Issuu

JewishNewsVA.org

INSIDE

Southeastern Virginia | Vol. 65, No. 4 | 15 Heshvan 5787 | October 26, 2026

5 Israel Election 2026 What to know, how to watch

Community Campaign kicks off with a celebration of community

14 JFS honors Debbie Mayer

– page 12

27 Community reflects on October 7

5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Suite 200 Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462-4370 Address Service Requested

Non-Profit Org. US POSTAGE PAID Suburban MD Permit 6543

29 Tidewater BBYO is fully engaged

1 | JEWISH NEWS OCTOBER 26, 2026 | jewishnewsva.org

ARTS AND CULTURE

Dustin Hoffman and other stars celebrate the Jewish connection to Israel

REAL ESTATE Stephanie Jarvis Caskill & Linda Fox-Jarvis THE LINDA FOX-JARVIS TEAM LUXURY COLLECTION SPECIALISTS

Luxury Service At Every Price!

Call: 757.490.1254 Text: 757.335.1202 Team@theLFJteam.com www.foxhomelink.com

600 22nd Street #101 Virginia Beach, VA 23451 • 757-422-2200

©2026 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Equal Housing Opportunity. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices RW Towne Realty is an affiliate of TowneBank and licensed in the states of Virginia and North Carolina.

2 | JEWISH NEWS OCTOBER 26, 2026 | jewishnewsva.org

Ryan Torok (JTA) —LOS ANGELES — Dustin Hoffman, Gene Simmons, Jon Voight, and Bob Odenkirk were among the Hollywood names who gathered at UCLA’s Royce Hall on Monday, Oct. 19 for Letters, Light and Love, a theatrical production celebrating the centuries-old connection between the Jewish people and Israel through letters written by historical figures and ordinary people. The sold-out event, organized by Jewish Federation Los Angeles, blended readings, music, and storytelling to trace that relationship across generations, from Maimonides and Julius Caesar to Golda Meir, Albert Einstein, and Leonard Bernstein. The evening also featured personal accounts of people whose lives and families have been intertwined with Israel. All ticket proceeds benefited the Sha’ar HaNegev Resilience Centre, which provides emotional and therapeutic support to individuals and families in southern Israel as they work to recover and rebuild after the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks. For Rabbi Noah Farkas, president and CEO of Jewish Federation Los Angeles, the event carried particular significance because of its setting. Less than three years ago, UCLA was the site of a pro-Palestinian encampment where Jewish students reported feeling unsafe. The campus became a flashpoint in the national debate over antisemitism and anti-Israel activism, with buildings and property damaged during the demonstrations. “This place [Royce Hall] was inundated with protesters during the encampment,” Farkas says. “It was boarded up. Its windows were broken. There was graffiti everywhere.” On Oct. 19, the hall had been restored as a gathering place, with UCLA Chancellor Julio Frenk and his wife, Felicia Knaul, among those attending and participating in the staged readings. The evening’s celebrity readings offered moments of humor alongside more solemn reflections on Jewish history and the enduring ties to Israel. Simmons, the KISS co-founder who was born in Israel, introduced himself with a joke that played on the name of the late television personality Richard Simmons. “Hello, my name is Gene Simmons,” he said, before adding, “And I’m a Jew. I was born in Israel, but more importantly, I’m a human being.” Simmons later sang Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah and read a letter by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, the late British chief rabbi. Jon Lovitz drew laughs with his comic delivery of a letter written by David BenGurion recounting his arrival as a young adult on the shores of Jaffa. The celebrity appearances brought an element of Hollywood spectacle to the production, but the evening’s most emotional moment came when Eliya Cohen, a former hostage who spent 505 days in captivity, appeared alongside his new bride, Ziv Abud, a survivor of the Oct. 7 Nova music festival massacre. The appearance of the two 29-year-olds drew the night’s only standing ovation. Abud — who traveled the world lobbying for Cohen’s release while he was held in Gaza — highlighted the shared struggle facing Jews in Israel and those living in the Diaspora. Musical performances reinforced the production’s themes of Jewish identity, resilience and hope. Distant Cousins performed Bob Dylan’s Neighborhood Bully, a song widely interpreted as addressing the international criticism directed at Israel, before closing the show with Matisyahu’s One Day. Produced by Michal Noé and Sarah Sultman, with Lawrence Bender and County District Attorney Nathan Hochman as co-producers, the Los Angeles presentation followed productions at London’s Theatre Royal Haymarket in 2024 and New York’s Carnegie Hall in February.

UPFRONT

JEWISH NEWS

jewishnewsva.org

Amidst myriad concerns, here’s one you can do something about Terri Denison At this very moment – late October 2026 – an overabundance of issues to concern Jewish Americans exists wherever we turn. A short list includes, not in any particular order, rampant antisemitism, the mid-term elections and their impact on topics important to Jewish communities, and the standing of Israel throughout the world, as well as the Oct. 27 election in Israel and how that might influence the global view of the country, and even its future. Each of these matters merit the worry. So, what do we do? Stay informed by reading articles and books, listening to podcasts, and showing up for speakers to learn more so that we are fully aware and have a solid understanding of the facts. And, of course, cast our votes. Another very tangible concern for just about every living human is one’s health – today and in the future. In partnership with JScreen, Jewish Family Service is presenting an opportunity for Jewish Tidewater to gain information that may help in making proactive health decisions, reproductive choices, and personalized healthcare. In other words, tools that have the potential to improve outcomes and quality of life. And it’s as easy as taking a quick swab. “With one swab, you might be able to save your life,” says Kelly Burroughs, JFS CEO. The swab Burroughs refers to can identify preventable inherited diseases and conditions, as well as potential cancer risks. The event will focus on two primary types of testing. Hereditary Cancer Testing screens for BRCA1, BRCA2, and more than 60 other genes associated with inherited cancer risks. Reproductive Carrier Screening tests for Tay-Sachs disease, cystic fibrosis, and more than 260 other conditions that could potentially be passed on to children. One of the event’s speakers, a local community member says, “My grandmother died of breast cancer in her 40s, my aunt survived breast cancer in her 40s, and thanks to genetic testing, I was able to prevent getting breast cancer in my 40s!” The education and screening event takes place on Thursday, October 29, at 6 pm at the Sandler Family Campus. For more information, to register, or to learn about financial assistance for testing, contact Julie Kievit, Jewish Community Relations manager at Jewish Family Service, at jkievit@jfshamptonroads.org or 757-321-2318. While the swab might indicate a potential medical challenge, it might also indicate a healthy present and future. One less thing to worry about. Something to actually cheer in 2026!

QUOTABLE

Celebrities celebrate Jewish connection to Israel. . . . . 2

Elise Melnick Simon’s photographs on display . . . . 15

Upfront. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

BSV volunteers build ramp for disabled man . . . . . 16

Briefs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Business special section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Elections in Israel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

White Rose Project connects students with books . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Destruction in France . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 2026 Israeli Elections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 A different Super Sunday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 First person: Naomi Limor Sedek. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Feldman Family Scholarship recipients . . . . . . . . . 11 2027 Community Campaign Kickoff celebration . . 12

BeAR’s kickoff luncheon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 October 7 community gathering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Art talks at the Chrysler Museum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Tidewater BBYO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Beth Chaverim’s book club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 What’s Happening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

JFS honors Debbie Mayer; Michelle Fenley assumes new role . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Calendar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

JFS helps seniors with home repairs . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Obituaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

3 | JEWISH NEWS OCTOBER 26, 2026 | jewishnewsva.org

QR code generated on http://qrcode.littleidiot.be

Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus of the Tidewater Jewish Community 5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Suite 200 Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462-4370 voice 757-965-6100 • fax 757-965-6102 email news@ujft.org Terri Denison, Editor Michael McMahon, Art Director Haley Bartel, Copywriter Sandy Goldberg, Ad Sales Patty Malone, Circulation Teresa Knecht, Digital Manager United Jewish Federation of Tidewater Mona Flax, President Jason Hoffman, President elect Robert Friedman, Secretary Alvin Wall, Treasurer Betty Ann Levin, Executive Vice President JewishVA.org The appearance of advertising in the Jewish News does not constitute a kashrut, political, product or service endorsement. The articles and letters appearing herein are not necessarily the opinion of this newspaper.

For subscription or change of address, call 757-965-6115 or email pmalone@ujft.org

Upcoming Deadlines for Editorial and Advertising Issue Deadline November 9 Mazel Tov October 23 November 23 Hanukkah November 6 December 14 Year-End Decisions November 27 January 18, 2027 Invest/Retire December 30

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED.

CONTENTS

Published 18 times a year by United Jewish Federation of Tidewater.

“

We (BSV) wanted to help providers, regardless of their particular affiliation. – page 16

”

BRIEFS ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Zara removes Halloween costume likened to concentration camp uniform

panish fashion retailer Zara removed a children’s Halloween costume from its website after social media users noted that the gray-and-blue striped outfit resembled prison garb worn by inmates in Nazi concentration camps. Zara described the ensemble as “Kids costume featuring vertical stripes with decorative topstitching, a lapel flower and a distressed effect. Includes a cardigan and shorts. Gray / Blue.” The costume resembles the suit worn by Michael Keaton’s title character in the 1988 horror-comedy Beetlejuice and its 2024 sequel, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. Even so, social media users said the vertical stripes and shiny crisscrosses, which some media outlets described as “fake stitched scars,” resembled concentration camp uniforms and the barbed wire visible in many World War II photos. Priced at $59.90 in the U.S., according to another indexed version of the listing, the costume drew criticism online in Europe. It gained wider attention after Israeli journalist Dov Gil-Har, activist Hen Mazzig, and others shared images of it on X. One Instagram commenter wrote “@zara how many levels of approval did this go though (sic)? Who is working for you?” A Facebook user said “It’s supposed to be a groom costume. It does somewhat resemble a (sic) Auschwitz uniform. With all the anti-semitism on the rise I am not surprised.” Zara has faced similar controversies in the past over clothing that evoked Nazi or Holocaust imagery. In 2007, it withdrew a handbag from its stores after a customer discovered a swastika embroidered on it; Inditex, Zara’s parent company, said the symbol had not appeared on the design Zara had approved. In 2014 Zara apologized for selling a blue-and-whitestriped shirt with six-pointed yellow-star badges on the chest. The Zara Israel website identified it as a “striped sheriff t-shirt” and the word sheriff was cut out in small letters on the star. The likeness to concentration camp uniforms and the yellow Star of David badges Jews were forced to wear under Nazi rule led Zara to stop selling the shirts and destroy the remaining inventory. (JTA) ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Minnesota man charged with ISIS-inspired plot on Jewish-owned Mall of America

he FBI accused an 18-year-old man of buying an AK-47 assault rifle with plans to commit a mass shooting in support of ISIS at the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, the largest indoor shopping mall in North America. Sheikhdoon Abdullahi Mohamud, of Richfield, Minnesota, was charged on Oct. 8 with one count of knowingly receiving a firearm and ammunition to commit a federal crime of terrorism, according to a federal complaint. Mohamud wanted to attack the Mall of America because he believed its owners to be Jewish, the FBI said.

He planned to kill between 30 and 60 people, according to messages he exchanged with a confidential source, according to the complaint. Mall of America is owned and operated by Triple Five Group, controlled by the Ghermezian family, a Canadian family of Iranian Jewish origin. Messages sent in September 2026 included a video in which Mohamud pledged allegiance to ISIS, the complaint said. He planned his attack for Oct. 24 because he expected a crowd at the Hmong Arts Celebration scheduled for that day. The complaint said an undercover FBI agent sold an AK-47 rendered inoperable, four 30-round magazines, and 200 rounds of ammunition to Mohamud for $600 on Oct. 6. During the sale, Mohamud confirmed his plans to commit a mass shooting. Mohamud was arrested shortly after the sale. (JTA) ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Israeli boy killed, hikers injured, after coming upon suspected Hezbollah cluster bomb

n explosion during a school hiking trip killed a boy about 14 years old on Oct. 12 and injured 24 others in northern Israel. Rescue teams were dispatched to the scene, and the injured were evacuated to hospitals in northern Israel. “An initial investigation by IDF forces at the site indicates that it was likely a cluster bomb belonging to the Hezbollah terror organization that had been left in the area and exploded,” the military said in a statement. “The injured were scattered along the route, some trying to help their wounded friends,” explained David Radko, a Magen David Adom medic said. “Despite the horrific scenes and distress, the injured cooperated with me exceptionally well. Everyone tried to help their friends as much as they could. Some even applied tourniquets to their friends to stop the bleeding.” Tamir Douadi, a resident of Kibbutz Manara, described the scene in a voice cracking with emotion to Channel 12: “Look, they’re young people, children. You see them sitting there like that, holding their friends.” The object exploded “in the hands” of one of the schoolchildren, Comm. Meir Eliyahu, commander of the Israel Police’s Northern District told reporters. Orly Ben Simon, an MDA paramedic, said personnel identified several people with injuries of varying severity, including a 14-year-old boy who was unconscious and in critical condition. “We immediately began prolonged and intensive resuscitation efforts. Unfortunately, his injuries were critical, and we had to pronounce him dead at the scene,” she said. She added that medical teams treated two teenagers who were seriously injured, as well as other injured people who were able to walk. The Ma’alot-Tarshiha municipality said the explosion occurred during an annual hiking trip by students from the ORT Ma’alot religious high school, located in the mixed Jewish-Arab town, about five miles from the Lebanese border.

4 | JEWISH NEWS OCTOBER 26, 2026 | jewishnewsva.org

The entire area has come under heavy fire from Hezbollah since Oct. 7, 2023, and some of the munitions have failed to detonate. MDA said the injured included 22 teenagers and two adults in their 50s. They were evacuated by ambulance and helicopter to hospitals in Haifa, Safed, and Nahariya. Israel’s Education Ministry described the incident as “extremely serious.” According to the ministry, the trip was properly approved in accordance with established procedures. Ma’alot-Tarshiha Mayor Moti Ben David told Israeli media that the route was a popular hiking trail. (JTA) ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Wikipedia’s distortions on Israel, Hamas, and October 7 by banned editors mainly remain

ore than a year after ADL exposed a coordinated, multi-year campaign to inject antisemitic and anti-Israel narratives into Wikipedia, much of the biased editing remains in place across the encyclopedia’s most-read pages on Israel, Zionism, Hamas, and the October 7 attacks. A new report from the ADL Center for Technology and Society, Damage Done: Wikipedia Leaves Biased Edits Unchecked Despite Editor Bans, finds that although six editors were banned from the topic area and three were barred from editing on the site altogether, none of their work was systematically reviewed, let alone corrected. The new report also finds that biased editing has continued through quieter techniques, undoing other editors’ changes to hold a framing in place, hedging factual claims, and rebuilding articles slowly enough that no single edit draws attention. These pages continue to flow into AI training pipelines, Large Language Model (LLM) outputs, and search engine results – carrying their distortions with them and influencing how millions of readers encounter this information. This report follows ADL’s March 2025 investigation, Editing for Hate, which documented coordination among approximately 30 bad-faith editors to shift balanced narratives on Wikipedia pages covering Israel, Jewish history, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, spotlighting criticism of Israel and downplaying Palestinian terrorist violence and antisemitism. ADL’s new analysis shows that while this coordinated activity fell dramatically — by about 95 percent — amid congressional, federal, and platform scrutiny following publication, a new cohort has carried the work of biased editing forward. “Banning individual editors was never going to be enough. The pages that millions of people read, and that AI tools learn from, still bear the marks of a systematic disinformation campaign that Wikipedia itself has sanctioned but never cleaned up,” said Jonathan Greenblatt, ADL CEO and national director. “The most visited online encyclopedia that claims neutrality has to be willing to repair its own record. The Wikimedia Foundation should audit this work, and the companies that build search and AI products should stop presenting contested framing as settled fact.” (ADL)

ELECTIONS IN ISRAEL

Get up-to-the minute information on Israel’s October 27 elections Hunter Thomas Israelis will head to the polls on Tuesday, October 27 to elect the 26th Knesset, Israel’s parliament. This marks the first time since 1988 that a Knesset has completed its full fouryear term without dissolving early, and the first time since 1973 that an Israeli government has served out a full term, following several years of frequent early elections. As the current Knesset’s term comes to an end, United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s Jewish Community Relations Council has curated a range of resources to provide timely analysis and context throughout the election season.

