Jewish women – more than their non-Jewish counterparts – tend to have been raised with the notion that “Good Jewish girls don’t make money,” while their brothers were inculcated with the belief that “Jewish men must be breadwinners – and good ones, too.” While Jewish women overwhelmingly pay the bills and handle day-to-day finances, they rely on their husbands and fathers to create an overarching investment strategy, meet with financial advisors, and manage 401(k)s and IRAs for retirement.

Even in good times, this antiquated model is problematic, as it leaves Jewish women in highly vulnerable positions. In the tough economic times in which we live, it is crucial to empower Jewish women to transcend stereotypical roles and take control of their finances. That’s because the costs of practicing Jewish – including membership at a temple, synagogue, or JCC and tuition for day schools and Jewish camps – continue to rise.

A woman who is in control of her finances is in control of her life. That’s why Pazit’s mission is to empower Jewish women everywhere in the area of value-based money management, through workshops at local schools, synagogues, and JCCs.