For too long, social media platforms have allowed antisemitism, misogyny and disinformation to flow freely on their networks. JWI called out these companies for their clear role in amplifying and enabling disinformation that threatens Jews, women, and others, and that are being unleashed now to depress votes.
Read More
by Tess Mendelson
Imagine what our community could look like if we spent less time talking about Nice Jewish Boys and Nice Jewish Girls and more time talking about what being “nice” meant; our new chapter programs Yes and Know and Choose Respect will spearhead this change.
Read More
by Marissa Freeman
Hear Our Voice is a mindset I carry with me everyday, and up until a month ago, I was showing up for my voice and my voice was showing up for me. Then, quarantine. Doors shut, everyone packed up, and the entire world shrunk to the size of my 13” MacBook. What do we do now that our theme, Hear Our Voice, is met with challenging times and physical mask coverage? We need to turn up its volume to maximum levels.
Read More
By Brianna Elgart
In addition to the #NationalPeriodDay movement, there is a huge push by Platform and other partner organizations advocating for the Menstrual Equity For All Act of 2019, which was first introduced by Congresswoman Grace Meng back in March. The Menstrual Equity For All Act of 2019 will help to make menstrual hygiene products more accessible and affordable, especially in communities that face disproportionate access to reproductive health care services and products.
Read More
Women’s physical safety, bodily autonomy, and economic security are at risk – but there are steps we can take to fight back.
Read More
Our Change the Culture Student Ambassador Program empowers students to be activists, bringing conversations about healthy relationships to their campuses. One way they do this is through Healthy Relationship Shabbats - where students are brought together over dinner for activities and discussion on the qualities of a healthy relationship in a Jewish context. These student d’vars show how students are engaging closely with JWI’s work, and framing their college experience through ancient text.
Read More
By Rabbi Donna Kirshbaum
As Hanukkah approaches, we are reminded that we are not the first generation of Jews who have had to balance the desire for peace with the necessity of force. We gather around hanukiot, kindling light against the many kinds of darkness that threaten our sense of safety, security and shelter.
Read More
By Steph Black
There are holidays for everything—National Hug Your Cat Day is June 4; National Ice Cream Day is July 1; and World Emoji Day is July 17. While I certainly love my cat, Goose, eat my share of ice cream and appreciate a good emoji as much as the next gal, I am also happy that there’s a day to honor friendship—June 8, national friends day.
I’d like to tell you about a friend who has impacted my life in an unexpected way.
Read More
By Sue Tomchin
Journalist Elaine Weiss thinks of herself as well-read. She votes in every election and considers herself politically aware. But five years ago she realized there was a glaring gap in her knowledge.
Read More
By Ashley Powell
Observed every year since 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month has reached millions of people in the United States through the media, local events, and screenings. As the month comes to a close, Ashley Powell reflects on her own mental health journey and the importance of self-care.
Read MoreBy Steph Black
The Equal Rights Amendment is officially one state closer to being ratified into our Constitution thanks to the incredible work of the people of Illinois. Which means that there is one state left to go. Inch by inch, our country is moving the needle towards a more equal and just union.
Read More
By Steph Black
The paycheck of the most important woman in your life will only be 71% of her male counterpart. The woman who raised and cared for you will be economically hampered due to stereotypes and bias. But we think your mom deserves better.
Read More
By Courtney Pories
“Shalom bayit” can mean something different to everyone, which is why after writing my first piece for JW magazine, I became curious about how other people create peace in their homes. Monica Edelman, the well-travelled coordinator of JWI’s Los Angeles Young Women’s Leadership Network, shared her story, revealing insights on global Jewry, identity, mutual respect, and expressing your values within your relationships.
Read More
By Sue Tomchin
Many Americans mistakenly believe that men and women are guaranteed equal rights in the Constitution, which isn’t the case. Has the ERA’s time finally come?
Read More
By Ariela Cohen
As a member of JWI’s Young Women’s Leadership Network I was fortunate to be able to attend The United State of Women (USOW) Summit that took place on May 5-6 in Los Angeles. The passion and commitment of the women I encountered galvanized me. I’m now ready to roll up my sleeves and get involved.
Read More
Last week, we asked men why it's important to be leaders in their communities to support survivors and fight sexual assault. This week, we asked: How are you working to #ChangetheCulture to prevent sexual assault? The individuals you'll hear from below reaffirm that there are so many ways to advocate - creating cultural changes in the workplace, teaching children that they have control over their bodies, modeling healthy relationships, simply having a conversation about #MeToo - and more.
Read More
By Courtney Pories
As a young adult who has lived in her first apartment for just a year now, it’s interesting to reflect on how I’ve made my home Jewish. Living with a few other twenty-something Jewish girls, we’re always running between working and socializing, trying to figure out how this whole “adulting” thing works - how do we take the time to build a home?
Read More
By Deborah Rosenbloom
The overarching question is: At what cost, and at whose cost, is shalom bayit created? When is shalom bayit a façade masking suffering and pain, making it essential to speak out and speak up?
Read Moreby Sue Tomchin
Psychologist Robin Stern is committed to empowering us to break free from the spell of manipulative relationships—whether in the public sphere or in personal lives. Her advice is something we all need to listen to.
On March 15, Stern spoke to an audience of over 200 shelter professionals taking part in one of JWI’s monthly webinars, educating them about the signs of gaslighting and how they can help clients recover from its effects.
Read Moreby Sarah Tuttle-Singer, New Media Editor at The Times of Israel
So this Purim I’m teaching my daughter another lesson. I’m teaching her that Vashti was a hero, too.
Read More