125th Anniversary Commemorative Booklet

CELEBRATING

125 Years of

OUR MISSION National Council of Jewish Women New York (NCJW NY) is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW NY strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms. NCJW NY directly impacts the lives of 35,000 New Yorkers annually, with the help of nearly 400 volunteers. NCJW NY serves New Yorkers from all walks of life, from all racial and religious backgrounds, and all services are non-sectarian.

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FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND PRESIDENT Dear Friends, NCJW NY was formed in 1894 by smart, dynamic women who had few other outlets for their energies.

Times have certainly changed over the last 125 years. But the spirit of NCJW NY, and the need for our work, has not.

At its very core, NCJW NY is about developing women’s leadership through meaningful opportunities for hands-on community service and grassroots advocacy. Our volunteer leaders have shaped this organization, taking it upon themselves to address the challenges facing American society. When the federal government made drastic cutbacks to essential nutrition programs, they opened a Food Pantry and Community Kitchen. When they noticed seniors sitting alone on park benches with nothing to do, they created the Council Senior Center. When the bereaved had no one to turn to, they formed support groups.

All of these initiatives, and more, were driven by compassionate and courageous women who saw it as their responsibility to fulfill the Jewish imperative of pursuing justice. This still rings true today—our corps of nearly 400 volunteers continue to drive the work we do and the impact we create.

NCJW NY now employs a small staff of experienced professionals, but it is the partnership between staff and volunteers that is critical to our success. Our volunteers do much more than lick envelopes or pack food pantry bags. Rather, our volunteers are leaders, partnering with professional staff in the design, strategy, and delivery of our work. Mobilizing the skills, ideas, energy and compassion of our volunteers, we have been able to make an outsized and lasting impact on individuals and on our community. In the following pages you will see how much NCJW NY has accomplished in the last 125 years, and what we are doing today to continue our legacy of making change happen.

With appreciation,

Andrea Salwen Kopel Executive Director

Susan Siegel Board President

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ESTABLISHMENT OF NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN NEW YORK In the 1890’s, a group of progressive Jewish women in New York became increasingly concerned about the well-being of the most vulnerable populations in the city: immigrants arriving without the tools and skills they needed to succeed in their new home; families living in squalid tenements; and children without decent health care or education.

In 1893, Hannah G. Solomon was asked to organize the participation of Jewish women in the upcoming Chicago World’s Fair. When Hannah and her recruits discovered they were expected only to perform hostess duties serving the men, they walked out. It was decidedly clear to them that they needed their own organization—where they could serve as leaders, and put their energy and passion to use.

These women carved out a space for themselves to address society’s greatest challenges by forming the National Council of Jewish Women. The goal of this new organization was to empower women to put their progressive Jewish values into action.

“We must add our voices to those who cry out that there is a standard below which we will not allow human beings to live, and that that standard is not at the freezing nor starving point....In a democracy all are responsible.”

Hannah Greenbaum Solomon Founder of NCJW

In the spring of 1894, Minnie D. Louis issued an invitation to a group of the city’s most well-known Jewish women to form the New York Section of NCJW. These women attended their first meeting at Temple Emanu-El, where Rebekah Kohut was elected the New York Section’s first president.

Even after 125 years, the women of NCJW NY remain committed to social change, continually seeking out opportunities to serve others and make the world a better place.

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- Hannah G. Solomon

Volunteer Leader Spotlight:

SUSAN SIEGEL After leaving the workforce, Susan Siegel was searching for something to give meaning to the next phase of her life. A friend suggested she volunteer for NCJW NY’s Hunger Program, and Susan thought it would be a great place to spend one afternoon a week giving back to the community.

“As I learned more about the organization, the more I wanted to get involved.” Within three years, Susan joined the Board, and currently serves as the President of the Board. “While the Hunger Program is where I devote most of my time, I love that we are not focused on a single issue. We have many programs that address different problems in society, and that is what makes us so special.”

