As March celebrates Women’s History Month, we reflect on the enduring impact of women’s contributions to society, culture and history. From Golda Meir, a paragon of leadership and resilience, to influential modern-day advocates like actress and neuroscientist Mayim Bialik, these female figures exemplify the virtues we strive to uphold. Their legacies inspire our actions and guide our principles. The Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County’s Lions of Judah embody these values, weaving a rich tapestry of philanthropy, strength and collective action that deeply enriches our community.

This season, our Lions have left their mark both globally and locally, showcasing the transformative power of united women. At the core of our activities was the 2025 International Lion of Judah Conference in Atlanta. With 90 Lions in attendance, our delegation was the largest outside of the host city, proudly standing as pillars of female leadership in South Palm Beach County.

The conference attracted 1,700 Lions and welcomed a range of inspiring speakers, including hostage advocate Rachel Goldberg-Polin, Israel’s First Lady Michal Herzog and survivors of the Nova Music Festival, who shared their harrowing stories of survival.  The impact of these perspectives left our Lions deeply moved, instilling a renewed sense of purpose and motivation. They spoke not just to our minds but to our hearts. Stirred by these powerful voices, we left the conference with an intensified resolve to advocate for change and strengthen our community ties.

Yaira Gurman, who became a Lion in 2023 and was attending her first conference, shared, “The conference ignited a deep sense of Jewish pride within me—an indescribable, almost out-of-body experience—and a strong desire to pass this heritage on to my children.”

Our own Amy Dweck, a seasoned Lion and Vice-Chair of Campaign, Women’s Philanthropy, reflected on the duality of the experience: “It was a place where our shared sorrows were eased by the solidarity of sisterhood. Listening to the raw, firsthand accounts of survivors and bereaved families, and meeting fellow Lions who suffered from the recent L.A. fires, was heartbreaking. Yet the immediate kinship and sisterhood we felt when we were together brought both hope and healing.”

The momentum didn’t stop in Atlanta. Twenty-three Lions continued on a social justice mission in Alabama, tracing the steps of history across the Edmund Pettus Bridge and through the halls of the Equal Justice Initiative Museum. This journey through the heart of the Civil Rights Movement deepened our commitment to Tikkun Olam. Shelly Snyder, Chair of Women’s Philanthropy and proud Lion since 2008, shared, “This mission connected our past history with our present, reminding us that our work is far from done.”

The season’s pinnacle was our Lion of Judah Luncheon. Nearly 400 women gathered, drawing inspiration from each other and from speakers who mirrored our own advocacy and passion. Co-chaired by Marissa Hollander and Karen Lazar, the event featured special guest speakers: political strategist Liz Schrayer, pro-Israel advocate Ashley Waxman Bakshi, and Nova Music Festival survivor Natalie Sanandaji. The panel discussion brought to light compelling stories of advocacy and survival, evoking a range of emotions. We laughed, we cried, but most of all, we were provoked to think and motivated to act.

As we reflect on the rich experiences of this season, we are continually inspired by the significant role women have played both throughout history and within our community—every day, not just during Women’s History Month. Lions of Judah play a vital role in creating social justice, aiding the vulnerable, preserving human dignity and building Jewish identity through our contributions and leadership. If you’ve ever felt the desire to make a difference, join us. Feel the warmth of our welcome and the power of our purpose. Let the stories of our international sisterhood of global activists inspire you to become part of our history. Embrace your place in our story—it’s waiting to be told.

For more details on how to get involved, visit jewishboca.org/loj or contact Kathleen Ben-Shoaff at kathleenb@bocafed.org or 561-852-5031.