To learn more about supporting One Happy Camper or to begin a conversation about establishing a lasting legacy through this initiative, contact Naomi Limor Sedek at Tidewater Jewish Foundation, nsedek@tjfva.org or 757-965-6109.

 Beth Sholom Village has transformed to meet the evolving needs of seniors in Tidewater by reimagining how it carries forward a longstanding commitment rooted in one of Judaism’s enduring values: l’dor v’dor, from generation to generation. For decades, the Jewish community invested in Beth Sholom Village and its earlier iterations to ensure that seniors could live with quality, dignity, and meaningful opportunities for engagement.

 Today, that legacy continues through a new philanthropic model. Beth Sholom Village is now a grantmaking organization focused on supporting programs that improve care, foster engagement, and ensure lives of dignity for seniors, particularly Jewish seniors, while also addressing senior needs throughout the greater Hampton Roads community.

 By partnering with Tidewater Jewish Foundation to steward and administer the program, Beth Sholom Village is ensuring that these philanthropic resources are managed thoughtfully and positioned for long-term sustainability. While the Beth Sholom Village Grants Committee continues to guide funding decisions, TJF provides philanthropic expertise, administrative infrastructure, and investment stewardship that help charitable funds grow and continue supporting seniors.

 For TJF, the partnership reflects its broader mission of working alongside Jewish organizations to strengthen philanthropy and sustain community impact. “Passover reminds us that transformation is part of the Jewish story,” says Naomi Limor Sedek, TJF president and CEO. “Our community’s institutions must also evolve so their values and generosity can continue to make a difference. We are proud to partner with Beth Sholom Village to help ensure that its legacy of caring for seniors continues to support our community for generations.”

 “Beth Sholom Village has long been committed to supporting organizations that care for seniors and strengthen Jewish life in our region,” says Edie Schlain, chair of Beth Sholom Village’s Grants Committee. “Working with Tidewater Jewish Foundation allows us to continue that mission while ensuring our charitable resources are stewarded responsibly and positioned to create lasting impact.”

 Like the Passover story, the partnership reflects a belief that renewal, when guided by purpose and community values, can lead to a stronger future. 

Organizations navigating change or seeking to strengthen their philanthropic impact are encouraged to contact Tidewater Jewish Foundation to explore how partnership and stewardship can help sustain their work in perpetuity. Naomi Limor Sedek may be reached at nsedek@tjfva.org or 757-965-6109.

 Last month, Tidewater Jewish Foundation did just that. Board members gathered for the Foundation’s annual State of the Foundation to strengthen the strategy forward. It was a purposeful pause to name both the successes and challenges of supporting Jewish life in Tidewater, and to align around a path ahead.

 Over the past decade, TJF has helped turn local generosity into real support, fueling grants and long-term charitable funds that strengthen Jewish life across the region. In plain terms, the Foundation has been growing its ability to help; supporting organizations now while also building long-term stability that can carry the community through changing needs and future challenges.

 The State of the Foundation gathering focused on what comes next. Board members heard from Eddie Kramer, TJF board chair and Paul Peck, chair-elect, about the Foundation’s forward-looking strategy, how it plans to secure the resources that sustain Jewish education, synagogue life, cultural programming, social services, and community wellbeing, so future generations are not forced to rebuild what can be secured today.

 For Naomi Limor Sedek, TJF president and CEO, those conversations often begin with something deeply human: people care, but they don’t always have the words, or a clear plan. “It’s not that they haven’t thought about their legacy, they just can’t always articulate it,” she says. TJF’s role is to help individuals and families, at any stage of life, define what they want to perpetuate and then struct-
ure a meaningful, lasting plan to support the Jewish community.

 Community members who want to participate can begin with a simple conversation. Whether someone is early in their career, raising a family, planning for retirement, or reflecting on the legacy they hope to leave, TJF can help translate values into action, through donor-advised funds, legacy commitments, endowment planning, or other giving vehicles that align with personal goals.

 The future of Jewish Tidewater is not abstract. It is built decision by decision, family by family. And it begins with asking one powerful question: What do I want my legacy to be?

To start the conversation about your own legacy, contact Naomi Limor Sedek at Tidewater Jewish Foundation, 757-965-6109 or nsedek@tjfva.org.

 Moments like these – unscripted, warm, and rooted in connection – are often where meaningful conversations about family values and legacy begin. Across generations, families have gathered around food not only to nourish the body, but to share stories, pass down traditions, and explore what matters most. These conversations don’t require formal meetings or legal documents. They happen naturally, shaped by each family’s rhythm, humor, and history.

 Talking about legacy isn’t about perfection or preparedness. It’s about curiosity. It might start with a memory, how someone learned about giving from a parent or grandparent, or a simple question posed over dinner: What causes do you care about most? From there, values emerge. Justice. Responsibility. Lovingkindness. Memory. What can feel abstract on paper becomes deeply personal when spoken aloud.

