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A Recap of Opening Event 2025

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A New Year. A Lot of Laughs.
A Great Night.

It was finally time!

Time to laugh. Time to reconnect. Time to come together for NCJW/Essex’s Opening Event 2025. And, in the week since we gathered at the JCC in West Orange, the laughter lingers and all signs point to a wonderful year ahead. 

The program, made possible through the generous support of Ellen and Donald* Legow, is the official opening to the NCJW/Essex programming year. NCJW/Essex President Andrea Rakitta Mintz welcomed everyone and shared more about what brings people to our organization. 

“NCJW/Essex truly is a special place, with special people who care about our community and each other. It has been such an important part of my life, and it is my privilege to stand here as your president,” she said. “I am so proud of the work and advocacy we do in the community. Our mission is simple: Inspired by Jewish values, we volunteer and advocate to improve the quality of life for women, children and families, strive for social justice and work to safeguard individual rights and freedoms while providing services and programs to our local community.”

Andrea called out numerous NCJW/Essex programs: Back 2 School Store, Power Up the Vote, Mitzvahs-in-a-Minute, Kids Essentials Closet, Lunch and Learns and many more events that offer ways to give back. 

She invited everyone to visit our new offices in Roseland, saying “Suite 404 is so much more than an office. It’s the space where we come together to plan, make decisions, connect and do work that matters, work that makes a difference, work that meets this moment.”

* of blessed memory

A Thank You to the Center for Women

One of the emotional highlights of the evening came when Ann Marie S., a Center for Women client, shared her gratitude for what the Center has meant to her and her family’s life. Ann Marie first came to the CFW when the pandemic brought her catering business to a halt. She sought not only guidance about how to navigate the loss of employment and income, but ways to rebuild and move forward. 

Introduced by NCJW/Essex Executive Director Caitlin Higgins Joy and with her two daughters looking on proudly from the audience, Ann Marie said, “The NCJW/Essex Center for Women gives us the tools we need for our future, but also the peace we need in our present…

“The Center for Women has been a lifeline to me. It has strengthened my career path, nurtured my mental health and reminded me of the power of sisterhood. Thank you all here tonight for making this all possible.”

Ann Marie is one of hundreds of women helped by the Center for Women each year through skills development – interview practice, resume writing, connections with employers, certification classes – and the self-esteem and self-empowerment focus we all need to navigate life’s daily challenges. 

The Crystal Award to CASA Exxex

The Helen D. Schwartz Memorial Crystal Award is presented only when our Awards Committee feels an organization or an individual is deserving. This year, the decision to give the award was easy, as CASA for Children of Essex County is such an honoree. 

Accepting the award, CASA’s Executive Director, Marla Higginbotham, described a garden, saying when you plant a seed, one of the great joys is watching it grow, and spreading the goodness and good work through the generations. 

The analogy was apt, as CASA was incubated and began its life more than 40 years ago as an NCJW/Essex section committee. Some of the women in the audience, Marla said, were the original planters of the seed which has evolved into an agency that ensures children in foster care have a trusted adult speaking on their behalf in Family Court and provides detailed reports that help inform court decisions that have enormous consequences in the lives of these children. 

The connections between CASA and NCJW/Essex remain strong. Our Period.Project provides menstrual products and education to CASA clients aging out of the foster care system, and 120 Back 2 School Store packages went to CASA clients this summer

Laughing with Carol Leifer

Carol Leifer, the night’s headliner, delivered some much-needed laughter to everyone in the theater, sharing funny stories, wry observations and some good-old-fashioned comedy for nearly an hour.

Carol traced her origins in comedy to listening to records by Alan Sherman, Mel Brooks, Carl Reiner and others with Seymour, her optometrist father, while growing up on Long Island. She progressed to early gigs at Catch a Rising Star and other clubs where she was seen and promoted by comedy legends Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David.

Those relationships became lasting, as Carol later became a writer on both Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm, responsible for such iconic Seinfeld episodes as the Marble Rye and the Korean Manicurist. The Curb episode where Larry returns to the car dealership for licorice was based not so loosely on Carol’s experience bringing her Audi to a local dealership where the waiting room spread featured Nothing Bundt Cakes.

“I found myself with a very problematic car. Every time I heard a ding or beep, it was back to the dealership to enjoy those cakes!” she said.  

Highlights of Carol’s nearly 50-year (so far!) career in comedy career include winning an Emmy as a writer for Hacks, writing for the Oscars 11 times and appearing on David Letterman’s show 25 times – both the most of any woman.

