When my husband and I moved with our three children to Wilton, Connecticut, over thirty years ago, we were strangers in a strange land. But it was a beautiful land, and we soon felt right at home because of the welcome that was extended by the town’s only synagogue, Temple B’nai Chaim. In fact, the welcome was so enthusiastic that I was soon a member of three committees, and a member of the sisterhood board. And there I continue to serve all these years later.

We remain an active sisterhood, and there is always something intriguing to which I can contribute. But as the children grew older and I was able to look beyond our community, I was drawn to the larger mission of Women of Reform Judaism and into a new circle of active and committed women. I came onto the WRJ Board just in time for the first meeting of the Northeast District, a merging of Districts 1 and 3. As someone who grew up in New York, spent my grad school years and early married life in Massachusetts, and now lives in Connecticut, this is not just my district, but is also my home.

We welcome newcomers to our home, as we were welcomed. And, as this message goes out to our district, coincident with our 2018 Call to Convention, the door is open wide to bring in all our individual members, and those representing sisterhoods throughout New England, New York, Eastern Canada, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. It offers us the opportunity to network, engage in social action projects and initiatives, discuss policy, and further develop our leadership skills. And it allows every woman to glimpse the workings of the larger organization, and consider opportunities beyond our own communities.

In late June, we read Chukat, which describes the deaths of Miriam and Aaron, and foretells the death of their brother Moses. It is a portion that has much to do with mourning, but in the inheritance that Aaron gives his son Eleazer – his priestly robes – it is clear he is also bequeathing his legacy. This is a responsibility of leadership as valuable as anything else we learn, for it allows our mission and good works to endure.

The next leaders of Northeast District and Women of Reform Judaism may first be joining our synagogues in time for the new year. Members may be thinking of expanding their participation in our movement. Newcomers may be thinking of walking through that open door at District Convention to consider the possibilities. But to any woman who imagines herself a stranger in a strange land in our company – please know that you will be welcomed with joy and with hope.

Sharon Sobel
Temple B’nai Chaim, Wilton, Connecticut

Registration is now open for the Sixth Northeast District Convention, to be held October 25-28, 2018, in Framingham, MA.

Watch your inbox for the Call to Convention – or READ IT HERE – for detailed information about registration, workshops, and more!

Alternately, check out the CONVENTION WEBPAGE.

The Religious Action Center (RAC) of Reform Judaism has recommendations for helping families who were separated at the border.

Read their recommendations here.

As part of its North American Immigrant Justice Campaign, the RAC will hold a webinar on Deportation Defense Training on Tuesday, July 10, at 5:00 p.m. Learn how to get your own community ready to act when action is needed. CLICK HERE to sign up for the webinar.

To read more about the North American Immigrant Justice Campaign, CLICK HERE.

What makes for a respectful workplace and what derails it? What does respect look like? Join URJ for a webinar on establishing a safe workplace in your congregation. The session is led by Fran Sepler, an expert in harassment prevention and workplace investigations.

There are three opportunities to attend this webinar. To register, click one of these links:
– Tuesday, July 10 at 1 p.m.
– Thursday, July 12 at 4 p.m.
– Monday, July 16 at 8 p.m.

The Beth Am Sisterhood is hosting Tai Chai at the Temple, in Gloria Hall. Taught by Stephanie Stern, a certified Tai Chi instructor. See the flyer for details.
RSVP to TBASisters@gmail.com.

On June 20, the Women’s Organization of Stephen Wise Free Synagogue held its annual members dinner. Sisterhood members enjoyed a delicious dinner, viewed "The Power of WRJ" video, connected with old friends, and met new ones. And a few lucky members won door prizes!

On June 26, 2018, the Supreme Court of the United States blocked a California law that required “crisis pregnancy centers” to provide information about abortion. The Court ruled 5-4, in National Institute of Family and Life Advocates v. Becerra, allowing medical professionals to withhold full reproductive health care information to their patients. Women of Reform Judaism condemns this decision to further restrict the reproductive rights of women. We must continue to act to demand full access to women’s health care.

On June 1, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHS) proposed an amendment to Title X to continue this omission of medical information – commonly known as the "domestic gag rule" – and deny all federal funding from any organization that provides or refers for abortion services. On June 26 (the same date as the Supreme Court decision), WRJ issued an advocacy update requesting your help.

From now until July 31, 2018, DHS is accepting comments from the public regarding the proposed gag rule.
– SUBMIT A COMMENT to make your voice heard.
– FILL OUT THIS FORM to be counted in WRJ's efforts to protect reproductive rights.

Together we can make a difference!

Tishah B'Av, which means "the ninth of Av," refers to a traditional day of mourning the destruction of both ancient Temples in Jerusalem. In contrast to Orthodoxy, Reform Judaism has never assigned a central religious role to the ancient Temple; mourning the destruction of the Temple in such an elaborate fashion was not paramont. More recently in Reform Judaism, Tishah B'Av has been transformed into a day to remember many Jewish tragedies that have occurred throughout history.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.