Special Section - Mazel Tov (Nov 2025)

jewishnewsva.org | NOVEMBER 10, 2025 | JEWISH NEWS | 15

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Mazel Tov Dear Readers, Hearing “Mazel Tov!” in my opinion, is the best and warmest form of congratulations.

It comes with equal parts happiness, compliments, and Jewish affection. There’s nothing formal about “Mazel Tov!” Rather, it conjures up images of chairs being raised, glasses lifted, and shouts of “L’chaim!” What can be bad?

In this section devoted to all varieties of reasons to say “Mazel Tov!” we celebrate milestones for birthdays, businesses, and festivals, awards and recognitions, and one of

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the most joyful of occasions – marriages.

In fact, the article that begins on the adjacent page features several local weddings with photos of very beautiful brides and handsome grooms. Some of the latest twists that make each ceremony and celebration unique to the couple are also highlighted – and might be worth taking note of if planning an event for any purpose.

One other piece I want to mention is the one about Rabbi Israel Zoberman who celebrates a milestone birthday this month – turning 80 years old. While he’s lived on three continents, Tidewater has been his home the longest. Happy Birthday and Mazel Tov Rabbi!

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Mazel Tov

Weddings with personalized twists for these area brides Stephanie Peck Four young women, with childhood roots in Jewish Tidewater, have nuptials on the mind. Now spread out across the country, three of these Virginia natives recently married, while one is still in the planning stages.

Hannah Diehl Testa and her husband, Kevin Testa, reside in Charleston, S.C., where she is a consultant and he works in sales. In September, they were married at the Historic Cavalier Hotel in Virginia Beach.

Julia Rosenblum Hartley, and her husband, Doug Harley, live in Seattle, where she is in her second year of residency in family medicine and he is a research engineer with Blue Origin. Their dream wedding, overlooking the beach at Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort, was upended by Mother Nature who created a rain-soaked weekend.

Fortunately, Plan B had been strategized

beforehand and everything moved inside, seemingly seamlessly.

Both the Hartleys and the Testas were married days before their weddings in front of a justice of the peace, since their officiants would not be recognized by the Commonwealth of Virginia. According to an article on theknot.com, a wedding site, this courthouse approach to saying “I do” satisfies the legality of the marriage, provides for more flexibility during the ceremony, and allows loved ones to officiate. The Testas recited their vows as the bride’s aunt, Laurie Seigel, officiated. A friend of the groom’s served as officiant at the Hartleys’ September wedding.

Also, that month, Becca Schwartzman, a transition specialist at Ivymount School in Rockville, Md., married Alec Gershen, an associate at Troutman Pepper Locke

LLP in Washington D.C., at the Westin Philadelphia where Rabbi Andrew Markowitz officiated.

When asked what was special about the wedding, Becca’s parents, Susan and Eric Schwartzman, say, “Aside from having our family and friends join us in celebrating Becca and Alec’s marriage, what touched us most was the Groom’s Tisch, the Bedecken, and the signing of the Ketubah. These customs—honoring the groom and the bride as individuals and then joyfully uniting them before they walked down the aisle to the chuppah, felt sacred and was wonderfully festive.

We loved that Becca and Alec chose to make these traditions part of their wedding.”

Julia and Doug Hartley.

Hannah and Kevin Testa.

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Mazel Tov

left: Alec Gershen sees his bride, Becca Schwartzman for the first time. top middle: Becca and Alec Gershen changed for the reception.

Sean Miller and Rachael Stromberg.

bottom middle: The Gershens display their ketubah.

In May of 2027, Rachael Stromberg will marry her high school sweetheart, Sean Miller, at the Chrysler Museum, in a ceremony officiated by Rabbi Roz Mandelberg. Rachel works as an early childhood educator at Edlavitch D.C. JCC while completing a Speech Language Pathology Master’s Program, and Sean is a business analyst at McKinsey and Company.

All four couples opted for a black-tie dress code.

