Women for Israel
Today more than ever, women are leading the way in philanthropy—within families, foundations, and across the nonprofit sector—and in the years ahead, women are expected to play an even greater role. As part of what has been termed the “Great Wealth Transfer,” women are projected to inherit trillions of dollars over the next decade, positioning them as key decision-makers shaping the causes, communities, and values that will define the future.
This moment underscores the importance of platforms that elevate women’s leadership and collective giving. Long before this shift was discussed, the Sapphire Society was founded on a simple but powerful idea: when women come together around shared values, their collective voice has the power to create lasting impact.
Established in the late 1990s to amplify women’s voices within Jewish National Fund–USA—and laying the groundwork for what is now the organization’s Women for Israel division—Sapphire Society has grown into a national movement defined by passionate women giving $5,000 or more to the organization’s annual campaign.
The Sapphire Society offers members not only the opportunity to give, but also a meaningful role in guiding where that giving goes. “It’s the power that we have as women to use our voice,” says Risa Aronson, President of Women for Israel and proud member of Sapphire Society. “When I became involved, I remembered that it was my voice, that I could dictate where I wanted my money to go.”
That shared sense of ownership has translated into real impact for the land and people of Israel, from helping establish the desert community of Zukim in southern Israel to raising millions of dollars that strengthen vulnerable populations.
For many members, the Sapphire Society’s impact is felt just as deeply in the relationships it fosters. Through gatherings and shared experiences, Sapphires come to understand that they are not acting alone—an especially meaningful sense of connection for women living in smaller or more geographically isolated Jewish communities. “Even though we’re all from different areas and have different needs, we all come together around one thing,” Aronson reflects. “Maintaining our Judaism and our love and respect for the land and the people of Israel.”
Now, the Sapphire Society is looking ahead to the next generation of Sapphires who will carry the torch. At the forefront is Rivka Kahn, JNFuture leader and creator of the STEP-UP to Sapphire Program. Designed as an accessible pathway into sustained giving, STEP-UP allows women under 40 to grow their involvement over time rather than making a significant commitment all at once.
“It’s so important to get our generation involved in continuous giving and commitment, and STEP-UP makes that possible,” Kahn explains. “It’s a guide for the next generation to come in and be leaders.”
What keeps women coming back to the Sapphire Society, and draws future young leaders to STEP-UP, isn’t only the impact in Israel, but also the sense of belonging it creates. “It gives me a purpose to wake up every day,” Kahn says. “When we come together around a shared mission, it becomes a powerhouse. You really can’t stop a group of women who are committed to accomplishing something.”
Aronson concludes: “We were there yesterday; we’re there today; we’ll be there tomorrow. But we’ll only be there tomorrow if we have the women to continue what we’re doing.”
To learn more about Women for Israel, visit jnf.org/women
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