The Lion of Judah Thank You Luncheon brought philanthropic women across our community together to honor a tradition of bold giving and steady leadership.

The afternoon featured a discussion from best-selling author Sarah Hurwitz and Rabbi Liz P.G. Hirsch, CEO of Women of Reform Judaism, alongside the welcome of eleven new Lions and a milestone award presentation.

Eleven women joined the Lion of Judah ranks: Tobi Acklen, Mallory Adler, Kathy Claybon, Marce Epstein, Ellen Essig, Debbie Lempert, Penny Manes, Michelle Rothzeid, Mary-Bob Rubenstein, Carol Ann Schwartz, and Iris Werthaiser. Each carries forward a national legacy of Jewish women giving with purpose, vision, and care for the future.

Marcie Bachrach was honored for receiving the Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award, recognizing her philanthropic leadership and the example she sets for the Lions who follow. Bachrach will be formally honored at the Lion of Judah International Conference February 28 through March 2 in Austin, Texas. Registration opens June 15, and Cincinnati Lions are warmly invited to consider joining the delegation.

Sarah Hurwitz and Rabbi Liz P.G. Hirsch offered reflections that ranged across Jewish identity, the responsibilities of literacy in our own tradition, and the importance of knowing our own story well enough to recognize it when others get it wrong.

To every Lion in the room, every new Lion stepping forward, and every supporter who made the afternoon possible: thank you for showing what philanthropic leadership looks like in Cincinnati.