Meet the guardians of Tidewater’s Jewish history
Every community has its keepers. As readers explore the congregations and organizations that comprise Jewish life in Tidewater in this issue’s Guide to Jewish Living in Tidewater, it’s worth meeting some of the volunteers who safeguard myriad stories that came before...
Jewish Family Service holds 67th Biennial Meeting, celebrating generations of service and Jewish values in action
Gathering community members, leaders, volunteers, and supporters for an afternoon rooted in gratitude, purpose, and hope, Jewish Family Service of Tidewater held its 67th Biennial Meeting on Monday, June 22 at the Fred Huette Garden in Norfolk. More than a...
Where community begins
Every community has its “must-do” list. In Tidewater, it’s easy to find great restaurants, festivals, beaches, and museums. But some of the most memorable experiences aren’t places to visit – they are ways people choose to be part of the community. Jewish life...
Standing witness in Verdun: Restoring identity to fallen heroes
Vice Admiral Herman Shelanski, USN (Retired) I joined the United States Navy in 1980 to protect the very freedoms that allowed me to live and pray as my Jewish ancestors did. Growing up with the heavy knowledge of the Holocaust, hearing on the news the persecution of...
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Mah jongg was a Jewish grandmother thing. Now teens are getting in on the game.
The game that became a fixture of 20th-century Jewish women’s culture is getting a Gen Z revival.
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The post Mah jongg was a Jewish grandmother thing. Now teens are getting in on the game. appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
Are you a Sephardi or Mizrahi Jew? Your risk for breast cancer may be greater than you think.
It’s not just Ashkenazim: Jews of Spanish or Middle Eastern origins are also more likely to carry BRCA mutations.
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The post Are you a Sephardi or Mizrahi Jew? Your risk for breast cancer may be greater than you think. appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
Can an Oklahoma Senate candidate attract voters with an ad tossing out AIPAC ‘trash’?
Democratic runoff tests the power of progressive politics in a deep-red state.
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The post Can an Oklahoma Senate candidate attract voters with an ad tossing out AIPAC ‘trash’? appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
Dutch broadcaster pulls out of Eurovision over Israel’s participation
The national network Avrotos said the annual song competition "can no longer be considered neutral."
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The post Dutch broadcaster pulls out of Eurovision over Israel’s participation appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
Latest News
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 of...
Rose Frances Glasser and Bernard Glasser Philanthropic Fund makes gift to Jewish News
Among the various organizations and programs receiving recent gifts from the Rose Frances Glasser and Bernard Glasser Philanthropic Fund, was Jewish News. The distributions were determined by the late couple’s family. “My mother was a very astute businesswoman...
Kempsville’s Lauren Krajesky is leading the distribution of millions of dollars to organizations that help seniors
Growing up in the Bible Belt (Northern Georgia south of Chattanooga, Tennessee), Baptist bred Lauren Krajesky could never imagine where she would be today. “I have to pinch myself,” she says. “I really am in a dream job.” A decade after becoming an executive...
Creating communities of belonging: Highlights from the Inclusive Educators’ Conference
As educators prepare for a new school year, many are facing challenges that extend beyond academics. Rising incidents of antisemitism and other forms of bias, increasing polarization, and the need to foster safe classroom communities have made inclusive teaching...
NextGen community connects at Sunset on the Water
United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s NextGen community recently teamed up with Norfolk Kayak Rentals for an eventful Sunset on the Water experience. Despite cloudy skies, the weather held out so that NextGen kayakers could enjoy time out on the water. ...
Building on a strong foundation: Paul Peck to lead TJF
When Paul Peck talks about the future of Tidewater Jewish Foundation, he doesn’t begin with fundraising goals or financial projections. He begins with responsibility. “We’re the beneficiaries of the hard work of earlier generations,” he says. “It’s our obligation to...
From idea to impact: Community Impact Grants help strengthen Jewish Tidewater
Every organization has them: ideas discussed around board tables, programs waiting for funding, projects that could strengthen Jewish life, deepen engagement, expand educational opportunities, or bring people together in meaningful ways. For Tidewater Jewish...
Michelle Luria: A life rebuilt by connection, conversation, and community
Michelle Luria didn’t expect to start over. But now, from her Norfolk apartment overlooking the Elizabeth River, she describes a life filled with new experiences and community. “I love it here,” she says. “The people are so lovely, intelligent, well...
Other News
JFS receives grant from Beth Sholom Village Foundation to expand support for seniors
Rooted in Jewish values of dignity, compassion, and communal responsibility, caring for older adults and people with disabilities has long been central to Jewish Family Service of Tidewater’s mission. A new grant from the Beth Sholom Village Foundation will help JFS...
History preserves the past — memory preserves a people
My friend, the historian Niall Ferguson, recently posted something remarkable on social media. Reflecting on the resurgence of antisemitism, Holocaust denial, and what he called the “anti-history” engulfing much of the world, Ferguson reached a painful...
Temple Emanuel’s Religious School gets inspired renovation
What should a congregation do when a school’s enrollment grows year after year? Renovate the environment to match the dynamic energy, seems a reasonable response. Last December, volunteers at Temple Emanuel started this project by tearing down old coat...
Birthday
Wishing Stanwood Dickman a very Happy and Healthy 91st Birthday on Friday, August 28. His family will be celebrating with him.
What’s Happening
Matisyahu to perform in Virginia Beach
Sunday, August 16, 6:30 pm New Realm Brewing Co. Matisyahu, the Grammy-nominated musician known...
Book signing for Wendy Goldberg’s Mom’s Book: It was Never About the Grief
Saturday, August 29, 10 am, Roast Rider Coffee, Virginia Beach Benjamin Goldberg, of blessed...
From Awareness to Action: Preparing for the High Holidays with SCN Security Trainings
Thursday, August 20, 7:30 pm, Zoom Tuesday, August 25, 7:30 pm, Zoom As the Jewish community...
Helping educators build classrooms where every student belongs
Tuesday, July 21 – Wednesday, July 22 As educators prepare for the coming school year, one goal...
Obituaries
May the Source of Peace
send peace to all who mourn, and comfort to all who are bereaved.
Ann Rae Gershman
Richmond, Va. – Ann Rae Gershman, 93, passed away peacefully on July 16, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, friendship, and resilience....
Eliana Dori Gordon
Fairfax, Va. – Eliana Dori Gordon, affectionately known as Ellie, passed away suddenly on July 14, 2026, in Fairfax, Virginia. Born on...
Howard I. Horwitz
Norfolk – Howard Irving Horwitz passed away peacefully on July 7, 2026, with his family by his side. He was 78 years old. Howard was...
Pauline Sod Levin
Norfolk – Pauline Sod Levin passed away surrounded by her loving family on July 26, 2026. She was born in Temple, Texas, on July 17,...