Women's Philanthropy

Lion of Judah

A worldwide community of women whose generosity sustains and strengthens Jewish life, recognized by the iconic Lion of Judah pin.

A Sisterhood Since 1972

Women who give $5,000 or more a year, part of a sisterhood of 18,000+ Lions around the world, with 250+ here in San Diego.

Our story

A Lion of Judah is a woman who makes an annual gift of $5,000 or more to Jewish Federation of San Diego's annual campaign, joining a worldwide community of women connected through philanthropy, leadership, and a shared commitment to Jewish life.

Established in Miami in 1972 by Norma Kipnis-Wilson z”l and Toby Friedland z”l, the Lion of Judah has blossomed into a global sisterhood of passionate, visionary women from San Diego to Israel and across the world. United by strength and compassion, we proudly carry forward the value of k’lal Yisrael, all Jews caring for one another.

Lions of Judah together on the 2025 Lion of Judah Civil Rights Mission

The Lion Experience

March 24, 2027

Lion of Judah Luncheon

A joyful yearly gathering celebrating the women who transform our community.

March 24, 2027 | 11:00 AM–2:00 PM

More about it

Each year, Lions unite for a joyful gathering celebrating the women whose generosity transforms our community. Lions have the opportunity to connect with one another, deepen their relationship with Federation, and hear from meaningful speakers brought in from around the globe.

Join us for an inspiring afternoon honoring the extraordinary women whose generosity, leadership, and commitment strengthen our Jewish community and shape its future.

Details coming soon

Every two years

International Lion of Judah Conference

Every two years, Lions from around the world gather to learn and connect.

February 28–March 2, 2027 | Austin, Texas

More about it

Every two years, Lions from across the United States, Canada, and beyond come together for the International Lion of Judah Conference, organized by Jewish Federations of North America.

Through several days of learning, conversation, and celebration, Lions connect with one another and hear from leading voices in Jewish life, culture, business, and more. The conference brings together a worldwide community of women united by philanthropy and a commitment to strengthening Jewish life.

Registration for the 2027 conference is currently closed

2027 International Lion of Judah Conference

Learn About ILOJC →

Women’s leadership of Federation, from the archive

Lion of Judah Endowment

Endow your annual Lion gift and create a lasting legacy of caring for generations to come.

How a Lion of Judah Endowment works ↓

The Lion of Judah Pin

The Lion of Judah pin is an internationally recognized symbol of Women's Philanthropy and a proud expression of a Lion's commitment to Jewish life. Lions may purchase and wear the pin as a symbol of their generosity and connection to a worldwide community of women.

As annual giving increases, the pin can be enhanced with gemstones recognizing each new level of commitment.

Lion Levels of Giving

As a Lion's annual campaign commitment grows, her Lion of Judah pin can be recognized with gemstones representing different levels of giving.

Annual GiftRecognition Level

$5,000Diamond Lion of JudahDiamond

$10,000Ruby Lion of JudahRuby

$18,000Sapphire Lion of JudahSapphire

$25,000Emerald Lion of JudahEmerald

$36,000Double Chai Lion of JudahAmethyst Lion

$50,000Zahav Lion of JudahCanary Diamond

$75,000Sabra Lion of JudahCognac Diamond

$100,000Prime Minister's Council LionWhite Gold with Black Diamond

$250,000International Leadership Reunion LionWhite Gold Diamond Pavé

Your Path to Lion

Become a Lion now and grow your gift over three years.

How the Step-Up works

The Step-Up Lion Program offers a three-year path to the $5,000 annual Lion of Judah commitment. As a Step-Up Lion, you can immediately become part of the Lion community while gradually increasing your gift to Jewish Federation of San Diego's annual campaign.

$3,600

$4,500

$5,000

Lion of Judah$5,000 a year, and the pin is yours to wear

As a Step-Up Lion of Judah, you will receive:

Invitations to Lion of Judah events
Invitations to the International Lion of Judah Conference
The opportunity to proudly wear the Lion of Judah pin (additional cost)

Lion of Judah Endowment

Forever starts today. Endow your Lion gift so it continues every year, for generations.

How it works

A Lion of Judah Endowment (LOJE) provides a way to carry your annual Lion commitment forward for generations to come. By establishing a charitable gift of at least $100,000, you create an endowment in your name designed to provide ongoing support to Jewish Federation of San Diego and help sustain Jewish life into the future.

Add the Or L’Atid flame to your Lion pin, Hebrew for “light for the future,” a symbol of your commitment to being a forever Lion.

3,800+women nationwide have created Lion of Judah Endowments

$620 million+in future gifts

LionSustains a $5,000 Lion gift

$100,000

RubyLOJE

$200,000

SapphireLOJE

$360,000

EmeraldLOJE

$500,000

Ways to set one up

Ways to Establish a LOJE

A Lion of Judah Endowment can be established in several ways, including:

A charitable bequest through your will or living trust
A retirement fund, IRA, or 401(k) naming Jewish Federation of San Diego as beneficiary of all or part of the fund
A life insurance policy
An outright gift of cash or appreciated assets such as stock or mutual funds

Interested in Becoming a Lion?

Your generosity can connect you with a community of women in San Diego and around the world who share a commitment to Jewish life and our collective future.

For more information, please contact Maya Steinberg, Director, Women's Philanthropy.

Make a Gift Email Maya

Maya Steinberg

Director, Women's Philanthropy