Women’s Philanthropy celebrates at Spring Lunch
United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s Women’s Philanthropy gathered for its annual Spring Lunch at the Sandler Family Campus last month. The event served as both a celebration and thank you for a year defined by generosity, leadership, and community impact....
Ilana Peck Leibler makes the best of being stuck in Tidewater
In late February, Ilana Peck Leibler was in Norfolk, expecting to return to Israel after a quick visit with her family. The war in the Middle East, however, swiftly and drastically altered her plans. A Norfolk native, Leibler has lived in Israel for nine years....
Yom Hashoah provides time to reflect and remember
At this year’s Yom Hashoah commemoration on April 13, Megan Zuckerman and Elyse Cardon, Holocaust Commission co-chairs, reminded the community that memory is not just something to hold onto, but something that commands action, asking each person to reflect on their...
Jewish American Heritage Month: Exploring identity, history, and belonging in Tidewater
Each May, Jewish American Heritage Month invites communities across the nation to pause, reflect, and celebrate the many ways Jewish Americans have shaped, and continue to shape, the nation’s cultural, civic, and artistic life. Established by presidential proclamation...
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JTA News
Attack on Jewish man outside Los Angeles synagogue investigated as hate crime
The attack outside of Adas Torah synagogue comes years after two Jewish men were shot outside their synagogues in Los Angeles 2023.
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The post Attack on Jewish man outside Los Angeles synagogue investigated as hate crime appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
Graham Platner, whose Maine Senate run has concerned Jews, becomes presumptive Dem nominee after Janet Mills suspends campaign
Chuck Schumer has signaled support for Platner, whose background includes a Nazi tattoo and Jewish extended family.
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The post Graham Platner, whose Maine Senate run has concerned Jews, becomes presumptive Dem nominee after Janet Mills suspends campaign appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
Jewish Theological Seminary ‘breaks mold’ in naming campus innovator Rabbi Mike Uram as next chancellor
Uram does not hold a doctorate, in a departure for the Conservative Judaism flagship.
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The post Jewish Theological Seminary ‘breaks mold’ in naming campus innovator Rabbi Mike Uram as next chancellor appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
Police denied Jewish community’s request for more security before Sydney massacre, commission finds
A preliminary report from Australia's Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion calls for changes.
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The post Police denied Jewish community’s request for more security before Sydney massacre, commission finds appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
Latest News
Aiden Vonegloffstein named 2026 Stein Family Scholarship recipient
Long before leadership titles and community recognition, Aiden Vonegloffstein was learning what it meant to serve in the most ordinary moments. As a child, his mother taught him to notice when someone needed help, to carry groceries for a neighbor, to lend a...
Sam Linda: Lion King actor with JCC roots
The role of Uncle Henry in the Jewish Community Center of Houston’s production of The Wizard of Oz was Sam Linda’s first real experience on stage. He was eight years old. Linda says he knew then that he was hooked on acting – and he’s been performing ever since...
Hadassah advocates visit DC to press Congress on US-Israel relationship, antisemitism, and health
Tidewater’s Sharon Goretsky, past president of Hadassah Southern Seaboard Region, was among the group of 200 leaders of Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, who arrived on Capitol Hill from across the country for the organization’s Day of Impact in...
Rush week review
During BBYO’s Rush Week, both Simcha BBG and OD AZA were able to host successful programs. Rush Week is when BBYO chapters host events that are targeted towards new members, in an attempt to attract more people to get involved and join. On...
Women’s Philanthropy combines business, art, and impact
Members of Women’s Philanthropy of United Jewish Federation of Tidewater convened for its sixth meeting of the year – this time at the Chrysler Museum of Art. Blending community leadership with cultural enrichment, it was an afternoon marked by inspiration and...
Locals complete Boston Marathon
Howard Roesen and Tom Purcell, Simon Family JCC’s Wellness director, ran the Boston Marathon on Monday, April 20. It was Roesen’s first Boston Marathon and Purcell’s third. Both avid runners have completed a lot of marathons over their years of friendship,...
Ambassador Dennis Ross and Ghaith al-Omari visit Sandler Family Campus
For more than two years since October 7, the Jewish world has continued to grapple with grief, anger, fear, and deep internal division. Conversations about Israel and the Palestinians have strained relationships, fractured communities, and tested leadership at every...
Thank you to our supporters who recently donated to Jewish News!
Supporters of Jewish News help keep local Jewish journalism alive at a time when it feels as if it is disappearing almost everywhere else. Jewish News appreciates all who support the newspaper with generous contributions – whether in honor of or in memory...
Other News
Bobby Friedman at Ninety-Five
In March of twenty six, dear friends, a milestone came alive— A shining, joyful moment: Bobby turning ninety five. From Philly roots to Waynesboro, she grew both bright and popular, A star whose appeal and laughter made each room feel spectacular. At RPI...
JFS holds volunteer appreciation luncheon
An opportunity to recognize the many people who give their time to help others, the Jewish Family Service volunteer luncheon was held on Friday, April 17, at the Sandler Family Campus. This year’s theme was travel, which made the room feel fun and...
Spring Break at Camp JCC
Another successful spring break camp took place last month at Camp JCC. Students from Strelitz International Academy and local public schools participated in sports, nature walks, Israeli culture, and arts and crafts. Each day featured specific themes:...
Living well as the campaign reaches new heights
As this article goes to press, the 2026 United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s Community Campaign is very near $5.1 million and on track to hit a record goal of $5.2 million. In a time that continues to see rising antisemitism and threats to Jewish...
What’s Happening
Pop-Up Shabbat dinners strengthen community
With summer just ahead, Pop-Up Shabbat dinners are bringing renewed energy and excitement to...
Jewish American Heritage Month: Exploring identity, history, and belonging in Tidewater
Each May, Jewish American Heritage Month invites communities across the nation to pause, reflect,...
Why everyone is talking about Messy Makers and Little Bakers and Chefs
Kids headed home with flour-dusted aprons, neon-colored fingertips, and the kind of ear-to-ear...
Nadiv to host 2nd Annual Texas Hold’em Fundraiser
Tuesday, May 12, 6 pm: dinner; 7 pm: game play, Sandler Family Campus The Nadiv Young Professional...
Obituaries
May the Source of Peace
send peace to all who mourn, and comfort to all who are bereaved.
Irene Thelma Bressler
Englewood, Ohio – Irene Bressler of Englewood, passed away on March 23, 2026, shortly before what would have been her 88th birthday. She was...
Reba Karp
Virginia Beach – Reba Karp passed away peacefully on March 17, 2026, at the age of 92. Reba was truly one of a kind. She began...
Anna Lee Rapport Langman
Charlotte, N. C. – Anna Lee Rapport Langman passed on March 9, 2026, at the age of 86. She was a resident of Charlotte, North Carolina. A funeral...
Jordan S. “Buddy” Levitin
Norfolk – Longtime Norfolk resident, Jordan S. Levitin, better known as “Buddy,” 92, passed away on April 10, 2026. He is survived by...




