Tidewater Ruby Lions celebrate philanthropy, legacy, and sisterhood
On a beautiful September afternoon, just days before Rosh Hashanah, Tidewater’s Ruby Lions gathered at Jodi Klebanoff’s home for a luncheon celebrating friendship, philanthropy, and the impact of women’s leadership.Alicia London Friedman, Women’s Philanthropy chair,...
2026 Lee and Bernard Jaffee Family Jewish Book Festival
For more than 40 years, the Lee & Bernard Jaffe Family Jewish Book Festival has brought extraordinary voices to Tidewater. Bestselling authors, journalists, diplomats, physicians, judges, artists, historians, and thought leaders visit the community to share ideas,...
SIA Golf Tournament scores a winning day
For 38 years, golfers, sponsors, volunteers, and friends of Strelitz International Academy have come together for a day that is about much more than golf. This year, that tradition reached a new milestone.The 38th Annual Bob Josephberg Classic & Strelitz...
UJFT’s 2027 Community Campaign kicks off with a celebration of community
The United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s 2027 Community Campaign kicked off on September 24 with a celebration at the Sandler Family Campus. It was an inspiring evening filled with personal stories and heartfelt testimonials from several of the Campaign’s...
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JTA News
Trump names Stephen Miller new chief of staff
Miller, who is Jewish, will replace Susie Wiles.
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The post Trump names Stephen Miller new chief of staff appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
Trump wants to halt military aid to Israel. How much of a crisis is it?
The president’s call to stop the annual funding has Jerusalem scrambling – but not everyone is worried.
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The post Trump wants to halt military aid to Israel. How much of a crisis is it? appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
In the face of tragedy, the way forward is to build
The Lubavitcher Rebbe’s three word telegram shone a light on a way forward for a devastated community.
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The post In the face of tragedy, the way forward is to build appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
Deni Avdija is at it again
Plus, Robert Kraft is a Hall of Fame finalist.
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The post Deni Avdija is at it again appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
Latest News
Sixteen elections later, voting still matters
This election season marks my 16th election with United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s Jewish Community Relations Council.Over those 16 election cycles, I’ve watched elections energize the community, spark debate, shape public policy, and help determine the...
Honoring one’s father and mother
“Honor your father and your mother” is one of the most recognizable of the Ten Commandments – simple enough for a child to memorize, yet its sentiment sticks with many Jews far more into adulthood.Kibud av v’em, the Jewish obligation to honor one’s parents, doesn’t...
Lev Sara Bikkur Cholim Committee initiative
More than 50 women gathered on the top floor of the Assembly building in downtown Norfolk for the Lev Sara Bikkur Cholim Inaugural Dinner in March. Lev Sara Bikkur Cholim is a committee founded by Shari Berman, Shana Danziger, Liba Eisenberg, Dee Slone, and Michal...
At 90, Holocaust Survivor Erica Ausch shows no signs of slowing down
For the past 13 summers, Erica Ausch has led hour-long water aerobics classes for fellow residents at the Oceans Condominiums on Atlantic Avenue. “Raise hands, bring them over your head, then down to your sides,” Ausch calls out. “Kick right side, arms out, then left,...
A legacy of opportunity
Harry Mansbach, of blessed memory, believed that opportunity carried responsibility. His daughter, Sally Herman, remembers a father who understood how much circumstance could shape a person’s path. She says he believed those who had been fortunate had a responsibility...
Yom Kippur: When “Impossible” becomes “I’m Possible”
There is something about Yom Kippur that makes time feel different. Perhaps it is the haunting melody of Kol Nidrei, or the fasting, or simply the knowledge that Jews around the world are standing before the same ancient questions: Who have I become? What have I taken...
Mizrahi in Motion: Connecting through art, food, and movement
Two dozen or so women gathered to immerse themselves in Mizrahi culture on the evening of Sunday, August 23. The event was led by Jackie Dratch, creator of the Mizrahi Dance Archive, and organized by NextGen757, a community group for young Jewish adults ages 21 -...
Havdalah on the beach
It was another beautiful evening at the beach on Saturday, August 29, when 68 people (but who is counting) gathered in our backyard to celebrate Havdalah together.Known for separating the Shabbat from the ordinary weekdays, Havdalah is a joyful service and a great...
Other News
A synagogue and Jewish-owned shops damaged in French riots
(JTA) —PARIS – Jewish-owned shops in Marseille were set ablaze and a synagogue in Paris was vandalized as part of widespread property damage caused by riots across France October 17 and 18, according to the Jewish Community Protection Service.It is too early to assess...
Community partnership brings safety and independence to local seniors through home repairs
In a powerful demonstration of community collaboration and the deeply rooted Jewish value of Kibbud Zekenim (honoring the elderly), Jewish Family Service and Beth Sholom Village Foundation have joined forces to protect and support local seniors.A grant from Beth...
60 Photographs byElise Melnick Simon on display
Elise Melnick Simon led a vibrant, creative life as a painter, photographer, performer, and educator. The mark she left on the local community was reflected in the group that gathered last month to celebrate the opening of 60 Photographs by Elise Melnick Simon, on...
Norfolk Academy grad is building network for athletes to transition to careers post playing days
Every athlete eventually plays a last game, and Jack Gross, a Norfolk Academy graduate and senior at Tulane University, wants to make sure there’s a plan for what comes next.Gross is a founder and the chief operating officer of Second Half Network, a free mentorship...
What’s Happening
ESEK returns to Tidewater with Made in Israel Pop-Up Market
Monday, Nov. 23, 12 - 7 pm Tuesday, Nov. 24, 8 am - 2 pmSandler Family Campus ESEK, an initiative...
Hunger in Virginia: Caring for neighbors this Thanksgiving
Hunger does not always look how one might imagine. It may be a senior trying to stretch a fixed...
From Capitol Hill to community: TJF’s new development strategist, Lauren Sucher
From the corridors of Capitol Hill to military deployments in Afghanistan and Poland, Lauren...
Disconnect to reconnect: The Tidewater Shabbat Project returns
Friday, Oct. 30 – Saturday, Oct. 31 Step away from the business of everyday life and join...
Obituaries
May the Source of Peace
send peace to all who mourn, and comfort to all who are bereaved.
Matthew Julian Gutterman
Norfolk – It is with deep sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved Matthew Julian Gutterman on October 12, 2026.Born in...
Anne Elizabeth Leitman
Virginia Beach - Anne Elizabeth (Heyward) Leitman, aged 94, of Virginia Beach, passed away peacefully on October 10, 2026.Born on August 24, 1932,...
Martin Gary Mand
Wilmington, Del. – Martin Gary Mand, born and raised in Norfolk, Virginia, and a resident of Wilmington, Delaware, for 65 years, passed away the...
Ida Rines
VIRGINIA BEACH – Ida Sara Rines, beloved daughter, sister, aunt, friend, co-worker, cat mom, and pure soul passed away peacefully on October 15,...