High Holidays 5785 (2026)

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Fall Into Fall Into Into Fall

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Dear Readers, With the High Holidays mostly taking place in September this year, there’s a high likelihood that the weather will be perfect for spending time in a sukkah. On page

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20, several community Sukkot events are highlighted. But it’s just a partial listing.

In fact, a very partial listing. To find more, go to your congregation’s website or give them a call. Dining alfresco in a sukkah and shaking the lulav and etrog is always uplifting.

Among other articles in this section, three families share how they observe and celebrate Yom Kippur with their young children, Temple Emanuel’s Rabbi Ari offers a different take on how to reflect on Yom Kippur, and a couple of recipes for holiday fare are featured.

On a personal note, only twice in my life – my freshman year in college and the year post-college when I “backpacked through Europe,” have I missed attending Rosh Hashanah services at Ohef Sholom Temple. This year will be the third time.

The day this paper goes to press, my husband and I will board a plane headed for San Franscisco to attend services where our daughter is a rabbi. As excited as we are to be in the sanctuary where she is on the bema, we also know it will feel odd to know only those sitting beside us – our other daughter and her husband will join us. For our family, the change in venue goes along with my message from the

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last issue – to being open to creating new memories for the holidays. Before we even step foot on the plane, I have a strong feeling that we’ll revere the memories of this Rosh Hashanah forever. And then, before we know it, we’ll be home for Kol Nidre, with our Ohef Sholom Temple family.

Wherever you are and however you celebrate, all of us at Jewish News wish for you that you make new memories to cherish while having a peaceful, healthy, happy, and safe High Holiday season.

G’mar chatima tovah,

Terri Denison Editor

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SAYING SORRY: OBSERVING YOM KIPPUR WITH LITTLE ONES It encourages us to slow down, reflect honestly, celebrate growth, and set intentions for becoming better each day.

Haley Bartel Where Rosh Hashanah brings sweetness and celebration, Yom Kippur asks something different — stillness, honesty, and the harder work how adults themselves of reflection. For young childon’t always agree on dren, that’s a tricky needle to whether the story hapthread. Three local families pened literally or was share how they’ve made it meant to teach a lesson. meaningful.

For Nina Kruger, For Jennie Tabakin, a teaching Yom Kippur to pediatrician and mother Jennie Tabakin and her family. her son, Liam, now 10, to Rivka, 6, and Ben, 8, has evolved over the years. When he was younger, she talking through hard topics with kids is second nature explained it simply, as a time to “say our sorries.” As Liam professionally — but she credits her children’s Jewish day has grown, the conversation has deepened. school with getting the holiday conversations started in “We talk about Yom Kippur as an opportunity for the first place. reflection — a chance to look back on the past year, rec“It was a huge help for them to go to Strelitz ognize where we can do better, and make a commitment (International Academy) because the conversation started to grow,” Kruger says. The there, and then it is easier to continue at home,” Tabakin family focuses on learning says. PJ Library books, she says, help open the door further, and accountability rather and everyday sibling squabbles — Rivka and Ben “love than dwelling on mistakes — each other fiercely and fight just as fiercely” — have taught values reinforced by Kruger, the kids what it means to ask for forgiveness. her partner, Darin, and The family doesn’t have the kids fast, but a Break Liam’s grandfather, Pop Pop. Fast hosted by their grandmother is the day’s anchor.

Liam isn’t yet required This year, Tabakin is considering a different challenge — to fast, but each year he giving up something other than food for the 25 hours, chooses to challenge himself, such as phones. going a little longer than the “Honestly, in 2026 it’s probably harder for many to year before — a milestone give up screens than food,” she says. he’s proud to share with his The family attends services at Temple Emanuel, father in Arizona. which Tabakin describes as family-friendly, and pushes back on the idea that services Honestly, in 2026 are too serious for young kids.

“Without children, it’s probably harder there’s no future in Judaism,” for many to give up she says. “It’s super importscreens than food.

Nina Kruger and her family. ant to include them, even if One family tradition carries the holiday’s spirit well it’s with adaptations and games.” beyond the day itself: a nightly “Dark, Light, and Sparkle,” Not every question at home has an easy answer. A where each person shares something that didn’t go well, few years ago, her son asked whether Jonah was really something positive, and something to improve tomorrow. swallowed by a whale — sparking a conversation about

“It encourages us to slow down, reflect honestly, celebrate growth, and set intentions for becoming better each day — and ultimately, better

each year,” Kruger says.

