Greater Miami Jewish Federation Celebrates Extraordinary Women at Special Breakfast and Luncheon

Women’s Philanthropy of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation delivered on its promise for an extraordinary day celebrating the power of extraordinary women with two programs, three guest speakers and a total of nearly 800 women attending from across Miami’s Jewish community.

The morning began with a special Lion of Judah Breakfast, chaired by Terry Drucker. Highlights of the event included a keynote address by noted lecturer and educator Arna Poupko Fisher, as well as the testimonials of four local women – Rosi Behar, Fran Berrin, Dorothy Podhurst and Lisa Weiner – who shared their personal stories about what motivates them as Lions of Judah.

The groundbreaking Lion of Judah program was founded 40 years ago in Miami by Norma Kipnis Wilson and Toby Friedland, of blessed memory, and now comprises 17,500 women worldwide who generously support their local Federation/UJA Campaign as a statement of their dedication to the Jewish community. This year, the Greater Miami Jewish Federation welcomed 117 new Lions of Judah.

Continuing the day-long celebration, Women’s Philanthropy presented The Women’s Event, a luncheon chaired by Pam Wolofsky and proudly acknowledging the dedication of all women in the community who have committed their resources to care for those in need, support vital programs and strengthen Jewish life in Miami, in Israel and in more than 70 other countries around the world. Barbara Black Goldfarb, immediate past Chair of the Board of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, a past Women’s Philanthropy President and a long-time Jewish community leader, also was recognized with Miami’s 2012 Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award. Featured guest speakers were world-renowned sex therapist and author Dr. Ruth Westheimer and humanitarian and educator Alina Gerlovin Spaulding.

The Event Committee consisted of Yael Ackerman, Elaine Bachenheimer, Rebecca Karsenti, Sandra Lapciuc, Jill Schwartz and Veronica Zarco. The President of Women’s Philanthropy is Laura P. Koffsky, and Elise Scheck Bonwitt is the Women’s Philanthropy Campaign Chair.

Federation gratefully acknowledges its Corporate Sponsors for their generous support of The Women’s Event and the Lion of Judah program. Platinum Sponsors were: Bilzin Sumberg Attorneys at Law, The Collection, Greenberg Traurig, and Wells Fargo. Gold Sponsors were: Akerman Senterfitt, Kent Security Services and Sapoznik Insurance. Silver Sponsors were Crystal & Company and Meland Russin & Budwick, P.A.

For more information about Women’s Philanthropy of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, email Women@JewishMiami.org or call 786.866.8440.