Rini Levy was recognized for her outstanding commitment to the Jewish Cincinnati community
Submitted by The Jewish Federation of Cincinnati
Rini Levy, a respected member and long-standing lay leader of Cincinnati’s Jewish community, was honored with the Jewish Federations of North America’s prestigious Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award at the International Lion of Judah Conference in Atlanta.
This award celebrates extraordinary “women of valor” who embody the highest standards of philanthropy and volunteerism. It is given every two years, and the recipient must be nominated by her peers. Rini’s countless contributions, including her roles in Campaign Leadership and Women’s Philanthropy, highlight her dedication to strengthening our community and inspiring others.
Cincinnati is incredibly proud to have Rini as our honoree — her generosity, vision and tireless efforts have shaped a flourishing community and motivated others to lead with purpose.
The Lion of Judah program was established in 1972 by Norma Kipnis Wilson and Toby Friedland, of blessed memory, to recognize the significant role of women in philanthropy within the Jewish community. The program allows women who contribute a minimum of $5,000 annually to their local Federation to become Lions, joining a global sisterhood dedicated to building a vibrant Jewish future. At the time the program was created, $5,000 represented the amount needed to bring a Jewish family from the Former Soviet Union to the United States, showcasing how collective giving could achieve transformative impact.
Today, the Lions of Judah represent over 20,000 women, having raised more than $1 billion to strengthen Jewish communities and help those in need worldwide. The Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award is presented exclusively to members of the Lion of Judah who exemplify philanthropic leadership and a commitment to volunteerism, making it one of the highest honors within the program.
Rini joins a distinguished list of past Cincinnati honorees, including Carrie Goldhoff in 2022, Sarah Wise in 2018, Ronna Schneider in 2016, and Fran Coleman in 2014. Rini’s recognition reminds us of the enduring impact that each of us can have when we combine vision, generosity and the power of community. Mazel Tov, Rini, on this well-deserved recognition!