Background At JewishVA.org/IsraelElections, find background information on how Israeli elections work, a video explainer from Jewish Federations of North America, and facts to know and share with friends and neighbors, along with podcasts, videos, articles, and more.

Fall in with your friends at MHC and Greentree Healthcare

e pride ourselves with delivering the

same high standard of exceptional care

Live coverage Tuesday, October 27, 3 – 4 pm and 6 – 7 pm, ET Join the Christian Broadcasting Network and Regent University’s Israel Institute for two hours of live coverage of the 2026 Israeli election. Anchored by Chris Mitchell of CBN, with on-the-ground reporting from Israel and election return coverage from the Israel Institute and Israel Elects, the broadcasts will cover exit polls, turnout estimates, and early returns. The link to the coverage will be available through CBN’s YouTube channel or at JewishVA. org/IsraelElections. Wednesday, October 28, 2 pm The next day, join JFNA and Haviv Rettig Gur for an initial analysis of the election results, what they reveal about Israeli voters and the emerging political landscape, and what may come next. Registration is required for the call. The registration link can be found at JewishVA.org/IsraelElections.

you have come to expect. Please come by for a tour. . . We'd love to show you around! We look forward to greeting you soon!

Together, these resources, coverage, and conversations offer the Tidewater community ways to stay informed and better understand Israel’s changing political landscape as it takes shape. For additional information, contact Hunter Thomas, JCRC director, at HThomas@UJFT.org or 757-965-6137.

See something wrong? Report it! Report an antisemitic incident at Federation.JewishVA.org/IncidentReporting In an emergency, always call 9-1-1 first. If online reporting is not practical, contact local law enforcement and/or the relevant suspicious activity reporting authority. Also contact Mike Goldsmith, Tidewater’s SCN Regional Security Advisor, at MGoldsmith@ujft.org or 844-SCN-DESK.

5 | JEWISH NEWS OCTOBER 26, 2026 | jewishnewsva.org

HEALTH CENTER

THE VILLAGE

6401 Auburn Drive Virginia Beach VA 23464 Mhcofvb.com

1049 College Park Blvd Virginia Beach VA 23464 Villageatmhc.com

757.420.2512 • 757.282.2384

FRANCE

A SYNAGOGUE AND JEWISH-OWNED SHOPS DAMAGED IN FRENCH RIOTS Ilan Bloom (JTA) —PARIS – Jewish-owned shops in Marseille were set ablaze and a synagogue in Paris was vandalized as part of widespread property damage caused by riots across France October 17 and 18, according to the Jewish Community Protection Service. It is too early to assess the full extent of the riots protesting the rising cost of living and the damage they’ve caused, but various elements in the media have described them as civil unrest and chaos.

From Lille in the north to Marseille in the south and in the major cities in between, media estimate that nearly 800,000 people took to the streets and some 2,000 shops were vandalized or looted. Public buildings were set on fire, and hundreds of people or more were injured, including 150 police officers, with thousands arrested. The riots followed a student uprising that blocked entrances to high schools across the country in recent weeks. Palestinian flags and keffiyas have been a recurring motif in most of the violent protests, acts of

vandalism, and looting. But according to SPCJ, known as the Service de Protection de la Communaute Juive in French, there was no evidence that Jewish institutions or businesses were deliberately targeted. Vandals broke into the Ohalei Yaakov synagogue in Paris’ 19th district overnight between Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 17 - 18. On Sunday morning, members of the Jewish community discovered that their temporary place of worship had been broken into. The permanent synagogue building is

currently undergoing renovations. Inside the sanctuary, prayer books, tefillin, and various objects — taken from boxes and cupboards — were found scattered on the floor. The rabbi’s office was also searched. Despite the mess, the Torah scrolls appeared to be unharmed. According to a member of the synagogue committee, the incident primarily points to an attempted theft. The suspects may have been looking for money, but nothing was believed to be missing. Photographs by Claude Lebranchu.

Congregation Beth El Annual Fundraiser

50 BEST JEWISH JOKES: AND WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT THE HUMAN CONDITION

An Evening with Rabbi Joseph Telushkin

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15 5:30 PM | Hors d'Oeuvres & Open Bar Reception 7:00 PM | Presentation

Congregation Beth El | Norfolk, VA

MAKE A LASTING IMPACT

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE! Celebrate Jewish Joy. Support Beth El.

Discover the power of personalized giving

Scan to explore sponsorship levels & event registration

Donor-advised funds allow you to recommend grants to organizations close to your heart.

Questions? (757) 625-7821 | ada@bethelnorfolk.com

Field-of-interest or community funds let you support causes you are passionate about. Contact us to explore your options for year-end giving: (757) 622-7951 or HamptonRoadsCF.org/giving-your-way

6 | JEWISH NEWS OCTOBER 26, 2026 | jewishnewsva.org

STUDENTS FREE WITH ID

Speaker is generously underwritten by Beth El Sisterhood

ELECTIONS IN ISRAEL

2026 Israeli elections: What you need to know

JTA Staff (JTA) —On Oct. 27, Israelis cast their votes in a process that will determine who is prime minister and who sits in the 120-seat parliament, the Knesset. Since the country’s founding in 1948, there have been 14 prime ministers and 25 parliaments. The process from the ballet box to determining the next premier is complicated. Here’s how it works.

1. What are people actually voting for? Technically, the vote cast is for a party. The leader of the party that garners the most votes, however, is most likely to become prime minister, provided they can form a government. But that does not happen right away. The formal election results, due to be published no later than Nov. 4, only set the process of forming a government and choosing a prime minister in motion.

2. How many people and what percent of Israelis are eligible to vote? Some 7,331,981 Israelis are eligible to vote, which is 71.15% of the overall 10,305,000 population. In the last election in 2022, there were 6,788,804 eligible voters, who made up 70.31% of the 9,656,000 population. Voter participation in Israel is typically high, and in that election, 70.63% of the eligible voters, 4,794,593 people, cast their votes.

3. How many votes does a party need to be in the Knesset, and how many parties are expected to secure that amount? To enter the Knesset, a party needs the support of 3.25% of the votes cast, known as the threshold. That figure is the equivalent of four seats, known as mandates. Based on multiple recent polls, out of 38 registered parties, only 11 are expected to receive such support. Another four hover close to it. The party’s size also determines the number of parliamentarians it will have in the Knesset. The party leader that can gain enough allies to form a coalition becomes prime minister. Usually, this coalition has at least a majority of parliamentarians – 61 of 120 seats – but it’s not a requirement. Minority governments led by Yitzhak Rabin and Shimon Peres, 1993-1996 held a plurality, but not a majority, of the seats. They were able to govern with the support of parties outside the coalition. Parties predetermine their list of potential parliamentarians and rank them prior to the election, either through primaries or unilateral decisions by the party leader. The bigger the percentage of the vote they receive, the higher the number of members that party gets to send to the legislature. Voting in Israel is often a strategy game, where people choose between making sure

their vote counts by supporting a party certain to enter the Knesset or risk making their vote insignificant by backing a party that doesn’t hit that mark.

4. Who are the prime contenders? Incumbent Benjamin Netanyahu, who heads the ruling Likud Party, is vying to hold onto the premiership. According to most polls, the person who is leading, however, is former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot, who heads a newly formed party, Yashar. But a parliamentary system is not a two-party system and technically any leader of a party that passes the threshold and who is also slated to enter parliament can become prime minister if they can form a coalition that can secure the support of a Knesset majority. It is usually the case, though, that the head of the largest party is given first shot at coalition building.

5. How are the coalitions lining up now?

his (this year, all the viable parties are led by men) party does not need to have the largest number of votes or even the second-largest. Herzog will make his determination after holding private audiences with all the party heads and receiving recommendations from them on which Knesset member they would support for the premiership. The candidate Herzog chooses has 28 days to form a governing coalition, with the possibility of a 14-day extension. That coalition must then be approved by a majority of the Knesset members present for the vote. During those 28-plus days, the prime ministerial candidate seeks to sway parties to join his coalition, often by promising powerful ministerial positions and agreeing to support their policy agenda. It’s a delicate balancing act because some parties refuse to sit with other parties or would not want to sit in a coalition that advances certain agenda items.

In many past elections, blocs were linked by common ideology, with some of the dividing lines being the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, social welfare policies or religious issues. Netanyahu’s record as the longest-serving prime minister in Israeli history has increasingly turned campaigns from ones based on issues to personality. The blocs are more about who supports Netanyahu and who doesn’t than any other issue, allowing for parties on the right and the left to band together in ways that previously might not have been considered possible. Heading into the home stretch of the election, Netanyahu’s bloc of right-wing and ultra-Orthodox parties slightly trailed Eisenkot’s bloc, which ranges from right-wing to left-wing and includes parties that are more or less in the center of the ideological spectrum – one that has swung sharply right in the decades following the Second Intifada and Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attacks. But polls show neither bloc over 61, so the direction of the next government will likely be determined by a handful of smaller parties that are struggling to pass the 3.25% vote threshold or Arab parties that Zionist parties usually have not been willing to include in governing coalitions. The government led by Naftali Bennett 2021-2022 included an Arab party in the coalition, but not among its ministers. The Rabin-Peres 1993-1996 governments had the support of Arab parties outside the coalition.

7. What if that candidate for premiership fails to form a government?

6. Once results are in, what must happen to swear in a new government?

Yes. The 120 members of the 26th Knesset will be sworn into office 14 days after Oct. 27 and begin legislating without a government or a prime minister. The Knesset is dissolved within months, however, if a government cannot be formed and a new election is called. In the interim, the outgoing prime minister and his government remain in power in a lame-duck capacity.

Within a seven-day period after the formal election results are published, Israeli President Isaac Herzog will decide who is given the first shot at forming a government, based on which party leader in the Knesset he believes has the best chance to pull in enough parties to create a governing coalition. The candidate must be a Knesset member but

7 | JEWISH NEWS OCTOBER 26, 2026 | jewishnewsva.org

Should the first prime ministerial candidate fail, the president has three days to choose another candidate, often the Knesset member who heads the second-largest party. The only requirement is for the candidate to be a Knesset member. The same 28-day timeline applies, but with no extension if that candidate fails. The president could also decide not to appoint a candidate and to inform the Knesset that no candidate can form a government, a position the president is required to take if the second candidate for premiership fails to form a government.

8. What happens if the president tells the Knesset no government can be formed? There is a 21-day period during which 61 parliamentarians can petition the president to grant a candidate, who must be a Knesset member, the power to form a government. The president has two days to grant that request and gives the candidate 14 days to form a government, which then needs the support of the Knesset. If no petition arrives or the appointed candidate fails to form a government, the Knesset dissolves and a new 90-day election cycle begins.

9. Can the Knesset legislate during the process of forming a government?

JEWISH TIDEWATER

2027 Super Sunday was truly different Amy Zelenka This year’s UJFT Super Sunday was truly a Super Sunday unlike any other—prompting the question, “Ma nishtana ha-Super Sunday?” On a day that threatened not only bad weather but possible tornadoes, dozens of volunteers gathered at the Sandler Family Campus to make the calls that make a difference in the lives of Jews in Tidewater and in communities around the world. This year’s event was abbreviated compared with previous years and took place in the afternoon rather than the morning to engage religious school students, as well as their families. While volunteers made their calls from the Fleder Multipurpose Room, just outside in the Copeland Cardo, an interactive Agency Impact Fair showcased

many of the organizations and programs supported each year through allocations from the Federation’s Community Campaign. The fair drew more than 100 participants—individuals and families who came to support their synagogues and agencies while learning about the breadth and depth of the programs and services their campaign dollars make possible, benefiting the entire community. The fair also offered children clever crafts designed to nurture Jewish pride and identity while reinforcing the importance of tzedakah (charity), chesed (kindness), and mitzvot (commandments and righteous deeds). Since the beginning of the Torah was read that very week, these were especially meaningful lessons. For those who strolled through the Cardo and

visited the tables before making calls, the fair offered an opportunity to connect with the purpose behind their efforts. Seeing firsthand how campaign dollars are put to work in Jewish Tidewater brought deeper meaning to every call. It also illustrated the value and impact of each agency and program in helping to build and strengthen Tidewater’s extraordinary Jewish community. The Federation’s overseas partners—the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI), and World ORT—were also well represented. Professionals from each organization traveled to Tidewater to share in this special day. The Federation is deeply grateful to all the volunteer callers, as well as to the synagogues, agencies, and programs that participated in the Impact Fair. What a

Aaron Slone.

Amy Brooks Gladstein.

Anne Kramer.

Robin Ford at Be A Reader Program table.

Cantor David Proser.

Ed Kramer.

Eric Werner.

Families enjoy Agency Impact Fair.

Fred Gross.

Eliza Prince of JDC, with Amy Zelenka, UJFT chief development officer.

Jewish Agency table with JAFI rep Aviad Fishkin and Tidewater Shinshinim, Liel Aisikowitz and Evyatar Olswang.

Chris and Michelle Fenley at Jewish Family Service table.

8 | JEWISH NEWS OCTOBER 26, 2026 | jewishnewsva.org

JEWISH TIDEWATER wonderful day—and a meaningful way to come together as a strong, caring, and committed community. As this article goes to press, Super Sunday has generated more than 100 individual pledges totaling

Kenny Weinstein and Barb Gelb.

$130,000. And, there is still time to add gifts to the total. The tally meter will be kept open for the next couple of weeks, with an updated total to appear in an upcoming issue of the Jewish News.

NADIV table: Sam Molofsky and Danny and Niv Rubin.

To make a gift online: visit www.JewishVA.org/Donate and enter SUPER SUNDAY 2027 in the comments box. Amy Zelenka is United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s chief development officer.

PJ Library table with Kyleigh Eyl and Sarah Cooper.

Sam Rachelson.

Now Accepting Community Impact Grant Applications! Funding Opportunities that Strengthen Jewish Tidewater

APPLICATION OPENS November 15

Tidewater Jewish Foundation is now accepting applications for Community Impact Grants — dedicated funding for new and innovative programs that make a difference. These grants support projects and initiatives of local Jewish organizations that embody the spirit of tikkun olam — “repairing the world” — by promoting growth, engagement, and cultural vibrancy across Jewish Tidewater. If your organization is ready to enrich, educate, or uplift our Jewish community, we invite you to apply. Questions? Contact Ann Swindell at aswindell@tjfva.org prior to submitting an application regarding eligibility and/or potential grant requests.

9 | JEWISH NEWS OCTOBER 26, 2026 | jewishnewsva.org

Scan the QR code, learn more and apply now!

JEWISH TIDEWATER

When life takes a turn, our Catastrophic Injury Team is here to help.

