Why Women’s Philanthropy?
Jody Caplan, Vice President, Community Engagement
In this issue of the Women’s Philanthropy e-newsletter we ask, “Why Women’s Philanthropy?” It’s a simple question that has generated a range of responses. We have spoken with new friends and seasoned veterans and hope you’ll enjoy hearing why they choose to become and stay involved with Women’s Philanthropy.
I thank my friend, Susan Gross, for bringing me to CHOICES in 2004 and for introducing me to Women’s Philanthropy. I had never seen so many Jewish women gathered in one place at one time! I wanted to know more about what could bring together such a diverse group of women at various ages and stages. And so, I began my journey to learn more about the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest and the work we are doing.
Over the years I have had the chance to visit partner agencies both here and in Israel and have had the privilege to meet the individuals who serve our community. They are capable, innovative, passionate, thoughtful, and dedicated to improving lives. And that’s why I make a gift to Women’s Philanthropy every year — because the needs are great and the work we are supporting makes a real difference to the people we touch.
While I certainly give my time to Women’s Philanthropy because I support the mission of the organization, it’s become so much more than that for me. In my roles as a Table Hostess, Women’s Awareness Day Committee member, Borinsky AM Chair, and Vice President of Young Women, I have found friends, mentors, and role models. I have had opportunities to learn and grow in ways I could not have anticipated. The hours I share with Women’s Philanthropy are satisfying, rewarding, and an awful lot of fun. I thank you, the women of Women’s Philanthropy, and the wonderful staff for keeping me engaged and for enriching my life. It is truly my pleasure.
What’s your story? Why do you support Women’s Philanthropy? We would love to hear from you. Please send your thoughts and reactions to me at caplan973@comcast.net.
Why Do Our Lions Roar?
by Elyse Deutsch, Lion of Judah Category Chair
When I was asked to write a couple of paragraphs about why I became a Lion of Judah, I knew exactly where to begin my story. Ever since I started giving to Jewish Federation, I dreamed of becoming a Lion. I had an amazing role model whose Lion was very special to her: my mom. Every time she would wear her pin, I knew that’s what I wanted to strive for. Little by little, I inched my way up, but becoming a Lion never seemed to be in my financial future because I worked as a teacher and my husband was a union electrician. Our daughter was not even in college and we still had to save for tuition. And then my mother died in 2009. I sat shiva wearing her pin, as I knew it was her most important piece of jewelry. Shortly after, I announced to my dad that I too was becoming a Lion. I needed to continue the tradition that she had proudly started 21 years earlier. I knew financially that somehow we would work it out.
My work for Federation obviously started many years before, and I was able to participate in many of the committees that helped determine where my dollars were going. I saw how greatly needed these dollars were, and how difficult it was to decide who was to receive what, both here and abroad. I was lucky enough to sit on the board of the former Jewish Federation of Central New Jersey, so I had a firsthand view of everything that took place. As I watched the needs rise, and the donations decline, I wanted even more to raise my dollar amount to that of a Lion. I guess I just needed that special push that my mom’s memory gave me.
After becoming a Lion, our Federation merged with Greater MetroWest, and I remained on the Board of Directors. I have met so many wonderful women who have embraced me as one of them. I have been lucky enough to attend three Lion of Judah Conferences and have been overwhelmed by the number of Lions who attend from North America and Israel. I also have traveled on two missions in the last three years: one to Israel and the other to Ukraine. As a Lion, I saw where my hard-earned dollars were being spent. After these missions, I was even more proud of being able to help the Jewish community, both here and abroad.
Another reason that I am proud to be a Lion hit me just the other day at what was probably my 23rd Super Sunday. I always try to wear my Lion of Judah pin to show the other volunteers my commitment to the campaign. But, inevitably, one or more women will stop to tell me what a beautiful pin I have. My Lion pin is a little different from most Lion pins in the Greater MetroWest area. My pin has 21 diamonds representing the 21 years my mother was a Lion. In Bayonne, where my mother and her best friend actually founded the city’s Lion of Judah society, the tradition was to add a diamond whenever a Lion renewed her commitment. And when people comment, it gives me the opportunity to once again tell my story and mention the wonderful role model I had. I hope I have been a similar role model to my own daughter; perhaps one day she too will wear my mother’s diamond-studded pin as proudly as I do.