Help needed to feed neighbors for Thanksgiving
As food prices continue to rise and benefits such as SNAP decrease, more neighbors are struggling to put meals on the table. In fact, Jewish Family Service’s Food Pantry has seen a significant increase in visitors—people who never imagined they would need to ask for...
October 7 remembrances
Throughout the world, the nation, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and Tidewater, events took place marking Oct. 7, 2023 –recalling the horrors of that day, while praying for the safety and release of the 48 remaining hostages still in Gaza at the time.In addition to the...
Beloved family business closes its doors after 86 years
Since 1939, inventions such as nylon stockings, twistie ties, and microwave ovens have entered everyday life, not to mention cell phones and the internet. Fifteen presidents have resided in the White House and men have landed on the moon and spent months in space. And...
Modern warfare and the fight for truth in the age of misinformation
Israel in Focus: Hamas’ War – Truth and Consequences. An evening with MAJ John W. Spencer, USA (Ret.) Wednesday, December 3, 7:30 pm, Sandler Family Campus, Free In an era where global conflicts are increasingly fought in dense urban environments, understanding the...
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JTA News
NC activists claimed ‘victory’ in their Israel-divestment push. The state treasury says they’re wrong.
The North Carolina Department of State Treasurer said that the sale of $6.7 million in Israeli government bonds was “not related to a divestment exercise.”
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The post NC activists claimed ‘victory’ in their Israel-divestment push. The state treasury says they’re wrong. appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
I planned the first Guinness record-breaking Shabbat dinner. I promise I’m not too bitter about being beaten.
The Tel Aviv dinner in 2014 lacked live music, public transportation and lasagna, an organizer recalls.
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The post I planned the first Guinness record-breaking Shabbat dinner. I promise I’m not too bitter about being beaten. appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
Most American Jews believe Zohran Mamdani will make NYC Jews less safe, Israeli poll finds
Nearly two-thirds of American Jews said they were equally concerned about antisemitism from the political left and right.
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The post Most American Jews believe Zohran Mamdani will make NYC Jews less safe, Israeli poll finds appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
Palestinian restaurant Ayat, opening near Columbia, names location ‘Hind’s Hall’ to honor campus protesters
“We cannot bring her back but we can refuse to let her be forgotten,” wrote Ayat NYC.
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The post Palestinian restaurant Ayat, opening near Columbia, names location ‘Hind’s Hall’ to honor campus protesters appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
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Latest News
Jay Kossman recognized as an ODU Alumni Association Alumni Honoree for 2025
The ODU Alumni Association celebrates distinguished and outstanding ODU graduates, as well as friends of the University, who have excelled in their professions and made lasting impacts on their communities and #MonarchNation. Honorees may be recognized as...
Celebrate a century of Jewish books
In 1925, Fanny Goldstein, a Jewish librarian at the Boston Public Library, decided Jewish books and Jewish pride deserved celebration. She created a display of Jewish books at the West End Branch, launching the first Jewish Book Week. By 1927, Jewish communities...
Six year-end giving strategies to maximize impact
As 2025 winds down, now is the ideal time to revisit personal charitable giving strategy. Legislative changes and shifting tax thresholds can affect how to give and how far dollars go to make a difference. “The close of the calendar year is when charitable and...
Mah Jongg Mavens bring fun, friendship, and flying tiles to the JCC
They’re at it again! Local Mah Jongg Mavens Amy Levy and Stephanie Calliott are on a mission to make sure everyone has the opportunity to learn the game. With their contagious enthusiasm, Mah Jongg is fast becoming a multigenerational favorite — and now it’s the next...
Judaism and the Arts: Exploring the mezuzah
The first installment of the Judaism and the Arts series invited participants to explore both the meaning and the beauty of one of Judaism’s most familiar symbols: the mezuzah. Attendees first learned about the history, symbolism, and spiritual significance of the...
Knitting Kindness: Jewish Family Service expands Knots of Kindness to Aviva Pembroke
Residents of Aviva Pembroke joined community members for the launch of Knots of Kindness, a knitting and crocheting circle in partnership with Jewish Family Service of Tidewater and Aviva Pembroke on Thursday, October 16. The gathering was filled with warmth,...
An emotional reunion for all
I am sure you, like us, are filled with emotion after seeing the 20 living hostages returned home to Israel and their families. We continue to pray for the imminent return of the remaining hostages and for their families and loved ones to be able to give them...
Congregation Beth El marks 175 years
Synagogues have always been the roots of a Jewish community. Wherever Jewish people have gone, they have gathered for communal prayer and congregational support. Jewish community provides a feeling of home in this big, often scary world. For...
Other News
Ohef Sholom collects food for JFS Thanksgiving food drive
The Mitzvah committee at Ohef Sholom Temple completed its annual Thanksgiving Drive to benefit Jewish Family Service’s clients on Sunday, November 16. The temple’s Religious School classes, along with other congregant’s generosity, made it possible to fill 30...
Creating community, one pumpkin at a time, with PJ Library in Tidewater
Families gathered at Red Wing Park for a PJ Library Pumpkin Pop-Up on Sunday, Nov. 2. Parents and children spent the afternoon enjoying each other’s company and connecting with families who live nearby. Designed with local families in mind, the pop-up offered an...
AJC responds to election of Zohran Mamdani
The day following the election of Zohran Mamdani as mayor of New York City, Ted Deutch, CEO of American Jewish Committee, distributed the following email. The world’s attention is focused on New York City with Zohran Mamdani winning the mayoral election, and I...
ADL enlists major law firms to launch pro bono network for antisemitism cases
(JTA) — The Anti-Defamation League is launching a nationwide legal service to connect victims of antisemitism with lawyers who can take their cases on a pro-bono basis. The initiative comes as the ADL has increasingly turned to litigation as a tactic — the...
What’s Happening
Siblings on the Sidelines: Fun and Israeli spirit off the court
Begins Wednesday, December 10 during most JCC basketball games Children can join Siblings on the...
Elizabeth Murphy to discuss her book, The Faithful Harlot: During the Collapse of the Bronze Age
Thursday, December 4, 6 pm, Prince Books How and why did a beautiful “harlot” help Joshua conquer...
Moses Ezekiel’s Botanical Garden artist statues
Sunday, December 14, at 2 pm Chrysler Museum of Art Samantha Baskind, PhD., distinguished...
Holocaust Commission’s writing and arts competitions now accepting submissions
The 29th Annual Elie Wiesel Writing and Visual Arts Competition, which invites students in grades...
Obituaries
May the Source of Peace
send peace to all who mourn, and comfort to all who are bereaved.
Roger Allen Bress
NORFOLK - Roger Allen Bress, 65, passed away peacefully on October 28, 2025, surrounded by the family who adored him — a circle of love he built,...
Irene Ann (Renee) Fritsch
SARASOTA, Florida - Renee Fritsch passed away after a brief illness on October 28, 2025, at age 93. Renee and her beloved husband Bob celebrated...
Sandra Jean Smith
ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. - Sandra Jean Deziel Smith, age 73, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, died at Sentara Albemarle Medical Center, on October...
Phyllis Wallach Steen
VIRGINIA BEACH - Phyllis Steen passed away peacefully the morning of October 24, 2025, after a long illness. Earlier that week, she told her...