Jewish Community Partners

Every Fall, Memphis Jewish Federation invites its women donors at the Lion of Judah level (“Lions”) to hear about Federation’s key priorities and kick off a new year. This year, Lions came together on a gorgeous Fall afternoon at the newly renovated Morris S. Fogelman Jewish Student Center. Attendees were amazed at the redesigned space and excited for the students who will benefit from it.

When long-time philanthropist and Lion of Judah Mary Lynn Perl entered the building, she was brought back to memories of the original building and remarked, “I could have never dreamed of such a beautiful home for our college students. I am so proud of what Avron and Wendy (Fogelman) have done by leading the way for this renovation. Avron is keeping his father’s legacy of giving alive.”

With more than 60 attendees at the event, the room was filled with high energy, as Lions explored the new space while sipping “Liontini” cocktails and catching up with friends. As guests took their seats, Lion of Judah co-chairs Cindy Finestone and Kimberlee Strome extended a warm welcome and opened the evening’s program.

Cindy touched on the importance of the Morris S. Fogelman Jewish Student Center serving as the home for Memphis Jewish college students, saying, “It has never been more important for Jewish students to have a safe space where they can be fully themselves and celebrate being Jewish.”

In her remarks, Kimberlee praised the Lions for their growth in membership and giving, stating that Memphis Lions of Judah have grown to 150 members, with each member representing family gifts to Federation’s Annual Community Campaign of $5,000 or more. According to Kimberlee, it is a powerful group of women representing every age group and denomination.

During her remarks, Laura Linder, JCP President and CEO, shared the priorities for the 2025 Annual Community Campaign, saying, “This year, we are going back to the basics – building tomorrow’s leaders, addressing the rise in antisemitism, securing our community, inspiring Jewish joy by investing in the next generation, and caring for our local and global Jewish families. These priorities will sustain a vibrant Jewish community for today and always.” 

Laura also announced an exciting new initiative as part of this year’s campaign, asking Lions to “Reach for the Ruby.” She explained, “This giving initiative is for every Lion ready to increase her commitment over the next three years. I am already looking forward to sharing the names of 10 new Ruby Lions at our Spring Reception.”

One of the most meaningful moments of the evening was the announcement of the second ever Lion of Judah Legend Award recipient. The award, given to a Lion who has gone above and beyond in her service to the community, was presented to Marlene Gerson with a creative skit written and performed by her friends and fellow Lions.

The group, which included close friends, colleagues and her daughter, Stefanie, lovingly shared all the reasons why Marlene is an exemplary Jewish community leader. The room erupted in applause as Marlene walked up to accept her award. The Memphis Jewish community is a better place because of her hard work and dedication.

Jennifer Roberts was invited to share her connection with Hillel and what it has meant to her. She spoke about her long-time role as a member of Hillel’s Advisory Committee and her joy in seeing and working with generations of Memphis Jewish college students. Jennifer emphasized Hillel’s critical role in the Memphis Jewish community, providing a space for students to connect, learn, and grow.

She also personally thanked the Lions for generously donating kitchenware for the new Hillel kitchen, saying “These gifts will help bring more Shabbat dinners, bagel brunches and other celebrations for the kids starting their new school year.”

The evening’s keynote speaker, Lisa Armony, Executive Director of Hillel International’s Campus Climate Initiative, was introduced by Fall Reception committee member Monique Jalenak. Confronting antisemitism remains a key priority for Federation and Monique introduced the speaker by saying to her fellow Lions, “As a mother of two kids in college and a high school senior, there is no one I would rather hear from than Lisa.”

Lisa started her presentation with some startling statistics, sharing, “Since the October 7 attack on Israel, reports of antisemitism on college campuses has increased 700 percent. In this school year alone, 473 incidents have been reported, including physical violence and harassment. 73 percent of Jewish college students are experiencing some form of antisemitism at their college or university.”

Lisa then explained how Hillel International is meeting this unprecedented moment, through providing security equipment grants and guidelines for security protocols, legal support for students through its Hillel Help Line, and wraparound services for campuses in crisis.

She explained, “Hillel’s Campus Climate Initiative is focused on working with campus administrators, faculty, and staff to provide better support for Jewish students, now and in the long term. We offer mental health and educational resources, and we give Jewish students the tools they need to advocate for themselves.” She concluded her presentation by sharing additional information about Hillel’s work on college campuses and thanked Federation for its continued efforts.

The event concluded with heartfelt thanks to all participants and a sense of shared purpose in continuing the important work of sustaining and strengthening the Memphis Jewish community. As attendees departed, they were left with a renewed sense of commitment to the causes championed throughout the evening and a deep appreciation for the impact of their collective efforts.