Women’s Philanthropy
Women Make an Impact in Our Jewish Community!
Inspired by Jewish values, Women’s Philanthropy broadens and deepens engagement in Jewish life to strengthen Jewish identity, foster dynamic connections with Israel, and care for all Jews in need. This passionate and diverse community of women raises more than 1/3 of funds directed towards Federation’s annual campaign each year.
We invite you to join us in an environment where every Jewish woman can enrich and strengthen her identity as a woman and a Jew and help make a difference in our world. At a time when apathy and assimilation threaten us, we invite you to join the thousands of Jewish women who are leading by example.
Women’s Philanthropy Groups
Women’s Philanthropy Board
Jewish Federation of San Diego Women’s Philanthropy Board works year-round to effect positive change, both locally and globally. We are sisters and daughters, mothers and friends; compassionate and committed women at every stage of life and career. We are Jewish women who share common bonds, values, and passions. Through philanthropic giving and hands-on volunteering, we take our place as leaders, change-makers, and community shapers.
Meet the 2024-2025 Women’s Philanthropy Board:
Debbie Deverett
Women’s Philanthropy Board Chair
Sara Kabakoff
Women’s Philanthropy Campaign Co-Chair
Heather Keith
Women’s Philanthropy Campaign Co-Chair
Lisa Pearl
Previous Board President and current Board Member
Jill Beck
Board Member
Melissa Brill
Board Member
Barbi Dorfan
Board Member
Olga Gordon
Board Member
Shoshannah Hart
Board Member
Rachel Herman
Board Member
Laurie Hoshaw
Board Member
Shannah Katz
Board Member
Shayna Kaufmann
Board Member
Allison Leeds
Board Member
Meg Mandel
Board Member
Elizabeth Siegler
Board Member
Erica Weinberg
Board Member
Lion of Judah Society
The Lion of Judah is an international recognition program honoring more than 17,500 inspiring Jewish women who give an annual minimum gift of $5,000 or more to Jewish Federations across North America. In San Diego, we are proud to have more than 250 Lions supporting our Federation.
Lions of Judah are strong women of all ages – a 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, and building Jewish identity.
Every Lion also has the opportunity to purchase a gold Lion pin, which has become an internationally recognized symbol of philanthropy, commitment, Jewish values, and sisterhood. Each woman who wears her Lion of Judah pin is uniquely connected to all other Lions, all of whom embody the true meaning of tzedakah. Each year, those who sustain their gift are eligible to have a diamond set into their pin.
Pomegranate Society
Pomegranate Society members nurture, sustain, and plant the seeds for the next generation of Jewish leaders by giving an annual gift between $1,800-$4,999 to Federation’s Annual Campaign.
Named for one of the seven fruits referenced in the Bible, the pomegranate is said to contain 613 seeds, one for each mitzvah or commandment found in the Torah. This level of giving is acknowledged with a stunning sterling Pomegranate pin. By wearing the Pomegranate pin, women are reminded of their sisterhood and commitment to the Jewish people and a better world.
Join our growing community of more than 97 San Diego Pomegranates and discover the fruits of gathering around a common cause.
