On May 18, the Federation of Jewish Women’s Organizations held its 107th annual convention at Baltimore Hebrew Congregation, which awarded women representing its 25 constituent organizations.
Among the honorees were members of several local synagogues’ sisterhood groups; representatives of women’s organizations such as Miriam Lodge, K.S.B.; and women from charitable organizations like the Jewish Caring Network and Support for Families of Nursing Home Residents. The theme for 2023’s festivities was “Women Who Lead, Influence and Inspire,” with all the award recipients being identified as “A Woman Who Leads the Way.”
“These incredible ladies are chosen from their synagogues or organizations for their individual leadership, generosity of spirit and dedication,” wrote CeCe Rund, the Federation’s president, in a write-up following the awards ceremony. “The honoree portion of the convention is always very special and memorable. It is an honor for the Federation to honor these special ladies within our organizations for all of their efforts within our Jewish community and beyond.”
The Federation has a long and storied history. First founded in 1916 to bring Jewish women’s organizations together to participate in war relief activities during World War I, it actually predates The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore. The Federation’s members have met at its annual convention every year since its founding. Records of the winners for each year on the Federation’s website date back to 2004.
Each of the 22 award recipients this year received a rose and a certificate. The awards were presented by Rund, as well as honoree awards chair Rochelle Bohrer and Betsy Narrow, the latter of whom is the 2023 recipient of the E.B. Hirsch Lifetime Achievement Award. Narrow was honored for her continued participation in several Federation-affiliated organizations, including serving as president of the Levindale Auxiliary from 2010 to 2013.
“Each woman exemplifies the quality to lead, influence and inspire in their respective organization,” Narrow said.
Also attending the awards ceremony was its guest speaker, Susan Weidman Schneider. She is a Canadian-Jewish author and the editor of the Jewish feminist magazine “Lilith,” which has published articles, fiction and poetry focusing on Jewish women and LGBTQ individuals since 1976.
Davida Oken, the award-winner for Miriam Lodge, K.S.B., noted that it is also a very special year for her organization. Miriam Lodge is celebrating 150 years of service, as the oldest independent Jewish women’s organization in Maryland.
“In 1960, the Federation honored Miriam Lodge for helping more people than any Jewish organization in Maryland,” she said. “Over these 150 years, these altruistic Jewish women have continued to be of service to others who are less fortunate.”
One of the honorees was Dr. Michelle Chudow, for her participation in Chizuk Amuno Congregation’s sisterhood. Attending pediatrician at Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital and at LifeBridge Center for Hope, Chudow only recently started participating in her congregation’s sisterhood, but her impact on it has already been felt by her fellow members.
Chudow’s work has largely been focused on making the sisterhood a more welcoming organization, one that combines Jewish learning and social events. She is the creator of Chizuk Amuno’s recent social learning events series, which integrates text-based Jewish learning.
She added that receiving the award from the Federation was a very humbling experience.
“I didn’t think I was quite worthy because it was only my first year on the board,” Chudow said. “But it was nice to be valued for what I was doing, and the direction we wanted to go as a sisterhood organization. We’ve decided to change our charter to be more welcoming, and I think the fact that I was recognized really reflects the fact that our sisterhood is being more forward-thinking. I see myself as part of a greater change, and that feels good.”
Another award recipient was Cherie Stewart, one of the co-presidents of Beth El Congregation’s sisterhood during the COVID-19 pandemic. Jane Sacks, one of the current co-presidents, said that the sisterhood wanted both of their pandemic-era co-presidents to win the award, but could only nominate one person.
“They got us through the pandemic,” Sacks said. “Our programming never stopped through COVID-19, either. Our book reviews continued; we had Zoom speakers; we picked up boxed lunches.”
She added that she hopes that next year, Stewart’s co-president, Roz Kurman, will receive the award.
“Cherie deserves this,” Sacks noted. “She kept our sisterhood as strong as ever.”
Correction 6/8/23: This story was updated to correct Dr. Michelle Chudow’s job title.
