By Dot Heffron, Director, Women's Philanthropy, JCFR

On May 14, the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond hosted its annual L’dor V’dor celebration at the historic Bolling Haxall House in downtown Richmond.

 

L'dor V'dor previous honorees with Ellen Renee. (Front/From Left) Hedy Lapkin, Elise Scherr and Susan Meyers; (Back) Cathy Plotkin, Nannette Shor, Sara Waskin, Ellen Renee, Susie Adolf and Lynn Schwartz.

 

This signature Women’s Philanthropy event brought together women of all ages to celebrate the power of legacy, leadership, and the enduring impact of Jewish values passed from generation to generation.

Ellen Renee is surrounded by her family - holding granddaughter, Wyatt.

 

The evening honored Ellen Renee Adams as the 2025 L’dor V’dor Woman of Valor, recognizing her decades of service to the Richmond Jewish community, her deep commitment to Jewish life, and her role as a matriarch inspiring future generations.

Surrounded by her daughters, Bekah and Jennifer - daughter Stephanie was unable to attend, - and celebrating the recent birth of her first grandchild, Wyatt, Ellen Renee was celebrated for the life she has built and the legacy she continues to shape.

In her remarks, Ellen Renee reflected on what it means to carry Jewish tradition forward.

“Whether it is tradition, Halacha, or even just a recipe, L’dor V’dor shapes who we will be,” she said.

She described her identity as a proud Jewish woman as “a legacy gift” from her mother and grandmothers, one she hopes to pass on to her daughters and granddaughter.

Ellen Renee with sisters, Hilary Bender and Adrienne Winkelmann Epstein.

 

But she also spoke candidly about the changing nature of Jewish identity in today’s world.

“Now all Jews are Jews by choice,” she said. “Our identity has been transformed from fate to choice. It is no longer a given.”

Her call to action emphasized the need for ongoing learning and engagement.

“To pass it on, we need education—for our children and for ourselves. We need to keep growing and learning. Pick up the torch. Ask questions, engage, find the right place for you. However you choose to do Jewish, do it with meaning.”

The program began with opening remarks from Jill Goldfine, Chair of Women’s Philanthropy and a member of the National Women’s Philanthropy Board.

Jill Goldfine welcomes attendees.

 

Her speech grounded the evening in the mission of empowering women as leaders and connectors within Jewish life.

Event co-chairs Lisa Looney and Susan Meyers highlighted the importance of women’s leadership in sustaining community.

Ellen Renee with Susan Meyers and Lisa Looney.

 

Lisa, a former Jewish communal professional now serving as a full-time volunteer, welcomed guests and introduced the keynote speaker.

Susan, a past Woman of Valor, closed the evening with a heartfelt champagne toast, honoring Ellen Renee’s devotion to family and community and acknowledging the generations of women who have shaped Jewish life, both present and remembered.

Susan Meyers makes a champagne toast.

 

Author and keynote speaker Rachelle Burk delivered an engaging address on storytelling as an act of legacy, encouraging attendees to see themselves as both recipients and stewards of Jewish tradition.

 

Ellen Renee with guest speaker, Rachelle Burk.

 

The event’s theme, “From Strength to Strength – The Power of Jewish Women,” was reflected throughout the program—from personal reflections to intergenerational connections felt in the room.

The Bolling Haxall House, with its elegant setting, underscored the evening’s message of continuity and community.

L’dor V’dor continues to be a beloved Richmond tradition, offering a moment each year to reflect on the women who lead with purpose, give with heart, and model what it means to live and transmit Jewish values.

Three generations - Melissa Brownstein, Elise Scherr and Alexandra Brownstein.

 

Three generations - Robyn Galpern, daughter, Kayla; and mother, Melanie Feldstein.

 

Three generations - Shelley Gouldin, daughter, Evie; and Ellen November.

 

Rhona Arenstein and daughter, Sara Arenstein Levy.

 

Melanie Fine and Karin Fine.

 

(From left) Hannah Cohen and Julie Goodman.

 

As the community celebrated Ellen Renee Adams, it also celebrated the spark within every woman who ensures Jewish life not only survives, but thrives.

As Ellen Renee reminded the audience, quoting Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks:

“To be a Jew is to inherit a faith from those who came before us, to live it, and to hand it down to those who will come after us.”

“Be proud,” she concluded. “Be strong, be responsible, and be learned.”

May we all go from strength to strength.

See more photos by Adrienne Winkelmann Epstein in our Photo Gallery.