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
For the first time, a kosher restaurant has won a Michelin star
Inspired by his Jerusalem-born grandmother’s cooking, Mutra founder and chef Raz Shabtai says the award was for “the entire Jewish community.”
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The post For the first time, a kosher restaurant has won a Michelin star appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
London police are ‘reviewing’ video of Helen Mirren being called ‘an evil Zionist’
The Met called the footage a case of "antisemitic verbal abuse."
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The post London police are ‘reviewing’ video of Helen Mirren being called ‘an evil Zionist’ appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
NJ-12 candidate Adam Hamawy decries antisemitism amid scrutiny of his Israel views
The Democratic hopeful tells JTA that Muslim and Jewish safety is “intertwined.”
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The post NJ-12 candidate Adam Hamawy decries antisemitism amid scrutiny of his Israel views appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
Mamdani endorses former Columbia encampment organizer Darializa Avila Chevalier
The challenger for Adriano Espaillat's seat in Congress joins Brad Lander and Claire Valdez on the mayor's list of endorsees.
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The post Mamdani endorses former Columbia encampment organizer Darializa Avila Chevalier appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
Latest News
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...
Ari Mulligan wins IBMA Student Excellence Award
For the second year in a row, a Strelitz International Academy fifth grader won the prestigious IBMA Student Excellence Award, with Ari Mulligan’s selection as this year’s Primary Years Program Recipient. The IBMA (International Baccalaureate Mid-Atlantic) is a...
Red noses, real healing:The power of laughter in Tidewater
For one remarkable week in March, Tidewater experienced a different kind of medicine—one delivered with red noses, improvisation, and deep compassion. Representatives from the Dream Doctors Project, an Israeli nonprofit that integrates professional medical clowns into...
Other News
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...
Camp JCC fills days with fun, friendship, and spirit
From themed weeks to unforgettable traditions, Camp JCC aims to keep the energy high throughout the summer. Favorite camp events include the Color Run and Apache Relay, Lip Sync Showcase, Camp JCC Gala, and Carnival Colossal. Daily fun happens with spirit...
SCN camp security initiative webinar for parents, future counselors
Wednesday, April 22, 2 - 3 pm, online Summer camp season is around the corner, and the Secure Community Network (SCN) is launching its first-ever Camp Security Initiative Webinar Series, designed for camp administrators, counselors, parents, and campers. This program...
What’s Happening
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...
Nadiv to host 2nd Annual Texas Hold’em Fundraiser
Tuesday, May 12, 6 pm: dinner; 7 pm: game play, Sandler Family Campus The Nadiv Young Professional...
Back at the Beach: JFS Run, Roll & Stroll returns
Sunday, May 3, 8 am, 24th Street Park, Virginia Beach Jewish Family Service’s Run, Roll &...
Obituaries
May the Source of Peace
send peace to all who mourn, and comfort to all who are bereaved.
Jordan S. “Buddy” Levitin
Norfolk – Longtime Norfolk resident, Jordan S. Levitin, better known as “Buddy,” 92, passed away on April 10, 2026. He is survived by...
Howard Mark Miller
Virginia Beach – Howard Miller passed away peacefully on March 19, 2026; he was 74 years old. He will be remembered as a devoted father,...
Shirley E. (Cohen) Neumann
Phoenixville, Pa. – Shirley E. (Cohen) Neumann, 96, wife of the late Leonard J. Neumann of Phoenixville, passed away on Wednesday, April 1, 2026....
Stephen Howard Pitler
Norfolk – Stephen (Steve) Howard Pitler, age 81, passed away on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. Steve was born in Norfolk on March 20, 1945. The son...