Our History

Established in 1913 as the National Federation of Temple Sisterhoods, the organization promoted Jewish women's religious equality with men. Over the course of the 20th century, NFTS was actively involved in both social action and change, such as:

• Aiding relief efforts during WWI and the Depression
• Bringing German rabbinic students to study in the US is 1935 after Hilter closed Jewish universities.
• Urging governments to accept refugees before and during WWII and advocating on behalf of displaced persons after the war.
• Actively involved in the formation of United Nation and its charter.

The years since WWII have been a time of growing membership for the organization. It has continued its commitment to human rights and the elimination of religious intolerance and discrimination based on religion.

As an indication of the growing achievement for Women of Reform Judaism, in 1972 the first woman Rabbi, Sally Priesand, was ordained. In 1993, NFTS changed its name to Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ).

The Women of Reform Judaism Today

WRJ is a federation of independant and autonomously operated local affiliates that gives Reform Jewish women a collective voice on local, national and international issues. WRJ provides services and advocacy assistance to many sisterhoods and members throughout North America, Israel and around the world. Committted to a range of Jewish and humanitarian efforts, WRJ furthers the teachings and practices of Judaism. Some of its projects include:

• Working on behalf of the blind and visually impaired
• Strengthening Jewish identity and education in Israel as well as advocating for religious rights of Reform Judaism and the advancement of Reform Jewish institutions.
• Intergroup relations and a wide range of vital, far-reaching programs in the fields of social justice and women's issues.

Serving Sisterhoods

The WRJ serves affiliated Sisterhoods by making available materials for:

• Programming
• Membership retention and recruitment
• Leadership Development
• Education and action on critical issues
• Speaker's Bureau
• Strengthening local Sisterhoods through expanded communication links.