By Stuart Wachs
In honor of National Women’s History month, let’s celebrate the rich history of women’s impact on our local Jewish community and the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix’s plans for the future. Women’s philanthropy has been an important part of the federation movement for decades and has played an important role in Phoenix. Women not only drive much of many families’ philanthropic giving decisions, they play major roles in the federation’s campaign, leadership and programming.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix has made a renewed commitment to strengthen our Women’s Philanthropy program and to help engage more women in our community. In 2015 Women’s Philanthropy launched a major revitalization/rebuilding initiative. Under the guidance of longtime federation leader Shari Kanefsky, the Women’s Philanthropy Board expanded its leadership structure. The executive team of Women’s Philanthropy Chair Julee Landau Shahon, Vice Chair-Campaign Sally Oscherwitz, Vice Chair-Education Sue Adatto and Vice Chair-Outreach Alison Feinberg set into motion a full spectrum of exciting and engaging programs for the women in our community.
Coming in 2015 will be a Speaker Series; a Mini-Mission to local organizations funded by the Jewish Federation; “TOV” – Tikkun Olam Volunteers (featuring mitzvah projects); and a range of annual campaign events for all giving levels, including Ignition! – the Women’s Philanthropy community campaign event on March 18. Additionally, a new $365 giving level for women, named The Pearl Society, will be introduced this spring.
Of special note is the delegation of eight women who participated in the National Women’s Philanthropy/Jewish Federations of North America “Heart to Heart Mission to Israel” in February. The Phoenix women represented one of the largest community groups on the mission and have set the pace to continue a Phoenix presence on this extraordinary trip. Participating were Mission Co-chairs Shari Kanefsky and Cyndi Rosenthal as well as Janette Wachs, Michele Wiltchik, Susan Silver, Esther Schon, Jacqueline Schenkein and Sandy Rife.
Through Women’s Philanthropy, women of all ages and stages in their life’s journey make a personal and financial commitment to support the Jewish community locally, in Israel and in Jewish communities worldwide. Join us in making a difference and join the long history of women who have helped make a real difference in Jewish communities around the world.
I feel honored and privileged to work with so many bright, passionate and dedicated women on our staff and amongst our hundreds of volunteers. You are all truly enriching the lives of the communities we serve.
