“TANTA’S ATTIC” ENCORE APPEARANCE
PRESENTED BY THE TIDEWATER CHAVURAH
Wanted: Jewish themed items to make this flea market even better than last year’s event.“Tanta’s Attic” created such interest and resulted in a great outcome last year at Israeli Fest that we’re offering this again.
Do you have any Jewish themed artwork, books, tchotckies or holiday related items like menorahs, Seder plates, candle sticks and more that you’re willing to donate? Maybe you no longer use these items but would like someone else to enjoy them and create new memories.
We’d like nothing better than to offer even more items for sale than last year.
It was a rousing success!
Contact Betsy at bblank18@verizon.net or 757-495-0730 (leave message) to make arrangements for your donated items to be picked up for the Tidewater Chavurah.
Israeli Fest will be at the Simon Family JCC on Sunday, April 30.
Please donate Jewish themed items and ask friends as well.
I would like help pricing the items.
We’ll need volunteers to help man the booth that day.
Also need help schlepping everything to and from the event.
Together we can have a terrific event!
Thanks,
Betsy Blank
PRESENTED BY THE TIDEWATER CHAVURAH
Wanted: Jewish themed items to make this flea market even better than last year’s event.“Tanta’s Attic” created such interest and resulted in a great outcome last year at Israeli Fest that we’re offering this again.
Do you have any Jewish themed artwork, books, tchotckies or holiday related items like menorahs, Seder plates, candle sticks and more that you’re willing to donate? Maybe you no longer use these items but would like someone else to enjoy them and create new memories.
We’d like nothing better than to offer even more items for sale than last year.
It was a rousing success!
Contact Betsy at bblank18@verizon.net or 757-495-0730 (leave message) to make arrangements for your donated items to be picked up for the Tidewater Chavurah.
Israeli Fest will be at the Simon Family JCC on Sunday, April 30.
Please donate Jewish themed items and ask friends as well.
I would like help pricing the items.
We’ll need volunteers to help man the booth that day.
Also need help schlepping everything to and from the event.
Together we can have a terrific event!
Thanks,
Betsy Blank
On the 6th night of Chanukah, members and friends of the Tidewater Chavurah celebrated at the home of Rabbi Ellen and Spencer. We enjoyed a yummy selection of latkes, jelly doughnuts, cookies and other great desserts.
What a delightful party thanks to Carol Tickton playing guitar as we all sang Chanukah songs while Stan Tickton spun like a dreidel behind her! There was a rousing game of dreidel played by a few.
Several menorahs with candles lite shown brightly in the window and created a festive feeling.
What a delightful party thanks to Carol Tickton playing guitar as we all sang Chanukah songs while Stan Tickton spun like a dreidel behind her! There was a rousing game of dreidel played by a few.
Several menorahs with candles lite shown brightly in the window and created a festive feeling.
Tidewater Chavurah is holding a Chanukah party on Friday, Dec. 23, 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., at the home of Rabbi Ellen Jaffe-Gill and Spencer Gill. We'll light our chanukiyot (sixth night) and make Shabbat together. Feel free to bring latkes or anything that tastes good with latkes, and be sure to bring your Chanukah menorah and enough candles! We'll have latkes and cookies aplenty, but please bring anything you'd like to drink that isn't water. We'll sing some Chanukah songs, spin the dreidel, and have a wonderful time! To RSVP and get the address for the party, please email Rabbi Ellen at rabbicantorejg@gmail.com or call/text her at (215) 359-7806.

The Tidewater Chavurah is pleased to support Jewish learning. An invitation below to Rabbi Ellen's Torah study course which is ongoing.
Torah study gets prophetic
Tuesday, November 29, 7 pm
A Torah study class led by Rabbi Ellen Jaffe-Gill, rabbi of the Tidewater Chavurah, is finishing up Second Kings in November and plans to begin the prophets for whom books are named, starting with Isaiah. The Torah study is virtual and is open to everyone in the community.
The Book of Isaiah is a great place to join the class because much of its poetry is lovely (and even familiar), and it contains interesting messages.
To join, send Rabbi Ellen an email at rabbicantorejg@gmail.com or tidewaterchavurah1@gmail.com.
Torah study gets prophetic
Tuesday, November 29, 7 pm
A Torah study class led by Rabbi Ellen Jaffe-Gill, rabbi of the Tidewater Chavurah, is finishing up Second Kings in November and plans to begin the prophets for whom books are named, starting with Isaiah. The Torah study is virtual and is open to everyone in the community.
The Book of Isaiah is a great place to join the class because much of its poetry is lovely (and even familiar), and it contains interesting messages.
To join, send Rabbi Ellen an email at rabbicantorejg@gmail.com or tidewaterchavurah1@gmail.com.

One more Mitzvah carried out and in the books.
Under the well organized leadership of Adele Muller and Carol Smith, a group of Tidewater Chavurah members prepared and fed a nutritious dinner at the JCOC (Judeo Christian Outreach Center). We served baked rigatoni with meatballs and marinara sauce, salads, rolls, brownies, oranges and water for the less fortunate in our community. It always feel good to do something positive even if only for one meal. We wish to thank Food Lion, Wegmans and Trader Joe's for helping to make this community dinner possible.
