A bit of whimsy and kitsch to celebrate Hanukkah
Move over Purim. . . Hanukkah is staking its own claim on fun as a Jewish holiday that embraces a bit of silliness and play. From a banana shaped menorah – a Banorah – to Dinokkah the Hanukkah inflatable lighted dinosaur – which stands at six feet tall and...
Lion–Tikva–Chai Luncheon 2025 celebrates Women donors
The annual United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s 2026 Lion–Tikva–Chai Luncheon is an opportunity to thank and celebrate the leading donors and volunteers of the Federation’s Women’s Division. This year’s lunch welcomed more than 70 women and featured an amazing...
From blind spots to awareness: Key takeaways from October 7 with Yaakov Katz
Former editor of the Jerusalem Post and senior fellow at the Jewish People’s Policy Institute, Yaakov Katz returned to Tidewater on Thursday, October 23 to discuss Israel’s Blind Spot – Understanding Hamas. The evening’s conversation was based on Katz’s recent...
Jewish Tidewater and beyond in 2025
This was another tough year for the global Jewish community – the continued war in Gaza, the escalation of antisemitic acts and outright discrimination, a slew of misinformation about Israel, the killings of two Israeli Embassy employees, and raised security alert...
Special Section
Check out our E-Edition
Electronic replica of our print edition
JTA News
Pro-Palestinian rally at Buchenwald memorial is shut down by German authorities
Kufiyas in Buchenwald, the group behind the campaign, announced it was challenging the ban in court.
--
The post Pro-Palestinian rally at Buchenwald memorial is shut down by German authorities appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
Argentina designates Iran’s Revolutionary Guard a terrorist organization
The move was quickly praised by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar.
--
The post Argentina designates Iran’s Revolutionary Guard a terrorist organization appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
3 more men arrested in London arson of ambulances owned by Jewish emergency service
The arrests come as the Metropolitan Police plans to use drones to monitor safety in Jewish neighborhoods during Passover.
--
The post 3 more men arrested in London arson of ambulances owned by Jewish emergency service appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
Influencer Myron Gaines performs Nazi salute, denies Holocaust death toll at Ohio University event
The school’s student newspaper and Hillel chapter condemned Gaines’ appearance on campus.
--
The post Influencer Myron Gaines performs Nazi salute, denies Holocaust death toll at Ohio University event appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest News
Be a hero in minutes. Simon Family JCC Annual Blood Drive
November 24, 2025, 11:00 AM–3:45 PM: Join the Simon Family JCC and Red Cross in the Jaffe Gymnasium, 5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Virginia Beach, for a lifesaving blood drive. Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood, and one donation can save up to...
Weddings with personalized twists for these area brides
Four young women, with childhood roots in Jewish Tidewater, have nuptials on the mind. Now spread out across the country, three of these Virginia natives recently married, while one is still in the planning stages. Hannah Diehl Testa and her husband, Kevin...
Henry Scolnick, a Tidewater teen, receives multiple accolades for community service
A junior at Cape Henry Collegiate, Henry Scolnick was recently named one of this year’s recipients for the Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Award. Henry is the youngest recipient in this year’s cohort. Awarded annually by The Helen Diller Family Foundation, up to 15...
Jay Kossman recognized as an ODU Alumni Association Alumni Honoree for 2025
The ODU Alumni Association celebrates distinguished and outstanding ODU graduates, as well as friends of the University, who have excelled in their professions and made lasting impacts on their communities and #MonarchNation. Honorees may be recognized as...
Celebrate a century of Jewish books
In 1925, Fanny Goldstein, a Jewish librarian at the Boston Public Library, decided Jewish books and Jewish pride deserved celebration. She created a display of Jewish books at the West End Branch, launching the first Jewish Book Week. By 1927, Jewish communities...
Six year-end giving strategies to maximize impact
As 2025 winds down, now is the ideal time to revisit personal charitable giving strategy. Legislative changes and shifting tax thresholds can affect how to give and how far dollars go to make a difference. “The close of the calendar year is when charitable and...
Mah Jongg Mavens bring fun, friendship, and flying tiles to the JCC
They’re at it again! Local Mah Jongg Mavens Amy Levy and Stephanie Calliott are on a mission to make sure everyone has the opportunity to learn the game. With their contagious enthusiasm, Mah Jongg is fast becoming a multigenerational favorite — and now it’s the next...
Judaism and the Arts: Exploring the mezuzah
The first installment of the Judaism and the Arts series invited participants to explore both the meaning and the beauty of one of Judaism’s most familiar symbols: the mezuzah. Attendees first learned about the history, symbolism, and spiritual significance of the...
Other News
Deni Avdija becomes first Israeli to be selected as an NBA All-Star
(JTA) — Portland Trail Blazers star Deni Avdija’s meteoric rise has officially reached a new stratosphere, as the 25-year-old forward has become the NBA’s first-ever Israeli All-Star. Avdija was named an All-Star reserve for the Western Conference on...
Steven Spielberg wins Grammy, becoming 9th Jew in elite EGOT ranks
(JTA) — The legendary director Steven Spielberg has become the ninth Jew to secure “EGOT” status after winning a Grammy for producing a documentary about the music of John Williams. Spielberg was awarded the Grammy for producing Music by John Williams, which won...
Jody’s Popcorn opens new retail store
A small factory retail store recently opened at Jody’s Gourmet Popcorn’s Norfolk manufacturing facility – making in-person purchasing of the artisan popcorn again doable for Tidewater residents. While it’s always possible to purchase the popcorn from the...
Beth El travels to North Carolina Museum of Art
An enriching day trip for Beth El congregants and friends took place last month when the group travelled to the North Carolina Museum of Art to experience the exhibit, The Book of Esther in the Age of Rembrandt. The exhibition, which was widely acclaimed in New York,...
What’s Happening
NextGen Happy Hour Shabbat
Friday, March 27, 5 – 7 pmSandler Family Campus Jewish adults between ages 22 and 40, are invited...
A middle school event with friendly competition and a creative activity
Sunday, March 29, 12:30 – 2:30 pm Pinboys, Virginia Beach A fun afternoon of bowling and beading...
Judaica Shop opens in Virginia Beach
The Blue Dove was “created out of love for my Jewish community,” says shop owner Lauren Broudy....
Baby & Me is back
Thursdays, 9 –10 am - Sandler Family Campus Parents, guardians, and their little ones are invited...
Obituaries
May the Source of Peace
send peace to all who mourn, and comfort to all who are bereaved.
Spencer Alan Zahn
Virginia Beach – Spencer Zahn, 87, passed away in Virginia Beach, Virginia, on January 25, 2026. Born in Princess Anne County in 1938,...
Dr. Margaret Carson Zimmerman
Virginia Beach – Dr. Margaret Ruth Carson Zimmerman passed away peacefully in her home on November 26, 2025, in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Born...
Edith Weiner
Virginia Beach – Edith Weiner passed away on December 31, 2025. Funeral services were held graveside in the Garden of Kind David in Woodlawn...
Alan David Stein
Virginia Beach– Alan David Stein, 88 years young, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a life defined by love, joy, and deep connection to family,...