In a beautiful tented garden overlooking a sparkling lake, one of the country’s most lauded speakers will continue a profound discussion with the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County’s most philanthropic women on January 26, 2011. This year’s Crown of Judah Luncheon, at the home of M. L. Bedowitz, brings back Alan Dershowitz, a most distinguished Harvard law professor, defender of individual liberties and Jewish causes, author and media personality.

“We’re excited and privileged to build on the great success of last year’s first Crown of Judah Luncheon just for women,” said Wendy Pressner, Women’s Philanthropy Major Gifts Vice Chair. “We can’t wait to continue the conversation we began there with Professor Dershowitz, on today’s most critical Jewish concerns.”

“We’re also continuing the warmth and welcome of holding this exceptional event at an extremely elegant private home,” continued Pressner. “Last year’s luncheon sold out quickly at 120 guests, so those invited will want to RSVP early.”

Professor Alan M. Dershowitz has been called “America’s most public Jewish defender” and “Israel’s single most visible defender – the Jewish state’s lead attorney in the court of public opinion.”  Upon presenting Dershowitz with the ADL’s William O. Douglas First Amendment Award, Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel said, “If there had been a few people like Alan Dershowitz during the 1930s and 1940s, the history of European Jewry might have been different.”
The Crown of Judah recognizes women who contribute at the $10,000 level or above to the UJA/Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County Annual Campaign.

At the luncheon, Leona Brauser will receive the first Clarice Pressner Award. Named for the “professional volunteer” who founded the Crown of Judah Division 20 years ago, this award will recognize seasoned leaders whose enduring efforts have helped build Women’s Philanthropy into a powerful force that raises half the dollars received through the Federation’s annual campaigns. Brauser’s active volunteer career in Jewish organizations has spanned 56 years. A past chair and current board member of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County’s Women’s Division, she has also served on the boards of JARC and the Levis JCC, and is an endowed Lion of Judah. Brauser is also an active, published author and poet.

For more information about the event or the Crown distinction, contact Dina Burg at 561-852-5015 or dinab@bocafed.org.  

Boca Raton Regional Hospital is the generous sponsor of the Dorothy Seaman Department of Women’s Philanthropy.  Brown’s Interior Design, Ivan & Co. and Oppenheimer are the Luncheon’s generous sponsors. The Boca Raton Observer is Exclusive Media Sponsor.

Photo captions:

Top: Alan Dershowitz at the 2010 Crown of Judah Luncheon

Middle: Leona Brauser

Members of the Crown of Judah Luncheon Committee include: (Front Row L-R) Beth Mishkin; Wendy Pressner, Women’s Major Gifts Vice Chair; Amy Ross, Emily Grabelsky, Women’s Campaign Chair; (Back Row L-R) Phyllis Rosenstock; Kinnie Gorelick; Meryl Gallatin, Women’s Philanthropy Chair; Marleen Forkas; Phyllis Seresky; Shirley Solomon; Ruth Taubman; Barbara Wolk.