A Faith in the Future. A Belief in Action...
The National Council of Jewish Women (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.
A Big Thank You for Our Best Backpack Drive Yet!
Thanks to the generosity of our amazing members, board directors, and friends, we collected a record-breaking amount of school supplies and backpacks for RCSD students this year. Together, we donated over 175 pounds of pencils, notebooks, crayons, and more. We also provided 30 brand-new backpacks for kids of all ages — from the tiniest learners to college-bound high schoolers.
Events
Keeping up to date
Screening of Heather Booth: Changing the World
Tuesday, August 5th at 7:00 PM
Coming to Rochester This September! We are honored to welcome Heather Booth, renowned organizer, strategist, and activist to speak at the NCJW Greater Rochester Section’s Opening Event! Heather has been described as “The most influential person you have never heard of.”…
Tuesday, September 9th, 7:00 pm
Please join us for our 2025-2026 Opening Event with Heather Booth! Heather Booth is a lifelong activist, civil rights champion, and feminist icon whose work has shaped some of the most pivotal social justice movements of our time ….
Wednesday, September 10th, 8:30 am
“When I asked how to get organized, I was told two words. Heather Booth.” – Senator Elizabeth Warren when she was looking to establish the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and didn’t know where to start
Join us for a very special opportunity to ….
About Us
Get Your Own Coffee!
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, changing forever the role of Jewish women and the nature of volunteerism.
The Greater Rochester Section was founded just one year later in 1894, in keeping with Rochester’s long tradition of feminism and the fight for equal rights. NCJW GRS remains committed to improving the lives of our fellow Rochesterians through advocacy, education, and philanthropy.
Join Us
Turning Progressive Values Into Action
As a member of NCJW Greater Rochester Section you will be connected to a growing network of courageous and compassionate individuals who work together to improve the quality of life for women, children and families every day. We join with 180,000 other advocates nationally to make our voices heard in New York, Washington DC and Israel as we fight for social justice. As an organization, we take action and work together to be a positive force for change.
Advocacy
Our Voices - Our Collective Power
For over 130 years, NCJW GRS has championed issues affecting women, children, and families. NCJW is committed across the board to working in deep partnership and collaboration with other organizations that include local establishments, public schools, local government agencies, human service providers, faith-based institutions, and other non-profits, as well as elected officials holding positions in a multitude of offices.