The family also finds meaning in Kol Nidre, a service Kruger calls one of the most moving of the year — “gathering in shul with family, friends, and community members, all united in prayer, reflection, and hope for the year ahead.”

Kruger says Liam often surprises her by apologizing for things she wouldn’t consider worthy of an apology — sometimes even on behalf of people who he feels may have wronged her. Looking ahead, she hopes the holiday’s values of reflection, accountability, and compassion become a lasting part of who he is.

For Amy Weinstein, mother to Avi, 11, and Daniella, 9, Yom Kippur centers on services at Ohef Sholom Temple, where kid-friendly, clergy-led family services use storytelling to convey the holiday’s meaning. But for her family, the heart of the day is what comes after: the meal that breaks the fast.

Ten years ago, with a toddler at home and invitations to Break Fast gatherings starting too late in the evening, Weinstein and her husband , Eliot, decided to host their own — building a new tradition with friends who, like them, hadn’t grown up in Tidewater.

They started with six families, including their own.

A decade later, the gathering has grown to more than 15 families, including friends who did grow up locally and Weinstein’s own parents, who later retired to Tidewater. The kids in the group have grown up together — the oldest is now a jewishnewsva.org | SEPTEMBER 14, 2026 | JEWISH NEWS | 17

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high school senior.

The evening leans non-traditional: arts and crafts, and s’mores once it gets dark. Weinstein’s youngest even took her first steps at Break the Fast in 2019.

“We’ve realized that we want to make sure that our kids and our friends’ kids are Break Fast at the Weinsteins, 2025. making core memories around the High Holidays,” Weinstein says. “Yom Kippur may seem like a strange choice for something that seems so celebratory, but we’re really just interested in creating community.”

For some guests, it’s become the most consistent holiday plan they have every year — “and we are honored by that,” Weinstein says.

“Wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Yom Kippur may seem like a strange choice for something that seems so celebratory, but we’re really just interested in creating community.

Roasting marshmallows for s’mores at the Weinsteins’ Break Fast.

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

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High Holidays 5787

New children’s books bring the High Holidays to life Penny Schwartz (JTA) — A bumper crop of new kids’ books about the High Holidays is hitting shelves in 2026, surprising close observers of Jewish children’s literature.

“It is unusual for multiple Sukkot books to be published in the same year, especially of consistently high quality. It’s very exciting,” says Heidi Rabinowitz, a Jewish librarian and host of the Book of Life podcast, which describes itself as “a podcast about Jewish kidlit (mostly).”

Rabinowitz notes that one of the books is coming from a mainstream secular press, rather than from the smaller boutique presses that tend to release books about Jewish holidays.

Here’s some of what’s new on shelves this season:

Rosh Hashanah: Square-Circle-Star!: A First Shapes Book Joy Nelkin Wieder; pictures by Aura Lewis Abrams Appleseed; ages birth to 3 Preschoolers will enjoy finding shapes in their favorite Rosh Hashanah traditions with this large-format board book – square bites of honey cake, a round swirl of challah, the curves of the shofar and even apple slice semicircles.

Diving Deep on Rosh Hashanah: Reverse Tashlich for a Better World Rachelle Burk; illustrated by Craig Orback Intergalactic Afikomen; ages 4-10 This children’s book illustrates a relatively new Jewish tradition that has gained wide traction in recent years: the Reverse Tashlich. It recounts the story of Ed Rosenthal, who — years after watching The Underworld of Jacques Cousteau and dreaming of one day seeing the wonders beneath the sea — snorkeled in the Red Sea after hiking in Israel. As a rabbi at a college in Florida, he created the “Scubi Jew Club” for his students to share his passion. At a service for tashlich, the Rosh Hashanah tradition in which Jews cast symbols of their sins into bodies of water, a student suggested instead clearing the water of trash to make a cleaner, better world for the start of the Jewish year. Now, synagogues across the country and world include a reverse tashlich in their High Holiday plans.

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Awe! It’s Everywhere Chana Stiefel; illustrated by Susan Gal Scholastic; ages 4-8 In Chana Stiefel’s simply worded, lavishly illustrated book, young readers can experience awe, in perfect time for the Days of Awe — another term for the period from the start of Rosh Hashanah through Yom Kippur. Awe can be small or miraculous, according to the book, which features mesmerizing illustrations including a double page spread that unfolds to reveal the waterfalls of Yosemite National Park.