 In many Jewish homes, tikkun olam isn’t discussed as a concept. It’s practiced. It shows up in the causes families support, the values they model, and the way generosity is woven into everyday life. A shared meal becomes more than nourishment; it becomes a reminder that repairing the world often begins close to home, one conversation and one choice at a time.

 Tidewater Jewish Foundation encourages families to embrace these moments and meet each other where they are. Through thoughtfully designed conversation guides, TJF offers simple prompts and reflections that help families talk about giving, values, and the Jewish future in ways that feel authentic, not intimidating.

 “Legacy conversations don’t have to be heavy or formal to be meaningful,” says Naomi Limor Sedek, TJF president and CEO. “Some of the most powerful discussions happen when families are relaxed and present with one another. A shared meal creates space for listening, vulnerability, and connection. That’s where values are truly passed on.”

Whether it’s a Shabbat dinner, a holiday gathering, or a quiet weeknight meal, these moments offer an opportunity to begin, or continue, the conversation.

To request a complimentary conversation guide or to schedule a relaxed, no-pressure legacy conversation with a Tidewater Jewish Foundation team member, contact Naomi Limor Sedek, TJF president and CEO, at nsedek@tjfva.org

 Tidewater Jewish Foundation believes this season can be a powerful opportunity to connect purpose with impact. With thoughtful planning, charitable giving can become a steady source of meaning in retirement, while also protecting the vitality of Jewish life in Tidewater.

Here are three ways TJF helps retirees turn intention into lasting impact:

1) Check in on tax and charitable planning

Retirement brings shifts in income, taxes, and long-term financial plans. TJF works alongside donors and their advisors to ensure charitable giving fits into the bigger picture. This may include strategies such as giving more in certain years, using a donor-advised fund to support organizations steadily over time, or exploring other tools that align with personal financial goals.

2) Involve the next generation

With more time in retirement, many donors find new opportunities to include children and grandchildren in giving conversations. TJF can help families use donor-advised funds to teach values, strengthen relationships, and pass down a tradition of generosity. Donors may also name children or grandchildren as successor advisors, so the family’s philanthropic spirit continues.

3) Build a legacy that strengthens Jewish life

Retirement is often when estate plans are updated—
making it an ideal time to consider a legacy gift. Donors may choose to name a fund at TJF as a beneficiary of retirement assets, create a permanent endowment to support community needs, or establish a family legacy fund that carries Jewish values forward.

“Retirement creates space for reflection and a powerful opportunity to be intentional about the legacy someone wants to leave,” says Naomi Limor Sedek, Tidewater Jewish Foundation president and CEO. “For many donors, philanthropy becomes one of the most meaningful ways to strengthen Jewish life today while ensuring the future is even stronger.”

TJF welcomes conversations with retirees and those planning for retirement who want to explore how charitable giving can bring clarity, purpose, and lasting impact to this next chapter.

Contact Naomi Limor Sedek at nsedek@tjfva.org or 757-965-6111 to begin the conversation.

 Raised in Virginia Beach’s Kempsville area, Cronin earned his bachelor’s degree in accountancy from Virginia Commonwealth University. After building a career that spans banking, corporate treasury, and community foundation leadership, he is returning to Tidewater with a perspective shaped by both financial stewardship and mission-driven service.

 Cronin spent much of his career in banking, specializing in treasury and financial operations. He later transitioned into philanthropy, working with Adirondack Community Foundation, where he gained experience supporting donors and nonprofits through strategic giving. In 2019, he returned to financial institution leadership at Adirondack Regional Federal Credit Union, ultimately serving as its CEO.

 For Cronin, TJF represents an opportunity to merge the best of both worlds – sound financial management and purposeful community investment. 

 “TJF is an organization that’s thinking long-term about sustainability, operational excellence, and lasting community impact,” Cronin says. “I’m excited to help TJF continue building the structure and momentum needed for the work ahead.” He adds, “I love investment management.” 

 Naomi Limor Sedek, TJF’s president and CEO, says she is thrilled to welcome Cronin and confident in what his leadership will bring to the foundation’s future. 

 “Russ brings a unique blend of financial leadership and community foundation experience,” Sedek says. “His expertise will strengthen our operations, build relationships with professional advisors and help TJF continue to advance our mission with excellence, integrity, and long-term vision.”

 As he begins this chapter, Cronin says he is focused on listening, learning, and building strong relationships across the community – work he sees as essential to TJF’s continued growth and impact. 

Russ Cronin may be reached at rcronin@tjfva.org.

Ed Kramer is chair of Tidewater Jewish Foundation’s board of directors.

