VOL. 26 NO. 3
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MARCH 2026
Jewish Federation Of South Palm Beach County’s Annual Lion Of Judah Luncheon Draws Record-Breaking Crowd
“Strength In Sisterhood” Event Celebrates Women’s Leadership, Philanthropy, And Impact
The Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County welcomed nearly 500 women to its Lion of Judah Luncheon on Wednesday, Jan. 14, for an inspiring afternoon of conversation, connection, and collective purpose. The soldout event, themed “Strength in Sisterhood: The Timeless Power of Women’s Leadership,” celebrated the extraordinary impact women have in shaping the Jewish future locally, in Israel, and around the world. The luncheon featured a powerful lineup of thought leaders, including Dr. Mijal Bitton, spiritual leader,
Igor Alterman, Julie Platt, Bruce Dan, Jill Rose community builder, and sociologist; Alana Newhouse, editorin-chief of Tablet Magazine; and special guest Julie Platt, immediate past chair of the Board of the Jewish Federations
of North America. The discussion was moderated by Michelle Rojas-Tal, director of strategy at Sixpoint Media, and explored the enduring influence of women’s leadership, the responsibility of philanthropy, and the role of Jewish women in shaping the next generation. “This year’s Lion of Judah Luncheon was a testament to what is possible when women come together with shared purpose and conviction,” said Shelly Snyder, chair of Women’s Philanthropy. “Seeing almost 500 women in one room, our largest gathering ever, was both humbling and energizing. The strength of this community is extraordinary.” The event was cochaired by Kathy Green and Alison Simon, with Amy Dweck serving as vice chair, Campaign, Women’s Philanthropy. Together, they helped lead a luncheon that not only inspired but also reinforced the critical importance Jewish Federation on page 2
Ballet Palm Beach Raises Over $500,000 During ‘Gala By The Sea’ Annual Fundraiser At The Breakers The ballroom was awash with support during the Ballet Palm Beach (BPB) “Gala by the Sea” annual fundraiser. King Neptune greeted the 200-plus attendees to the premier fete held at The Breakers Palm Beach on Jan. 28. The gala, commemorating philanthropist and “First Lady of Ballet” Anka Palitz, raised a record amount of more than $500,000. Chairpersons Lora Drasner, Robin Fleming, Erin McGould, and Nicole Noonan organized an evening that swam with surprises, including an undersea-themed, enchanting cocktail hour, a sumptuous dinner, live auction, music from the Switzer Sound, dancing, and an original performance by Ballet Palm Beach’s professional company members. One of the evening’s key highlights was a heartfelt dedication from Palitz’s grandson, Ryan Kriser. He
spoke about her recent $1 million donation to the ballet, emphasizing how her enduring generosity profoundly affects not only those in her immediate circle but also countless aspiring artists who will now have opportunities they once only dreamed of. “We are so humbled by the outpouring of support from everyone who attended,” said Ballet Palm Beach Founding Artistic and Executive Director Colleen Smith. “These funds are vital for the company and enable us to support our operations, including the development of our original productions, educational outreach programming and impacting our community through the timeless art of ballet.” Sandy Kriser, Heather Kriser and Ryan Kriser
Ballet Palm Beach on page 2
Boca Helping Hands To Host Inaugural Hands & Hearts Gala: A Legacy In Action Honoring Past Board Chair Gary Peters Boca Helping Hands (BHH) Hands & Hearts Gala: A Legacy in Action, will be held on April 25 at the Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club, located at 2425 West Maya Palm
Drive, Boca Raton. The evening will honor retiring Board President, Gary Peters, for his 20 years of distinguished service and leadership. During Peters’ tenure, Boca Helping Hands has grown from a modest soup kitchen to serving more than 35,000 individuals annually at five locations throughout South Palm Beach County. The gala will celebrate this remarkable legacy while raising critical funds to support BHH’s mission. Gala cochairs are Trisha Ramudo, Hayley Peters Smith, and Board President Tandy Robinson. Guests will enjoy an elegant evening featuring exceptional cuisine, exciting auctions, Boca Helping Hands on page 6
Trisha Ramudo, Hayley Peters Smith, Tandy Robinson