Supporting CJP in Every Way Possible — Now and Forever

When her father passed away in 2016, Sarah Richmond decided to honor his memory by establishing a Lion of Judah Endowment (LOJE) fund, which continues her gift to CJP at the Lion of Judah level in perpetuity. "My dad really believed in supporting the local Jewish community and Israel," she says. "And I'm a huge fan of what CJP does. Also, I know that things change, like people's finances and the economy, so you never know what the future brings. The endowment allowed me to feel that no matter what happens in my life - or in the world - I will be helping the Jewish community."

Growing up, Sarah's father was the President of the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts, and her mother was the Chair of the Women's Division (now Women's Philanthropy). Sarah remembers their work and volunteer activities being a frequent topic of conversation in the family's home.

Now, Sarah's LOJE both pays tribute to her childhood and connects her to a global community of women who share her commitment to a vibrant Jewish future. Through her endowment fund, Sarah says, she'll always be able to remain committed to CJP and the other Jewish organizations she holds close through her volunteerism.

After participating in The Cynthia and Leon Shulman Acharai Leadership Program at CJP in 2017-2018, Sarah joined the Women's Philanthropy Board (she's currently the Vice President of Leadership Development) and recently served on CJP's Donor Advised Fund Task Force. She also sits on the Board of Directors at Jewish Women's Archive and the Board of Trustees of Temple Emanuel in Newton.

"By supporting CJP now and for the future, I can support these organizations and the Jewish community in Boston and beyond," she says. "It feels like a very effective and efficient investment. I have a lot of confidence in CJP - in how they consider different organizations to support, their data, and their leadership. It's a smart choice for my dollars." "And I'm a huge fan of what CJP does. Also, I know that things change, like people's finances and the economy, so you never know what the future brings. The endowment allowed me to feel that no matter what happens in my life - or in the world - I will be helping the Jewish community."

Sarah says she hopes her children, Abby, 22, and Eli, 20, are inspired to continue the family's legacy of philanthropy. "I always felt that modeling tikkun olam (repairing the world) for them was important," she says. "I made sure it was part of their learning and upbringing, just like I learned from my parents. I want them to see how we should be part of something bigger than ourselves. That's why I support CJP in every way possible - now and forever."