FIRST PERSON

Legacy cannot be built from the sidelines

(757) 333-3333

Create a Jewish legacy for the community you love through planned charitable giving . . .ask us how

Ron Spindel

rspindel@spindelagency.com

a member of The Frieden Agency

Jody Balaban

jbalaban@spindelagency.com

Chris Lyon

christopherlyon@friedenagency.com

INSUR ANCE . E MPLOYEE BENEF IT S.

757-340-5600

277 Bendix Road, Suite 500 • Virginia Beach www.spindelagency.com LIFE INSURANCE • LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE • GROUP HEALTH INSURANCE • MEDICARE 10 | JEWISH NEWS OCTOBER 26, 2026 | jewishnewsva.org

Naomi Limor Sedek On a Saturday evening in Tel Aviv, I found myself dancing along the boardwalk. Nearby, a couple in their 80s danced to the music, seemingly Naomi Limor Sedek. without a care in the world. Families strolled along the waterfront. Friends gathered. Children played. It was ordinary. It was beautiful. And it was exactly what I needed. In August, I spent two weeks in Israel reconnecting with family and friends, attending weddings, wandering through markets, and simply living. I went to recharge. When I returned to the U.S., I was reminded of something much bigger. Israel isn’t simply a place I visit. It’s home. And home, as we know, can be complicated. There is still tremendous trauma. Conversations with friends and family revealed lingering wounds from October 7, concerns about the future, and disagreements about politics and leadership. Those realities are present, but they aren’t the entirety of Israeli life. Neither are the images we see on television. I walked through Jaffa, stopping at Abulafia, an Arab-owned bakery that has served generations. I visited the National Library and marveled at the intersection of ancient history and modern scholarship. I celebrated weddings and watched families gather at the Western Wall. Everywhere, preparations for Rosh Hashanah were underway. Apples, honey, and holiday greetings weren’t tucked into a corner of a store. They were everywhere. For

two weeks, I didn’t have to explain my Jewish identity, defend it, or wonder whether expressing it would make someone uncomfortable. I could simply be. That experience brought me back to the work we do every day at Tidewater Jewish Foundation. We focus a great deal on building legacies, growing endowments, and securing the Jewish future. Those things matter. But they’re not the end goal. They’re the means to something much greater. We’re not simply preserving assets. We’re preserving opportunities for future generations to know who they are and where they belong. Through programs such as the Simon Family Passport to Israel, we help young people experience that connection firsthand. Through endowments and legacy gifts, we help ensure those opportunities continue long after we’re gone. But legacy also requires something of us today. It requires showing up. Visiting. Listening. Supporting communities and businesses. Asking difficult questions and experiencing Israel beyond the headlines. I want our children and grandchildren to inherit more than stories about Israel. I want them to have stories of their own. The Jewish future isn’t something we can simply fund and hope for. It’s something we must actively participate in building. Naomi Limor Sedek is Tidewater Jewish Foundation’s president and CEO.

Local Relationships Matter

JEWISH TIDEWATER

Feldman Family Scholarship invests in three future healthcare professionals TJF staff action through service, leadership, and For 33 years, Dr. William Feldman cared compassion. Their commitment to caring for children and families throughout for others is exactly the kind of legacy the Hampton Roads. But his commitment to Feldmans envisioned.” improving lives extended well beyond his Marissa Marczak, a Randolphmedical practice. With his wife, Mary, Macon College graduate, is pursuing her Feldman believed that one of the most medical education at Eastern Virginia meaningful ways to strengthen the Jewish Medical School. Her volunteer work community was to with individuals invest in the education with disabilities and success of its and free medical young people. clinics has That belief inspired her became the interest in treating foundation of the patients with Feldman Family neuro disabilities. Medical and A former Hillel Health Professions president, Scholarship, Marczak credits established to help her Birthright Marissa Marczak. Jewish students Israel experience pursue careers in healthcare while with strengthening her Jewish identity carrying forward the couple’s values of and commitment to advocating for compassion, service, and lifelong learning. Jewish students. Today, that vision is taking shape Olivia Pooley, an Old Dominion through three University aspiring healthcare graduate, is professionals. pursuing a career Tidewater Jewish as a physician Foundation has assistant through named Marissa EVMS at ODU. Marczak, Olivia A volunteer Pooley, and Ryan emergency Mancoll recipients of medical technician the 2026 scholarship. with Virginia “The Feldmans Beach EMS, she understood that has dedicated supporting one thousands of Olivia Pooley with her parents, Hillary and James Pooley. student’s education hours to helping can have an impact far beyond the people during medical emergencies. Her classroom,” says Naomi Limor Sedek, TJF Birthright Israel experience reinforced president & CEO. “These recipients are her commitment to tikkun olam, already putting their Jewish values into repairing the world, and serving others 11 | JEWISH NEWS OCTOBER 26, 2026 | jewishnewsva.org

MEET: Paul R. Hernandez “This area is our home and we are committed to supporting it. Our lawyers are actively involved by donating their time to programs that help the community, especially in the schools with young drivers. I am very involved with End Distracted Driving, spending 20 days a year in the schools educating students about the dangers of using a cell phone while driving. The other major program we work on is Every 15 Minutes which highlights how every 15 minutes someone dies in a car crash and helps teens understand the consequences of drinking and driving.”

“

“Payday is very forward thinking and is always up on potential changes. We have also been impressed by Payday’s contingency planning. Whenever there is a potential natural disaster in our region, such as a large storm, Payday is proactive and works with our staff to make sure that everyone will be paid without interruption.”

“

Our client relationships are anything but transactional. We are long-term partners, dedicated to the success of our clients, and most importantly, their people.

757-523-0605 paydaypayroll.com

PD-ad-three-eighths-V-color-Jewish News-111320.indd 8

with dignity and compassion. Ryan Mancoll, an Elon University graduate and EVMS medical student, has a strong interest in surgery and clinical research. He has held leadership roles in several medical student organizations Ryan Mancoll. while volunteering with the Virginia Beach Rescue Squad. Mancoll credits his involvement in BBYO

Payroll Benefits HR

11/13/20 2:56 PM

with teaching him the importance of Jewish community, belonging, and investing in others.

Through their education and service, all three recipients are carrying forward the Feldmans’ belief that caring for others is among the most meaningful investments a community can make.

JEWISH TIDEWATER

UJFT’s 2027 Community Campaign kicks off with a celebration of community Amy Zelenka The United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s 2027 Community Campaign kicked off on September 24 with a celebration at the Sandler Family Campus. It was an inspiring evening filled with personal stories and heartfelt testimonials from several of the Campaign’s beneficiary agencies. Each speaker shared how the Campaign helps sustain and strengthen the work of their organization. More than just statements about the impact of charitable giving, they were deeply personal stories with universal themes, all connected by one powerful message: These things are possible because the community comes together and acts AS ONE.

A mother’s perspective on one JCC program – Summer Camp Zibby Robertson shared the joy of watching her child fall more deeply in love with being Jewish Energized crowd in the Copeland Cardo for the 2027 UJFT Campaign Celebration and Kick-Off. through the encouragement of summer camp counselors and the friendships formed with fellow campers. Discovering a lasting Jewish “Top-quality Jewish summer camp, with counselors connection who care and fellow campers who become lifelong Amelia Portnoy, a local BBYO chapter president, shared how friends, is an experience that every Jewish child should her BBYO experience unexpectedly deepened her connection be able to access and enjoy, AS ONE,” she said. to the Jewish community and strengthened her Jewish identity. As she looks ahead to high school graduation and college, she Building the future of Jewish expressed her hope of continuing to nurture the relationships leadership from Next Gen 757 she had built and build new ones with young Jewish students to Nadiv on campus. Danny Rubin spoke about his journey alongside his wife, Amelia thanked Tidewater’s Jewish community Shikma. for supporting the Federation’s Campaign, which helps After the couple decided to move back to Tidewater fund BBYO and gives Jewish teens opportunities to learn, from Northern Virginia, they sought opportunities to grow, and connect with one another. That support, she connect, engage, and grow, and found ways to become said, enables Jewish teens to “grow from their experiences involved individually, and later, as a family. and connect to Jewish values which have always “Starting out in what was then the YAD program sustained and kept us together, AS ONE.” (now Next Gen 757) and moving gradually onto boards and committees, and eventually starting Nadiv, A school that feels like family which has become a thriving young men’s fundraising Jamie Kaufman Baker, an SIA mother and kindergarten teacher, division of the UJFT Campaign,” Rubin explained, “I shared her own lifelong connection to the Jewish community. am confident that the future of our Jewish community Her memories began with attending JCC preschool will be in good hands, because together, our Next Gen in Norfolk and continued through summers as a JCC participants are learning and working. I’m proud to camper, followed by roles as a CIT and counselor. Baker join with all of you in investing in and ensuring the recalled something her friend and colleague, Elyssa future and future leadership of our Jewish community, Brinn, now director of the SIA Early Years program, AS ONE.” once told her: “Every day, parents bring you their hearts 12 | JEWISH NEWS | OCTOBER 26, 2026 | jewishnewsva.org

(their children) and ask you to keep them beating until they return.” Those words captured the kind of care Baker knew she would want for her own children. When it came time to choose a school for her family, SIA was the natural choice. Baker described the school as a village — a place that does more than keep children safe. It teaches, inspires curiosity, encourages questions, and instills the values that make a strong community. Perhaps most importantly, it teaches children that being part of a community means contributing, caring, and taking action. Because of the work being done today, Baker said, “our children can stand here 40 years from now with strong Jewish identities, a sense of spirituality, and a commitment to making the world a better place.” She closed by thanking the community for its support of SIA, reminding everyone that “Strelitz is not just a school. It is a gift we received — and a gift we ALL have the opportunity to give forward, AS ONE.” These were just a few of the stories shared during the evening, representing a cross-section of the many agencies and programs supported by the UJFT Community Campaign. Together, they illustrated the Campaign’s remarkable reach and the countless ways it touches lives throughout Tidewater’s Jewish community. Jason Hoffman, UJFT Campaign chair, closed the evening with a call to action, encouraging everyone in attendance to reflect on the stories they had heard, consider how the Federation’s Community Campaign affects them personally, strengthens their families, and enriches the broader community; and to make their own personal pledge of support. Each story served as a reminder that a collective impact is far greater than what can be accomplished individually. We are stronger together. We are one community. We act AS ONE. To make a gift in support of the UJFT Community Campaign or learn more about how Campaign dollars are allocated and put to work, visit jewishva.org/donate or email Amy Zelenka at azelenka@ujft.org.

JEWISH TIDEWATER

Betty Ann Levin, UJFT executive vice president, Jay Legum, and Mona Flax, UJFT president.

John and Renee Strelitz.

Annie Sandler, spotlighting the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee ( JDC).

Betsy Karotkin, Anne Fleder, Beth Scharlop, and Ed Karotkin.

Annie Weinberg, spotlighting UVA Hillel.

Willow Baker, Rabbi Israel Zoberman, and Jamie Baker.

Danny Rubin (who spotlighted Young Adult programming and leadership development), Betty Ann Levin, and Joel Rubin.

Steve Brown spotlighting Jewish Family Service.

Klaus and Eileen Gaba, Zibby Robertson (who spotlighted JCC Summer Camp), and Hannah Yasemsky, UJFT Next Gen 757 professional.

Jamie Baker, spotlighting SIA.

Eric Helms, spotlighting Ohef Sholom Temple Religious School.

Tidewater Blues Revival.

Amy Lefcoe, spotlighting a variety of community agencies and schools.

Kelly Burroughs, Erin Portnoy, and Dalia Portnoy.

13 | JEWISH NEWS OCTOBER 26, 2026 | jewishnewsva.org

Megan Zuckerman, Larry and Leslie Siegel, and Steve Zuckerman.

Amelia Portnoy, spotlighting BBYO.

Carin Simon, and Jason and Denise Hoffman.

JEWISH TIDEWATER

JFS honors Debbie Mayer’s legacy and welcomes Michelle Fenley to new leadership role at Embrace Counseling Kelly Burroughs After 33 years of devoted service as clinical director, Debbie Mayer is “retired-ish” from Jewish Family Service, marking a meaningful transition for the agency and the many children, families, and community members whose lives she has touched. Mayer will continue to serve ongoing clients on Tuesdays while stepping back from the full scope of leadership responsibilities she has held for more than three decades. Her semi-retirement closes one chapter of extraordinary commitment and opens another, allowing her to remain connected to the work and relationships that have defined her career. Over the years, Mayer has been a steady and recognizable presence throughout Tidewater’s Jewish community. In fact, after all these years, the most noticeable change in Mayer may be that her hair has simply kept pace with her wisdom. She has provided counseling, guidance, and support to thousands of

children and families, including generations connected to Hebrew Academy of Tidewater and Strelitz

Debbie Mayer.

International Academy. Her impact also extends through signature programs and partnerships. Mayer spearheaded the Chanukah gift program for decades, helping bring holiday support to families across the community. As the program enters its 33rd year, it will continue under the care of the JFS Outreach department. Mayer also helped develop Piece by Peace, a collaborative program with Edmarc Children’s Hospice that recently celebrated its 25th year. The program reflects her long-standing commitment to compassionate care for children and families facing some of life’s most difficult moments. As JFS honors Mayer’s remarkable legacy, the agency also welcomes Michelle Fenley into her new leadership role with Embrace Counseling. Fenley has worked alongside Mayer for 29 years, building a career rooted in care, continuity, and deep understanding of the community’s mental health needs.

Community partnership brings safety and independence to local seniors through home repairs Kelly Burroughs In a powerful demonstration of community collaboration and the deeply rooted Jewish value of Kibbud Zekenim (honoring the elderly), Jewish Family Service and Beth Sholom Village Foundation have joined forces to protect and support local seniors. A grant from Beth Sholom Village Foundation will allow JFS to fund vital home repairs and modifications for older adults. The initiative focuses on the critical importance of helping seniors “age in place,” allowing them to remain safely, comfortably, and independently in their own homes for as long as possible. For many older adults, the desire to stay home is

strong, but physical and environmental barriers can stand in the way. Without proper accommodations— such as shower grab bars, wheelchair ramps, or the elimination of everyday trip hazards—a beloved home can quickly become unsafe. This collaborative program does not provide fullhouse cosmetic makeovers. Instead, it targets essential, practical modifications that directly impact daily safety and preserve an individual’s dignity and independence. By addressing these environmental hazards, the initiative ensures that elders are not forced out of their homes prematurely due to preventable safety risks. Caring for the community’s older generation is a

14 | JEWISH NEWS OCTOBER 26, 2026 | jewishnewsva.org

foundational pillar of a compassionate society. JFS is concerned with a broad spectrum of care for seniors in the community – whether needing a ride to a doctor’s appointment, meals delivered, or a home repair – JFS is ready to assist. It all goes along with JFS’s motto: ‘You never know when you’ll need help, but you’ll always know where to find it.’ If you or someone you know could benefit from these home repair and modification services, contact Maryann Kettyle at Jewish Family Service at 757-459-4640 or mkettyle@jfshamptonroads.org to learn more or to apply for assistance.

JEWISH TIDEWATER

Kim Simon Fink, Ben Simon, Shelly and Britt Simon, Sandra and Miles Leon, and Steve and Caren Leon at the opening of 60 Photographs by Elise Melnick Simon.

Alene Kaufman, Naomi Limor Sedek, Rabbi Israel Zoberman, and Ron Kaufman.

Kim Simon Fink speaks about her mom, standing between brothers Ben Simon and Britt Simon.

