Lion Behind the Pin

continues from page 1 which includes a velvet-lined case for the Lion pin, along with a letter, to be written by the owner, of what the Lion means to them. There is also an option to bequeath the pin to someone special, as well as information on endowing the pin for a future recipient. What a wonderful way to create a legacy, to impart meaning to future generations. It was not long before I came across an example of that very concept.

While preparing for our May 18 Lion luncheon, where we launched the Lion Behind the Pin program, I came across an article called “Exploring My Identity with My Bubbe’s Lion of Judah Pin.” The author writes, “My Bubbe’s sense of purpose and self was tied to her connection with her local Jewish Federation, so she was quick to become a Lion of Judah. Because (she) didn’t work a paying job, her name was never on a paycheck and she never made co-worker friends. Instead she found an intellectual community with shared values and made a name for herself in a way that she was passionate about…. Now, glancing at my late Bubbe’s Lion of Judah pin reminds me of this strong, feminist leader who did her part to contribute to her community.… My Bubbe taught me not only to wear the lion but to be the lion: empowered, confident, aggressive, protective and fearless.”

This article is part of the Jewish Women’s Archive’s Rising Voices Fellowship and was written by Dodie Altman-Sagan, the granddaughter of Phoebe Altman z”l who lived in Easton and was a very active member of the Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley. I cried tears of joy when I discovered the connection, as Phoebe was such an important mentor to me when I moved to the Lehigh Valley, and I have such fond memories of her.

Fast-forward to last week, when I had the honor of hosting our local Lions at my home for the luncheon. It had been quite some time since our local “pride” had gathered, and I thought that springtime presented the perfect opportunity to reawaken our sisterhood. Our Lehigh Valley Lions are an incredible bunch! They are not only loving, fun, smart and engaging women, but in 2022, their charitable donations amounted to over $580,000, almost a quarter of our annual she said with a smile, “keep that person in your life.”

The fourth and last element is mentor. A mentor is different from a friend. A friend is your equal, while a mentor is someone you consider more experienced and wiser than yourself. “A mentor can give you advice that a friend cannot,” she said. She continued that this is what a business is doing when it elects its leadership. “By the way,” she said as though speaking to a hypothetical mentor, “you’re on my board of directors.”

She advised consulting the mentor in situations such as when disputes arise in relationships. “When you have an argument,” she explained, “you decide you’re going to consult with your mentor.”

You already know you value that person’s judgement, so you seriously consider any advice. In the end, though, the decision is yours.

Koval closed her talk with the idea that you’re presented with much of value throughout your life. What matters is what do you do with it when it appears?

When she and her husband were living in Israel early in their relationship, for example, he decided to give back to the community by volunteering to tutor young adults in Hebrew. The one- on-one sessions soon turned into a class. The whole experience felt natural and inspiring to him. He paid attention to that and acted on it, deciding to become a rabbi. Today he is the rabbi of Congregation JFX.

The evening ended with Beth Kushnick, then-president of Women’s Philanthropy, thanking event cochairs Tracy Sussman and Kimberly Valuntas for pulling everything together. She said the idea of having Koval come and speak to the community came up before COVID-19. Tonight it’s time had finally come. She looked over at Koval: “Nothing is better than having you here today.” campaign. In a community of our size, that is quite an impressive feat. The room was abuzz with laughter and chatter and the warmth and camaraderie of old friends who had not seen one another in-person for a while. It never ceases to amaze me how powerful the bond of philanthropy is and how sustained altruism creates such strong friendships, connections and respect among women, even if they don’t one another on a regular basis. This natural and nurturing environment offered the perfect opportunity for me to introduce these special ladies to the Lion Behind the Pin program, and it was very well received and sparked a spirited conversation among them.

I want to thank all the Lions of our Lehigh Valley community, not only those who attended the luncheon, but also those who were unable to. Your level of commitment and dedication continues to inspire me. Thank you for setting an example by your actions, your kindness and your strong belief in a Jewish future for generations to come. You made May 18, 2023, a most memorable and special day for me.