Jewish Federation Of South Palm Beach County's Annual Lion Of Judah Luncheon Draws Record-Breaking Crowd

The luncheon featured a powerful lineup of thought leaders, including Dr. Mijal Bitton, spiritual leader, community builder, and sociologist; Alana Newhouse, Editor-in-Chief of Tablet Magazine; and special guest Julie Platt, immediate past Chair of the Board of the Jewish Federations of North America. The discussion was moderated by Michelle Rojas-Tal, Director of Strategy at Sixpoint Media, and explored the enduring influence of women’s leadership, the responsibility of philanthropy, and the role of Jewish women in shaping the next generation.

“This year’s Lion of Judah Luncheon was a testament to what is possible when women come together with shared purpose and conviction,” said Shelly Snyder, Chair of Women’s Philanthropy. “Seeing almost 500 women in one room, our largest gathering ever, was both humbling and energizing. The strength of this community is extraordinary.”

The event was co-chaired by Kathy Green and Alison Simon, with Amy Dweck serving as Vice Chair, Campaign, Women’s Philanthropy. Together, they helped lead a luncheon that not only inspired but also reinforced the critical importance of women’s philanthropy in sustaining and strengthening the Jewish community.

“Lion of Judah women are leaders, changemakers, and visionaries,” said Kathy Green. “This luncheon reflected the power of women standing together, supporting one another, and investing in the future of Jewish life.”

“From the speakers to the energy in the room, this was a truly unforgettable afternoon,” added Alison Simon. “It reminded us that our collective impact is far greater than anything we can achieve alone.”

Attendance at the Lion of Judah Luncheon requires a minimum individual woman’s gift of $5,000 to the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County’s 2026 Annual Campaign, underscoring the extraordinary philanthropic commitment of the women in the room.

We extend our deepest gratitude to our sponsors for making the Lion of Judah Luncheon possible: GL Homes, sponsor of our guest speakers, whose commitment to this community goes far beyond building houses and helps create a true sense of belonging; our division sponsors, Boca Raton Regional Hospital Foundation and Baer’s Furniture; our event sponsors, The Koolik Group and McDermott Will & Schulte; our in-kind sponsors, Ivan & Co. Jewelers, Atlas Party Rental, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, and Go2Events; and our exclusive magazine sponsor, The Boca Raton Observer.

For more information about Women’s Philanthropy or the Lion of Judah program, please contact Kathleen Ben-Shoaff at: (561) 852-5031. Or: Kathleenb@jewishboca.org.

About the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County

Established in 1979, the JFSPBC is made up of Jewish and social service organizations, synagogues, and schools that provide valued services and programs to recipients in South Palm Beach County, in Israel and around the world. The JFSPBC is also comprised of local residents, including lay leadership, volunteer, donors, professional staff, rabbis, educators, event participants and students. Situated on a 100-acre campus in west Boca Raton – the largest in the nation – the JFSPBC supports more than 70 beneficiaries, engages with more than 5,000 donors, and connects more than 130,000 residents.

To learn more about how we contribute to a shared vision for the Jewish community, visit: https://jewishboca.org. Or call: (561) 852-3100.