Jewish Women, Together

October 16, 2026

🎥 Relive the Moments That Made This Day So Special

Before you dive into the story, take a moment to experience the energy, laughter, and inspiration of the 2026 Lion of Judah & Pomegranate Luncheon. Watch our newly released highlight video to see Jewish Atlanta’s extraordinary women come together in celebration of generosity, leadership, and community. Then, read on to discover the meaningful moments that made this year’s gathering unforgettable.

Ellen Balser Hyman knows she will not be here forever.

She also knows her giving can be.

“I would like to leave something that is going to be here for a very long time.”

Sitting among more than 300 Jewish women at Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta’s Lion of Judah & Pomegranate Luncheon, Ellen was surrounded by women who shared that same commitment: to help build a Jewish future that stretches far beyond themselves.

For Ellen, that responsibility began long before she became a Lion of Judah or endowed her annual gift.

She grew up watching her father, Meyer Balser, help build Jewish community. Giving was not something her family did on occasion. It was part of how they lived.

“Giving was part of my DNA,” Ellen said. “Continuing to give was part of my education.”

Ellen’s story of generational giving was one of many in a room filled with women whose philanthropic journeys have taken different paths.

Some women have been part of Federation philanthropy for decades. Others are just beginning to discover the role they can play.

Ilissa Feiler recently became a Pomegranate donor after attending Federation’s Annual Meeting and learning more about the reach and depth of the organization’s work.

“I had always heard about Federation and how involved it was, but never really knew in the details what all it did,” Ilissa said. “I really got to learn about each of the different facets of how [Federation] truly helps the Jewish community in ways that we don’t even all get to see.”

Though Ellen and Ilissa are at different stages of their philanthropic journeys, both reflect the same belief: that every woman has a role to play in strengthening Jewish community.

“Women are stronger when we come together,” said Lynn Saperstein, 2027 Women’s Philanthropy Campaign Chair. “Through Women’s Philanthropy, we build meaningful connections and turn those relationships into collective action that makes a lasting impact on our community.”

That collective action serves a shared purpose: helping Jews thrive in Atlanta, in Israel, and around the world, today and for generations to come.

At a time when Jewish life can feel uncertain, the luncheon offered a powerful reminder of the strength that comes from women standing together in support of that mission.

Featured speaker Jackie Tohn, best known for her role as Esther in Nobody Wants This, described being surrounded by Jewish women as feeling “like a hug.” Referring to the women in the room as shvesters, Yiddish for sisters, Tohn captured the sense of belonging and connection that made the gathering so meaningful. Her words reflected a larger message woven throughout the afternoon: Jewish sisterhood is more than a shared identity. It is a source of strength, support, and community, especially when standing together matters most.

That sense of sisterhood was evident throughout the afternoon, but the gathering was about more than connection. It was also about turning that connection into meaningful action.

For Ellen, that meant ensuring her Lion of Judah gift will continue through an endowment. For Ilissa, it meant becoming a Pomegranate donor. For others in the room, the next step may look completely different.

There is no single way to invest in Jewish life. But there is power in choosing to do it together.

“It’s not just for now,” Lynn said. “It’s for my grandchildren, and their children, and future generations.”

More than 300 women gathered that day, each with her own story, her own reasons for giving, and her own vision for the future. Together, they shared a commitment to strengthening Jewish life and ensuring that the next generation inherits a thriving Jewish community.

And together, they are helping build that future.