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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 created 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 more than 80 members strong.
“We wanted this society to be uniquely Philadelphia, to represent what it means to be a young leader in this community,” said Matt Shipon, the Levin Society chair and one of its founding members.
When asked about the decision to name the society, Shipon, who was the NextGen chair at the time, explained that Levin was the clear choice.
“To us, Michael’s name truly embodies what it means to be a hero and his memory and courage has inspired our team at NextGen to continue to grow this society and further Michael’s legacy here in Philadelphia,” Shipon said of the local hero who was killed in action on Aug. 1, 2006, at the age of 22.
Based on the Jewish value of tzedakah (philanthropy), Levin Society members annually contribute $2,500 or more, with step-up options available, to the Jewish Federation. This is a higher philanthropic leadership level than NextGen’s national Ben Gurion Society, which has 127 members who annually donate a minimum of $1,000 to the Jewish Federation.
Funds raised from these societies support the Jewish Federation’s Annual Campaign, which works to care for those in need, support Israel and global Jewry, and secure a Jewish future locally, in Israel or elsewhere around the world.
“For years, we have given to the Jewish Federation to support the community; we’ve given because of an inherent belief that we are responsible for one another,” said NextGen’s Immediate Past Chair Adam Klazmer, who knew Levin as a fellow Greater Philadelphia lone soldier. “The events since Oct. 7 have demonstrated a deeper need to educate our children, to care for our elders, and, sadly, to manage the security of our community. The Jewish Federation is the conduit to provide everything that our community needs.”
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 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.
On many Jewish Federation mission trips to Israel, community members visit this base and 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 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,” Mindlin said. “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 in our local and global Jewish communities. For more information about joining the Levin Society and to learn about upcoming events, contact Susan Allen at [email protected] or visit jewishphilly.org/levin.