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Legacy cannot be built from the sidelines

Naomi Limor Sedek — Thu, 22 Oct 2026 18:41:37 +0000

On a Saturday evening in Tel Aviv, I found myself dancing along the boardwalk. Nearby, a couple in their 80s danced to the music, seemingly without a care in the world. Families strolled along the waterfront. Friends gathered. Children played. It was ordinary. It was beautiful. And it was exactly what I needed.

In August, I spent two weeks in Israel reconnecting with family and friends, attending weddings, wandering through markets, and simply living. I went to recharge. When I returned to the U.S., I was reminded of something much bigger. Israel isn’t simply a place I visit. It’s home. And home, as we know, can be complicated.

There is still tremendous trauma. Conversations with friends and family revealed lingering wounds from October 7, concerns about the future, and disagreements about politics and leadership. Those realities are present, but they aren’t the entirety of Israeli life. Neither are the images we see on television.

I walked through Jaffa, stopping at Abulafia, an Arab-owned bakery that has served generations. I visited the National Library and marveled at the intersection of ancient history and modern scholarship. I celebrated weddings and watched families gather at the Western Wall. Everywhere, preparations for Rosh Hashanah were underway. Apples, honey, and holiday greetings weren’t tucked into a corner of a store. They were everywhere. For two weeks, I didn’t have to explain my Jewish identity, defend it, or wonder whether expressing it would make someone uncomfortable. I could simply be.

That experience brought me back to the work we do every day at Tidewater Jewish Foundation. We focus a great deal on building legacies, growing endowments, and securing the Jewish future. Those things matter. But they’re not the end goal. They’re the means to something much greater. We’re not simply preserving assets. We’re preserving opportunities for future generations to know who they are and where they belong.

Through programs such as the Simon Family Passport to Israel, we help young people experience that connection firsthand. Through endowments and legacy gifts, we help ensure those opportunities continue long after we’re gone. But legacy also requires something of us today. It requires showing up.

Visiting. Listening. Supporting communities and businesses. Asking difficult questions and experiencing Israel beyond the headlines. I want our children and grandchildren to inherit more than stories about Israel. I want them to have stories of their own. The Jewish future isn’t something we can simply fund and hope for. It’s something we must actively participate in building.

Naomi Limor Sedek is Tidewater Jewish Foundation’s president and CEO.

Feldman Family Scholarship invests in three future healthcare professionals

Tidewater Jewish Foundation Staff — Thu, 22 Oct 2026 18:39:19 +0000

For 33 years, Dr. William Feldman cared for children and families throughout Hampton Roads. But his commitment to improving lives extended well beyond his medical practice. With his wife, Mary, Feldman believed that one of the most meaningful ways to strengthen the Jewish community was to invest in the education and success of its young people.

That belief became the foundation of the Feldman Family Medical and Health Professions Scholarship, established to help Jewish students pursue careers in healthcare while carrying forward the couple’s values of compassion, service, and lifelong learning.

Today, that vision is taking shape through three aspiring healthcare professionals. Tidewater Jewish Foundation has named Marissa Marczak, Olivia Pooley, and Ryan Mancoll recipients of the 2026 scholarship.

“The Feldmans understood that supporting one student’s education can have an impact far beyond the classroom,” says Naomi Limor Sedek, TJF president & CEO. “These recipients are already putting their Jewish values into action through service, leadership, and compassion. Their commitment to caring for others is exactly the kind of legacy the Feldmans envisioned.”

Marissa Marczak.

Marissa Marczak, a Randolph-Macon College graduate, is pursuing her medical education at Eastern Virginia Medical School. Her volunteer work with individuals with disabilities and free medical clinics has inspired her interest in treating patients with neuro disabilities. A former Hillel president, Marczak credits her Birthright Israel experience with strengthening her Jewish identity and commitment to advocating for Jewish students.

Olivia Pooley with her parents, Hillary and James Pooley

Olivia Pooley, an Old Dominion University graduate, is pursuing a career as a physician assistant through EVMS at ODU. A volunteer emergency medical technician with Virginia Beach EMS, she has dedicated thousands of hours to helping people during medical emergencies. Her Birthright Israel experience reinforced her commitment to tikkun olam, repairing the world, and serving others with dignity and compassion.

Ryan Mancoll

Ryan Mancoll, an Elon University graduate and EVMS medical student, has a strong interest in surgery and clinical research. He has held leadership roles in several medical student organizations while volunteering with the Virginia Beach Rescue Squad. Mancoll credits his involvement in BBYO with teaching him the importance of Jewish community, belonging, and investing in others.

