In brief
Name: National Council of Jewish Women Bergen County Section
Location: Bergenfield
Serving: Women, children and families in Bergen County and beyond
Key Members of Leadership: Elaine Meyerson, Ina Miller-Silverstein, co-presidents
Origin
National Council of Jewish Women Inc. is the oldest Jewish women’s organization in the U.S. In 1893, Hannah G. Solomon of Chicago was asked to organize the participation of Jewish women at the Chicago World’s Fair. When she discovered that participation only consisted of pouring coffee, she walked out and, by the end of the World’s Fair, had founded the National Council of Jewish Women. In 1923, 14 women in Bergen County formed the Bergen County Section of NCJW to make a difference in our community. Today, with 1,000 members ages 25-106, NCJW BCS continues to be an active part of the fabric of Bergen County.
Mission
NCJW is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms. Our vision is to boldly imagine a world where women, children and families are fully valued and supported and have their voices heard.
Goals
To increase the number of individuals involved with NCJW BCS as members, advocates, volunteers, program participants and donors to continue to strive for social justice by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms and improving the quality of life for women, children and families.
Achievements
We are proud of our impact on the underserved population through programs both large and small, including advocacy to support reproductive freedom, voting rights and donating birthday cakes for children that have endured abuse and are living in residential treatment facilities.
Programs
Powered by the Jewish imperative to ensure dignity for all, our programs advocate for justice, support the community and impact public policy.
- Community Service: Our members volunteer in 18 nonsectarian community service programs, including programs for children and seniors, food and medical insecurity, domestic violence, therapeutic water exercise for people with multiple sclerosis, and support for litigants in the Bergen County Courthouse.
- Advocacy: NCJW BCS speaks out on important issues to federal, state and local officials, and in Israel. Our members participate in marches to advocate for important causes and work with state and local officials to bring about changes in state legislation. Our work currently focuses on reproductive justice and abortion rights, protecting and promoting the vote, human trafficking, domestic violence, racial equity/inclusion and antisemitism.
- Education: Throughout the year, we provide educational programs, panel discussions and speakers.
Benefactors
Significant contributions donated by our longtime members who are committed to our causes. Support for our annual spring luncheon comes from local Realtors, banks and professional businesses. NCJW BCS welcomes support from local community businesses interested in investing in their community.
Fundraising
NCJW BCS raises funds from a variety of sources, including individual contributions, special events, a resale shop, community businesses, membership dues and bequests. Other than recent COVID relief support, we receive no government funding.
Finally
This year, National Council of Jewish Women Bergen County Section is celebrating our 100th anniversary. Retired New Jersey Senate Majority Leader and NCJW life member Loretta Weinberg has been named honorary chair of the centennial celebration. Centennial events kick off Oct. 25.
Conversation Starter
You can get involved at any level by attending educational and social events, joining
a program committee, volunteering in community service programs, donating or shopping
at our resale shop or advocating for important causes with other Section members. For
more information, please visit ncjwbcs.org, follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter,
email office@ncjwbcs.org or call 201-385-4847.
