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Dear Russ,
Words matter. As someone with a background in communications, I’m well aware of the power that words hold. And yet, as we approached the “anniversary” of October 7, I felt woefully unsatisfied with any singular choice of name: This “anniversary” is the opposite of a celebration, especially with hostages still in captivity and Israel under attack on all fronts. At this one-year marker, we came together to celebrate our community and the honor of living Jewishly, but we did so while in vigil. Our world is unrecognizable from one year ago. Yet, our countenance is one of strength, resilience, and new perspective. Considering that the lion has been a long-standing symbol of Jewish strength and identity, our mission is clear: we need to keep roaring with Jewish pride.
As powerless as the news may make us feel — from the horrific assault from Hamas one year ago to attacks from Hezbollah, Iran and its proxies, and from the unbidden antisemitism in town halls, classrooms, and on college campuses across the country — we need to remember that our strength starts at home. As Jewish women, our care and protection begins with our families and friends — and from that foundation, we extend care to those in our broader Jewish community. And as we widen our impact, we discover more ways to use our strength to support Jewish life for all. In other words, our roar must be heard around the world.
In the days to come, Women’s Philanthropy will kick off Federation’s 2025 Annual Campaign. I feel compelled to ask: Have you considered what your family is able to give? Our Annual Campaign is how we support our Jewish schools and community centers, protect our vulnerable seniors, and keep the very infrastructure of Jewish life strong here in Greater Hartford – that includes advocacy, leadership and security training, and educational programming. It’s also how we care for the Jewish refugees still fleeing Ukraine and, yes, lift up those Israeli families who are struggling during these heartbreaking times. I challenge you to find no less than five ways that Federation touches your lives.
This edition’s Woman of Impact, Risa Filkoff, has spent most of her career in philanthropic development, and is now lending her skills to this year’s Annual Campaign. Every dollar she helps raise will boost our local community and support the growth and celebration of Jewish life. Be sure to read her profile below to learn how her strength truly starts at home. The news from Israel and abroad is heartbreaking for us all, but there is a way that we can match our emotion with action in the new year: Get involved and roar like you’re queen of the jungle!
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L'Shanah Tovah to you all! | |
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Evi Shekhman
2024 Women's Philanthropy Chair
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Our Woman of Impact profile features a local woman making a notable impact in our community. For this issue, we spoke with Risa Filkoff, current board member of the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford and incoming 2025 Annual Campaign Chair. Risa also serves on the board of the Jewish Leadership Academy, consults with the Jewish Historical Society of Greater Hartford, and works with her husband running their synagogue’s “Hineni” campaign. Risa holds a degree in social work and spent more than 25 years working for the YMCA of Greater Hartford, where she began at the Indian Valley Family Y as Program Director, was promoted two years later to the Executive Director position, and finished her career as Director of Development for the Greater Hartford Y Association. Risa has spent her entire life “East of the River,” from Vernon to Manchester and South Windsor to Ellington, where she now lives with her husband Roy. The couple have two adult twin sons, Andrew and Zachary.
What role does the Jewish community play in your life today, and how have you found your place in it?
It gives me great satisfaction to be a part of the Jewish community. In all of my volunteer roles, I believe I’m contributing to something larger than myself. In particular, many people are uncomfortable raising money, so that’s a way I can contribute. When I am fundraising, I’m asking on behalf of the organization and the people who benefit from their generosity. So, even when I hear “no,” I know that I have told the Federation story and they may really just be saying, “not right now.”
Do you see overlap between your decades of work with the YMCA and how you serve the Jewish community?
Absolutely! Every position I held at the YMCA taught me how to work with volunteers, build relationships with board members and donors, and ensure that there’s an organizational culture that makes people happy to work there. That gives me a unique perspective in working with both volunteers and staff in our Jewish organizations.
To read our full interview with Risa, click here. To nominate someone as a Woman of Impact, contact Laurie Mandell.
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Welcome to Our Newest Giving Society Members | 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. | |
Lions of Judah
$5,000+ annual gift
Sapphire ($18,000 to $24,999)
Merrill Mandell
Joanne Rome
Ruby ($10,000 to $17,999)
Risa Filkoff
Pomegranate Society
$1,800 to $4,999 annual gift
Nina Kunkes
Pearl Society
$180 to $1,799 annual gift
Judy Lefkowitz
Elaine Reid
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 |  | This fall saw a historic milestone for Women’s Philanthropy — the creation of an advisory cabinet. As an inaugural effort, 13 women were invited to join a steering committee for Women’s Philanthropy, serving as community ambassadors and advisors to the sitting chairwoman. The cabinet is composed of women leaders in the local Jewish community who elevate our life-changing mission with their knowledge, expertise, and strategies. The group’s agenda for its first meeting, held in late August, included setting fundraising goals for Federation’s 2025 Annual Campaign (see the story below), as well as community-wide strategic goals for the upcoming year. “Our vision is to involve as many talented women as possible in building up Jewish life here in Greater Hartford,” said Women’s Philanthropy Chair Evi Shekhman. “As I looked around the room at our first meeting, I knew that this group could accomplish that goal together — and we’re going to have a lot of fun along the way!” To learn more about the Women’s Philanthropy Cabinet, contact Evi Shekhman or Laurie Mandell.