When asked if she experienced antisemitism in Hollywood, her response, “Not really, Hollywood is a pretty safe space for the Jews!”  

Carol shared more about her personal life. Coming out as a lesbian to her parents brought love and joy, not the disappointment she anticipated. Disappointment, her parents said, was when she married a gentile! Carol became a mom at 50, adopting a son from Guatemala. “It’s always an interesting day when the two magazines that come in the mail are Parents and the AARP Bulletin!” she joked.

Her brief stay in New Jersey for the NCJW/Essex event included an afternoon at the Short Hills Mall. In addition to sampling the coffee yogurt at Bloomindale’s, she was able to sample a few new perfumes before her performance. Her favorite – and one of her opening jokes – “Tester! You should all try it!”

For so many in the audience, the belly laughs and smiles came at a time when a dose of humor feels so necessary.  

More Than Just a Show

Opening Event 2025 featured much more than just a show… 

Our host, JCC Metrowest, provided the space for more than 250 guests to come together, reconnect and enjoy the show. Attendees were treated to an Amazing Raffle Extravaganza with fabulous prizes. Raffle tickets dropped like the drizzle of rain outside into the bags, winning stubs and numbers were matched following the show, and 27 lucky winners left with reminders of a great night. Carol spent time following her performance talking with guests and signing her book How to Write a Funny Speech for a Wedding, Bar Mitzvah, Graduation, & Every Other Event You Didn’t Want to Go to in the First Place.

Phoebe Pollinger masterfully organized a mini-art show featuring selected works by renowned artist Helen Frank. Proceeds from the art sale support NCJW/Essex’s work on reproductive rights, and several guests went home with new pieces for their collections.

Massive thanks to Lori Gelman and Robin Kollin, co-chairs of Opening Event 2025, who created a fantastic evening, with help and support from VP of Volunteer Engagement Lisa Katz, Marcela Rakitta for her photographs, the entire NCJW/Essex staff and everyone who helped make this such a memorable evening!

A Recap of Opening Event 2025 Read More »

Power Up the Vote

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A Powerful Start to Election Season

On September 16, NCJW/Essex joined thousands of organizations across the country on National Voter Registration Day encouraging civic engagement.

Thank you to the nearly 90 people who joined our Power Up the Vote event to spend several hours writing 1,000 postcards to voters, reminding them to make their voices heard in the upcoming election in New Jersey. Voters will choose a new Governor, General Assemblymembers, and a County Clerk. Election Day is November 4, but many of us will vote by mail or take part in early voting, as well as going to the polls on the first Tuesday in November. 

The urgency of this — and every election — was made clear by our amazing speakers: Roxanne McNellis, Director of Public Affairs for the Women’s Centers, who gave an update on the state of abortion access in New Jersey and surrounding states and talked about the comfort and care our Post Abortion Care Kits provide abortion seekers. Attendees spent time assembling 100 PACKs which were delivered to Cherry Hill Women’s Center in Camden County that day.

Nedia Morsy, Director of Make the Road New Jersey, shared many eye-opening details about immigrants in New Jersey, including how much they influence the economy, how many are entrepreneurs and just how much they are integrated into our daily lives. She also spoke about current efforts to address U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s partnerships with technology companies such as Palantir Technologies to surveille, track, and deport suspected noncitizens.

Thanks to the entire Get Out the Vote committee, co-chaired by Laurie Kahn and Elisa Madorsky, VP of Advocacy Susie Botwinick and Director of Advocacy Sarah Cohen for once again creating an impactful event, and thank you to all our amazing co-sponsors (listed below) for being part of Power Up the Vote.
Read media coverage of the event

West Essex Tribune

TAP into West Orange 

 

Power Up the Vote Read More »

Welcome to Suite 404

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So Much More Than an Office

It was a fantastic evening at the NCJW/Essex Open House on September 4, when we welcomed members, volunteers and friends to our new office! We had the chance to mix, mingle, catch up and see the new space as our next programming year begins.

NCJW/Essex President Andrea Rakitta Mintz thanked everyone who had a hand in making this happen:  the Office Move Task Force and everyone who helped pack, sort, move or provided other support through the process.  She said what we all felt, ” This is more than just an office; it is NCJW/Essex’s home where we come togeher to connect, to advocate and to amke an impact in the lives of women, children and families. 

NCJW/Essex Executive Director Caitlin Higgins Joy spoke about how our move to Suite 404 represents so much opportunity. “This is a place for everyone, and you are part of what makes this place so special.”

