The Lion of Judah Endowment is an endowment component of the Lion of Judah Major Gifts program. A LOJE is created by establishing a minimum fund of $100,000 or more in the donor’s name, ensuring the perpetuation of a donor’s Lion of Judah level annual campaign gift. A LOJE is a permanent restricted fund—a component of the national PACE or Perpetual Annual Campaign Endowment program of United Jewish Communities. As of early 2007, there are more than 2,800 women who have created a LOJE, representing more than $425 million.

The LOJE is a powerful statement of a donor’s commitment to tzedakah, providing a legacy for herself, her family and her community. Establishing a LOJE allows women the opportunity to take the extra step to endow her gift in perpetuity. A LOJE may also choose to enhance her Lion of Judah pin by adding a flame, known in Hebrew as or l’atid, to recognize this commitment. Click here for more information on LOJE endowments. 2004 marked the tenth anniversary of Lion of Judah Endowment (LOJE).

The Dallas Jewish community echos this vibrancy and women’s philanthropy here is flourishing. The Women’s Campaign is the fastest growing component of the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas Annual Campaign, representing more than 22% and rising every year. 48 Dallas women have endowed their gifts to the Federation with either a LOJE or Pomegranate Annual Gift Endowment (PAGE) as of 2007.

Doris Levine exemplifies the philanthropic spirit of women. She first became involved in the Federation when she married Sol in 1958. Together they have led many missions to Israel, which inspired Doris to become active in the Women’s Campaign and received the Helen Gross Senior Leadership Award for her philanthropic efforts. “I felt it was important to support leadership,” she said. “I stood behind my husband, Sol, and daughter, Janis Levine Music.”

Doris took steps in 2003 to ensure the future of the Jewish community by creating a LOJE. “I feel it is important to maintain a viable Jewish world for our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren,” she said. “I hope that we have been decent role models so our children will remain active participants in sustaining our wonderful Dallas Jewish community.”

In December 2003, Carol Gene Cohen spoke about endowment at the Lion/Pomegranate Annual Intergenerational Event. She recalled her first memory of tzedakah at age three. Every week, her mother would tie a nickel in a hanky for Carol Gene to take to shul. “This is the early memory of what would become a constant in my life,” Carol Gene said.

She began as a teenager raising funds for BBYO. After that, her efforts included settling Russian immigrants in the Dallas Jewish community, working for the Federation, and organizing a variety of events for the Jewish Community Center.

In 2004, Carol Gene's husband, Howard, endowed her Lion of Judah gift in honor of their 40th anniversary. "Years ago, I told Howard that it was important to me that I contribute in my own name," she said. "His gift, an acknowledgement of my commitment as an individual, is one I will always cherish."

Jackie Waldman first experienced Tikkun Olam - repairing the world - at age four and has been active in the Dallas Jewish community ever since. Eager to share the power of giving, she decided to compile a series of books that would inspire others to give. The Courage to Give series tells the true stories of people whose lives changed dramatically when they started helping others.

Jackie confirmed her commitment to the Jewish community by creating a LOJE. “I wanted to be a part of the plan for the future – to help future generations meet new and changing needs. My endowment will perpetuate my annual gift to the Federation beyond my lifetime. It feels right,” she said. In the past year, Rosalie Wiman and Janice Winton have each created a LOJE. Click here to see the entire honor roll. This honor roll also includes Pomegranate Endowments.

Women's philanthropy in Dallas continues to grow by making use of cutting-edge philanthropic ideas. The Dallas Jewish Women's Fundwas formed by women in the Dallas Jewish community who wanted to promote innovative programs and create an environment for growth in the community. Click here for more information on the Dallas Jewish Women's Fund

There is no doubt that the Jewish community is thriving, and it is due in large part to women’s efforts. In Jackie’s words, “Perhaps one day when our dreams of peace are fulfilled, we will say it was Jewish women, who gave not only of their time and money, but truly of themselves, who made the difference.”