L'Shana Tovah!
Under the well organized leadership of Adele Muller and Carol Smith, a group of Tidewater Chavurah members prepared and fed a nutritious dinner at the JCOC (Judeo Christian Outreach Center). We served baked rigatoni with meatballs and marinara sauce, salads, rolls, brownies, oranges and water for the less fortunate in our community. It always feel good to do something positive even if only for one meal. We wish to thank Food Lion, Wegmans and Trader Joe's for helping to make this community dinner possible.
L'Shana Tovah!
Hopes for 5783
With the Days of Awe rapidly approaching, it is time to reflect on the past year or so and our hopes for the future.
Like many others, I hope that our lives return to normal as soon as possible. In our congregation, the biggest disruption has been to the personal face to face interactions ranging from celebrating Shabbat to the Days of Awe to simple social events. Covid has also complicated our mission to help others in need in unforeseen ways.
In the last year, we have made tentative steps to get together in person as we continue to adjust to the new world of Zoom. Although useful, we value personal contact and interaction. In that regard, the Tidewater Chavurah has been active in a number of events both in person and by Zoom, many of which have been posted here. It appears that this hybrid will continue to be a model for the future. My hope is that we can interact more in person but acknowledge the new normal.
The community and the Tidewater Chavurah will recover from this and grow stronger. My hope for 5783 is that it occurs soon. As a perennial optimist, I know we can do this, and our hopes will be fulfilled.
I’d love to hear about your hopes.
Please email to tidewaterchavurah1@gmail.com
L’Shana Tova.
William E Feldman
President, Tidewater Chavurah
With the Days of Awe rapidly approaching, it is time to reflect on the past year or so and our hopes for the future.
Like many others, I hope that our lives return to normal as soon as possible. In our congregation, the biggest disruption has been to the personal face to face interactions ranging from celebrating Shabbat to the Days of Awe to simple social events. Covid has also complicated our mission to help others in need in unforeseen ways.
In the last year, we have made tentative steps to get together in person as we continue to adjust to the new world of Zoom. Although useful, we value personal contact and interaction. In that regard, the Tidewater Chavurah has been active in a number of events both in person and by Zoom, many of which have been posted here. It appears that this hybrid will continue to be a model for the future. My hope is that we can interact more in person but acknowledge the new normal.
The community and the Tidewater Chavurah will recover from this and grow stronger. My hope for 5783 is that it occurs soon. As a perennial optimist, I know we can do this, and our hopes will be fulfilled.
I’d love to hear about your hopes.
Please email to tidewaterchavurah1@gmail.com
L’Shana Tova.
William E Feldman
President, Tidewater Chavurah
I am pleased that the Tidewater Chavurah has been accepted into Kroger's Community Rewards Program. At no cost to you, Kroger will donate a portion of your grocery purchases us with no strings, but you do need to sign up.
We have participated since February 2022 and monies earned from that program have increased to $20 quarterly. Given today’s food inflation, this amount will certainly grow rapidly.
If you shop at Kroger, please sign us up in the Kroger Community Rewards Program and join me and others in that program.
This is an excellent way to support your Tidewater Chavurah simply by shopping there as usual at no cost to you.
Thank you. We need your support.
"To Use the Kroger Community Rewards Program:
Please visit http://www.kroger.com. Once logged into your Kroger account search for Tidewater Chavurah either by name or EC826 and then click Enroll. New users will need to create an account which requires some basic information, a valid email address and a rewards card."
We have participated since February 2022 and monies earned from that program have increased to $20 quarterly. Given today’s food inflation, this amount will certainly grow rapidly.
If you shop at Kroger, please sign us up in the Kroger Community Rewards Program and join me and others in that program.
This is an excellent way to support your Tidewater Chavurah simply by shopping there as usual at no cost to you.
Thank you. We need your support.
"To Use the Kroger Community Rewards Program:
Please visit http://www.kroger.com. Once logged into your Kroger account search for Tidewater Chavurah either by name or EC826 and then click Enroll. New users will need to create an account which requires some basic information, a valid email address and a rewards card."
Tidewater Chavurah acquires Torah scroll
Through the efforts of its rabbi, Ellen Jaffe-Gill, Tidewater Chavurah has received a Torah scroll for use during Shabbat and holidays. Rabbi Jaffe-Gill acquired the scroll through the Jewish Community Legacy Project, an organization that helps small congregations with planning resources and solutions.
The oldest Jewish congregation in Illinois, B'nai Sholom Temple was founded in 1852 and remained in the red-brick, Moorish Revival synagogue it built in Quincy in 1869 until the dwindling Reform congregation sold the building and deconsecrated it last year. Its other Torah scrolls were donated to congregations in Indonesia, Germany, and South America, making Tidewater Chavurah the only congregation in the U.S. to be given one of B'nai Sholom's Torahs.