Several other planning details have evolved as this new generation weds. These current brides curated this very personal milestone with their own twists.

For starters, the three married couples shared wedding updates and registry on theknot.com, an option not available to previous generations.

Testa and Gershen added signature accents to their celebrations. Hannah and Kevin incorporated 18 | JEWISH NEWS | NOVEMBER 10, 2025 | jewishnewsva.org

heirlooms on their wedding day, including their parents’ wedding pictures on the cake table, an ‘in memory of’ table with pictures, and the same cake topper on their wedding cake that had adorned the Diehls’ wedding cake a generation ago.

Hannah’s robe, worn during hair and makeup, was made with lace from her mother’s wedding dress.

The Gershens, who met at summer camp, had signature drinks at their wedding, each with a connection to camp, plus a Mojito named for their dog, Mordi. Becca designed personalized matchboxes, also featuring their beloved pet.

Changing into a reception dress adds a second chapter to the wedding event and another chance for the bride to express her style. Both Testa and

Gershen changed from a wedding gown to a party dress in the later hour. Alec Gershen even changed from his black tuxedo into a white dinner jacket for the remainder of the evening.

The Hartley wedding included another trend that took flight in 2025 – the color green. A New York Times article shares that 11 percent of couples chose sage as their prominent color choice this year. Bridesmaids in this wedding wore sage green dresses, and the organic theme continued over the dance floor where white flowers amidst lush greens descended from the ceiling, dotted with large disco balls for a party vibe.

An ice cream trolley offered a selection of flavors and toppings as the cake stood nearby, ready for slicing. Ellen Rosenblum, Julia’s mother, says her favorite part of the night was the couple’s first dance. “They love each other so much, and they smiled the whole time.”

Mazel Tov

Rabbi Dr. Israel Zoberman turns 80 He is the founder and spiritual leader of Celebrating his 80th birthday this month, Temple Lev Tikvah in Virginia Beach and Rabbi Israel Zoberman has packed a lot the Honorary Senior Rabbi Scholar of into his eight decades – including living Eastern Shore Chapel Episcopal Church in on three continents. Tidewater has been Virginia Beach. his home since 1981.

Rabbi Zoberman offered prayers Born on November 12, 1945, in Chu, twice in the U.S. Senate and twice in Kazakhstan to Polish Holocaust survivors, the U.S. House of Rabbi Dr. Israel Representatives.

Zoberman is He was the guest believed to be of Presidents the world’s only George W. Bush, KazakhstanBarack Obama born rabbi. He and Joe Biden spent his early at White House childhood in Hanukkah Displaced Persons receptions. Cox Camps in Austria Cable and Mayor and Germany Meyra Oberndorf following of Virginia Beach an escape honored him as from Poland. a “Great Citizen Immigrating to of Hampton Haifa, Israel in Roads” in 1989.

1949 with his On his 30th family, he served Rabbi Israel Zoberman in the Wetzlar, Germany DP Camp.

Anniversary in the IDF (Israel of ordination, he was honored by the Defense Forces) in the 1960’s.

Senate of Virginia Joint Resolution Rabbi Zoberman earned a bachelor’s No. 134. Mayors Oberndorf, Sessoms, degree in Hebrew literature from Chicago’s and Dyer of Virginia Beach honored College of Jewish Studies (today’s Spertus him respectively with “Rabbi Israel Institute) in 1969, and his B.A. in Zoberman Day.” Political Science from Chicago’s Roosevelt Rabbi Zoberman has also University in 1970. He has a M.A. degree represented the Jewish community at in political science from the University of civic events in Chesapeake, with former Illinois at Chicago. Rabbi Zoberman was Mayor Krasnoff and the Chesapeake ordained as a Reform Rabbi at the Hebrew City Council presenting him with a Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion Certificate of Recognition on his 40th in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1974. His alma Anniversary in Rabbinic Ministry. mater granted him an honorary Doctor He represented the Holocaust of Divinity degree in 1999. He is the only survivors who found refuge during WWII rabbi to earn a doctoral degree in Pastoral in Kazakhstan at a ceremony at the US Care and Counseling from the McCormick Holocaust Memorial Museum.