60 PHOTOGRAPHS BY ELISE MELNICK SIMON ON DISPLAY Haley Bartel Elise Melnick Simon led a vibrant, creative life as a painter, photographer, performer, and educator. The mark she left on the local community was reflected in the group that gathered last month to celebrate the opening

WAHI RUG & CARPET Since the 1980s

"Weavers of Fine Decorative Rugs"

836 Poplar Hall Dr Norfolk, VA 23502

of 60 Photographs by Elise Melnick Simon, on display at the Leon Family Gallery through the end of October. The exhibition features the original prints made for her 1989 exhibition at Eastern Virginia Medical School, wherein she examined the role symmetry plays in nature

Family Owned

Rug Business

ITS TIME TO DECORATE YOUR HOME OR OFFICE! Services We Offer: Hand Wash Rug Cleaning Rug Repair & Restoration Carpet Serging & Binding Stair Runner Carpet Installation Design Service

Wall-to-wall Carpet Rug Appraisal

Take an Extra

10% OFF! All Sales & Services Conditions Apply

Rug Cleaning

$50 OFF

$250 or More!

We Hand Wash Rugs! Pickup & Delivery Available

Sales: 757-457-1857 Service: 757-457-1858

Check out our

entire inventory at

WahiRugs.com Traditional, Transitional, Modern, Tribal Rugs & MORE!

15 | JEWISH NEWS OCTOBER 26, 2026 | jewishnewsva.org

and in its interaction with the structures around it. Attendees enjoyed refreshments, mingled and viewed the photographs before Britt Simon and Kim Simon Fink said a few words about their late mother’s work and legacy.

JEWISH TIDEWATER

Beth Sholom Village volunteers roll up their sleeves to construct a ramp for a disabled Portsmouth man New BSV Fund paid for the aluminum ramp Joel Rubin When a Virginia Beach based foundation funds a Norfolk non-profit to improve a house for a disabled man in Portsmouth, that’s regionalism. And a great story. Beth Sholom Village took the earnings from selling its skilled care nursing home and assisted living facility in College Park in 2023 and rather than build somewhere else, put the money in the bank, choosing to give the interest income away to organizations working to improve life for seniors in the community. And even though Beth Sholom has Jewish roots, “we wanted to help providers, regardless of their particular

affiliation,” says Fay Silverman, BSV board chair and a mortgage banker. That’s exactly what BSV is doing. “In year one, we were able to give $837,000 to two dozen groups including Habitat for Humanity of South Hampton Roads, which is using the proceeds to benefit seniors, veterans, and persons with mobility issues.” “Habitat is an ideal partner for

BUYING OR SELLING CHOOSE A LOCAL AND EXPERIENCED REALTOR.

us,” says Lauren Krajesky, Beth Sholom Village’s executive director who oversees the marketing of the fund and distribution of revenue. This day several Habitat employees plus volunteers from BSV were on a “job site” in Portsmouth off Effingham Street, installing a storm door and a 36-foot ramp to improve the homeowner’s ability to safely enter and exit his home using his wheelchair. “There will be money remaining from the $10,000 grant,” says Marshall Vernon, who heads up Habitat SHR’s Critical Home Repair Program. “So we’ll be able to use what’s left for other projects.” And Habitat SHR is doing a lot of them. “We’ve now installed nearly a thousand feet of ramps in the area,” says Vernon. “And this is the 350th Critical Home Repair we’ve completed since 2021.” To qualify, applicants must own their home and have insurance.

Information is at https://shrhabitat.org/ services/home-repair/. “We couldn’t be happier to assist,” says Silverman, who notes that such groups as Judeo-Christian Outreach Center, Virginia Opera, Peninsula Agency on Agency, Prime Plus, and Meals on Wheels were also recipients of Year One donations. “Depending on how well our investments do, we may have a million dollars or more to distribute next year and going forward.” And Habitat and the other current beneficiaries, including local synagogues, Jewish Family Service, and Simon Family Jewish Community Center, can reapply next year. Information is on the Beth Sholom Village website. As for Habitat SHR, it can use everyone’s financial support as well as volunteer time, skills, and energy. “We have ample team-building opportunities on new home build sites, as well as on projects like accessibility ramp installations,” says Megan Savali, Habitat SHR’s executive director. “Organizations like Habitat SHR and Beth Sholom Village cannot operate in silos. We have to work together and support one another to meet the needs of our community.”

NANCY EVANS

NANCYEVANS@HOWARDHANNA.COM / (757) 287-5765

Over 30 YEARS assisting buyers and sellers in HAMPTON ROADS 16 | JEWISH NEWS OCTOBER 26, 2026 | jewishnewsva.org

Volunteers from Beth Sholom Village and staff from Habitat for Humanity erect a ramp for a disabled senior homeowner in Portsmouth.

17 | JEWISH NEWS OCTOBER 26, 2026 | jewishnewsva.org

BUSINESS Dear Readers,

My father followed his father-in-law’s path by opening a women’s clothing store in Downtown Suffolk in the 1950s. When I was a teen, knowing my dad had a degree LEGAL

TAX

WEALTH

LIFE

ALL IN HOUSE. ALL FOR YOU. ONE TRUSTED PARTNER. Legal. Tax. Wealth. Care Coordination—all under one roof, designed to simplify your life and protect what matters most. Traditional planning often means juggling multiple advisors—each working in isolation. Our attorneys, financial advisors, tax professionals and senior care coordinators offer a full suite of services tailored to support you and your loved ones through every stage of life. Our team works in a coordinated fashion to guide families through: Estate, wealth, and legacy planning

from University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business, I asked if he liked spending his time, earning his living in such a way. Dad’s response stuck with me. It was an enthusiastic “YES!” he said he loved being involved with so many aspects of business. “I get to work on advertising, go on buying trips, arrange the windows, talk to customers. . .” He went on and on. The interview with Joel Feldman of Kitchen Barn fame reflects a similar energy and passion for his business. Haley Bartel’s article on Feldman and the staying-power of his store, is on page 22. When making succession plans for a family business, Rob Goodman offers a few suggestions in an article on the next page, including the importance of creating

Tax strategy and coordination Long-term care and life transition planning Asset protection

opportunities for children to shine on their own.

Ongoing financial planning and investment guidance

Among the other articles in this section is one on Virginia Beach’s Jack Gross who

Business and succession planning

is embarking on a new venture he’s created with a college classmate. Still in school,

Our advice is guided by one thing— what’s right for you and your family.

he’s launching his business to assist athletes when they have moved on from playing. The piece is on page 21. Whether a business sells clothing, rolling pins, homes, advertising space in a newspaper, or fences, making it personal (sorry Godfather fans), is often what makes it successful, or at least fulfilling and exciting. Just ask Joel Feldman. Thanks for reading,

BOOK YOUR DISCOVERY CALL (757) 490-3500 • www.alperinlaw.com We’ve Grown and Moved Va Beach Offices in September

New Address: 484 Viking Drive, Suite 200, Virginia Beach, VA 23452 *LEGAL SERVICES PROVIDED BY ALPERIN LAW PLLC. FINANCIAL SERVICES PROVIDED BY ALPERIN FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS, LLC, A REGISTERED INVESTMENT ADVISOR.

NOT FDIC INSURED • NOT BANK GUARANTEED • MAY LOSE VALUE

18 | JEWISH NEWS OCTOBER 26, 2026 | jewishnewsva.org

Terri Denison Editor

BUSINESS

Passing the torch: Succession in family businesses Robert Goodman.

Haley Bartel In Prime Video’s hidden-camera comedy Jury Duty Presents: Company Retreat, which began streaming in March, the founder of a family-owned hot sauce company, Doug, announces his retirement and subsequent handing over of the business to his astonishingly unprepared son, Dougie. It’s played for laughs – most of the employees have been with the company for years and lovingly acknowledge that Dougie is in no way fit to run a company. The alternative, however – being purchased by an outside group with unclear motives – poses a real-world question: when a transition of power occurs within a business, what happens to everyone else who depends on the company? The goal for most business owners is to keep their company in the family – a desire shared by 72% of business owners, according to PWC’s family business research. But hoping and planning are two different things, says Robert Goodman, an attorney at Kaufman & Canoles who advises families on succession. The transition of a family company to the next generation might appear like the clearest path forward, especially from the outside, but the reality is always far more complex. The conversation about these transitions should focus “primarily on the ability and willingness of the next generation to run the family business,” Goodman says. “It works best when the next generation wants to be part of it, takes pride in the values and culture, and gains experience with mentoring from the older generation.” Each generation, he adds, should leave its own mark on the business. Yet even willing heirs can create tension when there’s more than one child on the receiving end. In these cases, the conflict is not only over what is right for the business, but what is right for each child given their skills, their careers, and the lives they want. “In many cases only one of the children is involved in the business,” Goodman says. “At the same time, the parents want all children to be treated fairly.” When it comes to succession planning, equal and fair can be opposing ideals. If one child is more involved in the business to help it grow, the ownership, or at least the increase in its value, often goes to

that child. The other heirs generally receive other assets, which may not add up to the same amount. Ultimately, there are decision-making factors that extend beyond family dynamics. Most family businesses, to varying degrees, have employees outside of their family structure whose livelihoods they take into consideration. “Parents often want to look out for loyal, longtime employees,” Goodman says, a reality that he believes is true to Jewish values. He says some of his happiest clients took his advice to provide for those employees. Goodman encourages families to carry that level of generosity. He also points families toward giving. A donor advised fund created in the name of the parents or the family can honor the work they have done, while giving the next generation a push towards a role in charitable work and community service. Naomi Limor Sedek, president and CEO of Tidewater Jewish Foundation, describes a donor advised fund as “a charitable checking account.” Donors get a tax deduction when they add money, and they recommend grants to charities. For families with a business and several million dollars in assets, she says, a supporting organization may be a better fit, with the foundation acting as “a family office” that convenes the generations to discuss their mission and run a grants process together. Russ Cronin, TJF’s vice president and COO, says families name successor advisors, typically children or grandchildren, in the fund agreement, and those successors must be living during the original donors’ lifetime. They may also be limited to granting the income the fund produces rather than the principal. But Sedek says the next generation can extend a fund’s reach: if they contribute their own resources to the fund, they can name successor advisors in a modified fund agreement with the Foundation. That opportunity for the next generation to contribute something of their own echoes Goodman’s biggest piece of advice: for parents not to deprive children of the pleasure of their own success. “If one or more of your children are involved in the family business, look for ways for them to add new value so that they may take pride in what they are accomplishing,” he says.

19 | JEWISH NEWS OCTOBER 26, 2026 | jewishnewsva.org

BUSINESS David Ellison slots Israeli Ynon Kreiz into executive role at merged Paramount-Warner studios Andrew Lapin (JTA) —Jewish entertainment mogul David Ellison has appointed an Israeli businessman to help lead operations at the new company being created by his controversial merger of Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery. The move came days after a settlement cleared the way for the combined mega-studio’s formation. Ynon Kreiz, the Israeli-American former CEO of Mattel, is joining the company as Ellison’s co-CEO. The merged entity will be known simply as Skydance – the name of Ellison’s production company – which previously merged with Paramount, Ellison announced Friday, Oct. 2. “We have big goals for Skydance, and we intend to pursue them with passion, imagination, and a willingness to take smart risks,” Ellison announced Oct. 2 in his inaugural post on the social network X. The mogul’s entertainment and media ambitions have attracted considerable negative attention over the

last few years — attention that, in some instances, has been directed at his pro-Israel beliefs and connections as the entertainment industry writ large has also weathered growing accusations of anti-Jewish bias. Most recently, the actor Mark Ruffalo has drawn accusations of antisemitism – and some support – for suggesting that Ellison’s planned $110 billion merger would be a boon to Israel’s “apartheid system of oppression” via Oracle, the tech surveillance company owned by Ellison’s father Larry that does business in Israel. Paramount under Ellison’s leadership has long shown signs of pro-Israel leanings. Last year the company was the only major American studio to issue a public rebuke of a petition to boycott Israeli film institutions, circulated by many big-name actors, while distributing multiple documentaries about Israelis in the shadow of the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks. Ellison also attracted scrutiny for appointing Bari Weiss, the Jewish and

pro-Israel media innovator and pundit, as editor in chief of CBS News. Weiss’s tenure at CBS has been marked by controversy, with mass walkouts of top talent and a ratings nosedive. Initial industry speculation that Ellison would ask her to also take the reins at Warner-owned CNN has been tamped down in recent days, with the Wall Street Journal and other outlets now reporting that Ellison has asked the news network’s CEO Mark Thompson to stay put for at least the next year. Kreiz, the former Mattel CEO behind the smashhit Barbie movie, has been known to support pro-Israel causes as well. In 2023, he attended a screening of footage of the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks organized by Israeli actress Gal Gadot at Los Angeles’s Museum of Tolerance. Outside, brawls broke out between pro- and anti-Israel demonstrators.

jenny barker jenny barker AUTHOR OF

FLOWER ENERGY

CHANNELING THE HEALING POWER OF BLOOMS

THURSDAY 7:00

2026

NOV 12 PM REBA AND SAM SANDLER FAMILY CAMPUS

JEWISHVA.ORG/BOOKFEST LEARN ABOUT THE SURPRISING POWER OF FLOWERS TO HEAL, INSPIRE, AND CONNECT.

20 | JEWISH NEWS OCTOBER 26, 2026 | jewishnewsva.org

BUSINESS

Norfolk Academy grad is building network for athletes to transition to careers post playing days Haley Bartel Every athlete eventually plays a last game, and Jack Gross, a Norfolk Academy graduate and senior at Tulane University, wants to make sure there’s a plan for what comes next. Gross is a founder and the chief operating officer of Second Half Network, a free mentorship platform that connects college student-athletes with professionals who can help them move into careers. Gross leads business development, Jack Gross. including partnerships, mentor recruitment, and corporate relationships. The idea grew out of his own experience. He played baseball at Norfolk Academy, started college at Sewanee, then transferred to Tulane, where he now works as a bullpen catcher for the baseball program. “When my own college baseball path changed, I started asking what comes next,” he says, and soon realized thousands of other athletes were asking the same question. Gross met Scott Venancio, Second Half Network founder and chief executive officer, in an entrepreneurship class at Tulane’s A. B. Freeman School of Business, where Gross is studying legal studies in business with a minor in entrepreneurship. “Looking back, it’s pretty cool that a classroom conversation has turned into a real company with a team, mentors, athletes, a corporate partner, and conversations with universities,” Gross says. The platform is currently in beta.

Athletes build profiles around their interests and career goals, then apply to mentors, who hold an introductory call before deciding whether to work together. Athletes pay nothing for the service – the company plans to rely on partnerships with universities and organizations to fund the platform. Gross says the network has more than 125 mentors from industries including finance and sports administration, and its first cohort of studentathletes began working with mentors this fall. In September, CK1 LLC, an executive advisory and sports technology firm designed to help collegiate athletic departments and professional sports franchises navigate modern operational challenges, became the first participant in the Corporate Mentorship Program, which lets employees volunteer as mentors. Two of the network’s mentors are from Virginia Beach, and Gross hopes to bring in more from the area. “Virginia Beach shaped how I build,” he says. “It’s a community where relationships matter, and I’ve seen how willing people are to help when you ask.” Gross strongly encourages interested mentors, companies, former athletes, coaches, and universities to contact him. “You don’t need five hours a week,” he says. “A 20-minute conversation with the right person can change the direction of a young person’s career.” Gross may be contacted at SecondHalfNetwork.com.

