Bravery, sacrifice and commitment to Jewish continuity have become synonymous with Michael Levin z”l, (1984-2006), a fallen, lone IDF soldier from the Greater Philadelphia area.
That’s why when 12 young professionals wanted to make a greater impact in the community at the height of the pandemic, they decided to create a giving society in honor of the hero – the Levin Society.
Launched in 2020 as part of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s NextGen group for 21 to 45 year olds, the society set out to show the world that the next generation can make a difference now.
Four short years later, the group now stands at over 80 members strong.
In addition to making a tangible impact through giving, the Levin Society also provides the space for like-minded individuals who care about the future of the Jewish community to meet and connect. The Levin Society provides access to high-level networking opportunities and events, Ben Gurion Society, and the Jewish Federation Real Estate (JFRE) group.
“NextGen is the present and future of our community – it’s important to begin laying the groundwork now,” said NextGen Chair and Levin Society Founding Member Tara Cherwony.
“We are working to educate those in our community about this society and are planning additional opportunities for them to connect with each other throughout the year.”
In addition to the Levin Society, the Jewish Federation honors Levin through year-round funding to the Michael Levin z”l Lone Soldier Center, a base inspired by the fallen soldier’s dream to support soldiers who do not have family in Israel. Just this fiscal year, the Jewish Federation provided $135,000 to the base.
On many Jewish Federation mission trips to Israel, community members visit this base as well as pay their respects at Levin’s grave, which is adorned with messages of love and Philly sports memorabilia.
Most recently, six Levin Society members visited Levin’s grave with more than 130 local community members on the Jewish Federation’s Israel 75 Mission in May of 2023.
“I have visited Michael Levin’s grave before, and it has always been a moving experience of heroism and sacrifice,” said mission participant and Levin Society member Emily Berman. “When I visited his grave on the Israel 75 Mission, being a part of a giving society that is in his namesake, I felt I had even more of a connection to him and to his legacy of showing up for the Jewish people.”
When thinking about the impact of the Levin Society, Levin’s oldest sister Elisa Levin Mindlin sees its ability to empower leadership as a continuation of her brother’s aspirations.
“Having this group of magnanimous people connect to Michael’s story, knowing that their donation goes on to further the same ideals and dreams Michael had, is really touching,” said Mindlin. “What a fitting way to carry on his legacy.”
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The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s Levin Society is a group of young trailblazers who are paving the way for a bright Jewish future both locally and globally. For more information about joining the Levin Society and to find out about upcoming events, please contact Susan Allen at sallen@jewishphilly.org or visit jewishphilly.org/levin.