• Co- Chairs’ Message
• Campaign Message from Meg
• Exciting new Initiative: Step-up Program
• Lion of Judah Endowment
• A message from Marnie Zigman Stern, President of Women’s Philanthropy
• Testimonials
• Congratulations to our 2023-2024 New Lions
• Stay tuned for Upcoming Events
Dear Lions,
Now, more than ever, the strength and unity of the Lion of Judah community are essential. In these challenging times, the power of our collective voice can make a profound impact. Each of us carries the responsibility to uplift, support, and inspire those around us. When we come together as Lions, we are more than just donors—we are a powerful force for change, a beacon of hope, and a symbol of resilience.
Your annual commitment as a Lion of Judah goes far beyond financial support. It ensures that we continue to care for the most vulnerable among us, providing critical resources to those in need. But today, an equally important pillar of our mission is combating the rising tide of antisemitism and ensuring the safety and security of our community.
We are also excited to share that the International Lion of Judah Conference is taking place in Atlanta from January 12–14, 2025. This gathering will be a powerful opportunity for us to unite with fellow Lions from around the world, share our stories, strengthen our bonds, and deepen our impact. We encourage you to attend and experience the inspiration and energy that come from being part of this incredible movement.
Additionally, we are thrilled to announce that we have begun planning the 40th anniversary celebration of the Lion of Judah in Montreal. This milestone event will be a momentous occasion to honour our history, celebrate our
achievements, and look forward to the future with renewed commitment and passion.
By standing together, we not only address the immediate needs of our people but also safeguard our future. Your unwavering dedication helps us build a strong, vibrant, and secure Jewish community for generations to come.
The world needs our leadership, our compassion, and our commitment. Together, we can continue to build a brighter future for our community and beyond. Let us stand united, proud, and strong, knowing that our contributions are making a lasting difference.
Thank you for being a Lion of Judah. With gratitude and determination,
Orly Fayer | Tova Garber Co-Chairs, Lion of Judah
Dear Lions,
The events of October 7th have marked a profound shift in our community’s reality. The rise in antisemitism and the increasing sense of being under siege have heightened our need for security and belonging. Federation CJA is at the forefront of addressing these unprecedented challenges, and your support has never been more crucial.
In these trying times, Federation CJA is actively engaged in both protecting our community and upholding our longstanding commitments. We are addressing immediate needs and continuing our support for essential Jewish life programs. Our efforts span:
• Support for Vulnerable Populations: We are tackling poverty and social exclusion with a variety of programs. Significant support is being provided to Holocaust survivors, ensuring food security, offering affordable housing, and delivering mental health services.
• Investing in Jewish Identity: We are making Jewish education and camp experiences more accessible to ensure our younger generation grow up with a strong Jewish identity. Initiatives like PJ Library and other programs are strengthening our community’s connection to its roots.
• Solidarity with Israel: Our commitment to Israel remains steadfast. We have provided substantial aid, including financial support, trauma relief, and community recovery efforts. Our solidarity missions continue to support and uplift our Israeli partners during these challenging times.
• Combatting Antisemitism: We are enhancing community security and advocacy efforts, investing in educational programs to combat misinformation, and supporting Jewish students on campus. Our goal is to build resilience and counter the rising tide of hate.
I urge you to rise to this moment with increased commitment. Your generosity is more than a donation; it’s an investment in our community’s future. We need your support not only for our annual campaign but also for our antisemitism security campaign priorities.
If you have friends or family members who might be interested in joining the Lion of Judah Step-Up Program or contributing to our vital efforts, please reach out to me. Together, we can ensure a vibrant, secure, and resilient future for our community.*
Thank you for your unwavering support and leadership. Let’s stand united, make a lasting impact, and build a future where we can all thrive—secure, empowered, and resilient.