The sefer Torah is in good condition — "very readable," Rabbi Jaffe-Gill said — and bears a mantle and a yod, or pointer. "We are beyond thrilled and grateful for this wonderful and unexpected gift," she said.
For more information about the Torah scroll and about Tidewater Chavurah, contact the Tidewater Chavurah at www.tidewaterchavurah1@gmail.com or contact Rabbi Jaffe-Gill at rabbicantorejg@gmail.com or (215) 359-7806.
Through the efforts of its rabbi, Ellen Jaffe-Gill, Tidewater Chavurah has received a Torah scroll for use during Shabbat and holidays. Rabbi Jaffe-Gill acquired the scroll through the Jewish Community Legacy Project, an organization that helps small congregations with planning resources and solutions.
The oldest Jewish congregation in Illinois, B'nai Sholom Temple was founded in 1852 and remained in the red-brick, Moorish Revival synagogue it built in Quincy in 1869 until the dwindling Reform congregation sold the building and deconsecrated it last year. Its other Torah scrolls were donated to congregations in Indonesia, Germany, and South America, making Tidewater Chavurah the only congregation in the U.S. to be given one of B'nai Sholom's Torahs.
The sefer Torah is in good condition — "very readable," Rabbi Jaffe-Gill said — and bears a mantle and a yod, or pointer. "We are beyond thrilled and grateful for this wonderful and unexpected gift," she said.
For more information about the Torah scroll and about Tidewater Chavurah, contact the Tidewater Chavurah at www.tidewaterchavurah1@gmail.com or contact Rabbi Jaffe-Gill at rabbicantorejg@gmail.com or (215) 359-7806.
TIDEWATER CHAVURAH’S SECOND NIGHT SEDER
Tidewater Chavurah will celebrate Passover with a communal seder on the second night of Pesach, April 16, 2022, 6 p.m. at the home of Rabbi Ellen Jaffe-Gill and Spencer Gill. The seder is open to Chavurah members and prospective members. If you would like to share in Tidewater Chavurah’s seder, please notify Rabbi Ellen at rabbicantorejg@gmail.com or call her at 757-464-1950.
We ask that attendees be vaccinated against Covid-19. Masks are optional.
Tidewater Chavurah will celebrate Passover with a communal seder on the second night of Pesach, April 16, 2022, 6 p.m. at the home of Rabbi Ellen Jaffe-Gill and Spencer Gill. The seder is open to Chavurah members and prospective members. If you would like to share in Tidewater Chavurah’s seder, please notify Rabbi Ellen at rabbicantorejg@gmail.com or call her at 757-464-1950.
We ask that attendees be vaccinated against Covid-19. Masks are optional.
I am pleased that the Tidewater Chavurah has been accepted into Kroger's Community Rewards Program. At no cost to you, Kroger will donate to our Chavurah, but you do need to sign up.
"To Use the Kroger Community Rewards Program:
Please visit http://www.kroger.com. Once logged into your Kroger account search for Tidewater Chavurah either by name or EC826 and then click Enroll. New users will need to create an account which requires some basic information, a valid email address and a rewards card."
"To Use the Kroger Community Rewards Program:
Please visit http://www.kroger.com. Once logged into your Kroger account search for Tidewater Chavurah either by name or EC826 and then click Enroll. New users will need to create an account which requires some basic information, a valid email address and a rewards card."
Tidewater Chavurah is an independent Jewish synagogue without walls. The group is led by ordained Rabbi Ellen Jaffe. Formed in 1998, we pride ourselves on being a welcoming family. The Hebrew term chavurah means “fellowship” and generally denotes a group of like-minded people who worship and interact within a Jewish context.
Our Mission is to provide a place of Jewish worship, to encourage Jewish education, to initiate Jewish family activities, and to cultivate a love and understanding of the Jewish heritage.
We value a friendly, warm, supportive, and egalitarian community which welcomes all who wish to practice the Jewish traditions; the Torah and our Jewish heritage; G'milut Chasidim (Acts of Loving Kindness) and Tzedakah (Charity) for those who are in need; our children and families in a flexible and tolerant environment; and growth and renewal. We are open to the diversity of traditions throughout our Jewish communities.
We are . . .
a smaller group of folks than your average synagogue with a warm, welcoming, and family-friendly atmosphere.
willing to meet you where you are at in your journey with Judaism and help you establish your Jewish identity.
served by a wonderful female Reconstructionist Rabbi with progressive views who continuously proves to be outgoing and willing to provide a variety of services and programming for anyone interested in Judaism.
an independent congregation that prays in the Reform tradition.
a recognized part of the larger Jewish community without the large expense or confines of the traditional synagogue.
a safe space for intercultural families, the LGBTQIA community, and spiritual seekers from all backgrounds; Jews by birth, Jews by choice or anyone supporting Judaism is welcomed into our family with open arms.
constantly growing and planning ahead for growth.
Shabbat Services/Gatherings. Held on the 2nd & 4th Fridays of the month. Please see "Chavurah News" for details. To receive the link to join the zoom services, email Rabbi Ellen at rabbicantorejg@gmail.com.
Holiday details including High Holidays will be posted on calendar and on the Chavurah News page.