The night was even more memorable with the official launch of 404 Forward, a very special way for you to leave your mark on this incredible place. This is where, together, we will look ahead, lean in and move forward!

Click here to learn more about 404 Forward, or contact Alison Haight, NCJW/Essex Director of Development for more information.  

Welcome to Suite 404 Read More »

2025 Back 2 School Store – An Unforgettable Day

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It was almost time ...

A year’s worth of planning complete.  A week’s worth of set-up done.  The eager faces of a few children peering excitedly through windows in the wooden doors, wondering what awaited them inside.

First, a few words from 2025 Back 2 School Store Co-Chairs, Sherri Fendelman and Paula Green.  They addressed volunteers gathered by the check-in tables at Temple Beth Shalom, our wonderful and welcoming host for this year’s Store.

“One of the tenets of the Jewish faith is that we welcome strangers into our homes, show kindness and hospitality, and show compassion for those who may be different and to create community.  It is a mitzvah, and by being part of the Back 2 School Store today, everyone is doing a mitzvah.” 

With those words of inspiration, the doors swung open, and the 2025 Store had officially begun!  

Time to Shop!

Every child who visited the store met their volunteer personal shopper and together they walked the floor.  The child chose pants, shirts, socks, a week’s worth of underwear, matching gloves and a hat, and a hygiene kit packed with a toothbrush, soap, deodorant and more — all in the colors and styles they liked best.

Coats and sneakers brought so much joy, as volunteer “fitters” channeled their best retail experiences to ensure perfect selections for the children. 

It was easy to see on their faces:  a child would slip on a coat, zip it up, turn toward the mirror, and with a slow shake of the head from side-to-side say, “This one isn’t for me.”  The next choice would go around their shoulders, hood framing an enormous smile, and everyone knew this was the one!

At the sneaker station, little feet tried on the red ones or the blue ones or the turquoise neon pair, wiggled their toes, tested them out by walking around, then were on their way with a new lightness in their step and a wide grin on their face. 

A team of teachers and educators advised the children as they chose two books to add to their libraries, and backpacks full of school supplies in a color of their choice completed a child’s haul. 

Packed with Love
Mobile Shopping Goes Big

To meet the needs of as many children as possible, “mobile shopping” became a much bigger part of our efforts this year.  

The Agency Relations team worked closely with our partners to get “wish lists” from children, letting us know what sizes, colors and styles they liked, and our personal shoppers kept busy packing large laundry bags with love… and the same awesome package of essential items as the children who attended in person received. More than 500 children can look forward to these special deliveries from the Back 2 School Store!

Resources for Families

As the children shopped, the families, friends and caregivers visited the Gaelen Family Resource Center (GFRC) where exhibitors shared information on vital topics including how to navigate the SNAP process, how to lower energy costs and how to register to vote for the upcoming election.  Providers offered vision, blood pressure and diabetes screenings, alongside important information about other health care services. Each family who attended also received menstrual products and a gift card to help with groceries.  

A Family Affair

Over the years, the Back 2 School Store has become a family affair.  It’s a joy to see familiar faces as volunteers reconnect around the clothing racks, or at the registration and check-out desks, or moving traffic smoothly through the parking lot.  The Store often brings families together for a few hours every summer – whether it is kids of NCJW/Essex members home from college helping to unpack boxes, committee members’ spouses measuring for new sneakers, or the whole clan signing up for a shift as personal shoppers and spending time giving back.

Thank You

The Back 2 School Store is an amazing, fulfilling and unforgettable experience that is possible because of the commitment, dedication and full embrace of so many people. 

Thank you to the entire Steering Committee, led by co-chairs Sherri Fendelman and Paula Green, and the more than 225 volunteers who enthusiastically showed up and did whatever was asked – they are the heartbeat of our success. 

Thank you to our amazing sponsors, a wide range of in-kind donations and an honor roll of individual donors who give their financial support to the Store and to the children year after year.  They are the backbone of this project, investing in NCJW/Essex and giving us the ability to do this work.  The National Retail Federation estimates that it costs more than $900 to get a child ready for school – and as those costs continue to rise, the Back 2 School Store makes a real difference for these families. 

We are grateful to our agency partners, many of whom face untold challenges, yet show up and do the work every day.  NCJW/Essex is honored to work alongside them to make an impact for more than 1,000 children through the Back 2 School Store

It is a Mitzvah

Even as the racks are broken down and the boxes sent to storage, thoughts of the Back 2 School Store linger.  It is never far away. 

