Our Past Informs Our Present
Our past informs
our present
The Jewish Foundation for Education of Women (JFEW) was founded by Jewish women in New York City in 1880 as a school dedicated to educating immigrant Jewish girls who had fled persecution, discrimination, and economic hardship in Eastern Europe. Our belief in the paramount importance of women’s education and our sensitivity to the needs of immigrants, low-income and first-generation college students are rooted in this historical experience and inspire all we do.
Our Mission
Guided by our Jewish origins and values, JFEW supports higher education for women from diverse backgrounds to help them achieve a post-secondary degree, career readiness and economic mobility and security.
Our Vision
Our vision is a world in which all women can attain post-secondary education and training in order to achieve economic mobility and security.
Our Values
JFEW’s values are drawn from the organization’s history, Jewish teachings and partnership-based philanthropy.
Adaptability
JFEW’s 140-year history is characterized by responsiveness to change. The organization has transitioned from a technical school for immigrant Jewish girls to a robust philanthropy rooted in Jewish values, committed to supporting women of all backgrounds. We continually reflect on the context in which we operate and adjust our strategy and tactics to support the educational and career aspirations of women with financial need.
Collaboration
JFEW believes that pursuing our mission requires collaboration among stakeholders. We see ourselves as part of a network comprised of colleges and universities, government bodies, community-based organizations and other philanthropies committed to educational equity and women’s advancement. We seek authentic partnerships built on trust, respect and candor.
Compassion
JFEW has supported more than 10,000 women over its history. Every JFEW Scholar has a story, and our strength as an organization is rooted in chesed – Hebrew for kindness and compassion – for the specific circumstances that each woman brings to her educational pursuit. We look beyond data and numbers to understand the unique situations that students face, and partner with them to overcome challenges.
Respect
We believe in demonstrating respect in all our interactions, whether externally with grantees, students, and other stakeholders, or internally in the workplace and board room. We value respect for different opinions and the ability to listen with curiosity. Above all, we respect the lived experiences of JFEW Scholars and Alumnae and center those experiences in our planning and work.
Tzedek
This is the Hebrew term for justice and righteousness. It is about correcting the wrongs and unfairness in the world. The pursuit of tzedek, together with the concept of tikkun olam (Hebrew for repairing the world), undergirds JFEW’s work. We seek to enable women – regardless of economic status or background – to achieve the education and future they seek.