Nataly and Seth Fleishman

Nataly and Seth Fleishman hold many things dear to their heart, but none more so than the Jewish community.

"The Jewish community is most important to us. We want to not only do our part, but exceed our responsibility to do the best for our Jewish community." says Seth.

Seth, a Tennessee native, and Nataly, originally from Israel, are very involved in the community. The Fleishmans give much of their time and energy to a variety of Jewish organizations in the area. They are devoted shul-goers, volunteers, and participants at Congregation Beth El and Chabad of Tidewater. Seth is first Vice-President at Beth El and maintains many areas of responsibility there. Both are quite involved with the pro-Israel community with AIPAC and the Federation. Nataly is co-chair of the CRC's Israel Committee. They are also enthusiastic volunteers and proponents of Jewish Family Service, NEST, and several Ghent-based organizations. Nataly and Seth are continuing to teach the importance of Judaism to their two children. Their daughter Shira, 6, attends the Hebrew Academy of Tidewater and son, Matan, 4, will soon follow.

Recently, with assistance from Philip Rovner, President of the Tidewater Jewish Foundation, the Fleishmans were able to Create a Jewish Legacy by endowing their gift to the Jewish Community that means so much to them. They chose a life insurance policy as their means to ensure the community will be strong for future generations. Seth said Rovner sold him on the idea of endowing their gifts following his partaking in the Sandler Men's Mission to Israel this past July. This group consisted of male leaders from the community, handpicked to participate in order to bond with one another and experience Israel together.

"It was with men in the community that each of us knew, but probably wouldn't otherwise have had the chance to spend an entire day with and get to know better. The trip had that special something that makes you want to do more." Seth is thankful to the Sandlers for sponsoring such an event and choosing him to participate. Fleishman feels an obligation to educate others on endowments, especially his peers.

"I feel like I need to inform people my age to look into life insurance policies as a way to give back to the community. While my peers and I may not have the resources of more senior people in the community, we have a clear advantage when it comes to getting life insurance", says Seth.

Nataly agrees. "You don't have to give a lot at once to make a difference. We give a little money at a time, and it can make a big impact in the end, which is just as important".

Seth & Nataly Fleishman: This story was written in 2013.

For more information about how you can create a Jewish Legacy, please call or email Naomi Limor Sedek President and CEO of the Tidewater Jewish Foundation, at 757-965-6109 or [email protected].

Written by Shana Tokarski