We relive the excitement a new book brings to a child and feel the warmth of a child wrapped in a new winter coat as the first snow of the season falls.  We reflect in a quiet moment how our volunteer hours played a small part in creating a more just and compassionate world. 

And, we can always say of the Back 2 School Store … it is a Mitzvah.

2025 Back 2 School Store – An Unforgettable Day Read More »

Congratulations to the 2025 Eskow Volunteer Award Recipients

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Eskow Volunteer Award Winners Demonstrate Commitment to Community and Youth Leadership

For almost 25 years, the NCJW/Essex Nancy and Robert Eskow Volunteer Awards have recognized graduating high school seniors in Essex County for their advocacy and community service. The 2025 program attracted dozens of stellar applicants from almost 20 schools. Our award recipients demonstrated a deep commitment to their communities across issues including voting rights, food insecurity and leadership among Jewish teens. Each Eskow Award recipient received a $1,000 cash prize.

Thank you to Eskow Award Committee Co-Chairs Jill Sorkin Johnson and Jeanne Gordon, as well as the entire committee – Carol Borker, Sarah Brooks, Elisa Madorsky, Lisa Santola and Alison Slone – who read, evaluated and chose these outstanding recipients.   Read more about the Awards here, and about our 2025 recipients below. 

Nathaniel Esubonteng, Science Park High School

Democracy is not an event one merely watches from afar – it is one we need to participate in directly.  Nathaniel Esubonteng put that into practice following an open forum for school board candidates in Newark. He realized that he, as a student directly impacted by what they were proposing, had no vote in the matter. He sought out the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice and added his voice and commitment to the Vote 16 Newark project, which led to an historic law that allows 16-year-olds to vote in school board elections. Nathaniel testified before the Newark City Council, advocating for the rights of his fellow students so they had a voice on policies that directly affect their lives as students and citizens. The impact has been significant beyond securing the opportunity to vote. Students across the city are more engaged in school board matters and young people now see politics as something not just for adults, but something in which they have a stake and a voice.

Riley O'Sullivan, Glen Ridge High School

Riley O’Sullivan’s work with Toni’s Kitchen began as a mitzvah project for her Bat Mitzvah but grew into so much more. She began by making lasagna and focaccia for donations, then helped with the dinner service in the soup kitchen while meeting people from backgrounds different from hers. Over the years she volunteered with the Choice Panty Grocery program sorting, organizing and distributing donations and eventually running the Sunday pantry session. Working at Toni’s Kitchen raised Riley’s awareness of other issues in the community. Many guests asked for period products, but those items were not always readily available. Inspired, she created the Period Movement Club at Glen Ridge High School, working to destigmatize menstruation and collecting more than 5,000 products for members of the community. Riley’s time at Toni’s Kitchen reframed her concept of community, saying the people she sees each week and with whom she has grown close made the biggest impact. She learned that even though people have different life experiences, our differences do not seem to matter when sharing a meal and supporting each other.

Ophir Filhart, Rae Kushner Yeshiva High School

Ophir Filhart is deeply committed to the idea that change comes from the ground up, driven by leaders who care deeply and act boldly. He believes when young people are empowered to lead, lives are changed. He served as International President for USY (United Synagogue Youth), leading thousands of Jewish teens in service, learning and advocacy. His responsibilities involved working with peers across North America to make the community more inclusive, socially conscious and driven to action. Ophir convened several multi-regional conferences, a conference for all USY teen leaders and mentored new leaders, all aimed at building a more just and compassionate Jewish teen movement. He began with USY as a first-year high school student, organizing food drives and other local service events. A series of other projects included year-long campaigns to bring awareness to issues affecting teens, allocating funds raised across the country and empowering young people to be agents of change. Ophir also volunteers with synagogue youth programs, local food banks and school clubs. Projects have included collecting thousands of books for underserved children in New Jersey, organizing toy drives and facilitating conversations about identity and inclusion.

Congratulations to the 2025 Eskow Volunteer Award Recipients Read More »

Leading with Light – Installation & Awards 2025 Recap

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Leading with Light

More than one person has described our annual Installation & Awards event as their favorite day on the NCJW/Essex calendar. In the afterglow of another incredible program on Wednesday, June 11, it is easy to see why they feel that way.

The sun shined through the windows at Crestmont Country Club as NCJW/Essex members, friends and families came together to reflect, reminisce, reconnect and celebrate – mostly celebrate! – a wonderful year.  Read all the way to the end to see and feel our celebration!

