Chapters

While JWI’s first chapter, Unity-San Francisco #0001, was founded in 1909 to "promote sociability among B’nai B’rith Lodge members and their families," it didn’t take long for members to start seizing volunteer opportunities to improve their local community. Soon after, B’nai B’rith women’s auxiliaries began to take root across the United States, with a busy agenda of Jewish cultural activities, philanthropy and community service for women, children and families.

A century later, JWI has a proud network of active chapters nationwide, each representing JWI with an unflagging commitment to explore women’s unlimited potential and promote JWI’s important work.

The heart of our chapters' work has always been the Jerusalem Hills Children’s Home in Israel. JWI purchased the land for the Children’s Home in 1952; since then, our chapters have supported the Home through fundraising luncheons, fashion shows, cook-offs, social gatherings, "Day of Care" fundraisers, and other events. In total they have given more than $75 million to update and operate this world-renowned residential treatment center for emotionally damaged Israeli children. JWI chapters also support our entire catalog of ongoing programs and projects to champion girls and women and break the cycle of abuse.

Last year JWI chapters raised more than $300,000 through a variety of community-based programs, including:

Our Mother’s Day Flower Project and advocacy initiatives, which engage local community members in our anti-violence work.
Funding and ongoing volunteer support in children’s libraries created by our National Library Initiative, and in the domestic violence shelters that house them.
Community education: Expert speakers meeting with chapter members and community groups to discuss issues that affect women and children.

Find a chapter in your area.
Learn how you can get involved.

Chapters

Who We Are