The energy of being at Jewish overnight camp is unmatched, and I am thrilled that the camp I attended as a child and teen, and then worked at as a college student, URJ Camp Harlam, will be part of this gathering. 

Now I have a new role at Camp Harlam – as a parent. There is something truly magical about experiencing Jewish camping through the eyes of my children. It’s a chance to witness their joy and growth in an environment that fosters connection, creativity, and community. 

It’s my hope that the Camp Curiosity portion of this event opens a world of opportunities to our community and our children, with just a small glimpse into several summer programs that offer unforgettable experiences and leave lasting impacts. 

As a presenter, I look forward to sharing information about Tidewater Jewish Foundation’s B’nai Tzedek Youth Philanthropy program. This initiative empowers young people to engage in charitable giving, as well as emphasizes the importance of community responsibility. I hope families with kids in third grade and up will join us for the Family Philanthropy Pizza Party at 12 pm (registration is required). This is an opportunity to explore how we can make charitable giving fun and engaging for everyone. 

I can’t wait to see families come together to discover new ways to incorporate philanthropy into their lives. Through our hands-on activities and discussions that spark curiosity, we’ll show how giving back can be an exciting and fulfilling journey. 

This event is certain to inspire attendees and strengthen the bonds within our community by connecting with other families and sharing our common passion for Jewish traditions, shared values, and the spirit of giving. 

Join us as we create kindness and explore the joy of Jewish camp and philanthropy together! 

 Hosted by Tidewater Jewish Foundation, the event brought together a cross-section of the Tidewater Jewish community. The celebration started with a lively cocktail hour and mix-and-mingle session, setting the tone for an evening filled with meaningful connections and joyful reunions. Kim Simon Fink warmly welcomed the guests, underscoring her family’s longstanding commitment to philanthropy and community building.

 The program featured a presentation of the new Life & Legacy inspirational video and the future of the Life & Legacy program across the community. TJF was recently awarded a grant by the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, a significant milestone that paves the way for participation in the newly invigorated Life & Legacy Plus Program. Launching this fall, the program promises to strengthen current legacy building endeavors and provide enhanced resources and support for participating individuals, organizations, and agencies. The Life & Legacy Plus initiative will mark a new era of community growth and development.

Charlie Nusbaum, TJF’s board chairman, introduced the evening’s keynote speaker, Joel Chasnoff. An acclaimed author and stand-up comedian, Chasnoff brought the house down with his unique brand of relevant, uplifting Jewish comedy. His performance entertained as well as reinforced the evening’s themes of legacy, community, and Jewish continuity.

In her closing remarks, Naomi Limor Sedek, TJF’s CEO, reflected on the event’s significance. “As we gather to celebrate and honor the timeless tradition of legacy giving, we are reminded of the power of our community and the importance of preserving our rich heritage for future generations. Together, we can secure a future filled with hope, compassion, and endless possibilities.

The atmosphere at the event was nothing short of inspiring with stakeholders, community leaders, and supporters gathered to celebrate the past successes of Beth Sholom Village – including the recent sale of the College Park campus, previous home of the organization for more than 40 years.

Larry Siegel, immediate past chairman of the board, said, “Beth Sholom Village was in a position to even consider this move because of the innumerable people and organizations who have sustained us throughout our journey.” Siegel thanked decades of supporters and emphasized the importance of the endowment and Foundation in charting Beth Sholom Village’s future.

One of the meeting’s highlights was the introduction of an updated Strategic Vision, as well as new projects that underscore Beth Sholom Village’s dedication to providing cutting-edge and comprehensive healthcare solutions. These initiatives, including the upcoming Aviva Pembroke community and co-managing the Dozoretz Hospice House with Westminster Canterbury, reflect BSV’s commitment to excellence and demonstrate a proactive approach to addressing the challenges and opportunities of the future.

David Abraham, president & CEO, remarked, “The points of this Jewish star serve as our compass. The projects and programs that we seek, that we develop, that we embark on, will tie back to these focal points – at least one, if not two or three in most cases. This is our guidebook to ensure we are meeting our goals of Delivering More Care to More Seniors over More Years.”

The re-branding and new logo are part of a broader plan that positions Beth Sholom Village as a trailblazer in the evolving landscape of healthcare for seniors in Hampton Roads. The organization is embracing a forward-thinking approach to meet the evolving needs of the community over the next 40 years. In this new look, the golden hues represent generosity and compassion, symbolizing the community’s generosity and continued compassion for seniors. The dark blue signifies a deep commitment to Jewish values and traditions. Though not obvious at first glance, the flower is an abstract Star of David, representing the evolution of Beth Sholom Village growing toward the future.

The sense of community and unity at the event was palpable, with participants expressing enthusiasm for the positive changes ahead.

Jay Kossman, newly installed chairman of the board said, “This is the dawning of a new era for Beth Sholom Village. With the sale of the Berger Goldrich and Terrace facilities in College Park, we are entering a period of innovation, collaboration, and opportunity. Our upcoming opening of Aviva Pembroke in the fall of 2024 will signify a visible transformation and demonstrate how we will be able to deliver more services for more people for more years. I am proud to be a part of this exciting journey helping Beth Sholom Village chart its new course.”

The successful biennial meeting celebrated the past and laid a solid foundation for a future characterized by innovation, compassion, and a steadfast dedication to the well-being of the community’s seniors.

Beth Sholom Village Board of Directors

• Jay Kossman, Chairman of the Board
• Fay Silverman, 1st Vice Chair
• Mark Delevie, 2nd Vice Chair
• Jason Hoffman, 3rd Vice Chair
• Matthew Weinstein, Secretary
• Robert Zuckerman, Treasurer
• Larry Siegel, Immediate Past Chairman
• Edie Schlain, Auxiliary President
• Nathan Drory, Terrace President

New Board Members

• Anne Kramer
• Joel Nied

New Honorary Life Board Member

• Robert Lansing

Returning Board Members

• Josh Adler
• Abby Friedman
• Pam Guthrie
• Nancy Loewenberg
• Mary Prendergast
• Sara Jo Rubin
• Chris Sisler
• Lawrence Steingold