Leading with Light served as the theme for Installation, but for NCJW/Essex, it is much more than a phrase, it is a philosophy. Our leader, Section President Andrea Rakitta Mintz, who every day radiates warmth and light, recounted the many accomplishments from an incredibly busy year, reminding us that NCJW/Essex programs are wide-reaching and deeply needed. “From career support and school readiness, to social action, advocacy and civic engagement, our work is vast, vital and rooted in our shared values.” 

A well-known Jewish proverb says, “A little bit of light pushes away the darkness,” and Andrea encouraged us to seek out the good, find the light in others and use it as a force for forward movement. “I hope you are reminded that it doesn’t take much, just one person, one act of kindness, one moment of courage, to brighten the world around us.” 

As she accepted the President’s Gavel and embarked on her second year as president, Andrea said, “I am filled with hope and determination. I know we can take on whatever comes next. Today we celebrate so many of our accomplishments and we get right back to work.”

Three Remarkable Women
Three Unique Awards

While being honored for different things – one at the outset of her journey, one with a lifetime of service, and one whose actions embody a deep embrace of making a difference – our award recipients also share a common bond: the unfiltered joy and fulfillment that comes with the title “volunteer.” Surrounded by their loving families, they told us why it matters so much, and each in her own way proved once again that with just a little bit of effort, we can make things better for many.

Rachel Khedouri
Henrietta Weiser Emerging Leader Award

Rachel Khedouri had her moment in the spotlight when accepting the Henrietta Weiser Emerging Leader Award, detailing her path to this accolade. She cited among other things the sparkle in the eyes of children at the Back 2 School Store as a catalyst for all the work she does, and all of the people who both inspire and join her.

As Lauren Tabak Fass said when introducing Rachel, “She reminds us that leadership isn’t just about doing big things – it’s about bringing others with you… so today we honor not just what Rachel has done and where she is headed, but the way she has done it: by building a community that feels like family and a family that shows up not only for her, but for the community.” 

Rachel left us with an uplifting thought: “The members and leaders of NCJW/Essex are always brave enough to be the light for women, children and families, even now – or maybe especially now – when that hill seems insurmountable. I am very proud and energized to be climbing with all of you toward a more just and hopeful future.”

Robin Singer
Service to Section Award

Robin Singer’s resume of work at NCJW/Essex spans almost 50 years, and almost every position, title and project imaginable. For Robin, the Service to Section Award meant so much because “it is a celebration of something that has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.” 

Robin did everything with an incredible sense of humor, an ability to bring people together and make any situation brighter, combined with an unwavering commitment to make the world a better place, according to Judy Tabak, a friend since they met at NCJW’s Washington Institute in 1998. “It is no surprise that this award recognizes not just Robin’s hard work, but her ability to make a difference through kindness and empathy… And for reminding us that real change starts with the heart,” Judy said. 

Robin graciously thanked her fellow volunteers throughout the years, saying they exemplify the power of what we can accomplish together. And she left us with this important advice: “One thing NCJW taught me over all these years is: ‘just say yes,’” Robin told the audience. “I was asked to do many different things, some of which were a little outside my comfort zone. But, I knew I had the support of my family and fellow volunteers, and I took something positive and wonderful from each of those experiences.” 

Paula Green
Hannah G. Solomon Award

NCJW founder Hannah G. Solomon’s commitment and energy were legendary, but Hannah had nothing on Paula Green!

That’s how Deborah Legow Schatz described Paula, this year’s Hannah G. Solomon Award recipient. Paula’s indefatigable commitment to others, her capacity to do good, and her expansive range of volunteer efforts epitomize what this honor represents and why she is so deserving. 

Paula’s contributions to NCJW/Essex are just a small sample of how she gives back. Work in the areas of food insecurity, menstrual equity, local politics, nature conservancy, and gardening – yes, all things dirt and growth – fill her days, and fill her heart with joy. Paula said, “Volunteering is not what you do, it’s who you are. And advocacy is not a title, but a responsibility.”

She offered these guidelines of what makes a good volunteer, “Walk beside your fellow volunteers, never ahead, never behind,” she said. “Serve with humility and purpose, and remember one person can make a difference. Even the smallest step forward, if taken with intention, is a step in the right direction.” Paula’s words beautifully captured the values she embodies and the way she approaches life.

A New Structure for the Section Board of Directors

The time then came for the official business of the meeting, installing the FY 2025-2026 Section Board of Directors and Executive Committee and discharging the outgoing Board and Executive Committee members with a heartfelt thank you for a job well done. 

