Call for Papers: Jewish Women and Philanthropy

The editors of Nashim invite proposals for articles on women and Jewish philanthropy for Nashim no. 20 (Fall 2010), under the consulting editorship of Brenda Brasher of Tulane University.

The contribution of Jewish women to philanthropy is recognized in rabbinical writings, and actualized in their significant involvement in Jewish communal organizations and philanthropic networks. Yet the contribution of Jewish women to philanthropy remains seldom studied and has yet to receive the substantial recognition a growing number argue it deserves. This special issue of Nashim: A Journal of Women’s Studies and Gender Issues is dedicated to redressing this lack.

From a critical perspective, we are interested in work that explores whether and how Jewish women’s philanthropy differs from men’s. Do women redefine philanthropy as they engage in it, or does a maternalism take hold that is indistinguishable from paternalism? The significant role families play in Jewish philanthropic giving has provided an important conduit for women to philanthropic activism. How have changes in law influenced Jewish women’s philanthropic involvements? Does the close connection of families to philanthropy alter the meanings women associate with their philanthropic activity? Is philanthropy an extension of doing family for Jewish women? And how does philanthropy relate to Jewish women’s other economic activities, past and present?

We are also interested in papers that delve into the Jewishness and the social context of Jewish women’s philanthropy. How do Jewish values and ethics figure in Jewish women’s economic and social giving? To what extent are Jewish organizations the recipients of women’s philanthropy? Does Jewish education or synagogue involvement link meaningfully to women’s association with particular philanthropic work? How are women’s philanthropic activities recognized in Jewish communities? Are there biases against women who donate time rather than money? Do women receive community awards, offices, and other honors that have customarily been extended to male philanthropists? To what extent are women donors solicited as women through women’s campaigns?

We are interested as well in traditional, historical and cultural approaches to Jewish women’s engagement in philanthropy, both as individuals and in organizational contexts. Analyses of Jewish women’s philanthropic organizations such as Hadassah would be welcomed, as would comparative studies of Jewish women and philanthropy in different countries, geographical regions or historical periods. Studies assessing women’s engagement with immigration issues, with Israeli peace keeping, with women’s education and the cultivation of new Jewish female philanthropists also would be of great interest.

Proposals for submissions of up to 12,000 words, not previously published or under consideration for publication elsewhere, should be sent to Deborah Greniman, Managing Editor of Nashim, by July 1, 2009, by e-mail (preferably) to nashim@schechter.ac.il; or by fax to +972-3-7256592. Final date for submission of articles: November 1, 2009. All scholarly articles will be subject to peer review. Academic Editor of Nashim: Renée Levine Melammed.

A seminar in conjunction with the Women and Philanthropy issue is planned for July 2009 in New Orleans. Details to be announced.