Inspired and guided by our tradition of tzedakah (righteousness/charity) and tikkun olam (repairing the world), Women’s Philanthropy is dedicated to the continuity, connectivity, and thriving future of our Richmond Jewish community, Israel, and the Jewish people.

Women philanthropists are the change-makers and community-shapers of the world. They are sisters, daughters, mothers, and friends - compassionate and committed women at every stage of life and career.

Women's Philanthropy is about more than just the Annual Campaign.

It's about having an impact.

Lion of Judah

Lions of Judah are the most dynamic philanthropic Jewish women in the world. There is a strong contingency of Lions in Richmond. Lions are strong women of all ages, representing an international sisterhood of thousands of global activists who care deeply about the Jewish community.

Lions of Judah play a vital role in creating social justice, aiding the vulnerable, preserving human dignity, and building Jewish identity.

The impact is evident through the contribution of time and resources. Each woman gifts an annual donation to the Federation that reflects her capacity to give. In Richmond, the threshold annual commitment is $5,000 to become a Lion.

Lion of Judah Endowment

Endowing a Lion of Judah gift ensures that your philanthropy makes an even greater difference throughout your lifetime and for generations to come. When you create a Lion of Judah Endowment (LOJE), you establish a charitable gift of at least $125,000 in your name. This endowment benefits future generations through ongoing support for the Federation and the causes most important to you. As a LOJE, your gift shapes the Jewish future.

Your attorney or financial advisor can advise you on the best endowment vehicle. Some options include:

  • A charitable gift or bequest in your will or living trust
  • A retirement fund that names the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond as the beneficiary of all or part of the fund
  • A life insurance policy

A LOJE lights the way for her family and community - helping illuminate Jewish life well into the future and burning bright for all in need.

Pomegranate Society

The pomegranate is one of the seven fruits named in the Torah, said to contain 613 seeds – one for each of the commandments (mitzvot). This ancient symbol is one of the oldest found in Jewish art and ritual. It has been carved in the entranceways of the earliest synagogues, woven into fabrics, and hammered into silver and gold. All women who commit an individual gift of $1,800 - $4,999 to the Jewish Federation’s Annual Campaign become a part of our Pomegranate Society.

Being part of the Pomegranate Society is a declaration of your personal commitment to honor traditional Jewish values of tzedek (justice) and gemilut hesed (acts of loving kindness).

Pearl Society

The Pearl Society is a giving level that honors women under the age of 45 who make a minimum commitment of $180 a year to the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond's Annual Campaign. They meet for quarterly events that include philanthropic speakers, volunteer projects, and social gatherings.

Dignity Grows™ empowers our neighbors in need by providing menstrual and hygiene supplies for every body who needs them. We remove obstacles to better self-esteem and health by providing personal hygiene essentials every month. We mobilize volunteers to organize, assemble, and distribute free, reusable zipper-top totes filled with a month's supply of soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste, and menstrual products.

Founded by the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford Women's Philanthropy in 2019, Dignity Grows™ embodies the Jewish values of tzedakah and tikkun olam.

Just $10 can provide a Dignity Grows Tote filled with a monthly supply of comprehensive hygiene products. To learn more, get involved, or donate, click the button below.

L'Dor V'Dor Woman of Valor

Annually, the Federation hosts women of all generations to celebrate the time-honored Jewish tradition of passing on our story at the L’Dor V’Dor Woman of Valor Award Reception. L’Dor V’Dor represents the shared connection and transmission of Jewish rituals, culture, beliefs, and history between several generations.

Every year, the Federation honors a Woman of Valor and welcomes a speaker to educate and inspire those in attendance.

Jewish Community Federation of Richmond is honored to recognize past L’Dor V’Dor Woman of Valor award recipients:

  • Selma Brown*
  • Miriam Davidow
  • Deane Dubansky
  • Bea Fine*
  • Anne Fischer*
  • Edith Glock*
  • Carolyn Grandis
  • Inge Horowitz
  • Helen Horowitz
  • Willa Kalman
  • Amy Krumbein
  • Hedy Lapkin
  • Jeanette Lipman*
  • Pearl Karp Markham*
  • Bertha Meyer*
  • Susan Meyers
  • Sara Belle November
  • Catherine Plotkin
  • Shirley Plotkin*
  • Fran Raphael*
  • Elise Scherr
  • Lynn Schwartz
  • Barbara Shocket*
  • Nannette Shor
  • Susan Sisisky
  • Sara Waskin
  • Carole Weinstein
  • Hortense Wolf*
  • Helen Zimm*

*of blessed memory