For women facing domestic abuse, legal protection can mean the difference between fear and freedom, life and death — but access to that protection isn’t always easy or affordable.

That’s where Dinah steps in as a vital legal resource for Jewish women experiencing domestic abuse in Greater Philadelphia through advocacy, education and volunteer legal representation.

“There is so much stigma within the Jewish community not to report,” said Shana Weiner, Dinah founder and executive director. “Mainstream systems, such as police departments, courts, secular legal service agencies, aren’t trained appropriately or have the cultural understanding to adequately respond to cases of abuse against Jewish women.”

Originally founded in 2015 through the Tribe 12 Fellowship – an accelerator program for Jewish entrepreneurs in their 20s and 30s –  Dinah began operating in 2018. The organization continues to expand its efforts to eradicate domestic abuse, thanks in part to funding through the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia and its Women of Vision group.

“Women of Vision provided us with our first major grant, which was a launch pad to provide visibility and credibility to our work and our mission,” said Weiner.

Since that first grant in 2018, Women of Vision – a membership-based group that supports organizations in Greater Philadelphia and Israel creating systemic change for Jewish girls and women — has awarded Dinah three grant cycles, totaling $152,000.

“At Women of Vision, we are proud to support organizations like Dinah, which address a crucial need for women in the Greater Philadelphia community,” said Andi Barsky, Women of Vision chair. “We were initially drawn to Dinah because of its impactful work in fostering a supportive and safe environment. Funding grants to Dinah reflect our dedication to this cause, reinforcing our commitment to uplifting and empowering women in every way we can." 

Most recently, Dinah received a Women of Vision grant to collaborate with the Hebrew Free Loan Society of Greater Philadelphia to create the Shalom Bayit Fund, the first interest-free loan program for women leaving domestic violence or unsafe relationships.  

“Collaborations like these are why the Jewish Federation is proud to support Dinah and the Hebrew Free Loan Society of Greater Philadelphia because when they work together, they make a significant impact where it matters most,” said Dr. Kelly Romirowsky, Jewish Federation’s chief strategy and impact officer. 

The Jewish Federation has provided Dinah nearly $500,000, including the grants from Women of Vision, over the past seven years. The Jewish Federation grants support Dinah’s operational funding, educational programs and advocacy work both on the local and national levels. 

“We are excited to count the Jewish Federation as a partner in this endeavor,” Weiner said. “The Jewish Federation and Women of Vision’s support have been absolutely vital to our operation and long-term sustainability.”

In February, Dinah and Hebrew Free Loan Society of Greater Philadelphia worked in tandem with the Jewish Federation as well as Jewish Women International and Jewish Family and Children’s Service to launch “Here for You,” a workshop series to ensure that all Greater Philadelphia Jewish institutions have the tools and resources to support Jewish survivors of domestic abuse in the community. 

“Attending the workshop was an enlightening experience for our team,” said Romirowsky about the joint initiative’s first workshop in February. “It provided valuable insights into the complexities of working with survivors of domestic violence. We appreciated the opportunity to collaborate with many of our grantees and other area agencies, all of whom are dedicated to ensuring our community members receive the care and support they need in the most responsible and compassionate manner.”

Weiner knows partnership is key to growing Dinah’s reach, who mentioned the importance of working with Jewish partners for client referrals and providing cultural competency training for secular and non-secular agencies. 

“Dinah has been an invaluable partner in the development of the Shalom Bayit program, helping survivors of domestic violence regain financial stability. Their expertise has guided our staff and volunteers in providing compassionate, informed support to those in crisis,” said Executive Director Anna Marx of Hebrew Free Loan Society of Greater Philadelphia, which also receives unique funding from the Jewish Federation to support its work to provide temporary financial need through no interest, no fee loans. “Beyond referrals, Dinah has trained our team and advised us on sensitive situations, ensuring we empower clients with dignity and choice. Their collaboration has strengthened our ability to serve survivors with understanding and care.”

Since its inception, Dinah has reached hundreds of women in Greater Philadelphia through its consultations, workshops, trainings and discussions. According to Weiner, while Dinah continues to grow, there is still work to be done. “We’re actively exploring various ways to scale, and are excited to count the Jewish Federation as a partner in that endeavor.”

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To learn more about how the Jewish Federation supports organizations that care for those in need locally and abroad, visit jewishphilly.org/impact.