On a beautiful September afternoon, just days before Rosh Hashanah, Tidewater’s Ruby Lions gathered at Jodi Klebanoff’s home for a luncheon celebrating friendship, philanthropy, and the impact of women’s leadership.
Alicia London Friedman, Women’s Philanthropy chair, welcomed the guests and thanked Jodi Klebanoff for hosting. She then shared the exciting news that Tidewater already has eight new Ruby Lions so far this year—and the campaign year is just beginning. This growing number of Rubies reflects not just the generosity and commitment of these women, but also their dedication to strengthening Jewish life locally, nationally, and around the world.
Friedman reminded the women that being a Ruby Lion ($10,000+ Federation giver) is much more than a giving level. It represents leadership and a belief in the future of Tidewater’s Jewish community. She reflected on the legacy “we leave for our daughters, grandchildren, and generations we may never know—the values we model and the traditions we pass down.”
“The women who came before us helped build the community we have today,” she shared. “We are now the link between those generations and the ones who will come after us.”
Ellen Rostov Hundley, Women’s Philanthropy vice chair, introduced the luncheon’s guest speaker, Sheila Katz, who recently joined the senior professional leadership at Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) after years of service elsewhere in the Jewish world (most recently at National Council of Jewish Women and before that at Hillel International). In describing her vision for her new role, – Chief Jewish Life Officer – Katz described the immense opportunities being created for Jewish communities across the country. She spoke with particular enthusiasm about a transformative new source of funding for Jewish education, Jewish institutions, and Jewish families, which is set to become available next year.
Jewish educational organizations are joining forces to help communities take full advantage of this opportunity, and if participation reaches the scale that organizers envision, thousands of tax-credit contributions could translate into substantial new funding for Jewish education nationwide, making it more accessible for families across the country.
Katz spoke about the importance of Jewish communities coming together, sharing resources, and thinking creatively – especially in the area of next generation engagement. Her message resonated with the Ruby Lions, whose philanthropy reflects a deep commitment to addressing many of these same issues in Jewish Tidewater.
As the luncheon drew to a close, Klebanoff thanked all for coming and recognized those who work behind the scenes to make these programs and initiatives possible, including the members of the Federation’s professional
team. In looking around the room at the various generations and multi-generations (moms and daughters) present, Klebanoff spoke about creating a lasting legacy. She turned toward her mother, Ann Copeland, and in that quiet moment, the meaning of her words became especially personal. Mother and daughter shared an emotional glance – both visibly moved. It was a beautiful, living example of L’Dor V’Dor and the passing of Jewish values, traditions, generosity, and commitment from one generation to the next.
In Tidewater’s remarkable Jewish community, a special bond of sisterhood – women who celebrate one another, support one another, and stand together in support of the community they love – clearly exists. Each woman brings her own story and legacy to this sisterhood, and together they are creating something even greater.
