Jewish Community Partners

Here in Memphis – and globally – the Lions of Judah are the most dynamic philanthropic Jewish women in the world.

Eighteen thousandwomen around the world have been distinguished as proud Lions of Judah, having donated at least $5,000 to their Jewish Federation each year.

Memphis now boasts 157 Lions of Judah, all of whom were celebrated in late April at the Memphis Jewish Federation’s annual Lions of Judah Spring Reception. Held this year at the Memphis Jewish Home & Rehab, this vibrant gathering celebrated the remarkable impact of women’s philanthropy within the local and global Jewish community and honored the unwavering commitment of these dedicated women.

Reflecting on the Year’s Impact

In her welcome remarks, Lions co-chair Kimberlee Strome reflected on the power of women’s philanthropy. She shared inspiring experiences of connecting with like-minded women globally, whether at a retreat in London or the International Lion of Judah Conference. Strome expressed gratitude for the collective success of the Memphis community and excitedly announced that Betsy Saslawsky would be joining her on the National Women’s Philanthropy Board.

Cindy Finestone and Danielle Lazarov took the stage later in the afternoon to discuss the impactful initiatives of the Lions of Judah over the past year. Finestone, a past Chair of the Memphis Jewish Federation, emphasized the Federation’s 90-year legacy of addressing critical challenges, from refugee resettlement post-WWII to supporting the Russian resettlement efforts and providing emergency grants during COVID-19.

Finestone also addressed the recent surge in antisemitism and highlighted the Federation’s community relations efforts, including the recent Yom HaShoah commemoration and educational outreach to over two thousand students. New initiatives such as a parent affinity group for high school teens and a student-to-student program were also announced. Danielle Lazarov also shared her inspiring impressions from the International Lion of Judah Conference held in January, in which 19 Memphians participated.

Honoring Standout Leadership

A highlight of the afternoon was the recognition of the newest members of the Memphis Lions of Judah. Finestone and Strome proudly welcomed ten accomplished women: Michelle Clein, Lihan Frager, Cathie Jacobs, Molly Lane, Jami Lazarov, Elissa Taub, Caren Abis, Rebeca Burch, Tara Engelberg, and Karen Karmel. These women were celebrated for their significant contributions to the Federation’s annual campaign. They have diverse backgrounds, ranging from attorneys and designers to volunteers across various Jewish organizations. Their motivations for becoming Lions included honoring family legacies, strengthening their connection to the Jewish community, empowering women, and a commitment to acts of Chesed.

Strome then recognized women who had reached new giving levels. Marlene Gerson, Laura Harkavy, and Billie Pierce were celebrated as new Sapphire Lions of Judah, having increased their gifts to $18,000. Eight women – Sharon Goldstein, Eve Lazarov, Terri Mendelson, Lisa Menuskin, Nancy Robinson, Shelley Robbins, Betsy Saslawsky, and Sally Wender – were welcomed as new Ruby Lions of Judah for their increased commitment of $10,000.

Next, Federation honored the dedicated Lions of Judah who have made provisions in their estate plans, ensuring their philanthropic impact extends into the future as Lion of Judah Endowment and Forever Lions. Thirty-one women were recognized, with special acknowledgment given to new Lion of Judah Endowment donors Kimberlee Strome and Nancy Dan. A moving candle-lighting ceremony honored fifteen Forever Lions, women of blessed memory whose legacies continue to inspire. Family members and friends of Arlyne Schwartz and Elaine Wagner Skopp shared heartfelt words before lighting their candles, followed by a collective lighting for the remaining thirteen Forever Lions.

Judy Kriger then made a special announcement regarding a new award in honor of long-time Lion and Federation’s Women’s Philanthropy Professional Arlyne Schwartz, z”l. The award will annually recognize a female Jewish communal professional employed by local Federation agencies in order to celebrate individuals who have invested their careers in promoting the Memphis Jewish community.

Caring for the Collective

The choice of venue for this year’s Reception, the Memphis Jewish Home, served as a reminder of the Lions’ commitment to the community’s most vulnerable members. Strome lauded the invaluable resources available within Memphis to ensure a thriving Jewish life and expressed particular appreciation to Bobby Meadows, the Executive Director of the Memphis Jewish Home, for hosting the reception. Meadows also spoke, giving insightful remarks about the vital work of the Memphis Jewish Home & Rehab, emphasizing their dedication to providing compassionate care.

Denise Kerlan also expressed deep gratitude for Meadows’ leadership and, in her remarks, highlighted the significant impact of the Memphis Jewish Federation’s annual grant toward the Jewish Home. Last year, the Federation granted $135,000 for Jewish Medicaid residents and expanded Kosher supervision, plus secured an additional $15,000 security grant for the Home.

The formal program concluded with closing remarks from Betsy Saslawsky, who eloquently articulated the theme of the afternoon: “Where the power of SHE becomes a community of We.” Saslawsky emphasized the profound impact of individual generosity amplified by the collective strength of the 157 Lions. Drawing upon the Jewish concept of Tikkun Olam, she highlighted the benefits of both financial contributions and active involvement in the community. Saslawsky encouraged the Lions to continue their leadership and philanthropy, urging them to “get their hands dirty” and work together to strengthen the Memphis Jewish community.

In a symbolic gesture, each attendee added a flower to a central table arrangement, representing how individual contributions create a more vibrant and beautiful community. These arrangements were later shared with the Memphis Jewish Home & Rehab residents.

Dedicated Lions of Judah committee members Betsy Saslawsky, Debra Saharovich,  Danielle Lazarov, and Denise Kerlan played crucial roles in organizing the Spring Reception. To learn about becoming a Lion of Judah, visit jcpmemphis.org.