21 | JEWISH NEWS OCTOBER 26, 2026 | jewishnewsva.org

Looking back, it’s pretty cool that a classroom conversation has turned into a real company with a team, mentors, athletes, a corporate partner, and conversations with universities. Employment Oppor tunity

Arts + Ideas Director United Jewish Federation of Tidewater seeks a creative, organized professional to lead its Arts + Ideas programming, including the Virginia Festival of Jewish Film, the Lee & Bernard Jaffe Family Jewish Book Festival, and the Leon Family Art Gallery. Responsibilities include program planning, event management, budgeting, and collaboration with artists, authors, volunteers, and community partners. Qualified candidates will have a bachelor’s degree, at least three years of relevant experience, and strong knowledge of Jewish culture and contemporary Jewish life. Full-time position Complete job description at www.jewishva.org To learn more or apply, please submit cover letter and resume to: resumes@ujft.org

Equal Employment Opportunity

BUSINESS

Pots, pans and people: Joel Feldman celebrates 50 years of Kitchen Barn Haley Bartel It doesn’t take much to keep Joel Feldman motivated to go into work every day. His store is his sanctuary, a culmination of half a century of hard work. “When my car pulls in the parking lot, I’m excited,” he says. “Sometimes I get chills. I’ve also broken down in tears.” Feldman, founder of Kitchen Barn, has been selling cookware in Hampton Roads for more than 50 years. He considers his business, lifestyle, and the people it has brought into his life to be nothing short of a blessing. Feldman grew up in Norfolk, around grandparents who spoke only Yiddish and kept kosher. His parents spoke it too, and he picked up “every expression you could think of,” even if he never learned the language itself. His father, [Louis] Feldman, was “an amazing salesman” who taught him “how to talk to customers, how to be a mensch.” His first jobs were cutting grass, shoveling snow and delivering the afternoon Ledger-Star, collecting payment door to door. Those gigs taught him the value of “a regimen, something you had to follow,” he says. He then went on to work at Esquire Naval Tailor, where he worked for Jake Friedberg, a “master businessman.” Eventually, he began cooking meals for people in their homes, with his wife, Phyllis, handling cleanup. He found that the pans folks kept in their homes, Club Aluminum, were “maybe a little bit of a poison,” noting that they “discolored and flavored food.” Then, in 1972, when a friend introduced him to stainless steel cookware, he realized he had work to do beyond just cooking. Feldman wanted to spread the knowledge he’d uncovered, so he started selling the pans at cooking parties. “People would invite friends over, and I’d cook a dinner with these amazing pans,” he says. Eventually, he decided he wanted to open a store. “My main objective was to have better quality cookware.” Before opening his store, a tip sent him to Washington to see Kitchen Bazaar on Connecticut Avenue. He walked in with a pen and paper and started taking notes. When the owner, Sherman Shapiro, arrived, Feldman introduced himself and explained his plan. Shapiro let him look around, took him to lunch, and told him exactly where to go in New York to find vendors.

Joel Feldman.

“I was there the following week,” Feldman recalls. “That’s how it started.” His first store opened in Pembroke Meadows on Independence Boulevard, and at the start, he had dreams of expansion. In 1976, developer John Ray Potter walked him through a staked-out lot at Hilltop and offered a 2,000-square-foot space. By the time the 80s rolled around, he had three stores, including one in Coliseum Mall in Hampton, and had plans to open stores in Charlottesville and Washington, DC. Then, in 1983, interest rates hit 26 percent. “All I could do was pay the interest, forget paying on the principal,” he recalls. He closed Hampton and Independence Boulevard, designating his Hilltop store as the pièce de resistance. He called every vendor he owed and asked to buy merchandise COD while paying down his debt monthly. With his wife’s agreement, he took a second mortgage. “Everyone said, ‘We’ll do anything we can.’” The remaining store thrived, and he paid everyone back, though he quickly realized 2,0000 square feet wasn’t enough for his extensive inventory. After 35 years in his original Hilltop North location, he moved to a larger spot just across the parking lot.

22 | JEWISH NEWS OCTOBER 26, 2026 | jewishnewsva.org

His setbacks taught him much about the keys to success. “Never give up. Work smarter. Learn from your mistakes. Listen to people, and always want to be better,” he says. Feldman also attributes Kitchen Barn’s success to his staff, who spend six months learning before they talk to customers about cookware or knives. “I could never have done it without the wonderful people who work for me,” he says. “They all love what they do. They’re knowledgeable. Our idea of helping somebody with an item is to teach them the importance of the item.” Kitchen Barn, Feldman says, offers an in-person shopping experience Amazon can’t match. “I’m a little mom-and-pop shop paying a fair amount of rent, and I pay my employees very handsomely,” he says. “I might be a few dollars more expensive, but when you buy from someone local, the money stays in town.” He attends trade shows in Atlanta and Chicago each year, “always looking for a better mousetrap.” He offers cooking classes and always contributes to local schools’ raffles. His focus on maintaining a high-caliber inventory and remaining involved in the community easily sets him apart from other options. “We have things that have been tested and been

BUSINESS

America the Beautiful

around for years, and we get better all the time,” Feldman says. “We’re good to our customers. We strive to have the best that we can have. And we always make sure we have good quality merchandise on the shelf.” Such dedication has put Feldman in a place where he has served generations of families, a feeling he can only describe as heartwarming. One woman returned 15 years after he gifted her a child’s apron her mother couldn’t afford. “I’ve never forgotten you,” she told him, a memory he recalls with tears in his eyes. That kindness and generosity plays a big part in Kitchen Barn’s staying power. With half a century under his belt, Feldman is over the moon about the future of Kitchen Barn. “We do a little better every year. Our figures are positive,” he says. His granddaughter, Lauren, is expected to take over someday. During the 50th September sale, she noted that she would be 80 years old at the 100th September sale. “How sweet is that?” he asks rhetorically, beaming. No response needed. Feldman’s advice for business owners starting out is simple: “Listen to that inner thing inside of you when you’re doing something. If it doesn’t make you feel good, don’t do it. It needs to be something that comes from your heart.”

Looks Great...Who Did Your Fence?

Never give up. Work smarter. Learn from your mistakes. Listen to people, and always want to

316.3600

be better.

www.herculesfence.com

Worry Free Vinyl

Since 1955 Southside

321.6700

Aluminum Ornamental

Peninsula

Sales@herculesfence.com

Custom Wood

Wishing you a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year!

Free Mazel Tov listings! Tell Jewish Tidewater about your simchas and have a photo published in Jewish News to remember for years to come. Up to 100 words and photo at no charge. Send your listing and photo to hbartel@ujft.org with Mazel Tov in the subject line. If you do not get a response or have a question, call 757-965-6100.

23 | JEWISH NEWS OCTOBER 26, 2026 | jewishnewsva.org

We want to thank those who helped make this past year a more successful year for us. We look forward to working with you in the new year. Dora Lee Taylor

Realtor VM (757) 456-1713 doraleetaylor@howardhanna.com

Shirley Stein

Realtor cell (757) 434-5808 sherlstein@aol.com

BUSINESS Israeli flags of Route 168: Inside the proIsrael legacy at Powell’s Roadside Market Hannah Yasemsky A produce farm grabs the attention of many drivers traveling from Tidewater to the Outer Banks – and not because of its beautiful tomatoes or peppers. Lining the approach to the property, a striking row of Israeli flags wave proudly in the wind, catching the eye of thousands of passersby. The roadside market was founded 47 years ago by William Powell. Today, he runs the farm alongside his wife of 35 years, Eddie-Jo Powell, a devout Christian who, like her late mother, is a proud supporter of Israel and the Jewish people. Eddie-Jo, whose professional background is education, views the flags more than a personal statement, but as an opportunity to educate the public. Whenever curious drivers pull over to ask, “Why do

you fly the Israeli flag?” or “What does that by their mother, her daughters developed overwhelmed by the hostility and hate that flag mean?”, she embraces the conversation, their own spiritual connection to Israel. For some drivers bring to the farm in response using every encounter Eddie-Jo, this meant to the Israeli flags display. Yet Eddie-Jo as a teachable moment frequent travels to anchors their family business in love, prayer, to share Israel’s history visit her mother and and scripture, turning potential conflict into and defend the nation’s explore the country. a bridge for understanding. right to exist. Meanwhile, her Following the atrocities of October Eddie Jo’s mother, sister, Patty Morris, 7, Eddie-Jo transformed Powell’s Market Betty Dudley St. Pierre, spent two years into a space for education and dialogue, also a devout Christian, living in Jerusalem. taking time to teach customers and student fell in love with the St. Pierre’s workers about the 250 hostages. As an land during her first devotion extended educator, Eddie-Jo actively encourages trip to Israel in 1978. far beyond spiritual conversations that challenge perpetual, Driven by a special admiration; she one-sided narratives. She teaches her staff connection to the birthharbored a fierce and patrons that it is possible to hold place of her Christian love for the Israel space and sadness for both Israelis and Eddie Jo Powell at Powell’s Market. faith, she made Aliyah Defense Forces Palestinians, refusing to view human sufin the late 1980s, moving into an apartment (IDF). “My mom had a heart for the fering as an either-or dynamic. By offering overlooking the Sea of Galilee. Inspired soldiers,” Eddie-Jo says. At 50 years old, scripture to counter hatred, sharing her and she volunteered for the IDF, with one of her her family’s personal experiences in Israel, fondest memories being the time she spent and greeting travelers with open arms and delivering candy and sweets to soldiers shared prayers, Eddie-Jo models how curistationed in the Golan Heights. Even as osity, empathy, and deep-seated values can she lived through the volatile years of the foster true understanding in unexpected Intifadas, St. Pierre was not afraid. When places. Ultimately, through her unwavertensions flared, she ing dedication as a would sit and pray Christian Zionist, she with Israeli soldiers has transformed her inside bomb shelters. roadside stand into Facing danger with a sanctuary of hope unwavering resolve, and faith—proving she would tell her that when rooted daughters, “Where in prayer, light will is my faith if I am always break through afraid?” It is an ideology the darkness. Karate helps children build routines, of courage that her Next door to improve focus, and gain the confidence daughters carry in their Powell’s is Blue 42’s they need to succeed in school and life. hearts. Brewing Barn, a café William and Eddie Jo Powell. Upon St. Pierre’s operated by Paxtin. Build strong routines passing, her family honored her wishes The café serves as a living tribute to St. Improve focus & self-discipline by scattering her ashes across her favorite Pierre’s memory. The blue and white decor is waters in the Sea of Galilee. In a touching a reflection of Eddie-Jo’s love for Israel, while Boost confidence moment of poetic alignment, Eddie-Jo the centerpiece of the café—their coffee Develop respect & perseverance noticed that the boat they had chartered for maker—is affectionately named “Bubbie” in Ages 6+ Help your child remain strong her memorial was named Faith—the very honor of the family matriarch. in school virtue her mother had carried in her heart A stop at Powell’s Roadside Market and throughout her life. Blue 42’s Brewing Barn is a heartwarming https://spiritﬁghtingarts.com/ Today, Eddie-Jo is passing that same reminder of how community, culture, and 5000 Corporate Woods Dr, lesson of unshakeable faith to her 27-yeardeep-rooted Zionist values can bloom in the Virginia Beach, VA 23462 old-son, Paxtin, who sometimes feels most unexpected places. BUILDING STRONG MINDS. STRONG BODIES. STRONG FUTURES

24 | JEWISH NEWS OCTOBER 26, 2026 | jewishnewsva.org

JEWISH TIDEWATER

White Rose Project connects area students with books

Elka Mednick For nearly 30 years, the Holocaust Commission’s White Rose Project has helped connect students with stories that educate, inspire, and encourage reflection. Each fall, the project donates Holocaust-related books to every middle and high school library throughout Tidewater, reaching public, independent, secular, and religious schools. This year’s selections include The Little Liar by Mitch Albom and The Sunflower by Simon Wiesenthal for high school libraries and Hidden on the High Wire by Kathy Kacer and The Boy Who Followed His Father into Auschwitz by Jeremy Dronfield for middle schools. School libraries play an important role in helping students discover new perspectives, ask thoughtful questions, and engage with history beyond the

school school

days out days out Veteran’s Day November 11

classroom. By placing these books directly into the hands of students and educators, the White Rose Project helps ensure that stories of courage, loss, resilience, and moral responsibility remain accessible to future generations. This longstanding community effort is made possible through the generosity of supporters of the White Rose Campaign. Their commitment to Holocaust education helps keep these important stories alive and strengthens a shared responsibility to remember, learn, and pass lessons forward. To learn more about the Holocaust Commission of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and the White Rose Project, visit HolocaustCommission.org or contact Elka Mednick at EMednick@ujft.org.

Arts, , m i w S Sports, Fun! & s t f a r C

Winter Break December 21-24 & 28-31 MLK Day January 18 Presidents Day February 15

JewishVA.org/SDO Reba + Sam Sandler Family Campus 5000 Corporate Woods Drive • Virginia Beach

25 | JEWISH NEWS OCTOBER 26, 2026 | jewishnewsva.org

-5

K s e d a r G

IT’S A WRAP

BE A READER MENTORS GATHER AT ANNUAL KICKOFF LUNCHEON

Robin Ford Books are packed, supplies are ready, and excitement is in the air because BeAR is heading back to school. The annual Be A Reader Literacy Project’s kickoff luncheon was a wonderful success, bringing together familiar faces, brand new mentors, lots of laughter and, of course, plenty of books. Held on Thursday, October 8 at the Simon Family JCC, the event aims to get everything ready for another year of reading, mentoring, and making a difference in the lives of BeARs’ second graders. The week following the luncheon, BeAR mentors headed into schools across Norfolk and Virginia Beach to meet their students and begin another fantastic year together. Some mentors are returning to schools they have loved for years, while others are new BeARs about to discover how this program is so special. There is nothing quite like that first meeting with a BeAR student – sitting down together, opening a book, and starting to get to know one another. Before long, that one

hour a week becomes something both the student and the mentor look forward to. Of course, mentors are there to read and help students become stronger, more confident readers. But BeAR has always been about so much more. It is about showing up. It is about encouraging a child, celebrating the little victories, and giving them an hour each week when they know someone is there just for them. A few more BeAR mentors are still needed. In fact, a critical need exists for mentors at College Park Elementary in Virginia Beach and Suburban Park and Willard Elementary in Norfolk. So, for anyone who has ever considered joining BeAR, this is the perfect time. No teaching experience is necessary, just a love of children, a little patience, and one hour a week. It is going to be a great year. The books are ready. The BeARs are ready. And it’s time to go roaring into school!

Gail Flax welcomes mentors at the annual BeAR kickoff luncheon.

To become a BeAR mentor, contact Robin Ford, BeAR coordinator, at 757-321-2304 or rford@ujft.org.

YOUR VALUES. YOUR LEGACY.

Your Advisors. Our Philanthropic Expertise. You have a vision for the impact you want to make. We can help you bring it to life.

TOGETHER, WE CAN HELP YOU:

CONTACT:

• Give strategically and explore potential tax advantages

At Tidewater Jewish Foundation (TJF), we work alongside you and your trusted financial advisor, CPA, or attorney to make charitable giving a meaningful part of your financial and estate planning.

RUSS CRONIN

• Support the Jewish community and causes you care about

Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

Whether you want to support the causes closest to your heart, establish a charitable fund, or build a family legacy, we bring philanthropic expertise to help turn your intentions into action.

• Engage your family in meaningful philanthropy

• Incorporate charitable giving into your estate plan • Create a legacy that reflects your values

Tidewater Jewish Foundation

757-965-6131 rcronin@tjfva.org

YOUR ADVISORS KNOW YOUR FINANCES. WE KNOW PHILANTHROPY. TOGETHER, WE HELP YOU MAKE AN IMPACT. LET’S START A CONVERSATION. Discover how TJF can partner with you and your trusted advisors.