Theological Seminary (affiliated with the Nobel Peace Laureate and Holocaust Presbyterian Church USA) in Chicago, survivor Elie Wiesel wrote about Rabbi Illinois in 1980. He was the founding Zoberman, “As the son of Holocaust rabbi of Congregation Beth Chaverim, survivors, founder of his congregation where he led for more than 30 years, and in Virginia, and outspoken writer on previously served as an associate rabbi Jewish and community issues, he has of Ohef Sholom Temple (1981-1982).

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On his 50th Ordination Anniversary, Rabbi Zoberman was honored by the Virginia Legislature Joint Resolution 235 “As an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration for his legacy of service and for his many contributions to the Commonwealth.”

The American flag was flown over the United States Capitol in honor of Rabbi Zoberman’s special anniversary by

Senator Mark Warner of Virginia and was presented to him. Congresswoman Jennifer A. Kiggans of Virginia honored him in the Congressional Record with an article and issued a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition. Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia acknowledged it with a moving statement of appreciation. Mayor Dyer of Virginia Beach honored him with a Proclamation, June 1, 2024, as “Rabbi Israel Zoberman Day.” Married to Jennifer, Rabbi Zoberman is the father of a son and daughter, and grandfather to two boys.

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Mazel Tovw

Henry Scolnick, a Tidewater teen, receives multiple accolades for community service Stephanie Peck A junior at Cape Henry Collegiate, Henry Scolnick was recently named one of this year’s recipients for the Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Award. Henry is the youngest recipient in this year’s cohort.

Awarded annually by The Helen Diller Family Foundation, up to 15 Jewish teens receive $36,000 each for their leadership efforts to change the world. The awards website notes that “Young people have the power and passion to create ripples of good and repair the world.”

In middle school, Henry founded Ballers Basketball, a league for neurodivergent students in Hampton Roads. The league holds weekly winter

practices that draw dozens of participants and neurotypical volunteers.

Henry’s younger brother, Oliver, has autism. “For me, tikkun olam means inclusion,” Henry says in his video profile for the Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Award.

He and Oliver did everything growing up together, Henry explains, and the older Scolnick wanted his brother to have every opportunity. This goal sparked the creation of Ballers Basketball.

Henry is also a founding member of Cape Henry’s Upper School Service Council and the president of the Volunteerism Club.

In both roles, he engages his peers in the school’s community outreach and service learning with the goal of

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improving the lives of others.

The Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Award ceremony was held in August at the Four Seasons Hotel in San Francisco. Henry spent a few days before the event at a Shabbaton with the other recipients. The teens also spent time with past awardees.

Henry and Oliver Scolnick.

Lauren and Aaron Scolnick, Henry and Oliver’s parents, attribute much of Oliver’s success in life to his older brother. “Oliver was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder when he was three years old. From that moment on, we worked tirelessly to provide him with every possible support and service in the hopes that he would lead a happy and fulfilling life—full of joy, friendship, and laughter. The number of services he has received is countless at this point, but we can say with absolute certainty that having Henry as his big

Henry Scolnick coaches and recruits volunteers for Champions Baseball.

20 | JEWISH NEWS | NOVEMBER 10, 2025 | jewishnewsva.org

brother has been the most meaningful and significant intervention of all.”

Additionally, through the Horn School of Entrepreneurship at University of Delaware, Henry was named one of the Top 100 Emerging Innovators this year.

He and two other Cape Henry Collegiate students stood out among a group of highly competitive applicants from 34 nations and 25 states. This program celebrates young changemakers committed to turning ideas into action and provides them with recognition and visibility.

In an email announcement of the award, Will Tragert, head of Cape Henry’s Upper School, commended the teen, saying, “This is a tremendous achievement.

Henry has worked for years in support of special needs children. He has grown remarkably as a leader and community advocate, and I am thrilled to see his efforts recognized far beyond Cape Henry.”

