About Us

A Commitment to Generations of Women

NCJW BCS remains distinct among organizations – courageous, compassionate, powerful, and above all pioneering.

In 1923, fourteen women formed the Bergen County Section of NCJW to make a difference in their community. Today, more than 100 years later, NCJW BCS remains an active part of the Bergen County Community, committed to providing non-sectarian community service, advocacy, education and philanthropy.

Together We Are Stronger

NCJW is the oldest Jewish women’s grassroots organization in the country and is continually guided by Jewish values that call on us to improve the lives of the most vulnerable. NCJW Bergen County Section (NCJW BCS) is part of this national network of affiliates across the country that make up NCJW. Collectively, there are 210,000 members, supporters, and advocates. Our national headquarters, NCJW, Inc., is located in Washington, D.C.

Join Us

Add a new dimension to your life by meeting a group of dynamic, compassionate, like-minded women.

• Hear compelling speakers
• Enjoy interesting trips
• Make new friends
• Give back to your community

Click Here to Become a Member

Help to Empower Our Future

Your voice has never been more essential and our voices together make a meaningful difference in the world. It all starts by getting involved. Consider the possibilities. Be a part of the solution. Whatever your interests – from a one-time commitment to ongoing leadership roles – we have a place for you. Show the world where you stand and champion the needs of women, children and families by supporting what matters.

Co-Presidents Message

Welcome to the 102nd year of NCJW’s Bergen County Section! We look forward to a productive and exciting year for both new and seasoned members. For our newest members, there are many opportunities for involvement, and we hope you will not be shy about approaching your Co-Presidents and Board to see how you can best express your interests and put your skills to use.

From a challenging year in 2023-24, we are moving right into another challenging year in which we will redouble our efforts for women, children and families, working to preserve our democratic rights, and advocating for economic justice, civil liberties and against all forms of racism and antisemitism.

We will continue to remember the atrocities of October 7 and continue to support our sister programs for women and children in Israel and will stand up to deniers of sexual and gender violence.

Last and equally important, we will have fun, with a wide range of activities and events to make new friends and reconnect with those you know.

Looking forward to an exciting year, and with best wishes from your Co-Presidents,
Elaine Meyerson and Paula Star

Officers for 2024-2025

• Honorary President:  Marcia Levy
• Honorary Vice President: Elizabeth Halverstam
• Co-Presidents: Elaine Meyerson, Paula Star
• Vice President Administration: Marsha Sobel
• Vice Presidents Advocacy/Education: Lois Katz Brown, Bernice Schwab
• Vice President Communications: Flora Perskie
• Vice Presidents Community Services: Beth Pascarello
• Vice President Fundraising: Hilary Eth
• Vice President Membership: Joyce Bivone, Marilynn Friedman
• Vice Presidents Resale Shop: Fran Einiger, Pauline Hecht
• Treasurer: Susan Hagoel
• Recording Secretary: Norma Goldsmith

Staff

• Christina Martin, Administrative Director

Women of the Century

• Ruth Cowan
• Nita Gottesman
• Ann Levenstein
• Marcia Levy
• Bea Podorefsky
• Ina Miller Silverstein

Colleagues For Life

This honor is given in appreciation and recognition to past board members who have had at least 18 years of active board participation but no longer hold a position on the board. As Colleagues for Life, they are welcome to attend board meetings but will not have a vote.

• 2018  Gloria Ansh, Natalie Landau and Pearl Sorkow
• 2020  Celia Argintar
  
• 2022  Elaine Bieger, Grace Fuld and Addie Rudin
• 2024 Estelle Green, Marilyn Sirulnick, Henrietta Wolfeiler