On May 5, 2011 Barbara Dobkin, Jewish feminist philanthropist and the Founding Chair of the Jewish Women’s Archive, received an honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion’s Graduation at Congregation Emanu-El of the City of New York.

“Renowned for her passionate advocacy on behalf of women’s issues, Barbara Dobkin has been a catalyst in envisioning new directions to enhance women’s leadership, spirituality, and service to humanity,” said Rabbi David Ellenson, president of HUC-JIR. Indeed, as evidenced by her pivotal role in the creation of the Jewish Women's Archive, she has been a visionary leader in Jewish women’s organizations and an effective advocate for women’s causes in both the Jewish and secular worlds. Currently Chair of the Board of Trustees of American Jewish World Service, she is also founder of Ma’yan: The Jewish Women’s Project, and Founding Chair of the Hadassah Foundation. She continues to serve on the JWA Board and is also a board member of Advancing Jewish Professionals and the Jewish Community, the Women’s Funding Network, the White House Project, the Women Donors Network, and Lilith Magazine.

To learn more about Barbara Dobkin, visit:

• JWA Founding Chair Barbara Dobkin Receives LEAD Award, April 28, 2010
• "Paean to a Troublemaker: Barbara Dobkin" by Letty Cottin Pogrebin
• About Barbara B. Dobkin, So Laugh a Little Honoree
• "A Few Words about Barbara Dobkin" by Nicki Newman Tanner
• A Letter about Barbara Dobkin from Gail T. Reimer
• "Barbara Dobkin," Jewish Women: A Comprehensive Historical Encyclopedia

Source: "Barbara B. Dobkin, Chair of the Board of Trustees of American Jewish World Service, to Receive Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion," HUC-JIR Press Room.