I’m Sorry for the Bagel Burps: A Yom Kippur Apology Jacob Sager Weinstein; illustrated by Jason Kirschner Rocky Pond Books; ages 5-8 In this story optimized for children with a penchant for the gross, a young boy and his older brother have a spat when the older one calls him a baby because he’s not old enough to fast on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. In turn, during synagogue services, the young boy teases back. By story’s end, they apologized for their hurtful words and are back to their playful ribbing — all involving fake burps. Jason Kirschner’s cartoon-style illustrations match the levity of the moment.

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Celebrating the Jewish Harvest holiday in Tidewater Haley Bartel Sukkot, which literally translates to “booths” or “huts,” is akin to a fall harvest festival. It’s a holiday that celebrates all God gives, both in terms of crops and shelter. Eating, dwelling, and even sleeping in the sukkah commemorates the time of Jews living in huts while wandering the desert for 40 years.

While not everyone is able to build a sukkah in their backyard, plenty of opportunities to gather in one exist in Tidewater. In fact, most area congregations offer various events, meals, and other occasions for congregants, friends, and guests to enjoy time in their sukkahs – most constructed each year by volunteers.

In addition to congregation-sponsored events, NextGen757, a community group for young Jewish adults, is hosting a five-event series across Tidewater for the holiday, each one held at a different local congregation. According to Hannah Yasemsky, NextGen’s Engagement coordinator, that is by design.

“I wanted the NextGen community to be able to meet all our local synagogues here in a fun and festive way,” she says – something looser than a typical Shabbat service, but “so very Jewish at the same time,” rooted in a shared sense of community and belonging.

For those hoping to build their own sukkah or take up the lulav and etrog at home, several online retailers ship nationwide in time for the holiday.

The Sukkah Project (sukkot.com) sells both DIY sukkah kits and lulav-andetrog sets sourced through Pri Hadar, a longtime supplier of the four species.

EasyEtrog.com and GotEtrog.com both offer kosher lulav-and-etrog sets from Israel, with shipping typically beginning shortly after Rosh Hashanah to ensure freshness for Sukkot, which begins the evening of September 25. Judaica.com is another option for ordering the four species online. Given shipping windows, those interested should plan to order at least a week or two ahead of the holiday.

Whether attending a community Sukkot event, or enjoying a sukkah built in the backyard, there’s a way to mark Sukkot for nearly every kind of celebrant this year. Festive or reflective, family-friendly or adults-only, newcomer or lifelong congregant – Tidewater’s Jewish community has plenty of ways to celebrate the Jewish harvest season, however close to home each person chooses to bring it.

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Sukkot with NextGen United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s NextGen has myriad plans for Sukkot at venues throughout the community. NextGen is for Jewish adults, ages 22 - 45ish.

All Sukkot events can be found at www.Jewishva.org/Nextgen, where registration, which is required, can take place. For additional information, contact Hannah Yasemsky, NextGen engagement coordinator, at 757-470-8080 or Hyasemsky@ujft.org.

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Oktoberfest in the Sukkah Friday, September 25, 7:30 pm, TIDE B’nai Israel This NextGen Oktoberfest-themed Yom Tov/Shabbat dinner takes place in B’nai Israel’s Sukkah. Inspired by the lively spirit of Munich’s Oktoberfest—known for its warm hospitality, festive flavors, and fun atmosphere—this gathering brings a Bavarian twist to one of Judaism’s most joyful harvest holidays. $10 per person. Registration required.

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Under the Stars: Sukkah & Cinema Sunday, September 27, 6 pm, Temple Israel Celebrate Sukkot with UJFT’s NextGen and Temple Israel at a cozy Pop-Up Sukkah experience. Gather for a delicious meal in the sukkah, then settle in for a cinema screening of the acclaimed Israeli film Ushpizin. Bring a favorite blanket, cushion, or pillow, get comfortable, and enjoy an evening of holiday tradition, good food, and great company. Free to attend, registration required.

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Pop-up Sukkah Social Wednesday, September 30, 6:30 pm, Ohef Sholom Temple NextGen teams up with Ohef Sholom Temple for an unforgettable pop-up Sukkot celebration. Come out for an evening of great company, lively games, music under the stars, and fire pits to gather around – all centered around a delicious, harvest-themed meal. Free to attend, registration required.

