Israel’s 77th anniversary is celebrated with joy and unity
Tidewater’s Yom Ha’Atzmaut community celebration marking Israel’s 77th Independence Day, took place Sunday, May 4 at the Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus. Hosted by United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and Simon Family JCC, the afternoon was filled with engaging...
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY
The role of Dad has evolved, from a staunch disciplinarian to a guiding light who changes diapers, drives carpool, and might even stay at home while Mom goes to work. According to their children, these Jewish Tidewater dads are generous with their time, community...
Women’s Philanthropy Hosts Annual Spring Lunch
United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s Women’s Philanthropy Spring Lunch took place last month in the sun-filled Fleischman Lounge on the Sandler Family Campus. This event serves as a ‘Thank you’ for members of the Women’s Philanthropy who serve as volunteer campaign...
‘He never should have made it inside that building’: Jewish security groups face down lapses in DC shooting
Security professionals urge Jewish institutions to expand the security perimeter at their events. On Wednesday, May 21, three-armed security officers stood guard as the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington held its annual meeting in the nation’s...
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JTA News
Critics have an even more controversial nickname for ICE’s Everglades detention facility: ‘Alligator Auschwitz’
The forbidding site known as “Alligator Alcatraz” reignites the debate about Holocaust comparisons.
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After flood in Texas devastates local camps, Jewish camps express grief and condolences
At least one Jewish family lost everything in the Texas floods that have claimed the lives of nearly 100.
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The post After flood in Texas devastates local camps, Jewish camps express grief and condolences appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
Barnard settles lawsuit by Jewish and Israeli students, agrees to a litany of measures to address antisemitism
As part of the settlement, the school agreed to appoint a Title VI coordinator and place restrictions on student demonstrations.
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The post Barnard settles lawsuit by Jewish and Israeli students, agrees to a litany of measures to address antisemitism appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
50 years later, alumni of a now-closed Queens yeshiva reunite
Yeshiva Dov Revel's Class of 1975 held a memorable gathering in their former school's building in Forest Hills.
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The post 50 years later, alumni of a now-closed Queens yeshiva reunite appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
Latest News
Yom Hashoah 2025 Honors and Remembers
Falling on the 82nd anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto uprising, this year’s Yom Hashoah community commemoration reminded Tidewater’s Jewish community of how important it is to remember those who perished in the Holocaust and honor those who survived. More than 350...
Rain couldn’t dampen the fun at the 21st Annual Run, Roll, or Stroll
Jewish Family Service of Tidewater hosted the 21st Annual Run, Roll, or Stroll at the Sandler Family Campus on Sunday, May 4. The event kicked off at 10:30 am in the field behind the Simon Family Jewish Community Center. Despite rainy and uncertain weather, families,...
Nadiv’s first Texas Hold Em Tournament was a big success and a thrill for this novice dealer
I am not a card player, nor have I played one on TV. But when my son Danny Rubin, the founder of the young men’s Giving Circle (now part of the Campaign division of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater), Nadiv, asked if I would be a dealer for their May 13 Texas...
A legacy to live, not lecture: Warren and Helen Aleck’s quiet generosity
It’s a classic American love story—football player meets a pretty girl. They begin a courtship, marry, and the rest is history. Sixty-four years later, Helen and Warren Aleck still tell that story with a gleam in their eyes. Who knew that a chance high school romance...
Governor Glenn Youngkin issues Executive Order to expand efforts to combat antisemitism at Virginia Schools
Governor Glenn Youngkin issued Executive Order 48 Combating Antisemitism and Anti-Religious Bigotry in Virginia Public Schools and Institutions of Higher Education to further expand his efforts to combat antisemitism at Virginia public schools and institutions of...
Held under the stars, Israeli Chef’s Table Experience with Chef Basson scored many stars
The Marty Einhorn Pavilion at the Sandler Family Campus was filled with laughter, conversation, and the unmistakable sense of unity on Thursday, May 1 for the second annual Israeli Chef’s Table Experience. Hosted by United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and presented...
2025 UJFT Annual Campaignon track for a successful finish
The 2025 Annual Campaign of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater recently crossed over the milestone $5 million mark, on its way to a successful close. The campaign year officially closes on Monday, June 30. Every attempt is made to have all gifts closed before...
Lag BaOmer: A light that never goes out
Lag BaOmer is Friday, May 16 From Passover to Shavuot, the Torah teaches that the days must be counted to prepare to receive the Torah. This counting is known as Sefirat HaOmer. It is a period marked by introspection and mourning, which is unexpectedly interrupted by...
Other News
New assistant camp director for Camp JCC
Kate-Lynn Cipolla has joined United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and Simon Family JCC’s full-time professional staff as assistant camp director at Camp JCC.Cipolla is a familiar face on the Sandler Family Campus, having spent more than eight years serving in a...
Connecting over caffeine at Am Yisrael CHAI Cafe
There is no denying that coffee and college have a legendary relationship, from fueling early-morning classes to sustaining late-night study sessions. But for college campuses, coffee and the places that serve it, are about more than just caffeine. These spaces create...
Lag Baomer – Flames with Life
This year’s Lag BaOmer celebration hosted by Jewish Virginia Beach brought together more than 300 participants for an afternoon that balanced joy, depth, and community spirit — and showcased a Jewish presence that’s growing, young, and full of life. Held at Hunt Club...
Tidewater’s Yom Ha’Zikaron Ceremony
Community members gathered at the Sandler Family Campus on Wednesday, April 30 to recognize Israel Remembrance Day (Yom HaZikaron) – a solemn occasion dedicated to remembering Israel’s fallen soldiers and victims of terror attacks. Leading the heartfelt ceremony were...
What’s Happening
Tzofim Friendship Caravan returns to TidewaterA celebration of Israeli culture and community
Thursday, July 17, 5:30 pm, Sandler Family Campus A vibrant group of Israeli teens who bring the...
Let’s join together: United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s Biennial Meeting
Wednesday, June 11, 6:30 pm, Sandler Family Campus Tidewater’s Jewish community often gathers for...
Contributions for Ohef Sholom Temple’s Sisterhood’s Rummage Sale needed
Sale: Friday, August 15 and Sunday, August 17: 9 am – 2 pm Donations accepted: Monday, June 2 –...
May is Jewish American Heritage Month
President George W. Bush proclaimed May as Jewish American Heritage Month in 2006, designating the...
Obituaries
May the Source of Peace
send peace to all who mourn, and comfort to all who are bereaved.
David Blaine Sears
PORTSMOUTH - David Blaine Sears was born on March 19, 1963, and departed this life May 22, 2025. He was the son of Ronald Sears and Diane (Sears)...
Brian Jay Wishneff
ROANOKE - Brian Jay Wishneff was born on October 16, 1952, and passed away on May 24, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. He was the son of the late...
Dr. Leonard I. Ruchelman
SILVER SPRING, Md. - Dr. Leonard I. Ruchelman passed away peacefully on April 27, 2025, at the age of 91 in his home in Silver Spring, Maryland. He...
Ernest Martin Lendman
Virginia Beach - Ernest Martin Lendman (Ernie), 86, passed away on May 11, 2025. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Ernie was the son of the late Henry...