Lion-Pom Luncheon Unites Philanthropy and Purpose

Charlotte Jewish News, May 2025

By Jessica Goldfarb, JFGC Communications Specialist

In a powerful display of community, leadership, and love for Jewish life, the Lion-Pom Luncheon brought together members of Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte’s Women’s Philanthropy for an unforgettable afternoon centered on connection and purpose. Held in February, the annual gathering of the Lions of Judah and Pomegranate Society members shined a light on the critical role Jewish women play in sustaining and strengthening Jewish Charlotte and in building a brighter Jewish future.

The event welcomed guest speaker Liz Rose, Jewish lifestyle influencer and passionate advocate known to many by her social media handle, @jewishlyliz. In a Q&A session, Liz shared with our community her motivation behind her work, explaining how she saw the growing need for a positive Jewish presence online amidst rising antisemitism. What began with challah baking videos and day-in-thelife vlogs quickly expanded into a space for advocacy, especially after October 7, when Liz doubled down on her efforts in becoming a strong voice for Israel and pushing back against hate.

Her message resonated deeply with attendees: in moments of challenge, our voices matter most. That ethos — of showing up, speaking out, and standing together — is at the center of Women’s Philanthropy and Federation as a whole. Guided by the values of tzedakah (charity)

and tikkun olam (repairing the world), Women’s Philanthropy is more than just a giving society. It’s a movement of women committed to understanding the needs of the community, nurturing leadership, and shaping the future of Jewish life in Charlotte, in Israel, and around the world.

“The luncheon is a celebration of what happens when Jewish women come together,” said Elina Mazo, JFGC director of donor engagement. “It’s about lifting each other up, giving back with intention, and knowing that our voices and our giving have the power to change lives —locally and globally.”

In addition to hearing from Liz Rose and making connections, the luncheon also served as a call to action, encouraging the community to consider three critical needs giving opportunities alongside their gift to the Annual Campaign:

- Outshine Hate, an educational and advocacy initiative led by Federation’s Jewish Community Relations Council to combat rising antisemitism.

- LiveSecure, a nationwide security effort in partnership with The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) and the Secure Community Network (SCN), keeps synagogues, schools, and institutions safe.

- The Sue Worrel Israel Center Endowment Fund, which supports the iCenter and deepens our community’s connection to Israel through education and engagement.

Together, these initiatives reflect Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte’s broader mission as the community convener and central philanthropic organization for Jewish life in our city. They represent that philanthropy involves more than just giving — it’s about building something enduring across generations and nations.

This year’s Lion-Pom Luncheon served as a beautiful reminder: When Jews gather with shared purpose, their impact reverberates across generations.

Thank you to our Lion of Judah co-chairs, Rachel Reifkind and Karen Spiegler, Pomegranate co-chairs, Ellie Kunkes and Amy Novick, everyone who attended, and all the members of our community who continue to lead, give, and inspire through their dedication and generosity.

To support the Annual Campaign or any of the three additional giving opportunities, please visit www.jewishcharlotte.org. To learn more about becoming a Lion of Judah or Pomegranate Society member, contact Elina Mazo at elina. mazo@jewishcharlotte.org. Your voice, your presence, and your generosity help ensure our Jewish community remains vibrant, secure, and strong.

Photo Caption: Liz Rose speaks in a Q&A session with Rachel Reifkind and Ellie Kunkes.