Jewish Community Partners

The 40th Anniversary celebration of Memphis Lions of Judah was an evening filled with pride, gratitude, and inspiration.

Lions gathered at the Brooks Museum of Art to honor four decades of women’s philanthropy, friendship, and commitment to the Memphis Jewish community. Lion Co-Chair Debra Saharovich opened the evening with a warm welcome before Dr. Zoe Kahr, Executive Director of the Brooks Museum, shared greetings from the host venue. National Women’s Philanthropy Board Member Betsy Saslawsky then introduced keynote speaker Alison Lebovitz, whose heartfelt message resonated deeply.

“Our work is never done and forever we are always looking to who came before—to emulate, to match, to be better than if we can. And to look to the generation that comes after us and say ‘Be better than me. Do better than me,’” she said, capturing the essence of the Lion legacy.

The program closed with remarks from Lion Co-Chair Margo Fogelman who shared her “Why Federation” story, and Jewish Community Partners President and CEO Laura Linder, reflecting on the power of collective giving and the enduring impact of women leading with purpose.