National Council of Jewish Women GRS

Learn to Play Mah Jongg
2025-04-06 13:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Spiegel Pittsford Community Center, 35 Lincoln Avenue, Pittsford, New York, 14534, United States
Please join us for this fun member event! Instruction available. If you already know how to play, join us too! All are welcome! There will be drinks, snacks, and prizes. Registration is below. If you are not a member of NCJW GRS, please join us and learn to play! Membership opportunities are available here.

Be Prepared: Allergy Awareness & Epi-Pen Training Workshop
2025-03-16 13:00 - 14:30
Allergies are on the rise—food, environmental, seasonal, and insect allergies affect more people than ever. In fact, studies show that food allergies in children have increased by 50% since the 1990s.

How can we keep those around us safe? Join us for a 90-minute hands-on workshop where you’ll learn about allergy awareness, what causes anaphylaxis, and the do’s and don’ts in an allergy-related emergency. Most importantly, you’ll gain the confidence to recognize an allergic reaction and properly use an Epi-Pen when it matters most.

Join us on Sunday, March 16th at 1 pm at the JCC in Auditorium A!

You never know when you might need to help—be prepared! REGISTER BELOW so we can have enough epi-pen trainers for everyone to practice.

We hope to see you there!

Purim at the JCC
2025-03-09 14:00 - 16:30
Visit the NCJW GRS booth the Purim carnival at the JCC! We will be making a cup of BOBA Advoca-tea as we teach kids how to Be Our Best Advocates like Queen Esther and Vashti!

Lobby and Latkes - A Letter Writing Campaign
2024-12-29 16:00 - 18:00
Please join us to Celebrate and Advocate on December 29th at 4:00 pm at the home of Vancy Boyar.

NCJW GRS P.A.D. Party
2024-11-17 13:00 - 15:00 | Temple B’rith Kodesh, 2131 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY 14618, Rochester, NY, 14618, United States
Help to fight period inequality by providing to those who need it the most! To support people with periods through NCJW’S P.A.D. Project, please bring individually wrapped pads (NOT bladder control) and tampons. Products can be purchased locally or through the NCJW GRS Amazon wish list by clicking here. Please be sure to include your name so we can thank you!

NCJW GRS partners With Lane Dworkin Authors + Innovators Festival: My Involuntary Journeys by Hanna Temkin
2024-11-12 12:00 - 14:00 | Louis S. Wolk JCC of Greater Rochester, 1200 Edgewood Ave, Rochester, NY, 14618, United States
NCJW GRS will community partner with the Lane Dworkin Authors + Innovators Festival for a Brown Bag Lunch and Learn on Tuesday, November 12th at noon. My Involuntary Journeys: A Memoir, by Hanna Temkin, is a story of a life journey through some of the most difficult episodes of the 20th Century. It depicts the author’s escape from Poland to the Soviet Union as the Nazi’s invaded in 1939, her life in the Soviet Union during the Holocaust and WWII, her return to Poland and then having to flee again in 1968 as a result of an antisemitic campaign instigated and fueled by the Polish government. In her book, Hanna shares her story for the first time, shedding light on lesser-known aspects of Jewish life and survival in Eastern Europe before, during, and after the Holocaust. Moreover, Hanna’s story is an inspiring tale of female empowerment and serves as a testament to her ability to overcome the worst odds.

Hanna’s daughter, Helena Temkin-Greener, will read passages from her mother’s book, and there will be time for discussion and a Q&A. Helena was born in Warsaw, Poland and left the country as a teenager in 1968, together with her family, fleeing the antisemitic campaign unleashed by the Polish government after the Six-Day Arab-Israeli war of 1967. Helena has been a Rochester, NY resident since 1977. She is a Professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry.

Visit the Lane Dworkin Authors + Innovators Festival website for more information and to register. Plan to bring your own lunch or stop by Fox’s at the JCC before the talk.

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NCJW GRS Shabbat Dinner
2024-11-08 19:00 - 21:00
Join us for a Shabbat dinner for NCJW GRS members on Friday, November 8th at 7:00 pm! Special Shabbat Menu by Partyman Catering. You’re also invited to join us for services before dinner at 6:00. Space will be limited. PLEASE REGISTER BY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3RD! Location will be shared with registrants prior to event.