The upcoming fiscal year is the inaugural one for our new Board structure, with staggered terms and term limits and a reduced size overall. It is being implemented as the governance function of the Board evolves and we strive for more efficiency and effectiveness. 

Nominations Chair Penina Barr served double duty as the Installing Officer. She reminded us that our Section is only as strong as it is because of the many contributions of our Board, and while some of these dedicated women are stepping away for a short time, we are hopeful they will return in due course.  

Old Friends. New Address. Same Heart.

No fewer than 15 past presidents joined us for Installation this year, sharing fond memories and swapping stories about the organization we love so much. Toby Rozen Holzer, one of our past presidents, celebrated a milestone birthday with friends including Barbara Drench and Blanche Dorman whose daughter, Leslie, joined the Section Board of Directors for the upcoming year and continues the family legacy.  

Patty Kremen, director of the Linda & Rudy Slucker Center for Women, who this fall is marking 15 years with NCJW/Essex, was honored with applause and flowers. Patty’s accomplishments are many, and perhaps the most valuable is the success of the hundreds of women she has counseled, supported and encouraged as they were seeking employment to improve their lives and the lives of their families.

The Heart of Installation 2025

Thank you to everyone who made our Installation & Awards Brunch memorable and meaningful, beginning with our fabulous co-chairs, Laurie Kahn and Cindy Charney, who together coordinated every detail of our beautiful afternoon. Janet Berger led the Awards Committee and Deborah Legow Schatz chaired the Ad Journal (with help from her crack team of proofreaders!). The tables were adorned with stunning flowers lovingly arranged by Lori Gelman.

Thank you, too, to the entire staff of NCJW/Essex led by Caitlin Higgins Joy for their support of this event and throughout the year.  

The Installation & Awards Brunch is sponsored by Ellen and Donald Legow through a generous donation to the Legacy for the Future Endowment Fund.

Leading with Light – Installation & Awards 2025 Recap Read More »

Lunching and Learning about the Effects of Social Media and AI

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Our First Lunch and Learn of 2025

It’s a fact. Social media and screens dominate our lives. Many of you are reading this on your phone or iPad right now.   

We get news. We stay in touch. We find our way from point A to point B. And artificial intelligence is poised to influence everything we do online. The conversation has exploded to become a fixture in the national discourse. 

Our Lunch and Learn Committee, led by co-chairs Meryl Goodman and Miriam Haimes, worked with Director of Advocacy Rebecca Grossman and VP of Advocacy Lauren Tabak Fass to assemble an all-star panel to explore the effects of social media and artificial intelligence on our children and grandchildren – and on all of us. On Wednesday, January 22, more than 100 people gathered at Temple B’nai Abraham to listen, lunch and learn. 

The lessons were many, wrapped in thought-provoking questions like what is social media exactly and how do we think about accountability when things go right … and when things get complicated?

The state of New Jersey established a commission in 2024 to study the effects of social media on adolescents. Co-chaired by our first speaker, CJ Gelinas, the group comprised of parents, educators, medical professionals and others has a formidable task.

“Our first question was to ask, ‘What are we studying and trying to regulate?’,” Gelinas said. “It’s hard to pinpoint where social media starts and ends.”

It’s a valid starting point. Popular apps come to mind when you think about social media, but Gelinas suggested we need to expand our definition. Gaming platforms, messaging platforms and even search engines like YouTube or streaming services like Netflix fall in the social media bucket – they are places that deliver a communal and community experience.    

Of course, “social media” has been in our lives for a long time. Over the years, even more things have changed: 1) the ownership of popular apps is concentrated in the hands of fewer and fewer entities; 2) the availability and ubiquity of “hand-held wireless devices” (or smartphones!); and 3) the emergence of technologies like artificial intelligence. 

“The ballgame is the smartphone,” according to Gelinas. “Our digital citizenship is tied up in these devices with front-facing cameras that can connect to the Internet.” 

A photo, or more precisely, a deepfake, shared by high school students on a smartphone fueled Dorota Mani’s quest to hold people accountable for their digital activities, especially in the age of artificial intelligence. 

Her family’s story is specific, but it could happen to anyone. The Manis discovered a deepfake image of their daughter was shared with members of her high school community. They quickly learned that a deepfake is an image or audio manipulated by AI. They also found out that AI is largely unregulated and the laws and guidance that exist can be confusing.

