Arnovitz to be Honored at Pomegranate Luncheon

The Lion of Judah and Pomegranate Luncheon has become an international symbol of women’s philanthropy, leadership, and commitment to Jewish life. Celebrating 54 years of women’s philanthropy and leadership, it represents a supportive group focused on making a difference and the meaning of philanthropy.

The Lion of Judah began in 1972 in Miami, when Norma Kipnis-Wilson and Toby Friedland created a new way to recognize women making significant individual philanthropic commitments to their Jewish communities.

According to Tara Trompeter, director, women’s philanthropy, “We are placing a special emphasis this year on Lion of Judah Endowment (LOJE), which gives women the opportunity to endow their annual Lion-level gift and ensure that their commitment to the Jewish community continues for generations.”

The upcoming fall event is the annual Lion of Judah and Pomegranate Luncheon and is connected to Federation’s 2027 campaign year. Co-chaired by Carol Cooper, Lee Edelman, Debbie Neese, and Ellen Spandorfer, this signature women’s philanthropy gathering celebrates women who lead through generosity, compassion, and purpose.

This year, the luncheon will honor Ellen Arnovitz as the recipient of the Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award recognizing her extraordinary dedication to Federation and longstanding example of women’s philanthropic leadership.

The purposeful pins easily recognized are reflective of their mission. Trompeter explained that the Lion of Judah pin is considered a deeply meaningful family heirloom.  It was first introduced as a visible symbol of a woman’s personal commitment to the Jewish community. She added, “The Lion itself represents strength, leadership, and dedication to the Jewish people. Over time, the gold pin became internationally recognized, and gemstones were added to recognize increasing levels of annual giving. Today, women proudly wear their Lion pins as symbols not simply of a financial gift, but of their connection to a worldwide community of women philanthropists.”

Just recently, Lion of Judah Linda Silberman passed her pin to her daughter when she also became a Lion. Many family values have been passed down and grown through the Lion of Judah.

Additionally, the Pomegranate pin has its own history. It was introduced in Allentown, Penn., in 1981 by Sybil Baiman and Jeanette Eichenwald. Modeled after the Lion of Judah program, it was designed to recognize and encourage women giving at a significant mid-level. The pomegranate has deep roots in Jewish tradition and is associated with mitzvot (good deeds) and Jewish life.

In Atlanta, Pomegranate Society members make annual gifts of $1,800 or more to Federation, while Lion of Judah members give $5,400 or more annually. The luncheon gives these women an opportunity to reconnect, celebrate the collective impact of their philanthropy, and be inspired by meaningful Jewish voices and stories.

The luncheon will also be featuring Jackie Tohn, actress, writer, and comedian, who is a natural fit for this year’s luncheon because she brings together humor, storytelling, Jewish identity, and a strong, authentic female voice. The event describes the afternoon as an opportunity for Tohn to share stories about her career, her Jewish journey, and the people and experiences that have shaped her.

Tohn grew up in a Jewish family on Long Island and is currently widely recognized for playing Esther Roklov in Netflix’s hit series, “Nobody Wants This,” a romantic comedy that puts Jewish life and an interfaith relationship at the center of its story. She is also known for playing Melanie “MelRose” Rosen on Netflix’s, “GLOW,” and competed on “American Idol.”

Tohn’s appearance brings an element of fun and laughter to a gathering centered on connection, philanthropy, and the power of Jewish women.

This is a women’s philanthropy giving society event rather than a general community luncheon. The event celebrates members of the Pomegranate and Lion of Judah Societies. Registration is currently open to Lions of Judah and Pomegranate donors through the event website.

If you’re interested in making a Pomegranate, Step-Up Pomegranate, Lion of Judah, Step-Up Lion of Judah, or LOJE gift, contact Trompeter at ttrompeter@jewishatlanta.org. The Lion of Judah & Pomegranate Luncheon will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 30, with the program beginning promptly at 11:30 a.m. The location will be provided upon registration. To register, please visit https://jewishatlanta.org/events/lion-of-judah-pomegranate-luncheon/.