The annual United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s 2026 Lion–Tikva–Chai Luncheon is an opportunity to thank and celebrate the leading donors and volunteers of the Federation’s Women’s Division. This year’s lunch welcomed more than 70 women and featured an amazing rabbi.
The Fleder Multipurpose Room at the Sandler Family Campus was transformed into a magical fall garden of pumpkins, gourds, and colorful leaves, as Alicia London Friedman, UJFT Women’s Philanthropy chair, opened the program. In welcoming all, Friedman also thanked the luncheon’s sponsor, Maimonides Health Center of Virginia Beach, represented by Tasha Salyers, MHC’s head of sales and business development. A special shout-out went to Jodi Klebanoff and Shelley Simon, the luncheon’s co-chairs.
An encouraging campaign report followed, and Friedman thanked the women for giving so generously, as well as for inviting others to join in giving and in getting involved.
Recently back from an emotional trip to Israel, Klebanoff shared stories and images of what she had experienced and what a meaningful time it was to be in the country. “At one point,” she said, “our driver pulled off the road – literally lined with people – to allow a procession to pass through which included a returned survivor, finally heading home from his post-release stay in hospital.”
Klebanoff encouraged everyone to stay connected and engaged and to understand the challenges that Israel now faces (a collective sadness, trauma, and pain unlike any experienced since the Holocaust). “And” she added: “if we’re fortunate enough to put together an Israel Mission in the coming year, I encourage you all to participate.”
Pivoting to a different mission, Klebanoff mentioned the March 2026 Women’s Mission to Argentina, “where together we’ll celebrate Purim with the Buenos Aires Jewish community. Led by Annie Sandler and myself, this mission will be our first to Argentina in over 10 years… and our first group mission anywhere since October of 2023. If you are interested in this women’s-only mission, please contact Amy Zelenka (azelenka@ujft.org). She can send updates as trip details unfold.”
In recognizing the newest milestone donors in the UJFT Women’s Division, Klebanoff announced the following: Since last year’s Lion–Tikva–Chai Luncheon, the Women’s Campaign has welcomed: One new Amethyst Lion ($36,000+); One new Sapphire Lion ($18,000+); Two new Ruby Lions ($10,000+); Three new Israel@75 Lions ($7,500+); Six brand new Lions of Judah ($5,000); and eight New Chai Society Members ($1,800+)
The community also welcomed four new Endowed Lions of Judah (LOJEs) — women whose generosity and vision ensure a strong Jewish future for generations to come. Tidewater’s newest LOJE’s are Roslyn Barney, Joan London, Alicia London Friedman, and Susan Alper.
No Lion-Tikva-Chai Lunch would be complete without recalling the Endowed Lions of blessed memory. Each year, as their names are recited, these women are remembered– each one a true Eshet Chayil (woman of valor). And each year, inspiration is drawn from their enduring generosity, leadership, and love for Jewish Tidewater.
As the agenda turned to the speaker portion of the afternoon, Laura Gross, past UJFT president, introduced the guest speaker, Rabbi Shira Stutman. In a series of moderated questions and answers, Rabbi Shira, senior rabbi at the Aspen Jewish Congregation (after serving for many years at the historic 6th & I Synagogue in Washington, DC), discussed her debut book and kept the crowd engaged with humorous stories and anecdotes – some from the book and others from the life she’s led so far.
Stutman’s book – divided into 10 chapters – speaks to the sometimes “very Jewish,” and other times “completely universal” aspects of life: from love and sex… to mourning and money. Her wisdom applies to Jewish and non-Jewish readers, alike. Rabbi Stutman came to Tidewater courtesy of the national Jewish Book Council and was also a featured author in the Lee & Bernard Jaffe Family Jewish Book Festival.
In closing the event, Friedman said, “Thank you all for coming out today. Thank you for caring so much about the Jewish people and the Jewish community. And thank you for doing what needs to be done. Am Yisroel Chai.”
For more information about UJFT Women’s Campaign or to become a milestone giver in the Women’s Division, contact Linda Ausch, United Jewish Federation of Tidewater’s Women’s Development director, at Lausch@ujft.org.
