Brunch in the garden: A celebration of the power of a woman

By Betty Schwartz, Chair, and Susan Pittelman, Vice-Chair, Jewish Federation of Greater Naples Pomegranate Society

It was a bright and sunny morning on Dec. 8, when more than 30 women joyfully greeted each other in the garden at Ridgeway Bar & Grill. More than a year-and-a-half had passed since members of the Pomegranate Society last met in person.

The service project planned for March 2020 at the Naples Senior Center was abruptly canceled when the Center announced it was closing because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Fortunately, the overflowing bags of supplies collected as part of the Pomegranate Society social service project were still distributed through the food pantry, needed then more than ever.

Jewish Federation Board Chair Jane Schiff (right) with WCA President and Jewish Federation’s newest Lion of Judah, Patti Boochever

Campaign 2022: Here for Good Chair Paula Filler (right) with Pomegranate Leona Wreschner

Very determined, and understanding the importance of remaining connected to one another, we were not going to let the pandemic stop us. The Pomegranate Society held informal Zoom meetings to keep in touch and planned several virtual events, attended by both Pomegranates and Lions, that focused on the power of women to make a difference.

The Dec. 8 brunch provided members of the Pomegranate Society, and several Lion of Judah Society members, an opportunity to celebrate the power of women to make adifference in their communities, across the county and around the world. We were all very excited to continue to explore this topic, this time in person!

Having warmly greeted all who attended, the Pomegranate Society goals and all we have accomplished in the four years since the Pomegranate Society was formed were explained, not the least among them, growing our membership from 27 to 53 members.

Jewish Federation Board Chair Jane Schiff shared an update on the nowunder-construction Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center, thanking everyone present for the roles they have played to make the dream of a new home for Jewish Federation and our community a reality. Paula Filler, 2022 Annual Community Campaign chair, spoke of the success of Campaign 2022: Here for Good to date, and thanked every donor for their generosity.

Brunch Committee members Susan Rabin, Judi Palay, Betty Schwartz, Susan Pittelman and Peggy Brown with Annual Community Campaign Director Kirk Wisemayer

Judi Palay introduced guest speaker Sybil Baima as a woman who has made a difference, one that has touched every Pomegranate. Sybil shared her story, explaining how she, as president of Jewish Federation of Lehigh Valley and a member of National Women’s Philanthropy board, was instrumental in establishing the Pomegranate Society, first in Allentown, Pennsylvania, in 1981, and then nationally. Four decades later, there are more than 7,800 Pomegranates throughout North America, with new members added every day.

Baiman described her role in creating the beautiful sterling silver Pomegranate pin, which is a symbol of a woman’s commitment to, and compassion for, the Jewish people. “One of the seven holy species in Torah, the pomegranate, along with dates, wheat, grapes, barley, figs and olives are viewed as life-sustaining. As your generosity sustains Jewish life here in Greater Naples, and in Israel, Jewish tradition teaches that there are 613 seeds in the pomegranate. These correspond to the 613 commandments in our Torah, representing a life that is just and righteous. You have made great strides here in the last four years…. You are doing important work, wear your pin proudly!”

Brunch Committee member Peggy Brown presents guest of honor Sybil Baiman with a token of the committee’s appreciation.

Upcoming events include the Pomegranate Society social action project at The Shelter for Abused Women & Children on March 16, 2022, and our Women’s Philanthropy luncheon on March 7, 2022, open to all women who are donors to the Annual Community Campaign.

Our thanks to each of the Pomegranate and Lion of Judah women who attended the brunch. You are women who carry on the fundamental Jewish tradition of tzedakah, setting exemplary standards of leadership and giving in our community. You inspire others to translate their commitment into giving that makes a difference.

We also express appreciation to the leadership of Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, including Jane Schiff, Karen Deutsch, Paula Filler and Annual Community Campaign Director Kirk Wisemayer as well as to Peggy Brown, Judi Palay and Susan Rabin for their enthusiasm and wonderful ideas as members of the brunch committee.

The Pomegranate Society brings women with shared Jewish values together through their philanthropy. A minimum commitment of $1,800 annually to Jewish Federation’s Annual Community Campaign enables you to become part of this group of remarkable women. For more information, please contact Kirk Wisemayer at 239-263-4205, ext. 305, or kwisemayer@ jewishnaples.org.