Taking risks, we do that every day in every aspect of our lives. At six, I took a risk tricycling over to the next block to play with a friend, never thinking of the terror-induced call to the cops my daring would inspire in my mother. At 17, the risk I took was my first plane ride (all the way to Peoria, Illinois) to investigate my soon-to-come decision of the university I would attend. At 21, the most life-changing risk: to marry a Turkish Muslim and keep him far from his family and homeland. At 23, 28, and 30, I boldly, yet naively, thrust headlong into the risk of becoming a parent. These were a few of the risks that reaped great rewards in my “regular” Natalie life.

In my “Jewish” Natalie life, I also took risks that were invaluable. Not having become a bat mitzvah the usual way, I took an adult bat mitzvah class when I was 16. When we joined a temple, I didn’t wait for sisterhood to contact me. I approached them and asked how I could contribute. Boy, was I surprised when I took the risk of becoming recording secretary. Only a few years later at our annual YES Fund Luncheon as I was watching our sisterhood president fasten a service pin on the blouse of a member, a friend leaned into my ear and whispered, “That’s going to be you up there soon.” I vigorously shook my head “no” to indicate that I could never do that. Well, I was wrong. Not only did I take the risk to become a local sisterhood president, I continued taking on risks - every step of the way thinking I wasn’t competent enough or ready for each next adventure - to Northeast District Board and WRJ Board of Directors. I relate these glimpses of mine to inspire you to take on your own risks. You too will discover within you skills, talents, and resources you previously hadn’t realized you possess. Share your unique assets with sisterhood, WRJ, and the world.

Ten years ago WRJ’s District 1 and District 3 took a risk when they merged, two strong districts, each with assertive, knowledgeable women and visionary leaders. How would that work? Well, it’s worked very well. In the early years, as in a marriage, there is a learning of each other’s habits and idiosyncrasies; there is humility, compromise, and acceptance. Those early years are long gone. We are no longer District 1 and District 3. We are dear, close sisters of a single family and truly stronger together. We have grown into a glorious one and are very near celebrating our 10th anniversary as the Northeast District. Please make the celebration greater with your presence at the District’s Convention this October.

Natalie Berhumoglu
B'nai Israel Reform Temple

Northeast District Convention

Look What's New for the Upcoming Biennial Northeast District Convention on October 25–28, 2018

As female students return to school and college campuses, it is three times more likely for them to be at risk of sexual assault. Join WRJ on August 21 at 1 pm to hear about what rights students have and how to advocate for a safer future. The featured speaker is Anne Hedgepeth, the Director of Federal Policy at AAUW National.

To register for this webinar, CLICK HERE.

On July 18, 2018, Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, issued the statement below about Israel’s controversial Nation-State law that was just passed:

This is a sad and unnecessary day for Israeli democracy. The damage that will be done by this new Nation-State law to the legitimacy of the Zionist vision and to the values of the state of Israel as a democratic—and Jewish—nation is enormous....

To read more, CLICK HERE.

Women of Beth El Temple Center (BETC)
Belmont, MA

On July 11, Liz Campbell Tomkins and Paulette Black on behalf of the Women of BETC presented Lorraine Levine, Development Director of The Women's Lunch Place in Boston, with a donation of $300 to provide meals to the women attending the program. This organization serves 300 meals daily Monday to Saturday and is funded solely by donations. For more information about the organization including volunteer information, visit womenslunchplace.org.

We all raise money for the YES Fund during the year. Want a nice way to explain and show your Sisterhood how the money gets distributed? You can find all the information HERE. 

Rosh Hashanah was not always the Jewish New Year. According to the Torah, the year began with Nisan in the spring. Some time between receiving the Torah and the codification of the Mishnah, the date shifted to Rosh Hashanah although the reasons for this are unclear.

Apples and honey (and pomegranates) are not the only traditional symbolic foods eaten on Rosh Hashanah. Other foods that symbolize health and prosperity for the new year include dates, string beans, beets, pumpkin, leeks, and fish heads.

Have you ever noticed that Rosh Hashanah day is never on a Friday? Or a Sunday? Or a Wednesday? The Jewish calendar follows a particular rhythm. The first morning of Rosh Hashanah can be Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or even Shabbat!

To learn more, read 9 Things You Didn't Know About Rosh Hashanah.