Women’s Philanthropy of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia held its Lion of Judah celebration on Thursday, May 7 at Har Zion Temple. The annual event, which brought together over 300 women this year, honors the impact of those who generously contribute a household gift of $5,000 or more to the Jewish Federation’s Annual Campaign.

The afternoon was organized by a multigenerational team of Women’s Philanthropy leadership, including Event Co-Chairs Sherrie Savett, Jackie Kaiser, and Angelica Roiz-Shenkar, Women’s Philanthropy Co-Chairs Robin Robbins and Jen Thomas, and a host committee of about 100 volunteers and supporters. Women’s Philanthropy Director Lannie Hulnick also recognized 30 women who took the leap to become new Lions this year, welcoming them into the Lion of Judah community.

Co-Chair Jen Thomas opened the afternoon by recognizing the impact that the Lion of Judah community has made on our region and by highlighting the Jewish Federation’s 125th anniversary.

“What does it mean to be a Lion of Judah?” Thomas asked. “Inspiration, community, connection, strength…a Lion is a powerful force and each of you embodies that power through your philanthropy.”

Thomas also talked about her decision to take the leap and create a Lion of Judah Endowment (LOJE) to become a forever Lion.

“I care deeply about my Jewish community, and I want it to remain strong long after I’m gone, for my children..and for their children,” said Thomas.

This year’s program also featured Rachel Goldberg-Polin and Jon Polin, parents of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, who was abducted on Oct. 7, 2023 and later murdered by Hamas. During the conversation, moderated by Women’s Philanthropy Co-Chair Robin Robbins, they spoke of love, grief and finding their “why” to continue on.

“Grief is a badge of love for the person that we adore who is no longer here,” said Rachel Goldberg-Polin. “Love keeps growing…because love is stronger than death and love is stronger than time.”

Over the last three years, the Polins have spoken worldwide about their son’s abduction as they became global advocates for the return of all remaining hostages kidnapped by Hamas.

Their message, which is reiterated in Rachel Goldberg-Polin’s book “When We See You Again,” resonated widely with the Jewish Federation’s Women’s Philanthropy community.

“Their story is heartbreaking, but what stayed with me most was their humanity,” said Women’s Philanthropy Co-Chair Robin Robbins. “Rachel and Jon showed us what it means to carry grief, to be okay with feeling broken, to choose love again and again, and to find the light in the darkness.”

View some of the photos from the day below.

Women’s Philanthropy leadership with the Lion of Judah event host committee.

Women’s Philanthropy Co-Chair Jen Thomas gives opening remarks.

 New Lions of Judah pose for a photo with Women’s Philanthropy Director Lannie Hulnick. 

Rachel Goldberg-Polin and Jon Polin talk about the unbreakable strength of community in the face of unimaginable loss.

 The Jewish Federation community listens to featured speakers Rachel Goldberg-Polin and Jon Polin in the sanctuary. 

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A Lion of Judah is a woman who makes a generous household contribution of $5,000 or more to the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s Annual Campaign. To learn more about Lion of Judah, contact womensphilanthropy@jewishphilly.org or 215.832.0502