NCJW GRS Vote Forward Letter Writing Party
2024-09-24 19:00 - 21:00
Through NCJW’s partnership with Vote Forward, advocates have written over 7,500 letters to historically underrepresented groups so far. Be part of it! Join us on Tuesday, September 24th at 7 pm to help write even more letters! Registration Required. Location will be sent by email before event.

Please consider bringing a book of stamps to donate or consider donating $18 to cover the cost of materials and postage to mail approximately 20 letters!

NCJW GRS Opening Event Perceptions & Polarizations: How Social Media Shapes Our Worldview
2024-09-17 19:00 - 21:00
What you click on leads to differences between what you and others see and learn on social media, changing your perception of the world. Hear from a panel of experts:

Miranda Stefano, Program Librarian, RCSD

Michael Dobkowski, Chair, Holocaust Studies and Professor, Religious Studies, Hobart and William Smith Colleges

and More!

Please see our Amazon Wish List to purchase items for the P.A.D. Project. Bring donations with you, and take a selfie with your donations to share on social media!

Location will be sent before the event. There will be plenty of free, accessible parking. If you require interpretative services, please let us know.

Allies For Equality - Men Supporting ERA and Reproductive Access
2024-08-15 18:00 - 20:00
Learn about the ERA initiative on the ballot in November! This is a great opportunity to have some food, fun, beer, and join like-minded individuals to learn what you can do to support ERA and reproductive access! This is a free event and includes beer and food! One drink ticket per person will be provided. Program begins at 6:30. Location will be shared by email prior to event. Advanced registration is required, and you must be over 21 to attend.

NCJW GRS Vote Forward Letter Writing Party August 13th
2024-08-13 19:00 - 20:30
Why is voting important to you? If you can answer this question, please come to a NCJW GRS letter writing party! Vote Forward is an easy but impactful way to get voters to the polls! You will be writing letters to potential voters encouraging them to vote. Help raise voter turnout! Bring a book of stamps to donate or consider donating $18 here to cover the cost of materials and postage to mail approximately 20 letters! Join us Tuesday, August 13th at 7 pm at the home of Barb Orenstein.

NCJW GRS Vote Forward Letter Writing Party July 24th
2024-07-24 19:00 - 20:30
Why is voting important to you? If you can answer this question, please come to a NCJW GRS letter writing party! Vote Forward is an easy but impactful way to get voters to the polls! You will be writing letters to potential voters encouraging them to vote. Help raise voter turnout! Bring a book of stamps to donate or consider donating $18 here to cover the cost of materials and postage to mail approximately 20 letters! Join us Wednesday, July 24th at 7 pm at the home of Arlene Schenker.

Town Hall Meeting
2024-07-10 19:00 - 21:00
Have you heard about some new changes within NCJW? Join us to learn more! We would like to hear from current and past leaders and members to discuss and share information about the future of NCJW GRS. This is a meeting you don’t want to miss! Join us!

NCJW GRS Vote Forward Letter Writing Party June 20th
2024-06-20 19:00 - 20:30
Why is voting important to you? If you can answer this question, please come to a NCJW GRS letter writing party! Vote Forward is an easy but impactful way to get voters to the polls! You will be writing letters to potential voters encouraging them to vote. Help raise voter turnout! Bring a book of stamps to donate or consider donating $18 here to cover the cost of materials and postage to mail approximately 20 letters! Join us Thursday, June 20th at 7 pm at the home of Rikki Brodsky.

NCJW GRS Vote Forward Letter Writing Party May 29th
2024-05-29 19:00 - 20:30
Why is voting important to you? If you can answer this question, please come to a NCJW GRS letter writing party! Vote Forward is an easy but impactful way to get voters to the polls! You will be writing letters to potential voters encouraging them to vote. Help raise voter turnout! Bring a book of stamps to donate or consider donating $18 here to cover the cost of materials and postage to mail approximately 20 letters! Join us Wednesday, May 29th at 7 pm at the home of Vancy Boyar.

