We are pleased to announce the following upcoming events. More information to follow.
Sunday, March 5- Purim celebration (at Rabbi Ellen & Spencer’s) 4-6
Thursday, April 6 Second Night Seder
Sunday, April 30 Israeli Fest at JCC
We’re presenting “ Tanta’s Attic “ 12-4
Sunday, May 7 Moses Myers House tour Noon
Sunday, March 5- Purim celebration (at Rabbi Ellen & Spencer’s) 4-6
Thursday, April 6 Second Night Seder
Sunday, April 30 Israeli Fest at JCC
We’re presenting “ Tanta’s Attic “ 12-4
Sunday, May 7 Moses Myers House tour Noon
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.

We celebrated Tashlich at the Elizabeth River and cast away our sins of the past year. Let’s hope that 5783 will be a good and healthy year for everyone!
Dear Members of the Chavurah,
The Tidewater Chavurah invites you to join our family and Rabbi Ellen Jaffe-Gill, during this 2023 High Holiday season (Hebrew year 5784) This year, no tickets are required. Your name and any guest names will be on a list at the entrance to Temple Israel. Here is additional basic information to help you plan:
All services (except the closing service on Yom Kippur-N’ilah)) will be held in Brody Auditorium(upstairs) at Temple Israel, 7255 Granby St., Norfolk, VA 23505 and also via Zoom. Rabbi Ellen will be sending out the link a few days before Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Masks are optional, but you are on your honor to come only if you are vaccinated.
Rosh Hashanah evening
Friday, September 15 at 5:45PM (the Zoom link will be sent prior to the High Holidays)
Rosh Hashanah morning
Monday, September 16 at 10 AM
Tashlich (casting away of sins) and lunch
Immediately following morning services
At Lafayette River/Mayflower at Newport Ave.
Lunch to follow at Mack’s Barge
(directions available on Rosh Hashanah Day)
Yom Kippur evening (Kol Nidre)
Sunday, September 24 at 7 PM
Yom Kippur morning
Monday, September 25 at 10 AM
N’ilah (closing service)
Wednesday, September 25 at 6:30 PM at Rabbi Ellen and Spencer’s, Virginia Beach. Following the service will be a potluck break fast. Please RSVP to Betsy at bblank18@verizon.net /757-495-0703 no later than Monday, September 18.
If you have the siddur, Gates of Repentance that you may have borrowed for last years’ services, please plan to bring it to in person services. Tallit, Kippah and Gates of Repentancewill be available at services.
Shana Tova
William Feldman
President, Tidewater Chavurah
For additional information please call or email Carol-757-499-3660/ Carita@verizon.net, Betsy at 757-495-0730/ bblank18@verizon.net. or tidewaterchavurah1@gmail.com
Masks are optional this year.
Thank you for your support of your Tidewater Chavurah.
The Tidewater Chavurah invites you to join our family and Rabbi Ellen Jaffe-Gill, during this 2023 High Holiday season (Hebrew year 5784) This year, no tickets are required. Your name and any guest names will be on a list at the entrance to Temple Israel. Here is additional basic information to help you plan:
All services (except the closing service on Yom Kippur-N’ilah)) will be held in Brody Auditorium(upstairs) at Temple Israel, 7255 Granby St., Norfolk, VA 23505 and also via Zoom. Rabbi Ellen will be sending out the link a few days before Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Masks are optional, but you are on your honor to come only if you are vaccinated.
Rosh Hashanah evening
Friday, September 15 at 5:45PM (the Zoom link will be sent prior to the High Holidays)
Rosh Hashanah morning
Monday, September 16 at 10 AM
Tashlich (casting away of sins) and lunch
Immediately following morning services
At Lafayette River/Mayflower at Newport Ave.
Lunch to follow at Mack’s Barge
(directions available on Rosh Hashanah Day)
Yom Kippur evening (Kol Nidre)
Sunday, September 24 at 7 PM
Yom Kippur morning
Monday, September 25 at 10 AM
N’ilah (closing service)
Wednesday, September 25 at 6:30 PM at Rabbi Ellen and Spencer’s, Virginia Beach. Following the service will be a potluck break fast. Please RSVP to Betsy at bblank18@verizon.net /757-495-0703 no later than Monday, September 18.
If you have the siddur, Gates of Repentance that you may have borrowed for last years’ services, please plan to bring it to in person services. Tallit, Kippah and Gates of Repentancewill be available at services.
Shana Tova
William Feldman
President, Tidewater Chavurah
For additional information please call or email Carol-757-499-3660/ Carita@verizon.net, Betsy at 757-495-0730/ bblank18@verizon.net. or tidewaterchavurah1@gmail.com
Masks are optional this year.