For Susan, it’s not just about helping those in need. “Since joining NCJW NY, I have a greater sense of pride in my womanhood. I have found a real sense of community working with my Jewish sisters. I am proud to continue the legacy of the Jewish women who came before us.”

“We have many programs that address different problems in society, and that is what makes us so special.”

WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP TODAY Needless to say, the role of women in society has changed immensely since the establishment of NCJW NY in 1894.

But despite the progress made, so many women still suffer inequality, and in many sectors of society, women are still fighting for a seat at the table.

We envision a world where women’s leadership is valued and recognized as essential to making a meaningful difference in the world. At NCJW NY we invest in our volunteer leaders by providing the tools and support needed to put their leadership skills into action.

We no longer sit on the sidelines. Rather, the women of NCJW NY are on the frontlines of social justice initiatives, driving change and improving the lives of thousands of New Yorkers. Empowering women has been a core value of NCJW NY since its founding in 1894—one that remains central to who we are today.

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WOMEN MAKING CHANGE HAPPEN – THEN At the turn of the 20th century, waves of new immigrants began to arrive at Ellis Island. The women of NCJW NY felt a responsibility to help these newcomers navigate their new country, so they established the Service to the Foreign Born.

At President Grover Cleveland’s request, volunteers organized to meet incoming ships at Ellis Island, offering aid to bewildered girls, protecting them from exploitation and unscrupulous employers. Volunteers worked to reunite families, and helped the new immigrants get acquainted with the American way of life. They opened recreation rooms and settlement houses with English classes, religious instruction, job training, and social opportunities.

PROGRESSIVE ADVOCACY THROUGHOUT THE YEARS Over the years, NCJW NY volunteers put their Jewish values into action by tackling the problems facing American society. In addition to providing direct services, volunteers of NCJW NY also pushed for legislative action that would bolster their efforts to create a more just society.

1894 – 1904: In the early years, NCJW NY’s volunteers poured their energy into helping Jewish

immigrants who were left vulnerable on the docks of Ellis Island. Also during this time, they advocated for legislation that supported improving child labor laws, constructing low-income housing, and funding for public health programs.

1910 – 1929: During the Progressive Era, NCJW NY fought for a national minimum wage and mother’s pensions; supported the efforts of the women’s suffrage movement; and pursued liberalized immigration policies.

1930 – 1945: All public services suffered a blow during the Great Depression; there were fewer

resources, and more and more individuals needing support. NCJW NY fought to create and expand the city’s social safety net for those hardest hit, as embodied by Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal legislation.

Policies included the Social Security Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, and the creation of a new program called the Publics Works Administration, which put the unemployed to work building bridges, hospitals, and schools.

1945 – 1959: In the Post-War era, NCJW NY sought to protect civil liberties and advance civil rights, advocating for anti-lynching legislation and anti-discrimination laws. In order to achieve their goals, they forged relationships with Members of Congress, and even met with President Harry Truman.

1960 – 1980: NCJW NY continued to fight for civil rights, participating in the historic March on

Washington in 1963. NCJW NY fully embraced the women’s rights movement, taking to the streets and visiting Capitol Hill to voice their support of the Equal Rights Amendment, pro-choice legislation and other policies like paid family and medical leave.

1990 - 2000: At the end of the 20th century, NCJW NY worked on the forefront of emerging issues,

including the AIDS crisis, sweatshop labor conditions, and violence against women. They fiercely advocated for the Violence Against Women Act and increased Title X funding.

2000 and beyond: Today, NCJW NY continues to pursue justice by advocating for issues like greater access to nutrition assistance, immigration and refugee rights, and combatting sex trafficking, as well as continuing the fight for reproductive rights and justice.

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WOMEN MAKING CHANGE HAPPEN – NOW NCJW NY has always been a leading voice in the fight for justice and equity in our city. Today, NCJW NY’s advocacy efforts are led by the Advocacy Leadership Committee (ALC), a multi-generational group of women committed to effecting social change. Supported by professional policy staff, the leaders of the ALC work to educate the public on vital issues and influence legislators to implement progressive policies.

