Leading Community and Inspiring Change
Women’s Philanthropy
Leading Community and Inspiring Change
Women’s Philanthropy of the Buffalo Jewish Federation is a network of compassionate and committed volunteers who inspire and empower each other to be change makers and community shapers. We are sisters and daughters, mothers and friends, women at every stage of life and career.
Inspired and guided by our tradition of tzedakah (righteousness/charity) and tikkun olam (repairing the world), Women’s Philanthropy is dedicated to the continuity, connectivity and thriving future of our Buffalo Jewish community, Israel and the Jewish people. This is attained through our three pillars: philanthropy, social action, and education.
Women’s Philanthropy is about more than just the Annual Campaign. It’s about knowing and understanding deeply the breadth of issues facing our community and rolling up our sleeves to help. It’s about educating, inspiring, and empowering women of all ages in our community. It’s about nurturing leadership and fostering a commitment to philanthropy. It’s about having an impact.
Come join us and meet like-minded women who make a difference.
Getting Involved
As Jewish Women, we share common bonds, values and passions. Through our donations and hands-on volunteering, we take our place as leaders, change-makers, and community shapers.
Throughout the year, Women’s Philanthropy offers a variety of dynamic learning and social opportunities to grow as individuals and form connections with one another. Participate in what inspires you!
Upcoming Women’s Philanthropy Events
Dignity Grows™ is an initiative of the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford and supported by National Women’s Philanthropy of Jewish Federations of North America to provide individuals in need with essential personal hygiene products so they can attend school and work and participate in community life without interruption.
Every month, some of our neighbors feel a sense of helplessness and embarrassment because they lack basic necessities. These feelings of shame have consequences. Girls stay home from school during their periods and miss critical learning time. Women miss work, which can lead to lost wages. This further compounds the cycle of poverty.
For as little as $10, you can donate a Dignity Tote, which includes a one-month supply of sanitary products, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and deodorant to a neighbor in need helping her to be more productive while safeguarding her dignity.
For more information, contact Mandy Weiss, Assistant Director of Operations, [email protected] | 716.463.5065
Campaign Giving
A gift in any amount to the Campaign for Jewish Buffalo helps change lives around the world. We encourage you to give a gift you feel comfortable with. Many women choose to give at the following levels:
Pomegranate Society: $1800 - $4999
The pomegranate is a symbol of a woman’s commitment to the Jewish people, based on the 613 seeds in a pomegranate fruit which symbolize the Torah’s 613 mitzvot, and a symbol of her financial commitment of at least $1,800 to the Buffalo Jewish Federations Annual Campaign.
The Pomegranate pin was introduced in Lehigh Valley in 1981 by Sybil Baiman and Jeanette Eichenwald. It is a reflection of the fruitfulness and abundance of Women’s Philanthropy. These dedicated women are role models in our community and continue to demonstrate that together we can affect change.
7000 pomegranate members across North America
Lion of Judah: $5000+
The Lion of Judah 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 in their own name to the Buffalo Jewish Federation’s Annual Campaign
Created in 1972 in Miami by Norma Kipnis-Wilson and Toby Friedland, 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.
17,000 Lion of Judah members world-wide
Lion of Judah Endowment
Some women choose to endow their Lion of Judah gift. When you create a Lion of Judah Endowment (LOJE), you enable future generations to benefit from your values, interests, foresight and generosity.
3,600 Lion of Judah Endowments world-wide
Sign up for News & Events
Get information about Women’s Philanthropy delivered to your inbox!
Meet Our Leaders
Cheryl Stein
Women's Philanthropy Chair
As the owner of Cheryl Stein Law Firm, PLLC, Cheryl specializes in Real Estate Law and has built a reputable practice in the Buffalo area. She is a longtime volunteer across Jewish Buffalo, currently serving on the boards of Kadimah Scholars, Buffalo Va’ad Hakashrus, Buffalo Jewish Federation, and Kehillat Ohr Tzion, where she is the Treasurer. Cheryl has also been an active participant in Federation’s immersive experiences, including the 2023 trip to the UAE and the Israel Solidarity Mission in June 2024. Cheryl lives in Buffalo with her husband, Irv. They are proud parents of two adult children, Adam (Vicki) and Mariah (Avi).
Erin Casper
Manager of Governance & Development
Erin graduated from SUNY Geneseo with a degree in Theatre/English. She then spent 16 years on the staff team at Academy of Theatre Arts in Williamsville. Erin joined the Federation team in October of 2023. She is a lifelong member of Jewish Buffalo and thrilled to be serving the community that has given so much to her. Erin lives in Clarence with her husband Patrick and their two children.
For more information about Women’s Philanthropy, please contact Erin:
[email protected]
716.463.5054