Speaking Out, Staying Informed

At NCJW, we advocate for individual rights and freedoms and take a progressive stand on women's and children's issues. We organize day trips to Trenton to lobby legislators and advocate for issues pertinent to NCJW's mission. We also offer opportunities to stay informed about issues of the day through our Lunch & Learn and Politics & Pastry programs.

Lunch & Learn

Lunch & Learn brings speakers into the community to discuss current issues that are controversial and enlightening. Registration for Lunch & Learn programs is available to members and nonmembers. In the past, NCJW, Essex County Section has hosted speakers on such topics as: Scams, Fraud, and Identity Theft... You're Just One Step Away, Human Trafficking, Human Tragedy: The Buying and Selling of Women and Children in New Jersey, and Islam in America: Be Welcoming or Be Wary.

Politics & Pastry

Our monthly Politics & Pastry group is the place to discuss current events and politics. Always on a Tuesday, Politics & Pastry meets in the NCJW conference room and is open to all NCJW members. No advance registration required. Just bring a Kosher-style, brown-bag lunch and we provide coffee and a nosh!

Advocacy News from Essex County Section

NCJW Applauds Komen Foundation for Reversing Decision on Planned Parenthood Funding

The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) commends the Susan G. Komen for the Cure® foundation for reversing its decision to defund cancer screenings performed by Planned Parenthood. NCJW C.E.O. Nancy K. Kaufman released the following statement:

“NCJW was deeply disappointed when the Susan G. Komen for the Cure® foundation first announced it would no longer fund breast cancer prevention services provided by Planned Parenthood clinics. Today, we applaud the foundation for reversing that decision.

“Thousands of NCJW members and supporters spoke out against Komen’s initial decision, dismayed that a women’s health organization would put politics ahead of women’s health. We are pleased that the Komen foundation responded to the public outcry by reconsidering their decision and reaffirming their commitment to promoting health and wellness for all women.

“For years, NCJW advocates from across the US have helped initiate and coordinate Komen Races for the Cure. Likewise, our members and supporters have a long history of partnership with Planned Parenthood. Both relationships are essential to our efforts to improve women’s access to health care, and Komen’s decision to retain its association with Planned Parenthood ensures that those partnerships can carry on and that women will continue to get needed cancer screenings and referral services from a trusted health care provider.”

Empty Bowls No More: Help NCJW Fight Hunger in New Jersey

Help Us Fill These Shelves!

Through our new advocacy initiative, Empty Bowls No More, NCJW will help feed the nearly 300,000 children in New Jersey who go to bed hungry every night.

Please help by bringing nonperishable food items to every NCJW event or meeting that you attend. We are working with local food banks, who have a particular need for the items listed below. Please donate unopened, unexpired goods only. We welcome supermarket gift cards as well.

Canned Stew Canned Potatoes Canned Peas Canned Spinach Canned Beans Canned Pasta, e.g., Chef Boyardee, etc. Canned Beets Canned Fruit Canned Chicken Canned Meats Coffee Tea Peanut Butter Jelly

Sugar Mustard Ketchup Mayonnaise Macaroni & Cheese Soups Pork & Beans Rice Tuna Pasta Spaghetti Sauce Juice Boxes Juice Pancake Mix Pancake Syrup

Cereal Tissues Toilet Paper Napkins Baby Bottles Similac Baby Food Diapers size 3, 4 or 5 Shaving Cream Razors Toothpaste Shampoo Baggies – Quart & Sandwich Size