The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) first began in 1893 as an offshoot of the Jewish Women’s Congress that was held at the Chicago World’s Fair. The organization provided camaraderie and resources to Jewish women that were not available to them at the time elsewhere. In 1896 Jeanette Miriam Goldberg was appointed Vice President for the Texas Sections of the Council. Her main priorities for women were advancement through self-education and to discourage the trend toward assimilation.

The first section of the NCJW was formed in Tyler, Texas in 1898 with a core group of seven women. The goals were formed as a response to the individualized-level of charitable care. They sought a broader approach that would address the needs of larger community.

Women’s groups such as the NCJW were subject to criticism from the more traditional rabbis who felt that these women in focusing on the needs of the community, would neglect their own families and lose their Jewish heritage. Despite this, throughout Texas several other sections were being formed. As Jeanette Miriam Goldberg worked in North and Western Texas, another women, Olga Bernstein Kohlberg set about providing volunteers to the El Paso section of the NCJW. Anna Hertzberg was organizing in El Paso and soon was appointed President of that Section. In San Antonio, the NCJW was pivotal in assisting over 184 Eastern European Jewish immigrants settling in the U.S. and finding work.

Many of the sections made progressive and daring leaps during the 20th century. The Waco section promoted birth control education in an effort that would evolve into community planned parenthood organizations. Greater access to birth control gave women more control over their lives; giving them more access to education and careers. By the 1970s only 4 sections of the NCJW remained; Dallas, Houston, Austin and San Antonio. The Greater Houston section of the NCJWcontinues to thrive. Their headquarters as of 2007 are located in the Meyerland neighborhood of Southeast Houston. They are still dedicated to public service and the preservation of Jewish heritage and traditions. Far from isolating themselves, their services and advocacy extend to the diverse communities of the Greater Houston area.

Reference: Weiner, H. A. & Roseman, K. D. (2007). Lone Stars of David: The Jews of Texas.