Israeli Chef’s Table Experience brings community, culture, and cuisine together for Israel Fest
As part of this year’s Israel @ 78 celebration, United Jewish Federation of Tidewater hosted its signature Israeli Chef’s Table Experience, an evening that blended vibrant flavors, storytelling, and a deep sense of community connection.Held at the Sandler Family...
JFS’s 22nd Annual Run, Roll, Stroll: Races for fun and funds
Jewish Family Service of Tidewater raised vital funds for community services during its 22nd Annual Run, Roll, Stroll on Sunday, May 3, attracting nearly 300 participants to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront for a 5K and community walk.Hundreds of community members,...
Memorial Day Commemoration
Thursday, May 21, 8:30 am Jewish War Veterans Memorial Sandler Family Campus Memorial Day began in the wake of the Civil War when a grieving nation came together to honor the fallen. What started as springtime tributes at newly established national cemeteries has...
Yom Ha’Atzmaut brings community together for Israel @78
Jewish Tidewater gathered in full force for a Yom Ha’Atzmaut celebration on Sunday, April 26 that was hosted by United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and presented by Avraham and Karen Ashkenazi. The event took place on the Sandler Family Campus.Marking Israel’s 78th...
Special Section
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JTA News
Want to ask Einstein about Zionism? A new AI tool lets users chat with Jewish history
The Jewish Lives series bases a chat bot on its library of biographies.
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The post Want to ask Einstein about Zionism? A new AI tool lets users chat with Jewish history appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
Trump says Syria would do a ‘better job’ of fighting Hezbollah than Israel
Israel's fighting has gone on too long and been too deadly, Trump said.
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The post Trump says Syria would do a ‘better job’ of fighting Hezbollah than Israel appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
UK appeals court upholds ban on Palestine Action as a terrorist organization
British Jewish groups applauded the ruling, which Palestine Action plans to appeal.
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The post UK appeals court upholds ban on Palestine Action as a terrorist organization appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
Trump-backed Oklahoma congressional candidate supports Israel — and says the Antichrist will be Jewish
James Lahmeyer is a favorite to win Tuesday's primary in a solidly Republican district that includes Tulsa.
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The post Trump-backed Oklahoma congressional candidate supports Israel — and says the Antichrist will be Jewish appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
Latest News
A summer that shapes a lifetime:Investing in Jewish campthrough One Happy Camper
What if there were a place where Jewish children could safely explore and express their heritage? A place where the values and traditions learned at home are not only reinforced but shared and lived among peers. A place where identity is not questioned but cultivated....
New manager for Camp JCC
Christine Carnahan, Camp JCC’s new manager, will oversee daily camp operations as well as support campers and staff. She will also provide year-round support for the Simon Family JCC and related programs.A Virginia Beach native, Carnahan’s background is in retail...
BeAR Literacy Project celebrates a year of growth and heart
The BeAR Literacy Project concluded another meaningful school year with its annual End-of-the-Year Mentor Luncheon, a celebration of the extraordinary volunteers whose time, patience, and compassion continue to change children’s lives.Approximately 140 students...
Aiden Vonegloffstein named 2026 Stein Family Scholarship recipient
Long before leadership titles and community recognition, Aiden Vonegloffstein was learning what it meant to serve in the most ordinary moments. As a child, his mother taught him to notice when someone needed help, to carry groceries for a neighbor, to lend a...
Sam Linda: Lion King actor with JCC roots
The role of Uncle Henry in the Jewish Community Center of Houston’s production of The Wizard of Oz was Sam Linda’s first real experience on stage. He was eight years old. Linda says he knew then that he was hooked on acting – and he’s been performing ever since...
Hadassah advocates visit DC to press Congress on US-Israel relationship, antisemitism, and health
Tidewater’s Sharon Goretsky, past president of Hadassah Southern Seaboard Region, was among the group of 200 leaders of Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, who arrived on Capitol Hill from across the country for the organization’s Day of Impact in...
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...
Other News
Books for local schools are appreciated
Ghillian Porter-Smith, media specialist/librarian at Norfolk’s Larchmont Elementary School, wrote last month to express appreciation for books the school received from United Jewish Federation of Tidewater. “Thank you very much for the generous gift of books!”...
Summer at the Academy features wide range of camp options
Norfolk Academy’s Summer at the Academy camps offer six weeks of excitement for students of all ages.Starting this year on June 22 and running through the end of July, summer camps offer a perfect mix of adventure, learning, and lasting memories. From exciting outdoor...
B’nai Israel Congregation’s community continues to grow
A lively BBQ on B’nai Israel Congregation’s patio took place on Sunday, May 3 for families who have joined the Norfolk Jewish community over the past two to three years. Rabbi Shlomo and Liba Eisenberg, whose leadership of the shul began in July 2023, hosted the...
Bobby Friedman at Ninety-Five
In March of twenty six, dear friends, a milestone came alive— A shining, joyful moment: Bobby turning ninety five. From Philly roots to Waynesboro, she grew both bright and popular, A star whose appeal and laughter made each room feel spectacular. At RPI...
What’s Happening
Congregation Beth El’s Visiting Scholar weekend to feature Rabbi Jeffrey Salkin
Friday, May 29 – Sunday, May 31 Congregation Beth El A dynamic and thought-provoking Visiting...
Pre-Shavuot Neighborhood Hop
Sunday, May 17, 4 – 7 pm • TIDE by B’nai Israel Step out of the sanctuary and onto the porch. Join...
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...
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...