Through their education and service, all three recipients are carrying forward the Feldmans’ belief that caring for others is among the most meaningful investments a community can make.

Tidewater BBYO’s annual kickoff started with Havdalah, ended with games

Shai Zittrain — Thu, 22 Oct 2026 18:30:50 +0000

Tidewater BBYO held its annual fall kickoff event on Saturday, Sept. 19. Launching what will be an incredible year, the program started with a Havdalah on the beach where everyone took the time to begin the year as a community. Next, at Beachside Social, teens spent time together playing competitive games of shuffleboard, bocce, and other games. New members, prospects, and Tidewater’s Shinshinim attended, as well as seasoned members.

Kickoff was a fun way to bring the BBYO community back together after a long summer.

Whether an area Jewish teen is already involved or thinking about joining, events like this are great ways to make friends, meet new people, and actually be a part of the community. A year full of memories, social activities, and fun hangouts ahead are planned.

Shai Zittrain is Simcha BBG Mazkirah.

Hattie Friedman, Esther Barkan, and Dalia Portnoy play foosball at Beachside Social.

Lilah Friedman, Henry Krupnick, Isabelle Levitt, Kenna Werby, Alexa Steerman, and Jonah Kass.

Teens at BBYO Tidewater Kickoff.

Tidewater BBYO creates foundation for the programming at LTI

Skylar Caplan — Thu, 22 Oct 2026 18:27:41 +0000

Virginia Council came together for an amazing LTI (Leadership Training Institute), bringing together teens from Tidewater and Richmond to prepare for the year ahead. The event was held in Richmond on August 30. Chapter leadership boards from Tidewater’s Simcha BBG and Old Dominion AZA attended.

Throughout the day, teens participated in positional training planned by the regional board, strengthened leadership skills with council presidents, connected with other regional leaders, and worked together as a council and as individual chapters to set goals and create plans for the upcoming year.

Overall, the day was extremely productive and successful. The Tidewater community brought so much value home from the experience and is already putting new ideas and skills into action.

Skylar Caplan is Eastern Region’s 4th Mazkirah and a member of Simcha BBG.

JFS honors Debbie Mayer’s legacy and welcomes Michelle Fenley to new leadership role at Embrace Counseling

Kelly Burroughs — Thu, 22 Oct 2026 16:01:44 +0000

After 33 years of devoted service as clinical director, Debbie Mayer is “retired-ish” from Jewish Family Service, marking a meaningful transition for the agency and the many children, families, and community members whose lives she has touched.

Mayer will continue to serve ongoing clients on Tuesdays while stepping back from the full scope of leadership responsibilities she has held for more than three decades. Her semi-retirement closes one chapter of extraordinary commitment and opens another, allowing her to remain connected to the work and relationships that have defined her career.

Over the years, Mayer has been a steady and recognizable presence throughout Tidewater’s Jewish community. In fact, after all these years, the most noticeable change in Mayer may be that her hair has simply kept pace with her wisdom. She has provided counseling, guidance, and support to thousands of children and families, including generations connected to Hebrew Academy of Tidewater and Strelitz International Academy.

Her impact also extends through signature programs and partnerships. Mayer spearheaded the Chanukah gift program for decades, helping bring holiday support to families across the community. As the program enters its 33rd year, it will continue under the care of the JFS Outreach department.
Mayer also helped develop Piece by Peace, a collaborative program with Edmarc Children’s Hospice that recently celebrated its 25th year. The program reflects her long-standing commitment to compassionate care for children and families facing some of life’s most difficult moments.

As JFS honors Mayer’s remarkable legacy, the agency also welcomes Michelle Fenley into her new leadership role with Embrace Counseling. Fenley has worked alongside Mayer for 29 years, building a career rooted in care, continuity, and deep understanding of the community’s mental health needs.

Beth Sholom Village volunteers roll up their sleeves to construct a ramp for a disabled Portsmouth manNew BSV Fund paid for the aluminum ramp

Joel Rubin — Thu, 22 Oct 2026 15:43:01 +0000

When a Virginia Beach based foundation funds a Norfolk non-profit to improve a house for a disabled man in Portsmouth, that’s regionalism. And a great story.

Beth Sholom Village took the earnings from selling its skilled care nursing home and assisted living facility in College Park in 2023 and rather than build somewhere else, put the money in the bank, choosing to give the interest income away to organizations working to improve life for seniors in the community.

