Forever Lions – A Legacy of Women as Philanthropists and Leaders

By Lauren Rickoff , Director of Campaign and Women's Philanthropy, Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida

Swimming in the pool at the Jewish Community Alliance (JCA), Havdalah at Jewish overnight camp, prepping for a Bar or Bat Mitzvah at religious school, and your fi rst trip to Israel may be some early memories of being Jewish. What memories do you want your children and grandchildren to create? What legacy do you want to entrust? What does forever mean to you?

A total of 25 Forever Lions have chosen to support our Northeast Florida Jewish community in perpetuity. These women ensure that the work they are doing with their time, energy and philanthropy will live on. They are ensuring that the community they are building today is here for future generations as they exemplify l’dor v’dor, which is Hebrew for "from generation to generation." Passing on their values and sharing the signifi cance of a vibrant Jewish community are of immense importance. We honor them:

Sue Eaglstein Debbie Gottlieb Allison Jacobs Irene Jaff a Barbara Jaff e

Iris Kraemer Ilene Levenson Joan Levin Sue Levine Marilyn Mass

Debbie Parker Jennifer Plotkin Barbara Resnick Kim Robbins Emily Rostholder

Diane Rothstein Debra Setzer Judy Silverman Kimberly Sisisky Kellie Smith

Haley Trager Phyllis Vandroff z"l Stacie Wilf Brenda Wolchok Eunice Zisser

Forever Lions are among the Lions of Judah, some of the most dynamic, philanthropic Jewish women in the world. They are strong, dedicated women of all ages in an international sisterhood of thousands of global activists who care deeply about the Jewish future. Lions of Judah play a vital role in creating social justice, aiding the vulnerable, preserving human dignity, building Jewish identity, and more.

Brenda Wolchok, one of the fi rst Forever Lions in Northeast Florida said, “I am grateful that I have had the opportunity and privilege, through my gifts to Federation, to help meet the needs of our entire Jewish community locally as well as in Israel and all over the world. More importantly, as a Forever Lion, I am ensuring that not only future needs will be met, but also that my children and grandchildren will know how important such giving is to me.”

The Forever Lions have chosen to ensure that our local Jewish community is always supported and that Jewish life for their families are honored wherever they are in the world.

“Through my involvement in Jacksonville, as well as with National Young Leadership Cabinet, I’ve had the opportunity to see so much of the good work of the Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida. Because of this, as well as a desire to honor my daughter’s birth and to do my part to secure a Jewish future for generations, becoming a Forever Lion was an easy decision for me,”said Haley Trager, Annual Campaign Chair and Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida’s youngest Forever Lion.

All Forever Lions will be recognized at this year’s Lion of Judah Lunch on March 10. Carolyn Gitlin, Jewish Federation of North America’s National Women’s Philanthropy Chair will share national and global updates throughout the Federation system. Also, a special tribute will be held to honor Phyllis Vandroff z"l, the Federation’s fi rst in memorial Forever Lion.

For more information regarding the Lion of Judah Lunch, contact Lauren Rickoff , Women’s Philanthropy Director, at laurenr@jewishjacksonville.org or (���)22�-����. For more information on becoming a Forever Lion, contact Kellie Smith, Foundation Director, at kelliek@jewishjacksonville.org or (���)��2-3���.