MISSION

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. 

HISTORY

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.  

In every decade since then, NCJW has prioritized the most pressing issues of the moment – from providing for the needs of immigrant women and children in the early 1900s, to more recent struggles combatting sex trafficking and promoting equal pay for women, voting rights, advocating for a fair and independent judiciary, immigrant rights and protecting reproductive health, rights and justice.

Today, after more than a century, we are 90,000 strong, with 64 sections in 28 states. Our powerful voices make progressive change.

OUR SECTION

The Greater New Orleans Section, founded in 1897, has approximately 900 members.

NCJW Greater New Orleans Section is committed to:

 • Advance the well-being and status of women

 • Advance the well-being of children and families

 • Enhance the quality of Jewish life

 • Ensure individual and civil rights

 • Support a secure Israel and the well-being of all its people