Webinar to Encourage Jewish Women Into Politics
Jews for a Secular Democracy hosts a free bipartisan webinar on November 18 featuring Pennsylvania State Sen. Judy Schwank and other women in public service.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Judaism
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Jews for a Secular Democracy will host a free, bipartisan 75-minute webinar titled "Why Not You? Jewish Women and the Path to Political Leadership" on November 18 at 6:30 p.m. The session aims to encourage more women, and more Jewish women, to pursue public office.
Why it matters
Pennsylvania's political bodies have historically had few women in leadership, and the webinar seeks to widen the pipeline of candidates. Its speakers include state officials who have worked their way into office, offering a practical look at the path.
The webinar is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on November 18 and lasts 75 minutes. Schwank became the first female commissioner in Berks County's 250-year history and now represents Pennsylvania's 11th Senate district.
The players
Jews for a Secular Democracy
A nonprofit advocacy organization that promotes secular democratic principles and the separation of religion and government within Jewish communities.
Judy Schwank
A Pennsylvania state senator representing the 11th district, which covers Reading and most of eastern Berks County, and a former Penn State agriculture extension agent.
Jill Beck
A Pennsylvania judge and alumna of the Ready to Run Pennsylvania mentorship program at Chatham University's Center for Women & Politics.
The details
Speakers include Judge Jill Beck, State Rep. Abigail Salisbury, Dana Brown, and Lynette Lederman, along with Sen. Judy Schwank. Schwank, a former Penn State horticulture agent, was urged by Berks County commissioners to run for a vacancy and later was tapped for a 2011 special Senate election after her predecessor's sudden death.
Timeline
2011: Schwank is tapped to run in a special election for her Senate seat.
November 18, 2026, 6:30 p.m.: The webinar takes place.
Roadmap
The webinar builds on the Ready to Run Pennsylvania model, which trains women for office through daylong sessions at Chatham University's Center for Women & Politics. It extends that mentorship approach to a faith-specific audience.
Residents interested in running for office can register for a free session that explains how campaigns and governing work. The program offers a direct, no-cost way to learn the practical steps before committing to a run.
The takeaway
Encouraging more women to seek office depends on making the path visible and accessible. Free, bipartisan programs like this one lower the barrier for candidates who have never considered running.
What happens next
The webinar takes place on November 18, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
Further reading
For broader context on faith communities and civic life, explore Judaism coverage on Wisevoter.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Timesofisrael.
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