Remembering Lisa Rackle Ben-Dov: Virginia Philanthropist, Conservationist, and Ardent Animal Lover
Photo courtesy of Jill Davis
Lisa Rackle Ben-Dov, whose life spanned a distinguished professional career in New York with a deeply rooted philanthropic presence in Virginia’s Hunt Country, died unexpectedly on December 7, 2025, only months after defying cancer.
Born in Atlanta on March 21, 1945, to Eugene Emile Rackle and Mabel Claire Moody Rackle, Lisa grew up in Metairie, Louisiana, a suburb of New Orleans. She graduated from St. Martin’s Protestant Episcopal School in 1962 and went on to earn a bachelor’s of business administration from Loyola University.
Drawn to the possibility and pace of New York City, Lisa arrived there in the early 1970s, where she joined Continental Grain Company as a secretary. It was a modest start at a sprawling, privately held global commodities firm. But she rose steadily, and after working in nearly every role within her department, she became corporate vice president of insurance, overseeing the company’s extensive international property and casualty program.
In the early ’80s in New York, Lisa was introduced by her best friend to the man who would later become her husband, Zohar Ben-Dov, an Israeli émigré who came to the United States in search of the American dream. He was drawn to her strength, independence, opinionated charm, and impeccable Southern manners. They were married in an intimate ceremony at the River Cafe. This cemented their spirited and irreverent 40-year love affair.
Equestrian pursuits soon reshaped their lives. Zohar’s interest in foxhunting inspired Lisa to learn to ride at Claremont Stables, and soon they were foxhunting together upstate. Lisa and Zohar became enamored with the sport and in 1986, the couple purchased Kinross Farm, 500 acres in Middleburg where they became active in the renowned Virginia hunts. Kinross became known as a world-class training and hunting facility. Lisa embraced the sport with fervor, grace, and humor, and as a former huntsman and close friend once said, “My God! She was so elegant on a horse,” and tough as hell. As Lisa once wrote, “In 38 years, I had never had a broken bone, but from then on it was an annual occurrence.”
Legendary for her hospitality and warmth, Lisa brought people together with her no-frills straightforwardness and graciousness. Zohar and Lisa have hosted their annual hunt breakfast since 1989. Honoring her New Orleans upbringing, Lisa served stiff drinks, jambalaya, and crawfish along with ham biscuits, banana pudding, and horse-shaped cookies.
Lisa and Zohar then entered the world of American steeplechase racing with a marked sense of purpose and aspiration. From Kinross, they bred and raced horses that would win many of the sport’s most demanding challenges, including the Virginia Gold Cup, Iroquois at Nashville, and the Colonial Cup at Camden. Their greatest triumph came in 2024, when their horse Blackhall captured the storied Maryland Hunt Cup. At the time, Lisa watched the replay from home: “I was still nervous even though I knew we had won,” she said. “This is the one to have. It’s our heart’s desire, really.”
Lisa’s first stop at every race was to visit her horse and the racing team, spoiling them with food, drinks, and sweets. Ever superstitious, at race time, Lisa averted her gaze, insisting instead on a play-by-play.
The Ben-Dovs ultimately donated the land at Kinross for the Middleburg Humane Foundation’s new facility, which opened in 2019 and where Lisa served as a founding board member. Later, she established the Irving Endowment Fund in honor of their favorite dog, thus ensuring its long-term sustainability. Many rescue dogs found their permanent home at Kinross, where they lived under her doting care.
Lisa dedicated her life to the welfare of animals large and small and to uplifting those in need. Her philanthropy touched nearly every corner of the Middleburg community. Among the many organizations she served include A Place To Be music therapy program, Seven Loaves food pantry, Middleburg FISH, and the Windy Hill Foundation, to which the Ben-Dovs gave both land and funding to provide affordable housing to the community. Lisa held board roles at the Middleburg Community Center and the Middleburg Tennis Club, where she was known for her fierce left-handed cross-court forehand. She also served as vice president of the Luminescence Foundation, supporting conservation efforts of endangered wildlife, notably the mountain gorillas of Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Lisa’s most enduring legacy may lie in the quiet, often unseen benevolence she extended to individuals and families navigating hardship. She provided college tuition, financial support, mentorship, and moreover, companionship to those she touched. Lisa opened her home freely, especially during holidays, which she cherished, to extended family and to those who would have otherwise spent them alone.
When asked to reflect on her life at a recent high school reunion, Lisa turned to a quote: “Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly fed up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, ‘Wow, what a ride!’” What a ride indeed.
Lisa is survived by her beloved husband, Zohar; her loving stepdaughters, Tamar and Ariella Ben-Dov; her treasured brother, Eugene Emile Rackle Jr., and his wife, Karen; her cherished goddaughter Michal Duvdevani Mesika and her husband, Avi; her dear godson Spencer Bryan and goddaughter Olivia Muss; eight adoring grandchildren; and her beloved rescue dog, Max. She will be missed by countless others in her community and beyond.
A celebration of her life will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her honor to the Middleburg Humane Foundation, P.O. Box 684, Marshall, Virginia 20116. ML
Published in the January 2026 issue of Middleburg Life.