2 minute read
Cheryl Ginsburg — Greater Naples Lion of Judah A
A compassionate heart
By Paula Filler, Endowment Chair
Cheryl Ginsburg has always been passionate about supporting Jewish life and the communities that have shaped her journey. Her commitment to philanthropy began in high school when a close friend’s mother shared what giving to the Jewish community meant to her. Years later, after moving to Albany, Cheryl attended a Jewish Federation gathering about Operation Moses, the historic airlift of Ethiopian Jews to Israel. Learning how Jewish Federation supported these refugees’ integration into Israeli society was a turning point in her life.
Inspired, Ginsburg began volunteering with the Jewish Federation of Albany, where she found a community of like-minded individuals who became like family. In 2007, a mission trip to Israel deepened her understanding of the global impact of her support. Seeing firsthand how her contributions helped children, the elderly, and vulnerable Jews worldwide motivated her to become a Lion of Judah — a commitment she proudly achieved.
While leading Women’s Major Gifts in Albany, Ginsburg saw the challenges Jewish Federations face when major donors are lost or when younger generations are disconnected from their parents’ values. Determined to ensure a lasting impact, Ginsburg endowed her Lion of Judah gift to protect the future of Jewish life.
When Ginsburg relocated to the Washington, D.C. area, she immediately connected with the local Jewish Federation, where new friendships and volunteer opportunities kept her commitment alive. Later, upon settling in Naples, Ginsburg continued her tradition of giving and leadership, becoming a Lion of Judah for Jewish Federation of Greater Naples.
Ginsburg’s legacy of generosity is deeply rooted in her Jewish identity, and she takes pride in passing these values on to her children, who also lead lives of care and kindness. By endowing her gift in Naples, Ginsburg is ensuring that future generations will benefit from Jewish education, camp scholarships, Holocaust survivor support, enhanced security, and programs at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center.
For Ginsburg, being a role model and sharing her passion for giving has been the key to creating a lasting legacy of caring, compassion and community.
