Families gathered at the Sandler Family Campus on Friday, August 21 for United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s and PJ Library’s annual End-of-Summer Shabbat.
The celebration was originally planned as a pool party, but unexpected weather required a change of plans. Rather than allowing the weather to interrupt the evening, the festivities moved indoors – a shift that did little to dampen the evening. What could have been a disappointment quickly became an energetic and welcoming gathering. The gym was filled with the sounds of children laughing and playing, families reconnecting, and friends catching up after a busy summer.
For many of the children, the evening was an extension of the relationships they built throughout the summer at Camp JCC, which is about more than the daily activities. Camp is a place where children develop friendships, gain confidence, discover new interests, and become part of a community. Seeing campers recognize one another, run to greet their friends, and immediately begin playing together was a wonderful reminder that those connections do not end when camp is over.
A special highlight of the evening was welcoming Tidewater’s newest Shinshinim, Liel Aisikowitz and Evyatar Olswang, who recently arrived from Israel. As they spend the coming year engaging with children, families, and community members, they will bring their Israeli experiences, perspectives, and energy to Tidewater. Their presence creates opportunities for children to form personal connections to Israel and provides an additional way for Tidewater to experience the richness of Jewish life beyond the local community.
To wrap up the evening, families gathered for Shabbat dinner. The transition from an active evening of play to a shared Shabbat meal created a moment to slow down and be present with one another. Rabbi Ari Oliszewski led the Shabbat blessings. The evening reflected the strong connections that unite Jewish Tidewater and the excitement of the coming year.
To learn more about upcoming family programs, visit JewishVA.org/PJLibrary.
