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Jun. 12--Some Jewish women suffer from domestic violence, eating disorders and low self-esteem, and for those who don't turn to mainstream groups for help, there is another option.
It's called the Jewish Women's Foundation, and it began raising money to help when it was established in 2002.
The foundation, a Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County committee, has awarded $200,000 for programs for Jewish women living here and in Israel.
Last year, it gave $111,000 to a variety of programs, including "Rosh Hodesh," a program offered once a month for Jewish pre-teens and teen girls to make friends, talk about life issues and learn about Jewish values.
The idea came out of the realization that being a Jewish pre-teen girl these days can be tough. There are boys and bat mitzvahs to think about, not to mention the social pressures that come with being a female, organizers said.
"I like the program because you get to meet other Jewish girls and talk about things you're going through," said Carli Gish, 12, of Jupiter who attends with her twin sister, Taylor.
During the meetings, the girls learn about Jewish history and famous Jewish women, all to boost self-empowerment.
"I don't buy books to learn about religion, so this is a fun way to learn about it," said Hannah Flah, 13, of Tequesta. "I've also learned about Jewish women who make the world better and they make me want to do better."
Last month, members of the foundation traveled to Israel to see their grants in action. They visited a Jerusalem shelter for battered women.
"We met a woman in her 30s who had been through so much emotional and physical abuse and you could see just how fragile she was and how she needed the help to make a new life for herself and her children," said Edith Gelfand, a board trustee.
The members also had breakfast with participants in "Nish Mat," a program that provides educational opportunities, including college, for Jewish Ethiopian women who otherwise would have a life of domesticity and poverty.
"They are trying to advance themselves and be role models in their communities," said Eileen Berman, founding chairwoman of the foundation.
The foundation has grown from 20 members to 111 who donate their time and money for the emotional and financial empowerment of Jewish women. Their ultimate goal is social change.
"When you can see the true, direct impact on one person because of what you can do for them, that is the most enlightening thing," Berman said.
Ivette M. Yee can be reached at imyee@sun-sentinel.com or 561-243-6538.
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Copyright (c) 2006, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
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