“Giving kids like Oliver the opportunity to feel included, to feel accepted, means the world to me,” Henry shares.

The league includes players with Downs Syndrome, and those who are nonverbal or who need a wheelchair. “Everyone can come together with a sense of belonging.

“I'm learning that leadership isn't just about being in charge, but about bringing people together, making connections, and lifting others up.”

Mazel Tov Scolnick raises nearly $8,000 in 10 minutes Henry Scolnick gave a speech at this year’s Annual Aid Another Gala, an event sponsored by Aid Another, an organization founded to promote and empower individuals with disabilities through dance, music, art, educational assistance, recreational activities, and sports. Henry explained what Tikkun Olam means and how he is doing his part to repair the world.

He shared with everyone that in Judaism, chai means “life.”

“In Judaism, the number 18 means chai or ‘life.’ I have chosen to donate $1,800 of my (Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Award) scholarship to Ballers to ensure the ‘life’ of the program continues to be a success.

But it takes much more than that to make it happen. I’m asking for your help tonight. I invite you all to come together to match my donation.

Chai is good, but double chai is even better!”

Henry was hoping for a match, but “what happened next was a ripple effect of good,” says Lauren Scolnick, Henry’s mother. The Cape Henry junior raised an additional $6,100 for Ballers Basketball, the league he founded to offer children with disabilities an opportunity to play organized basketball.

Combined with his $1,800 commitment, Henry raised $7,900 in just 10 minutes.

In addition to founding Ballers Basketball and fundraising for the nonprofit, Henry also coaches and performs all volunteer recruiting for Champions Baseball, a program of Aid Another, every Saturday.

To donate to Ballers Basketball, go to https://GiveButter.com/ BallersSponsor26.

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jewishnewsva.org | NOVEMBER 10, 2025 | JEWISH NEWS | 21

Mazel Tov

Jay Kossman recognized as an ODU Alumni Association Alumni Honoree for 2025 The ODU Alumni Association celebrates distinguished and outstanding ODU graduates, as well as friends of the University, who have excelled in their professions and made lasting impacts on their communities and #MonarchNation.

Honorees may be recognized as Distinguished Alumni, Honorary Alumni, and with the Jack Frost Alumni Service Award.

The 2025 Alumni Honors, hosted by the Old Dominion University Alumni Association, took place on Thursday, October 23 with about 400 people attending.

Jay Kossman, class of 1968, received the Jack Frost Alumni Service Award. The Roger L. (Jack) Frost ’61 Alumni Service Award recognizes alumni for exemplary leadership and significant, compassionate service to community, state, and nation.

“I am truly honored and most grateful to have been selected for such a prestigious recognition,” says Kossman.

“Thanks to the many of you who have been a part of

this journey.”

A Norfolk native, Kossman grew up in West Ghent, graduating from Maury High School before enrolling at Old Dominion where he was elected Judicial Vice President of the Student Government Association.

After graduating from Old Dominion, Kossman embarked on his first career in industrial sales before transitioning into healthcare, becoming the first director of marketing at Optima Health Plan (now Sentara).

His healthcare career led to consulting Jay Kossman. positions at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and Navigant Consulting.

His contributions to healthcare leadership have earned recognition from theAmerican College of Healthcare

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Executives, receiving the Senior-Level Healthcare Executive, Regent's Award.

Kossman also served on ODU’s College of Health Sciences Advisory Board and the Dean Search Committee.

He was co-chair of the 1930 Society, recognizing planned giving donors who support ODU’s mission.

Involvement with multiple not-forprofit boards and committees include Kossman’s role as board chairman of a senior services organization and the Norfolk City School Health Committee. Kossman is the immediate past president of Beth Sholom Village, is a member of the Norfolk Rotary Club, a trustee at Congregation Beth El, and serves on the board of the Tidewater Jewish Foundation.

