Jewish News

David Konikoff didn’t come up with the legacy phrase “A mind is a terrible thing to waste,” however it aptly describes his life purpose and why he imagined the Konikoff Center for Learning at the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and Simon Family JCC with that mantra in mind. “As we learn, we grow and [...]

Today’s ‘seniors’ are some of the most active people I know. Whether concentrating at work or relaxing in retirement, ‘busy’ and ‘engaged’ are more than buzz words for the over 55-year-old set. And, the articles in this section prove the point. Lisa Richmon spoke with Alan Bartel and Gloria Siegel, two very involved members of [...]

Governor Ralph Northam announced on Tuesday, June 3 that he would move the portion of the Commonwealth that includes Tidewater into Phase 2 of reopening effective Friday, June 5. With his announcement, the Simon Family JCC made final preparations to open its doors—with an abundance of new safety and sanitizing procedures in place. “We are [...]

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (JTA)—The other day, I saw an interesting Facebook post written by a college student who lives in New York. She was looking to find a daily morning minyan. Specifically, she sought one that met at a “college student-friendly hour,” since most minyanim are scheduled for fairly early in the morning while she is [...]

Looking to stay safely connected to real human beings while quarantined? Helping others is a good way to survive and add new meaning to your life. United Jewish Federation of Tidewater recently launched an initiative to meet urgent needs imposed by COVID-19’s disruptive impact on daily life. Jewish Tidewater Volunteers seeks caring volunteers to reach [...]

Sunday, May 3, 11 am The festivities will be different this year, but not having a larger gathering won’t keep Jewish Tidewater from celebrating Israel’s 72 years! Join the community for a day of celebration with virtual activities for Yom Ha’Atzmaut—Israel’s 72nd Independence Day. This is an unprecedented opportunity for Israel supporters from every background [...]

EVEN APART, WE STAND TOGETHER. COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund Kol Yisroel Aravim Zeh b’zeh. All Jews are responsible one for the other. As we enter the season of Passover—a holiday steeped in traditions of coming together with family and friends for the Seder—we know that this year will be different, as the COVID-19 pandemic forces [...]

With indefinite closings looming due to the spread of COVID-19, everyone is trying to adjust to new routines and establish a new normal. The goal throughout Jewish Tidewater is to minimize disruption and provide continuity of care and services. Above all, the Jewish community’s top priorities will continue to be the implementation of procedures to [...]

Purim begins at sunset on Monday, March 9 Tidewater is fortunate to have many great Purim events taking place this year. Check some of them out here.   Sunday, March 8, 10:30 am A Totally Rad Purim Carnival Ohef Sholom Temple 530 Raleigh Ave, Norfolk www.ohefsholom.org or 757-625-4295. 10:30 am Vendor Fair 11:30 am Purim [...]

Community ready to learn about area Jewish residents in 2020 After 19 years, the Jewish community has decided it is time to conduct a survey to learn just what is important to Tidewater’s Jewish members. The last survey, which took place in 2001, was a demographic study. It revealed where Jewish people lived, how old [...]