26 | JEWISH NEWS OCTOBER 26, 2026 | jewishnewsva.org

foundation.jewishva.org

IT’S A WRAP

Community gathers to remember, reflect, and reaffirm its connection to Israel three years after October 7 Nofar Trem Three years after the atrocities of October 7, 2023, members of the Tidewater Jewish community gathered not simply to recall a date, but to honor lives, bear witness to loss, and reaffirm their enduring connection to Israel and the Jewish people. Surrounding the gathering were 1,200 Israeli flags displayed through the Flags of Fellowship initiative of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews and thoughtfully planted by Tidewater community members leading up to the event. Each flag honored a life lost that day, transforming an overwhelming tragedy into a visible tribute to the individuals, families, and communities forever changed by its impact. Together, the flags transformed a staggering number into something deeply personal, honoring each life lost and reminding attendees of the families and communities forever changed. Throughout the evening, the voices of Tidewater's Shinshinim helped bridge the distance between Tidewater

and Israel. Their personal reflections highlighted that the events of that day are not confined to history books but continue to shape the lives of Israelis and Jews around the world. Through their experiences, attendees connected with the pain of loss, as well as the resilience, courage, and unity that emerged in its aftermath. The gathering underscored a truth many have experienced over the past three years: while the attacks brought unimaginable heartbreak, they also inspired people to support one another, care for those in need, and ensure that the victims and their families would never be forgotten. Prayers for Israel and her people were offered by local clergy, while the prayer for those serving in defense of the Jewish state carried special significance as it was recited by Adam and Chava Goldberg, whose son, Ari Goldberg, fell while serving in the Israel Defense Forces and whose other son continues to serve today. Their participation served as a reminder that the impact of October 7 continues to be felt by

To learn more about the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s Shinshinim and opportunities to connect with Israel, visit JewishVA.org or contact Nofar Trem at NTrem@UJFT.org.

Liel Aisikowitz and Evyatar Olswang, Tidewater’s Shinshinim.

Liam and Avalon Turner, and Jackson Teasley.

Adam and Chava Goldberg.

families both in Israel and within our own community. In sharing that moment together, those gathered were reminded of the power of community to provide comfort, connection, and support in the face of profound loss. As the program concluded, the flags remained standing as a symbol of honor and resilience. Three years later, members of the Tidewater Jewish community continue to mourn those who were lost, honor their memory, and stand with Israel and the Jewish people. The evening also served as a reminder that remembrance does not end when a program concludes. Through education, dialogue, and shared experiences, community members can continue to deepen their understanding of Israel, honor the stories of those affected by October 7, and strengthen the bonds that unite the Jewish people.

Robin Copeland, Rabbi Israel Zoberman, and Lauren Sucher. 27 | JEWISH NEWS | OCTOBER 26, 2026 | jewishnewsva.org

1,200 Israeli flags were planted by community members.

IT’S A WRAP

DISCOVER CONNECT SIMON FAMILY PASSPORT TO ISRAEL GRANT

The crowd listens to the panel discussion.

APPLY AT foundation.jewishva.org/simon-family-passport-to-israel Available for Jewish Students ages 13 –22, the Simon Family Passport to Israel Fund provides grants to enable participatation in an Israel trip experience. APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED OCTOBER 1 – NOVEMBER 15 For more information, contact Ann Swindell at aswindell@tjfva.org or 757-965-6106

A century of stories. JOIN US FOR A lifetime of memories.

SEASON 100!

Get your Season 100 subscription or flex pass now!

EST. 1926 Tidewater's Oldest Tidewater's Oldest Community Community Theater Theater 801 Claremont Ave. Norfolk, VA 23507

LTNonline.org/Subscriptions

757-627-8551 • info@LTNonline.org

By the Way, Meet VeraStark

By Lynn Nottage Directed by Cleo Nicole

Nov. 6-22

Vera Stark, a headstrong African American maid and budding actress, has a tangled relationship with her boss, a white Hollywood star desperately grasping to hold on to her career. When circumstances collide and both women land roles in the same Southern epic, the story behind the cameras leaves Vera with a surprising and controversial legacy that scholars will debate for years to come. Presented by special arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Dramatists Play Service. www.ConcordTheatricals.com

28 | JEWISH NEWS OCTOBER 26, 2026 | jewishnewsva.org

Art talks with the Center for Active Living

Haley Bartel Members of United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s Center for Active Living, a group for older adults offering fitness, lifelong learning, and cultural programming, spent the morning of Tuesday, October 13 at the Chrysler Museum of Art. Attendees enjoyed a conversation on faith and community through the lens of Baroque art, paired with a guided tour of the museum’s Ilse Bing exhibit. The morning began with Civic Salon: Faith, part of a museum series that uses works from its collection to prompt discussion about civic life. In a conversation moderated by Drew Lusher, Rabbi Michael Panitz and Father Noah Van Niel connected four biblical paintings to four themes that show up in secular community life. The panel first addressed the topic of narratives – personal stories told and history – by looking at Jacopo Palma’s The Finding of Moses. Next was Bonifazio de’ Pitati’s Lot and His Daughters, which Harry Graber explains the context of prompts the question of norms with its taboo subject Docent one of Ilse Bing’s photographs. matter. Then, the panel discussed habits through the lens of The Virgin and Child with Angels Appearing to Saints Anthony Abott and Paul, the Hermit by Paolo Veronese. The talk wrapped up with an exploration of rituals in the context of Giovan Filippo Criscuolo’s Adoration of the Magi, comparing rituals of the day to those practiced now. Participants then toured Ilse Bing: Between Paris and New York led by Harry Graber, former UJFT executive vice president, who is a docent at the Chrysler Museum. The exhibit, which closed on Sunday, October 18, followed the German-born Jewish photographer, who began taking pictures as an art history student in Frankfurt and Father Noah Van Niel, Rabbi Michael Panitz and Drew Lusher went on to work in Paris and New during the panel discussion. York with a handheld Leica. Graber guided the group through the exhibit, providing insight into her location throughout history and artists she worked with throughout her lifetime. For more information about future events with the Center for Active Living, visit jewishva.org/Adults or contact Sarah Cooper at SCooper@UJFT.org.

IT’S A WRAP

Tidewater BBYO creates foundation for the programming at LTI Skylar Caplan Virginia Council came together for an amazing LTI (Leadership Training Institute), bringing together teens from Tidewater and Richmond to prepare for the year ahead. The event was held in Richmond on August 30. Chapter leadership boards from Tidewater’s Simcha BBG and Old Dominion AZA attended. Throughout the day, teens participated in positional training planned by the regional board, strengthened leadership skills with council presidents, connected with other

regional leaders, and worked together as a council and as individual chapters to set goals and create plans for the upcoming year. Overall, the day was extremely productive and successful. The Tidewater community brought so much value home from the experience and is already putting new ideas and skills into action. Skylar Caplan is Eastern Region’s 4th Mazkirah and a member of Simcha BBG.

Leadership Training Institute in Richmond.

TIDEWATER BBYO’S ANNUAL KICKOFF STARTED WITH HAVDALAH, ENDED WITH GAMES Shai Zittrain Tidewater BBYO held its annual fall kickoff event on Saturday, Sept. 19. Launching what will be an incredible year, the program started with a Havdalah on the beach where everyone took the time to begin the year as a community. Next, at Beachside Social, teens spent time

together playing competitive games of shuffleboard, bocce, and other games. New members, prospects, and Tidewater’s Shinshinim attended, as well as seasoned members. Kickoff was a fun way to bring the BBYO community back together after a long summer. Whether an area Jewish teen is already involved or

thinking about joining, events like this are great ways to make friends, meet new people, and actually be a part of the community. A year full of memories, social activities, and fun hangouts ahead are planned. Shai Zittrain is Simcha BBG Mazkirah.

BBYO’s Havdalah on the beach led by Randall Nied (Old Dominion Shaliach) and Adelae McGuinness (Simcha Shlicha).

Teens at BBYO Tidewater Kickoff.

Hattie Friedman, Esther Barkan, and Dalia Portnoy play foosball at Beachside Social.

Lilah Friedman, Henry Krupnick, Isabelle Levitt, Kenna Werby, Alexa Steerman, and Jonah Kass.

29 | JEWISH NEWS OCTOBER 26, 2026 | jewishnewsva.org

IT’S A WRAP

Beth Chaverim’s Beach Sisterhood – a house of (women) friends – reading books together Sheryl-Lynn Caroff Book clubs are everywhere these days. Beth Chaverim’s Beach Sisterhood Book Club is comprised of a cordial group of Jewish women who meet monthly to discuss a selected book. The Sisterhood Book Club meetings take place at a local home with everyone contributing to a potluck meal. Newcomers immediately feel welcome and included in the informal, relaxed atmosphere. The Book Club’s most recent gathering, which took place on September 29, met in a backyard sukkah. Enjoying the beautiful weather, the women (plus an added toddler and gentleman) discussed the latest book read, Scythe, by Neal Schusterman, tackling some of the heavier themes within. Some of the books

David Sinclair, Kat Sinclair Fenter, Debbie Kleeger, Sue Hanson, Jakob Fenter, Reesa Paley Bloom, Tina Ritz, Joy Lackow Jones, Vicki Meyer, Louise Segal, Laura Ballance, and Sheryl-Lynn Caroff.

have Jewish themes or Jewish authors (such as this one) but there’s a wide variety throughout the year. Not only is this a book club that welcomes participants, but it is also a special Jewish community. Beach Sisterhood is a part of Congregation Beth Chaverim, a Reform congregation in Virginia Beach operating since 1982. The Sisterhood provides an inclusive group for Jewish women to participate in social and community building activities in order to bond and develop friendships. Interested in joining the fun? Visit https://www.bethchaverim.com/ sisterhood or contact sisterhoodvb@ gmail.com. Beach Sisterhood is open to any women in the Jewish community. More friends are always welcome.

HINENU: ISRAEL AT TEN MILLION One milestone. One hundred stories. Countless perspectives.

Experience a window into Israel's diversity through striking portraits and first-person narratives that reflect the complexity, resilience, innovation, and humanity of modern Israeli society.

DAVID SHLACHTER THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5 • 7PM

Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus

JewishVA.org/IsraelToday on exhibit Nov - Dec israel today Lee and Bernard Jaffe

jewish book festival

30 | JEWISH NEWS OCTOBER 26, 2026 | jewishnewsva.org

WHAT’S HAPPENING

From Capitol Hill to community: TJF’s new development strategist, Lauren Sucher TJF staff From the corridors of Capitol Hill to military deployments in Afghanistan and Poland, Lauren Sucher has built a career where every word matters, relationships are critical, and the stakes are high. Now, she’s bringing that experience closer to home: strengthening Jewish life and building lasting legacies in Tidewater. Sucher joined Tidewater Jewish Foundation in September as development strategist, bringing more than two decades of experience in strategic communications and public service. Her career spans political campaigns, advocacy organizations, a think tank and three federal agencies, serving as a spokesperson, public affairs director, and congressional liaison. For 15 years, Sucher also served as a Public Affairs Officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve, including overseas deployments. “I’ve spent much of my career working in environments where trust, communication, and relationships can make all the difference. People need to know you’re listening and that you care about what matters to them.” A graduate of Towson State University, Emerson College, and Brandeis University, Sucher moved to Norfolk in 2023. Conversations with Naomi Limor Sedek, TJF president and CEO, led to an opportunity uniting her professional experience with her Jewish identity. Lauren Sucher In her new role at TJF, Sucher will connect with individuals, families, and Jewish organizations throughout Tidewater to explore their philanthropic goals. “Lauren brings a fresh perspective and an impressive background in public service,” says Sedek. “She understands how to connect people with a shared purpose, and I’m excited to see the energy and ideas she brings to TJF and our community.” Sucher may be reached at lsucher@tjfva.org.

Together we rise: Challah Bake set for next month

Wednesday, November 4, 7 pm B’nai Israel Congregation Liba Eisenberg B’nai Israel Congregation, in partnership with the Konikoff Center for Learning of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, invites Jewish women of all ages, stages, and backgrounds to Together We Rise, a special challah bake experience. Whether seasoned challah bakers or never-before challah braiders, participants are invited to join mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends from across the community for an evening of faith, unity, and connection. Participants will share in the meaningful tradition of challah baking while enjoying uplifting moments of prayer, dancing, and a delicious grazing station. The evening will celebrate both the traditions that connect generations of Jewish women and the shared bonds that bring the community together. Admission is $15 per person. Registration closes Sunday, November 1. B’nai Israel Congregation is located at 420 Spotswood Avenue in Norfolk.

31 | JEWISH NEWS OCTOBER 26, 2026 | jewishnewsva.org

Disconnect to reconnect: The Tidewater Shabbat Project returns Friday, Oct. 30 – Saturday, Oct. 31 Step away from the business of everyday life and join thousands of Jews around the globe for the annual Tidewater Shabbat Project. Last year, a record breaking 300 people from around Tidewater came together for a lively and energetic Friday night meal. Don’t be left out this year. Unplug from screens, build lasting community bonds, and experience the unified magic of Shabbat.

Visit https://www.tidewatershabbat.com/ for more information or to register.

FALL INTO $ YOUR JOINING FEE JOINING FEE BEST YEAR YET! FALL INTO

OFFER VALID THROUGH NOVEMBER 30, 2026 Contact the JCC front desk for details and to become a member today! 757-321-2338 • Contact@SimonFamilyJCC.org • SimonFamilyJCC.org Simon Family JCC • 5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23462

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Make the most of School Days Out at Camp JCC this Veteran’s Day Wednesday, November 11, 9 am-4 pm Simon Family JCC

Baby & Me: Building community, one playdate at a time Thursday, November 5 9 am, Free Sandler Family Campus Blake Sisler Looking for a fun way to connect with other parents and caregivers while little ones explore and play? Consider Baby & Me, a welcoming monthly gathering for babies up to 24 months and their caregivers. Enjoy coffee, treats, conversation, and playtime in a relaxed and supportive environment every first Thursday of the month. While babies discover new toys, experiences, and friendships, caregivers can connect with one another, share parenting joys and challenges, and build community. This month’s gathering is also a chance to help shape the future of Baby & Me – a time to share ideas about what would make this program most meaningful. From special guest speakers and parenting discussions to music, sensory activities, community outings, and seasonal celebrations, participants’ feedback will help guide future Baby & Me experiences. Registration is required at Jewishva.org/BAM. For more information about Baby & Me and PJ Library: JewishVA.org/PJLibrary or contact Blake Sisler at BSisler@UJFT.org.

Kate-Lynn Cipolla Enrollment is completely flexible, allowing registration for a Need a fun, reliable plan for kids when school is out? single day or an opportunity to save by adding it to a 5-day Camp JCC has the answer or 10-day School Days Out for students in grades K–5: bundle. To grab a spot, visit An action-packed day of www.campjcc.org. crafts, gym games, free In addition to the swim, and plenty of fun. School Days out hours of It’s the perfect opportunity 9 am – 4 pm, extended for children to reconnect care options are available, with their favorite summer 8 am – 6 pm. counselors and build new friendships. For more information about The fun doesn’t end School Days Out and Camp on Veteran's Day, as Camp JCC, contact Kate-Lynn JCC is also open for Winter Cipolla, camp director, Break, MLK Day, Presidents’ Lyla Tamborski, Lena Carden, Liv Cohen, Willow Gordon, Izzy Aviv, at klcipolla@ujft.org or Day, and Spring Break. 757-321-2306. and Eleanor Sheffy soak up the sunshine at Camp JCC.

