Jewish Women's Archive facts for kids
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| Non-profit organization | |
| Founded | 1995 |
| Headquarters | Brookline, MA |
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Key people
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Judith Rosenbaum, Executive Director |
The Jewish Women's Archive (JWA) is a group that collects and shares stories of Jewish women. Their goal is to show how important these women are. They also want to inspire others to make a difference.
JWA was started in 1995 by Gail Twersky Reimer. It began in Brookline, Massachusetts. The idea was to use the Internet to share stories of American Jewish women. JWA's website has many stories, exhibits, and helpful resources.
JWA does many things to share these stories. They collect spoken stories from communities. They create online exhibits and do new research. They also make educational materials like lesson plans and guides. JWA trains teachers too. They even produce documentary films.
Since 2010, JWA has held a special luncheon in New York City. At this event, they honor women for their important work and achievements. In 2010, they focused on the Triangle Fire. This was 100 years after that sad event. Honorees included Ruth J. Abram, Kate Frucher, and journalist Lynn Sherr.
In 2011, the luncheon was called "Making Trouble / Making History." Gloria Steinem gave out the awards. The awards went to Elizabeth A. Sackler, Rebecca Traister, and Letty Cottin Pogrebin. These women are known for their work in art, writing, and journalism.
Contents
JWA's Main Programs and Projects
JWA has several important programs. These projects help share the history and achievements of Jewish women. They reach many people through different ways.
Learning Materials for Schools
JWA's newest learning program is called "Living the Legacy." It teaches about Jewish women's roles in the Civil Rights Movement and labor movement. This program shows their important, but often overlooked, contributions.
Other learning tools include 18 "Go & Learn" lesson plans. They also have guides for books and films. You can find original historical documents and materials for mother-daughter workshops. One past program was called "Making Our Wilderness Bloom."
Online Encyclopedia of Jewish Women
JWA hosts The Shalvi/Hyman Encyclopedia of Jewish Women. Jennifer Sartori edits this encyclopedia. Before, it was called Jewish Women: A Comprehensive Historical Encyclopedia. Paula Hyman and Dalia Ofer were the past editors.
You can read this encyclopedia for free on JWA's website. It has about 2,000 articles. These articles tell the life stories and achievements of Jewish women. Some articles are also shared on Twitter.
Films by JWA
In 2007, JWA made a film called Making Trouble. This documentary is about three generations of Jewish female comedians. It explores their connection to comedy, Judaism, and being a woman.
The film features famous comedians like Molly Picon and Fanny Brice. It also includes Sophie Tucker, Joan Rivers, and Gilda Radner. Playwright Wendy Wasserstein is also in the film. Newer comedians like Judy Gold and Jackie Hoffman are featured too. The film has been shown at over 70 film festivals and other places.
JWA's Podcast
The Jewish Women's Archive created a podcast called Can We Talk?. Nahanni Rous hosted the show. Judith Rosenbaum and Ibby Caputo also joined her. The first episode came out on January 26, 2016. New episodes were released every month.
Each episode was about twenty minutes long. The show interviewed Jewish women about news, politics, and culture. In one episode, they talked to Anita Diamant about her book The Red Tent. The podcast was named one of the top ten podcasts about Judaism. It was also listed as a top ten religion and spirituality podcast.
Online Exhibitions
Katrina's Jewish Voices is an online exhibit. It has photos, blog posts, podcasts, and emails. These show how the Jewish community experienced Hurricane Katrina. JWA worked with the Center for History and New Media at George Mason University on this.
JWA also partnered with the Institute for Southern Jewish History. They did 85 interviews with Jewish people from New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and the Gulf Coast. These interviews are part of the exhibit. Other online exhibits include "Jewish Women and the Feminist Revolution." There's also "History Makers: Women of Valor" and "Women Who Dared: Contemporary Activists."
Other Helpful Resources
We Remember is an online collection of personal stories. It shares memories about important American Jewish women who recently passed away. This Week in History is a calendar. It matches the current date with events from Jewish women's history.
Who Leads JWA?
As of 2023, Dr. Judith Rosenbaum is the CEO of JWA. Dr. Gail Twersky Reimer was the founding director. Debra Cash is the Chief Development Officer. Dr. Jennifer Sartori is the Chief Communications Officer and Encyclopedia Editor. She also helps lead the Adoption & Jewish Identity Project.
Barbara Dobkin was the first Chair of JWA's Board. Rabbi Carole Balin leads the board now.
Founding Leaders
The first board of directors included these people:
- Joyce Antler
- Barbara B. Dobkin, who was the first Chair
- Ruth B. Fein
- Susan Galler
- Penina Migdal Glazer
- Sally A. Gottesman
- Barbara W. Grossman
- Susan Harris
- Lee M. Hendler
- Beth Klarman
- Martha L. Minow
- Suzanne G. Priebatsch
- Brenda Brown Rever
- Prudence L. Steiner
- Nicki Newman Tanner
- Jeane Ungerleider
- Doris Zelinsky
Advisory Groups
JWA has three groups that give advice:
- Academic Advisory Council, led by Joyce Antler
- Technology Advisory Council
- Education Working Group
