National Council of Jewish Women’s annual luncheon honoring exceptional women was held on Friday, Feb. 3, at The Briar Club with more than 150 guests in attendance.

The Women of Influence luncheon honors extraordinary women who have made a difference in the Houston community. Honorees are selected because of their community impact and how they create meaningful change on issues related to women, children and families.

This year’s honorees were Houston City Council member Abbie Kamin and Prof. Beth Matsuoff Merfish. Kamin and Merfish were instrumental in the establishment of the Houston Women’s Commission. Merfish serves as the Commission’s chairperson. Both women have been active in developing the Houston Prenatal, Parental and Infant Wellness Policy.

NCJW vice president of Advocacy, Jenna Rosen, said, “The work that Abbie and Beth are doing on the City of Houston’s Women’s Commission, specifically in addressing equity in the workplace, has inspired NCJW, Greater Houston to create our first-ever Gender Equity Task Force. We look forward to continuing to improve the lives of women, children and families in Houston.”

After welcoming remarks by NCJW executive director, Dr. Jennifer Reichek, president Marlene Matzner received a surprise presentation of the Hannah G. Solomon Award.

“To receive the Hannah G. Solomon award from NCJW, whose mission is so closely aligned with my Jewish values and passion for social justice, is the highlight of the years I’ve been a part of this important organization,” said Matzner.

The award, the highest honor bestowed upon a member, is given to an individual who has changed the lives of others through their leadership efforts and service. Matzner has served multiple terms as president and led NCJW through the COVID pandemic.

After the presentation, Rabbi Josh Fixler of Congregation Emanu El led the Hamotzi and lunch was served.

Jennifer Pittsford introduced the honorees, with remarks written by Aliza Plotkin, honorary chairperson, who was unable to attend.

Lauren Kaufman Blachman led a panel discussion, which addressed the challenges and pitfalls endemic to being a high-achieving woman holding a responsible job, while juggling all the pressures of family and workplace.

Both Kamin and Merfish discussed the difficulties they have encountered in trying to “do it all.” Blachman led the panelists through discussions of the challenges, including finding quality child care, breastfeeding and reproductive health crises, all while working in a male-dominated field.

Kamin and Merfish also discussed proposed state legislation requiring that teenage girls be obligated to report their periods to their school. Additionally, a new law would allow domestic abusers to continue to possess their weapons.

Finally, Kamin shared that her big takeaway is that silence is complicity and definitely not a Jewish value. “You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to desist from it” – Pirkei Avot 2:21.

Along with Council member Kamin, other elected and appointed officials in attendance included U.S. Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher, Consul General of Israel to the Southwest U.S., Livia Link-Raviv; Hon. Ellen Cohen, Hon. Sylvia Matthews and Anne Sung, former HISD trustee.

To end the program, Dr. Jenna Rosen gave a call to action for interested guests to join the NCJW Gender Equity Task Force to determine future initiatives.

NCJW’s primary mission is to improve the lives of women, children and families and to safeguard individual rights and freedoms through acting, advocating and educating. Connect with NCJW Houston at ncjwhouston.org or on social media.