Conversational Hebrew with the Shinshinim October 19 - May 24, Mondays, 5 pm Sandler Family Campus, Free Join Tidewater’s Shinshinim for weekly conversational Hebrew classes designed to help participants build confidence in speaking and understanding modern Hebrew. Through interactive activities, games, real-life scenarios, and cultural discussions, participants will strengthen their vocabulary, pronunciation, and everyday communication skills while gaining insight into contemporary Israeli life and culture. This engaging class is ideal for beginners and intermediate learners of all ages who want to improve their Hebrew in a fun, supportive, and welcoming environment. For information about Conversational Hebrew classes and the Shinshinim program: JewishVA.org/Shinshinim or contact Nofar Trem at NTrem@UJFT.org.

32 | JEWISH NEWS OCTOBER 26, 2026 | jewishnewsva.org

WHAT’S HAPPENING

HUNGER IN VIRGINIA: CARING FOR NEIGHBORS THIS THANKSGIVING

Brooke Rush A few people have even told us they are trying to pay for Hunger does not always look how one might imagine. It their prescriptions, so they needed the pantry’s help to get may be a senior trying to stretch a fixed income, a parent them through until next month.” choosing between groceries and a utility bill, or a working The need extends beyond the pantry’s regular hours family facing unexpected expenses. and shelves. As the holiday season approaches, JFS is According to the 2026 Virginia Hunger Study, 42% of preparing for one of its largest annual community outreach Virginia households experienced food insecurity at some efforts: the Thanksgiving Food Giveaway. point between May 2025 and May 2026. That means more This year, JFS plans to provide Thanksgiving than four in every 10 households did not always have groceries to 300 families, ensuring they have the ingredients reliable access to enough food for a healthy life. Among needed to prepare a holiday meal at home. Each family households with children, that number rises to 51% – will receive a frozen turkey or chicken, pantry staples, and more than half of Virginia traditional Thanksgiving households with children favorites, including stuffing, experienced food insecurity potatoes, onions, green during the study period. beans, cornbread mix, rolls, In Hampton Roads and small pies, cranberry sauce, on the Eastern Shore, 43% of gravy, macaroni and cheese, households experienced food and more. insecurity. Among households Years ago, when the with children in this region, drive began, JFS distributed the rate rises to 56%. The approximately 100 turkeys. study also found that 87% Last year, it was 300 turkeys. of food-insecure Virginia The growth reflects both Bryan from Sysco and Steve Leon, 2025 Thanksgiving. households reported that the increasing need for food higher-than-usual grocery prices were placing significant assistance and the generosity of the community that makes strain on their budgets. this effort possible. These numbers challenge a common misconcepVolunteers who distribute the groceries experience the tion about hunger: that food assistance is needed only by meaningful impact of the drive when they watch a family’s people experiencing homelessness or living in extreme poverty. Food insecurity can affect people from all walks of life. A household can have a home, a job, and a car and still struggle to afford enough nutritious food. When the cost of groceries rises alongside housing, utilities, transportation, and medical expenses, even a carefully managed budget can fall short. For older adults living on fixed incomes, these pressures can be especially difficult. At Jewish Family Service of Tidewater, the Food Pantry has seen a marked increase in visitors over the age of 60. For seniors managing rising living expenses, the cost of groceries can leave little room in an already limited budget. Access to nutritious food is essential for meeting immediate needs as well as for maintaining health, independence, and overall well-being. Emily Krouse, JFS Mission Services coordinator, says she sees these challenges as she manages the JFS Food Pantry: “Thankfully, we have had a generous community this year because it has been a struggle to keep our Pantry shelves stocked due to the number of visitors we are getting. JFS Thanksgiving volunteers 2025. 33 | JEWISH NEWS OCTOBER 26, 2026 | jewishnewsva.org

Rabbi Ari loads Thanksgiving groceies in 2025.

car being loaded, knowing that a Thanksgiving dinner will be possible. The gratitude on people’s faces is a powerful reminder that these groceries represent more than a meal. They offer relief from financial pressure, the opportunity to gather around a table with loved ones, and the comfort of knowing that someone in the community cares. JFS is accepting donations of Thanksgiving food items through November 16. Volunteers are needed to pack Thanksgiving grocery bags on November 17 at the Simon Family JCC and to assist with the Thanksgiving Food Giveaway on November 20, 10 am – 12 pm. To register to receive a Thanksgiving food package, visit **bit.ly/ JFSgiving**.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

ESEK: Made-in-Israel Pop-Up Market November 23 - 24, Monday and Tuesday Thursday, November 5, Sandler Family Campus HINENU: Israel at Ten Million

7 pm, Sandler Family Campus, Free

When Israel reached 10 million citizens, photographer and author David Shlachter set out to capture the country’s story through the faces, voices, and experiences of 100 people. In Hinenu: Israel at Ten Million, he provides a window into Israel’s diversity through striking portraits and first-person narratives that reflect the complexity, resilience, innovation, and humanity of modern Israeli society. Moving beyond headlines and politics, Shlachter explores the individuals behind the statistics, creating a multifaceted portrait of a nation at an important moment in its history and the people helping define its future. Photographs from Hinenu will be on exhibit in the Leon Family Gallery November through December 2026. Presented by the Lee & Bernard Jaffe Family Jewish Book Festival in partnership with the Jewish Community Relations Council of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, Simon Family JCC, all area synagogues, and Community Partners’ 16th Annual Israel Today Series.

Nofar Trem Israel’s story is often told through innovation, resilience, and entrepreneurship. Behind that story are artists, makers, and entrepreneurs whose creativity transforms ideas into products that reach global markets. Featuring handcrafted goods from Israeli artists and small business owners, ESEK invites shoppers to discover unique gifts, hear the stories behind the work, and experience a different side of Israel through the arts’ creators.

Every purchase directly supports the artists and small businesses behind the work while strengthening the connection between Tidewater and Israel. Presented by the Jewish Community Relations Council of United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, Simon Family JCC, all area synagogues, and Community Partners’ 16th Annual Israel Today Series. For more information and to register: JewishVA.org/ IsraelToday or contact Nofar Trem at NTrem@ UJFT.org.

Israel on Trial with Judge Roy Altman Thursday, December 10, 7 pm Sandler Family Campus, Free Nofar Trem What happens when a federal judge applies the standards of the courtroom to the claims, headlines, and narratives surrounding Israel? Through the lens of his book, Israel on Trial, Judge Roy Altman examines one of today’s most debated subjects through evidence, history, and law, offering audiences a framework for navigating difficult conversations with greater clarity and confidence. Judge Altman’s path to the federal bench is anything but ordinary. Appointed to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida in 2019, he became the youngest federal district court judge in America and the youngest federal judge ever appointed in South Florida. A graduate of Columbia University (where he played both football and baseball and earned All-Ivy honors), and Yale Law School, Altman served

34 | JEWISH NEWS | OCTOBER 26, 2026 | jewishnewsva.org

as an award-winning federal prosecutor before entering private practice, earning a reputation for intellectual rigor, sharp analysis, and an ability to make complex issues accessible and engaging. Presented by the Lee & Bernard Jaffe Family Jewish Book Festival in partnership with the Jewish Community Relations Council of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, Simon Family JCC, all area synagogues, and Community Partners’ 16th Annual Israel Today Series. For more information and to register: JewishVA.org/IsraelToday or contact Nofar Trem at NTrem@UJFT.org.

CALENDAR THROUGH MAY 24, MONDAYS Conversational Hebrew with the Shinshinim. Join Tidewater’s Shinshinim for weekly classes, focusing on practical conversation skills, vocabulary, and pronunciation through interactive activities and real-life scenarios. Perfect for beginners and intermediate learners of all ages who want to improve speaking and listening skills in a fun, supportive environment. 5 pm. Sandler Family Campus. Information on these classes and the Shinshinim program: JewishVA.org/Shinshinim or Nofar Trem at NTrem@UJFT.org.

OCTOBER 28, WEDNESDAY Mark Oppenheimer, author of Judy Blume: A Life. Few authors have influenced more readers, sparked more conversations, or challenged more assumptions than Judy Blume. Award-winning journalist and podcaster Mark Oppenheimer explores the life, impact, and enduring relevance of one of America’s most beloved writers, revealing why her work continues to resonate across generations. Presented by the Lee & Bernard Jaffe Jewish Book Festival. Sandler Family Campus. 7 pm. Register: JewishVA.org/BookFest.

OCTOBER 29, THURSDAY Jewish Family Service presents an opportunity for genetic testing with JScreen. Learn about inherited risks for cancers and conditions that might impact future generations. Sandler Family Campus. 6 pm. Register at bit.ly/JscreenJFS. For information: Julie Kievit at jkievit@jfshamptonroads.org.

NOVEMBER 1, SUNDAY Enchanted Pages & Petals: A Fantasy-Inspired Workshop. Join UJFT’s NextGen community (22 - 45ish) for a magical, fantasy-inspired crafting experience. In partnership with Myth and Merriment, this workshop will show how to turn stories into stunning decor by creating a folded book vase and paper flowers. This creative event compliments upcoming Book Festival speaker, Jenny Barker, author of Flower Energy. Let imagination bloom, learn a new craft, put it on display, and connect with other young adults. Sandler Family Campus. 2 - 4 pm. Information and registration: JewishVA.org/Nextgen or Hannah Yasemsky at Hyasemsky@ujft.org.

NOVEMBER 4, WEDNESDAY Together We Rise: Challah Bake. B’nai Israel Congregation, in partnership with Konikoff Center for Learning of United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, invites Jewish women of all ages and backgrounds to an evening of challah baking, prayer, dancing, and connection. Whether a seasoned baker or a first-time challah braider, join mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends to celebrate faith, unity, and the traditions that bring community together. B’nai Israel Congregation, 420 Spotswood Avenue, Norfolk, 7 pm. Admission: $15. Register by Nov. 1 at JewishVA.org/ChallahBake.

NOVEMBER 5, THURSDAY Baby & Me. A welcoming gathering designed for babies up to 24 months and their caregivers on the first Thursday of every month. Enjoy a relaxing morning with coffee, treats, and engaging conversation with other caretakers while little ones explore, play, and begin building friendships. 9 - 10 am. Free. Membership not required. Sandler Family Campus. Registration required: JewishVA.org/BAM or Blake Sisler at BSisler@ujft.org. HINENU: Israel at Ten Million. When Israel reached 10 million citizens, photographer and author David Shlachter set out to capture the country’s story through the faces, voices, and experiences of 100 people. In Hinenu: Israel at Ten Million, Schlachter provides a window into Israel’s diversity through striking portraits and first-person narratives that reflect the complexity, resilience, innovation, and humanity of modern Israeli society. Sandler Family Campus. 7 pm. Information and registration: JewishVA.org/IsraelToday or Nofar Trem at NTrem@UJFT.org.

35 | JEWISH NEWS OCTOBER 26, 2026 | jewishnewsva.org

NOVEMBER 5 AND 19, THURSDAY Roundtable Conversation. Join community members of all ages for conversations involving current events, politics, and more. Meets every first and third Thursday of the month. 1 pm. Sandler Family Campus. Information: www.jewishva.org/Adults or Sarah Cooper at SCooper@ujft.org.

NOVEMBER 7, SATURDAY Kids Night Out. Get ready for an action-packed night with Pumpkins & Pajamas Kids Night Out. While parents enjoy a well-deserved evening to themselves, children ages 4 - 12 can throw on their favorite cozy PJs and enjoy a fun night featuring free swim, gym games, festive fall crafts, and a cozy movie to wrap up the night. Pack child’s dinner. 5 - 9 pm. Sandler Family Campus. JCC members: $25 per child and $15 per sibling, with a maximum of $55 per household. Potential JCC members: $30 per child and $20 per sibling, with a maximum of $70 per household. Register: JewishVA.org/KNO or Christine Carnahan at Ccarnahan@ujft.org.

NOVEMBER 11, WEDNESDAY School Days Out. Students in grades K–5 will have the chance to connect with friends from the summer and make new friends at Camp JCC’s School Days Out for an action-packed day with crafts, gym games, free swim, and plenty of fun. Camp JCC is also open for Winter Break, MLK Day, Presidents’ Day, and Spring Break. Enrollment is completely flexible, allowing registration for a single day or save by adding it to a 5-day or 10-day bundle. 9 am - 4 pm with extended care options, 8 am - 6 pm. Information and registration: www.campjcc.org. Kate-Lynn Cipolla at klcipolla@ujft.org.

NOVEMBER 12, THURSDAY Flower Energy, with author and florist Jenny Barker. Known as the “Flower Doctor,” Jenny Barker explores the intersection of beauty, creativity, wellness, and emotional wellbeing. Combining personal stories and practical wisdom, she shares how flowers can comfort, celebrate, inspire, and help people navigate life’s most meaningful moments. Sandler Family Campus. 7 pm. Information and registration: JewishVA.org/BookFest. Rosh Chodesh: Mizrahi in Motion. Calling all Nextgen women (22- 45ish) who are interested in movement, history, sisterhood, and Jewish traditions. Celebrate Rosh Chodesh (traditionally a special holiday for women to mark the start of the new month). Discuss the month’s teachings and learn about Jewish women’s traditions in the Middle East and North Africa through Mizrahi dance lessons with instructor Jackie Dratch. All women are welcome and no previous dance experience is necessary. Sandler Family Campus, private fitness studio. 6 pm. Information and registration: JewishVA.org/Nextgen or Hannah Yasemsky at Hyasemsky@ujft.org.

NOVEMBER 16, MONDAY Book Club. The book of the month is Saving Five - A Memoir of Hope by Amanda Nguyen. The group meets every third Monday of the month at 1:30 pm. Sandler Family Campus. Information: Jewishva.org/Adults or Sarah Cooper at SCooper@ujft.org. The Vet Will See You Now. For many families, pets are among life’s most treasured companions. Dr. Barak Benaryeh pulls back the curtain on veterinary medicine with humor, honesty, and compassion, offering insight into the relationships people share with the animals who become part of their families. Sandler Family Campus. 7 pm. Information or Registration: JewishVA.org/BookFest.

NOVEMBER 18, WEDNESDAY JCC Senior Club. Active adults 50 years and older meet on the third Wednesday of each month for lunch and an activity. This month will include a piano performance by Gad Brosch. RSVP: Sarah Cooper at SCooper@ujft.org or 757-452-3184.