And even though Beth Sholom has Jewish roots, “we wanted to help providers, regardless of their particular affiliation,” says Fay Silverman, BSV board chair and a mortgage banker. That’s exactly what BSV is doing. “In year one, we were able to give $837,000 to two dozen groups including Habitat for Humanity of South Hampton Roads, which is using the proceeds to benefit seniors, veterans, and persons with mobility issues.”

“Habitat is an ideal partner for us,” says Lauren Krajesky, Beth Sholom Village’s executive director who oversees the marketing of the fund and distribution of revenue.

This day several Habitat employees plus volunteers from BSV were on a “job site” in Portsmouth off Effingham Street, installing a storm door and a 36-foot ramp to improve the homeowner’s ability to safely enter and exit his home using his wheelchair.

“There will be money remaining from the $10,000 grant,” says Marshall Vernon, who heads up Habitat SHR’s Critical Home Repair Program. “So we’ll be able to use what’s left for other projects.” And Habitat SHR is doing a lot of them. “We’ve now installed nearly a thousand feet of ramps in the area,” says Vernon. “And this is the 350th Critical Home Repair we’ve completed since 2021.” To qualify, applicants must own their home and have insurance. Information is at https://shrhabitat.org/services/home-repair/.

“We couldn’t be happier to assist,” says Silverman, who notes that such groups as Judeo-Christian Outreach Center, Virginia Opera, Peninsula Agency on Agency, Prime Plus, and Meals on Wheels were also recipients of Year One donations. “Depending on how well our investments do, we may have a million dollars or more to distribute next year and going forward.” And Habitat and the other current beneficiaries, including local synagogues, Jewish Family Service, and Simon Family Jewish Community Center, can reapply next year. Information is on the Beth Sholom Village website.

As for Habitat SHR, it can use everyone’s financial support as well as volunteer time, skills, and energy. “We have ample team-building opportunities on new home build sites, as well as on projects like accessibility ramp installations,” says Megan Savali, Habitat SHR’s executive director. “Organizations like Habitat SHR and Beth Sholom Village cannot operate in silos. We have to work together and support one another to meet the needs of our community.”

Passing the torch: Succession in family businesses

Haley Bartel — Thu, 22 Oct 2026 15:40:54 +0000

In Prime Video’s hidden-camera comedy Jury Duty Presents: Company Retreat, which began streaming in March, the founder of a family-owned hot sauce company, Doug, announces his retirement and subsequent handing over of the business to his astonishingly unprepared son, Dougie. It’s played for laughs – most of the employees have been with the company for years and lovingly acknowledge that Dougie is in no way fit to run a company.

The alternative, however – being purchased by an outside group with unclear motives – poses a real-world question: when a transition of power occurs within a business, what happens to everyone else who depends on the company?

The goal for most business owners is to keep their company in the family – a desire shared by 72% of business owners, according to PWC’s family business research.

But hoping and planning are two different things, says Robert Goodman, an attorney at Kaufman & Canoles who advises families on succession. The transition of a family company to the next generation might appear like the clearest path forward, especially from the outside, but the reality is always far more complex.

The conversation about these transitions should focus “primarily on the ability and willingness of the next generation to run the family business,” Goodman says. “It works best when the next generation wants to be part of it, takes pride in the values and culture, and gains experience with mentoring from the older generation.” Each generation, he adds, should leave its own mark on the business.

Yet even willing heirs can create tension when there’s more than one child on the receiving end. In these cases, the conflict is not only over what is right for the business, but what is right for each child given their skills, their careers, and the lives they want.

“In many cases only one of the children is involved in the business,” Goodman says. “At the same time, the parents want all children to be treated fairly.” When it comes to succession planning, equal and fair can be opposing ideals.

If one child is more involved in the business to help it grow, the ownership, or at least the increase in its value, often goes to that child. The other heirs generally receive other assets, which may not add up to the same amount.

Ultimately, there are decision-making factors that extend beyond family dynamics. Most family businesses, to varying degrees, have employees outside of their family structure whose livelihoods they take into consideration.

“Parents often want to look out for loyal, longtime employees,” Goodman says, a reality that he believes is true to Jewish values. He says some of his happiest clients took his advice to provide for those employees.

Goodman encourages families to carry that level of generosity. He also points families toward giving. A donor advised fund created in the name of the parents or the family can honor the work they have done, while giving the next generation a push towards a role in charitable work and community service.

Naomi Limor Sedek, president and CEO of Tidewater Jewish Foundation, describes a donor advised fund as “a charitable checking account.” Donors get a tax deduction when they add money, and they recommend grants to charities. For families with a business and several million dollars in assets, she says, a supporting organization may be a better fit, with the foundation acting as “a family office” that convenes the generations to discuss their mission and run a grants process together.

