We are delighted you are registering for the 2024 Lion of Judah Luncheon! After the tragic events of Oct. 7th, we united for Israel in an inspiring way. At a time like this, we need to look for the beauty in our shared humanity and to extend the olive branch of goodwill to those we cherish. Our Lion of Judah Luncheon will embrace these unifying themes. Join us to celebrate the strength of women and the collective power of Sylvia Weisz Women’s Philanthropy. We encourage you to bring your adult daughters, daughters-in-law, granddaughters, and nieces.

This year, we are honored to welcome guest speaker Mandana Dayani, in conversation with Jacki Karsh. Mandana is a globally celebrated brand and marketing expert who also created and co-founded the national, nonpartisan civic engagement organization I am a Voter. See Mandana’s full bio below.

We will also be honoring two Lions with richly-deserved recognition for their dedicated service to our community. Gloria Lushing* will receive the Lea Rabin Award and Jodi Kirkbride will receive the Ruby Award. Please help us congratulate these women for their exceptional level of commitment to ensuring the Jewish future.

Gloria Lushing
Lea Rabin Award Honoree

Jodi Kirkbride
Ruby Award Honoree

 

Who: Sylvia Weisz Women’s Philanthropy
What: Lion of Judah Luncheon
When: Wednesday, March 20th • 11:00 AM
Where: Beverly Wilshire Hotel • 9500 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90212

Registration for this event has been closed. If you would like to attend this event, please contact Lauren Shorten at LShorten@JewishLA.org.

 

For more information, please contact Campaign Coordinator Lauren Shorten at (323) 761-8306 or LShorten@JewishLA.org.

We look forward to seeing you on March 20th!

Warmly,

Carin Freeman, Bettina O'Mara
Lion of Judah Luncheon Co-Chairs

Lisa Bender, Sharon Janks, Stacy Jasper, Marlyse Scherr*
Lion of Judah Luncheon Committee

Kathi Mangel and Lauren Schiff
Sylvia Weisz Women's Philanthropy Co-Chairs

* Forever Lion

 

A donation to JFEDLA’s 2024 Annual Campaign is required to attend.
$5,000 minimum gift for Lion of Judah
Forever Lions are those generous women who endow their Lion of Judah gift
in perpetuity, most typically in their estate planning documents.

 

Mandana is the Creator and Co-founder of I am a Voter, a national, nonpartisan civic engagement organization. Most recently, she was President of Archewell, the production, audio, and philanthropic company founded by Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. She is a globally celebrated brand and marketing expert who regularly appears on Morning Joe on MSNBC.

In 2018, immediately upon witnessing the child separation policy at the border, Mandana brought together 25 women leaders to launch I am a Voter, in partnership with Natalie Tran and CAA. Since launching, the organization has supported over half a million Americans through their registration process and generated billions of media impressions. The organization has partnered with hundreds of influencers and brands shaping culture across entertainment, fashion, beauty, tech, and sports, including: NBA, Disney, Bumble, Starbucks, NFL, H&M, ABC, Fox, McDonald's, CFDA, Urban Outfitters, Tory Burch, and iHeartMedia. Mandana also created Register a Friend Day, a national voter registration day.

Mandana began her career as a corporate attorney at Paul Hastings. She then worked as a commercial talent agent before joining Rachel Zoe, Inc., where she led and launched the company’s consumer products, media, and strategic investment businesses. After six years, Mandana joined Everything But The House as Chief Brand Officer, raising $84 million in venture capital. In 2020, she co-created and hosted The Dissenters podcast with Debra Messing, highlighting the journeys of 20 of their heroes to inspire activism in others. She is the Founder of The Learning Series, an event series for women, and an active angel investor through Garde Ventures. Mandana is an outspoken advocate against antisemitism.

Mandana is an immigrant from Iran who lives in Los Angeles with her husband and their two daughters; she credits her experience immigrating to the United States as a religious refugee as one of the most formative inspirations behind her activism.


JFEDLA acts on shared values to create safe, joyful, and connected Jewish life in Los Angeles, Israel, and around the world. We care for our vulnerable by fighting poverty and combating antisemitism. We inspire by fostering Jewish journeys, building bridges, and developing leaders. Our dedicated partners, passionate staff, and your generosity make our work possible.