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A Few Words about Barbara Dobkin

from Nicki Newman Tanner, Chair, JWA Board of Directors

These remarks were made at So Laugh a Little: An Evening of Jewish Women's Comedy Honoring Barbara Dobkin on March 14, 2005.

What I love about Barbara Dobkin is what I love about the Jewish Women's Archive—each confounds expectations; each is quietly subversive; and each is creating history.

Once upon a time, few questioned the way histories were written.

Today, thanks to Barbara and Gail Reimer and a strong and resourceful (in more ways than one!) Jewish Women's Archive, it would be difficult to write a womanless history. Over the past decade—whether on our website, or through public programs, art and oral history exhibits, new curricula or classroom posters—we have made stories and information about Jewish women artists, scientists, political activists, athletes and educators accessible to all.

Tonight we honor the inimitable Barbara for bringing the Archive into the world. After tonight, to continue and strengthen what has so brilliantly begun, we can honor her by responding to the JWA Fund for the Future Campaign—a campaign that Barbara and Eric have supported with an inspirational lead gift. What better way to acknowledge Barbara's vision, passion, energy and generosity than by adding our support to hers, and together ensuring that the history of Jewish women will live and will grow?