Phoebe Wofchuck of Monroe Township, a member of the Oscar and Ella Wilf Campus for Senior Living Foundation Board, was the recipient of a 2016 Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award for her dedication and leadership in philanthropy and as a valued board member of the Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey. The Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award was bestowed at the Lion of Judah International Conference in Washington, DC, in September 2016. The group is part of The Jewish Federation of North America that represents the most dynamic group of philanthropic Jewish women in the world.
Wofchuck has been active in philanthropy for over 40 years and is part of the Lion of Judah international sisterhood, made up of thousands of global activists who care deeply about the Jewish future. During her tenure as president of the Jewish Federation of Greater Middlesex County of New Jersey from 2001 to 2003, she guided Federation to proactively respond to critical Jewish community needs, including providing services for those affected by the attack on the World Trade Center and raising funds for the Israel Emergency Fund.
Prior to her presidency, Wofchuck held numerous roles within Federation including general Campaign chair, Women’s Division president and Campaign co-chair. She created a young leadership group, instituted community-wide seders and forged stronger connections with local synagogues and schools. She is past president of Brandeis National Women’s Committee and served on the boards of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Central New Jersey Jewish Home for the Aged and the East Brunswick Jewish Center. She has been active in philanthropy for over 40 years.
The Lion of Judah was created in 1972 in response to societal changes where women were joining the workforce, becoming active in politics and taking on leadership roles. It brought a uniquely female force into the world of charitable giving. Since then, the Lion of Judah has become an international emblem of empowerment and generosity, responsible for raising more than a billion dollars to benefit Jews in need in Israel, in countries worldwide and in local communities.
The Lion of Judah has set an exemplary standard of leadership and giving. The Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award to Wofchuck acknowledges her as a role model in the community and beyond. “Phoebe has set an inspirational standard for leadership and philanthropy,” said Michael “Mickey” Kaufman “She is one of an exclusive group of women to receive this distinguished honor who have made a significant impact in their communities that will leave an enormous imprint for generations to come.”
Reflecting on her award, Wofchuck commented, “I am philanthropic because I want to make a difference somewhere in the world. It feels good to do this work and it is a great honor to be recognized with this award.”