Rebbetzin Choni Levene
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Choni Levene is a dynamic force of positivity, kindness, caring, and love, whose Torah values,
optimism, and chesed are lifelong components of her accomplishments.
Starting at a very young age, she advocated fiercely for Torah education. When there was a lack
of a proper Jewish high school in her neighborhood, Choni, a mere grade schooler herself,
undertook the challenge, and raised the money to assure that they would form a new high school.
Thereafter, Choni always an overachiever, accelerated her education, and completed high school
in 3 years. She attended Stern college at 16 years old, and married at 17 years old, becoming a
very young Rebbetzin, to a shul of elderly congregants, in Jersey City New Jersey. She embraced
her role wholeheartedly, and fully supported the lifestyle of the Rabbi’s wife, helping the shul
members from ages 52-100+. It was a very busy time, during which Choni had her first 2
children.
However, the Levenes soon outgrew their Jersey home, and moved to Bala Cynwyd. There, they
had 2 more children, while Choni pursued many of her creative initiatives, and balanced being a
full time Rebbetzin in a developing community.
Working side by side with her husband, the Lower Merion community as we know it today was
built, with love, faith, Torah, unity, and warmth. During that time, Choni ran businesses and
consulting services such as, cake decorator, Nosh & Nibble, flower arranger, and
interior/architectural design. Many of those talents have been utilized over the years at the Lower
Merion Synagogue, where here artistry has been on display at shul kiddushim, and events. She
was president of both the PTA, and the LMS Sisterhood and is the longest serving member of the
LMS Sisterhood. Choni also spent time in the greater community teaching in the public schools
about the Leni Lenape indigenous people.
Choni creates original needlepoint masterpieces, and some of her needlepoint is on display at
The Great Synagogue in Jerusalem, as part of the Mezuzah Collection.
For 25 years Choni worked at the University of Pennsylvania Law school admissions office. She
was not only the Information Technology specialist and Law School Recruiter, but she took it
upon herself to assure that all the frum people coming to Law school were accommodated with
kosher food, and some lucky people even secured a shiddach! She paved the way for years to
come, in understanding the needs of religious Jews at University Penn Law school.
Throughout the years, she has counseled and listened with warmth and kindness to countless
individuals, sharing her wisdom and insight. She has unified with strength and a hug. She has
rallied the community to action and has been a driving force behind the Shabbat Suite at
Lankenau, and worked devotedly for the Mikvah, as well as Bikkur Cholim.
A devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she has written two
books preserving family history. She is a collector, gardener, vegan, and avid swimmer.
Her sunny disposition and unwavering faith are an inspiration to all those who know her.
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