Awarded semiannually, the grant application period opened on November 15. These grants prioritize programs that deepen engagement, expand learning, and build lasting connections; investments that help institutions adapt and thrive amid changing needs.

 “This program is about more than dollars,” says Ann Swindell, TJF’s grants manager. “It’s a springboard for ideas that bring people together, build capacity, and move our community forward.”

 In the past year, Community Impact Grants have fueled a wide range of successful projects, including the following examples of B’nai Israel, Strelitz International Academy, William & Mary’s Hillel, and United Jewish Federation of Tidewater:

• B’nai Israel hosted a Maccabeats concert that drew hundreds and strengthened bonds across generations and denominations. 

• Strelitz International Academy launched its Future Proofing Initiative, enhancing board leadership and planning, and later built a student recording studio that allows children to explore media, storytelling, and Jewish values. 

• Hillel at William & Mary expanded its Israel Fellow Program, engaging more than 250 students through education and cultural programming. 

• United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s Multigenerational Giving Project brought donor families together to discuss legacy and the future of Jewish philanthropy.

 As chair of the Grants Committee, Richard Saunders says he sees firsthand how these projects strengthen the community’s foundation. “The strongest proposals are the ones where organizations create programs that are truly needed and genuinely helpful,” Saunders says. “Brick-and-mortar needs matter, but it’s the programming that attracts current and future community members and that’s where these grants can be transformative.”

 TJF invites all Jewish agencies, organizations, and synagogues in Tidewater to apply for the next round of Community Impact Grants. Whether envisioning a new educational program, community event, or strategic initiative, this funding opportunity can help bring ideas to life.

To learn more or apply, visit foundation.jewishva.org/community-impact-grants. 

 “The close of the calendar year is when charitable and financial planning intersect,” says Randy Parrish, Tidewater Jewish Foundation’s vice president and chief financial officer. “A few well-timed adjustments can help donors maximize tax efficiency while supporting the causes they care about most.”

1. Review estate plans under the new tax law.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) extended the elevated estate tax exemption, $13.99 million for single filers and $27.98 million for couples in 2025, rising to $15 million and $30 million in 2026. Parrish advises reviewing estate plans regularly: “Even favorable exemptions can change. Donors should confirm that charitable designations in their wills and trusts still reflect their intentions.”

2. Keep planning ahead.

Tax law is rarely static. “What works today may not work five years from now,” Parrish says. “Regular check-ins with your advisors, and with TJF, help ensure your strategy remains optimized.”

3. Stay the course.

Donors who have increased charitable gifts expecting a lower exemption might consider maintaining that generosity. Financial incentives may fluctuate, but impact endures. “Charitable giving shouldn’t be reactionary, it’s part of a long-term plan,” Parrish adds.

4. Take advantage of 2025 if itemizing deductions.

With higher standard deductions and new limits coming in 2026, donors who itemize can benefit from “bunching,” making larger gifts to a TJF Donor Advised Fund this year. This approach secures a current deduction while allowing future flexibility in charitable distributions.

5. Use appreciated assets and IRAs wisely.

Donating appreciated stock remains one of the most tax-savvy moves, helping avoid capital gains. Naming a TJF fund as an IRA beneficiary can also reduce both estate and income taxes.

6. Consider Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs).

For those age 70½ or older, QCDs allow up to $108,000 per taxpayer to be transferred directly from an IRA to a qualified charity, including certain TJF funds, without triggering income tax.

“At the end of the day, philanthropy is one of the few investments that yields both immediate and lasting returns,” Parrish says.

For guidance on year-end giving, visit www.foundation.jewishva.org,  or contact Randy Parrish at rparrish@tjfva.org or 757-965-6111.

 For years, JFS has hosted a knitting and crocheting group at the Sandler Family Campus, where volunteers have lovingly crafted blankets, hats, and scarves that are distributed to JFS clients during Hanukkah. “At least every day someone tells me they knit—or used to knit—for JFS,” says Emily Krouse, JFS special projects coordinator.  “We realized there was so much interest and community around this project that expanding to Aviva Pembroke just made sense.”

 The first session was a great success, drawing both Aviva residents and volunteers from across the community. Laughter and conversation filled the room as people worked side by side, sharing patterns, stories, and friendship.

Knots of Kindness at Aviva Pembroke will continue to meet on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month, 10:30 am to 12:00 p.m. The original Knots of Kindness group at the Simon Family JCC also continues to meet every Tuesday at 10 am, welcoming both longtime participants and new members. Everyone from the community is invited to join either group, regardless of experience level.

All items created will be donated to Jewish Family Service clients and community members to bring warmth and comfort during the holiday season and beyond.

For more information or to get involved, contact Julie Kievit, JFS Jewish Community Services manager, at jkievit@jfshamptonroads.com or

757-321-2318.