Hedy Lapkin, a passionate volunteer who has been dedicated to serving in many volunteer capacities in the Jewish community for the past 65 years, will receive the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond’s Neil November Distinguished Community Service Award at the Federation’s Annual Meeting on June 5 at the Virginia Holocaust Museum.
Miriam Davidow, the 2021 honoree, said, “It has been my privilege to learn from and work with Hedy for so many years. Starting as her mentee and now as a colleague, I am inspired by her energy, her devotion to her community and her love of her family. I congratulate Hedy on receiving this spectacular recognition. Kol HaKavod!”
The award, named in honor of Neil November, recognizes those volunteer(s) in our community who have and continue to exhibit a lifetime of outstanding service, leadership, and achievement in our community.
She describes herself as “a worker bee. Every agency in Richmond has been part of my life here. And Eddie (OBM) and I spent so many years bringing Israeli Scouts here.”
Hedy noted, “I grew up in Baltimore with a strong Jewish identity and love of Judaism and strong ties to the then newly created State of Israel. I want to thank the community for everything they do and have done for the Jews here and everywhere. I came here 65 years ago as a very young bride. I was first active in Temple Beth-El Sisterhood chairing and serving on many committees. I also became chair of the Gems Division of the Federation, a newly young-married division with a minimum gift of $5.”
In her early years in Richmond, she served on a number of Federation committees. She also was a member of the Junior Jewish Woman’s Club and chaired the Holiday committee for the JCC and the committee to bring awareness to the community on the plight of Soviet Jewry.
She added, “In 1975, Eddie (OBM) and I had the honor of participating in the largest mission to Israel at the time, Koach with 1,000 other young leaders across America. That was the beginning of my many wonderful trips to Israel that now total 28.”
Hedy has served on the boards of many agencies, some multiple times including the Federation, JCC, JFS and others.
She is a longtime member of Hadassah, chairing many committees including membership and fundraising. At the JCC, she has chaired several committees including the Israeli Film Festival, and was involved in Israeli Showcase in 1976.
She has received a number of honors including receiving the L’dor V’dor Woman of Valor from the Federation in 2011 and being honored in 1979 by JFS for Outstanding Services as Chairman of the First Russian Resettlement Program.
In 1978, Hedy received the Sam and Virginia Binswanger Young Leadership Award from the Federation. In 2023, she received a President’s Award from the Federation. In 1987, Hedy and Eddie received the Chesed Award from the Rudlin Torah Academy.
Also, at the Federation, she chaired the Women’s Division in 1994-95, and has Chaired Super Sunday several times. She is a former member of the National Young Leadership Women’s Board.
During the most recent Annual Campaign, she served as Community Campaign Chair.
The JCFR’s Annual Meeting is Wednesday, June 5, 5:30 p.m., at the Virginia Holocaust Museum.
To RSVP, visit www.jewishrichmond.org/calendar/jcfr-annual-meeting-24