With heartfelt thanks,
Meg Benaroch Garfield Women’s Philanthropy Campaign Chair
*see page 3 for more information
We are thrilled to announce an exciting new initiative designed to welcome and inspire more new and young members to our Lion of Judah sisterhood. This year, we are launching the Lion of Judah Step-Up Program, a transformative opportunity for those who wish to deepen their commitment and engagement with our community.
The Lion of Judah Step-Up Program invites new Lions to begin their journey with us at any level, with the goal of reaching the $5,000 mark within three years. As of the first year, participants will be recognized as Lions and can contribute at a level that suits them, with a pledge to incrementally increase their gift to $5,000 by the end of
year three. This progressive approach allows for a more accessible entry point while encouraging a meaningful commitment to our shared mission.
We are confident that this program will enrich our sisterhood and extend our reach to those eager to make a significant impact. If you have friends or family members who might be interested in joining this inspiring initiative, please do not hesitate to reach out to karina.roskies@federationcja.org
Let’s work together to build a stronger, more vibrant community through this innovative new program.
We, who are privileged to give at the Lion of Judah level, can continue to support our community forever by endowing our Lion of Judah gifts and, in doing so, create a lasting gift that inspires generations to come.
When you endow your Lion, you create a legacy that speaks not only through your donation but also through your core values and what you hold dear. It reflects a deep commitment to your community and provides a sense of personal fulfillment. It’s a leap of faith—faith that your community will thrive for generations to come, with the assurance that you have played a vital role in its continuity.
An endowment is recognized by the prestigious Or L’Atid flame added to a Lion of Judah pin. The flame is an international symbol of a woman’s role as a leading philanthropist in her community. As a role model you inspire our children and future generations and keep alive our shared values that we hold dear.
Endowing your Lion of Judah has never been easier! To help illustrate, we’ve asked the experts at the Jewish Community Foundation of Montreal (JCF) to walk us through the best ways of giving and explain all the tax benefits that come with each gift.
If financially viable, consider endowing your Lion of Judah (LOJ) today. By creating an endowment fund with a minimum gift of $100,000, you ensure that your annual pledge of $5,000 can be paid in perpetuity, eliminating the need to write another check.
Contributing today also provides significant tax benefits— you can claim tax deductions on your next tax return or use the donation receipt to offset taxes for up to five years. Moreover, making your gift by donating appreciated marketable securities (stocks) could lead to even greater tax savings.
You can also choose to endow your LOJ by adding a gift to your will. Upon your passing, the gift of $100,000 is held and invested by the Jewish Community Foundation (JCF), which will use the income generated to pay your LOJ pledge annually in perpetuity.
To do this, meet with your notary or lawyer to add a codicil—a document that amends your existing will without replacing it. This allows you to leave a legacy gift to JCF while ensuring your estate receives a tax deduction on its final return. This is the most common type of legacy gift and does not require any immediate financial outlay.
Depending on your age and circumstances, taking out a life insurance policy can provide maximum financial benefits. You can magnify your giving power by purchasing a life insurance policy with a minimum face value of $100,000. Here’s how it works:
• Contact a life insurance provider to receive quotes for a policy that suits your needs.
• Name the JCF as both the owner and beneficiary of the policy.
• Pay the annual insurance premium through the JCF; this premium is entirely tax deductible each year.
• When the policy matures, the JCF will receive the donation, and an endowment fund will be created in your honor to pay your LOJ pledge in perpetuity.
For more information, please feel free to contact Karina Roskies at karina.roskies@federationcja.org
I have been involved in the Jewish community for many years as both a volunteer and a donor. The more I got involved, the more I understood that our needs were endless and left me wanting to do more.
The opportunity to become a Lion of Judah and to endow my gift first presented itself when a dear friend of mine became chair of the Women’s Philanthropy annual campaign in 2022. I began by setting personal donation goals and becoming more involved in community. I saw these gestures as the perfect way to honour my friend’s tremendous work and to help the community in perpetuity.
I am proud to play my part in helping Federation CJA continue their great work, not only today, but for future generations to come.
