Rhona Arenstein named 2026 L’dor V’dor Woman of Valor honoree by Jewish Community Federation of Richmond

The Jewish Community Federation of Richmond (JCFR) proudly announces Rhona Arenstein as the 2026 honoree of the L’dor V’dor Woman of Valor award.

This prestigious honor, which recognizes a woman who exemplifies leadership, service, and dedication to the Jewish community, will be presented at a special dinner ceremony on April 28 at the Weinstein JCC. This is the Federation’s signature Women's Philanthropy event celebrating and honoring the impact and values of women in our community

Arenstein, a longtime Lion of Judah and Federation Annual Campaign leader, is a tireless and passionate community volunteer and leader with a lifetime commitment to Israel, our Jewish community, Jewish values and traditions. She grew up in Miami, the fourth of five children whose parents imparted to them a deep sense of caring for others.

As a pillar to Richmond Jewish community for decades, Arenstein has dedicated her time, and talents to many local Jewish agencies and organizations from the Federation to the Weinstein JCC, Jewish Family Services, Beth Sholom Home, and many others. For her many dedicated volunteer roles, she has received a number of honors and awards.

She has been honored with the Federation’s Distinguished Community Service Award, the Federation’s Schwarzschild Award for Campaign Excellence and the Sam E. & Virginia V. Binswanger Award for Outstanding Young Leadership,  the International Lion of Judah Kipnes-Wilson/Friedland Award from the Jewish Federations of North America, the Weinstein JCC President’s Award, Beth Sholom Gardens Volunteer of the Year and the Virginia Holocaust Museum’s Neil November Award, along with husband, Ric.

In addition, she has been actively involved in the general community for many years and was recognized by the Richmond YWCA with its Outstanding Women Award for her many years of service to the community’s nonprofits, particularly for her volunteerism at MCV. This honor, in particular, recognized her as an outstanding volunteer and advocate for VCU’s Department of Psychiatry including bringing together VCU’s Department of Psychiatry and NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness) for NAMI’s annual walk in 2012.

In service to the Weinstein JCC, Arenstein also created the “Weinstein Knitzvah Knitters” in collaboration with VCU’s Virginia Treatment Center for Children and the JFS Home Care Program.

A longtime friend and a previous L’dor V’dor Woman of Valor honoree Lynn Schwartz noted, “Rhona has spent many years developing relationships in Richmond with numerous individuals and organizations by fostering a spirit of unity and engagement within the community. Her compassion, integrity and commitment to tikkun olam (repairing the world), has inspired others to get involved, to care more deeply and truly believe that each of us can make a difference in the lives of others. She has been a mentor to many including myself!”

Arenstein said, “As a ‘Richmonder by choice,’ it has been my privilege to join the others - particularly the strong women - who have worked tirelessly for generations to build this community into the wonderful place it is today. I have received far more from my efforts than I could   possibly have contributed. Watching my grandchildren begin their journey here only reinforces the imperative of my belief in and commitment to leaving Richmond a better place than I found it.”

 The L’dor V’dor Woman of Valor award, derived from the Hebrew phrase meaning “from generation to generation,” celebrates women who embody the strength, wisdom, and dedication of Jewish matriarchs.

Past recipients of this honor have included esteemed community leaders whose legacies continue to shape the Jewish experience in Richmond and beyond.

L’dor V’dor Woman of Valor awardees are: Ellen Renee Adams, Susie Adolf, Selma Brown*, Miriam Davidow, Deane Dubansky, Bea Fine*, Anne Fisher*, Edith Glock*, Carolyn Grandis, Inge Horowitz, Helen Horwitz, Willa Kalman, Amy Krumbein, Hedy Lapkin, Jeanette Lipman*, Pearl Karp Markham*, Bertha Meyer*, Susan Meyers, Sara Belle November*, Catherine Plotkin, Shirley Plotkin*,  Fran Raphael*, Elise Scherr, Lynn Schwartz, Barbara Shocket*, Nannette Shor, Susan Sisisky, Sara Waskin, Carole Weinstein, Dorothy Wizer, Hortense Wolf*, and Helen Zimm*. (*Of Blessed Memory)

More information about the April 28 L’dor V’dor dinner celebration, special speaker and RSVP details will be announced soon.