Mazel Tov

Golden Lifestyle Partners celebrates 5th anniversary Stephanie Peck Terrace, 2015 - 2020. Now, two former BSV employees Mikelle Rappaport, founder, owner, and executive director have joined forces with Rappaport as senior care of Golden Lifestyle Partners, consultants at Golden Lifestyle knows firsthand how difficult Partners: Kay Kirschman, it can be to manage transitions previously a social worker for seniors. As a caregiver to and discharge planner at The her grandparents, and now Berger Goldrich Home, and to her mother with dementia, Allison Hechtkopf, who held Rappaport understands that many titles at BSV, Aviva seniors and their families benefit Pembroke, and Freda A. Gordon from having an advocate to Hospice and Palliative Care. accompany them through a “Beth Sholom Village was loved one’s aging process and home to an exceptional team, the potential move from living and we’re thankful for the at home to a continuing care experiences that shaped our facility. time there. We’ve each moved As a geriatric social worker forward with gratitude and and licensed nursing home positivity, ready to begin new administrator, Rappaport chapters. Working together worked at Beth Sholom Village again allows us to better serve as the administrator of The our community and help Allison Hechtkopf, Mikelle Rappaport, and Kay Kirschman.

families navigate senior living with clarity and understanding from a new point of view,” says Rappaport.

Golden Lifestyle Partners specializes in providing senior living placement services, transitional care coordination, and health care advocacy to seniors and their families within Tidewater. They help compile a list of senior living communities that best suit a family’s needs by identifying budget requirements and the extent of care necessary for the senior.

In addition, Golden Lifestyle Partners assists with transitional care coordination from the hospital to home or to skilled nursing/rehabilitation care. They also provide home care coordination and ongoing patient advocacy.

A locally owned and operated business, Golden Lifestyle Partners offers local expertise. With more than 25 years of experience working with seniors in numerous capacities, Rappaport stresses that her company’s “strength comes from our deep roots in the community and the trust we’ve built with local families.

“Our mission is simple – to guide you and your loved one toward the best decision with care, honesty, and compassion.”

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Mazel Tov

Celebrate a century of Jewish books Hunter Thomas In 1925, Fanny Goldstein, a Jewish librarian at the Boston Public Library, decided Jewish books and Jewish pride deserved celebration. She created a display of Jewish books at the West End Branch, launching the first Jewish Book Week. By 1927, Jewish communities nationwide adopted the event, observing it annually around Shavuot. In 1940, it shifted to the week before Hanukkah to encourage gifting Jewish books. That same year, Goldstein founded and chaired the National Committee for Jewish Book Week. In 1944, the celebration expanded to a month, and the committee became the Jewish Book Council (JBC), now the longest-running organization devoted exclusively to Jewish literature.

Today, United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and Simon Family JCC

are part of the JBC Network, a group of roughly 130 Jewish organizations across North America that give more than 250 authors a platform to promote their work each year. Tidewater has embraced the JBC’s mission to celebrate Jewish content and support Jewish authors.

JCCs remain cultural hubs of Jewish life, a role reinforced when the JBC partnered with the National Jewish Welfare Board (later the Jewish Community Centers Association) in 1945.

More than 40 years since what is now known as the Lee & Bernard Jaffe Family Jewish Book Festival began, UJFT and Simon Family JCC continue to steward the community’s reputation as “the people of the book.”

Here are some ways to celebrate Jewish Book Month this year, a century after

its founding, November 13 – December 13, 2025:

Attend an event of the Lee & Bernard Jaffe Family Jewish Book Festival UJFT’s annual Book Festival offers something for everyone.

On Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 1 pm, UJFT is partnering with JBC and its other network sites for a Community One Read event: a conversation between Rabbi Angela Buchdahl and Abigail

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Pogrebin. Rabbi Buchdahl, the first Asian-American to be ordained as a rabbi; and author, journalist, and former Book Festival speaker Abigail Pogrebin will speak to an online audience across North America

about Buchdahl’s memoir, The Heart of a Stranger, a spiritual guide for everyday living.

