The Lion of Judah is an internationally recognized designation for women who personally contribute a minimum of $5000 to the Combined Jewish Appeal annual campaign. The Lion of Judah recognizes and honours philanthropic women in Montreal and worldwide.

First introduced in Miami Women’s Division Campaign in 1972, the Lion of Judah pin was established as a representation of a woman’s commitment to the worldwide Jewish community. Upon its humble beginnings, only sixteen women qualified. Since then, the Lion’s roar has become louder and louder as more than 13,000 women around the globe now proudly call themselves Lions of Judah.

As a symbol of strength and majesty in the Jewish world, the Lion of Judah is a dramatic reminder that each woman can make a significant contribution at home, in Israel and anywhere in the world where Jews are in distress.

The Lion of Judah is also a symbol of unity – each woman who wears her pin is uniquely connected to all other Lions of Judah, all of whom embody the true meaning of tzedakah. These women have the determination, capability, and power to take the dream of Tikun Olam and turn it into a reality.

Montreal women have formed a community of international trailblazers with an astounding 550 Lions, and our numbers are on the rise. As a woman’s contribution grows, she is recognized for her philanthropy with a corresponding precious gem that is placed in the pin.

What the Lion of Judah Endowment means to me – a personal reflection.

When I travel, I always wear my Lion of Judah pin as I am so proud to say that I live in Montreal, because it has one of the finest Jewish communities in the whole, wide world.  As a mother and a grandmother I want to be sure that our rich tradition of looking after people who cannot help themselves continues.  This is what the Lion of Judah Endowment (LOJE) is all about!  I want to share with you the three easy ways you can ensure our future by endowing your Lion gift in perpetuity.

• You can purchase an insurance policy naming FEDERATION CJA as the beneficiary.  The insurance premiums are entirely tax deductible.  The younger, the more attractive this option becomes, since the premiums are very low.  I did this when I was much younger.

or

• You can add a clause to your existing Will, leaving sufficient funds to endow your Lion.  I also added this clause to my will quite recently.

or

• You can leave assets, such as stocks, bonds, or property to FEDERATION CJA .

Please do join our strong Lion of Judah Endowment Club . . . our grandchildren’s future depends on your foresight.

Rosalind Goodman
United Jewish Communities Women’s National Philanthropy, Board Member
Past Chair, Women’s Campaign