Lessons Learned at Women’s Awareness Day
by Jane Gomez
The warmth and energy of the more than 300 women who gathered for Women’s Awareness Day did much to dispel the lingering early spring chill of the morning of May 3. Each year, I look forward to attending Women’s Awareness Day. For me, this event culminates the year, offering an opportunity to reconnect with friends and community for a brief morning sandwiched between winter’s busy schedule and the frenzy of spring and summer. In particular, this year’s speaker, Jane Weitzman, reminded us that we all benefit when we support our Jewish community.
Ms. Weitzman, wife of shoe designer and manufacturer Stuart Weitzman, has worn many hats, or rather shoes, in her life. She was the executive vice president of Stuart Weitzman, founding vice president of Stuart Weitzman Retail, and author of the book Art & Sole (copies of which she signed in the lobby), among other accomplishments. But it was in her role as philanthropist that she addressed the crowd at Women’s Awareness Day. While she has spearheaded fundraising efforts in support of many diverse causes (such as breast and ovarian cancer research), Ms. Weitzman has maintained a lifelong commitment to Jewish philanthropy. Her passion stems in part from her upbringing as a Jewish girl in the segregated South. Ms. Weitzman has raised extensive funds in support of the Joint Distribution Committee (The Joint) and has visited Jewish communities around the world to assess their needs and oversee Federation efforts. She has also been responsible for providing funds for numerous schools in Israel. She challenged us all to examine the ways in which we are philanthropic and urged us to put importance on Jewish charities. This simple message resonated with many women with whom I spoke after the event, spurring us to reexamine ways in which we could teach our children to embrace a life of Jewish giving.
Ms. Weitzman’s words were inspirational. Her heartfelt sense of responsibility for caring for Jews all over the world was apparent and energizing. Two women with whom I spoke, Ilyssa Tepperman and Cantor Lorna Wallach, noted that after hearing the speech, they would encourage young people to choose Mitzvah projects that helped the Jewish community.
Ms. Weitzman presented a simple yet powerful message: Kol Hako’ach – we are stronger together. And that is really what Women’s Awareness Day is all about.