The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is one of the many Jewish organizations founded around the turn of the twentieth century that still exists today. Established in 1893 at the Chicago World’s Fair, NCJW NY was originally intended to bring Jewish women together in the study of Judaism and religion but shifted gears towards philanthropy and social work in the first decade of the twentieth century. This was especially true for the New York section, which was founded in 1894. The substantial influx of Jewish immigrants to the New York area in the late 19th and early 20th centuries led the New York section president Sadie American to emphasize immigrant aid.
NCJW NY’s work with immigrants took on many forms: Assistance at Ellis Island, working to find jobs and housing for young women, pushing for legislation that would protect working women and widows, and attempts to help and reform girls and women thought to be “delinquent” or “wayward” (language that was sometimes applied to unmarried mothers and unmarried sexually active young women during that period) by providing child care and vocational training.
NCJW NY hosted cultural and social events like picnics, chaperoned dances, trips to concerts and plays, English classes, and religious classes. These events and gatherings were viewed as socially acceptable ways for young people and newcomers to socialize and bond, while also learning Jewish American culture and customs. Below are some images of NCJW NY activities and programs.
In 1916, NCJW NY realized their goal of establishing their headquarters — often referred to as the Council House — on St. Marks Place. This was intended to be a space where young people, especially young immigrants, could come and go, socialize, get help finding work and accommodations, and attend events and classes.
Part of NCJW NY’s mission was also to support the young children of immigrants and provide recreation for them. These childcare programs were some of the first of their kind in New York City.
