Rivka Kahn
My Jewish values teach me that charity is not a handout, it is a form of justice. “Tzedek, tzedek, tirdof”— “Justice, justice you shall pursue.” As an oncology researcher focused on improving cancer care in developing regions, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, I have dedicated my life to pursuing a more just world by giving of myself, my knowledge, and my resources. This commitment was instilled in me from a young age, and over the years, I have found meaningful ways to contribute, especially through my involvement with Jewish National Fund-USA. In both my professional work and philanthropy, it has been remarkable to see how when women unite in giving, the impact is unparalleled. Women bring not only increasing financial support but also vision, leadership, and collaboration that creates powerful change.
Every individual deserves to live and thrive in dignity, and I believe that compassion is a unique fixture of women’s giving priorities. Just as I strive to bridge gaps in medicine, I also believe in bridging gaps in philanthropy, ensuring that women’s voices and leadership are at the forefront of giving and change.
When I learned about Jewish National Fund-USA, what stood out to me was not just its commitment to Israel, but how much of its work is fueled by women. Our Women for Israel division, in particular, has deeply enriched my life and my approach to giving. As women, we have worked tirelessly to ensure that our contributions are not only financial, but also intellectual and strategic. When women take the lead in giving, we bring new perspectives and innovation to philanthropy. When we do this work together, our impact is even further magnified.
More organizations should channel the power of women’s philanthropic networks. Groups like Jewish National Fund-USA’s Sapphire Society empower women to uplift each other, which in turn strengthens the organization as a whole. When we unite, we are unstoppable. We build friendships, develop leadership, and create movements that drive meaningful change.
Women bring unique skills and experiences to philanthropy—compassion, resilience, and collaboration. The more we come together, the more we can accomplish. Instead of one woman making a difference at a time, we create a force that transforms entire communities.
October 7 was an awakening, a reminder that we cannot face challenges alone. Philanthropy is no different. Women’s leadership in giving is not just about making an impact—it is about ensuring that impact is sustainable, inclusive, and transformative.
When women lead in philanthropy, we do not just contribute—we change the world.