PRO-TRUTH NCJW NY is committed to reproductive rights and more broadly, a vision of reproductive justice – the concept that true physical, mental, spiritual, political, economic, and social well-being of women and girls can only be achieved when all of us have the knowledge and resources necessary to make healthy decisions about our bodies for ourselves and our families. As part of the fight for reproductive rights and justice, we launched the Pro-Truth Campaign in June 2018. Led

by NCJW NY, Pro-Truth is a coalition of reproductive rights advocates, policy makers, and service providers, united to fight so-called “crisis pregnancy centers.” These fake abortion clinics use lies, manipulation, and shame to prevent pregnant people from accessing abortion. The Pro-Truth campaign seeks to inform vulnerable populations about their rights as patients, mobilize advocates to take action, and increase pressure on elected officials to act on this issue.

Volunteer Leader Spotlight:

SHARI TEITELBAUM Shari Teitelbaum is a member of the ALC and the Chair of the Reproductive Rights and Justice Initiative. “Being involved with NCJW NY makes me feel that I am doing something really important for our country. Right now, reproductive rights are under attack. I had never been much of a joiner, but I think it’s more important than ever for people to get involved.”

While Shari has worked in the business world her entire career, she had never put her skills to use for social good before getting involved with NCJW NY and the Pro-Truth Campaign.

“I feel that I have really broadened my horizons. It feels good to use my public speaking and team building skills to help others. In the business world, I’ve spent a lot of time working with men. This has been a great opportunity to work with smart women. Everyone brings their passion for the issues to the table. It’s been a really great experience.”

“...I think it’s more important than ever for people to get involved.”

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FEEDING THE HUNGRY

In response to drastic cutbacks in federal nutrition programs, NCJW NY launched the Hunger Program in 1983 with the establishment of the Wednesday Community Kitchen, where volunteers served hot meals to hungry New Yorkers. In 1984, the program expanded to include a weekly Food Pantry, offering a three-day emergency supply of food staples to those in need.

With the addition of resource and referral services, the Hunger Program has transformed into a robust program meeting a variety of needs of New York City’s most vulnerable populations. Today, the Hunger Program serves over 30,000 New Yorkers – including 5,000 children – providing nearly 200,000 meals each year.

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“...it’s not for ourselves, but for people in need.”

Volunteer Leader Spotlight:

JUDY MOSES Judy Moses has been a Food Pantry volunteer since 2005.

“I really enjoy working in the Food Pantry. No one should go hungry—it is really important to feed families and children.”

Judy is always willing to roll up her sleeves to get things done. “I help where I’m needed.

Sometimes I’ll check people in, I’ll enter the data into the system, or I’ll help distribute the food. I’ve been doing this a long time, so I can help wherever and whenever.”

What keeps Judy coming back each week? “I look forward to seeing the other volunteers. It’s a great community to be a part of. I love NCJW NY because of all the services we provide—it’s not for ourselves, but for people in need.”

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MEETING THE NEEDS OF THE ELDERLY

In 1946, NCJW NY volunteers opened the Council Club for Older People, the first senior center in Manhattan to offer full-day programming. Now known as Council Lifetime Learning (CLL), this unique program fulfills a crucial need for seniors in New York City. CLL combats social isolation and engages older adults in activities that feed their minds and their souls. The program offers a plethora of opportunities for older adults seeking to learn new skills and build community. From art and exercise classes to discussion groups, and free discounted tickets to the city’s arts and cultural events, CLL keeps our participants growing and learning, helping them to defy society’s stereotypes about aging and its effects on mind and body.

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“I’ve discovered how much I enjoy teaching. It’s very rewarding to see the progress of my students.”

Volunteer Leader Spotlight:

AL BUKSZPAN Al Bukszpan can frequently be found in Council House’s art studio, painting and drawing to his heart’s delight. Al first came to Council Lifetime Learning as an art student in the painting and figure drawing classes back in 2014, and since then he has become our beloved watercolors teacher.

“I’ve always had an affinity for colors—sketching and drawing.

