What better time to reevaluate our understanding of women's roles in Jewish history than during Women's History Month?

Queen Vashti and Queen Esther in the Purim story are two of the most misrepresented women in Jewish history. For generations many of us have been taught about these women in terms of their beauty rather than or above their heroism. In recent years, Vashti and Esther's roles have been reappraised, instead placing focus on their strength in standing up for themselves and their people. As we enter Women's History Month this March, let us reclaim women's voices and and their invaluable role in history. And for those looking for something a bit lighter, give this Feminist Purim playlist a listen.

Read on to learn about our upcoming events highlighting incredible Jewish women leaders, how they got to where they are, and where they are going:

• Elluminate Gala Luncheon honoring Debbie Cosgrove
• Crown JEWEL Conversation with Lara Mendel
• UN Women event with Dr. Mazal Shaul

On Wednesday, May 24, we will host a gala luncheon to mark the close of a year-long celebration of the Jewish Women’s Foundation of New York’s 25th Anniversary and usher in our next chapter as Elluminate.

At this celebration, we are delighted to honor Debbie Cosgrove, Elluminate’s Immediate Past President. Debbie is a tireless advocate for Jewish ethics and thought, particularly as they relate to gender equity. In her role as educator, activist, and rebbetzin (rabbi's wife), Debbie has time and time again lit the path for the future of Jewish women. She is the very embodiment of Elluminate’s mission of empowering Jewish women leaders creating systemic social change. 

All Celebration Committee gifts received before March 10, 2023 will be included on our gala invitation. Join us!

Q: At what age should we teach children about differences to create social change?

A: As early as possible!

Lara Mendel was inspired to found The Mosaic Project, where she serves as the Co-Founder and Executive Director, after seeing the concentration camps in Germany where her family members perished and meeting former Nazis. Her life's work is focused on combatting the fear, defensiveness, entrenched prejudice, and violence that often comes with intergroup dialogue. Through The Mosaic Project, Lara has provided over 70,000 individuals - from elementary school students to adults in the workplace - with the skills they need to build diverse, inclusive communities. Join us to see how she makes this happen!

Fun fact: In addition to working with diverse groups of people, Lara has worked with diverse species, including with Koko the gorilla, dolphins, and spider monkeys!

This virtual event is free and open to the public. Registration is required. Closed captioning will be provided.

We are excited to share that Elluminate has received a grant from SRE Network (Safety, Respect, Equity). By being a SRE Network grantee, we are committing to advancing our work to create safer, more respectful, and equitable workplaces and communal spaces. This grant will support Jewish Women in the Leadership Suite, an expansion of our offerings and reach to Jewish women social entrepreneurs and leaders who are leading nonprofit organizations around the world.

Elluminate supports social innovation and gender equity. We promote excellence in philanthropy and in women's leadership. A philanthropist can have $10 or $10mm to give – the key is in her intentionality around charitable giving.

Our 25 years of experience in supporting philanthropists and grantmaking has led to the work we’re doing today - supporting visionary Jewish women social entrepreneurs and leaders.

When you support Elluminate, you’re supporting forty different organizations run by extraordinary, cutting-edge feminist leaders.

Thanks to your genderosity, Elluminate is where women's leadership is valued.

Elluminate

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