The Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award honors the extraordinary contribution of Norma Kipnis-Wilson and Toby Friedland (z”l), the founders of the Lion of Judah, and the women from around the country who continue to embody the spirit and vision of Lion of Judah through a commitment to tzedakah and tikkun olam. The Lions pin was created in 1972 to recognize women who made a minimum gift of $5,000 to their city’s annual federation campaign.
KWF recipients from across the country will be honored during the International Lion of Judah Conference in Washington, D.C., in September.
Locally, Carolyn Weinstein’s accomplishments will be celebrated at a Portland Lion of Judah luncheon in March hosted by past recipients Priscilla Kostiner, Gayle Romain, Linda Bean Georges, Elizabeth Menashe, Sharon Weil and Rita S. Philip.
“Women’s Division and Women’s Philanthropy thrived and excelled under Carolyn’s astute leadership,” says past KWF recipient Liz Menashe. “She has the ability to see the big picture, to set and maintain high standards and goals. Carolyn is the ultimate mentor … giving tirelessly of herself, her time, her energy and her expertise.”
Gayle Romain, another past recipient, adds, “Carolyn’s activities have also included educating women and promoting women in leadership. … She created the Oregon Women’s Endowment Fund at the OJCF. We are truly grateful for her years of leadership and philanthropy and so proud to have her represent us with this well-deserved award.”
“The women who have been honored have long, enduring histories of community involvement, leadership and philanthropy,” notes Priscilla Kostiner, the first Portlander to receive the award in 2004. “Knowing Carolyn’s history with Portland’s Jewish community in general, and the federation and women’s philanthropy specifically, it is easy to see why she is a natural for this honor.”
