Every two years, at a location in the U.S. or Israel, there is a phenomenon unlike any other. Thousands of philanthropic Jewish women wearing platinum or gold Lion pins join together for three extraordinary days of education, inspiration and empowerment. They connect over their shared Jewish values and drive to support our global Jewish community. It is the International Lion of Judah Conference — and they will arrive in Washington, D.C., from September 11th-13th, ready to roar.
Lion of Judah Conference Co-Chair Stacy Sharf will be attending her fourth conference to enjoy “the excitement and energy of thousands of Lions in one place at one time.”
“We L.A. Lions are always considered the most fun of all the thousands of Lions in attendance,” says Co-Chair Karmi Monsher. “Don’t miss it!”
Although the full line-up of speakers has not yet been announced, past speakers have included former First Lady of the United States Hillary Clinton; former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright; U.S. Senator Cory Booker; and Larry A. Silverstein, president and CEO of Silverstein Properties, Inc., which developed the World Trade Center site. In addition to bringing global thought leaders and change makers, the conference also gives Lions a chance to connect more deeply with the life-changing work we accomplish together by hosting some of the people whose lives our Federations have touched.
“The speakers are unbelievable always; the stories are beyond,” says Co-Chair Jody Natan. “You see everyone wearing their Lion pins. These are people who understand you and feel the same way about The Jewish Federation as you do.”
For the past few conferences, L.A. has had the largest contingent of Lions in attendance. And, as if the opportunity to unite with Lions from around the world weren’t enough, our Federation’s very own Bobbi Endler and Joyce Powell will be presented with the Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award at the conference. This award, named for Lion of Judah founders Norma Kipnis-Wilson and Toby Friedland, z”l, honors the most inspiring women in our communities who show an extraordinary commitment to Women’s Philanthropy.
“Our honorees are fabulous,” says Karmi proudly. “I love celebrating our accomplishments with my ‘sister’ Lions from Los Angeles. It just helps bring us even closer together.”
Co-Chair Beth Freeman agrees. “They are both very deserving women. It is always inspirational to hear women who have been involved a long time speak about their passion and dedication to the Jewish community.”
In addition to the conference, our L.A. Lions may participate in an optional Pre-Conference Mission from September 8th-11th to get a deeper look at our nation’s capital and its local Jewish community. Highlights of the mission include an exclusive briefing with the White House and State Department, embassy visits, Shabbat at Sixth and I Synagogue, a Jewish walking tour of downtown D.C., viewings of the monuments at twilight, and visits to the Holocaust Museum and Smithsonian Museums. And, since it’s an election year, D.C. will be buzzing with energy in anticipation of the upcoming vote.
The mission is filled with unforgettable opportunities, both for women who have visited Washington, D.C. before and those who have not. Plus, Lions attending the conference from Israel will join our local group for an activity during the Pre-Conference Mission and at our Sunday evening community reception, offering L.A. Lions an exclusive and intimate chance to deepen the bond with our Israeli family.
If you’re considering attending your first conference or extending your trip to include the Pre-Conference Mission, “do not overthink it,” says Stacy. “Just sign up. I promise you will have a great time!”
“It feeds your soul,” continues Jody. “You feel so connected. You feel like there is a thread that runs through you and through everybody else. It feels like home.”
Special thanks to all of our Lion of Judah Conference Co-Chairs — Beth Freeman, Sharon Gersh, Karmi Monsher, Jody Natan, Stacy Sharf, Ronnie Stabler, Beverly Sturman and Roberta Toporoff — for your time and ongoing commitment to making the upcoming conference memorable and meaningful for all!
Register for the International Lion of Judah Conference.
For more information or to express interest in attending the Pre-Conference Mission, please contact Karen Sternfeld (City) at (323) 761-8275 or KSternfeld@JewishLA.org, or Jenna Fields (Valley) at (818) 668-2340 or JFields@JewishLA.org.
