As you read this, you may be preparing for your Rosh Hashanah dinners, getting ready to savor our Jewish tradition through family recipes of brisket, kugel, tzimmes, honey cake, matzoh balls, round challahs, apples and honey, and more. Preparing for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur also includes spiritual preparation, focusing on two important themes – t’shuvah (return) and cheshbon hanefesh (accounting of the soul). These two themes provide a wonderful opportunity for us to reflect on the past year, determine how we can improve ourselves, and plan for the upcoming year. 

I am reflecting on the upcoming celebration of our WRJ Northeast District at our convention in Framingham, MA, October 25-28, “Ten Years Together – Growing Our Community.” I remember becoming involved in WRJ District 1 (New England) over twenty years ago, when we were a small and close district, held meetings at each other’s homes, and established wonderful, warm friendships. It was difficult, in 2008, to learn that we would be merging with District 3 (New York and Eastern Canada) – a large, well organized, and mighty district. We first came together in 2008 in Springfield, MA, bringing together our cultures, distinct personalities, and leaders – like an arranged marriage! There were challenging times during the first few years; we needed to listen, learn, connect, and compromise. But with the leadership of our district presidents – Michele Levy, Abby Fisher, Robin Sobol, Denise Levine, and Vivian Blumstein – we became even stronger. Each president brought her own special blend of leadership, love of Judaism and WRJ to make us a successful, forward-thinking district. Now, as we thank Vivian for her great contributions, we are thrilled to install Trina Novak as our next president. 

I am proud to have served as an area director and vice president for our district during our ten years together. Aside from learning to organize area events, kallahs, and social events, chant Torah, write articles, fundraise for the YES Fund, compromise, and collaborate, I have fallen in love with my sisters. I have met the greatest group of women who are my lifelong friends. While working together for WRJ, we have developed wonderful bonds of true friendship – and that is why WRJ matters.

I encourage any of you who have not yet registered for our upcoming Convention to REGISTER TODAY  – early bird registration ends on September 16. Join us, learn why WRJ matters, and begin your journey with us.

Please share CONVENTION INFORMATION with your sisterhood. Please highlight this special weekend that will include singing, worshipping, and learning together along with exciting guests – “Food Flirts” Marilynn and Sheila Brass, Judith Rosenbaum of Jewish Women's Archive, song leader Sue Horowitz – and much more. 

Wishing you and your families a sweet, healthy, meaningful, peaceful, and wonderful 5779!

L’shanah Tovah,
Paulette Black
Beth El Temple Center, Belmont, MA

Rabbi Allison Berry – one of our featured guests – was profiled last week in JewishBoston – along with Co-Senior Rabbi Laura Abrasley of Temple Shalom. Together they are the first women in the world to be co-senior rabbis. Rabbi Berry has had many roles in various settings. “Every year here my role has been different,” she told JewishBoston. Come to convention to worship and study with this versatile rabbi!
READ MORE ABOUT RABBI BERRY. 

Beth El Temple Center 

2 Concord Ave, Belmont, MA

A Taste of the Neighborhood with jazz by the Joe Reid Trio on October 18 at 6:30 p.m.

Contact Paulette Black for additional information on these exciting events. 

Join our 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. For additional information, click HERE, or contact Peggy Klein.

1950 Bathurst Street, Toronto, Canada

Sunday, October 14, 2018.  The theme is Kol Isha – The Voices of Women for Social Justice.  Speakers will include Vivian Blumstein, WRJ Northeast District President, Eva Karpati, President of National Council of Jewish Women of Canada, Barbara Weinstein, Associate Director of the Religious Action Center (RAC), Fran Isaacs and Helen Poizner – speaking about the Canadian Brit Olam and a representative from the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA). 
The day will begin at 9:00 a.m. and includes lunch.  This promises to be a fascinating program. Come and bring your friends.  This day is open to any woman who is interested. For more information contact Ruthe Schipper. Click HERE for details and to register. 

WRJ is once again offering Outreach Grants of up to $1,000 to WRJ sisterhoods to fund programs in their communities that reach out to interfaith families and non-Jews. To learn more about grants and how to apply, click HERE. Deadline for submissions is June 15, 2019. 

The etrog is the citron fruit used as a component in the arba minim, the four species. Along with the lulav (palm) branches, hadass (myrtle), and aravah (willow), these represent the agricultural aspect of Sukkot. Great care is given to selecting a blemish-free etrog and caring for it during Sukkot. An etrog cannot be used if the top tip (pitam) is broken off. 

After Sukkot, you can pierce your etrog with cloves and use for havdalah. The pleasant aroma will last for weeks. 

The etrog can also be used to make jam and marmalades. 

Or you can try your hand at making etrog infused vodka.