“Nothing about these situations is truly black and white,” Mani said. “We need to consider the context of each case.”  But, just as Mani took action, there are things we can do to ensure the safety and privacy of those around us.

  1. Speak to our children – both boys and girls – to help them understand what can happen to images and information and to help them understand how to protect themselves.
  2. Hold the schools accountable – encourage them to implement policies to protect all students and apply them equally and evenly.
  3. Reach out to elected officials at the local, state and federal levels to remind them of the harm this can cause if they don’t act. 

Mani and others advocated for the national Take It Down Act, a bipartisan effort to protect individuals – especially children and vulnerable communities – from the misuse of personal images and data online. The bill is expected to be considered by the Senate and become law later this year. Take Action today to let your elected representatives know you support this important legislation. 

The Take It Down Act attempts to address some of the critical privacy and safety concerns of the digital age. Shanie Israel, dean of Middle School Community Life at Montclair Kimberley Academy, spoke more about the digital life kids experience today.  

“We used to have home and school as our communities,” said Israel. “Now it is home and school and our digital lives. Kids used to process what happened to them during the day when they went home – without distractions,” she continued. “Now they – and we – don’t ever get a break!”

While we think we are never bored because there’s always a digital distraction at the tip of our fingertips, these activities in fact lead to increased loneliness, fear of missing out because kids see their peers having a “great time” in an app, and an inclination to value quantity (how many likes did this post receive) over quality (did I spend time learning something or engaging in a real conversation). 

Israel said she offers her students and their parents – and us – ways to counter our digital lives. Among them, take the time to listen. She cited a study that showed it takes at least eight minutes to get to what you really want to say … and that takes patience and focus.  

 

Other suggestions were more practical, including thinking about how you use devices and modeling good behavior, creating device-free time either in the car or before bed, and utilizing apps (and the behavior they promote) like “one sec” which forces a pause and a decision before fully opening any app you designate, including social media apps like Instagram and Bluesky.

In the end, each of our speakers returned to similar ideas: while social media will continue to evolve and the definition will continue to expand, it is here to stay. There is good in what it can do, but we cannot ignore potential repercussions, including letting the marketplace develop completely unchecked. Accountability is key – both for those who own and manage the technology and for all of us and our families in how we engage with it. 

And, as we did at the Lunch and Learn, talking about what it means and what we can do about it is the best practice of all.

Lunching and Learning about the Effects of Social Media and AI Read More »

Bingo! (Drag Queen Version)

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B-1. I-29. N-36. G-49. O-73. BINGO!

Everyone was a winner at NCJW/Essex’s first-ever “A Drag Queen Bingo Show, starring Hanukah Lewinsky.” Held on Tuesday night, December 3 at Crestmont Country Club, the sold-out evening brought together more than 250 NCJW/Essex members and friends for a night of fun, great food, and an amazing experience.

Kudos to Chair Justin Hirschtritt, VP of Engagement Lisa Katz and Jackie Davidson, NCJW/Essex Manager of Engagement and Community Impact for all their work putting together a great night. A special thank you to Temple B’nai Abraham for their support and help with the prizes, which included gift cards to local restaurants, spas and stores, plus a special package of wine. Before collecting their prizes, bingo winners shared fun facts about themselves with the audience, like the time one saw her name not in lights, but on the front page of the New York Times! A fun fact about Hanukah: she attended college in Staten Island, delighting several in the audience, majored in theater and began her journey toward last night’s performance.

And performances were had. Hanukah entertained the sold-out crowd between games of bingo with her take on Popular from Wicked, with a special appearance by Lady Wexford, the Real Housewives franchise (check out the Halloween edition of Watch What Happens Live for another Hanukah cameo), and a show-stopper of Abba tunes to end the night. 

Thank you to everyone for supporting our fabulous kick-off to the holidays, and to all of those who took the opportunity to join NCJW/Essex or renew their membership. For anyone who wants to join NCJW/Essex (or renew your membership) now, we’d love to have you. It’s just $54 (tax-deductible!) for an annual commitment. Click here to sign up today.

Scroll down to see more pictures from our fun night!

Bingo! (Drag Queen Version) Read More »

Gala 2024

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We Painted a Bright Future...

at the NCJW/Essex Gala!

On an October night that felt more like summer than fall, a special type of warmth radiated from Crystal Plaza.

The reason:  It was time for the NCJW/Essex GALA, this year honoring Phoebe Pollinger and Myrna Wertheimer, two phenomenal women who for decades have brought their talents, brilliance and passions to our causes and our community.

