What does it mean that the Jewish Women's Archive is a virtual archive?
The Jewish Women's Archive is not a physical repository. Instead, we use our website (jwa.org) to provide access to a wide variety of resources, including many primary sources, which tell the stories of Jewish women in North America. In order to faciliate access to archival collections related to Jewish women, JWA's Virtual Archive provides a growing database of information about hundreds of women whose papers are held by traditional archives and libraries.
How do I find a "physical" archive for my papers?
Start by thinking about what context makes the most sense for your materials. Is there a local, professional, or college archive that could provide access to those who would be most interested in your life experience or career?
Part of the mission of the Jewish Women's Archive is to ensure that the archival materials documenting the experience of Jewish women in North America are not lost. We sometimes assist individuals seeking appropriate archival homes for their papers or for those of members of their families. If you feel you have a collection that may be of national historical significance, please contact us.
How do you decide whom to include in the Virtual Archive?
Women with entries in the Virtual Archive have archival collections in physical repositories. If you know of a North American Jewish woman whose papers are held by a physical archive who is not currently represented in our Virtual Archive, please contact us with information about this collection. The more information you can provide about the woman (or organization) and collection, the more easily we can update the Virtual Archive.
I'd like to honor a deceased Jewish woman. How can JWA help me do that?
Consider making a contribution to the Jewish Women's Archive in her memory.
If the woman you wish to honor died in the 21st century, we invite you to write about her for We Remember – an online collection of reflections and reminiscences about American Jewish women who have made a difference to our families, our communities, and our world. We Remember pieces are generally 500 to 1000 words, and are written in styles as varied as the women featured. Inquiries and remembrances may be submitted via e-mail to
.
Is the Jewish Women's Archive interested in all Jewish women?
The Jewish Women's Archive focuses on the lives, careers, and contributions of Jewish women in North America. You don't have to be famous to be a part of our collection; we are all contributors to and bearers of history. Some of our web features and public programming highlight women of achievement who helped transform our world in a variety of fields. Other things we do online and on the ground focus on the lives of lesser known women whose stories could easily be unrecognized and forgotten. The Jewish Women's Archive holds no fixed definition of Jewish identity; we are interested in any woman whose Jewish background formed a meaningful part of her identity or who saw or sees herself as Jewish.
How can men participate in the work of the Jewish Women's Archive?
There are men on the Jewish Women's Archive staff and among our volunteers and interns. Male educators participate in the summer institute and other professional development opportunities. Men can also conduct oral history interviews and contribute to online collecting projects. Men were among the narrators interviewed for JWA's Katrina's Jewish Voices project. And, of course, men support the Archive financially.
How can I correct a mistake or add to a story on your website?
Please send an email to
containing the correct information or the story you'd like to contribute. Be specific about the webpage on which you found the problem, and please provide as much of a reference as you can (whether in print or online) for the information in your correction or story, so we can ensure that the material on our website is both accurate and supported by proper citations. If the correction comes from an individual with knowledge of the subject, please tell us how to reach that person.
I loved your film Making Trouble about three generations of funny Jewish women! How can I learn more about the film or arrange a screening in my community?
Visit the Making Trouble website www.MakingTrouble.com for information on upcoming screenings. For further questions, contact Lauren Antler, Project Director of Making Trouble, at
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Is the Jewish Women's Archive going to make another film?
Not at the moment. We are concentrating on distributing Making Trouble to as wide an audience as possible.
How does the Jewish Women's Archive support itself?
With financial support from foundations, individual donors, and members. We welcome you to join us. Click here to donate.
I would like to work/volunteer/intern at the Jewish Women's Archive. Whom should I contact?
Jaymie Saks, Chief Operating Officer, at
or (617) 383-6770. Visit our website to learn more about job and volunteer opportunities at the Jewish Women's Archive.
What are the terms for using material on your website?
We invite individuals to utilize content from the Jewish Women's Archive website for a wide variety of non-commercial, educational uses including school projects, group discussions, public addresses, and published or multi-media presentations. We ask that you properly credit the Jewish Women's Archive whenever you draw from content on our site. Any content from the JWA website that appears under the trademark or copyright notice of any entity other than the Jewish Women's Archive may be used only with prior permission of the individual or entity who provided that material as indicated on the website.
For more detailed instructions, please see Jewish Women's Archive terms of use.
