In the month of Tishri, we observe and celebrate two Jewish festivals. The first is Sukkot (Hebrew for “booths” or “huts”), when we give thanks for the fall harvest and commemorate the 40 years of Jewish wandering in the desert after the giving of the Torah atop Mount Sinai. Immediately following Sukkot, we celebrate Sh'mini Atzeret (Hebrew for “eighth-day convocation,” and the name given to the eighth day of Sukkot), and Simchat Torah (Rejoicing in the Torah) for completing reading of the Torah, and to affirm Torah as one of the pillars on which we build our lives. How do these festivals connect to Women of Reform Judaism?

Like our ancestors, we gather in our sisterhood’s sukkah to plan our year, nurture each other with delicious foods and inspiring ideas, and commit to another year of building a better world through WRJ. The emphasis of Sukkot is on being part of a strong, vibrant community. In our sisterhoods, we gather together to welcome new and longtime members into our Sukkah of Sisterhood.

On the WRJ Northeast District level, the board works closely with sisterhood leaders to build close, nurturing relationships. This year we will attend our Kallah on October 27-29 (it’s not too late to register) to recharge ourselves and our connection through inspiring worship, workshops on the theme of B’tzelem Elohim (Created in God’s Image), and the joy of being together.

On the WRJ level, we bring into our sukkah many tools (Yammer, Chai Mitzvah, advocacy tools, weekly Torah study, and Voices of WRJ) and amazing support from our WRJ leaders and staff. We will come together in our larger sukkah March 1-4 at the Fried Leadership Conference in Nashville.

And where does the celebration of Simchat Torah fit into our life as Women of Reform Judaism? It is through the study and celebration of Torah that we bring our hearts, souls, and minds to our lives as energized, just, loving, joyful, wise, committed WRJ.

Let us all find the joy, energy, and commitment in 5778 to make this a most wonderful year together, and continue to build and strengthen our sisterhoods, our district, and our worldwide communities.

L’Shalom,
Paulette Black
Beth El Temple Center Sisterhood, Belmont, MA

Your sisterhood may be eligible to apply for a WRJ grant for the Fried Leadership Conference in Nashville.
SEE IF YOUR SISTERHOOD IS ELIGIBLE.

Each grant covers programming, materials, and meals. GET THE DETAILS. For addional information, contact WRJ Program Associate Micaela Sheinhait at MSheinhait@wrj.org or 212‑650‑4060.

APPLY NOW! Applications are due by November 10, 2017.

Tuesday, October 10, 7:30 p.m.
"WRJ & IRAC – Promoting Civil Rights in Israel"
Temple Avodah Sisterhood, 3050 Oceanside Road, Oceanside, NY

Vivian Blumstein, president, WRJ Northeast District, will be the guest speaker for this important presentation. READ MORE.

RSVP to sisterhood@avodah.org.
Open to the Community... Bring a friend!

October 19, 2017 1:00 p.m.

A conversation with critically acclaimed author Marcia Falk and Rabbi Hara Person, publisher of CCAR Press, about using the language of our ancestors to reflect the experience of our people today. Participants will receive a discount code for purchasing "The Book of Blessings."

All are welcome! REGISTER HERE!

HIAS has issued a lovely holiday calendar that is available online as a PDF. The second page of the PDF contains seasonal facts about the global refugee crisis.

HIAS (founded and originally known as the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society) stands for a world in which refugees find welcome, safety, and freedom. They rescue people whose lives are in danger for being who they are.

Breast cancer affects people – not just women! – from all walks of life in startling numbers. But for women, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer other than skin cancer, and breast cancer death rates are higher than those for any other cancer besides lung cancer. Our best chance at combating the problem is prevention. That is why WRJ has put together a complimentary shower card explaining how to perform breast self-examinations. ORDER FREE SHOWER CARDS.

Also read how one sisterhood turned "Sangira in the Sukkah" into a breast cancer awareness event.