steingold.

Persaud family.

Theo Trem and Ruby Kievit.

Noah and Molly Weiner.

The race is on!