Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford is delighted to welcome our newest women's giving society members! To learn more about women's giving societies at Federation, click here or contact Laurie Mandell.

Each year, the International Lion of Judah Conference is an empowering gathering of women dedicated to supporting Jewish life worldwide. This January, 30 Greater Hartford philanthropists joined 1,700 fellow Lions from North America, Israel, Mexico City, and Guatemala in Atlanta. Together, these "Lions Who Roar" raised more than 36 million dollars in annual campaign funds for their local Federations and more than 34 million dollars towards the Israel Emergency Fund.

Dana Keller served brilliantly as conference co-chair alongside Cleveland's Danielle Wild—and our pride swelled as Jessica Zachs, founder and CEO of Dignity Grows, received the prestigious Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award. As the keynote speaker, Israel's First Lady Michal Herzog expressed gratitude for our women philanthropists’ ongoing support during the heartbreaking challenges Israel faced in 2024. We also drew inspiration from American-Israeli activist Rachel Goldberg-Polin, actress Patricia Heaton, and our own community leaders—Carolyn Gitlin, Immediate Past Chair of National Women's Philanthropy, and Ann Pava, President of Micah Philanthropies. The conference also showcased the lovely craftsmanship of local jewelry artists Elise Rosenstock of Elyse Ryan Jewelry, Jesse Marlo Lazowski of Marlo Laz Jewelry, and Kenny Zablotsky of Jewish Joy. Special thanks to recruitment chairs Jaime Seltzer and Amanda Katzman for bringing our delegation together, and to all those who attended and showed what makes Greater Hartford’s Jewish community so very special. Click here to watch a video of this year’s conference highlights! 

This past fall, members of Federation's Wallenberg and King David Societies gathered for an urgent discussion about campus antisemitism. University of Connecticut President Radenka Maric shared her experience managing anti-Israel protests with fairness and resolve, while Hillel International's General Counsel Mark Rotenberg offered insights from his work safeguarding Jewish students nationwide. Together, they provided a crucial perspective on addressing antisemitic actions on college campuses that hide behind the label of free speech. Linda and David Roth served as hosts for this timely and beautiful gathering. We also heard from Edina Oestreicher, Executive Director of UConn Hillel and Lisa Langsner, Executive Director of Hillel at the University of Hartford, who gave us an overview of Jewish life at these two colleges—including the significant increase in student activities and Shabbat dinners at these Hillels.

More than 200 people gathered last November to hear from Israeli spokesperson Eylon Levy. In conversation with public relations expert Rebecca Stewart, Eylon chronicled his unusual journey from journalist to government protester—and then spokesperson for President Isaac Herzog following the October 7 attacks. In his remarks, Eylon acknowledged the difficulties in combating biased narratives against Israel, particularly when international organizations portray Israel inaccurately and negatively. He also discussed our shared responsibility to defend Israel's military actions, reminding the audience that Israel did not seek war, but was compelled to act in self-defense.

This fall, Juanita Moss and co-chair Brooke Elefant hosted an intimate gathering of Jewish women in Juanita's home. The evening offered guests a meaningful look at how Federation's Annual Campaign transforms our Jewish community, supporting vital institutions and agencies across Greater Hartford. The warmth of the gathering was evident as several guests lingered afterward, sharing personal stories and perspectives with Women's Philanthropy Chair Eveline Shekhman and Senior Associate Vice President of Development Laurie Mandell.

Cooking has long been an integral part of Jewish culture—and cookbook author Joan Nathan helped bring many staples in a Jewish kitchen to the world at large. On December 3, nearly 50 women gathered to hear a conversation between Joan and our esteemed moderator, Sharon Mann, herself a food writer and West Hartford resident. The audience was treated to a delicious lunch, with recipes taken from Joan’s latest cookbook, “My Life In Recipes.” Thanks to all who attended—and The Crown Market for bringing Joan’s recipes to life.

Left to right: Cookbook author Joan Nathan and event moderator Sharon Mann

Calling all women philanthropists! Be sure to mark your calendars for our spring event on Tuesday, May 20. Members of our Women’s Cabinet are hard at work planning this event, and we’ll share details as they become final. If you are interested in supporting our work as an ambassador, please be in touch with Alisha Cipriano, Jessica Fish, Tali Kest, or Nina Kunkes.