More than 150 members of the 21-and-over Tidewater Jewish community and beyond gathered for Frozen Flames, a celebration of heritage, community, and inspiration on Saturday, Dec. 7. Held at the new Perry Glass Studio at the Chrysler Museum of Art, the event was a testament to the power of community and the enduring flame of Jewish identity.
The evening began with Havdalah, marking the close of Shabbat and setting the tone for an unforgettable night.
Attendees were treated to live glassblowing demonstrations as a glass menorah was crafted. Guests spun dreidels, reconnected with old friends, made new ones, enjoyed kosher food and drinks, and danced the night away to the beats of DJ Carneyval – all the elements creating an energy that kept the crowd buzzing.
he event drew a diverse crowd that included newcomers, lifelong residents, and those who traveled back to the area to reconnect with their Jewish Tidewater roots. Adding to it’s inclusivity, people from every part of Tidewater’s Jewish community could be found together at this special celebration.
“Now more than ever, it’s important for us to come together and rediscover why being Jewish matters,” says Sam Dreyfus, the event’s organizer. “Our community has the potential to be vibrant—not just a source of strength and connection for us, but a meaningful asset for the broader Hampton Roads region.”
The night wasn’t just about a Hanukkah celebration—it was a movement to strengthen bonds and reignite the spark of Jewish life in Hampton Roads. As attendees departed, many were already looking forward to the next gathering – Purim.
Frozen Flames reminded everyone that Jewish Tidewater is poised to shine brighter than ever.
Elana McGovern is United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s Young Adult Division director.
