Women’s Philanthropy of the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts supports Federation by engaging women in philanthropy and inspiring them to be strong and confident Jewish leaders and decision-makers. For more information about Women’s Philanthropy, please contact Donor Impact Officer Bobby Naimark at (413) 737-4313 or click here to send him an email.
The Women’s Philanthropy Steering & Development Committee, chaired by Henia Lewin and Lisa Katz, is a diverse group of women who support and strengthen Jewish life. They encourage increased commitment and participation in Jewish communal life by connecting women through outreach events and community education programs that address issues of particular concern to women. Through their work on behalf of the Federation Annual Campaign, they help raise significant funds to meet the needs of Jews locally and around the world.
Additional opportunities for engagement are available through the following annual giving societies:
JEWEL SOCIETY
The Jewel Society offers new annual donors of $180 or more opportunities throughout the year to learn more about the work of the Federation and the impact of women’s philanthropy, and to get to know each other through social and volunteer events.
Gefen
Gefen, Hebrew for grapevine, recognizes annual donors of $365 or more. Many vines, like many donors, together do extraordinary things.
Morasha
Morasha, hebrew for heritage, honors all women who make a personal gift of $1,000 or more. Morasha society members express their very personal commitment to the local Jewish community, Israel, and Jews around the world
Lion of Judah
The Lion of Judah is a symbol of today’s Jewish Woman’s strength, a symbol of her caring about the organized Jewish world and a symbol of her financial commitment of at least $5,000 to the JFNA Annual Campaign. The Lion of Judah program has brought together women of all ages and from many walks of life in order to play an essential role in creating social justice, healing the sick, feeding the hungry, preserving human dignity and building Jewish identity.
Pomegranate Society
The Pomegranate Society recognizes annual donors of $1,800 or more whose generous annual campaign commitments are planting the seeds for the community’s future. An ancient symbol found carved into the lintels of the earliest synagogues, the pomegranate has carried with it the concepts of Judaism for generations. More than a beautiful piece of jewelry, the Pomegranate pin is a symbol of a woman’s commitment to and compassion for the Jewish people. It represents the best of what Federation does — bringing together like-minded donors to do a world of good.
Step Up
In 2013 we launched our “Step Up” campaign. The Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts invites you to “Step Up” to the giving level of your choice over a two or three-year period. By making a multi-year commitment donors will immediately receive all of the benefits of society membership, including:
- Attendance at society events and conferences
- Subscription to society publications
- The opportunity to purchase the corresponding society’s pin (if applicable)
- Recognition at the level of the highest gift