National Council of Jewish Women Collection

The National Council of Jewish Women was founded in 1893 by Hannah Greenebaum Solomon, making it the oldest Jewish women’s volunteer organization in America. The NCJW’s founding document declared its dedication to religious, philanthropic, and educational causes. The organization grew rapidly during the early twentieth century, with sections in cities across the United States and representatives in Europe. The NCJW’s broad interests, active membership and cooperation with Jewish and non-Jewish organizations contributed to its position as a leader among women’s social reform agencies.

From the 1890s, the NCJW took a particular interest in assisting immigrant Jews. The Immigration and Naturalization Office of the Worcester Section, founded in 1904, was one of many local NCJW offices that provided guidance to individuals and families during the application process for permanent residency and citizenship.

From the 1930s through the 1960s the office primarily assisted Jewish refugees and displaced persons from Germany, Russia, and Poland. However, the office also provided assistance to many Jewish residents who had arrived from Eastern Europe in the earlier decades of the century, as well as Jews who left the Soviet Union in the 1970s.The following women served as head of the Worcester Section Immigration and Naturalization Office: Dorice Grace (through 1947); Lillian (Mrs. Eugene) Kretzmer (1947-1977); Lois A. (Mrs. Myles) Lopatin (1977- ?).