By Dot Heffron, Director of Women’s Philanthropy, JCFR
The Jewish Community Federation of Richmond (JCFR) proudly announces Ellen Renee Adams as the 2025 recipient of the esteemed 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 ceremony in May.
Adams has been a pillar of the Richmond Jewish community for decades, dedicating her time, talents, and passion to strengthening Jewish life, philanthropy, and education.
Through her unwavering commitment to Jewish values and traditions, she has inspired countless individuals and has been instrumental in fostering a spirit of unity and engagement within the community.
A lifelong advocate for Jewish causes, Adams has served in numerous leadership roles, both locally and nationally. Her involvement with the JCFR spans many years, during which she has played a crucial role in advancing initiatives that support Jewish families, education, and Israel advocacy.
Additionally, her philanthropic efforts have had a significant impact on local and global Jewish communities, ensuring resources and support for those in need.
“Ellen Renee Adams embodies the essence of the L’dor V’dor Woman of Valor award,” said Jill Goldfine, Chair of the Women’s Philanthropy Board at the JCFR.
“Her commitment to tikkun olam (repairing the world), her leadership, and her generosity have left an indelible mark on our community. She is a role model for future generations.”
Beyond her work with JCFR where she served four years as President as well as in many other leadership positions, Ellen Renee has been deeply involved with many agencies supported by Federation and has served on the board and executive board of the Weinstein JCC, Rudlin Torah Academy board for 25 years, six of those serving as president, as well as serving as board chair of the BBYO adult board.
In these roles, she has championed initiatives that promote Jewish education, social justice, and interfaith dialogue. Her dedication to mentoring young Jewish leaders has ensured that the values of the Richmond Jewish community will continue to thrive for years to come. Additionally, Ellen Renee currently serves on the Massey Cancer Center Advisory Board, where she supports initiatives for a healthy community.
This is not the first time Ellen Renee has been recognized for her outstanding leadership. The Weinstein JCC awarded her with both the Edith & H.J. Bernstein Volunteer Leadership and Leroy B. Goldberg awards.
Rudlin Torah Academy celebrated her excellence by naming her their Above and Beyond the Call of Duty awardee as well as presenting her with the Chesed Award.
And for her outstanding leadership and commitment to the Jewish community, she received the Sam E. & Virginia V. Binswanger Young Leadership Award from the JCFR, and the International Lion of Judah Kipnes-Wilson/Friedland Award from the Jewish Federations of North America.
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: 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)
The award ceremony honoring Adams will take place at the Bolling Haxall House in Downtown Richmond on May 14, where community members, friends, and family will gather to celebrate her achievements and contributions.
The event will feature a guest speaker, tributes from colleagues, personal reflections, and a special presentation highlighting her impact on the Richmond Jewish community.
Adams expressed deep gratitude for the recognition. “It is an incredible honor to be named the L’dor V’dor Woman of Valor,” she said.
“I am deeply humbled to be part of a tradition that uplifts the voices of strong Jewish women. This community has given me so much, and I am committed to continuing the work of building a vibrant Jewish future for generations to come.”
For more details and to RSVP, visit jewishrichmond.regfox.com/ldor-vdor-2025
