jewishnewsva.org | JANUARY 19, 2026 | JEWISH NEWS | 17
Investment & Retirement
ADVANCING PURPOSE IN RETIREMENT: GIVING BACK WITH INTENTION
TJF staff writer The Jewish community is taught from an early age that giving back is not optional. Values such as tikkun olam and tzedakah shape how families show up for one another and how the community strengthens Jewish life for future generations. In retirement, those same values often take on new meaning. With more flexibility in time and, for many, greater stability in finances, retirement can open the door to deeper, more intentional philanthropy—giving that reflects both a lifetime of values and the legacy a person hopes to leave behind. 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 donoradvised 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.
WHAT’S YOUR LEGACY? And how can you make it last for future generations? At Kaufman & Canoles, we’re here to help you pay your wealth forward, so you can protect your family, your business and your values for years to come. Our dedicated Estate, Trust & Wealth Transfer team will listen to you and transform your goals into a unique long-term plan, one that merges excellent proactive advice with smart tax strategies. Because whether you need a will or a complex trust, your legacy should never be in doubt. We can. And we will.®
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Investment & Retirement
TIDEWATER JEWISH FOUNDATION EXPANDS TEAM WITH NEW COO Russell “Russ” Cronin recently joined Tidewater Jewish Foundation as its new chief operating officer and vice president of operations. Cronin brings strong professional expertise and a local connection to the organization’s leadership team. 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 Russell Cronin.
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.
BUYING OR SELLING CHOOSE A LOCAL AND EXPERIENCED REALTOR.
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Over 30 YEARS assisting buyers and sellers in HAMPTON ROADS jewishnewsva.org | JANUARY 19, 2026 | JEWISH NEWS | 19
Investment & Retirement
Retirees keep busy at Simon Family JCC Sarah Cooper The opportunities for engagement for retirees and seniors presented by United Jewish Federation of Tidewater and the Simon Family JCC are plentiful and varied and designed to offer something for nearly everyone. The Senior Club, for example, meets once a month and always includes lunch and an engaging activity. In November, the Virginia Opera presented a beautiful show of arias and duets; and in December, a holiday lunch party was held at Outback Steakhouse that included an optional gift exchange. Israeli dancing and a Passover seder are scheduled for the spring. Membership is only $15 a year (due in July) and it’s not necessary to be a JCC member to join. Roundtable Conversations is a bimonthly gathering where current events are discussed (usually in a lively,
Engagement, at Scooper@ujft.org or 757-452-3184. For information on Silver Sneakers and membership, call 757-321-2338 or go to simonfamilyjcc.org.
respectful manner). Participants enjoy the fellowship along with coffee and snacks. Yiddish and Book Clubs also meet once a month. The calendar on page 35 lists specific dates and times for the clubs’ meetings and other events. Many retirees gather every week for board and card games. From Mah Jongg, Bridge, Bunco, Mexican Train, and Scrabble, there is sure to be a game that everyone can play. JCC membership gives access to all of this, plus use of the fitness equipment, fitness classes, and aquatics. Silver Sneakers is a program provided under certain healthcare coverage and offers free membership. For additional information on clubs, gaming, and events, contact Sarah Cooper, coordinator of Arts & Lifelong
Create a Jewish legacy for the community you love through planned charitable giving . . .ask us how
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Investment & Retirement
JEWISH GRANDPARENTS NETWORK TO HOST LEARNING FEST 2026 TUESDAY, JANUARY 27 3 – 6:30 PM, VIRTUAL
Downsizing & Planning For The Future
Linda Fox-Jarvis & Stephanie Jarvis Caskill 757-490-1254 (O) Team@theLFJteam.com
757-335-1202 (C) www.foxhomelink.com
• CARING & DILIGENT Real Estate Representation for Buyers & Sellers • HIGHLY SKILLED in contract negotiations • COMPREHENSIVE KNOWLEDGE of the area’s neighborhoods. The Jewish Grandparents Network, which educates, connects, and supports grandparents as essential partners in enriching Jewish life across generations, is hosting Learning Fest 2026, the first global convening for Jewish grandparents to learn from experts and each other. The virtual gathering includes sessions covering long-distance grandparenting, generational dynamics around Israel, navigating interfaith families, and more. “Grandparents hold a unique place in many families—they are the keeper of stories and a bridge between the past and future,” says Debra Weinberg, executive director of the Jewish Grandparents Network. “At the same time, many families have complicated dynamics, and the world today is also complicated. Learning Fest 2026 will help grandparents navigate these challenges, connect with each other for support, and feel valued. We’re excited to share knowledge and tools to build strong Jewish families and a brighter Jewish future.” Many grandparents will connect to the event and each other on Zoom from home. Others will join in person through local communities around the country in
“watch parties.” Either way, grandparents can engage in the Learning Fest together. The keynote speaker is Dr. Becky Kennedy, also known as Dr. Becky, a clinical psychologist, mom of three, and popular podcaster, social media megastar, and CEO of Good Inside. She will explore with interviewer Leah Kahn, vice president of Jewish Education at Assembly, how today’s parents are approaching emotional health, boundaries, and connection — and how grandparents can play a meaningful role in supporting strong, emotionally healthy families across generations. In addition to interest-based small group breakouts, some of the expert-led sessions include: • At a Distance: Practical and Meaningful Ways to Build Relationships with Grandchildren Who Live Far Away; Kerry Byrne, PhD, founder of The Long Distance Grandparent • When Grandparents Get Canceled (and What to Do About It); Rachel Haack, LMFT, a marriage and family therapist associate • Has it EVER been possible for families to calmly discuss Israel? Exploring the Generational Dynamics of Israel
Give us a call, text, or email to receive our FREE DOWNSIZING CHECKLIST and/or HOME CHECKLIST FOR AGING IN PLACE. We have also compiled a comprehensive list of local organizations accepting donations. We are happy to meet with you to make suggestions for preparing your home for sale, explain the transition process, and discuss available downsize options, both for sale and for rent. Whether you are looking to move in the next few months – or in the next few years- we serve clients throughout Hampton Roads.
OFFICE: 600 22ND STREET, SUITE 101 VIRGINIA BEACH, VA 23451 / (757) 422-2200 • A MEMBER OF THE FRANCHISE SYSTEM OF BHH AFFILIATES, LLC
Infatuation, Anxiety, and Ambivalence; Jonathan Kessler, founder and CEO of Heart of a Nation • How Grandparents with Neurodivergent Grandchildren Can Embrace and Support Their Family; Dr. Richard Solomon, developmental and behavioral pediatrician • Ritual Reimagined: Crafting Meaningful and Memorable Moments with your Grandchildren; Ezra Bookman, Founder, Ritualist • Doing Jewish, Feeling Jewish, Being Jewish: Grandparents as Guides in Mixed-Heritage and Multifaith
Families; Rabbi Samuel Klein, director of Jewish Engagement at the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle • Texts, TikToks & Time Together: Building Real Bonds with Your Teen Grandkids; Drew Fidler, LCSW-C, senior director of the BBYO Center for Adolescent Wellness, and Ian Kandel, BBYO’s senior vice president for Movement Building Register for the Jewish Grandparents Network Learning Fest 2026 by January 19 at jewishgrandparentsnetwork.org/learningfest. Cost is $36.
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Warm Winter Wishes from your friends at MHC and Greentree Healthcare!
ESTABLISH YOUR LEGACY OF CARING, FOREVER! For 75 years, we have worked to make life better in Hampton Roads through civic leadership, philanthropy, and grantmaking. We can help you establish a legacy of caring that will last forever. Learn more at hamptonroadscf.org.
W
ith the new year comes new ownership.
We pride ourselves with the same high standard of exceptional care you have come to expect. Please come by for a tour… we’d love to show you around! Looking forward to greeting you soon.
HEALTH CENTER
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6401 Auburn Drive Virginia Beach VA 23464 Mhcofvb.com
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CELEBRATING 75 YEARS OF PHILANTHROPIC SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY
Investment & Retirement Southside Chapel • 5033 Rouse Drive Virginia Beach • 757 422-4000
Chris Sisler, Vice President, Member of Ohef Sholom Temple, Board member of the Berger-Goldrich Home at Beth Sholom Village, James E. Altmeyer, Jr., President, James E. Altmeyer, Sr., Owner
Beth and Barry Dorsk with grandchildren, Lilly, Layla, and Max.
Retirement for Beth Dorsk: Her day is her own Terri Denison A Virginia Beach native, Beth Koonan Dorsk retired as a hospice nurse in 2025. She agreed to share with Jewish News some of her reasons for retiring and how it’s working out.
JN: Can you believe it has been one full year since you retired? BD: No, I can’t but it has taken this long going to different doctor appointments for me and my husband. Now, we are ready to have some fun!
Jewish News: Where were you educated? Beth Koonan Dorsk: Flagler Medical Assistant Program (Miami, Fla.) Tidewater Community College School of Nursing (Suffolk).
JN: Did you have a plan for what you would do with your time? BD: Travel as much as I can, go to the gym more, read, take walks, enjoy living at the oceanfront, community service (soup kitchen, BeAR program), and to be an advocate for seniors.
JN: What was your work history? BD: Medical Assistant for OB/GYN and pediatric offices; Bayside Hospital on the cardiac floor; Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital, Cardiac stepdown unit; Jewish Family Service Home Health Care; Harbor’s Edge IL clinic; Hospice Nurse Liaison for the last 16 years of my career. JN: How long did you work? BD: 48 years JN: Why did you decide to retire? BD: To take care of my husband with recent diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease and to spend more time with my three sons, two daughters-in-law, and my three beautiful grandchildren.
JN: Is your husband, Barry, glad that you’re no longer working? BD: Absolutely! JN: Do you use your professional skills in any way since retirement? Do people still call you for medical advice? BD: Yes, this community finds me when their loved ones need hospice or their health is failing. I am always happy to guide families through the healthcare system and be a resource. JN: What do you do to relax? BD: Yoga, walk on the beach, read a good book, go to lunch with friends, and spend time with my grandchildren.
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www.altmeyerfuneralandcremation.com JN: What about travel? What has been a favorite destination? BD: Colorado where our youngest son Mitch lives, Cancun, or Cayman Islands.
JN: Do you feel any healthier? Less stressed? BD: Oh yes! I can wake up when I feel like it and take my time in the mornings. No alarm clock! I love not rushing out the door. My day is my own and I love that.
JN: In general, are you glad you retired? Have you missed working? BD: I do miss my work very much as I love to help patients and families at end of life. I am glad I have retired and very grateful that I can. My husband always said I could retire at 62 but you never know when your plan will change.
JN: Do you have any advice for someone considering retirement? BD: Absolutely, take a year to find the balance with your time and don’t commit to anything! JN: Last comments? BD: Enjoy the next chapter of your life and fill it with only the things you want to do to bring you peace, happiness and good health.
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