By: Amy Weinstein

On the evening of May 15, 2024, the Simon Family Jewish Community Center's Fleder Multipurpose Room was abuzz with laughter, camaraderie, and the unmistakable spirit of the Tidewater Jewish community. The occasion was the Simon Family Legacy Society Celebration Event, an evening dedicated to honoring those who have made lasting contributions to the Jewish future through their generosity and commitment.

The event, hosted by the Tidewater Jewish Foundation (TJF), 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, a member of the Simon family, warmly welcomed the guests, underscoring the family's longstanding commitment to philanthropy and community building.

The evening featured a visual 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. This program, launching in the fall of 2024, 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, Chairman of the Board at TJF, introduced the evening's keynote speaker, Joel Chasnoff. Chasnoff, an acclaimed author and stand-up comedian, brought the house down with his unique brand of relevant, uplifting Jewish comedy. His performance not only entertained but also reinforced the evening's themes of legacy, community, and Jewish continuity.

In her closing remarks, Naomi Limor Sedek, CEO at TJF, reflected on the significance of the evening: "As we gathered to celebrate and honor the timeless tradition of legacy giving, we were 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."

This article also appeared in a recent edition of Jewish News.