The board of directors of the Tidewater Jewish Foundation honored a long-time community leader and Life Trustee, Kurt Rosenbach, with a special award at its March board meeting. Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), the organization that unites Jewish Federations and independent Jewish communities throughout the world, annually presents outstanding leaders with the Endowment Achievement Award. Because of his dedication to Tidewater’s community, TJF submitted the following nomination statement to JFNA:
Kurt has been a key member of the Tidewater Jewish community for decades. He served as President of Ohef Sholom Temple from 1981–1983, during which time he oversaw major renovations to the Religious School Building and the Kaufman Social Hall. He also began an active Outreach Program that focused on welcoming those into the Congregation from other faiths and sensitizing members born into the Jewish faith to the challenges faced by those embracing Judaism. Kurt has served on the Board of Directors and various committees of TJF since the 1990s, including chairing the Grants committee and serving as Board Treasurer.
As one of the our senior community members, Kurt has aggressively led the Create a Jewish Legacy program for his beloved Temple and has significantly outperformed the efforts of other participating affiliates. All of his service has been rendered with a keen and calm focus on the future of our Jewish community. Kurt lives in the moment with his focus on the future viability and well-being of our community.
TJF is grateful for leaders like Kurt Rosenbach, who help the community achieve its mission of creating permanent resources to meet the challenges and needs of the Jewish community.