In honor of WRJ's first Executive Director, Dr. Jane Evans, the Dr. Jane Evans Pursuit of Justice Award is given to an individual to continue Jane's lasting legacy.
From 1933 until her retirement in 1976, and for years afterward as Executive Director Emerita, Jane provided wise counsel and inspired direction to the leaders of the National Federation of Temple Sisterhoods (now WRJ). Many, if not all, of WRJ's achievements during her tenure can be traced directly to Jane and her deep sense of justice, her management skills, and her intellectual talents.
The Union for Reform Judaism called on her many times not only for her advice but also for special tasks for which she was especially talented—to draft a resolution, to amend the bylaws, or to arbitrate an employee’s dispute. She served well into her 90s as the URJ chief negotiator with the employees’ labor union.
The recipient of the award must be a deserving humanitarian whose life (and work) exemplifies the values and ideals Jane cherished, particularly her immense respect for each human being's dignity.
Past Award recipients and chairs
Traditionally a past president of WRJ's North American Board chairs a committee to select the recipient each year the organization presents the award.
2022: Ambassador Dr. Deborah Lipstadt (chair Rosanne Selfon)
2020: HIAS (originally the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society) (chair Helene Waranch)
2019: Ruth Messinger (chair Lynn Magid Lazar)
2018: Marian Wright Edelman (chair Judy Rosenkranz)
2015: Lilly Ledbetter (chair Connie Kreshtool)
2013: Anat Hoffman (chair Judy Silverman)
2011: Marcia Greenberger (chair Rosanne Selfon)
2009: Judy Feld Carr (chair Judy Hertz)
2007: Sen. Barbara Boxer
2005: Letty Cottin Pogrebin
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