News from the Northeast

When those of us who attended the November 2016 Northeast District Convention parted company, we did so on an emotional high created from the bonding and camaraderie experienced between dedicated Reform Jewish Women. Since that time, those of us living in the United States have experienced a plethora of emotions following our divisive election period, which continues into the new secular year. For those who feel the need to "do something," I urge you to take a look at the Religious Action Center’s URGENCY OF NOW RESOURCE CENTER. The Resource Center follows urgent legislative and presidential transition related issues, and provide alerts and resources for actions we can take immediately. To read more about why the Urgency of Now site was created, please read Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner’s beautifully written BLOG.

In addition, in order to recreate the positive feelings generated through bonding with our Northeast District sisters, please join us for all the exciting events offered by WRJ and the Northeast District. I’d like to highlight two of our upcoming events. The FRIED LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE will take place March 3-5, 2017, in Charleston, SC, and I hope that many of our sisterhoods will send representatives. Our first Northeast District Area Event will take place on April 29, 2017, on Long Island, at Temple B’nai Torah in Wantagh, NY. Keep a look out for more details, which will be published soon in our eblast, on our Facebook page, and on our website. And, speaking of websites, the Northeast District is proud to launch our brand-new website! Please go to www.wrj.org/northeast and check it out.

If you are a sisterhood leader, please make time to communicate with your Area Director when she calls or emails. Or, feel free to contact your Area Director at any time. We want to hear about how our sisterhoods are doing. Share your successes with your Area Director, and share a write up and pictures of your events with our Marketing and Communications team at wrjneblast@gmail.com. Engage a DISTRICT or WRJ SPEAKER to come and help augment one of your programs, or to help with leadership training. If you have a concern, share this with your Area Director, and she will help to connect you with someone that can help, such as a WRJ CONSULTANT PROGRAM EXPERT.

As we move into 2017 I hope that we continue to act like the Chanukah Shamash candle, by continuing to work to bring light, hope, and righteousness into our communities.

Wishing everyone a Happy and Healthy Secular New Year,

Tuesday, January 10, 2017 10:30 am
Temple Emanu-El, One E. 65 Street, New York, NY
The First Jewish Americans: Freedom and Culture in the New World. Dive deep into the story of the first Jewish Americans through exploration of portraits, documents, manuscripts, ritual objects, and much more. REGISTER HERE by January 6. Women's Auxiliary and Men's Club Members $20; others $30. Questions: (212) 744‑1400 x235 or womaux@emanuelnyc.org

Tuesday, January 17, 9 am check-in
Temple Emanu-El, One E. 65 Street, New York, NY
MANA Contemporary, