Building Community, Together

by | Aug 10, 2018 | Other News

I have always been proud of our community. It’s what brought me to Jewish Family Service of Tidewater in 2003 after working in hospital administration. I was involved in our Federation’s young leadership programs and served on the executive board of the Jewish Community Center at Newport Avenue. But, I wanted to do more.

We have a wonderful community. As I have attended national JFS conferences over the years and now have interacted with colleagues from federations around the country, I constantly hear, “You’re from Tidewater? What an amazing community you have!”

And, we really do.

It’s about the people. People not only taking care of people, but also being passionate about our local Jewish community— improving it, and ensuring its vibrancy for our children and grandchildren.

It’s also about the people of Tidewater connecting to the needs of those in Israel, Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union, and other communities around the world. Having participated in federation missions over the years to both Israel and Eastern Europe, I have been impacted by seeing first-hand how the funds we raise in Tidewater directly help people of all ages and make a difference in their lives.

The people of Tidewater are known nationally and internationally for leading, helping those in need, and making a difference. I look forward to continuing this legacy with all of you. We are all connected to our Jewish community, whether it be through the federation, a partner agency, a synagogue, or simply by being here and caring about the future.

My husband and I are proud that our roots are in the Portsmouth, Norfolk, and Peninsula Jewish communities, and that we now have the opportunity to raise our children here. It’s about taking care of people, building connections, and ensuring the future of our community—together.

I really looking forward to seeing all of you the evening of Thursday, September 6, as we kick-off our 2019 Annual Campaign and an exciting year.

Betty Ann Levin

Executive Vice President

United Jewish Federation of Tidewater