Two years already! I can’t believe that, at the end of this month, I will finish my term as president of the Northeast District!

If someone were to ask me what the best part of serving has been, I would say how lucky I've been to meet so many amazing women. And I have had many opportunities to do this during the past two years! We had a wonderful Kallah, where we learned more about each other and ourselves, and grew closer in the process. There were area events on Long Island, near Boston, and in Buffalo, so that women from all over the district would be able to attend. There were sixteen Northeast District Speakers Bureau visits, plus district events at the Fried Leadership Conferences – last year in Charleston, SC, and this year in Nashville, TN – reaching even more women.

Two more opportunities to meet will happen this month. On October 14, there will be an area event in Toronto, and I am looking forward to meeting many of our Canadian sisters.
REGISTER BY OCTOBER 5 FOR THE TORONTO EVENT.
Even more of us will gather at the Northeast District Convention in Framingham, MA, October 25-28. Registration has been climbing, but the registration deadline is tomorrow, October 3.
REGISTER BY OCTOBER 3 FOR OUR CONVENTION IN FRAMINGHAM.

New sisterhoods have affiliated with WRJ and the District during the past two years, which goes to show the power of our connections. And we have amended our Constitution and our Policies and Procedures, so that more women will feel welcome in our district, however they choose to interact with us.

I’d like to close with two thank yous. First, I would like to thank all the women who have come to our events. We hope our events have inspired and taught you, but please know that you have taught and inspired us as well. Please continue to participate, on whatever level you choose, and always remember that we are stronger together.

Finally, thank you to all the women who have served on the board with me – thank you for your time and dedication. As they say, it takes a village, and I feel that we have forged special bonds and become an incredible team. I am truly grateful to each of you for all you have done, for me and for the district.

It has been a privilege and an honor to serve as your president.

Warmly,
Vivian
Temple Am Echad, Lynbrook, NY

Want to learn how to get more involved with WRJ? WRJ will host a webinar for learning more about WRJ. The webinar is open to all WRJ members.

REGISTER FOR THE WRJ 101 WEBINAR.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Speakers will include Vivian Blumstein, WRJ Northeast District president; Eva Karpati, president of the National Council of Jewish Women of Canada; Barbara Weinstein, associate director of the Religious Action Center; Fran Isaacs and Helen Poizner, who will speak about Canadian Brit Olam; and a representative from the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs.

The day will begin at 9 a.m. and includes lunch. Come and bring your friends; open to all women who are interested. GET THE DETAILS AND REGISTER BY OCTOBER 5.

October 17, 2018, 2 p.m.
Visit to Mayyim Hayyim, Newton, MA

Join the B'nai Israel Southbury Sisterhood on their visit to Mayyim Hayyim in Newton, MA, on October 17. Mayyim Hayyim is a 21st century creation – a mikveh rooted in ancient tradition, reinvented to serve the Jewish community of today. GET THE DETAILS AND RSVP.

October 18, 2018, 6:30 p.m.
A Taste of the Neighborhood
Beth El Temple Center, Belmont, MA

Sample foods from local restaurants. Hear about this year's sisterhood programming for Women of Reform Judaism at Beth El Temple Center (WRJ@BETC). Listen to jazz by the Joe Reid Trio. GET THE DETAILS AND RSVP.

HIAS was founded in 1881, originally to assist Jews fleeing pogroms in Russia and Eastern Europe, and continutes to welcome all who have fled persecution.

HIAS has prepared a new Jewish holiday calendar that you can download HERE. The second page of the calendar gives tips on how to be part of the American Jewish movement for refugees.

Passionate about sisterhood? Women of Reform Judaism is still accepting applications for the next WRJ Board. You can make a difference... at the North American level! Applications are due by 5 p.m. on October 29, 2018. GET THE DETAILS.

Questions? Contact WRJ Manager of Operations Robin Cohen (rcohen@wrj.org or 212-650-4056) or WRJ Nominations Chair Robin Sobol (rsobol1@nycap.rr.com or 518-229-5559).

WRJ looks forward to welcoming a new group of talented women to its board of directors!

Canadians can register online, by mail, or at the polling place on October 22 (source)

U.S. registration deadlines vary by state:  CT: Nov. 1,  MA: Oct. 19,  ME: Oct. 18*,  NH: Oct. 29*,  NY: Oct. 14,  RI: Oct. 9,  VT: Nov. 2
*in person until Election Day, November 6

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an annual international health campaign organized by major breast cancer charities every October to increase awareness of the disease, and to raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure. Thousands of people – not just women – will particpate in events throughout North America.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) is planning "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer" events during the month of October throughout the U.S. Find an ACS "Making Strides" event near you.

Alternately, you can join Sharsheret, a Jewish Breast Cancer Organization that plans to participate in ACS events in Central Park (NYC) on October 14 and at Jones Beach (Wantagh, NY) on October 21.