Several young, Jewish leaders were honored at the Major Gifts Event on September 9th at Cooper Creek. Rachel Loftspring, Kai Schneider, and Julien Teitelbaum each received an endowed award based on their dedication, generosity, and commitment to improving the Cincinnati Jewish community.

Rachel Loftspring: Allen A. Cowett Award for Young Leadership

In 2019, Rachel Loftspring brought the Jewish Fertility Foundation (JFF) to Cincinnati (JFF’s first expansion city outside Atlanta – now JFF is in 10 cities and growing). Rachel also served as Chair of JFF’s national Board of Directors. Since then, in Cincinnati, nearly 50 babies have been welcomed with about $175,000 in grants and assistance, and our community talks more openly—and compassionately—about infertility. She also helped launch a JFF endowment and a fertility grant honoring her late father-in-law, Dr. Sheldon Pelchovitz, who introduced IVF to Cincinnati.

Through LEAD, Local Allocations, the American Jewish Committee, and the Mayerson JCC Early Childhood School, she found what she loves here: a welcoming, “small-but-mighty” community where people show up for one another.

Rachel’s lesson for anyone on the fence: you don’t have to do everything. Do something meaningful for you. From a one-hour volunteer shift to sustaining grants for families in need, it all adds up.

Kai Schneider: Kate S. Mack Award for Young Leadership

Inspired by his wife Nicole and by generations of givers in his family, Kai Schneider now volunteers on our Annual Campaign team—educating friends about where funds go (from Halom House to Jewish Family Service, the Mayerson JCC, and more) and bringing new donors into the work.

“There's someone in your community who's involved in the Federation, so just seek them out, and we'll bring you in. One good thing about the community is that we bring you in. We foster you. You can't fail here,” Kai told us.

If you’re on the fence about getting involved, Kai’s advice is simple: don’t be! Step up.

Julien Teitelbaum: Clara Greller Award for Young Leadership

“Being able to find your people, to lift up whatever part of you feels most Jewish, that makes you the happiest, that brings you the most meaning - that is what leads to an engaged and authentic Jewish community," said Julien Teitelbaum. "We make that happen here in Cincinnati in really special ways. It is the weaving of vibrantly Jewish individuals that lends to a vibrantly Jewish community today, and in the future.”

Julien’s path started young (rolling quarters at Super Sunday with her cousins), grew through Women’s Philanthropy and as a member of the Mayerson JCC Board, and is now expanding through the National Young Leadership Cabinet. She loves this community’s warmth, welcome, and constant push to make the world better—and she’s helping build an “open tent” where everyone belongs.

Congratulations, Rachel, Kai, and Julien! Your energy, dedication, and vision for what’s next are an inspiration. So, let’s recommit ourselves to building a Jewish Cincinnati where every person feels connected, every voice is valued, and every young leader has the chance to help shape the future.