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Feminism

Photograph by Vincent J. Graas. Courtesy of Sonia Pressman Fuentes.
Jewish women have played key roles in building and advancing the modern American women’s movement.
Photograph of participants in organizing conference of National Organization for Women (NOW), October 1966.

As activists, professionals, artists, and intellectuals, Jewish feminists have shaped every aspect of American life. Drawing on the insights of feminism, they have also transformed the Jewish community.

In this online exhibit, you will discover the powerful contributions of Jewish feminists through their own words and historical artifacts.

Savina Teubal and Debbie Friedman, 1986

Browse the Collection

Browse the diverse collection of Jewish women who influenced the feminist movement by category, key dates or keywords.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg Sworn in to Supreme Court, 1993

Timeline

Follow the timeline from the resurgence of the feminist movement in the 1960s through the end of the 20th century. Travel through four decades of feminism's Second Wave, during which Jewish feminists worked to transform American society and Jewish life in America. Learn about historic moments and events in the feminist revolution from the personal artifacts and stories of key activists.

"The Creation" from the "Birth Project," by Judy Chicago

Themes

Investigate themes in the activism and experiences of Jewish feminists, as they identify role models, set a feminist agenda, move from silence to voice, confront power, discover the political underpinnings of personal issues, and explore the vital and challenging relationship between feminism and Judaism.

Syrian Woman by Judith Helfand

Resources

A wide-ranging collection that includes both books by Jewish feminists and about the history of Jewish women and feminism, featuring memoir, poetry, fiction, theology, and historical studies.

How to cite this page

Jewish Women's Archive. "Feminism." (Viewed on December 9, 2023) <https://jwa.org/feminism>.

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