The Jewish Historical Society of Greater New Haven

A Wonderful Struggle: New Haven Jewish Women in the Labor Movement
2026-03-01 14:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | New Haven Museum, 114 Whitney Ave, New Haven, CT
Teachers. Social workers. Secretaries. When we think of women in the labor movement, these occupations may not come to mind. Yet in New Haven and elsewhere, women in white-collar and “pink-collar” jobs broke new ground in the 1970s and ’80s by organizing and demanding labor rights. The New Haven Museum (NHM) and Jewish Historical Society of Greater New Haven (JHSGNH) will present the stories of Jewish women in New Haven who fought for labor rights during the 20th century during the Fourth Annual Judith Ann Schiff Women’s History Program, “A Wonderful Struggle: Local Jewish Women in the Labor Movement,” on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at 2 p.m. Also streaming on Facebook Live. In the case of inclement weather, the event will be recorded for social media.
In the words of Edie Bartman Fishman, who was active in unions ranging from electrical workers to teachers: “Life is a struggle. But it’s a wonderful struggle when you’re fighting for the right things.” Jewish women fought to improve working conditions and pay in Connecticut for more than a century. Some of the women highlighted in the “A Wonderful Struggle” program won landmark victories in fields traditionally considered women’s work. Their stories still reverberate today, as the United States commemorates its 250th birthday and the Jewish Historical Society of Greater New Haven its 50th.
In “A Wonderful Struggle: Local Jewish Women in the Labor Movement,” we will hear in person and on video from women who participated in the massive New Haven teachers strike of 1975 and in the historic victories of Yale University clerical and technical workers in 1983-84. They will describe the issues that motivated them to join the “wonderful struggle,” the difficulties they encountered, what helped them succeed, the results that followed the strikes and creation of new unions, and the ways these activities influenced their future work experiences.
In addition, the Nu Haven Kapelye Allstars—Cynthia Astmann, Dana Astmann, and Hedda Rubenstein—will perform traditional workers’ songs in both Yiddish and English.
A collection of items relating to the women highlighted in the program and their work environments will be featured in the Community Case in the New Haven Museum rotunda during the month of March.
A companion film series, the 2026 Judith Ann Schiff Women’s History Film Series, will take place at various locations in the Elm City. On Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 2 p.m., New Haven Museum will host a screening of the documentary “9 to 5: The Story of a Movement.” Attendance is free with paid museum admission. Register here. View the full film-series schedule here).
Michael Dimenstein, co-president of the Jewish Historical Society of Greater New Haven, notes that many JHSGNH members have been involved in labor issues in their respective careers. “As long-term residents of New Haven, they are aware of the local labor issues, strikes, results, and work remaining to be done, and we are happy to share this important discussion with the public.”

Meeting the Moment Session 3: When Moses Met Washington
2026-03-15 09:30 - 11:45 | Congregation Mishkan Israel, 785 Ridge Rd, Hamden, CT, 06517, United States
250 Years of Engagement: With rising antisemitism and intense political divides, let’s explore historical moments of engagement
Location: Congregation Mishkan Israel
Speaker: Rabbi Charles Savenor
Executive Director, Civic Spirit
Full Series: $36 | Individual Sessions: $18
Covers admission for up to 2 household members – Light refreshments will be served

This is the third session of Meeting the Moment: What the Jewish Past Teaches About the Future. Explore the depths of American Jewish history and connect with the stories that shape our times. In a period that has tested our community’s resilience, it’s important to come together to understand the influences that impact our lives. Our community stands at a crucial point, considering our identity, beliefs, and sense of security. “Meeting the Moment” is a thoughtful space for engaging conversations, expert perspectives, and finding a way forward.
Register Here!
Sponsored by Congregation Mishkan Israel, Temple Beth Sholom, Congregation B’nai Jacob, Congregation Or Shalom, and the Jewish Historical Society of Greater New Haven

Meeting the Moment Session 4: "Concealed"
2026-03-22 09:30 - 11:45 | Congregation Or Shalom, 205 Old Grassy Hill Rd, Orange, CT, 06477
An American-born daughter’s memoir of her Iranian-Jewish parents’ experience emigrating to the U.S. from the Iranian city of Mashhad.
Location: Congregation Or Shalom
Speaker: Esther Amini, author, painter, and psychoanalytic psychotherapist
Full Series: $36 | Individual Sessions: $18
Covers admission for up to 2 household members – Light refreshments will be served

This is the fourth and final session of Meeting the Moment: What the Jewish Past Teaches About the Future. Explore the depths of American Jewish history and connect with the stories that shape our times. In a period that has tested our community’s resilience, it’s important to come together to understand the influences that impact our lives. Our community stands at a crucial point, considering our identity, beliefs, and sense of security. “Meeting the Moment” is a thoughtful space for engaging conversations, expert perspectives, and finding a way forward.
Register Here!

Sponsored by Congregation Mishkan Israel, Temple Beth Sholom, Congregation B’nai Jacob, Congregation Or Shalom, and the Jewish Historical Society of Greater New Haven