Thank you for your support of your Tidewater Chavurah.
About 20 people filled the deck behind the home of Rabbi Ellen Jaffe-Gill and rebbitzer Spencer Gill on Friday, Aug. 12, to celebrate "Barbecue Shabbat." Before Tidewater Chavurah's regular second-Friday Shabbat service, Rabbi Ellen and Spencer grilled chicken, zucchini, and eggplant, and congregants brought so much other food that we had to open a second table!
Dinner was followed by a Shabbat service — more than a minyan in-person for the first time since the pandemic began — then kiddush (including a nice dry kosher red, thanks to Larry Evans), motzi, and oneg Shabbat. Good food, good company, even good weather: the makings of a perfect evening!
We'll be getting together again to feed unhoused persons at the JCOC on Sept. 19, and of course for High Holiday services at Temple Israel's Brody Auditorium beginning Sunday, Sept. 25.
Thanks to everyone who donated, cooked, and shlepped on Aug. 12. Enjoy the photos in the Gallery of Memories!
Dinner was followed by a Shabbat service — more than a minyan in-person for the first time since the pandemic began — then kiddush (including a nice dry kosher red, thanks to Larry Evans), motzi, and oneg Shabbat. Good food, good company, even good weather: the makings of a perfect evening!
We'll be getting together again to feed unhoused persons at the JCOC on Sept. 19, and of course for High Holiday services at Temple Israel's Brody Auditorium beginning Sunday, Sept. 25.
Thanks to everyone who donated, cooked, and shlepped on Aug. 12. Enjoy the photos in the Gallery of Memories!
We are pleased to announce that High Holiday services will be held at Temple Israel in Norfolk. Dates, times and more information to follow.
Dear Chavurah Members and Friends,
After a two-year hiatus, the Israeli Fest at the JCC is back. It’ll be held Sunday, May 1, from Noon – 4:00 PM. We have decided to change up our table entry this time and are excited to offer something different. Our table will be like a flea market/yard sale called “Tante’s Attic”. This offers the opportunity to have an eclectic collection of Judaica and Jewish themed items for sale. In order to accomplish this fete, we really need everyone’s help. If you have books (even novels and cookbooks), DVD’s, records, prints, framed art, holiday items like Shabbat candle sticks, Seder plates, Menorahs, unique wine goblets or something that we haven’t even thought about that you’d be willing to donate to us, we’d be very grateful. Looking for items to sell for $20 and below.
Maybe your items have a history that would be fun to share. Feel free to write up a short description along with a suggested offer price.
The event is less than a month away. Contact Betsy Blank at bblank18@verizon.net or 757-495-0730 or Rabbi Ellen at rabbicatorejg@gmail.com as soon as possible to let them know what items you’d be willing to donate and let’s arrange how to get them. Are you available to volunteer to man the booth on May 1?
This can be a really interesting table with everyone’s help. We can do this!Looking forward to a great event,Betsy Blank
After a two-year hiatus, the Israeli Fest at the JCC is back. It’ll be held Sunday, May 1, from Noon – 4:00 PM. We have decided to change up our table entry this time and are excited to offer something different. Our table will be like a flea market/yard sale called “Tante’s Attic”. This offers the opportunity to have an eclectic collection of Judaica and Jewish themed items for sale. In order to accomplish this fete, we really need everyone’s help. If you have books (even novels and cookbooks), DVD’s, records, prints, framed art, holiday items like Shabbat candle sticks, Seder plates, Menorahs, unique wine goblets or something that we haven’t even thought about that you’d be willing to donate to us, we’d be very grateful. Looking for items to sell for $20 and below.
Maybe your items have a history that would be fun to share. Feel free to write up a short description along with a suggested offer price.
The event is less than a month away. Contact Betsy Blank at bblank18@verizon.net or 757-495-0730 or Rabbi Ellen at rabbicatorejg@gmail.com as soon as possible to let them know what items you’d be willing to donate and let’s arrange how to get them. Are you available to volunteer to man the booth on May 1?
This can be a really interesting table with everyone’s help. We can do this!Looking forward to a great event,Betsy Blank
We will be presenting our Torah scroll at Shabbat services Friday, April 8th. Please join us. RSVP by email below so we can send you an invitation or you are welcome to come to services in person.
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.
Tidewater Chavurah feeds the homeless.
What a good feeling that our Chavurah volunteers had as we prepared a warm chili dinner complete with salad, cornbread, cookies and oranges for the JCOC (Judeo Christian Outreach Center) guests the evening of December 13, 2021. After months of diligent planning by Adele and Carol, it paid off as we got together to help with this Mitzvah once again.
This event was made possible through funding of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater.