In-person events will take place with Rachel Simons (founder of Chelsea Market’s Seed + Mill on Thursday, Nov. 20), Rick Mersel (local author and co-founder of the NorVa, on Thursday, Dec. 4), and expert storyteller Corey Rosen (on Thursday, Dec. 11). Learn more at JewishVA.org/BookFest.

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Register for Tidewater’s Great Jewish Bookshelf

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.

24 | JEWISH NEWS | NOVEMBER 10, 2025 | jewishnewsva.org

Scan the QR code, learn more and apply now!

The Great Jewish Bookshelf is a gateway to a richer connection to Jewish heritage, culture, and contemporary thought. Designed for Jewish adults, or adults of other faiths interested in learning more about the Jewish experience, this unique subscription program delivers handpicked Jewish literature directly to the subscriber’s doorstep every two months. Register at JewishVA.org/GJB. Interested in joining the GJB selection committee? Contact Sierra Lautman, senior director of Jewish Innovation, at SLautman@UJFT. org or 757-965-6107.

Mazel Tov ––––––––––––––––––––––––

Make sure children, grandchildren, or any Jewish child is signed up for PJ Library PJ Library mails free, high-quality Jewish children’s literature and music to families with children from birth through age 12 across North America. PJ Library in Tidewater at United Jewish Federation of Tidewater partners in these efforts and offers high-quality programming in the area with the goal of connecting Jewish families. To register kids, contact Blake Sisler, coordinator of Youth and Family Engagement, at BSisler@UJFT.org or 757-965-6127.

The Book Festival’s visiting authors, as well as many titles for the programs mentioned above, are selected through the JBC Network, which convenes annually for a conference via Zoom in May. During the conference, attendees listen to more than 250 authors give two-minute pitches of their books, in what can only be described as author speed dating. Attend the conference and help select which authors will present at next year’s festival. Contact Hunter Thomas, director of Arts + Ideas, at HThomas@UJFT.org or 757-965-6137 for more information.

Contributing to UJFT’s annual campaign is a great way to support all

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Visit JewishBookCouncil.org/Books for book suggestions ––––––––––––––––––––––––

Volunteer or contribute to help guide UJFT’s work promoting Jewish literature

Beyond these programs, UJFT has several initiatives devoted to getting Jewish books in the hands of Jewish students and community members.

UJFT’s Konikoff Center for Learning’s Jewish American Heritage Month Book Project supplements school libraries with books featuring Jewish characters to ensure Jewish students feel represented, and to teach other students about Jewish culture. The program provides three titles to more than 300 public and independent schools, amounting to more than 1,000 books distributed annually. Contact Sierra Lautman, senior director of Jewish Innovation, at SLautman@UJFT.org or 757-965-6107 to join the project’s selection committee.

The White Rose Project of UJFT’s Holocaust Commission sends books designed to deepen students’ knowledge and understanding of the Holocaust to dozens of middle and high schools throughout Tidewater each year. To contribute to the program, contact commission director Elka Mednick at EMednick@UJFT.org or 757-965-6112.

these programs. Visit JewishVA.org/ Campaign or contact Amy Zelenka, chief development officer, at AZelenka@UJFT. org or 757-965-6139.

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And more!

•R ead a Jewish book.

(Visit JewishBookCouncil.org/Books for book suggestions).

• Buy a book by a Jewish author. (Support the UJFT’s Book Festival by buying books at JewishVA.org/BookShop).

• J oin or start a book club. (Learn about Simon Family’s JCC book club at JewishVA.org/BookClub) •R ead a Jewish book to children. (And volunteer to Be a Reader. UJFT’s BeAR literacy program places volunteer mentors with students in eight Title I elementary schools in Virginia Beach and Norfolk. Learn more and sign up to be a reader at JewishVA.org/Bear) •A sk local libraries and bookstores to stock Jewish books.

•F ollow your favorite authors on social media (especially Goodreads) and comment on their feeds with positive reviews.

