Greater Miami Jewish Federation Celebrates Extraordinary Women’s Event

Women’s Philanthropy of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation delivered on its promise for a day of inspiration with two programs and more than 1,000 women attending from across Miami’s Jewish community.

The morning began with a special Lion of Judah Breakfast chaired by Dorothy Podhurst, which honored and celebrated the inspiring Lions of the community. The groundbreaking Lion of Judah philanthropy program was founded more than 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. Highlights of the morning included a keynote address by noted scholar, Dr. Erica Brown who challenged participants with the question “what kind of community do we want to live in?” and “what are you prepared to do to help create it?”

The luncheon, chaired by Adrienne Pardo, proudly acknowledged the dedication of all women 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. Headlining The Women’s Event was actress, author and humanitarian Fran Drescher, who is best known for her performance as the lovable Fran Fine on the hit TV series The Nanny. Drescher is also the Founder, President and visionary of the Cancer Schmancer Movement, a non-profit organization. Fran

inspired guests with her personal example of how one woman with a little chutzpah can have a big impact. To paraphrase her, “carpe diem” you know, really, it’s an opportunity, which by the way, knocks on the door each and every day, but it’s only if we can recognize it and walk through it that we can make a difference…”

Attendees also brought kosher grape juice, honey, Shabbat candles and other items that were delivered to the JCS Kosher Food Bank to help families in need celebrate Shabbat. The JCS Kosher Food Bank is operated by Jewish Community Services of South Florida, a local partner agency of Federation.

The Women’s Event Committee included Oriana Azizollahoff, Frances L. Gaynor, Michelle Goldberg, Ilana Levit, Margarita Minski, Joanna F. Segal and Shoshanna Wagner with Women’s Philanthropy President Elise Scheck Bonwitt, and Women’s Philanthropy Campaign Chair Sheree Savar.

Federation gratefully acknowledges its 2014 Proud Business Partners for their generous support of The Women’s Event and the Lion of Judah Breakfast program. Platinum Sponsors were: Bilzin Sumberg Attorneys at Law, The Collection, Greenberg Traurig and Wells Fargo. Gold Sponsors were: Akerman LLP, Kent Security Services and Sapoznik Insurance. Silver Sponsors were: Crystal & Company and Meland Russin & Budwick, P.A.

For more information about the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, please visit JewishMiami.org or call 305-576-4000.