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Sukkah Hoppin’ and Craftin’ Thursday, October 1, 6 pm, Congregation Beth El Celebrate Sukkot with UJFT’s NextGen and Congregation Beth El at an evening designed for connection and creativity with two distinct gatherings for NextGen families and young adults. Join for one session—or make a night of it and stay for both! Free to attend, registration required.

Family and kid-friendly Sukkah fun time • 6 - 7:30 pm. Bring the entire family into the sukkah for interactive, holiday-inspired activities, hands-on fun, pizza, and meaningful time together.

NextGen singles and adults gathering • 7:30 - 9 pm. Enjoy a guided discussion, appetizers, and an art activity led by Hannah Yasemsky and local creative specialist Sharon Serbin.

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Sukkot with Temple Emanuel: a three-day event marathon Monday, Sept. 28 - Wednesday, Sept. 30, Temple Emanuel Temple Emanuel is hosting a three-day event Sukkot marathon. It opens with the Ahavah Women’s Club potluck dinner, followed by Burgers & Brews in the Sukkah ($15), and closes with a lunch and conversation titled, Fragility, Strength, and Us as part of Emanuel’s Adult Education Program.

For information, go to tevb.org.

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Sukkah Happy Hour with NextGen and KBH Monday, September 28, 5:30 pm Sandler Family Campus Join United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s NextGen and Kehillat Bet Hamidrash (KBH) for a special Sukkah Happy Hour. Hosted in the Sukkah on the Sandler Family Campus, this festive evening offers an opportunity to mingle with the community while enjoying appetizers, drinks, and lively lawn games.

For information, contact Hannah Yasemsky, NextGen engagement coordinator, at 757-470-8080 or Hyasemsky@ujft.org. Free to attend, pre-registration is

required at Jewishva.org/Nextgen.

G’mar Chatima Tova

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High Holidays 5787

Yom Kippur: When “Impossible” becomes “I’m Possible” Rabbi Ari Oliszewski There is something about Yom Kippur that makes time feel different. Perhaps it is the haunting melody of Kol Nidrei, or the fasting, or simply the knowledge that Jews around the world are standing before the same ancient questions: Who have I become?

What have I taken for granted? And, perhaps most importantly: who could I still become?

We tend to think of Yom Kippur as the most solemn day of the Jewish calendar. And it is. But solemnity should not be confused with despair. Yom Kippur may actually be the most hopeful day of the Jewish year — because it makes an extraordinary claim about human beings: we are not finished. And in the same breath, it asks us to see what we already have with new eyes, before life forces us to.

Look at a word we use far too easily: impossible. Now move the space.

I’m possible. It sounds like wordplay, but it may hold one of Yom Kippur’s deepest teachings. Teshuvah is Judaism’s refusal to accept that a human being is ever a finished product.

The Talmud tells us about Resh Lakish, whose life had taken him far from the world of Torah before Rabbi Yochanan encountered him — and saw something Resh Lakish could no longer see in himself: potential, strength that could be redirected, a future that did not have to resemble the past. Resh Lakish changed his life and became one of the great Sages of his generation. His past was real. But it was not his destiny.

Most of us carry something we wish

we could rewrite — a mistake, a broken relationship, words we wish we could take back. Judaism does not ask us to pretend those chapters were never written. It asks something more demanding: what chapter will you write next?

That question becomes sharper when we ask a harder one: what would happen if, suddenly, we lost what we complain about?

What if the complicated relationship with a parent were no longer there? What if the job that exhausts us disappeared tomorrow, and we found ourselves missing it? Something strange happens when we imagine loss — irritation becomes gratitude. Ingratitude begins with the assumption that good things are inevitable. They are not.

Yom Kippur asks us to see our blessings with different eyes, not to frighten us, but to awaken us.

Call your parents. Hold your children a little longer. Apologize while there is still someone to hear it. Say “I love you” before it is left unsaid. Be grateful for the ordinary Tuesday, the crowded table, the imperfect relationship, the friend who still answers the phone. Teshuvah begins when we stop assuming that tomorrow owes us a continuation of today.

Maimonides made one of Judaism’s boldest statements about human freedom: the power is given to every person to incline toward good and be righteous, if one so chooses. We are free — not free from consequences, not free to pretend our mistakes never happened, but free to decide what happens next. And yet we so often build a narrative about ourselves and live

The power is given to every person to incline toward good and be righteous, if one so chooses.

