WHAT IS A LION OF JUDAH?

Long a symbol of strength and majesty in the Jewish world and in the world at large, the Lion of Judah is a dramatic reminder that each woman can make a significant difference in the lives, vitality, andcontinuity of her family and her people.

Being a Lion of Judah, and wearing a Lion of Judah pin, gives us a very special way to connect with the greater Jewish community. You proudly show you recognizethe meaning of tzedakah. Together, through caring and passion, women who wear the Lion of Judah pin are able to transform the concept of Tikum Olam from an abstract dream to a concrete reality.

Lion of Judah Endowments provide an opportunity to fulfill long term and future commitments to Jewishsurvival and the quality of Jewish life. Or L'Atid (Light unto the Future) on the Lion of Judah pin is asymbol of the eternal responsiveness of Jewish women. Lion of Judah members pledge a minimum of $5000 as a lifetime commitment.

National Woman's Philanthropy Winter 2010 cover (view pdf file)

This Mother’s Day, plan to send special tribute cards to benefit women in need

The Women’s Philanthropy Division of the Jewish Federation sent the first $25,000 check to assist Economic Empowerment for Women (EEW), a program in Israel assisting impoverished women to break the cycle of poverty, but continues to raise funds for the project.

EEW, founded in 2000 by feminist activists in Haifa, gives business training and credit to low income and poor women. They offer empowerment and entrepreneurial training courses, technical assistance and mentoring, long-term business support and training, and small business loan approval funds. EEW truly combats poverty by giving women a chance to succeed.

You can support the Women’s Philanthropy Division and the Economic Empowerment for Women program this year by purchasing a special Mother’s Day tribute card. Tribute cards are a wonderful way to express care, respect and love for your wife, daughter, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, or anyone else this coming Mother’s Day.

Not only will you be sending a card to a loved one to express your heartfelt sentiments, but you are helping other women in Israel to achieve self-sufficiency and assist their own families. Individual tribute cards may be purchased for $18, packs of three for $40; however, larger donations are welcome and appreciated. Click here to arrange for your cards to be sent, or call the Federation today at (908) 725-6994 ext. 204.

Looking for other ways to become involved with Women’s Philanthropy Division plans and events? Keep an eye out in future Speaker editions, and on the Federation Web site for upcoming events — or better yet, get involved with the committee today.

Jewish Federation Women’s Philanthropy Division - Working To Help Women and Children In Need

Come Join Us!

In the recent past, the Women’s Philanthropy Division has held women’s programs, investment workshops and “Imagine” events and has been able to assist Meir Panim by purchasing a refrigerated truck to feed impoverished children in Israel and ELI, Israel Association for Child Protection, to help refurbish a child abuse shelter  and create a transitional safe house for children who cannot return home.  The Women’s Philanthropy Division is always looking for new project ideas and new volunteers. 

The Women’s Philanthropy Division is a great way to get involved, make some new friends, have fun and make a difference in the Jewish community locally, in Israel and around the world.  If you would like to information about our next meeting, or getting involved please contact Executive Director at (908)725-6994 x 202 or by email at dnaar@jfedshaw.org. We look forward to seeing you!

ABUSED AND NEGLECTED CHILDREN TO BENEFIT FROM JEWISH FEDERATION’S
WOMEN’S PHILANTHROPY “IMAGINE” LUNCHEON EFFORTS

Another VERY successful Jewish Federation of Somerset, Hunterdon & Warren Women’s Philanthropy “Imagine” luncheon was held on October 16, 2008 at the Fox Hollow Golf Club. The program, which benefited ELI, Israel Association for Child Protection, honored Adele Blumberg, Goldie Taub and Margit Feldman.

Elaine Dunst, Co-Chair of the Women’s Philanthropy Division of the Jewish Federation of Somerset, Hunterdon & Warren welcomed the more than one hundred participants and thanked them for their continuing support. She explained the mission of the group and the power of women’s philanthropy in our Jewish community and around the world.

Harriet Blank, founding Co-Chair of the Women’s Philanthropy Division led the Ha Motzi (Blessing of the Bread) and Harriet was singled out and thanked by Diane Naar, Jewish Federation Executive Director for the work she has done with our group and for  being the one to suggest that the word “Imagine” be used in coordination with this effort to understand that what can be imagined can be accomplished.

Diane introduced key members of the audience, thanked the Federation Board, the Members of the Women’s Philanthropy Committee and the vendors and basket donors for their assistance. Pam Nemeth, who mobilized the extensive basket auction effort received a special acknowledgment for her outstanding efforts.

Dr. Hanita Zimrin, founder and Chairperson of ELI, was then welcomed and introduced. She  provided an exciting update concerning the donation made last year by Women’s Philanthropy to upgrade the aging and inadequate shelter for abused children. It is because of our community, she stated, that the children are now in a safe, appropriate, cheerful space. More than 100 children are treated in the shelter each year after a decision is made that they must be taken out of their homes for their own safety.

Dr. Zimrin showed and explained the meaning of a number of very heartbreaking and disturbing drawings made by the children in their care. The drawings indicated extreme fear, anxiety, sadness, depression, and feelings of being imprisoned and out of control. She spent the second half of her remarks explaining how our community’s assistance in creating a transitional safe house would impact the work that they do. Many children can still not go home following  the period of acute treatment and stabilization in the emergency shelter, either because the parents are not fit, or the children need longer term therapy and assistance. A transitional safe house would meet this need.
 
The Honorees of the day were then welcomed. Sherry Steger introduced Adele Blumberg, Betty Roswell introduced Margit Feldman and Lillian Swickle introduced Goldie Taub.

Margit Feldman gave a poignant talk, drawing parallels between being a survivor of the Holocaust, and the survivor of parental imposed child abuse.  Adele Blumberg thanked the group for the honor and spoke about some of the experiences that she has had in helping to build community. Her work as Past President of the Jewish Federation helped her to understand the impact that the Federation has on our own community, and those living in need in  Israel and in other countries, and she emphasized that we all need to continue to keep our culture and people strong.

The attendees were treated to a wonderful meal provided by Fox Hollow Golf Club and helped to raise funds by patronizing the vendor area, and purchasing raffles for an extensive basket auction.

 Elaine Dunst asked those in attendance to please consider making a gift to ELI, to help us be able to meet the goal of financing part of the Safe House Transitional program and thanked everyone for coming and making “Imagine” another true success.

Women's Philanthropy 2009 event photos
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