Jewish Women’s Giving Crucial to Successful Federation Campaign

Conference celebrates empowerment

“It’s all about empowerment,” says Jennifer Knight Zelkind, a long-standing community member who is on the national Women’s Philanthropy Board for the Jewish Federations of North America. “Women are becoming more and more instrumental in making charitable gifts. Nationally and locally, over 60 percent of charitable gifts come from women.”

This past December, five Cincinnati women attended the 50th anniversary of the International Lion of Judah Conference, which celebrates Judaism, women, and their influence on family giving. The 1,200 conference attendees alone raised $24.2 million to help Jews in the US and around the world.

Major themes discussed included empowerment and women’s and young adult mental health. Katie Couric spoke movingly about not knowing her mother was Jewish until she was older. Her parents chose to raise her Presbyterian because of antisemitism. Marlee Matlin, Gabby Giffords, Noa Tishby, and Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt also spoke.

“For the last campaign cycle [here in Cincinnati], women gave $1.6 million of the $5.75 million goal,” said Fran Coleman, 2023’s Annual Campaign cochair. “That is an immense amount. Statistically, women have more empathy, volunteer more, and tend to make the philanthropic decisions on behalf of the family. Women are lifting each other up.”

The Jewish Federation supports Cincinnati 2030, our community’s strategic plan.

Highlights:

You are saving the Jews of Ukraine during a time of great need. Often at risk to their own lives, people from the Jewish Agency for Israel (funded by you) are rushing in to help the nearly 200,000 Jews in Ukraine.

Celebrate 75 years of Israel’s independence on April 30 at Summit Park. This multicultural festival will highlight Israel’s diversity through hands-on experiences, food, art, games, and more.

You are helping Jewish Ukrainian refugees make aliyah and reach safety in Israel.

An unforgettable trip awaits! Find out more about the July 2024 Mission to Israel at jewishcincinnati.org/mission.

“5,000 Years of Basic Principles”

Dear friends,

I’m excited to share with you insights from one of the most dynamic duos in our community: Andrew Abel, the 2023 Major Gifts Chair for our Annual Campaign, and Ed Kuresman, the 2023 Community Campaign Chair.

Here are two of my favorite nuggets:

Andy on the complexity of Judaism: “It’s not rocket science. It’s 5,000 years of basic principles. I’ve always believed people who are not Jewish look at us and think we’re so complex, but we’re a pretty simple formula: family, education, hard work, and faith.”

Ed on the beauty of Judaism: “I think it’s unbelievable to see how such a small group of people could have such an unbelievably large impact locally, nationally, and globally. I’ve also been amazed by the beauty of the religion, the traditions, the values. There is a true beauty to Judaism and to experiencing it over your life.”

Both are volunteers who are also committed to giving. Andy considers himself “fortunate to be able to help the community.” Ed says he views giving “as a privilege.”

Our community is blessed to have such engaged and caring leaders. They are truly stepping up to strengthen our whole community.

I thank you, too, as a Federation donor, for helping our community move forward, together.

Sincerely,

Debra Steinbuch Interim Chief Development Officer Jewish Federation of Cincinnati