NCJW GRS Town Hall Meeting
2024-05-16 19:00 - 21:00
We would like to hear from current and past leaders and members to discuss and share information about the future of NCJW GRS. This is a meeting you don’t want to miss! Join us! Learn about the changes happening with NCJW Greater Rochester Section and help shape future of our community! For more information, please contact us at info@ncjwgrs.org.

NCJW GRS 2024 Recognition Event
2024-05-05 11:00 - 14:00 | Irondequoit Country Club, 4045 East Avenue, Rochester, New York, 14618, United States
Please join us at Irondequoit Country Club on Sunday, May 5th for our 2024 Recognition Event honoring Hannah G. Solomon Award Recipient Karen Morris and NCJW GRS Woman of the Year Amy Stein. Doors open at 10:30. Brunch Event starts at 11:00. In honor of this year’s Hannah G. Solomon recipient, please consider bringing a non-perishable food item to support the MCC DWIGHT food pantry (https://www.monroecc.edu/depts/stucenter/dwight/). In honor of this year’s Woman of Year recipient, please consider bringing a book to donate to the Rochester Education Foundation from the wish list at https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2F6321JV5FYWQ?ref_=wl_share

I am unable to attend, but here is my tax-deductible contribution

NEW THIS YEAR! NCJW GRS HANNAH G. SOLOMON VIRTUAL AD BOOK

You have the opportunity to send a congratulatory message to either (or both!) of our honorees. This ad book will be displayed electronically at the event as well as on our web site after the event. To place an ad, please complete this form.

Sisters In LAW - An Evening At the Theater
2024-04-18 18:00 | Louis S. Wolk JCC of Greater Rochester, 1200 Edgewood Ave, Rochester, NY, 14618, United States
GET YOUR TICKETS NOW FOR APRIL 18, 2024! Join NCJW GRS for a pre-show meet and greet with the Artistic Director in the Lipson Lounge at 6pm! Show begins at 7pm.

Sisters in LAW, is a new play by Jonathan Shapiro, based on the book by Linda Hirshman exploring the relationship between Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sandra Day O’Connor. It will be on stage April 6-21, 2024 at the JCC CenterStage Theatre. While Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sandra Day O’Connor had a lot in common as the first two women on the US Supreme Court, their methodologies and political leanings couldn’t have been more varied. This new play by Emmy and Peabody award-winner Jonathan Shapiro, based on the award-winning 2015 book, brings to life a friendship of two iconic figures that transcended political party, religion, region, and culture.

Use this link to automatically receive $5 off April 18th showing only!

Tour of Susan B. Anthony House
2024-04-14 11:00 - 13:00 | Susan B. Anthony House, 17 Madison Street, Rochester, New York, 14608, United States
Join us for a tour of the Susan B. Anthony House on Sunday, April 14th at 11 am, and “Exercise Your Writes” by joining in a letter writing campaign within the historic neighborhood of Susan B. Anthony. Space is limited, so please register now! The first floor of the museum is accessible for those who have difficulty climbing stairs.

Learn About The NCJW,GRS P.A.D. Project
2024-02-25 10:00 - 12:00
Please join NCJW Greater Rochester Section on Sunday, February 25th from 10am – Noon at TBK as we learn about the NCJW GRS P.A.D. Project (Providing Access and Dignity)!

The P.A.D. Project (Providing Access and Dignity) helps women’s groups collect, assemble, and donate feminine hygiene products to local shelters, food pantries and agencies that assist low income and homeless individuals who menstruate. Synagogues, churches, book clubs, and groups of friends enjoy adding this service project to their annual activities.

Be a part of the P.A.D. Project program by learning about what goes into hosting a P.A.D. party, make up period kits for distribution, and socialize with members of NCJW GRS! Please bring a donation of individually wrapped pads, tampons, and/or panty liners with you to this fun and educational event. Don’t forget to RSVP below!

Repro Shabbat
2024-02-09 00:00 - 2024-02-10 23:59
Repro Shabbat is an annual Shabbat celebration that honors the Jewish value of reproductive freedom. It takes place annually on Parshat Mishpatim, the reading of which contains the verses commonly referenced as the foundation of Judaism’s approach to reproductive health, rights, and justice. Individuals and communities across the world gather to celebrate Repro Shabbat and the Jewish traditions it honors. Participation can take many forms.

