The fabled Phoenix bird symbolizes renewal and represents the capacity for vision and intense inspiration. Much the same can be said of the revitalization taking place here in the Valley of the Sun at Women’s Philanthropy of the Jewish Federation of Greater Phoenix.
Robin Loeb, presently federation director of women’s philanthropy and donor relations, is best able to present a historical overview. Since the late 1980s, when she served here as BBYO director before taking a break to tend to her growing family, she has been deeply involved as a Jewish communal professional.
IN HER WORDS/ROBIN LOEB
Robin: “All organizations now are experiencing enormous transitions. But our work and mission never has changed. And in retrospect it is clear that women are the heart and soul – and hands on – of the Jewish world worldwide, not only local.
“The overbearing caricature of the Jewish woman is ridiculous. The truth is that in the big picture, women carry on – on all fronts – to keep us together. Our mindset is to make things happen for the betterment of the Jewish people. Our mindset is to see what needs to be done and then do it.
“Locally, we are coming full cycle, responding to the reaction of so many younger women’s reaction to technology. There is a renewed desire for the personal touch. Here at federation we actually are back to incorporating snail mail in a good way. Messages go out on behalf of Women’s Philanthropy with congratulations, acknowledgements, condolences … we are ramping up personal phone calls and overall recognizing the need for connection.
“It all boils down to ‘people to people.’ It’s our job to make the community aware of the big picture locally, nationally and internationally – to recognize that we all are a part of a world community as well as a local community. Of course education is critical. Our overriding charge is to reach out and engage as many people as possible, and we are on our way. “
Leading the effort to advance this goal is Shari Kanefsky, who moved to the Valley from Chicago in 1986 after having served there in major federation leadership roles. She and her husband, Irwin, soon connected with local leaders.
IN HER WORDS/SHARI KANEFSKY
“Irwin and I went as a couple – almost immediately – to connect with federation. It just made sense for us to seek an environment similar to the one we had left. It was a no-brainer. And I even knew some of the local lay leaders and professional staff through the national network. I wasn’t interested in starting over – but in joining in. I chaired a Lion of Judah event, served as president of women’s division, missions’ chair, general campaign chair, vice president of federation – and then I took a break.
“Two years ago in 2013 I came back when Irwin and I agreed to serve as general campaign chairs – and it was during that time that I saw that the role of women, which traditionally had been so powerful, had been diluted. Maybe it was the years of economic downturn combined with diminished programming across the board and the resultant reconstruction of federation. But what had been a major and powerful female presence when the campaign was most powerful had become diminished.
“I really took it on myself to pitch to leadership and the professional staff how critical it would be to revitalize the women’s board, which had transitioned over the years from Women’s Division to Women’s Department to Women’s Philanthropy. With the blessings of the local staff and input from national leadership, I have been reaching out to a cross section of local women, one-on-one, to get them on board to meet with national leaders, including the national general chair of Jewish Federations of North America. We talked about how women can make a difference – that we have before and we can do it again. I didn’t have a title, so I took it upon myself to be a cheerleader and challenged these local women to round up others to spearhead the movement and create what now is our Women’s Philanthropy board. I am proud and happy to serve as advisor. “
ROBIN LOEB
“Shari deserves so much credit for her determination in putting back into place today’s version of all that worked so well for us in the past. A wonderful group of women are at the helm. WP Board Chair Julee Landau Shahon and WP Campaign Chair Sally Oscherwitz have taken on major roles.”
JULEE LANDAU SHAHON AND SALLY OSCHERWITZ
It is hard to resist the enthusiasm with which Julee and Sally talk about their connection with Women’s Philanthropy.
“I’m totally excited with the new faces, the new involvement,” Julee says. Moving from Detroit to the Valley in 2001, “being single, not knowing a soul and coming from a family representing several generations of givers,” Julee says, “Federation and philanthropy are in my blood, so federation seemed to me to be a great place to meet people.”
Julee soon proved invaluable, and she ascended the leadership ladder with roles including chairman of an Israel mission, co-chair of the 2010 Mega Event and chairman the 2010-2011 federation campaign. She presently is immersed in her post as WP board chair. “Going forward, we are emphasizing donor appreciation and acknowledging donor support. The idea is to not just ask for money but to share our passion for the work we do.”
To that end Julee cites a reinstituted speakers’ series, a series of mini-missions and the inauguration of TOV, Tikkun Olam Volunteers, affording women the opportunity to partner with local Jewish agencies. Education and outreach efforts will offer the chance to see firsthand where the dollars go locally.
Sally settled in the East Valley from Dallas in 1992. As is the case with Julee, she came from a rich family heritage of Jewish involvement and commitment. An “empty nester,” she soon became active on the boards of Tempe’s Temple Emanuel, the East Valley Jewish Community Center and federation. As this year’s WP campaign chair, she says she is inspired by visits to organizations under the federation umbrella. “I am convinced we are on the right track to encourage more participation and involvement. There are so many good things going on, and I am so happy to be a part of this wonderful organization and (am) committed to sustain and advance all the good things that are in the works.”
On a personal level Sally says, “It is a pleasure to be meeting such great people, (to) spend time and work with them to make a difference – here, nationally, in Israel and all over the world.”
She reminds Valley women to mark their calendars for Friday, March 4, when Jane Weitzman, philanthropist, fashion leader and executive vice president of Stuart Weitzman, will share her insights at the WP IGNITION! luncheon at the Hilton Scottsdale Resort.
