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Women's Philanthropy: Leading Community & Inspiring Change

Women philanthropists are the change-makers and community-shapers of the world. We are sisters and daughters, mothers and friends, compassionate and committed women at every stage of life and career. Jewish Federation's Women’s Philanthropy engages Jewish women in the fulfilling work of making the world a better place.

In every community, we are building and supporting Jewish life for today and for generations to come.

L to R: Paige Zachs, Kate Kudish Zachs, Jessica Zachs, Zoë Zachs

Women’s gifts represent more than 35% of our Federation’s Annual Campaign - We are proud to create real and lasting change in the world.

Jewish Federation’s Women’s Philanthropy engages women at every stage of life and career in the fulfilling work of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) to make the world a better place. Sisters and daughters, mothers, grandmothers, and friends work and socialize together to support Jewish life today and for generations to come. Come as you are, help as you can!

Interested in learning more about Women's Philanthropy at Federation?  Contact Laurie Mandell, Asst. VP of Philanthropy

Each quarter, we publish our Women of Impact eNewsletter, which highlights the amazing work being done in the community, and the notable women who make it happen.  Click here to read our latest newsletter where we spotlight our January Woman of Impact, Sharon Efron.

Former National Women’s Philanthropy Board Chairs: Bernice Waldman z”l, Ann Pava, and Carolyn Gitlin

Current National Women’s Philanthropy Board Members:  Jill Dulitsky, Dana Keller, Merrill Mandell, Gayle Temkin, and Carolyn Gitlin

Lions and Pomegranates and Pearls…Oh My!

Through our recognition societies, we sustain longstanding relationships within our incredible Greater Hartford Jewish community. We come together to network with fellow professionals and contemporaries, we become inspired at dynamic events, and we support the life-changing work of The Jewish Federation. Join us!

If you would like to learn more about our recognition societies, please click here to contact Laurie Mandell, AVP of Philanthropy.

Lion of Judah

The Lion of Judah is a symbol of the strength Jewish women have in today’s world. Lions care about the organized Jewish world and make a minimum commitment $5,000 or more to the annual campaign. We are proud to have more than 17,000 Lions of Judah in North America who wear the Lion of Judah pin. The Lion of Judah program has brought together women of all ages and from many walks of life to play an essential role promoting social justice, healing the sick, feeding the hungry, preserving human dignity, and building Jewish identity.

Some women also choose to endow their Lion of Judah gifts. By endowing your gift to Federation, you ensure that an annual gift is made in your name for generations to come.

Pomegranates

Pomegranates are members of a select group of philanthropists who share common Jewish values, tzedakah priorities, and make a minium donation of $1800 to our Annual Campaign. These dedicated women are role models in our community and continue to demonstrate what we can do together to affect change. The pomegranate is a reflection of the fruitfulness and abundance of Women’s Philanthropy. It symbolizes our commitment to Jewish life and signifies how Women’s Philanthropy sweetens the lives of those in need. The pomegranate contains 613 seeds, representing each of the mitzvot, or commandments, of the Torah. 

Pearl Society

The Pearl Society offers Jewish women an opportunity to make a difference in our local community, in Israel, and in Jewish communities worldwide. Join the Pearl Society with a minimum gift of $180 to our Annual Campaign...that's equal to just 50 cents a day...and feel a Jewish connection through networking, events, and philanthropy.