Unless you’ve walked in their moccasins or slept in their beds. . .Visiting Israel during this latest Iran war. February 25-March 8, 2026
A view from Israel / First Person While we knew there was a chance a war might break out, our nephew and niece were having a baby, and we were meeting our sister and brother in Zichron Ya’akov to celebrate. Zichron, as the Israelis call it, is an idyllic, small...
Seder plates, oranges, and memories
A beautiful, high-end fancy seder plate might be the perfect centerpiece at the table. Other times though, the attraction might radiate from the memories of a beat-up, or a child-made, or an artistic piece that when placed on the table, manages to bring loved...
Virginia Festival of Jewish Film: powerful stories and shared experiences
For 10 days in February, audiences across Tidewater gathered in theaters not just to watch films, but to experience them together. The 33rd Virginia Festival of Jewish Film, presented by United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and the Simon Family JCC, transformed...
A gunman rammed a Michigan synagogue. Its security preparations may have saved lives.
(JTA) — Ayman Mohamad Ghazali, a U.S. citizen who immigrated from Lebanon 15 years ago, armed with rifles and smoke bombs, who rammed into Temple Israel on Thursday, March 12 encountered a synagogue that was well prepared for just such an attack. He hit and...
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Pro-Palestinian groups to rally against synagogue ‘buffer zones’ during NYC vote
Plus, Sen. Bill Cassidy threatens to withhold funding from the NYC health department over a pro-Palestinian working group.
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The post Pro-Palestinian groups to rally against synagogue ‘buffer zones’ during NYC vote appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
Women have won the right to sit for Israel’s rabbinical exams. It’s a victory — but to what end?
A court overturns one barrier for women. But it can't ensure that society will fully accept what these leaders have to offer, writes the co-founder and president of Yeshivat Maharat.
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The post Women have won the right to sit for Israel’s rabbinical exams. It’s a victory — but to what end? appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
The Justice Department’s Oct. 7 task force is unraveling, report says
An ambitious effort to prosecute Hamas members is being starved for resources amid broader upheaval in the DOJ, says Washington Post.
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The post The Justice Department’s Oct. 7 task force is unraveling, report says appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
Backers of Jewish school file federal lawsuit challenging Oklahoma’s ban on religious charter schools
Supporters of the proposed Ben Gamla school hope to set the stage for the nation's first publicly funded religious charter school.
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The post Backers of Jewish school file federal lawsuit challenging Oklahoma’s ban on religious charter schools appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
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America’s 250th Birthday Quilt may include blocks from two Hampton Roads Jewish residents
Darva Gruber and Sharon Grossman share something besides their long membership at Temple Israel. They both love crafting. So, when Gruber became aware that Visit Williamsburg, as part of the nation’s 250th Commemoration, intended to create The Great American Birthday...
Stay vigilant – our community depends on you
This month’s attack at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Michigan is a stark reminder that antisemitic threats are real. The attack on the same day at Old Dominion University, though not targeting the Jewish community directly, hit close to home and underscores the...
In honor of Yom HaShoah: Charlotte’s story
How will the history of the Holocaust be told when the last witness, the last child or grandchild of a survivor has passed away? The records of the Holocaust are preserved in archives throughout the world. And sometimes archives are able to take an active role in...
Passover seders around Tidewater
Compiled by Konikoff Center for Learning Looking for a Passover seder to attend this year? Check out these options and make a decision soon to secure a spot, as Passover begins at sundown on Wednesday, April 1. B’nai Israel Congregation Anyone who would like home...
A sweet tradition: Operation Hamantaschen 2026
The Simon Family JCC welcomed families for Operation Hamantaschen on Sunday, March 1 – transforming the building into a vibrant hub of Purim celebration and connection. As families arrived, long rows of tables with rolling pins, flour, and an assortment of...
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...
KBH sells building, creates endowment
And with stroke of a few pens, it was over! The closing documents were signed, the checks issued, and Kehillat Bet Hamidrash/Kempsville Conservative Synagogue (KBH) was officially a congregation without a building – yet with a new endowment fund. After...
State of the Foundation: Securing Jewish life in Tidewater
The State of the Union. The State of the City. Most people have heard of or attended gatherings like these, where leaders reflect on the present and make projections about the future. Last month, Tidewater Jewish Foundation did just that. Board members gathered...
Other News
Trump’s counterterrorism director resigns over Iran, blasting ‘war manufactured by Israel
(JTA) — The director of the U.S. National Counterterrorism Center resigned on Tuesday, March 17, citing his objection to the Iran war and claiming that Israel tricked the United States into entering. “I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran,”...
Security funding that Jewish groups call crucial is being held up by DHS
(JTA) — A shutdown at the Department of Homeland Security since Feb. 14 is halting the review of millions of dollars in security funding for nonprofits, leaving Jewish institutions and other vulnerable groups in limbo at a moment of heightened concern about...
Renewal and responsibility: A partnership to sustain community impact
Each Passover, families gather around the seder table to retell the story of the transformation of a people moving from oppression to freedom and into a renewed sense of responsibility to one another. That spirit of renewal is guiding a meaningful partnership between...
A night of neon magic
The Sandler Family Campus was glowing with energy on Saturday, Feb. 21 for Neon Eras Kids Night Out. To set the mood, children were encouraged to arrive decked out in their brightest neon attire. Whether it was head-to-toe 80s fluorescent, 90s electric grunge, or...
What’s Happening
Tidewater to celebrate Israel at 78
Israeli Chef’s Table - Wednesday, April 22, 7 pm Sandler Family Campus Yom Ha’Atzmaut - Sunday,...
Passover seders around Tidewater
Compiled by Konikoff Center for Learning Looking for a Passover seder to attend this year? Check...
Temple Israel to stage a Magical Gala
Sunday, May 3, 1 pm, Temple Israel A magical afternoon is planned for Temple Israel’s Annual Gala,...
Spring Break Adventure awaits at Camp JCC
April 6 – 10 9 am - 4 pm, Sandler Family Campus The countdown to Spring Break is officially on,...
Obituaries
May the Source of Peace
send peace to all who mourn, and comfort to all who are bereaved.
Marjorie Jane Berger
Virginia Beach – Marjorie Jane Berger, born September 11, 1946, passed away on February 3 at the age of 79. She is survived by her...
Harold “Hal” Delevie
Los Angeles, Calif. – Harold “Hal” Delevie, a beloved husband, father, and community member, passed away on February 8, after a very long and...
Harvey David Eluto
Raleigh, N.C. – Harvey David Eluto passed away on March 10, 2026. Harvey Eluto was the oldest child of Jerome and Ida Eluto. He is survived by his...
Gerald Maury Hankin
Virginia Beach – Gerald Maury Hankin, better known as “Jerry,” a man of unwavering determination and boundless generosity, passed away peacefully on...