Meet the guardians of Tidewater’s Jewish history
Every community has its keepers. As readers explore the congregations and organizations that comprise Jewish life in Tidewater in this issue’s Guide to Jewish Living in Tidewater, it’s worth meeting some of the volunteers who safeguard myriad stories that came before...
Jewish Family Service holds 67th Biennial Meeting, celebrating generations of service and Jewish values in action
Gathering community members, leaders, volunteers, and supporters for an afternoon rooted in gratitude, purpose, and hope, Jewish Family Service of Tidewater held its 67th Biennial Meeting on Monday, June 22 at the Fred Huette Garden in Norfolk. More than a...
Where community begins
Every community has its “must-do” list. In Tidewater, it’s easy to find great restaurants, festivals, beaches, and museums. But some of the most memorable experiences aren’t places to visit – they are ways people choose to be part of the community. Jewish life...
Standing witness in Verdun: Restoring identity to fallen heroes
Vice Admiral Herman Shelanski, USN (Retired) I joined the United States Navy in 1980 to protect the very freedoms that allowed me to live and pray as my Jewish ancestors did. Growing up with the heavy knowledge of the Holocaust, hearing on the news the persecution of...
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Israeli ministers unveil plans to encourage voluntary Palestinian emigration from Gaza
Proposals spark condemnation from international powers and some American Jewish groups.
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The post Israeli ministers unveil plans to encourage voluntary Palestinian emigration from Gaza appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
He went to a different Manhattan synagogue every week. Here’s what it taught him.
Andrew Waxman set out to write a Yelp for synagogues, and discovered the Jewish community's diversity.
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The post He went to a different Manhattan synagogue every week. Here’s what it taught him. appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
AfD is predicted to win 40% in the German state of Saxony-Anhalt. Should Jews be worried?
Here’s what you need to know about the rise of Germany’s far-right political party.
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The post AfD is predicted to win 40% in the German state of Saxony-Anhalt. Should Jews be worried? appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
Hollywood’s Jews take sides in Mark Ruffalo-Paramount antisemitism row
The actor has come under fire for his language linking a media merger to Israel's actions in Gaza.
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The post Hollywood’s Jews take sides in Mark Ruffalo-Paramount antisemitism row appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
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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 of...
Rose Frances Glasser and Bernard Glasser Philanthropic Fund makes gift to Jewish News
Among the various organizations and programs receiving recent gifts from the Rose Frances Glasser and Bernard Glasser Philanthropic Fund, was Jewish News. The distributions were determined by the late couple’s family. “My mother was a very astute businesswoman...
Kempsville’s Lauren Krajesky is leading the distribution of millions of dollars to organizations that help seniors
Growing up in the Bible Belt (Northern Georgia south of Chattanooga, Tennessee), Baptist bred Lauren Krajesky could never imagine where she would be today. “I have to pinch myself,” she says. “I really am in a dream job.” A decade after becoming an executive...
Creating communities of belonging: Highlights from the Inclusive Educators’ Conference
As educators prepare for a new school year, many are facing challenges that extend beyond academics. Rising incidents of antisemitism and other forms of bias, increasing polarization, and the need to foster safe classroom communities have made inclusive teaching...
NextGen community connects at Sunset on the Water
United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s NextGen community recently teamed up with Norfolk Kayak Rentals for an eventful Sunset on the Water experience. Despite cloudy skies, the weather held out so that NextGen kayakers could enjoy time out on the water. ...
Building on a strong foundation: Paul Peck to lead TJF
When Paul Peck talks about the future of Tidewater Jewish Foundation, he doesn’t begin with fundraising goals or financial projections. He begins with responsibility. “We’re the beneficiaries of the hard work of earlier generations,” he says. “It’s our obligation to...
From idea to impact: Community Impact Grants help strengthen Jewish Tidewater
Every organization has them: ideas discussed around board tables, programs waiting for funding, projects that could strengthen Jewish life, deepen engagement, expand educational opportunities, or bring people together in meaningful ways. For Tidewater Jewish...
Michelle Luria: A life rebuilt by connection, conversation, and community
Michelle Luria didn’t expect to start over. But now, from her Norfolk apartment overlooking the Elizabeth River, she describes a life filled with new experiences and community. “I love it here,” she says. “The people are so lovely, intelligent, well...
Other News
History preserves the past — memory preserves a people
My friend, the historian Niall Ferguson, recently posted something remarkable on social media. Reflecting on the resurgence of antisemitism, Holocaust denial, and what he called the “anti-history” engulfing much of the world, Ferguson reached a painful...
Temple Emanuel’s Religious School gets inspired renovation
What should a congregation do when a school’s enrollment grows year after year? Renovate the environment to match the dynamic energy, seems a reasonable response. Last December, volunteers at Temple Emanuel started this project by tearing down old coat...
Birthday
Wishing Stanwood Dickman a very Happy and Healthy 91st Birthday on Friday, August 28. His family will be celebrating with him.
Achievement
Sam Sacks was recently chosen Teacher of the Year in Savannah-Chantham County Public School System. He was also named Teacher of the Year for his school, New Hampstead, K - 8. A STEM coordinator, Sacks is known for his dedication to his students. As the...
What’s Happening
One community. One Shabbat. One unforgettable weekend.
What if the Jewish community of Tidewater spent Shabbat together? That is what is happening...
Jewish leadership program empowers middle schoolers
For many families, formal Jewish education ends after the bar or bat mitzvah party’s festivities...
After school fall classes cover various interests
Camp JCC is preparing for an incredible lineup of after school classes for the fall, including a...
Middle School Game Night
Saturday, October 10, 5 -7 pm Sandler Family Campus, Free Middle school students are invited to...
Obituaries
May the Source of Peace
send peace to all who mourn, and comfort to all who are bereaved.
Edward Legum
Norfolk – Edward Legum, 97, of Norfolk, passed away peacefully on August 6, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Norfolk and raised...
Jack Sanford Moscovitz
Portsmouth – Jack Sanford Moscovitz, 90, a lifelong resident of Portsmouth, Va., peacefully passed away on July 1, 2026, with family by his...
Ruby H. Schwarzschild
Lakeland, Fla. – Ruby Hainer Schwarzschild of Norfolk, passed away peacefully on August 6, 2026 in Lakeland, Fla. She was a dedicated...
Ann Rae Gershman
Richmond, Va. – Ann Rae Gershman, 93, passed away peacefully on July 16, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, friendship, and resilience....