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Nov 11, 2022

UJCVP Shabbat Message: Our Dreams Are No Joking Matter

I’ve laughed a lot this week. 

The Annual Virginia Peninsula Jewish Film Festival kicked off their opening weekend with     an Israeli romantic comedy that had the audience laughing out loud throughout. And Friday at the UJCVP, we launched our new Café Chai with a stand-up comedy …

Oct 28, 2022

UJCVP Shabbat Message: Light a Fire that Warms Everyone

In our reading of Noah and the great flood, our Torah begins with describing Noah as “a righteous man. Perfect in his generations; Noah walked with God.” He is the only individual in the entire Torah to be awarded the title tzaddik – righteous person. But when told that there would be …

Sep 2, 2022

UJCVP Shabbat Message: Policing the Police

I recently had the distinct honor of sitting down at the UJCVP with Newport News Police Chief Steve Drew and fifteen members of his command team, representing the various precincts and departments in the city, along with leadership from our Jewish community. I was struck by how sincerely con…

Aug 19, 2022

Shabbat Message: Remember Where Our Success Came From! It's a Big Dill

Without a doubt, my favorite Jewish food is the pickle.  That fermented flavor and hearty crunch is the perfect ending to a corned beef sandwich.  Whenever I am at my favorite deli, I always swap the included side-order for an extra pickle.  And yes, I always choose a half-sour.  

For g…

Aug 5, 2022

UJCVP Shabbat Message: Can You Be Rewarded For Something You Didn't Do?

Every year Jewish teen athletes from across the globe come together to experience the magic of JCC Maccabi, the world’s largest Jewish youth sports event. Among the highlights of this unique, Olympic-style Jewish experience are sports competitions; community service; social and cultural even…