When I started as a student, I liked being able to come here to practice my art.” Now in his fourth year as a volunteer teacher, Al finds this work to be deeply gratifying. “I love teaching beginners. When they start, they say ‘I can’t even draw a straight line!’ After spending time in the class, and putting in their own effort, they can do really incredible things. I’ve discovered how much I enjoy teaching. It’s very rewarding to see the progress of my students.”

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PREPARING CHILDREN FOR BRIGHTER FUTURES The well-being of children has always been a priority for NCJW NY. Throughout the early 20th century, NCJW NY provided essential services for young children including summer camps, day care, and pre-kindergarten programs.

CHILDREN’S LITERACY PROGRAM In 1967, NCJW NY launched the Children’s Literacy Program to broaden educational opportunities for children in low-income communities. Since then, the Program has evolved from traveling library carts to one-on-one reading support. Today, our Reading Tutors program seeks to engage children in a lifelong love of books and reading. In partnership with four after-school sites in Manhattan, volunteers provide weekly one-on-one reading sessions for nearly 80 children in grades Kindergarten through 5th.

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BACK 2 SCHOOL STORE Now one of our signature programs, NCJW NY launched the Back 2 School Store in 2015. One day every summer, we transform Council House into a very special pop-up department store, hosting low-income children from all areas of New York City to “shop” for brand new clothes, including tops, bottoms, shoes, socks and underwear, as well as a new backpack, a winter coat, school supplies and a reference book, all entirely free of charge. Each child is paired with a volunteer “personal shopper” to guide them through the store and help them choose each item based on their own tastes and style. The empowering experience of choice is a luxury many of these children don’t usually have, and it is a key element of the program. Each year, we engage 150 volunteers and serve between 165 and 175 children.

“They were all so clearly excited, and were enjoying the act of shopping for themselves. It was thrilling to help them, to offer choices, and watch them as they made their decisions.”

-Back 2 School Store Personal Shopper

Volunteer Leader Spotlight:

GAIL HESSOL Gail Hessol is part of NCJW NY’s multi-generational legacy. Her mother, her aunt, and her best friend’s mother were all members. “I knew about the organization because of my family history with NCJW. More recently, I was looking for some way to give back—something close to home. After all, I live down the street from Council House!”

“Volunteering with NCJW NY has been a really rewarding experience...what can be better than making a child smile?”

After Gail retired, she was exploring different opportunities for hands-on service. “I saw that NCJW NY had a literacy tutoring program—and I thought ‘Oh gee, I’d love to do this!’ I was already a reading tutor with a different organization, but NCJW NY seemed more like a fit.”

Gail, now a member of NCJW NY’s Board of Directors, remains very involved with our Children’s Programs, including the Reading Tutors Program and the annual Back 2 School Store.

“Volunteering with NCJW NY has been a really rewarding experience. Whether I’m tutoring or serving as a personal shopper, what can be better than making a child smile?”

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ELEANOR LEFF JEWISH WOMEN’S RESOURCE CENTER The Eleanor Leff Jewish Women’s Resource Center (JWRC) began in 1977, when a small group of Jewish feminists decided to put aside stereotypes and explore and celebrate the full range of Jewish women’s experiences – religious and secular, private and public. The JWRC became part of NCJW NY in 1982. On November 15, 2000, the JWRC was rededicated and named in honor of volunteer and benefactor Eleanor Leff.

Today,The Eleanor Leff Jewish Women’s Resource Center produces conferences, film festivals, book clubs, lectures and other cultural and educational events throughout the year.

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PREGNANCY LOSS SUPPORT PROGRAM

In 1982, Nina Beth Cardin, Director of the newly-established Jewish Women’s Resource Center, approached NCJW NY leaders about creating a program to address the grief of pregnancy loss. She herself had had two pregnancy losses and found nowhere to turn for support and understanding. Her insights led to the founding of the Pregnancy Loss Peer Support Group. Now known as the Pregnancy Loss Support Program (PLSP), this innovative program utilizes professionally-trained volunteers to provide telephone counseling and in-person support groups for parents who have experienced miscarriage, stillbirth, or newborn death. All of our volunteers have been through the program themselves, so they can speak from personal experience to grieving parents, and at the same time continue their own healing process through service to others.

