What a long strange trip it’s been – Grateful Dead, “Truckin’”

This has certainly been an unexpected presidential term. At the end of 2018, we hit the road with enthusiasm, expecting to carry on our strong Northeast District traditions while envisioning where we could turn new concepts and goals into reality. We ran successful area events in two cities that had never had area events. We held a fabulous Kallah with the theme, “The Art of Listening: WRJ and You.” Kallah attracted participants from all corners of the district, women who soldiered on when the electricity went out, even chanting Torah by flashlight. Our Speakers Bureau program, where we travel to augment sisterhood programs, hold board trainings, and offer consultations, was running smoothly. Several of us had lunch dates with sisterhood leaders and met on a more informal basis.

Our area directors and vice presidents of Area Management continued their outreach to sisterhood leaders to hear about sisterhood events and successes, as well as offer advice to groups experiencing "bumps along the road." Our Marketing and Communications team posted information about local sisterhood, district, and WRJ programs and events, as well as offerings from our Reform partners. Daily notices and messages appeared on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, our newest social media account.

Then our world changed drastically. Being the resilient women we are, we began connecting on Zoom. The district ran monthly meetings where women shared their stories around themes such as Chai Tea, attending a Garden Party or Beach Party. Local leaders offered book groups and movie discussions. WRJ online programming attracted cooks and virtual travelers. We were able to reach more women who craved connection during this time. Marketing and Communications continued to promote virtual programming, and area directors continued their outreach. The Speakers Bureau is now virtual, and I hope to see you at our virtual Northeast District Convention, “Celebrating Our Stories.”

Women of Reform Judaism would not exist without all of you. Since its founding in 1913, Women of Reform Judaism has been uniting our collective voices with a common mission and vision. Yet, it is the personal touches that bring us together and keep us together. The beauty of belonging to sisterhood and WRJ is that when the chips are down, the women send baked goods, love, and caring. WRJ women have your back, and that alone is worth being involved.

I am honored to have served as the Northeast District president these past two years. I know the district remains healthy, and that our new Board of Directors will ably move us forward into the next term. As the WRJ tagline states, we are Stronger Together. May we remain so.

Trina Novak
Temple Beth Shalom, Needham, MA

The Women of Reform Judaism Northeast District invites you, your friends, and your family to "Celebrating Our Stories" at our first virtual convention on November 6 and 7. We will present a full schedule of events, including guest speakers, workshops, Shabbat services, Torah study, Havdalah, and the installation of our new Executive Committee. Because of the generosity of our sponsors and donors, we are able to offer this exciting weekend of programming at no cost to our attendees.

REGISTER HERE for the 2020 Virtual WRJ Northeast District Convention

For information about the many donation and sponsorship opportunities, CLICK HERE

Contact Marilyn Shebshaievitz at NEconventionMS@gmail.com
if you have questions about registration

Feel free to forward these links to sisterhood and women's group members, and to all those who would like to be part of our involved, active, and joyous community for this special weekend.

As is our custom, we have chosen a social action project for our convention. In keeping with our convention theme, "Celebrating Our Stories," we plan to share the joy of storytelling by starting a children's library with the Rochester Area Interfaith Hospitality Network, a not-for-profit, interfaith, culturally-competent organization that assists homeless families.
Learn about our social action project and how you can help.

Did you miss the Convention Newsletter?
READ IT HERE

Produced by the Tony Award-winning team of Yael Silver and Carmine Entertainment, this event will feature Chanukah music and traditions from around the world, showcasing acclaimed choirs, cantors, and special celebrity guests. Sponsored by the World Union for Progressive Judaism, the event will be broadcast in partnership with Central Synagogue on their YouTube channel.

Linda Levin is offering a exclusive program for WRJ members. The cost is $80; Linda has agreed to donate $18 to WRJ for each WRJ member sho signs up. Four Wednesdays - September 2, October 7, November 4, and December 2 from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. REGISTER HERE

You can find out about new events as they are added by checking out the WRJ Calendar via Yammer. Please note that Yammer is required to access this calendar. VIEW IT HERE

What a great opportunity to give holiday JOY – either to yourself or as a gift to someone else by partcipating in AND donating items for the WRJ Holiday Auction 2020.
Please encourage your WRJ sisters, friends, co-workers, family - men and women to participate.
Questions? Contact Becky Markowitz, WRJ Holiday Auction 2020 Chair, at wrjauction@gmail.com.

We are pleased to announce that speakers from the Northeast District may be arranged for online Zoom meetings.

There is no cost to your sisterhood or women’s group for a district speaker.

REQUEST A DISTRICT SPEAKER