Alissa Rappaport
As we reflect on the past year, we recognize the profound shifts in our world, especially within the Jewish community. Before October 7th, we had planned our Women’s Philanthropy VOICES Event for October 12th. In the aftermath of that tragic day, we made the purposeful decision to move forward with the event, however toning it down to reflect the somber mood and understanding that our community needed to come together in solidarity more than ever.
We were honoured to welcome Lizzy Savetsky, a prominent social media personality who was in Israel on October 7th, to share her deeply personal experience of that day. Lizzy opened the evening by asking each of us to embrace the person next to us—a moment of collective comfort that resonated deeply with all in attendance. The ability to pivot and unite our community in such a short time speaks volumes about our resilience and strength.
In this new reality, the importance of our community and Federation CJA has never been clearer. Now more than ever, we must stand together as a unified community, demonstrating our strength not just to each other but to the rest of the world. Federation CJA is the bedrock that supports us, and it is through our collective efforts that we can face these challenges head-on.
We carried this momentum into the new year with a renewed commitment to educating and empowering our community. We began with a powerful luncheon at the home of the gracious Sarah Golbert, where Jonny Daniels delivered an insightful keynote on the realities we now face. It was heartening to see so many new faces joining us for this important discussion.
Our community once again demonstrated its unwavering support through our “Shop for a Cause” event at the Shuk, where over 1,000 members came together. We were proud to host more than 70 Israeli vendors at the Gelber Centre, showcasing their incredible work and providing financial support through our purchases. This event allowed us to strengthen our bonds with Israel and its people.
In our ongoing mission to provide impactful programming, we revitalized our Women in Networks Cocktail event, featuring the passionate advocate Caroline D’Amore, who spoke about her business journey and advocating for our Jewish community. The evening was yet another testament to our collective commitment to our vital causes.
This year, our beloved Game Day embraced an Israeli theme, and I must extend special thanks to our dedicated chairs, Etty Bienstock, Elaine Mintz, Robin Faber, and Elayne Barron Star, who truly exceeded expectations. The day was a resounding success, filled with camaraderie and joy.
The sold-out Lion of Judah Spring Event, hosted by the incomparable Christina Knecht, was an inspiring and truly beautiful day. Every detail was thoughtfully planned, from the elegant decor to the warm ambiance that welcomed each guest. Adrienne Gold Davis delivered a keynote that resonated deeply with all who attended, making the day as impactful as it was exquisite. The event was exactly what we needed at that time, offering both inspiration and a sense of community.
CONTIUNED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE
Our sold-out Women’s Philanthropy Fly-In to New York was another highlight, bringing together over 50 women for two days of engagement with advocates and business leaders. We had the unique opportunity to visit the Nova exhibit, and our Israeli-themed dinner at Malka was a perfect culmination, with everyone on their feet, dancing and celebrating our shared journey. We went home with sense of renewal and a new commitment to our shared love of our Jewish community.
Finally, Our Women’s Philanthropy campaign event, “Machane Nights,” was a truly unforgettable evening and a milestone for our community, made possible by the incredible dedication and hard work of our co-chairs. This event will be remembered as a defining moment for Women’s Philanthropy, inspiring us all and setting a new standard for the future.
Stay tuned for more invitations and join us as we continue to build and strengthen our community.
Now, more than ever, we must be there for one another, showing the world the strength and unity of our community. Federation CJA stands at the heart of this mission, and together, we will continue to face the future with courage and conviction.
Thank you for your unwavering support and dedication.