Jewish values compel us to support full access to safe and legal abortions. NCJW is collaborating nationally with many organizations to bring Repro Shabbat to communities across the country during the weekend of February 9-10, 2024.

Repro Shabbat is a time for communities and individuals to connect, educate, and activate towards a more whole future for everyone.

REPRO SHABBAT IN YOUR COMMUNITY

The following have already committed to participate and we are seeking more participating organizations:

Temple Sinai will be hosting a Repro Shabbat Friday evening service at 6 pm on Friday, February 9. It will feature remarks by a guest speaker working in the Reproductive Rights field, songs and readings, and a special Oneg to follow the service. All are welcome, and please contact Leslie Newman lesliefnewman@gmail.com for more information.

Temple Beth El’s 20-30s group will be hosting a Havdalah Service on February 10. Please contact Becca Zaretsky communications@tberochester.org for more information.

Temple Etz Chaim – look for more information about their participation in future communication.

Temple Emanuel will hold their Repro Shabbat service on Friday, February 9 at 7:00 p.m. at the JCC, 1200 Edgewood Avenue.

Temple Brith Kodesh is unable to participate this year, however they are fully supportive of this effort. Rabbis Stein and Tulik are encouraging their congregants to participate in a way that is meaningful to them.

Repro Shabbat At Home is a great option for anyone interested in participating but does not want to, or is unable to, attend a service at a synagogue. If you choose to participate this way you will have access to many resources, including a study guide, a conversation guide, a Shabbat Spotify playlist, recipes, and more – to help you plan an at-home Shabbat event. Click here for more information on how to sign up:https://www.jewsforabortionaccess.org/actions/repro-shabbat-2024-at-home

Election Day 2023
2023-11-07 06:00 - 21:00
Election Day is November 7th! Please be prepared by registering to vote, applying for absentee ballots, being aware of early voting opportunities, and knowing your polling place. The Jewish Community Relations Council’s Voting Guide can help! Please note that some macOS users may not be able to use the links. If the links aren’t working, you can go directly to Monroe County Board of Elections’ website for the information.

Opening Event - Menopause In One Day
2023-10-26 19:00 - 21:00 | Temple Beth El, 139 Winton Road, Rochester, New York, 14610, United States
Menopause In One Day: De-mystifying a major phase of life. Open to all who will go through, are going through, or have gone through this life cycle event and to those that support them. Explore ways to find support and change the conversation with Dr. Miranda Harris-Glocker, MD of Women Gynecology and Childbirth Associates. A sweet and salty snacks and cocktail reception will be included. Tickets cost $15 per person. Donations to P.A.D. (Providing Access and Dignity to women) will be accepted at this event. Bring individually wrapped pads, panty liners, and tampons since you won’t be needing them anymore! These items will be donated to those in need.

What exactly is Menopause? Technically, menopause is only ONE DAY in a woman’s life, which is exactly when she has not had a period for 12 months. Join us as we learn about what happens before and after this one day at our Opening Event: Menopause in One Day, October 26th at 7pm at Temple Beth El.

The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists reports that an estimated 6,000 U.S. women reach menopause every day and menopause symptoms can start as early as 35 years of age and last for many years. Even though half of the population has, will, or are going through this stage of life, there is little information shared and treatment options are limited. It’s time that we remove the stigma about menopause and aging and openly discuss the healthcare disparities for women. We hope that you will join us for a fun, fact filled evening as we learn more about this life cycle event. Supportive partners and curious community members are welcome!

Taylor Swift Laser Light Show
2023-09-28 19:00 | Strasenburgh Planetarium, 657 East Avenue, Rochester, New York, 14607, United States
Look What You Made Me Do! Please join NCJW GRS for an exciting member event – a laser light show featuring the music of Taylor Swift! Bring your friends, family, kids, grandkids, and neighbors to the Strasenburgh Planetarium on Thursday, September 28 at 7pm to enjoy this fun filled evening. Pre-registration is required. Tickets are $12. Register now at ncjwgrs.org…Ready for It?

