Women's Philanthropy
Leading Community, Inspiring Change
Jewish women have long played a central role in strengthening Jewish life through leadership and philanthropy.
Women’s Philanthropy at The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington brings together women who lead our community through giving, learning, and engagement. Through their support of the Annual Campaign, these women help ensure our community can respond to urgent needs, strengthen Jewish life locally, and support Jewish communities in Israel and around the world.
Ways to Lead and Give
Women’s Philanthropy offers several ways to participate in collective giving and leadership. Through the Pomegranate Circle and Lions of Judah, women at every stage of their philanthropic journey help sustain Jewish life in our community.
Lion of Judah
An international sisterhood 18,000 strong—including more than 500 in Greater Washington.
Lions of Judah are women who give $5,000+ annually (or households giving $10,000+) through The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington’s Annual Campaign, helping ensure our community can respond to the needs of Jewish life locally, in Israel, and around the world.
Step-Up Lion
Step-Up Lions begin their Lion journey with a gift of $1,800 and grow to $5,000+ over two to three years. From the start, they are recognized as full lions: wearing the pin, joining local and national gatherings, and connecting with a community of women leaders.
Pomegranate Circle
Inspired by the 613 seeds said to be in every fruit, the Pomegranate Circle reflects deep connection, tradition, and purpose. Women who give $1,800–$4,999 annually join a community of more than 400 women locally and 7,700 nationwide.
The Lion Pin
Each Lion of Judah pin begins as gold. Over time, colored gems are added to mark higher levels of annual giving and deepening impact:
- Diamond – $5,000
- Ruby – $10,000
- Sapphire – $18,000
- Emerald – $25,000
- Double Chai, Amethyst Diamond – $36,000
- Zahav, Canary Diamond – $50,000
- Sabra, Cognac Diamond – $75,000
- PMC (Prime Minister’s Council), White Gold with Black Diamond – $100,000
- ILR (International Leadership Reunion), White Gold Diamond Pavé – $250,000+
Forever Lions
Forever Lions create a Lion of Judah Endowment (LOJE) to ensure their annual $5,000+ gift continues in perpetuity, sustaining Jewish life for generations. More than 3,800 women worldwide have endowed their gifts, representing more than $620 million in assets.
Women's Philanthropy Leadership
Women’s Philanthropy Leadership partners with Federation staff and community leaders to guide the vision and growth of Women’s Philanthropy. These volunteers help cultivate new leaders, engage donors, and ensure women’s voices remain central in Jewish communal life.
Sophie Buslik, Women’s Philanthropy Chair
Heidi Brodsky, Ruby Lion Chair and National Women’s Philanthropy Board Member
Marianna Ashin and Arlene Wechsler, Lion of Judah Co-Chairs
Ilana Rothberg and Jessie Heines Wolf, Pomegranate Circle Co-Chairs
Signature Gatherings
Celebrate community and leadership through meaningful experiences rooted in Jewish values.
- L’Chaim: Our annual celebration of women’s leadership and generosity, honoring our collective impact.
- Community Gatherings: Conversations, service, and learning that connect women across Greater Washington.
- Chanukah Celebration: A joyful night of light, song, and giving.
