The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic engulfing the globe is impacting our every moment. For United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and the Simon Family JCC, it is forcing us to make decisions we never thought possible. It is also challenging us to imagine new ways to conduct our work and the business of taking care of our community – locally and abroad.
UJFT continues to closely monitor and respond to the rapidly evolving situation around COVID-19. We know this is a concern for everyone and, as always, the health, safety and security of our community is our highest priority.
We have been, and will continue to follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Virginia Department of Health. We are also receiving guidance and resource information from Jewish Federations of North America, Secure Community Network, JCC Association of North America, and other national organizations.
Tidewater’s organized Jewish community is taking many steps to prepare and alter our ongoing work during this most unusual time. Our agencies, day schools, and synagogues are communicating these actions as proactively as possible. And, we have established space on JewishVa.org to help disseminate this information for everyone. Links to a myriad of valuable resources for families to stay busy, have fun at home, and stay connected to Judaism are also on the site. Meetings and events are being evaluated on an ongoing basis and we will communicate postponements or a shift to “virtual” meetings/events as they occur.
At the Sandler Family Campus, we have increased the frequency of cleaning throughout the facility. At this writing, the Cardo Café is closed, as is the Simon Family JCC. A series of free exercise videos are available at simonfamilyjcc.org, along with other links and tools for staying mentally and physically healthy at home.
We are also cognizant of our Jewish value, Kol Yisroel Aravim Zeh B’Zeh—taking care of one another. Jewish Family Service of Tidewater has alerted us to needs in our community food pantry. Cereal, canned fruit, canned protein, condiments, and disinfectant wipes are among immediate needs. A food collection container is in front of the Sandler Family Campus. For more information, call JFS at 757-321-2222.
For the protection of its residents and patients, Beth Sholom Village is not allowing visitors into the Berger-Goldrich Health Care and Rehab and The Terrace Assisted Living. BSV is communicating daily with loved ones to assist with care and communications.
We will continue to monitor the situation and communicate with you all changes in our normal schedules or planned events. In addition, through emails and our websites, we will share information about community resources and needs during these uncharted times.
The Tidewater Jewish community is more important than ever, as we must take care of each other to get through this pandemic.
Never before has kol yisrael—the concept that all of Israel are responsible for each other—been more critical. Thank you for being a donor to our annual Community Campaign. Thank you for fulfilling your pledges. Doing so is more important than ever, as we face unprecedented challenges in our local community that we will need to address.
Please, be safe.
Amy Levy
President
Betty Ann Levin
Executive Vice President/CEO