What a good feeling that our Chavurah volunteers had as we prepared a warm chili dinner complete with salad, cornbread, cookies and oranges for the JCOC (Judeo Christian Outreach Center) guests the evening of December 13, 2021. After months of diligent planning by Adele and Carol, it paid off as we got together to help with this Mitzvah once again.
This event was made possible through funding of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater.
Tidewater Chavurah Chanukah Party
Our Chavurah celebrated Chanukah on the 8th night. It was lovely to see all the fully lited Menorahs. The best part was finally getting a good sized group together in person. Yummy latkes were the stars of the night. Thanks to everyone who contributed other food to complete the meal. Looking forward to other get togethers. |
Belonging, Behaving, Believing
Rabbi Ellen will present her basic-Judaism class Belonging, Behaving, Believing on three Wednesday evenings, December 1, 8, and 15, from 6 to 8 pm. In three two-hour sessions, the class will offer an overview of Judaism as a faith, including its holidays and lifecycle rituals, along with insight into Jewish history and society. The class is free of charge and open to the community, and everyone who attends all three sessions will receive a free copy of Jewish Literacy by Rabbi Joseph Telushkin. Belonging, Behaving, Believing will be accessible by Zoom, or, if you are fully vaccinated, you may attend the class in person at the rabbi's home in Virginia Beach. To get more information or to sign up for the class, email Rabbi Ellen at rabbicantorejg@gmail.com.
Rabbi Ellen will present her basic-Judaism class Belonging, Behaving, Believing on three Wednesday evenings, December 1, 8, and 15, from 6 to 8 pm. In three two-hour sessions, the class will offer an overview of Judaism as a faith, including its holidays and lifecycle rituals, along with insight into Jewish history and society. The class is free of charge and open to the community, and everyone who attends all three sessions will receive a free copy of Jewish Literacy by Rabbi Joseph Telushkin. Belonging, Behaving, Believing will be accessible by Zoom, or, if you are fully vaccinated, you may attend the class in person at the rabbi's home in Virginia Beach. To get more information or to sign up for the class, email Rabbi Ellen at rabbicantorejg@gmail.com.
Shabbat Services/ 2nd Friday of the month:
Come join us for prayers, singing, and community. We are still zooming services but hope to report a change of venue---in person!---for July. If you are not on the Rabbi's email distribution, contact her (rabbicantorejg@gmail.com) for the zoom link.
Shabbat Dinners/4th Friday of the month:
[No 4th Friday gathering via Zoom or in person for June.]
These lovely dinners, hosted by Rabbi and Spencer, will resume July 23rd. Seating is limited so please rsvp to Rabbi Ellen (rabbicantorejg@gmail.com) by Monday, July 19th.
Weekly Torah Study with Rabbi Ellen:
Every Tuesday, 7 p.m.- 8pm through AUGUST 2021. (no class on June 15th)
Discussion will focus on the weekly parshat hashavua: the Torah portion that is assigned for reading the following Shabbat morning. Everything is in English, though Rabbi Ellen will point out Hebrew words and phrases that are interesting or that we use in worship. Each class is a stand-alone; you don't need to attend every week. But if you do, you'll wind up knowing a lot about the first five books of the Hebrew Bible! If you are not on the TC email list, contact Rabbi Ellen (rabbicantorejg@gmail.com) for the zoom link.
High Holidays:
Contact Tidewaterchavurah1@gmail.com or Carol at 499-3660 for attendance, zoom links, addresses and directions.
All in person services to be held at the Brody Hall/Auditorium (upstairs) at Temple Israel 7255 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23505.
Erev Rosh Hashanah – Monday evening, September 6 at 7 pm by Zoom only.
Rosh Hashanah – Tuesday morning, September 7 at 10 pm.
Tashlich - Immediately following morning services. Location to be announced.
Erev Yom Kippur (Kol Nidre) – Wednesday evening, September 15 at 7 pm.
Yom Kippur, morning – Thursday, September 16 at 10 am.
N'ilah (final service) - Thursday, September 16 at 6:30 pm. At Rabbi Ellen and Spencer's, Virginia Beach.
TIDEWATER CHAVURAH
Information for Temple Israel
Social distancing will be observed while in Temple Israel
and Covid vaccinations and masks are required.
There is parking on the street or in the parking lot of The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, which is located at 7220 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23505 (across from Temple Israel). You must enter Temple Israel on the Granby Street side. Do not go up the wide steps. Facing the building, to the right of the steps, is a separate pathway and entrance (bottom floor). Please enter there. Inside that entrance there
will be signs pointing you to Brody Hall where the Chavurah will hold its own services.
