About NCJW/Essex
NCJW/Essex 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.
Founded in 1912, the Essex County Section is one of the largest in the country, populated with members who advocate and give of their time, talents and treasure to create a world that demands and supports social and economic justice for all. Our offices are located in Livingston, New Jersey.
NCJW/Essex is part of a national network of affiliates across the country that make up NCJW. Collectively, there are nearly 90,000 members, supporters, and advocates. Our national headquarters, NCJW Inc., is located in Washington, D.C.
What We Do At NCJW/Essex
Connect. Volunteer. Advocate.
Our mission and our Jewish values provide a strong foundation for all that we do as NCJW/Essex. We are an engaged and passionate group that always gets things done in the community, on issues and for each other.
Several signature programs serve as the tentpoles for our organization: the Back 2 School Store which empowers thousands of Essex County children to achieve their academic potential; the Linda and Rudy Slucker NCJW/Essex Center for Women which provides counseling and other support for women entering or re-entering the workforce; and our advocacy programs that focus on issues like reproductive rights, gun violence prevention and others critical to the health and safety of women, children and families.
We offer many ways to be involved and make an impact ranging from hands-on volunteer opportunities that directly support local agencies and organizations to digging deep into issues and chairing an event or program to exercising your leadership skills through service on our Section Board, and much more.
Above all, NCJW/Essex is a place where you can expand your circle of friends and develop lifelong, meaningful relationships. NCJW/Essex has a proud history, an active present and an exciting future.
The Origins and History of NCJW
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, more than 120 years later, NCJW remains distinct among organizations — courageous, compassionate, powerful, and, above all, pioneering.