Through our giving, leadership, and community engagement, we support Jewish National Fund-USA's vision and the transformative initiatives that build resilient communities, foster opportunities, and ensure a vibrant future for the land and people of Israel.
And we are visionaries. In 2000, It was JNF-USA’s women who raised the dollars to help build the town of Zuqim, deep in the Negev Desert, spearheading JNF-USA’s Blueprint Negev Initiative. These pioneers of the frontier took a parcel of sand in Israel and helped build what is today a thriving artist’s colony.
WOMEN FOR ISRAEL (WFI) IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE JNF-USA NATIONAL CAMPAIGN
Most of the JNF-USA regions across the country have a robust Women for Israel chapter. Locally, these women connect, learn and advocate for the important work JNF-USA does for the land and people of Israel. Many become roles models in their communities and bring others, including their families, into JNF-USA’s fold. As local leaders, they encourage others to find their voices for Israel and grow as philanthropists.
Nationally, WFI participates in and supports JNF-USA campaigns and initiatives like the emergency campaign, the annual JNF-USA Global Conference and JNF-USA’s recent national Shabbat for Israel international event.
JNF-USA Global Conference
WFI members gather each year at Jewish National Fund-USA’s Global Conference for Israel, where they learn and “catch up” with one another. This year’s conference is in Hollywood, Florida, October 23-26. WFI Sapphire Society women (annual giving of $5,000+) will be treated to a special Women for Israel luncheon where they’ll hear from a noted female guest speaker, connect with other Sapphires from around the country, and learn about upcoming WFI plans. Register today!
JNF-USA Shabbat for Israel (SFI)
The rituals of Shabbat and love for Israel brought 8,000+ people together on Friday evening, May 2nd. “There was a palpable “ruach” (spirit) in the crowded dining room in Plainview, NY,” according to a guest at the first- time-ever JNF-USA Shabbat for Israel (SFI) dinner. The event took place simultaneously at homes and synagogues across the United States, Canada, and even Israel. Over 300 members of Women for Israel stepped up to host, along with many other JNF-USA volunteers. The 8,000 participants far exceeded the original goal of hosting 500 to 700 people, as this program was originally envisioned by JNF-USA Tri-State Director (Manhattan) Sarah Azizi. Guests ranged from people who had gone on a JNF-USA mission to Israel to guests who had no real knowledge of what JNF-USA is all about and knew very little about Israel.
“The beautiful and spiritual activity of lighting Shabbat candles and blessing the wine and challah was a fabulous way to get people together to demonstrate mutual support for Israel and celebrate its Independence Day,” noted Sara Cannon, past national co-chair of the event. “It brought to mind one of the scenes from Fiddler on the Roof in which a montage of women was shown from around the shtetel lighting the Sabbath candles and reciting the blessings,” she said.
Besides taking place at private homes, some of the SFI dinners were held at synagogues. At the Dix Hills Jewish Center in Long Island, a conservative shul, about 150 people attended. “It was a multi-generational crowd who were mostly unfamiliar with the work of JNF-USA,” said Ronnit Kessler (a member of WFI) who, along with her husband Michael Kessler (a member of the JNF-USA national board), initiated and hosted the event at their synagogue. Michael gave a brief introduction about JNF-USA and noted that after the event, people came up to him and said they were inspired to get more involved with JNF. Buoyed by the response to the dinner at their synagogue, Ronnit was enthusiastic about hosting future JNF-USA SFI dinners, saying “It was great to see how our community responded to the challenges faced by our Israeli brothers and sisters and has rallied to its support. We look forward to hosting many more Shabbats for Israel; it’s a great way to bring the community together.”
In advance of the event, JNF-USA sent “Shabbat” packages to the registered hosts. Each package included a challah cover and tzedakah box; candle holders made by people with disabilities from JNF-USA Israel affiliate Adi Negev; a box of Za’atar from JNF-USA affiliate Wadi-Atir in Israel’s Galilee area; a JNF-USA guidebook; an Israeli flag and Shabbat recipes. Cards containing conversation-starters, compiled by JNF-USA affiliate Alexander Muss American High School in Israel’s staff and alumni, encouraged lively discussions around the tables.
A zoom cooking class for the hosts was offered beforehand, taught by Lior Lev Sercarz, a well-known chef and co-founder and Chief Culinary Officer of JNF-USA’s Galilee Culinary Institute. After the event, many SFI hosts gifted their guests with JNF-USA trees, planted in Israel in their honor.
The Shabbat for Israel event was so popular that it has already been scheduled for next April 2026. Women for Israel will step up once again and get involved in this national initiative! We hope to see you there!
WOMEN FOR ISRAEL GIVING SOCIETIES
Women for Israel offers various giving societies, based on minimum annual donations. The Alliance Society starts at $360, the Chai Society at $1800, and the Sapphire Society at $5000. But a woman’s donation does not automatically make her a part of WFI. WFI is an “opt in” society. If you want to be a part of WFI, tell your local JNF-USA professional or contact Sara King.
Written by Betsy Rosenthal, proud member of the WFI Sapphire Society, author of children’s books
Written by Roni Wolk, chair of WFI newsletter, member of National WFI board, chair of LOTEM