OBITUARIES –––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Barry Blum

CHESAPEAKE – Barry Blum of Chesapeake, Virginia, passed away October 12, 2026. He was born March 1, 1962, in Norfolk, Virginia to Sheldon and Gloria Blum. Barry was always a self-starter and embraced everything to the highest degree. In high school he was the tennis champion, and then he taught himself to play the bass guitar where he spent many hours alone in his room practicing with the likes of Stanley Clarke and Eric Clapton. We thought the house would fall down with the constant pounding of the bass. In college he played with many bands and learned how to record, produce, and perform music. After graduating, he continued playing music with the ever-popular Janitors. He also taught himself to play golf and along with his father, became one of the founding members of Greenbrier Country Club in Chesapeake. He became a scratch golfer

very quickly. His strategy was to practice with one club each time to master each one. He was so driven and got to a point where he was almost banned from tournaments as he was such the ringer. He was the owner of the snack bar in his father’s Bingo Hall. In his later years he worked and managed a magazine call center and moved on to open his own call center business. Barry had a great sense of humor and had the tendency to be just a bit crass as he basically had no filter. His motto was “tell it like it is.” We had many hilarious, fun moments with him at home in our early years growing up. Barry is survived by his sisters, Marcie Blum of Virginia Beach (Wayne Doolin), and Susan Blum Geers of Boca Raton, Fla. He was a beloved uncle to Megan Geers and Ian Geers (Lauren Grace Thompson), as well as many other family members. Barry was preceded in death by his parents, Sheldon and Gloria Blum and his brother-in-law, Hans Geers. A memorial service for Barry was held at Altmeyer Funeral Home Southside

36 | JEWISH NEWS OCTOBER 26, 2026 | jewishnewsva.org

Chapel. Online condolences may be expressed at www.altmeyerfh.com. The family requests memorial contributions to any animal rescue. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Richard F. “Dickie” Broudy

VIRGINIA BEACH – Richard F. “Dickie” Broudy, a longtime Norfolk and Virginia Beach attorney, husband, father, grandfather, fisherman, and friend, died peacefully on September 24, 2026, at the age of 95. Born in Norfolk on December 19, 1930, he was the son of Israel Steven Broudy and Celia Jacobson Broudy. He graduated from Maury High School in 1949 and attended Washington and Lee University, earning his bachelor’s degree in 1953 and law degree in 1955. He was admitted to the Virginia State Bar that same year. Richard practiced law for nearly half a century, as a partner in various iterations of a firm with his uncles, brother, and close friends. For approximately 15 years, he practiced alongside his son Mitchell before retiring at age 71. His grandson Ross later continued the family tradition of practicing law. He served as a special justice and on a local real estate assessment board. A veteran of the United States Army Reserve, he served at Fort Eustis and as a Judge Advocate General (JAG) officer. In 1956, Richard married Ina Morganstein. The following year, they built their family home on Hermitage Road, where they raised their sons, Steven and Mitchell. Richard and Ina enjoyed traveling, baseball, and spending time with family. They were longtime members of the Harbor Club and held Tidewater Tides season tickets for many years. Ina died in 1992. Richard remained in their Hermitage Road home for another 27 years, living there for a total of 62 years before moving to the Summerhouse Apartments at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront, where he became close friends with the staff and considered them family. Dickie loved to fish and could often be found driving his Bronco onto the sands of Sandbridge in search of a good fishing spot. In Virginia Beach, he was a member of Temple Emanuel for more than six decades and was a longtime member of the Bayside Lions Club.

Known as “Papa” to his grandsons, Ross and Brett, he took a genuine interest in their lives and interests. He took both grandsons to Tides games and regularly attended their swim meets and music gigs. Not to be left behind, he took guitar lessons in his 80s. Both grandsons graduated from Virginia Tech, so Dickie became an enthusiastic Virginia Tech fan and, well into his 90s, played Pokémon Go with Ross. He was very proud of both of them and their accomplishments. Richard had a quick sense of humor and was curious about just about everything. He was competitive and always seemed to appreciate finding a good legal loophole. He loved his dogs, buying gadgets online, fishing, and baseball, but most of all he enjoyed being around his family and friends. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Israel and Celia Broudy; his wife, Ina Morganstein Broudy; and his brother, J. Robert Broudy. He is survived by his sons, Steve Broudy (Stacy) and Mitchell Broudy (Jean); grandsons Ross and Brett Broudy; Ross’s fiancée, Brittany Adams; Jean’s daughters, Kate and Jenny; and extended family. A graveside funeral service was held at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Norfolk. Memorial donations may be made to: The Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad: https://vbvrs.org/DONATE-FORM/; Jewish Family Service of Tidewater: https://jfshamptonroads.org/how-to-help/ donate/; or Dozoretz Hospice House of Hampton Roads: https://hospicehousehr.org/giving/. Dickie lived a long and full life, surrounded by family, friends, and many of the interests he enjoyed throughout the years. He will be remembered as a devoted husband and father, a proud Papa, a dedicated attorney, and a man who never lost his curiosity about the world around him. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Matthew Julian Gutterman

NORFOLK – It is with deep sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved Matthew Julian Gutterman on October 12, 2026. Born in Norfolk on May 8, 2000, Matthew was the son of Marc D. Gutterman and Theresa L. Gutterman.

OBITUARIES Matthew was an Eagle Scout and graduated from Maury High School. Matthew was a kind, sweet, and generous soul whose heart was as big as his love for the people around him. A hard worker with a selfless spirit, he was the kind of person who would drop everything to lend a helping hand to a friend or neighbor in need. His kindness was genuine, his friendship was treasured, and his presence touched the lives of so many. Matthew was deeply loved by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Matthew found happiness in life’s simple pleasures and in the adventures he shared with his friends. He loved fishing with his buddies, catching waves whenever he could go surfing, gardening, cycling, and sharing his immeasurable passion for cooking. But perhaps nothing brought him more joy than music. A true lover of the jam band scene, Matthew cherished attending music festivals, camping under the stars, and making memories with friends. Whether listening to Dead & Company, Goose, Phish, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard, Brown’s Island Band, or the many other bands he loved, music was a part of his soul. The music, the friendships, the freedom, and the unforgettable moments were all part of what made him happiest. Above all else, Matthew’s greatest love was his family. They were his heart, his home, and his greatest treasure. The love he gave so freely will forever remain in the hearts of those closest to him. Matthew’s life was a gift to so many. His kindness, generous spirit, love of music, and the countless memories he created will live on through the people he loved and the lives he touched. Though his time with us was taken far too soon, the love he gave and the light he brought into this world will never be forgotten. He will be missed beyond words, loved beyond measure, and remembered forever. His song will never end. Matthew was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother Aunda Bober Coppa and paternal grandmother and grandfather Julian Gutterman and Marilyn Comess Lacey. He leaves behind to cherish his memory: Parents: Marc Gutterman and Theresa Gutterman; his brother, Jon Lilly and wife, Sarah Lilly and

daughter, Ziva Lilly; his sister, Amanda Stark White and husband, Robert Lock and daughter, Marley Qynn Lock; and his sister, Morgan Satoris Gutterman. Matthew is also survived by his paternal grandmother Tessie Gutterman, maternal grandfather Melvin Ryder and wife, Dee Ryder; Uncle Anthony Ryder and wife (deceased) Sharon Ryder; Uncle James Ryder and wife, Janet; Uncle Dale Ryder and wife, Tammy; Uncle Chris Ryder and Aunt Connie Sisler, Aunt Aunda Ryder, Aunt Tracey Ryder, Uncle Brent Ryder and wife, Melissa Ryder; Aunt Renee Scruggs and husband, Wally Scruggs; Aunt Andrea Kahn and husband, Anthony Kahn; Aunt Denise Bailey; and a multitude of cousins and friends too many to list who loved him dearly. A memorial service was held at the Norfolk Chapel of H.D. Oliver Funeral Apartments. A celebration of Matthew’s life will be held 1 pm, Sunday, Nov. 8 at the Granby Theater, 421 Granby Street, Norfolk. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Anne Elizabeth Leitman

VIRGINIA BEACH - Anne Elizabeth (Heyward) Leitman, aged 94, of Virginia Beach, passed away peacefully on October 10, 2026. Born on August 24, 1932, in New York, New York, Anne lived a life marked by kindness, creativity, and dedication to her family. In her earlier years, Anne was known for her love of painting and reading, pursuits that reflected her thoughtful and artistic nature. She also cherished working out regularly at Planet Fitness until the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Anne’s warmth and compassion shone brightly in her love for children. Professionally, she contributed her talents as an assistant at a salon spa, where her gentle spirit was appreciated by many. Anne was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Edward and Anne (Meyers) Heywood; her son, Steven Coyne; and her daughter, Eileen Homsher. She is survived by her devoted husband, Joel M. Leitman; her daughter, Susan Coyne; and her sons, Chuck Coyne, Edward Coyne, Daniel Coyne, Tom Coyne, and Tim Coyne. She is also remembered fondly by other family members and friends who

37 | JEWISH NEWS OCTOBER 26, 2026 | jewishnewsva.org

Southside Chapel • 5033 Rouse Drive Virginia Beach • 757 422-4000

Chris Sisler, Vice President, Member of Ohef Sholom Temple, Board member of the Berger-Goldrich Home at Beth Sholom Village, James E. Altmeyer, Jr., President, James E. Altmeyer, Sr., Owner

Maestas Chapel • 1801 Baltic Ave. Virginia Beach • 757 428-1112

• Family owned and operated since 1917 • Affordable services to fit any budget

Chesapeake Chapel • 929 S. Battlefield Blvd. Chesapeake • 757 482-3311

• Advance funeral planning • Professional, experienced, caring staff • Flexible burial options

Denbigh Chapel • 12893 Jefferson Ave. Newport News • 757 874-4200

• Flexible payment options Approved by all area Rabbis and Chevrah Kadisha Riverside Chapel • 7415 River Road Newport News • 757 245-1525

www.altmeyerfuneralandcremation.com will miss her dearly. At this time, no services are planned. Cremation & Funeral Services of Tidewater is assisting the family. Friends and loved ones are invited to share memories and express condolences at CandFServices.com. Anne Elizabeth Leitman’s legacy of love and grace will remain in the hearts of all who knew her. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Martin Gary Mand

WILMINGTON, DEL. – Martin Gary Mand, born and raised in Norfolk, Virginia, and a resident of Wilmington, Delaware, for 65 years, passed away the evening of

October 8. He was 90 years old. Marty leaves behind an incredible legacy of family, compassion, and commitment to the Jewish community. He lived a life of honesty, integrity, hard work, and kindness, values his children and grandchildren will carry with them forever. Marty was an alumnus of Norfolk’s Maury High School, where he served as commencement speaker, a proud moment in his young life. He attended the University of Virginia, where he served in Naval ROTC, was a member of Zeta Beta Tau fraternity, and worked as an intramural basketball referee, all while earning his

OBITUARIES degree in business from the McIntire School of Commerce. After graduating in 1958, Marty fulfilled his U.S. Navy commitment by serving as a communications officer stationed in Morocco and then back home in Norfolk with NATO’s Supreme Allied Command-Atlantic before transitioning to reserve status. Marty moved to Wilmington in 1961 to begin a nearly 30-year career at the DuPont company, during which time he earned his Master of Business Administration from the University of Delaware. His DuPont career culminated as vice president and treasurer, and he then left the company in 1990 to join Northern Telecom as executive vice president and chief financial officer. He retired from corporate life in 1995 and focused on his roles as a state-appointed arbitrator, business consultant, member of corporate boards, and co-author of Partnering for Performance. Up until his passing, many of his former colleagues at both DuPont and Northern Telecom routinely stayed in touch, sharing updates on their lives, reminiscing about the old days, and thanking Marty for the example he set. The greatest gift of moving to Delaware in 1961 was meeting Anita Rochelle “Shelly” Cohen at a JCC event, sparking a courtship that would lead to their marriage in August 1965. Shelly was the love of his life. Together, they raised three sons, all graduates of Wilmington Friends School and the University of Virginia. In addition to his devotion to his family and work, Marty made time to give back to the Wilmington and Jewish communities. He served as president of Congregation Beth Shalom, the Jewish Federation of Delaware, and the Milton and Hattie Kutz Home. He served on many

other nonprofit boards and as a trusted adviser to countless people in Delaware and around the world. For his service to the community, Marty was awarded the JCC’s Harry Cohen Leadership Award and the Jewish Federation of Delaware’s Irving S. Shapiro Community Builder Award. Marty had a passion for traveling, visiting more than 70 countries and nearly every U.S. state. He loved American history and cheered for his Philadelphia sports teams—especially the Eagles. He was well-known in the neighborhood for his long walks in the middle of his street while wearing his safety vest. His family cherishes him for the years he spent documenting his roots and his life’s lessons, preserving them for future generations. Marty, who always said he lived a wonderful life that he never would have expected or imagined, leaves behind Shelly, his wife of 61 years; sons Gregory (Becky), Michael (Erin) and Brian (Tamara); grandchildren Emily, Maple, Daryn, O.B. and Alana; brother Jeffrey (Linda); brother-in law Bobby (Marilyn); and many other family members and friends. His parents, Lena and Meyer Mand predeceased him. A private burial took place, with a memorial service at Congregation Beth Shalom in Wilmington. The family requests donations in Marty’s memory be made to Congregation Beth Shalom’s Building Maintenance Fund or to the Jewish Federation of Delaware. –––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Ida Rines

VIRGINIA BEACH – Ida Sara Rines, beloved daughter, sister, aunt, friend, co-worker, cat mom, and pure soul passed away peacefully on October 15, 2026. She spent her remaining days in the care of hospice, just a few houses down from Point O'View

Elementary School, where she had worked. Ida was born on June 9, 1954, in Norfolk. She lived her entire life in Norfolk and Virginia Beach and was a familiar face at the numerous local event venues where she had worked. Over the years, she also served in various roles at local grocery stores and at the school with children who brought her so much joy. Along the way, she made many meaningful connections with her co-workers who ultimately became dedicated, lifelong friends. She loved and was loved by her family, and she selflessly fulfilled the role of caregiver to her brother, Arthur; mother, Rae; and sister, Adele. She was also an animal lover who took great care of her cats, Grover and Hazel. In her spare time, Ida liked to relax with a soda and a few episodes of classic television. Ida is survived by her sister, Adele Rhodes; her nephew, Andrew Rhodes and his wife Rachel; and numerous cousins. She also had special connections with so many friends and colleagues. Ida truly appreciated her community and those that looked out for her. Ida's memory was honored graveside at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Norfolk. A memorial service followed at H.D. Oliver Funeral Apartments in Virginia Beach. Ida will be remembered as a light in the life of those that met her. She always maintained positivity. She was proud of her accomplishments in life and proud of her friends and family. She was tough. She was brave. May her memory be a blessing. To honor Ida’s life, consider donating to the American Cancer Society or another reputable charity. If interested in adopting Grover or Hazel, contact the Virginia Beach Animal Shelter. Rest in peace, Ida. We love you very much.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Jay Jacob Selter

VIRGINIA BEACH – Jay Jacob Selter, a devoted father, esteemed electrical technician, and cherished member of his community, passed away on September 18, 2026, in Virginia Beach. Born on November 29, 1952, in New York, Jay lived a full and meaningful life, passing at the age of 73. Jay proudly served his country in the military, completing his service with dedication and honor, and receiving an honorable discharge. Following his military career, he contributed his skills as an electrical technician to the U.S. government, where he was respected for his expertise and work ethic. A man deeply committed to his family and faith, Jay found great joy in being a father and sharing experiences with his beloved children. He was an active and engaged member of his Jewish community, forming lasting connections with rabbis and temples. His involvement with the Jewish Community Center in Virginia Beach was a testament to his steadfast dedication to his faith and community. Jay was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lila Selter, whose memory he cherished dearly. He is survived by his loving son and daughters, who will continue to honor his legacy of love, kindness, and commitment to family. A graveside service was held at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Norfolk, officiated by Rabbi Levi, who paid tribute to Jay’s life and legacy. Jay Jacob Selter will be remembered for his unwavering devotion to his family, his service to his country, and his contributions to his community. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

f May the Source of Peace send peace to all who mourn, and comfort to all who are bereaved. f 38 | JEWISH NEWS OCTOBER 26, 2026 | jewishnewsva.org

39 | JEWISH NEWS OCTOBER 26, 2026 | jewishnewsva.org

Experience the Difference.

| NMLS #512138 |

Realtor®

Insurance and investment products are: Not a bank deposit product or obligation, Not FDIC-insured, Not guaranteed by TowneBank and may go down in value.

40 | JEWISH NEWS OCTOBER 26, 2026 | jewishnewsva.org