A bit of whimsy and kitsch to celebrate Hanukkah
Move over Purim. . . Hanukkah is staking its own claim on fun as a Jewish holiday that embraces a bit of silliness and play. From a banana shaped menorah – a Banorah – to Dinokkah the Hanukkah inflatable lighted dinosaur – which stands at six feet tall and...
Lion–Tikva–Chai Luncheon 2025 celebrates Women donors
The annual United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s 2026 Lion–Tikva–Chai Luncheon is an opportunity to thank and celebrate the leading donors and volunteers of the Federation’s Women’s Division. This year’s lunch welcomed more than 70 women and featured an amazing...
From blind spots to awareness: Key takeaways from October 7 with Yaakov Katz
Former editor of the Jerusalem Post and senior fellow at the Jewish People’s Policy Institute, Yaakov Katz returned to Tidewater on Thursday, October 23 to discuss Israel’s Blind Spot – Understanding Hamas. The evening’s conversation was based on Katz’s recent...
Community supports hungry people in Tidewater
While many people are making plans for gathering with family and friends for Thanksgiving, not everyone is anticipating the holiday with excitement. Others are anxious, concerned about the increasing cost of food and cuts to programs that help feed their...
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JTA News
National Book Award in nonfiction goes to Gaza polemic ‘One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This’
The book by Omar El Akkad stems from a viral tweet. A book about Jewish refugees won the young people's literature award.
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At Tel Aviv school of last resort, missile damage from war bring challenges—and opportunities
TEL AVIV — Students at the Max Fein Vocational High School in Tel Aviv are used to overcoming challenges. The school long has been known as a place where students who have fallen through the cracks in Israel’s state educational system — whether due to trauma, family problems, mental health struggles or socioeconomic hardship — […]
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The post At Tel Aviv school of last resort, missile damage from war bring challenges—and opportunities appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
Ethiopian Jewish holiday Sigd commemorated at NYC City Hall for the first time
Local Jewish and city leaders say celebrating Sigd publicly can fight antisemitism and showcase Jewish diversity.
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The post Ethiopian Jewish holiday Sigd commemorated at NYC City Hall for the first time appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
AI has a reputation for amplifying hate. A new study finds it can weaken antisemitism, too.
Talking to "DebunkBot" reduced users' belief in antisemitic conspiracy theories, researchers have found.
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The post AI has a reputation for amplifying hate. A new study finds it can weaken antisemitism, too. appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
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Latest News
AG Miyares: Resolution reached for Jewish children allegedly subjected to antisemitic harassment
The Nysmith School for Gifted Children entered into a settlement agreement with a Jewish family who alleged their children were wrongfully expelled after they complained to the school about their 11-year-old daughter being harassed based on her Jewish religion and...
Rabbi Gershon Litt receives Birthright Israel award
Birthright Israel and Birthright Israel Foundation named Rabbi Gershon Litt the recipient of the 2025 Jeffrey R. Solomon Prize. The prestigious annual award recognizes an exceptional Jewish communal professional who has made a profound and lasting impact on the Jewish...
Hanukkah in Tidewater
Tidewater’s Jewish community offers plenty of ways to observe and celebrate Hanukkah in 2025. In fact, opportunities for children, teens, young adults, older adults, and families to celebrate throughout the eight nights abound in Tidewater. Get a hanukkiah ready,...
Fall fun and community spirit shine at the 3rd Annual SIA Fall Festival
At Strelitz International Academy, the fall season is filled with excitement and meaning as students celebrate the holidays from Rosh Hashanah through Simchat Torah. The spirit of the holidays continues to shine at SIA as the community eagerly anticipates the SIA Fall...
JFS, Nadiv team up to create Thanksgiving meal baskets
The Cardo at the Sandler Family Camps was a whir of activity during the afternoon of Sunday, November 9. Roughly 40 volunteers – adults and children alike – busily prepared Thanksgiving meal kits for 350 families in need this holiday season. Jewish Family...
From darkness to light: The unforgettable Jai Mitzvah in Buenos Aires
After experiencing vibrant and deeply moving Chaguim at Temple Emanuel, Pati, Lia, Ben, and I traveled to Buenos Aires, my hometown, to celebrate two very special occasions with our family there — my niece Martina’s Bat Mitzvah and my mother’s 75th birthday. We...
Be a hero in minutes. Simon Family JCC Annual Blood Drive
November 24, 2025, 11:00 AM–3:45 PM: Join the Simon Family JCC and Red Cross in the Jaffe Gymnasium, 5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Virginia Beach, for a lifesaving blood drive. Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood, and one donation can save up to...
Weddings with personalized twists for these area brides
Four young women, with childhood roots in Jewish Tidewater, have nuptials on the mind. Now spread out across the country, three of these Virginia natives recently married, while one is still in the planning stages. Hannah Diehl Testa and her husband, Kevin...
Other News
Jewish News seeks a copywriter/editorial assistant
Jewish News seeks a copywriter/editorial assistant. The paper is looking for a passionate storyteller who can craft clear and compelling copy for the newspaper. POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES • Write clear and persuasive copy with an emphasis on writing articles •...
Is dining-hall matzah ‘DEI’? The answer isn’t clear to UVA’s pushed-out ex-president.
(JTA) — Months after being forced out as president of the University of Virginia, Jim Ryan is still pondering Passover food. More specifically, Ryan, who was pushed out of the role over the summer amid mounting GOP pressure on the public university, cited the...
Power of mentoring: How BeAR volunteers are changing young lives
In the Be A Reader (BeAR) Literacy Project, mentors do far more than help children improve their reading skills, they help them see what’s possible. Each week, these caring volunteers meet with second graders in under-resourced schools, opening books, sharing...
Building a stronger community together: Apply for a TJF Community Impact Grant
Every day, Tidewater’s Jewish agencies, synagogues, and schools dream up new ways to educate, inspire, and connect the community. Tidewater Jewish Foundation helps make those visions real through its Community Impact Grant Program — funding catalytic projects that...
What’s Happening
Teach the Shoah comes to Temple Israel
Saturday, December 6, and Sunday, December 7 Temple Israel “When we are gone, who will tell our...
Warm Winter fun with Camp JCC
December 22, 2025 - January 2, 2026 Sandler Family Campus Although the chill is here and summer...
Moral Courage Award Recipient, MAJ John W. Spencer, USA (Ret.) speaks hard truths in difficult times with Jay Klebanoff
Israel in Focus: Hamas’ War – Truth and Consequences Modern Warfare and the Fight for Truth in the...
Master storyteller Corey Rosen returns to Tidewater
A Story for Everything: An Evening of Stories, Laughter, and Inspiration Thursday, December 11,...
Obituaries
May the Source of Peace
send peace to all who mourn, and comfort to all who are bereaved.
David Bruce Jorgenson
NORFOLK - David Bruce Jorgenson, age 83, departed this world on October 31, 2025. David lived a life full of love. Just before he was born,...
Richard Siff
PORTSMOUTH - Richard Siff, devoted husband and father, passed away on November 11, 2025. Born in Norfolk, Virginia, he was the only child of...
David Louis Taetle
MCLEAN, VIRGINIA - David Louis Taetle, 75, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on November 15, 2025. Born in Washington, D.C., Mr....
Sally Segal Adler
VIRGINIA BEACH - Sally Adler was a force of nature — ahead of her time, deeply informed, and an inspiration to all who knew her. She will be...