Israeli Dance: Good for the Spirit and Body
Wednesdays, 5:30 PM • Simon Family JCC
"Despite the terrible pain, shock, and outrage we are experiencing in light of the events unfolding in Israel, we must not lose hope. We stand with Israel — and for Israel,” says instructor Pati.
"Therefore, I invite all of you to join us in dancing for Israel, honoring the lives of those who were unjustly taken from us too soon and sending good vibes and positive thoughts to all those who steadfastly continue to fight for a stronger and vibrant Israel. Am Israel Chai!"
NEW MELTON COURSE - Press Pause, Rest Assured
WEDNESDAYS @2PM, BEGINS OCTOBER 11 • TEMPLE EMANUEL
The Jewish approach to mindfulness and self-care traces back to the roots of creation. The concept of a week comes from the Jewish marking of six days of work and one day of rest. For six days each week, we actively interact with the world. On the seventh, we reflect on our actions. We pause, rest, reflect and reboot. In this unit, we will explore Shabbat and the role of time in Judaism. Along with other prescribed Jewish practices that ask us to pause, reflect and refrain from business as usual. Together, we will reflect on the practices that allow us to start anew, week after week, and year after year. JewishVA.org/Melton to register. Use code “60FY24” to receive $60 off.
Rebecca Clarren, author of The Cost of Free Land: Jews, Lakota, and an American Inheritance
Sunday, November 19, 2pm • Chrysler Museum of Art
Rebecca Clarren melds investigative reporting with her personal history, revealing the intertwined stories of her family and the Lakota, and a devastating loss of Indigenous land and culture.FREE and open to the community. For more information and to register, visit JewishVA.org/BookFest or contact Hunter Thomas at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Presented by the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and Simon Family JCC’s Lee & Bernard Jaffe Family Jewish Book Festival in partnership with the Chrysler Museum of Art and the museum’s Native Advisory Council.
Corie Adjmi, author of The Marriage Box
Monday, November 20, 12pm • Simon Family JCC
In her debut novel, Corie Adjmi introduces readers to the world of a teenage Jewish Syrian girl growing up in the 1970s, looking for love and a place to belong. $8 for JCC members and adults 55+ | $12 for non-members. Lunch included with ticket. For more information and to register, visit JewishVA.org/BookFest or contact Hunter Thomas at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Israel Connection Club
SUNDAYS & THURSDAYS • Your Home
Our shinshinim Maya and Naomi are bringing their love and knowledge of all-things-Israel directly to your home. As a host, you provide snacks, a comfortable space, and a minimum of 6 kids. Maya & Naomi will bring games, recipes, music, crafts and more!
You choose whether you’d like to host an Israel Connection Club session at your home on a Sunday or a Thursday, and help insure 6 (or more) kids will be there. Maya and Naomi will take care of the rest! Learn more: JewishVA.org/IsraelClub
Yiddish Club
2nd & 4th Tuesdays, 1:00 PM • Simon Family JCC
Yiddish Club is returning to the Simon Family JCC. This event promises to be a joyous occasion where attendees can reconnect with old friends and make new ones who share a love for Yiddishkeit. The Yiddish Club is a vibrant hub for preserving and promoting the Yiddish language and its rich heritage, making it an essential part of the community. This club is free and open to the community and will reoccur on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays throughout the year. For more information and to RSVP, please visit JewishVA.org/YiddishClub or contact Mia Klein at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 757-452-3184.
Annual Blood Drive
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29 | 11-3 pm • SIMON FAMILY JCC
It’s time for our annual JCC - American Red Cross Blood Drive, which will take place in the Jaffe Family Gym inside the Simon Family JCC on Wed, Nov. 29 from 11am to 3pm. At the link you find your way to the sign up page for a time slot that works best for you. Let’s make this a success, again, as in year’s past! The Red Cross needs our help to meet emergency blood quotas. JewishVA.org/GiveBlood
A Celebration of the National Library of Israel with Adina Kanefield & David Makovsky
Wednesday, November 29 | 7:30pm • Simon Family JCC
The National Library of Israel works to preserve the written word of the worldwide Jewish community throughout the ages. Join Adina Kanefield, NLI USA CEO, and David Makovsky, NLI USA Co-President, for a discussion of this important work and an exploration of some of its most valued treasures, shared in the newly published book 101 Treasures from the National Library of Israel.
FREE and open to the community. For more information and to register, visit JewishVA.org/BookFest or contact Hunter Thomas at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Presented by the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and Simon Family JCC’s Lee & Bernard Jaffe Family Jewish Book Festival as part of the Jewish Community Relations Council of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, Simon Family JCC, & Community Partners’ 13th annual Israel Today Series.
BeAR (Be A Reader) needs volunteers for the 23/24 school year!
We would love to add you to our team of mentors!
One hour a week, one-on-one quality reading time with your BeAR student will help them foster a love for reading while building a meaningful bond.
If you are concerned about the time commitment, consider the BeAR Share volunteer option, where two volunteers share the weekly time obligation for their student. Contact Robin Ford at 757-321-2304 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The Humusiya is Tidewater’s Tastiest (and Kosher) Israeli Cuisine
Chef Eitan Altshuler presents his best take on authentic Israeli cuisine each week in a list of tantalizing specials that can be found on The Cardo Café menu (as well as online at Humusiya.com). His famously light and delectable hummus, plus items like shawarma, Za’atar pita, and more are featured each week and available for dine in (at the JCC), ordering ahead for takeout, or DoorDash delivery. All of which can be found at the website or by clicking here.
