Services and Organizations America Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) Kate Samuels, Southern States area director 770-541-7610 AIPAC is a 100,000-member grassroots movement of activists committed to ensuring Israel’s security and protecting American interests in the Middle East and around the world. For information on Tidewater’s chapter, call Kate Samuels.
B’NAI B’RITH OF TIDEWATER
National Council of Jewish Women
Arnold Gamsey Lodge #1195 Stephen Markman, president, 757-490-0048 Founded in 1843, B’nai B’rith is dedicated to building a strong sense of Jewish identity and unity within the Jewish community.
Established nationally in 1893 and locally in 1905, NCJW is the oldest Jewish women’s organization in the U. S . The group’s educational and legislative efforts have helped bring about action in area of concern to women and children. The Endowment Fund, which provides scholarships and contributions, functions as the Tidewater Council of Jewish Women under Jewish Family Service Foundation Philanthropic Fund Agreement. Donations may be made to the TCJW Fund through JFS, 260 Grayson Rd., Virginia Beach, VA 23462.
BRITH SHOLOM CENTER Dale Helfgott, Manager, 757-461-1150 Brith Sholom Center of Virginia was established as a benevolent, charitable and non-political organization to foster and perpetuate the spirit, ideals and traditions of Judaism. With about 150 members, men and women of all ages, activities include dances, trips, entertainment and cultural events. Philanthropic endeavors support Jewish education, community organizations that provide services and international groups that assist needy causes. Brith Sholom meetings take place at 11 a.m. on the first Sunday of the month at Beth Sholom Home of Eastern Virginia.
HADASSAH Norfolk-Virginia Beach Chapters Co-president: De Anne Lindsey, 757-418-4336 Vice-president: Jamie Zelig, 757-431-2962 In New York in 1912, the first group of Hadassah was chartered after its founder, Henrietta Szold, returned from Jerusalem. The second chapter of Hadassah was chartered in Norfolk, Va. Today, Hadassah is the largest women’s Zionist organization in the world. The original purpose of the organization was to bring modern health care to Palestine. Today, the Hadassah Medical Organization is internationally recognized as a leading authority in healing, teaching, and research. Hadassah is the largest organizational contributor to Jewish National Fund. Hadassah has chapters in Norfolk-Virginia Beach, Newport News, Portsmouth and a Young Women’s Chapter.
HEBREW LADIES CHARITY SOCIETY President: Frances Levy Birshtein, 757-572-3817 Celebrating its 110th anniversary in 2012, Hebrew Ladies is comprised of women concerned with tzedakah (charity) based on the Jewish concept of responsibility to fellow human beings. Members work to support local people in need to help an individual or family survive with pride and dignity, until he or she can be self-supportive. Most referrals to this group come from Jewish Family Service. Confidentiality is always maintained. The group meets once a year. All Jewish women are invited to join.
Jewish Museum and Cultural Center 607 Effingham St., Portsmouth, VA 23704 757-391-9266, www.jewishmuseumportsmouth.org Administrator: Barbara Rossen The Jewish Museum and Cultural Center is housed in the beautifully restored Chevra T’helim Synagogue, the interior of which is a rare surviving example of Eastern European Jewish Orthodoxy. The Center now offers monthly programming, an annual lecture series, a summer music series, as well as school programs, adult programs, and tours.
JEWISH WAR VETERANS of the United States of America Adam Goldberg, Post Commander, 831-917-3996 Old Dominion Post #158 The oldest active veterans organization in America, Jewish War Veterans brings together men and women with joint ties of a common heritage as Jews and a common experience as active duty or past members of the U. S. Armed Forces.
Norfolk Area Community Mikvah 757-627-7358 The Mikvah serves the entire Jewish community. Please call for information or to schedule an appointment.
ORT AMERICA Abbie Laderberg, 757-497-7238 ORT America supports vocational and technical training for Jews around the world. More than 300,000 students are enrolled in the ORT network of schools and training programs which include comprehensive and vocational high schools, colleges, apprenticeship programs and teacher training institutes.
Youth Groups B’NAI B’RITH YOUTH ORGANIZATION, BBG/AZA (Grades 9–12) City Director: Ellie Bernstein, 757-321-2324 BBYO is one of the world’s leading Jewish movements, connecting teens of all backgrounds to become inspired to live Jewish lives while making a difference in the world through AZA and BBG. Recognized as the preeminent leadership training and character development program for teens, BBYO’s umbrella of innovative experiences—service and action, college and career prep and travel—and technologies provide a robust and effective way of delivering meaningful Jewish contents. Tidewater BBYO meets Sundays at the Simon Family JCC. In Tidewater, there are two BBG chapters and two AZA chapters.
North-America n Federation of Temple Youth, Mid-Atlantic Region—NFTY-MAR REFORM Congregation Beth Chaverim, 757-463-3226 Beth Chaverim Youth Group (BCTY) participates in Kallahs in Maryland, Delaware and Virginia. For students in grades 9-12. Ohef Sholom Temple, 757-625-4295 Advisors: Amy and Eliot Weinstein Ohef Sholom Temple’s Youth Group (OSTY) is for students in grades 8–12. JOSTY, the Junior Ohef Sholom Temple Youth Group is for 6th and 7th graders. They are active groups participating in community service, regional and national conventions, religious, and other “just for fun” events.
United Synagogue Youth (USY) CONSERVATIVE Advisor: Beth Gross, 757-428-2591 Congregation Beth El, Temple Israel, Temple Emanuel and Kempsville Conservative Synagogue (KBH) co-sponsor two youth programs: Kadimah for students in grades 6-8 (which includes Machar for grades 4 and 5), and USY for students in grades 9-12. Both groups promote synagogue identification, foster friendships and make Judaism an integral part of life. Activities are recreational, social and religious, and are tied into the philosophies of the Conservative Jewish Movement. Contact a local Conservative synagogue for details.
42 | Jewish News | September 16, 2013 | Guide to Jewish Living in Tidewater | jewishnewsva.org