Marianne Rochelle is the legacy giving chair for Shalom Austin Women’s Philanthropy and vice chair of the Jewish Foundation Credit: Jennifer Kohn Koppel

By Marianne Rochelle

On January 19, Shalom Austin Women’s Philanthropy held the first “Introducing the Lion Behind the Pin” workshop for 30 of Shalom Austin’s 180+ Lions of Judah giving society donors. Lions of Judah are women who contribute $5,000 or more to the Shalom Austin Annual Campaign.

Each attendee had an opportunity to reflect on how her Jewish values inform her philanthropy. In addition, each received the Lion Behind the Pin toolkit.

Lions of Judah wear their pin proudly knowing that it’s an internationally recognized symbol of philanthropy, commitment, Jewish values and sisterhood. However, the pin, as valuable as it is, doesn’t have the power to share what being a Lion really means. A most unfortunate consequence of not sharing with family and friends what it means to us to be a Lion and wear the pin, is that Lion pins sometimes end up for sale. The Lion Behind the Pin toolkit serves to guide participants on a journey of self-reflection to define their values, designate their pin, and endow gifts to ensure a sustainable and thriving future for the community, a place where a child, grandchild or other important Lions live.

The primary focus during this introductory session was the Legacy Letter; one of four elements of the kit. Personal values are among the most important things to many – they are one’s core principles and philosophical ideals. Values provide direction, inform, guide decisions and behaviors and give meaning to lives.

Shalom Austin Jewish Foundation Director and Philanthropic Advisor Jennifer Kohn Koppel said, “Documenting and sharing with your family and friends about what is important to you, now and forever, is how we go from strength to strength and l’dor v’ dor.”

Nora Lieberman explained to attendees the power of the question, “If not us, then who?” She shared how this is more than just a question; it is about encouraging people to take responsibility for addressing a particular issue/challenge. Lieberman elaborated on how it inspired her sense of accountability and served as a call to action in her Jewish journey. Another attendee, Karen Kogut spoke about the women who surprised her with the gift of a pin, the pride she has in wearing it and how it inspires her leadership.

Shalom Austin’s Women’s Philanthropy plans to host a Legacy Letter Writing Workshop and offer another Introducing the Lion Behind the Pin Workshop.