Known for her warmth, energy, volunteerism, and leadership in Jewish Atlanta, Lynn Saperstein has been a dedicated lay leader at Federation since the 1980s.
Over the years, Lynn’s passion for the Federation’s mission has only deepened. She has served on allocations committees, Women’s Philanthropy committees, and various other volunteer roles. Lynn also pioneered the creation of Women’s Philanthropy’s signature education program, Philanthropy Opportunities with Purpose—better known as POP Ups with Linda Silberman and Michelle Simon. POP Ups are interactive programs designed to educate women about Federation’s initiatives and partner agencies and serve as a tool to engage new women in our work.
As Lynn’s appreciation and excitement for Federation’s mission grew, so did her philanthropic commitment. Lynn proudly became a Lion of Judah in 2012, joining 20,000 Lions of Judah internationally who make an annual philanthropic commitment of $5,400 to their local Federation. Inspired by the traditions of tzedakah (righteousness/charity) and tikkun olam (repairing the world), Lions of Judah are dedicated to promoting Jewish continuity and caring for vulnerable Jews worldwide.
In March, Lynn traveled with Atlanta Lions of Judah to Mexico City on a Federation Women’s Mission where she experienced a transformative moment. During the mission, the group visited an ORT school and met with young Jewish children. It was then that Lynn realized the importance of ensuring the continuity of Jewish traditions and culture long beyond her lifetime. She reflected, “I’m not going to be here forever, but I want to make sure these kids grow up to have Jewish kids themselves, and that our traditions and culture are passed on. But how do I do that?”
In her concern for the future, Lynn consulted Arielle Orlansky, Federation’s Senior Director of Women’s Philanthropy, who spoke with Lynn about endowing her Lion of Judah gift. “This was the first time I had heard of a Lion of Judah Endowment (often referred to as LOJE), but I was thrilled and relieved to learn about it. Judaism, our connection to Israel, and our culture can continue with commitments like this,” said Lynn.
Lynn is particularly passionate about Jewish education and raising children in a Jewish home. She hopes that interfaith inclusion and education will remain a priority for the community. “This is how we ensure our culture, religion, and love of Judaism continues. We’ve preserved these traditions for 3,000 years, and with this work, we can do it for another 3,000.”
Lynn encourages others to consider endowing their Lion of Judah gift. “If you are able, just do it! This is one way to make a difference even after you’re gone. It’s a no-brainer.”
For Lynn, this gift is not just about her legacy but also about inspiring her daughters and grandchildren to continue the tradition of tzedakah. “When I think about legacy, I want to be remembered as a great mom, a great wife, and a great grandmother who believed in important causes and worked for them. The things I did were for the community, and the Federation is the one that reaches beyond my community.”
Contact Lindsay Kopecky, the VP of Atlanta Jewish Foundation, at lkopecky@jewishatlanta.org to learn more about the Lion of Judah Endowment.