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Founder of Dignity Grows Receives Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award | |
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Mazel tov to Jessica Zachs on being the recipient of our Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland award! This prestigious award from National Women’s Philanthropy honors extraordinary women who have set a high standard for philanthropy and volunteerism. Jessica, who is the founder and CEO of Dignity Grows, a national organization fighting period poverty, will be officially recognized as the award recipient at our 2025 International Lion of Judah Conference in Atlanta, GA.
Above: Jessica Zachs
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Annual Meeting Celebrates a Year of Impact — and Those Who Made It Possible | |
| |  | Federation’s Annual Meeting, held on September 12, was a look back at a tremendous year of impact — from support for Greater Hartford’s Jewish institutions to generous aid provided to those impacted by the October 7 attacks. Following introductory remarks from Immediate Past Chair Dana Keller, the incoming slate of officers was ratified by attendees. Among our new officers was Risa Filkoff, this month’s Woman of Impact, who now serves as First Vice Chair and Vice Chair of the General Campaign. Two guest speakers shared a moving success story from Emunah of America, a partner agency of Jewish Federations of North America: Shlomo Kessel, International Director of Philanthropy, and Orel Nissan, an Israeli citizen who benefited from Emunah’s support and realized her dream of becoming a successful television broadcaster. A highlight of the evening was the announcement of the Henry M. Zachs Spirit of Judaism Award, given to those who have contributed to the Jewish community through their time, skills, and energy. Mazel tov to Sharon Holtzberg and Chuck Ward for being this year’s recipients!
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New Lions and Pomegranates Inducted at Dinner Featuring Mijal Bitton | |
 | | Sixty of Greater Hartford’s women philanthropists gathered on September 19 for a memorable evening that one attendee called “elegant and inspirational.” The gathering, centered on the theme “Ordinary People Doing Extraordinary Things,” culminated in a moving pinning ceremony for 12 new members of the Lion of Judah Society and four new members of the Pomegranate Society. The evening also featured a presentation by Mijal Bitton, co-founder of “The Downtown Minyan,” a vibrant community in Lower Manhattan where young Jews bridge the gap between our lives and our values. During the program, co-chaired by Ann Pava and Nancy Gershman, attendees watched’s Mijal’s speech at last year’s “March for Israel” rally in Washington D.C. Click here to watch this speech in full. The following morning, 30 major donors gathered for breakfast and a follow-on conversation with Mijal, moderated by Jeremy Pava. Together, they discussed the increase in Jewish pride since October 7, the complexities of Zionism, and how to find inspiration during dark times. Both programs were held at the Pava residence. Thanks to Ann and Jeremy for bringing Mijal Bitton to our community and for their outstanding hospitality!
Above: Mijal Bitton at the event
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| |  | Last year proved to be one of the most challenging years for the Jewish people in a generation — and thanks to your generosity, Federation met the moment. As we celebrate the new year, now is the time to plan for the work ahead, supporting our local agencies and schools and our brothers and sisters in Israel. To that end, Federation will officially kick off our 2025 Annual Campaign on October 10. There, we will roll out this year’s “80 in 80” strategy, by which we hope to raise 80% of our $5.25 million goal in the first 80 days of our campaign. Reaching this goal would allow us to dedicate most of the year to our community's crucial work, confident that we have the funding this work requires. Women’s Philanthropy is committed to raising nearly $2 million of Federation’s overall goal — but we need your help to do so! Has your family discussed a donation amount that is comfortable for you? Whatever you choose to give, please know that every dollar will support a thriving Jewish community here in Greater Hartford, and around the globe.
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| |  | The International Lion of Judah Conference is held every two years as a highlight for Lions from around the world, and the upcoming program will be no different. The conference’s 1,400 available seats sold out in just six weeks, including 31 from the Greater Hartford community — with many first-time attendees! This year’s theme will be “Lions Who Roar,” and the program will focus on Jewish pride and the need to stand up to those who denigrate the Jewish community. Together, we will celebrate our rich Jewish culture, learn to empower our communities, and ignite inspiration. Our very own Dana Keller will serve as co-chair, and we will honor Jessica Zachs with the prestigious Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award. The recruitment chairs for the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford are Jaime Seltzer and Amanda Katzman, and Carolyn Gitlin is serving on the National Women’s Philanthropy Planning Committee. For those who registered, we can’t wait to see you all in Atlanta. If you haven’t yet registered, click here to be notified if a seat opens!
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