Each year, Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), the organization that unites Jewish Federations and independent Jewish communities throughout the world, presents outstanding leaders with the Endowment Achievement Award. This award is to honor the recipient’s dedication to their community and tikkun olam. The Tidewater Jewish Foundation works closely with JFNA in this process and nominated a member of its board of directors, Dr. Leigh Baltuch. The following was submitted to JFNA for consideration:
A New Jersey native, Leigh Baltuch, M.D. is a successful psychiatrist and committed philanthropist. Leigh and wife Linda have been members of Temple Israel for over 20 years, and he has worked tirelessly during this time to create permanent resources to ensure their Temple’s future. Leigh is a past president and treasurer of Temple Israel, and is currently president of the Temple Israel Foundation and a Board member of the Tidewater Jewish Foundation. He is a valued member of the Temple’s Men’s Club and the Seaboard Region Federated Jewish Men’s Club and a recipient of the Blue Yarmulke Man of the Year Award. In addition, Leigh also continues to serve the community as a volunteer with the American Red Cross as a Disaster Mental Health Supervisor. Hampton Roads is fortunate to have such a dedicated member serving its community, and we are delighted to honor Leigh with this award.
On Temple Israel’s future, Rabbi Michael Panitz says, “While still serving our long-time members and enjoying their participation, we are increasingly engaging a new and younger generation—a generation interested in a Jewish life of learning and caring, of socializing as well as of spirituality. Thus our past gives us direction for our future.”
The time and energy Baltuch has dedicated to the Temple Israel Foundation has secured the future for the next generations of Temple Israel congregants.
Baltuch was presented the Endowment Achievement Award at the June 11 meeting of TJF’s board of directors.