Women’s Philanthropy
Lion of Judah Society
Honoring the women whose gifts and commitment uplift our community.
Overview
The Lion of Judah is a nationally recognized symbol honoring women who give an individual or household gift of $5,000 or more to the Milwaukee Jewish Federation’s Annual Campaign. It represents the strength, compassion, and leadership of Jewish women who are deeply committed to caring for our community and sustaining Jewish life. Rooted in Jewish tradition, the symbol traces back to Judah, son of our patriarch Jacob, who was known for protecting his brothers. Today, the Lion of Judah reminds us of our enduring responsibility to look out for one another and to lead with purpose and generosity.
Global Sisterhood
Lions of Judah are part of a global sisterhood of more than 20,000 women philanthropists across 141 Jewish communities, collectively raising over $250 million each year for critical Jewish causes. In Milwaukee, Lions of Judah include many of our community’s most engaged leaders, including Women’s Philanthropy board members, campaign leaders, and Federation board members. Together, they serve as a driving force behind the Annual Campaign and play a vital role in advancing the Federation’s mission.
Details
Gold Pin
A striking gold pin is available for purchase (the cost varies with the price of gold.) Each year a woman sustains or increases her gift, she is eligible to set additional gemstones into the pine. To learn more about purchasing your pin, please contact us.
Giving Levels
The Lion of Judah Society has nine giving levels:
Diamond – $5,000
Ruby – $10,000
Sapphire – $18,000
Emerald – $25,000
Amethyst Diamond – $36,000
Canary Diamond – $50,000
Cognac Diamond – $75,000
White Gold with Black Diamond – $100,000
White Gold Diamond Pavé – $250,000
Recognition and Events
Donors at this level are celebrated at a special appreciation event and are recognized in a donor honor role in Milwaukee Jewish Federation’s Annual Report. Milwaukee Lions are also invited to participate in Women’s Philanthropy travel missions and to the exclusive International Lion of Judah Conference, which is held every other year.
The Forever Lion
The Forever Lion recognizes women who make a planned gift of $118,000 or more to ensure their Lion of Judah legacy continues for generations. It honors the enduring strength, compassion, and commitment of women whose philanthropy helps secure a vibrant Jewish future. A Forever Lion may be established through an endowment, bequest, or life insurance policy. With the support of a Jewish Community Foundation endowment professional, financial advisor, or legal advisor, donors can create a simple and meaningful plan that reflects their philanthropic vision and long-term values.
Forever Lions are recognized annually, celebrated at VALOR, Women’s Philanthropy’s signature event, and listed in a donor honor roll in Milwaukee Jewish Federation’s Annual Report. Members are also invited to the International Lion of Judah Conference, held every other year. As a symbol of this lasting dedication, Forever Lions may choose to add a flame, ohr l’atid (light for the future), to their Lion of Judah pin.
Past Events
Take a look back at past event photo galleries.
Learn more about becoming a Lion
Our team is here to support your philanthropic journey. Get in touch to discuss your goals and how the Lion of Judah Society can help you make a lasting difference.
Connect
Deb Carneol Fendrich serves as Senior Director of Affinities and Women’s Philanthropy at the Milwaukee Jewish Federation. In her Women’s Philanthropy role, she leads strategy and execution for engagement, leadership development, and campaign efforts, overseeing volunteer leadership and donor stewardship. She also guides signature programs such as VALOR and International Women’s Day and stewards the growth of Women’s Philanthropy giving societies including Lions of Judah and Pomegranate Societies.
In her Affinities role, Deb partners with and supports the Federation’s Affinity Directors, helping them execute their visions through strategic guidance around campaign, engagement, and leadership development, while fostering cross-affinity collaboration and building strong lay leadership pipelines.
Outside of work, Deb enjoys singing, listening to audiobooks, and spending time with friends, her husband Ben, their daughters Logan and Micah, and their dog, Maya.
