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Jan 13, 2026

Jewish Community Congratulates Dr. Jeffrey Smith

Jewish Peninsula is delighted to congratulate Dr. Jeffery Smith on his nomination as Virginia’s next Secretary of Education.

Dr. Smith has been a friend of our local Jewish community during his tenure as Superintendent of Hampton City Schools. His leadership has fostered an environment of…

Jan 9, 2026

Shabbat Message: Looking Left & Right

This Shabbat we begin the Book of Exodus, and with it, we meet Moses at the moment that will define his life. When he witnesses an Egyptian taskmaster beating a Hebrew slave, the Torah tells us: "He turned this way and that and, seeing no one about, he struck down the Egyptian."

The simple…

Jan 2, 2026

Shabbat Message: Where Future Leaders Are Born

Friends,  

This Shabbat, we read Vayechi, where an aging Jacob gathers his sons and blesses each according to their unique gifts and destinies. Some would become kings, others priests, scholars, soldiers, seafarers, and olive growers. 

One of the greatest joys of Jewish communa…

Dec 23, 2025

Governor Youngkin Welcomes Jewish Leaders to Executive Mansion for Hanukkah

Hanukkah

Jewish leaders from across the Commonwealth gathered for a Hanukkah reception at the Executive Mansion, where Governor Glenn Youngkin reflected on his administration's efforts to combat antisemitism and celebrated the enduring message of the Festival of Lights.

The gathering brought togethe…

Dec 22, 2025

Eight Nights, One Classroom at a Time

By Sara Traster

There's something special about walking into your child's classroom with a menorah in hand. Each Hanukkah, Shaina Moore, Brenda Gordon, Mara Lucas and I are doing just that—sharing the story, traditions and fun of the Festival of Lights with our kids' classmates. We come w…