Philissa Cramer, Eliyahu Freedman (JTA) — Jews and Jewish sites appear to have largely been spared following the devastating earthquake that struck Morocco late Friday, Sept. 8, killing more than 2,600 people, injuring thousands more, and plunging some of the poorest areas of the Northwest African country into into ruins. The export of etrogs, the [...]
September 18, 2023
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Praying for a better future during the High Holidays

Naomi Sedek As Yom Kippur approaches, many of us in the Jewish community prepare for a day of fasting, prayer, and reflection. But beyond these rituals lies an essential message that intersects profoundly with the work we do at Tidewater Jewish Foundation: the importance of legacy. Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the pinnacle [...]
September 14, 2023
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5784 will enter on a solid foundation in Tidewater

Betty Ann Levin It is strange preparing for the new year while it still feels like the middle of summer outside, but like all things, that will soon change. I will be grateful for the cooler weather as we embark on 5784, a year which will continue to bring change to our strong, generous, and [...]
September 14, 2023
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Nadiv begins a new year of programming, networking, and philanthropy

Todd Holcomb Members of Nadiv, United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s Young Adult Division men’s giving circle, gathered at the Downtown Norfolk home of Jeff Chernitzer on Wednesday, Sept. 6 to kick off a new year of philanthropy, networking, and community service programming. The kick-off is a signature event for Nadiv, as returning members reconnect with [...]
September 14, 2023
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High Holidays Special Section

High Holidays 5784 September 2023
September 14, 2023
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Sukkot activities abound in Tidewater

Jewish News staff report Sukkot begins at sundown on Sept. 29, five days after observing Yom Kippur. During this Jewish autumn festival, many families, congregations, and schools build a sukkah, a temporary structure with three walls and an organic roof that provides shade and a view of the stars. This shelter reminds of the temporary [...]
September 14, 2023
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Super Sunday brings community together and ignites the 2024 campaign

Elana McGovern The theme of this year’s United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s Super Sunday Community Phone-a-Thon and Campaign Kickoff could not have been more fitting: “Today, Tomorrow, Always.” This was on the minds of almost 60 volunteers who manned the phones at the Sandler Family Campus on Sunday, Sept. 10. The room was abuzz with [...]
August 31, 2023
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Rosh Hashana Special Section

Happy 5784! Rosh Hashanah Section September 2023
August 31, 2023
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Local participation in Birthright Israel flourishes

Jewish News staff report A group of Jewish philanthropists created Birthright Israel in 1999 with the goal of giving every eligible young Jewish adult around the world the opportunity to visit Israel. The 10-day, mostly free trip aims to motivate young people to explore their Jewish identity and support for Israel and to maintain long-lasting [...]
August 31, 2023
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High Holiday security: Be aware and prepared

Stephanie Peck While many area synagogues hire off-duty police officers or sheriff’s deputies during High Holiday services, Michael Goldsmith, regional security advisor for Secure Community Network, emphasizes the role each congregant plays in recognizing and preventing a disturbance. As the High Holidays approach, Goldsmith suggests taking these precautions to help prepare for any unforeseen disruptions: [...]
August 31, 2023
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B’nai Israel welcomes new rabbi

Stephanie Peck At first glance, Rabbi Shlomo Eisenberg, B’nai Israel Congregation’s new rabbi, looks like a yeshiva student. Tall and lean, he has a generous smile and a warm welcome. After a few minutes of conversation, however, his composure and focus suggest a mature and determined spiritual leader who plans to grow his Orthodox congregation, [...]
September 14, 2023
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