Show starts promptly at 7pm. There is no late seating, so please be on time. No food or beverages are allowed. Please be aware that some individuals may be sensitive to flashing lights used in the show.

Rochester Jewish Film Festival Screening of Cinema Sabaya
2023-08-06 13:00
Join Community Partner NCJW, GRS at Rochester Jewish Film Festival’s screening of Cinema Sabaya. At a workshop, a group of Arab and Jewish women learn to document their lives on video. As the women share their raw footage, they are forced to challenge preconceived beliefs.Writer-director Orit Fouks Rotem’s dramatic narrative feels utterly real because it is based closely on her own teaching experiences and features a mix of seasoned and non-professional actors. A heartfelt portrait of art’s power to unite disparate communities, Cinema Sabaya won five Ophirs (Israeli Academy Awards) including Best Picture, Director, and Supporting Actress, and was Israel’s entry in the 95th Academy Awards.

Purchase tickets here.

NCJW, GRS Installation
2023-06-14 19:00 - 21:00 | Temple B’rith Kodesh, 2131 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY 14618, Rochester, NY, 14618, United States
Join us for the Installation of President Ellie Rosenbloom & Incoming Board of Directors. Celebrate with light munchies & desserts. Cost is $18 per person. Please register no later than June 5th. If you have difficulty registering online, please send an email to ncjwgrs@gmail.com to register.

To make a donation in honor of our outgoing president, Lisa Waltzer, and our incoming president, Ellie Rosenbloom, click here.

Hannah G. Solomon Recognition Event
2023-05-07 11:00 | Irondequoit Country Club, 4045 East Avenue, Rochester, New York, 14618, United States
Please join us at our 2023 Recognition Event to honor Hannah G. Solomon Recipient, Deacon Georgia Carney, Episcopal Deacon and Founder of SewGreen@Rochester, and NCJW, GRS Woman of the Year, Linda Bice.

The event will take place on Sunday, May 7, 2023 at Irondequoit Country Club, 4045 East Avenue. Doors open at 10:30 am and Brunch Event starts at 11:00 am. In honor of this year’s Hannah G. Solomon recipient, please consider bringing anything related to sewing, needlework, knitting or crocheting (examples include gently used or previously owned fabric, yarn, notions, books, etc.) to donate to SewGreen@Rochester. For a more complete and detailed list, please go to SewGreen’s website.

Tickets are $54. Additionally, there are sponsorship opportunities at the levels listed below. Please contact Cindy Finestone at cindyannf27@yahoo.com for more information.

Sponsorship Levels:

$118 Patron

$180 Chai Circle

$360 Advocate

$500 Bronze Sponsor

$1000 Silver Sponsor

$1800 Gold Sponsor

The Woman of the Year Award is presented to a member of NCJW, GRS who has shown leadership and a commitment to our section’s programming and advocacy.

The Hannah G. Solomon Award is presented by NCJW to an individual in the community who has changed the lives of others through their leadership efforts and service.

Please RSVP by April 30, 2023

2023 Hannah G. Solomon and Woman of the Year Recognition Event
2023-05-07 11:00 | Irondequoit Country Club, 4045 East Avenue, Rochester, New York, 14618, United States

Screening of The Janes
2023-03-21 18:30 - 21:00 | Louis S. Wolk JCC of Greater Rochester, 1200 Edgewood Ave, Rochester, NY, 14618, United States
Free screening of The Janes documentary (an HBO Max Film), a timely look at a group of women who built an underground network for women seeking safe, affordable, illegal abortions in 1970’s Chicago. Q&A afterwards with some of the original Janes! Registration is required. At the JCC of Rochester Hart Theater. Doors open at 6:00.

REGISTER HERE

P.A.D. Party
2023-01-24 18:30 - 20:00 | Temple B’rith Kodesh, 2131 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY 14618, Rochester, NY, 14618, United States
Join us as we gather to Provide Access and Dignity for women in our community. Donations of pads & tampons are needed and can be purchased on your own or on our Amazon Wish List.