With gratitude, Marnie Zigman Stern Women’s Philanthropy President
Fran Abramowitz Yagod
Shauna Ahdoot
Valerie Azoulay
Stephanie Benabou
Gabrielle Bendayan
Alexia Bitton
Kimberley Bloomfield
Na’Omi Canart
Denise Cape
Jessica Concannon
Eva Derhy
Clarissa Desjardins
Ilana Edery
Erin Elituv
Joanne Elkaim
Leechen Farkas
Tamar Feldman
Rina Fisher
Sheryl Frank
Jillian Friedman
Hagit Gabbay
Marcia Gillman
Sarah Golbert
Élise Golbert
Sari Hasen
Jaclyn Hoffman
Romy Hutman
Stephanie Hutman
Tamara Jedeikin
Arlene Kleen
Erica Kogan
Jill Kornbluth
Irene Lipper
Lillian Mangel
Micaela Mangot
Maxine Mani
Ariane Marelli
Cynthia Mayoff
Carolina Montes
Joanne Morris
Randi Morris
Cindy Norman
Aviva Orenstein
Susan Orenstein Little
Cheryl Polansky
Sandra Riff
Dinorah Rosales
Ariella Schachter
Lucy Shapiro
Osnat Siag
Judy Sinclair
Lisa Singer
Lori Singer-Elman
Sandie Sparkman
Kathy Stotland
Melissa Tadmor
Lauren Teblum
Laurie Urman
Sharifa Van Gelderen
Francine Wexler
Alexandra Wexler
Ariane Yechouron
Giving back to our community and ensuring our institutions stay resilient and evolve with the times takes dedication. Growing up and throughout my early adulthood, I was deeply involved in community service and volunteering. Before starting my career, I led the Jewish law students’ organization at my law school, where I saw firsthand the vital role our community and its organizations play, especially for vulnerable groups.
Montreal’s Jewish community and institutions have always impressed me with their resilience and support across all stages of life. While balancing work and family in recent years made it challenging to give back in the way I wanted, community involvement has always been a priority for me. Now, I’m excited to have the opportunity to contribute to the future of our community through the Lions of Judah.
In May I travelled to Israel with Federation on a Mission of Solidarity. It was on this trip that I became a Lion of Judah.
Since October 7th, like so many Jewish people around the world, I have felt the need to connect with my community more than ever.
I was always passionately proud of being Jewish and lived my life never imagining that we, the Jewish people, would be so brutally targeted as we are right now.
To me, being a Lion of Judah is a tremendous honour. I hope I can live up to it—to be strong and brave and fight for what is right.
Thank you, Federation CJA, for providing the opportunities for all of us to become involved. We need each other now more than ever.
Am Yisrael Chai.
Soon after I became a Lion of Judah, I attended my first LOJ’s International conference in Washington. Standing in a room with 1,300 engaged philanthropists and women from across Canada and the US really impacted me. Being in the presence of Canadian and American Jewry felt very strong. All Lions singing in unison the Hatikvah was the most heartwarming and determining experience of my philanthropic career as I understood how we were all bound by an invisible thread. Proud of our Jewish identity, each LOJ makes its own contribution and aspires to set an exemplary standard of leadership and giving to build a flourishing Jewish community. Preserving and enhancing Jewish identity is the legacy I want to pass on to my children and grandchildren, which is why I also endowed my Lion!
C’est une énorme satisfaction de constater que mes filles Judith Abitan Fried, Ingrid Abitan Benabou et Naomi Canart Abitan s’engagent déjà avec ferveur au sein de la communauté juive.
Leur engagement , celui de la prochaine génération me rassure sur l’avenir. Le lion trace l’avenir de notre communauté. La relève est assurée!
Arlene Madar Abitan National President, Canadian Magen David Adom
In conjunction with the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County, Southern Hospitality was held on February 12 in West Palm Beach, Florida.
25 Lions from our community attended the annual Florida event. Kicking off with an exclusive pre-reception cocktail for the Montreal Lions, the main event featured a delicious lunch
and a special performance by the Shul Sisters, a vocal trio who delighted the audience with their beautiful music.
A very special thank you to our Montreal chair Cheryl Brownstein, whose hard work ensured a very special day for our Montreal participants .
NOVEMEBR 3
Yom Yocheved Clothing Giveaway
JANUARY 12-14
2025 International Lion of Judah Conference Atlanta, GA