For the Kass family, giving back is more than just a value — it’s a responsibility. When their son Jonah was preparing for his Bar Mitzvah, Melissa and Aaron Kass knew they wanted to instill the importance of community and responsibility. The B’nai Tzedek: Youth Philanthropy program through the Tidewater Jewish Foundation provided the perfect opportunity.
“The future of the Jewish community in Hampton Roads is bright because of the work of so many who have come before us,” says Aaron Kass. “We want to make sure our children see themselves not just as consumers of the community, but as contributors to its success, and this is a great way to start.”
B’nai Tzedek allows young philanthropists to start their own charitable fund with a minimum $250 donation, which TJF matches to create a $500 fund. Each year, participants can grant a portion of their fund to a Jewish charity of their choice, fostering a lifelong commitment to giving.
For Jonah, the decision was easy—he chose to support Strelitz International Academy, where he spent a decade forming lifelong friendships and values. “It was meaningful for him to give back to a place that shaped him,” says Melissa Kass. “We love that he has the ability to decide where his contributions go.”
What surprised the Kass family most was how simple the process was. “It was SO easy,” says Melissa Kass. “We just asked the folks at TJF for the paperwork, mailed a check, and that was it. It took under an hour.”
B’nai Tzedek is just one milestone in the greater philanthropic journey. Through TJF, individuals of all ages can engage in giving, ensuring that Jewish values are passed down for generations. Naomi Limor Sedek, president and CEO of TJF, emphasizes that the foundation meets donors where they are.
“Anyone can be a philanthropist at any time,” Sedek says. “We want families to see that B’nai Tzedek is just the beginning — a steppingstone toward lifelong generosity and impact.”
The Kass family offers simple advice for families considering the program: “Just call TJF. They make it effortless, and it’s a great way to get involved in philanthropy with almost no barriers.”
Through B’nai Tzedek, Jonah Kass has taken his first step in a lifelong journey of giving — one that will continue to ripple through his family, community, and the future of Jewish life in Tidewater.
To start a child’s philanthropic journey, contact Tidewater Jewish Foundation at 757-965-6111 or visit bit.ly/TJFBnaiTzedek to learn more.
Beginning with B’nai Tzedek
