Lion of Judah

The Lion of Judah is perhaps the most successful development vehicle of all time and is a symbol of today’s Jewish Woman’s strength, a symbol of her caring about the organized Jewish world and a symbol of her financial commitment of at least $5,000 to the UJA Federation Annual Campaign. More than 16,000 women world-wide are Lions of Judah.

Created in 1972 in Miami by Norma Kipnis-Wilson and Toby Friedland^z”l, the Lion of Judah program has brought together women of all ages and from many walks of life in order to play an essential role in creating social justice, healing the sick, feeding the hungry, preserving human dignity and building Jewish identity. 

To find out more about becoming a Lion of Judah in your community, and joining the most generous, dedicated and passionate Jewish women in world, email Diana Kalef or call 403-444-3154.

Yachad Fund

In 2013, the Calgary Lions of Judah established the Yachad Fund—meaning "together"—to emphasize that only by uniting as a community can we support those in need.

The Yachad Fund was created to assist children whose families face financial challenges that limit their participation in Jewish life. These challenges, though seemingly small, can prevent children from accessing meaningful experiences like education, life events, and celebrations that foster friendships and community. For example, while a child may receive a bursary for Jewish day school, they may struggle to afford a uniform. Some children may feel unable—or uncomfortable—attending birthday parties or B’nai Mitzvahs simply because they can’t afford a gift or appropriate attire. The Yachad Fund ensures that every child feels included in all aspects of our community.

Funds raised for Yachad are channeled through Calgary Jewish Federation and distributed on an as-needed basis by agencies like Jewish Family Service Calgary. Similar to the Integrated Bursary Program, the fund is administered in a dignified, private, and respectful manner.

Through the Yachad Fund, the Calgary Lions of Judah continue to inspire generosity, strength, and vision. Together, we can raise happy, healthy, and fully included children in Calgary.

Please read testimonies below:

"Receiving assistance with purchasing uniforms for CJA has been a tremendous help for our family. It relieved a big financial worry and allowed our children to start school feeling confident and included. This support has made our transition to Calgary so much smoother and has truly made us feel welcomed and cared for in our new community."

We are so grateful to the Calgary Jewish Federation Yachad Fund for helping us with uniforms for CJA. Starting at a new school in a new country is challenging, but knowing our children have what they need to fit in and feel comfortable has been a huge relief. This generosity has made us feel truly supported as we begin our life in Calgary, and we’re deeply thankful for the warmth of this community."

If you are interested in contributing to the Yachad fund to ensure children in Jewish Calgary continue to feel supported, click here

Three Stories of Planned Giving

“Our voice is no longer heard after we’re gone, but our actions will live on forever.”

Planning for the future is part of human nature, whether it’s what to have for lunch or what to leave your children after you’re gone. For those who can, leaving a gift for family is a given, but a gift to community is often not.

The old expression “the gift that keeps on giving” is truly manifested in the selfless act of Planned Giving - leaving a legacy gift that benefits a charitable organization indefinitely. Such a gift ensures continuity for that organization and adds a measure of financial stability when an uncertain future looms. Calgary Jewish Federation has been blessed to have three such endowments generously bestowed by Lion of Judah members Marilyn Libin, Sandy Martin, and Donna Riback^z"l.

When asked what their motivations were, Donna told a story of her grandmother who gave money to two men who came to her door, even though she didn’t like their demeanour. When Donna asked her why she gave them money, her grandmother said “because they’re Jewish.” Donna felt strongly about helping to ensure that the Jewish community is still here and thriving in the years to come.

Marilyn pointed out that we’re only 1% of the population, so it’s incumbent upon us to make sure our philanthropy supports the Jewish community, in addition to other worthy causes. Her background working in the Jewish community gives her the sense that there is diminishing support for Israel and Jewish causes. By leaving a legacy, she hopes to have an impact on countering that trend.

Over 30 years ago, Sandy‘s father set up a charitable foundation, knowing his philanthropy would go on after his death at an early age. This ensured strength and vibrancy for our community as a benefit of his own good fortune. This resonated with her as a young woman and had a profound effect on her future behaviors. She came to understand that her own life actions could ensure a secure future for her children and for others that did not have the same opportunities.

Marilyn, Sandy and Donna all agreed that it is only natural for women to encourage long-term stability for our community and to get the men in their lives on board. If we follow the lead of these women, our community is in good hands.

Please consider leaving a legacy gift to our community. To find out more, please contact Diana Kalef at Calgary Jewish Federation at 403-444-3154 or email.