National Council of Jewish Women

In 1896, the Youngstown chapter of the National Council of Jewish Women was formed. The organization’s activities in the Youngstown community varied, but were generally dedication to promoting the welfare of the underprivileged. The Council participated in the creation of several other local groups including, the Women’s Club (which later became the Youngstown Federation of Women’s Clubs), a federation of local Jewish charities (later to become the Youngstown Jewish Federation), and the Ohio Council of Jewish Women.

The internal activities of the Council itself were also varied. Several permanent committees existed, which were representational of the eclectic work of the organization. They included “Religion, Philanthropy, Immigrant Aid, Education, Press, Music, Social Strawberry Festival, Membership, Hospital, Sewing Circle, and Year Book.” The fundraising they conducted benefited organizations like the Youngstown Hospital and Free Kindergarten Association. The NCJW’s work also benefited international causes, such as war relief during World War I and Palestine relief.

The organization continued to be highly active and influential throughout the mid-twentieth century providing aid to immigrating Jews from Europe, raising money for Jewish Children’s Aid, and continued to have speakers and study groups, including addressing “The Rise of Nazism” a mere nine months before Pearl Harbor and the U.S.’s entry into WWII.

The Council was also an advocate for providing programs to aid the elderly. In 1951, the NCJW established a Golden Friendship Group, which served as a model for other senior citizen services. It was the first of its kind in Youngstown. The organization continued to be a staple in the community and counsel other organizations involved in aiding the less fortunate.[1]

[1] Irving E. Ozer, et al., These Are the Names: The History of the Jews of Greater Youngstown, Ohio 1865-1990 (Youngstown, OH: 1994), 103-06, 188.

[1] Irving E. Ozer, et al., These Are the Names: The History of the Jews of Greater Youngstown, Ohio 1865-1990 (Youngstown, OH: 1994), 387-88.

NCJW 1946 newspaper clipping. Acc. No. JA94-820P-5, MVHS Collection.

NCJW Council Reflections December 1948. Acc. No. JA87-217, MVHS Collection.

The Mahoning Valley Historical Society educates and promotes an interest in the history of the Mahoning Valley by collecting, preserving, and developing material representative of the people who have inhabited the region.

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