The United Jewish Federation of Tidewater nurtures a vibrant, engaged, inclusive and caring community whose collective action is guided by our Jewish Values.

Community Introduction

The Tidewater Jewish community is rich with history and culture.  Since 1795 when the first Jewish-American family established residency here, the Jewish community has been heavily involved in community planning and expansion, philanthropy, the arts, and local government. As the decades passed, our community grew from one family to over 5000. Tidewater now hosts multiple community agencies including the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater, the Marilyn and Marvin Simon Family Jewish Community Center, the Tidewater Jewish Foundation, Jewish Family Service of Tidewater, Beth Sholom Village, Hebrew Academy of Tidewater, and the Strelitz Early Childhood Center. Our community also offers a selection of vibrant synagogues for all levels of observance, educational opportunities for all ages, volunteer and social action opportunities, and health and welfare programs that extend far beyond our Jewish community.

As a community, we work together to make the strongest impact possible. Our community collaboratively supports Jewish initiatives both locally and overseas through the Jewish values of Tzedakah and Tikkun Olam. In an effort to maintain an inclusive community, the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater created a new professional role. The Community Concierge will hold open the gate to the Tidewater Jewish Community, allowing new residents the opportunity to explore our vibrant community and provide the tools and information necessary to become an active community member.

Role of Community Concierge

Klal Yisrael – We are one People, responsible for one another

The United Jewish Federation of Tidewater understands the changing dynamic of Jewish families and realizes the need for an effective outreach plan to help create and nurture a more inclusive community. The position of Community Concierge was born out of the Federation’s strategic plan, structured around the mission and Jewish values to which the Federation aligns.

The role of the Community Concierge is to reach out to new community members who have relocated to the Tidewater area in an effort to engage them and help them to become active within their new community. The Concierge will also assist current community members who wish to become more active in their community. The Concierge will stay with the community member step-by-step through their transition process and provide follow-up services after involvement to ensure successful engagement in the community. These services will extend to community members living in the cities of Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, and Suffolk.

Are you new to the Tidewater Jewish Community, considering relocating here, or do you know someone who has recently established residency here? Please contact the Community Concierge.