About NCJW
Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, & families by safeguarding individual rights & freedoms.
NCJW is Guided and Inspired by:
Kaavod Ha Bri’ot: Respect and Dignity for all Human Beings
Talmud Torah: Education and Awareness
Tzedek Tzedek Tirdof: The Pursuit of Justice
The National Council of Jewish Women is a grassroots organization of volunteers & advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. For 130 years, NCJW has been at the forefront of social change.
- Get involved today – click here to find out how
NCJW members are outspoken champions for progressive policies at the federal, state, & local levels. Our NCJW Chicago North Shore advocates participate in a number of important community service, advocacy, and education programs. We provide opportunities for all members to enjoy the company of like-minded people who are striving to make a difference in our communities, in the U.S. and in Israel. Check out our upcoming events here.
What is the National Council of Jewish Women?
In 1893, Hannah G. Solomon of Chicago was asked to organize the participation of Jewish women in the Chicago World’s Fair. When Hannah and her recruits discovered that participation was not substantive, but would consist of pouring coffee and other hostess duties, they walked out. Hannah then took matters into her own hands, building on the courageous action and volunteer work she had been leading for years. By the end of the World’s Fair, Hannah and the accompanying delegate body of women had founded the National Council of Jewish Women, changing forever the role of Jewish women and the nature of volunteerism.
Today, NCJW remains distinct among organizations — courageous, compassionate, powerful, and, above all, pioneering. Functioning as a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms.
NCJW built its national legacy by stepping forward and speaking out on crucial issues years before others followed its courageous example. Our national organization is headquartered in Washington D.C. It also has an office in Israel where NCJW’s social action agenda in Israel mirrors its interests and efforts in the United States. Through its Jerusalem office, NCJW works with coalition partners to promote women’s rights, tolerance and coexistence, the well being of women, children, and families, and United States support for Israel.
Chicago North Shore affiliate has been instrumental in making a difference in the lives of thousands of people. NCJW helped develop the Meals-on-Wheels program, becoming the first national Jewish organization to join the initiative and serve on its national board. Locally, NCJW worked with the Trinity Episcopal Church in Highland Park to establish Tri-Con Child Care Center when a growing need for subsidized child care developed in the North Shore area. NCJW looks for a “need” in a community. Then our dedicated members find ways to fill that need.
Over the years, NCJW’s collective voice has changed the world for the better – improving the lives of women, children, & families in the US & Israel.
*You do not need to identify as Jewish to be a part of NCJW. We welcome ALL advocates for change.
*We use ‘women’ expansively to include anyone who identifies with this term, which may include cis women, trans women, and gender-nonconforming women. We are also committed to creating space for our gender-queer, male, and non-binary advocates and invite them to join us to participate as their full authentic selves as core partners in this work.