Russ Cronin, TJF’s vice president and COO, says families name successor advisors, typically children or grandchildren, in the fund agreement, and those successors must be living during the original donors’ lifetime. They may also be limited to granting the income the fund produces rather than the principal. But Sedek says the next generation can extend a fund’s reach: if they contribute their own resources to the fund, they can name successor advisors in a modified fund agreement with the Foundation.

That opportunity for the next generation to contribute something of their own echoes Goodman’s biggest piece of advice: for parents not to deprive children of the pleasure of their own success. “If one or more of your children are involved in the family business, look for ways for them to add new value so that they may take pride in what they are accomplishing,” he says.

Be A Reader mentors gather at annual kickoff luncheon

Robin Ford — Thu, 22 Oct 2026 15:21:28 +0000

Books are packed, supplies are ready, and excitement is in the air because BeAR is heading back to school.

The annual Be A Reader Literacy Project’s kickoff luncheon was a wonderful success, bringing together familiar faces, brand new mentors, lots of laughter and, of course, plenty of books. Held on Thursday, October 8 at the Simon Family JCC, the event aims to get everything ready for another year of reading, mentoring, and making a difference in the lives of BeARs’ second graders.

The week following the luncheon, BeAR mentors headed into schools across Norfolk and Virginia Beach to meet their students and begin another fantastic year together. Some mentors are returning to schools they have loved for years, while others are new BeARs about to discover how this program is so special.

There is nothing quite like that first meeting with a BeAR student – sitting down together, opening a book, and starting to get to know one another. Before long, that one hour a week becomes something both the student and the mentor look forward to.

Of course, mentors are there to read and help students become stronger, more confident readers. But BeAR has always been about so much more. It is about showing up. It is about encouraging a child, celebrating the little victories, and giving them an hour each week when they know someone is there just for them.

A few more BeAR mentors are still needed. In fact, a critical need exists for mentors at College Park Elementary in Virginia Beach and Suburban Park and Willard Elementary in Norfolk. So, for anyone who has ever considered joining BeAR, this is the perfect time. No teaching experience is necessary, just a love of children, a little patience, and one hour a week.

It is going to be a great year. The books are ready. The BeARs are ready. And it’s time to go roaring into school!

To become a BeAR mentor, contact Robin Ford, BeAR coordinator, at 757-321-2304 or rford@ujft.org.

2027 Super Sunday brings Jewish Tidewater together to learn, play, act, and give

Amy Zelenka — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 17:01:35 +0000

Sunday, October 11, 12 – 3 pm, Sandler Family Campus

Tidewater’s Jewish community will gather for a very special Super Sunday this month. 2027 Super Sunday is a day dedicated to learning, family fun, volunteerism, and giving, while connecting with local and global organizations.

Learn about the impact of giving
Throughout the day, attendees will have the opportunity to stroll displays in the Copeland Cardo and meet community partners whose work is made possible in part through United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s support. Each agency will share stories highlighting the impact of their services on Jewish communities from Tidewater to Tel Aviv. This is an opportunity for participants to see firsthand how their individual and collective tzedakah supports local and overseas programs, nurtures Jewish pride, and safeguards the Jewish community’s shared future.

A Sunday Funday for families
Noon – 4 pm, Sandler Family Campus
Families are invited to bring their children to Sunday Funday where the kids can bounce, create, and play while parents and other family members take part in the day’s activities. Parents volunteering for Super Sunday who are making calls in support of the Campaign may also drop-off children ages 4 and older during their calling shift. Childcare spots are limited, and drop-off is available only during parents’ calling shifts. Families can register for Sunday Funday when registering for Super Sunday.

Taking action together
Super Sunday is Tidewater’s largest day of Jewish community action, with volunteers playing a central role in making the campaign successful. During the event, volunteer callers will reach out to fellow-community members to request pledges of support for the 2027 Community Campaign. Super Sunday shows that every gift matters, and every connection matters, whether it comes through a phone call, text message, or personal conversation. Community members interested in volunteering are encouraged to sign up for a calling shift. Calling will take place in the Fleder Multipurpose Room.

Giving back to the community
Super Sunday also brings with it the simple invitation to give. Donations to United Jewish Federation of Tidewater help strengthen the local community while supporting Jewish life beyond the region.

This year’s Super Sunday offers something for everyone — and an opportunity to learn about the work UJFT does every single day.

For more information and to register, go to jewishva.org/supersunday.

Amy Zelenka is chief development officer for United Jewish Federation of Tidewater.

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