Press Kit

Be the first to receive news from NCJW. If you are a member of the press and would like to receive NCJW press releases and updates, please contact Emily in the NCJW Washington Office.  

Mission Statement

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.  

Read more about the organization's guiding principles, priorities, and resolutions in NCJW's Resolutions Brochure.

History

NCJW was founded in 1893 by the pioneering social activist Hannah Greenebaum Solomon.  

Explore NCJW's historical milestones in the organization timeline.

Read "Building A Legacy," excerpted from the NCJW Journal. 

Leadership

Nancy Ratzan was elected president of NCJW in March 2008, after serving as an NCJW vice president for six years. Among many other roles within NCJW, Ratzan chaired NCJW's judicial nominations campaign, BenchMark: NCJW's Judicial Nominations Campaign, since its inception in 2001 and has led the Grassroots Capacity Building Workgroup since 2007. In 2003, she represented NCJW on an interfaith mission to China to investigate family planning practices.

In addition to her NCJW experience, Ratzan was the second woman to serve as president of Temple Beth Sholom, an 1100-family reform congregation in Miami Beach, and was founding chair of The Open Tent, an innovative program to expand and strengthen the Jewish community.

An attorney, Ratzan was a partner in the Miami law firm of Steel, Hector & Davis, where she specialized in appellate, first amendment, and higher education law.

Nancy is a courageous, effective advocate of social change whose commitment to justice is grounded both in her Jewish and feminist values. Her vision, passion, and devotion to mobilizing the voice of progressive Jewish women inspire powerful grassroots engagement on women's and civil rights issues -- locally and nationally.   

To schedule an interview with Nancy Ratzan, president of NCJW, please contact the organization's office in Washington DC: 202 296 2588 x5.

Learn more about NCJW's Board of Directors »

Campaigns and Initiatives

NCJW's campaigns and initiatives champion progressive policies; help improve the lives of women, children, and families through local and federal-level advocacy work; and provide educational resources and action opportunities that enable NCJW members and supporters to maximize their impact as agents of social change.  

Learn more about the following domestic and Israel-focused programs:

Annual Report

NCJW's Annual Report documents its programs, projects, and financial information.  

Download the 2007-2008 Annual Report »
Download the 2006-2007 Annual Report »