Violet K. Solomon*
Violet Solomon was born in St. Louis, one of seven children to a generous and deeply religious family with roots in Eastern Europe. She came to Cincinnati to visit a cousin, got set up with Harry (Red) Solomon, they married in 1948, and had two daughters. Throughout her life, Violet was a committed fundraiser for Hadassah as well as the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati. She was one of the first women to become a Lion of Judah here. She was also a strong supporter of Israel visiting there numerous times.
Beneficiary organizations- Jewish Federation of Cincinnati
When I was a girl, I remember people—rabbis, fundraisers, and others— coming to our door and asking for money. My siblings and I found it annoying. One time, my dad was parking the car in our driveway when somebody rang the doorbell. We told them he wasn’t there. When he came in, he asked us about it and told us that we should never send away people asking for money, that they were doing holy work.
That story made an impression on me. Whether it was giving money to people at the door, sending things to Israel, or other small or large acts of generosity, my parents showed me what tzedakah really means.
Hadassah was my passion. At dinner parties, I would ask my husband’s friends for contributions; I would sell pieces of art, watches, trinkets, and anything else I could get donated for the cause. I believed in it because I believe in Israel and continuing our Jewish identity. And that’s why I’ve also been a strong supporter of the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati.
My husband and daughter knew of this passion when they surprised me with the endowment set up in my name. With this legacy gift, I will be able to continue to support the organizations I care so dearly about, in perpetuity—and help maintain a strong Jewish community.
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