Friends, family and colleagues mingled, reminisced and swapped stories about our honorees as they caught up on each other’s lives.  A one-time only Art Show paid tribute to Phoebe’s and Myrna’s lifelong love of the arts, and diverse pieces by local artists decorated our cocktail hour.  

NCJW/Essex President Andrea Rakitta Mintz began the program by reminding us how connected we are – through the generations and by our organization’s mission to improve the quality of life for women, children and families and to safeguard individual rights and freedoms.

Scroll Down for More Pictures. All photos by Max Branigan.

Honoring Phoebe Pollinger

Samantha Coyne, Phoebe’s niece, took the stage next to introduce and honor her aunt. After capturing the attention of everyone in the room with a Phoebe-trademarked “Hello, honeys!”, Samantha proceeded to share some wonderful memories, highlighting Phoebe’s undying love for her family. 

“She has always been a lighthouse and a guidepost, providing support and advice with love and without judgment,” Samantha said. “My Aunt Phoebe is independent, impassioned and authentic in everything she does.”

Phoebe has done so much for NCJW/Essex and for so many other organizations, several of which were represented at the GALA to celebrate such an outstanding leader, mentor and partner. Whether in pursuit of reproductive freedom and social justice, in support of the visual and performing arts, or as part of the great many collectives and coalitions that amplify these needs and outcomes, Phoebe’s passions, work ethic and strong values inform everything she does. 

“I want to thank NCJW/Essex for giving me not only the opportunities to work on behalf of women, children and families, but for allowing me the space and flexibility to determine how,” she said. 

Phoebe closed with some words of inspiration for her fellow volunteers. Quoting Ralph Waldo Emerson, she said, “Do not go whither the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”

Honoring Myrna Wertheimer

A cheer erupted from the audience when Jennie Goldsmith Rothman mentioned Myrna got her start at the North Hills Division of NCJW. This vocal group of women was joined by so many others in honoring Myrna’s lifetime of work with NCJW/Essex and in the community.

Jennie recounted their work together on committees and projects over the years and the many lessons Myrna imparted. These are just a few of Jennie’s favorite Myrna-isms:  

“Be a trailblazer. Cultivate leadership in others. Make friends across the generations. Never stop learning. Just as they have for me, I’m certain these lessons will help make you a better leader and a better, happier human,” Jennie said. 

Myrna’s impact has been felt in so many ways, but perhaps nowhere more than through her work on the issue of domestic violence prevention and awareness. She never shied away from addressing this challenging issue: listening, learning and doing, and literally saving lives.

It was during a teen dating violence program in Maplewood that Myrna first encountered a woman she suspected was being abused. Her instincts were correct, and when that woman reached out, Myrna jumped into action, collecting sheets, towels, a sleeping bag, toys and a very special lamp from her home, all of which she delivered to this woman so she had a few basics when she left her abuser.

Fast forward a decade: following a domestic violence program at a synagogue in Montclair, a woman in the back of the room looked familiar.  

Myrna continued, “She asked me, ‘Do you remember me?’ and said her name. We fell into each other’s arms, and she thanked me for saving her life. She said she had to leave or she’d break down and ran out. I bawled my eyes out there and all the way home. I saved her life.”

Their paths would cross once again at the Back 2 School Store when the woman, now a grandmother and the leader of one of the agencies that participates, brought her daughter and two grandchildren to shop. Myrna was working at the registration table, and when the two saw each other again, they could not stop beaming. 

“NCJW gave me the platform and all these amazing opportunities. Thank you to all who have made this possible for me,” Myrna said, smiling once again.

Painting a Bright Future Together

Planning a celebration like the GALA requires creativity, patience, perseverance and above all, teamwork.  The Gala committee was led by Teddi Dolph and Jennie Goldsmith Rothman who brought everyone together and didn’t overlook a single detail. The committee – populated by dear friends of our honorees – included Nancy Cohen, Nancy Eskow, Sharon Falkin, Linda Jacobs, Leslie Lavinthal, Isabel Margolin, Lisa Santola, VP of Fund Development Lori Gelman and NCJW/Essex President Andrea Rakitta Mintz.  Paula Green and Jill Sorkin Johnson created the wonderful ad journal that captured sparkling sentiments about our honorees.

An enormous thank you to all our benefactors, sponsors, and the nearly 200 people who celebrated with us in person.  Honoring Phoebe and Myrna was a joy, and it was wonderful to do it together!

It was a marvelous night!

Gala 2024 Read More »