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inside it for years: I am just like this. That relationship is beyond repair. It is too late.

These may be the most dangerous forms of “impossible” — because eventually we stop recognizing them as assumptions and start treating them as facts.

When the final shofar sounds at the close of Yom Kippur, it can feel like an ending. Perhaps it is the opposite. There are relationships still waiting to be repaired, apologies waiting to be spoken, blessings we have failed to notice — and a version of ourselves we have not yet met.

Your past is not your destiny. Your story is not over. And the person you could

still become is waiting for you to begin.

My wish for all of us this Yom Kippur is simple: I wish that we could truly become “I’m possible.” May we find the strength to forgive — the people who hurt us, the chapters we wish were different, and even ourselves — so that we do not need to lose what we have today in order to finally appreciate it. May the things that bother us stop having the power to keep us from the people and the blessings already in front of us.

Gmar Chatimah Tovah.

Rabbi Ari Oliszewski, Temple Emanuel, Virginia Beach.

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High Holidays 5787 It isn’t Yom Kippur Break Fast at my house without this egg casserole Easy, cheesy and can be prepared a day ahead.

24 | JEWISH NEWS | SEPTEMBER 14, 2026 | jewishnewsva.org

Skye Estroff This story originally appeared on The Nosher.

Our family’s approach to Yom Kippur Break Fast is a Southern one. Many North Americans associate this feast with an array of sweet kugels, bagels with all of the accoutrements, rugelach in every flavor, blintzes, and maybe a special cake or two. Chances are you have never seen a spread filled with egg casserole, cream cheese grits, and homemade biscuits.

Before the early 1900s, my family had not either. How did this menu come to be for a half-Sephardi, half-Ashkenazi Jewish family? It’s a funny story.

I recently recovered my greatgrandpa’s autobiography that had been stowed away in storage. He detailed the lengths that it would take to acquire kosher food in Georgia in the early 20th century. Quick synopsis: It required special connections and effort to secure the holiday food necessities from the certified grocer. The “good stuff” was reserved for the residents of Atlanta, Augusta, and Savannah, while little was set aside for small town Jewish families. My family was one of the latter, so we had no choice but to incorporate ingredients that were more accessible into our meal planning. Eggs, grits, and flour were much easier to secure than specialty meats. Thus, Southern-style cuisine became intertwined with our family meals and traditions.

All of this to say that I’ve grown accustomed to this style of Break Fast.

Simple, flavorful and easily digestible foods are the strength and strategy in our Southern-inspired menu.

The hearty pièce de résistance of our table is my mom’s egg casserole. It’s silky, cheesy, and smells amazing coming out of the oven. Egg casserole can be made in advance; refrigerate overnight and forget it until an hour before sunset.

When going in for the bake, know that the egg mixture will be settled so the ratio of bread to egg mixture will look skewed.

It’s not. The “casserole” bakes like a souffle, so the egg mixture will rise and create a pillowy texture to complement the crusty bits of challah that are exposed at the top.

Feel free to modify this recipe to use any kind of bread (i.e. wholewheat, gluten-free, sourdough, etc.), milk instead of half-and-half, or a different sharp

cheese (Gruyere or Manchego would be nice). Serve my mom’s egg casserole alongside cream cheese grits, thick-cut biscuits plus a little bit of fruit and not only will you be covered for the holiday, you’ll get a taste of the lesser-known tradition that we hold so dear.

• Total Time: 3 hours – overnight • Yield: Serves 4-6

Ingredients • 8 oz challah, cubed (half a challah) • 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese • 6 large eggs • 2 cups half-and-half • 1 tsp mustard powder • ½ tsp salt • ¼ tsp black pepper • ½ tsp garlic powder • ½ tsp onion powder

Instructions 1. S pread the cubed challah across the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish.

2. S prinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the bread cubes.

3. I n a large bowl, whisk together eggs, half-and-half, mustard powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.

4. P our the egg mixture evenly over the bread and cheese in the baking dish.

5. C over the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate it overnight (or at least a couple of hours) to allow the bread to absorb the egg mixture.

6. Preheat the oven to 350°F. 7. R emove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes while the oven preheats.

8. Bake, uncovered, for 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set in the middle. Insert a knife in the center to check if it’s fully cooked (it should come out clean).

