Message from Carmen Holzman
First Vice President
WRJ Northeast District
A year ago, our lives became virtual. And in a year that was so out of the ordinary, our daily virtual lives became so . . . ordinary. Now, as we settle into a new rhythm, as vaccines are becoming available, we hope for an eventual return to normalcy. Our sisterhoods have adapted to our virtual lives and persevered. We continue to learn, social distance, and practice spirituality, all while maintaining our connection to community and sisterhood.
The Northeast District was ready to use Zoom for its convention last November. But the challenge was to make our virtual programming more accessible and to create an atmosphere of inclusion. Karen Schorfheide-Ray and Gail Lustig rose to the occasion as the convention’s technology team. With their help, our convention was a virtual success.
By nature, it is hard to be isolated or constantly on “Zoom mute.” To ease member isolation and anxiety, sisterhoods have been creating programs – such as Shabbat gift bag deliveries to connect and visit from afar, virtual coffee klatches to socialize and discuss the latest news, and virtual painting parties to relax in the comfort of our homes. Sisterhoods have also created programs of compassion and kindness together with “Feeding Westchester” and “Hearts of Hope.” Virtual book discussions, Shakespeare readings, cooking classes, travel series, movie reviews, and Torah studies have enriched us during these uncertain times. All these programs help create a sense of community and friendship.
Although there are countless inconveniences of living virtually, this virtual year provided opportunities to “travel” to other communities. Many of us have partaken in Shabbat services with fellow sisters we would not normally see. The Northeast District’s first virtual area event “zoomed” from Toronto, Ontario, last month with over 100 participants.
Let’s take a moment to recall all that we are grateful for. I am grateful for my WRJ Northeast sisters and I look forward to seeing many of you – virtually – at the Fried Women’s Conference, March 12-14, 2021.
Carmen Holzman
Congregation Beth Israel, West Hartford, CT
