Todd Holcomb
Members of Nadiv, United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s Young Adult Division men’s giving circle, gathered at the Downtown Norfolk home of Jeff Chernitzer on Wednesday, Sept. 6 to kick off a new year of philanthropy, networking, and community service programming. The kick-off is a signature event for Nadiv, as returning members reconnect with one another and warmly welcome new members into the group.
New to Nadiv this year is its Executive Leadership Committee, consisting of Danny Rubin (founder, past chair 2016–2023), Tim Thornton (chair, 2023–2024), Avidan Itzhak (vice-chair, 2023–2024), Mike Yaary (March Madness chair, 2023–2024), Sam Molofsky (membership chair, 2023–2024), and Troy Ingram (social action chair, 2023–2024).
Jeff Chernitzer and Tim Thornton set a tone for the group rooted in philanthropy, community, and Jewish values. All were clearly inspired by Chernitzer’s personal story, which traced his own philanthropic and professional journey from modest beginnings as a young man growing up in Norfolk, to a recognized leader in Tidewater’s Jewish community. One of Chernitzer’s messages particularly resonated with the group: “When you engage in philanthropy, it enriches your life and those around you through the good that you spread throughout the community.”
The Nadiv young men’s giving circle is open to all young men in the Jewish community, ages 20 to 40-something. It provides members with a rare opportunity to “do a deep dive” into their individual and collective Jewish and philanthropic values. And it enables members to learn about and support group-determined causes locally and abroad, while encouraging new personal and professional connections.
The next Nadiv event is a Sukkah night at the home of Danny Rubin on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 7 – 10 pm. If interested in joining Nadiv or attending the event, contact Elana McGovern, YAD director, at emcgovern@ujft.org.
Todd Holcomb is United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s director of development. He may be reached at tholcomb@ujft.org.