Rising to prominence as a journalist in Weimar-era Berlin, Gabriele Tergit, née Elise Hirschmann (1893–1982), was an important chronicler of German-Jewish life. In her journalistic writings and novels, Tergit wrote biting social satires, sweeping panoramic novels, and lucid, hard-hitting commentaries on current events. A liberal whose writings reveal her strong commitments to social justice, women’s rights, and humanism, Tergit was forced to flee Germany in 1933 and settled permanently in London in 1938.

Miriam Shtarkman-Verlinsky was a trailblazer for women in the legal field in Israel, with a lifelong dedication to Zionism and women’s rights. Shtarkman-Verlinsky  was the second women to become a judge in the newly established state and the first to become a Chief Magistrate. 

In mid-century Salem, Ohio, a handful of women carried Jewish life, interfaith connection, and civic leadership on their shoulders.

Zionist and women's rights activist Adina Kahansky emigrated from Lithuania to Argentina in 1894 and arrived in Erez Israel in 1902. One of the first two women in theYishuv elected to a local council, he settled in Rishon le-Zion, joined women's organizations, and published in the Hebrew press advocating for women’s rights, the implementation of the Hebrew language, and a Jewish state. 

Nechama Leibowitz revolutionized the way Torah is studied and played a crucial role in shaping contemporary approaches to scripture.

Marcia Judith Prince Freedman was an American-Israeli feminist writer, Knesset member, and advocate for women's rights who played a pivotal role in establishing Israel's feminist movement. Her activism included founding consciousness-raising groups, advocating for equal pay and reproductive rights, and challenging sexist religious laws. She also became politically involved in the United States, pushing for a new perspective on the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. 

Auberge Shalom pour femmes was established in Montreal, in 1989, after a Jewish woman was murdered by her husband. It was the first and only Jewish shelter for women in Canada. The organization opened an additional point of service in 2002, providing counselling and support through an external office. 

Inez Bensusan, an Australian and English playwright, actress, and suffragist, was born on September 11, 1871. She wrote and acted in many feminist plays and was active in multiple activist groups, often combining theater and feminism for a political cause.

Attending my friend’s club truly opened my eyes to the horrific reality that is day-to-day life for many Turkish women.

Jewish women, likePatricia Barr andRose Kushner, fought so people like my grandmother could live happy and full lives after breast cancer. 

One of the themes in Bella’s story is a refusal to stay down when pushed into a corner.

As 2024 draws to a close, the JWA team takes a moment to celebrate some of the incredible moments and achievements of Jewish women and gender-expansive people from the past year. Here are our picks for the standouts that inspired us, made us laugh, and reminded us of the power of resilience, community, and creativity.

Marilyn Safir is an Israeli-American psychologist who played a critical role as a feminist activist in sparking the Israeli women’s movement and in establishing the academic field of women’s studies in Israel. Her academic career has focused on sex, sexuality, and gender. 

JWA chats with artist and filmmaker Tiffany Shlain about her new solo show,YOU ARE HERE, why nature inspires her, and why people who say they're not creative are wrong. 

The recently passed legislation provides pregnant workers with much-needed—and long overdue—protections. 

JWA chats with internationally recognized human rights lawyer Julie F. Kay.

JWA chats with Ariella Davidov, Gender Justice Coordinator at the Office of the Queens Borough President in New York City. 

Hearing about Hoffman's work had a significant impact on my confidence and ability to forge my own religious path.  

JWA talks to Israeli artist Andi Arnovitz about her new (JWA-inspired!) piece,What We Bring,currently on display at the Jerusalem Biennale. 

Through the pictures I took of the protest, I used photography as a way to exhibit women’s rights issues, just like Diana Mara Henry and many other activists did.