Dear Members and Friends,

As I begin my second year as NCJW GRS President, I’ve been reflecting on the past year – where we were and where we are now. It’s still a time of instability and uncertainty for our country and community, but we’re looking ahead with hope. We’ll be working for fair, safe elections and increasing voter participation for the upcoming midterm elections to help effect positive change. With regard to the future of NCJW GRS, after several years of being unsure, we’ve now made a decision about our path forward. As I write this letter in early August 2026, we’ve begun the work necessary to disaffiliate from NCJW, Inc. (our national organization) and to become an independent 501c3 organization. We’re very excited about what’s to come! Making this transition will allow us to have the autonomy we need to continue the work we’ve always done in the Rochester area and New York State and to build upon it, while still continuing to advocate on national issues. Please be sure to read our emails for updates.

While our name and branding will change, our organization’s legacy and impact will only grow. As always, we’re beginning the year with an Opening Event. This year’s event, Separation of Church and State: The Wall Comes Tumbling Down, features guest speaker Daan Braveman, President Emeritus of Nazareth University. It will take place on October 6th. We’re grateful to Louis S. Wolk JCC of Greater Rochester for partnering with us. Please be sure to register for this evening of meaningful conversation as the Supreme Court begins its session and Midterm Elections draw near. This is a FREE event open to the community. We hope to see many of you there!

As the year moves on, we’ll continue to fight for voting rights and other personal freedoms and will keep working to grow relationships in our community. Expect to see more P.A.D. Parties, another EpiPen Training, an annual Recognition Event, local partnerships, and additional events focused on education, advocacy, and community. Ellie Rosenbloom and Wendy Strauss will stay on as co-chairs of our Community Connections Committee while we welcome Sarah Murphy Abbamonte as the new Public Affairs chair. Many of our events come from our committee work, and we love having member participation. If you’re interested in serving either committee, please get in touch!

Our new membership year began on July 1, 2026. If you haven’t done so already, please renew your membership for the 2026-2027 year.  Even better, invite your friends to join! You don’t have to be Jewish or a woman to be a member!  Dues are $54 ($36 for members under the age of 30). If you’re a Life Member, please consider making a donation as we do not receive payment from National for your Life Membership. Your dues will continue to be valid through June 30, 2027, whether or not our transition to an independent organization is complete by then.  Renew now!

Most importantly, thank you to all of you! The commitment, support, and efforts of all of our members – longstanding and new, frequent and occasional participants – enable us to make a difference. I’m looking forward to what the coming year brings as we keep working for justice, equity, and compassion.

Gratefully,

Dawn Wisset
President, NCJW Greater Rochester Section