As the High Holidays approach and we prepare to welcome the year 5787, I find myself reflecting on the past year in our Tidewater Jewish community and all that I witness and experience.
Throughout the summer, I watched children playing and relishing their time at Camp JCC.
Over the past year, I have seen my own two teenagers strengthen their Jewish identities and friendships through Tidewater BBYO. I have watched our BBYO teens connect with hundreds of peers at regional conventions and thousands more at the BBYO International Convention in Philadelphia.
I have seen our Tidewater Maccabi Team compete alongside thousands of Jewish teens from around the world at the Maccabi Games in Toronto, where Team Virginia Beach proudly brought home a gold medal in basketball!
I have seen Jewish Family Service of Tidewater volunteers package food for families in need during the holidays.
I have seen students in our Jewish day schools and synagogue religious schools mark milestones ranging from the first and last days of school to Confirmation ceremonies to graduations.
I have witnessed the impact of our community’s generosity around the world. Earlier this year, participants on our Women’s Mission to Argentina visited JDC programs, the ORT school, and numerous other programs supported by the dollars we raise each year through our Annual Community Campaign.
I have also witnessed the challenges we continue to face. Antisemitism remains a grim reality. Acts of hatred impact us all, whether near or far, and require increased security measures to protect our Jewish community.
And truly, these are only a few examples of the wide-ranging activities, programs, and challenges that take place and/or emanate from Jewish Tidewater. The story of our community is far larger. We are an extraordinary and caring community that, year after year, generously supports the Annual Community Campaign, enabling our Federation to allocate these funds to support, grow, protect, and sustain Jewish life in Tidewater and around the globe.
For that, you should be proud. Proud of the strength, resilience, and commitment that define Jewish Tidewater. Proud of what we have accomplished together. And committed to helping secure our future for generations to come.
May 5787 bring us renewed opportunities to strengthen and protect Jewish life in Tidewater and across the Jewish world.
From my family to yours, L’Shanah Tovah Tikatevu.
Betty Ann Levin is executive vice president/CEO of United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and Simon Family Jewish Community Center.