9. L et the casserole cool for a few minutes before cutting and serving.

Notes • The casserole needs to chill in the fridge for a couple of hours, or overnight, before baking.

• Egg casserole can be made in advance; refrigerate overnight and forget it until an hour before sunset.

High Holidays 5787

Classic Tzimmes Simple, forgiving and easy to make ahead, this dish

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Tzimmes has always been one of those dishes that feels like a hug from the past.

It’s cozy, a little sweet and full of nostalgia — the kind of food that instantly makes me think of family holidays and a table full of favorites. A traditional Ashkenazi Jewish dish, tzimmes is made with a mix of root vegetables (usually big chunks of carrots and sweet potatoes), dried fruits such as prunes and raisins, and sometimes a drizzle of honey or a pinch of warm spices. It shows up often during the High Holidays, since the sweetness is meant to symbolize the hope for a sweet new year.

Like so many traditional recipes, there are endless ways to make it.

Some versions include meat, others get mashed into a smooth casserole, and a few go in a brighter direction with apples or pineapple. Everyone seems to have their own take — but the one I come back to again and again is simple and classic. Just chunky carrots and sweet potatoes baked slowly with prunes and raisins until they’re tender, glossy, and perfectly sweet without being too much. It’s a family favorite, and one of those dishes that always makes an appearance on our holiday

table, no matter what else we’re serving.

One of the best parts about this recipe? It’s super forgiving. You can make it ahead (a couple of days in the fridge, or even weeks in the freezer), and it reheats beautifully. Honestly, it’s one of those holiday dishes that takes the stress down a notch because it’s ready when you are.

And as a bonus, this version is vegetarian and dairy-free, which makes it easy to share with just about anyone at the table. Simple, comforting and holiday-ready — exactly what tzimmes should be!

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (15 minutes of prep) • Serves: 4-6

Ingredients • 2 lb. carrots, peeled, trimmed, and cut into ½-inch-thick slices • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks • 1 cup prunes (or dried apricots, or a mix) • ½ cup golden raisins • 2 Tbsp vegetable oil • 3 Tbsp brown sugar • 1 tsp cinnamon • ½ tsp kosher salt • ¼ tsp black pepper • 1 cup orange juice

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www.altmeyerfuneralandcremation.com and the sauce thickened into a glaze.

5. S erve warm.

Instructions 1. P reheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish.

2. P lace the carrots, sweet potatoes, prunes, and raisins in a large bowl.

Drizzle with the oil, then add the brown sugar, cinnamon, salt and pepper. Toss to coat.

3. P our in the orange juice and toss again to coat.

4. T ransfer to your prepared baking dish, cover tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour 30 minutes, stirring once or twice. The vegetables should be tender

Notes • To refrigerate: Cool the tzimmes completely, then cover and refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat, covered, at 325°F until warmed through. Add a splash of orange juice or water if needed.

• To freeze: Cool completely before freezing in an airtight container for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat, covered, at 325°F until hot, stirring once or twice.

jewishnewsva.org | SEPTEMBER 14, 2026 | JEWISH NEWS | 25

a v o T a L'Shan 5787

THE BOARDS AND STAFF OF THE UNITED JEWISH FEDERATION OF TIDEWATER

AND THE SIMON FAMILY JCC WISH YOU A SWEET & HAPPY NEW YEAR!

A Place to Connect Along the Dementia Journey:

JFS Dementia Café

A place where people living with dementia, their families, friends, and care partners can gather in a friendly, welcoming setting.

Beginning this October, Jewish Family Service of Tidewater, in partnership with Marcia Brodie, invites you to join our monthly Dementia Café.

Enjoy social engagement and stimulating entertainment Join in activities that encourage participation and immersion Build lasting relationships with peers for support Feel confident in a safe and inclusive environment Marcia Brodie is a Certified Independent Positive Approach to Care™ Trainer who helps caregivers and professionals better understand dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and MCI while focusing on remaining abilities, communication, and creating positive experiences for caregivers and their loved ones.

Connection • Support • Community

Second Monday of Every Month First Session October 12 1:00–3:00 p.m.

Simon Family JCC 5000 Corporate Woods Dr, Virginia Beach Free to attend. Registration required.

Register with Julie Kievit, jkievit@jfshamptonroads.org or 757-321-2318

With funding provided by Beth Sholom Village Foundation

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