A Message From TJF President and CEO Naomi Sedek

As the President and CEO of the Tidewater Jewish Foundation (TJF), I am thrilled to share with you the mission of our foundation and shed light on the ways in which we work to actively engage, support, and ensure the continuity of our community for generations to come.

At TJF, our work is built upon the fundamental principles of tzedakah (charitable giving) and tikkun olam (repairing the world). Collectively, we focus on securing, cultivating and growing assets that support a strong, vibrant, sustainable, and connected Jewish community. We provide the resources, guidance, and support necessary to promote philanthropic giving throughout each stage of life, serving as a vital educational resource for individuals seeking to invest in the growth, long term sustainability, and well-being of the Jewish community.

From birth to bar/bat mitzvah, retirement and beyond, there are truly so many ways we partner with members of our community to create a lasting impact and direct their charitable giving towards Jewish organizations, educational initiatives, and community development projects.

Beginning with our B’nai Tzedek program for Jewish youth, we’re able to intervene early, engaging young people in the act of giving and educating them about the importance of philanthropy. Through this program, we can empower young minds to make informed decisions about charitable giving, enabling them to support causes that align with their values.

Then, as those young leaders progress into different life stages, TJF grows with them, providing guidance on donor advised funds, charitable life insurance policies and other planned giving strategies to simultaneously support the Jewish community, and secure its financial future. We also serve as philanthropic advisors as a part of our donors’ comprehensive estate planning teams, including legacy giving and charitable bequests, ensuring their commitment to the Jewish community endures beyond their lifetime.

Through it all, we keep the needs, and the voice of our donors at the forefront. Without a doubt, each person's philanthropic journey is unique. That’s why we offer personalized guidance and work to identify donor passions and align their giving with those values. Our job is to ensure that everyone, and anyone, can have a lasting and meaningful impact on the causes that matter most to them.

With our extensive network of partners, I am honored to witness the positive impact we continue to make on our community. Together, we are securing a vibrant and thriving Jewish community. Our work is far from over, and we invite you to stand with us on this incredible journey. Your support is instrumental in shaping the future of our community and ensuring that our values and traditions endure from generation to generation.

To learn more about what we do and how we can help you build a lasting legacy, please reach out to me at Naomi Limor Sedek at nsedek@ujft.org or 757-965-6109.