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Finally

UJFT wants to see how YOU celebrate

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Jewish books and authors. Snap a photo of you and your favorite Jewish book or of your bookshelf and post it online with the hashtags #JewishBookMonth, #JewishBookMonth100, and #CelebrateACenturyOfJewishBooks.

Make sure to tag @UJFTidewater, @ SimonFamilyJ, and @JewishBookCouncil.

Here’s to 100 years more of Jewish literary tradition.

With the international rise in antisemitism since the events of October 7, 2023, the JBC has launched an initiative for authors, publishers, publicists, agents, editors, and

readers to report antisemitic literaryrelated incidents. If you have experienced or witnessed an antisemitic incident in literary spaces, email Reporting@ JewishBooks.org with information and a description of what occurred. If the incident occurred locally, please also report it to the UJFT and the Secure Communities Network by visiting JewishVA.org/Report.

Hunter Thomas is director of Arts + Ideas at the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater.

For more information about these events and initiatives, contact him at HThomas@UJFT. org or 757-965-6137.

jewishnewsva.org | NOVEMBER 10, 2025 | JEWISH NEWS | 25

Mazel Tov A Bissel of Yiddish

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A combination of High German and Hebrew, Yiddish is a language historically spoken by Ashkenazi Jews.

In Tidewater, the Yiddish Club embraces Yiddish culture, language, and history with music, film, poetry, and literature at its monthly meetings. For information, go to www.Jewishva.org/YiddishClub.

Through A Bissel of Yiddish, Jewish News hopes to introduce and remind readers of a few Yiddish words and phrases – many that have found their way into everyday conversation in America.

For this edition of Mazel Tov, we explore words pertaining to simchas and celebrations, including the one guest who is never happy.

Bashert Bashert means predestined by God: An event, set of circumstances, or situation can all be referred to as bashert, implying that whatever happens was orchestrated by God, who ultimately has one’s best interests in mind.

Bashert can also refer to one’s soulmate. Indeed, the Talmud notes that 40 days before a fetus is formed, a heavenly echo declares whom it is intended to marry.

Kvetch Those who kvetch are the complainers, the ones to say something is not right or satisfactory. These are the people who grumble and make an unpleasant fuss.

Kvetch can be either a verb or a noun – the complaint or the complainer.

Schmooze To schmooze is to talk with someone in a friendly way – often to gain some advantage.

Schmooze derives from the Yiddish shmuesn, which in turn derives from Hebrew shemuah, meaning rumor.

Its earliest written reference dates to 1897. When the term was borrowed into American English, it originally meant to have a warm conversation— to shoot the breeze—to pass the time chatting. (archive.news.ufl.edu)

Kibitz or Kibbitz Stemming from the German word kiebitzen, kibitz means to chat, banter, or joke, especially in a lighthearted or informal manner; to fool around.

Nunez Fine Jewelers celebrates 20 years in business Stephanie Peck Nunez Fine Jewelers, located at Hilltop in Virginia Beach, is celebrating a milestone anniversary this year. For 20 years, this family-owned business has offered personalized service, on-site repairs, and quality custom work.

Pete Nunez, the store’s co-owner and a jeweler, has more than 40 years’ experience in jewelry design and restoration. His many awards, including one as “Jewelry Repair Shop Manager of the Year” for his craftsmanship and management, are reflective of why customers return again and again for jewelry purchases and repairs.

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Another testimonial to their reputation and workmanship comes from Goldbar Jewelers, a business that has closed its doors and referred their loyal customers to Nunez.

“With a leap of faith in 2005, Pete and I opened Nunez Fine Jewelers. We are stunned to see how fast 20 years have gone by,” says Debbie Nunez, co-owner, manager, and designer. “We’ve enjoyed meeting and serving so many people in our community, doing everything from jewelry repairs, custom designs, appraisals, or watch services. We look forward to our daughter serving the next generations as time marches onward. Jewish News has been a wonderful partner in getting our name out