National Council of Jewish Women Bergen County Section Celebrates 100 Years of Service, Advocacy and Sisterhood


BERGENFIELD, NJ (April 26, 2023)- The women of the National Council of Jewish Women Bergen County Section (NCJW BCS) celebrated the Section’s 100th Anniversary in style on April 20th, 2023.

Over 140 current and former members, and 25 past Co-Presidents, gathered at Temple Emeth in Teaneck for an afternoon of reflecting on the past and looking toward the future. Throughout the year, the organization has been commemorating its 100th anniversary, celebrating a century of philanthropy, fundraising, advocacy, and sisterhood in Bergen County and beyond. 

In her welcoming remarks, Co-President Ina-Miller Silverstein said, “The past hundred years are our roots, and they will provide inspiration and guidance as we move forward. But our memories cannot outweigh our dreams for the future. The future is ahead, and we are preparing for it.” 

The afternoon began with the showing of NCJW BCS: The Movie, a film about the history of the organization, written and produced by members Sherry Bloom and Nita Gottesman, which showcases the volunteer activities the Section is involved with throughout Bergen County and their remarkable achievements over the past 100 years. Major achievements and volunteer efforts include advocating for Women’s Rights locally and nationally, hosting a free MS Swim-In Program, helping local children and the elderly, feeding the hungry, and helping in Israel affairs, just to name a few. 

Loretta Weinberg, the Honorary Chair of the Centennial, former New Jersey Senate Majority Leader and Life Member of NCJW BCS,  remarked that the number of individuals the organization has influenced and affected is almost overwhelming, and that in her years in the legislature she always attempted to carry out NCJW’s values. 

The section then honored Harriet Cohen, who joined NCJW BCS in 1953 and is NCJW BCS’s longest standing member. The eventful afternoon celebration concluded with songs written specially for NCJW and dancing. Everyone left with a copy of “Our Chronicle,” highlighting the memories over the years, courtesy of member Bea Podorefsky.

“As we look ahead at the next 100 years, our work is not done,” said Co-President Elaine K. Meyerson. “We’re committed to standing on the shoulders of some very strong women and a few good men who came before us. We will renew the fight and offer a voice to the voiceless.” 

The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms.

Currently, NCJW BCS’s Centennial is chaired by Fran Butensky, Ann Levenstein, Marcia Levy, and Elaine Pollack. The Celebration Party was chaired by Fran Einiger and Judy Liebman. For more information about the NCJW BCS, their centennial, their community service, philanthropy and advocacy efforts please visit www.ncjwbcs.org. 

Photo Credit: Hillary Viders

About National Council of Jewish Women Bergen County Section (NCJW BCS) 

Founded by a small group of Jewish women in 1923, the organization of almost 1,000 members has not only survived but thrived with its motto of “A Faith in the Future. A Belief in Action.” The members are involved in current advocacy issues as well as volunteering at many local community service agencies. 

The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms.

For more information about the NCJW BCS, their centennial, their community service, philanthropy and advocacy efforts please visit www.ncjwbcs.org. 

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