The Greater Philadelphia Section of the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of volunteers 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. The Greater Philadelphia Section focuses on Advocacy, Promoting Education, Hands On Community Service and Tzedakah. NCJW confronts today’s most urgent social and economic challenges facing women, children and families. Powered by the Jewish imperative to ensure dignity for all, we impact policy, advocate for justice, and support the community. Your voice has never been more essential and our voices together make a meaningful difference in the world.
Our programs are now on Zoom.  Collections for Mitzvah Circle and Dawn’s Place have continued.
Watch our website  for information on when our other, in person, activities resume.
Our Section’s Grants Committee awards small grants, not to exceed $500, to organizations that qualify under IRC 501(c)(3) and assist through their programs and initiatives the needs of women, children and families.
Organizations receiving funding this fiscal year are Mitzvah Circle Foundation, Pegasus Therapeutic Riding Academy Scholarship Program, SOWN and the National Giving Alliance.
The Mitzvah Circle Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides material support to individuals and families dealing with crisis, poverty, homelessness and serious illness. Mitzvah Circle provides resources through three programs: Critical Needs, Diaper Bank and Personal Hygiene Supplies.
Pegasus Therapeutic Riding Academy Scholarship Program provides funds to children and adults with disabilities so that they participate in the Pegasus therapeutic horseback riding program. Pegasus is the only program of its kind in the city of Philadelphia and this experience improves the participants quality of life. Scholarships are awarded on a sliding scale basis according to U.S. poverty guidelines.
SOWN meets many of the needs of low income, grandparent -headed families with children. They provide group meetings with a skilled SOWN facilitator as well as individual counseling, information and referral services and educational workshops on topics including nutrition, health, child literacy and adult digital literacy.
National Giving Alliance improves the quality of life of low-income and homeless children, women and men in the five counties of southeastern Pennsylvania by collecting and distributing new clothes, household linens and toiletries.
 
 
 

Presidium

Aileen Salus

I am honored to work with so many wonderful members of our NCJW Section. We have met the challenges of the past two years and we will go forward with unity and determination to support our community and protect our democracy. 

Marjorie Zukerman

Through the wonders of technology, we have been able to successfully meet with our members and guests and continue to connect while bringing thought-provoking, entertaining, and informative programs to all. I thank our Program/Education committee for their hard work and diligent efforts to make this past year better for all of us

Linda Brosgol

This past year has been a challenge for all of us in our personal lives.  Our NCJW Philadelphia section also had to adapt to monthly Zoom meetings instead of gathering in person. Through it all, our section stepped up to meet the ongoing  challenges facing women, children and families!

Board of Directors

Vice President of Advocacy: Elizabeth Downing

Vice Presidents of Membership: Patti First & Linda Abrams

Vice Presidents of Programs & Education: Rosalie Marcus & Anita Shomer

Vice Presidents of Community Services: Faye Benshetler & Wendy Rader

Vice Presidents of Fund Raising: Linda Brosgol & Aileen Salus

Treasurer: Pearl Tragash

Assistant Treasurer: Margie Zukerman

Financial Secretary: Harriet Winokur

Recording Secretary: Susan Chase

Corresponding Secretary: Bobbie Berman

Board Directors at Large: Sherry Kohn Eisman, Nancy Cox, Diane Plotnick, Kay Skloff & Jackee Swartz

Immediate Past Presidium Officers: Charlene Kurland, Ellen Mirbach & Elizabeth Downing

Honorary Founding Director: Diane Steinbrink

We are pleased to announce our new Community Service Team.

Grants: Lynne Jacobs

Holocaust Essay Contest:  Fredi Cooper

Goodies for the Good Guys 

Bucks County: Ellen Mirbach

Montgomery County: Nancy Cox

Newtown: Michele Utain

Ronald McDonald House: Zelda Stern

Holocaust Education Center: Cindi Pasceri

MLK Day and Mitzvah Circle: Sherry Kohn

Philadelphia Schools Tutors: Harriet Gran

Kids Kloset and School Supplies: Faye Benshetler and Nancy Cox

Book Program: Wendy Rader

Dawn’s Place: Lynne Jacobs

Cultural Kids Program: Diane Steinbrink

Israel Grants: Jackee Swartz