Women’s Philanthropy celebrates at Spring Lunch
United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s Women’s Philanthropy gathered for its annual Spring Lunch at the Sandler Family Campus last month. The event served as both a celebration and thank you for a year defined by generosity, leadership, and community impact....
Ilana Peck Leibler makes the best of being stuck in Tidewater
In late February, Ilana Peck Leibler was in Norfolk, expecting to return to Israel after a quick visit with her family. The war in the Middle East, however, swiftly and drastically altered her plans. A Norfolk native, Leibler has lived in Israel for nine years....
Yom Hashoah provides time to reflect and remember
At this year’s Yom Hashoah commemoration on April 13, Megan Zuckerman and Elyse Cardon, Holocaust Commission co-chairs, reminded the community that memory is not just something to hold onto, but something that commands action, asking each person to reflect on their...
Jewish American Heritage Month: Exploring identity, history, and belonging in Tidewater
Each May, Jewish American Heritage Month invites communities across the nation to pause, reflect, and celebrate the many ways Jewish Americans have shaped, and continue to shape, the nation’s cultural, civic, and artistic life. Established by presidential proclamation...
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JTA News
UK Jewish leaders demand answers after Muslim police group paper calls Zionism a form of hatred
A leading Jewish group called the report a potential "direct challenge to the integrity of policing" in Britain.
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The post UK Jewish leaders demand answers after Muslim police group paper calls Zionism a form of hatred appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
Gwyneth Paltrow draws backlash after starring in ad for luxury Israeli development
“It's refreshing to see A-listers who refuse to bow to pressure," said one industry insider.
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The post Gwyneth Paltrow draws backlash after starring in ad for luxury Israeli development appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
Jacob Reses, Vance’s Jewish chief of staff, to leave administration
Reses is perhaps the closest Jewish official in the vice president's orbit.
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The post Jacob Reses, Vance’s Jewish chief of staff, to leave administration appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
Her father added the N-word to ‘Blazing Saddles.’ Now Richard Pryor’s Jewish daughter is interrogating its role in her life.
Elizabeth Stordeur Pryor speaks to JTA about her complicated inheritance.
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The post Her father added the N-word to ‘Blazing Saddles.’ Now Richard Pryor’s Jewish daughter is interrogating its role in her life. appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
Latest News
Rush week review
During BBYO’s Rush Week, both Simcha BBG and OD AZA were able to host successful programs. Rush Week is when BBYO chapters host events that are targeted towards new members, in an attempt to attract more people to get involved and join. On...
Women’s Philanthropy combines business, art, and impact
Members of Women’s Philanthropy of United Jewish Federation of Tidewater convened for its sixth meeting of the year – this time at the Chrysler Museum of Art. Blending community leadership with cultural enrichment, it was an afternoon marked by inspiration and...
Locals complete Boston Marathon
Howard Roesen and Tom Purcell, Simon Family JCC’s Wellness director, ran the Boston Marathon on Monday, April 20. It was Roesen’s first Boston Marathon and Purcell’s third. Both avid runners have completed a lot of marathons over their years of friendship,...
Ambassador Dennis Ross and Ghaith al-Omari visit Sandler Family Campus
For more than two years since October 7, the Jewish world has continued to grapple with grief, anger, fear, and deep internal division. Conversations about Israel and the Palestinians have strained relationships, fractured communities, and tested leadership at every...
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...
Yom HaZikaron and Sargent Ari Goldberg z”l
This month holds many holidays for Israel and the Jewish people. The biggest and most important being Pesach, our redemption from Egypt, Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Memorial Day, and Yom Ha'Atzmaut, Israel Independence Day, commemorating the founding of the State of...
Reba Karp, editor emeritus, Jewish News
1936 - 2026 Reba Karp held the distinction of sitting in the editor’s chair at United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, editing this, and other publications, longer than anyone else. Reba passed away on March 17 after providing this community with more than three...
An evening with Photographer Joan Roth
In honor of Women’s History Month, the Tidewater Jewish community gathered at the Sandler Family Campus on Thursday, March 19 for a screening and conversation with internationally acclaimed photographer Joan Roth. The evening featured A Feminist Lens: The Art and...
Other News
Spring Break at Camp JCC
Another successful spring break camp took place last month at Camp JCC. Students from Strelitz International Academy and local public schools participated in sports, nature walks, Israeli culture, and arts and crafts. Each day featured specific themes:...
Living well as the campaign reaches new heights
As this article goes to press, the 2026 United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s Community Campaign is very near $5.1 million and on track to hit a record goal of $5.2 million. In a time that continues to see rising antisemitism and threats to Jewish...
Probate: What does it mean?
Probate is the court-supervised legal process of validating a deceased person’s will, settling their debts, and distributing their assets to beneficiaries. It can be, but not necessarily, a confusing procedure, and therefore something to consider when making estate...
A strategic approach to legacy: Jay Kossman on giving with purpose
Jay Kossman doesn’t think about legacy as something distant or abstract. For him, it’s a daily practice shaped by intention, experience, and a deep sense of responsibility to others. Growing up in Norfolk’s West Ghent neighborhood, Kossman’s early connection to Jewish...
What’s Happening
Post-Shavuot Seudah Shlishit& Havdallah experience
Saturday, May 30, 7 pm • Temple Israel Don’t miss this intentional gathering hosted by United...
Pop-Up Shabbat dinners strengthen community
With summer just ahead, Pop-Up Shabbat dinners are bringing renewed energy and excitement to...
Jewish American Heritage Month: Exploring identity, history, and belonging in Tidewater
Each May, Jewish American Heritage Month invites communities across the nation to pause, reflect,...
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...
Obituaries
May the Source of Peace
send peace to all who mourn, and comfort to all who are bereaved.
Erica Unger
Virginia Beach – We are deeply saddened to share that Erica Unger passed away on April 11, 2026, just three days before her 95th birthday.Born in...
Lawrence Kirstein
Norfolk – Lawrence Harold “Larry” Kirstein, 76, of Norfolk, Virginia, died Jan. 15, 2026.Mr. Kirstein is survived by his sisters and brother-in-law,...
Abraham Foxman, transformative longtime director of the Anti-Defamation League
Ron Kampeas(JTA) — Abraham Foxman, the longtime leader of the Anti-Defamation League who for decades was the last word in post-Holocaust Jewish fury...
Irene Thelma Bressler
Englewood, Ohio – Irene Bressler of Englewood, passed away on March 23, 2026, shortly before what would have been her 88th birthday. She was...