The Arts + Ideas department of United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and Simon Family JCC has a new professional team working on arts programming for the Jewish community—presenting some of the most exciting programs taking place in the region.
Jill Grossman is the department’s new director, and Robyn Sidersky has joined as its manager.
From the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and Simon Family JCC’s signature festivals, the Lee and Bernard Jaffe Family Jewish Book Festival, Patricia & Avraham Ashkenazi and Alma & Howard Laderberg Virginia Festival of Jewish Film, to a vibrant and exciting Israel Fest, exhibiting art in the Leon Family Gallery, welcoming performing artists through Israel Today, and, soon to be curating theatrical, comedic, and musical experiences, the pair has exciting ideas with an eye on making an impact on Tidewater’s cultural scene.
Grossman spent 15 years managing a business—changing the company’s culture, branding, and marketing strategy. In addition to her business background, Grossman is trained in yoga and meditation practices and has taught all over the world. She’s also spent time volunteering on medical missions in underdeveloped countries. Two years ago, Grossman joined the nonprofit world, when she began working at UJFT as a program associate. She started her new role in March.
“With my professional and volunteer experience, and after working with the amazing team that is the UJFT/JCC Programs Department, I saw this as a fantastic opportunity to help develop and implement strong, relevant Jewish cultural programming which aligns with the mission and values of our organization and our community,” Grossman says.
Sidersky has been a reporter for the past 15 years—in Florida, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Most recently, she spent five years at The Virginian-Pilot, covering some of the region’s biggest news. She’s also a teen advisor and volunteer at Ohef Sholom Temple.
Her new role provides an opportunity to keep making a difference locally, in a new way.
“I wanted to continue doing good in our community, with an organization I feel passionately about and our Jewish programming aligns with my own values,” says Sidersky. “I’m excited to work with Jill and our amazing Arts + Ideas committee leadership to continue to develop and grow captivating experiences for our community.”
Sidersky says she feels that cultural programming is central to the community and believes it is a way for Jews to connect with experiences enhanced through synagogue and other community partnerships.
Have ideas for future Arts + Ideas programs? Interested in joining the Arts + Ideas committee or one of the Festival subcommittees? Reach Grossman at jgrossman@ujft.org and Sidersky at rsidersky@ujft.org.