Serving more than 100 families per year, PLSP has flourished into a unique and vital program that has made a lasting impact on the lives of thousands of individuals.

“The experience has been positive for me. It reminds me of how my child’s death, the low point in my life, has transformed my life and my perspective on how to live life and deal with its ups and downs. It also reminds me that as a society, we need to take care of each other and help each other out when called upon to do so.”

-Father, phone counselor and support group leader

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HOW WE MAKE IT HAPPEN Creating change requires resources. Of course feeding the hungry requires food, but building community requires only the presence of engaged individuals. NCJW NY leverages the time, talent, and energy of volunteers to remain a remarkably cost-effective organization that delivers direct services, builds community, and creates social change.

1) Council House: A Hub for Community Action and Engagement

NCJW NY operates out of Council House, our multi-service community center in the heart of Manhattan’s Upper West Side. NCJW NY owns the building, a huge asset that allows us to offer a broad array of programs. In 2011, NCJW NY merged its administrative office onto one floor of Council House. Having administration and services under one roof makes all aspects of the organization more effective and efficient. Keeping our building safe, clean, comfortable, accessible and welcoming is a major priority.

2) Our Volunteers

NCJW NY is committed to meaningful volunteer engagement and leadership. NCJW NY’s professional staff is supplemented by nearly 400 volunteers. Our dedicated volunteers devote their time and energy to bring the organization to life, serving as leaders and partners in design and delivery of our services.

We invest in our volunteers by providing opportunities to take on leadership roles that enhance their skills, and giving them the tools and support they need to create a lasting impact on our community.

The breadth of our programming and various ways we offer volunteers to engage with each other and the populations we serve make NCJW NY a welcoming place for all New Yorkers.

3) Our Staff

In order to be successful, NCJW NY’s lean staff must be a cohesive, multi-talented team of non-profit professionals. Recruiting, training, and retaining qualified and committed professionals to guide, support, and partner with our hundreds of volunteers is essential. Our staff ensures that our programs run smoothly, effectively, and achieve our mission. The program staff facilitates and oversees the implementation and evaluation of all our programs, whereas the building staff ensures that our building is safe, clean, and properly set-up for programs and events. The administrative staff makes sure we are in compliance with all legal and financial regulations, and the development staff helps secure the resources needed to fund our work.

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LOOKING TO THE FUTURE While we know our founders would be proud of all that NCJW NY has accomplished over the last 125 years, we can’t help but wonder: Would they be dismayed to see how broad and how deep the needs of the city still are? Would they be daunted by the new challenges we face today?

As the pages of this booklet demonstrate, NCJW NY has continually adapted to emerging, changing, and growing needs in our city. We cannot predict what the needs of the future will be, but we can work strategically to ensure that we are poised to recognize them and meet them. Towards this end, we must: Engage the next generation of volunteers, participants and supporters.

We seek to grow and diversify NCJW NY’s community of stakeholders.

Continue to invest in our volunteers as leaders within our organization.

We need their ideas and their energy to achieve our goals.

Find new revenue streams to support our programming.

NCJW NY is no longer supported by a small, elite group of benefactors. We must continue to grow our support from individual New Yorkers as well as foundations and corporations.

Move from charity work to social justice work.

Charity provides goods and services to meet immediate needs, and can have only a short-term impact. Social justice work is transformative, imparting tools and skills that can change the trajectory of someone’s life in some meaningful – even if small – way.

We hope to continue to grow NCJW NY into an even more powerful force for positive change, with a vision of creating a city in which all women, children, and families have equal rights, equal protection, and equal opportunity.

Join us.

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241 West 72nd Street New York, NY 10023 212-687-5030 | www.ncjwny.org | info@ncjwny.org

Compassionate. Courageous. Powerful.