Strength, Leadership, and Jewish Life: Ruby Lions in NYC

By Natalia Straus, Director, Donor Engagement, Women’s Philanthropy

Last week, I had the privilege of joining 20 Ruby Lions—extraordinary women who contribute $10,000 or more annually to the Jewish Federation—for a day trip to New York City. The day was filled with meaningful experiences that brought Jewish life to light and deepened our connections as a community. These women, each a leader in her own right, came together to learn, share, and make a powerful impact.

We kicked off the day bright and early, bonding on the bus ride up. Conversations flowed effortlessly, and friendships blossomed between old friends and new faces alike. It was the perfect way to start a truly special day.

A Day of Inspiration at the Jewish Museum

As we approached Museum Mile on the Upper East Side, anticipation filled the air. Our first stop was the Jewish Museum, which had graciously opened its doors just for our group. We were about to embark on an exclusive private tour of the “Queen Esther in the Age of Rembrandt” exhibit, and it felt like the perfect place to begin.

For these extraordinary women, the story of Queen Esther resonated deeply. The exhibit wasn’t just an opportunity to learn about an ancient heroine—it was a chance to reflect on their own strength and leadership. It was an invitation to see themselves in Esther’s courage and to recognize the power of their own voices in shaping the future.

Real Conversations, Real Impact: Zionism and Antisemitism

After our tour, we gathered for a delicious kosher lunch at Lox, where Amanda Berman, founder of Zioness Movement, led a thought-provoking conversation about Zionism. For Amanda, Zionism isn’t a political stance; it’s a defining part of Jewish identity. Her words challenged us to think about the rise of antisemitism and how, as Jews, we must actively combat it.

She urged us to step outside of our circles, reach out to non-Jews, and have the difficult conversations needed to break down barriers and build understanding. Amanda’s message was clear and powerful: We must go beyond the walls of our community, speak up, and act. It was a call to not just talk about change, but to be the change, in our own lives and in the world around us.

Building Community, Supporting One Another

Our second stop was a visit with Martine Fleischman, a UJA New York leader, at Met Council, the service arm of UJA Federation New York. We toured their state-of-the-art online food pantry system, which serves more than 200,000 people annually. The innovative system allows individuals to choose food based on health and cultural preferences, connecting them with legal aid and other vital services. This visit was a powerful reminder that community support isn’t just about providing resources—it’s about empowering individuals to make decisions that honor their dignity and needs.

Art with Purpose: Jojo Anavim’s Commitment to Change

Next, we visited the studio of Jojo Anavim, a Persian-American Sephardic artist whose work is deeply rooted in his Jewish heritage. Jojo’s art is infused with his connection to Judaism, with each piece bearing a blessing on the back. After 10/7, Jojo generously donated all proceeds from his art sales for the first three months to support emergency relief efforts in Israel. He continues to use his platform to raise awareness about the rising tide of antisemitism and was instrumental in promoting the NOVA exhibit in NYC. Jojo’s unwavering support for Israel and his community shows how art can inspire action and foster positive change.

Strengthening Jewish Life at on Campus

We wrapped up the day with a delicious kosher dinner at Malka, joined by Brian Cohen, Executive Director of Columbia/Barnard Hillel. Brian shared his commitment to supporting Jewish students at Columbia University, helping them navigate antisemitism, build strong Jewish identities, and advocate for themselves in a challenging environment. His words reinforced how essential it is to create safe spaces for young Jewish leaders, and how the work we do as a community has a direct, meaningful impact on their experiences.

A Day of Connection, Learning, and Empowerment

The trip was more than just a day away—it was a powerful reminder of the strength of community, the importance of connection, and the incredible impact we can have when we come together. These Ruby Lions, whose leadership and generosity shape our future, left the trip with a renewed sense of purpose and a stronger commitment to making a difference. Together, we’re building a brighter future for Jewish life, one action at a time.