Additionally, Tidewater Chavurah will be joining with Temple Israel to help stock the Jewish Family Service food bank. Please try to bring non-perishable food items to any of the services. You may leave them in the atrium as you come up to Brody Hall. Your generosity with this mitzvah is extremely appreciated by our local citizens who are struggling to feed their families.
Information for Temple Israel
Social distancing will be observed while in Temple Israel
and Covid vaccinations and masks are required.
There is parking on the street or in the parking lot of The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, which is located at 7220 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA 23505 (across from Temple Israel). You must enter Temple Israel on the Granby Street side. Do not go up the wide steps. Facing the building, to the right of the steps, is a separate pathway and entrance (bottom floor). Please enter there. Inside that entrance there
will be signs pointing you to Brody Hall where the Chavurah will hold its own services.
Additionally, Tidewater Chavurah will be joining with Temple Israel to help stock the Jewish Family Service food bank. Please try to bring non-perishable food items to any of the services. You may leave them in the atrium as you come up to Brody Hall. Your generosity with this mitzvah is extremely appreciated by our local citizens who are struggling to feed their families.
Dear Members and Friends of the Chavurah,
The Tidewater Chavurah invites you to join our family and Rabbi Ellen Jaffe-Gill, during this 2021 High Holiday season (Hebrew year 5782) This year, no tickets are required. Your name and any guest names will be on a list at the entrance to Temple Israel. Here is additional basic information to help you plan:
All services (except for Rosh Hashanah evening) will be held in Brody Hall (upstairs)
at Temple Israel (and via Zoom)
7255 Granby St., Norfolk, VA 23505
Rosh Hashanah evening
Monday, September 6 at 7 PM by Zoom only (the link will be sent prior to the High Holidays)
Rosh Hashanah morning
Tuesday, September 7 at 10 AM
Tashlich (casting away of sins)
Immediately following morning services (Location TBD)
Yom Kippur evening (Kol Nidre)
Wednesday, September 15 at 7 PM
Yom Kippur morning
Thursday, September 16 at 10 AM
N’ilah (final service)
Thursday, September 16 at 6:30 PM
at Rabbi Ellen and Spencer’s, Virginia Beach. This will be a “partial” pot luck, so
Please RSVP to Spencer at Opticalguy1954@yahoo.com no later than Sunday, September 12
Social distancing will be observed while in Temple Israel
and Covid vaccinations and masks are required.
It is traditional to wear a Kippah to all services. Kol Nidre service and the morning service for Yom Kippur, the tradition is to wear a Tallit. If you have the siddur, Gates of Repentance that you borrowed for last years’ services, please plan to bring it to in person services. Tallit, Kippah and Gates of Repentance will be available at services.
Shana Tova
William Feldman
President, Tidewater Chavurah
For additional information please call or email Carol Smith-499-3660/ Carita@verizon.net or Betsy Blank at 495-0730/ bblank18@verizon.net. or tidewaterchavurah1@gmail.com
The Tidewater Chavurah invites you to join our family and Rabbi Ellen Jaffe-Gill, during this 2021 High Holiday season (Hebrew year 5782) This year, no tickets are required. Your name and any guest names will be on a list at the entrance to Temple Israel. Here is additional basic information to help you plan:
All services (except for Rosh Hashanah evening) will be held in Brody Hall (upstairs)
at Temple Israel (and via Zoom)
7255 Granby St., Norfolk, VA 23505
Rosh Hashanah evening
Monday, September 6 at 7 PM by Zoom only (the link will be sent prior to the High Holidays)
Rosh Hashanah morning
Tuesday, September 7 at 10 AM
Tashlich (casting away of sins)
Immediately following morning services (Location TBD)
Yom Kippur evening (Kol Nidre)
Wednesday, September 15 at 7 PM
Yom Kippur morning
Thursday, September 16 at 10 AM
N’ilah (final service)
Thursday, September 16 at 6:30 PM
at Rabbi Ellen and Spencer’s, Virginia Beach. This will be a “partial” pot luck, so
Please RSVP to Spencer at Opticalguy1954@yahoo.com no later than Sunday, September 12
Social distancing will be observed while in Temple Israel
and Covid vaccinations and masks are required.
It is traditional to wear a Kippah to all services. Kol Nidre service and the morning service for Yom Kippur, the tradition is to wear a Tallit. If you have the siddur, Gates of Repentance that you borrowed for last years’ services, please plan to bring it to in person services. Tallit, Kippah and Gates of Repentance will be available at services.
Shana Tova
William Feldman
President, Tidewater Chavurah
For additional information please call or email Carol Smith-499-3660/ Carita@verizon.net or Betsy Blank at 495-0730/ bblank18@verizon.net. or tidewaterchavurah1@gmail.com