Hello! My name is Naomi Limor Sedek, the new President and CEO of the Tidewater Jewish Foundation.

I’d like to say thank you to everyone who has reached out and welcomed me. Each encounter has been enjoyable and I have met so many community members, lay leaders, and donors across Jewish Tidewater. I look forward to meeting with more of you and hearing about your dreams for the Tidewater Jewish community. Do not hesitate to reach out: nsedek@ujft.org, direct: 757-965-6109, or cell: 757-635-3810.

I want all of you to know that the Tidewater Jewish Foundation is here for you. Our transition to remote work has not stopped us from providing this community the resources it needs to thrive today and in the future. We continue to operate at full capacity.

Our Torah describes an outpouring of generosity, when the Jewish people are called upon to build the Mishkan or Tabernacle, from the “willing of heart.” The text says that the people brought “enough materials for all the work to be done, and more.” This is confusing: Did they bring enough (i.e. the right amount) or did they bring more than necessary? The answer might be both, and this might be teaching us something about the nature of sacred philanthropic work, whether building a community or facing an unprecedented crisis. Those willing of heart want to respond with an overflow of generosity, dedication, and passion.

Since arriving in Tidewater, I have been so honored to be a part of a community where fund holders and leadership continue to respond with such generosity, dedication, and passion. You have trusted the Tidewater Jewish Foundation to be a partner in your philanthropy. We are available to counsel you as you explore ways to activate the resources that have been set aside with philanthropic intent. The nature of your abundant generosity represents the spirit and urgency with which so many of us want to give, respond, and act. In the face of adversity, we go beyond what seems reasonable or possible. In times of crisis, we dig deeper, go farther; we can experience, create, and realize more.

I look forward to the day we can all finally meet in person. Until then, thank you for honoring the values of tikkun olam and tzedakah, responding in this time of need, as well as supporting the Tidewater Jewish community always. We are available via phone, email, or video conference to help with your philanthropic goals.

Naomi Limor Sedek
President & CEO