GENEROUS MATCHING GIFT FOR UKRAINE FUND & CONTINUED GIVING 

The Tidewater Ukraine Emergency Fund has now raised almost $450,000 in gifts and pledges to help the people of Ukraine. Over $278,000 has been distributed to directly assist Ukrainians through our overseas partners. We are within $30,000 of securing the new $200,000 matching gift, a challenge from a generous donor in our community, which will quickly be distributed to help meet the needs.  Thank you for your generosity! 

TO GIVE ONLINE, GO TO: www.jewishva.org/Ukraine2022  

TO GIVE WITH A CHECK, PLEASE MAIL TO:  

United Jewish Federation of Tidewater 
Attention: Ukraine Emergency Fund  
5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Suite 200  
Virginia Beach, VA 23462

EXPERIENCE OUR JEWISH ART CLASS FREE, IN PERSON OR FROM HOME

MAY 16, 12 PM

There are only 2 more Jewish Art Education classes available this Spring; the next is this Monday, May 16th at noon. Instructor and art historian Nancy Kotz will teach a class on "The Art of Tikkun Olam / Fixing The World." As Jews are charged to perform acts of kindness and repair the world, how has this been reflected in our art? We'll look back and discuss examples. Plus, this (and the next class on May 23rd featuring the works of Mark Chagall) will have a "maker" element; you'll have the change to participate in a hands-on art activity!

Furthermore, for those attending this program in person, lunch is included. You can also stream this class from home. Thanks to a generous donor, all JAE classes are free. Click below to register. For questions, email Sierra at: SLautman@UJFT.org

ELIE WIESEL VISUAL ART COMPETITION WINNERS NOW ON DISPLAY 

THROUGH MAY 31, SIMON FAMILY JCC

This year, more than 1,200 students from around the U.S. submitted written and visual creative works for the Holocaust Commission's Elie Wiesel Writing & Visual Arts Competition, held in honor of the esteemed Holocaust survivor and Nobel Laureate. The number of and incredible quality of works submitted is a true testament to our regional educators, and their ability to encourage students to tap into their creative spirit, presenting truly wonderful works. 

The finalists and winners of the visual arts competition are now on display, in the Simon Family JCC, through May 31st. Please come take a look at the impressive art. Click the button below to view the list of all winners, as well as to view/read the multi-media and writing winners. 

For any questions, or to learn how you or your students can participate in next year's competition, email Elena at EBaum@UJFT.org. 

CEMETERY CLEAN UP AND BURIAL: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

UJFT YAD is organizing a Cemetery Cleanup and Gnizah Burial on May 22 with Chabad of Tidewater and the Norfolk Kollel.  Please sign up now to volunteer with us, for anytime between 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM.

For those who are unable to make it on May 22, the drop off for the community Genizah burial will be from Wednesday, May 18 through Friday, May 20 at the Sandler Family Campus Entrance, next to the front entrance to the Simon Family JCC.  There will be a pallet placed in the front with signs that say “Genizah Drop Off”.

When dropping off your shaimos, please make sure that you have everything secured in boxes as the weather is questionable lately.

For any questions or to participate in clean up or drop offs, reach out to Matthew at mkmorning@ujft.org or call 965-6136 for information.

YAD & CHABAD OF TIDEWATER: CELEBRATE LAG B'OMER

THURSDAY, MAY 19
5:00pm Family Fun/6:30pm Happy Hour (21+)

Join the Young Adult Division (YAD) of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and Chabad of Tidewater for a night of BBQ and celebration.  The festivities begin on the Sandler Family Campus at 5PM for the family — and includes dinner, music, and a bounce house — bring the kids! At 6:30 we shift gears as the festivities transition to a YAD Happy Hour and networking event while celebrating the holiday. There will be a bonfire with dinner and s'mores! 

For existing YAD and Chabad members, this is a wonderful opportunity to invite new Jewish community who may have recently moved to the area to come make new friends. 

Reach out to Matthew at MKMorning@UJFT.org for more information or questions.

TRY MONTHLY GIVING: A NEW WAY TO SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY

The United Jewish Federation of Tidewater is excited to present a new way to support your community through Monthly Giving! By setting up a regular, ongoing monthly donation to the Annual Campaign, you are making a difference year-round with a budget friendly, automatic payment option. This new opportunity is a great way to provide reliable support for our community — and insure a strong and vibrant Jewish future!

Did you know that a gift of just $5 a month provides a food package for a family of fleeing Ukrainian refugees?

Or $10 per month can feed 10 Hillel students with a kosher meal when they are away from home? 

How about $30 per month to support a JCC camper in need of financial assistance to attend a week of camp? 

Click the button to easily set up monthly, automated payments of any amount and help us insure a bright Jewish future in Tidewater!