Unless you’ve walked in their moccasins or slept in their beds. . .Visiting Israel during this latest Iran war. February 25-March 8, 2026
A view from Israel / First Person While we knew there was a chance a war might break out, our nephew and niece were having a baby, and we were meeting our sister and brother in Zichron Ya’akov to celebrate. Zichron, as the Israelis call it, is an idyllic, small...
Seder plates, oranges, and memories
A beautiful, high-end fancy seder plate might be the perfect centerpiece at the table. Other times though, the attraction might radiate from the memories of a beat-up, or a child-made, or an artistic piece that when placed on the table, manages to bring loved...
Virginia Festival of Jewish Film: powerful stories and shared experiences
For 10 days in February, audiences across Tidewater gathered in theaters not just to watch films, but to experience them together. The 33rd Virginia Festival of Jewish Film, presented by United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and the Simon Family JCC, transformed...
A gunman rammed a Michigan synagogue. Its security preparations may have saved lives.
(JTA) — Ayman Mohamad Ghazali, a U.S. citizen who immigrated from Lebanon 15 years ago, armed with rifles and smoke bombs, who rammed into Temple Israel on Thursday, March 12 encountered a synagogue that was well prepared for just such an attack. He hit and...
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Seismic shift in Israeli politics as opposition leaders Lapid and Bennett form joint party
"The era of division is over," the two past prime ministers said.
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The post Seismic shift in Israeli politics as opposition leaders Lapid and Bennett form joint party appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
His kippah was a symbol of coexistence. Israeli police officers seized and destroyed it.
Alex Sinclair's viral story has prompted renewed anxieties among Israeli liberals.
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The post His kippah was a symbol of coexistence. Israeli police officers seized and destroyed it. appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
California Jewish groups decry antisemitic conspiracy theories printed in governor’s race voter guide
One candidate, Don J. Grundmann, accused Israel of assassinating Charlie Kirk, perpetrating 9/11 and planning to “suitcase nuke” the United States.
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The post California Jewish groups decry antisemitic conspiracy theories printed in governor’s race voter guide appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
DOJ’s indictment of Southern Poverty Law Center recalls Jewish groups’ use of informants to fight extremism
The Anti-Defamation League and the American Jewish Committee infiltrated neo-Nazi and Ku Klux Klan organizations in the decades before and after World War II.
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The post DOJ’s indictment of Southern Poverty Law Center recalls Jewish groups’ use of informants to fight extremism appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
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Latest News
Stay vigilant – our community depends on you
This month’s attack at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Michigan is a stark reminder that antisemitic threats are real. The attack on the same day at Old Dominion University, though not targeting the Jewish community directly, hit close to home and underscores the...
In honor of Yom HaShoah: Charlotte’s story
How will the history of the Holocaust be told when the last witness, the last child or grandchild of a survivor has passed away? The records of the Holocaust are preserved in archives throughout the world. And sometimes archives are able to take an active role in...
Passover seders around Tidewater
Compiled by Konikoff Center for Learning Looking for a Passover seder to attend this year? Check out these options and make a decision soon to secure a spot, as Passover begins at sundown on Wednesday, April 1. B’nai Israel Congregation Anyone who would like home...
A sweet tradition: Operation Hamantaschen 2026
The Simon Family JCC welcomed families for Operation Hamantaschen on Sunday, March 1 – transforming the building into a vibrant hub of Purim celebration and connection. As families arrived, long rows of tables with rolling pins, flour, and an assortment of...
Thank you to our supporters who recently donated to Jewish News!
Supporters of Jewish News help keep local Jewish journalism alive at a time when it feels as if it is disappearing almost everywhere else. Jewish News appreciates all who support the newspaper with generous contributions – whether in honor of or in memory...
KBH sells building, creates endowment
And with stroke of a few pens, it was over! The closing documents were signed, the checks issued, and Kehillat Bet Hamidrash/Kempsville Conservative Synagogue (KBH) was officially a congregation without a building – yet with a new endowment fund. After...
State of the Foundation: Securing Jewish life in Tidewater
The State of the Union. The State of the City. Most people have heard of or attended gatherings like these, where leaders reflect on the present and make projections about the future. Last month, Tidewater Jewish Foundation did just that. Board members gathered...
JCC Lifeguard Josef Patar celebrates citizenship
His story could be a novel. . . and a page-turner, at that. This past December, Josef Patar added a chapter he’s been trying to write for a while. . . he became a naturalized U.S. citizen. With several supporters, including a couple of friends from Ohef...
Other News
SCN camp security initiative webinar for parents, future counselors
Wednesday, April 22, 2 - 3 pm, online Summer camp season is around the corner, and the Secure Community Network (SCN) is launching its first-ever Camp Security Initiative Webinar Series, designed for camp administrators, counselors, parents, and campers. This program...
When screens replace relationships: examining technology’s role in the classroom
Ask any adult to reflect on their schooling, and they are unlikely to remember a worksheet or a video. They will, however, remember the teacher who sparked curiosity, who believed in them when they struggled, and the teacher who noticed when something was wrong. Many...
A living conversation: Reclaiming Jewish identity through learning
Miriam Anzovin’s two-day residency with United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s Konikoff Center for Learning highlighted the impact of authentic storytelling on shaping Jewish identity. Anzovin’s approach moves beyond flat narratives, instead using personal experience...
Why everyone is talking about Messy Makers and Little Bakers and Chefs
Kids headed home with flour-dusted aprons, neon-colored fingertips, and the kind of ear-to-ear grins that only come from a day of pure discovery, are good indications that Kyra Jones and Reagan Goode are back in action with their interactive classes. These once-a-week...
What’s Happening
Tidewater to celebrate Israel at 78
Israeli Chef’s Table - Wednesday, April 22, 7 pm Sandler Family Campus Yom Ha’Atzmaut - Sunday,...
Passover seders around Tidewater
Compiled by Konikoff Center for Learning Looking for a Passover seder to attend this year? Check...
Temple Israel to stage a Magical Gala
Sunday, May 3, 1 pm, Temple Israel A magical afternoon is planned for Temple Israel’s Annual Gala,...
Spring Break Adventure awaits at Camp JCC
April 6 – 10 9 am - 4 pm, Sandler Family Campus The countdown to Spring Break is officially on,...
Obituaries
May the Source of Peace
send peace to all who mourn, and comfort to all who are bereaved.
Howard Mark Miller
Virginia Beach – Howard Miller passed away peacefully on March 19, 2026; he was 74 years old. He will be remembered as a devoted father,...
Shirley E. (Cohen) Neumann
Phoenixville, Pa. – Shirley E. (Cohen) Neumann, 96, wife of the late Leonard J. Neumann of Phoenixville, passed away on Wednesday, April 1, 2026....
Stephen Howard Pitler
Norfolk – Stephen (Steve) Howard Pitler, age 81, passed away on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. Steve was born in Norfolk on March 20, 1945. The son...
Richard Taylor
Norfolk – Richard Taylor, 86, passed away on April 2, 2026. Richard was born on May 10, 1939, in Norfolk, Va. Of blessed memory...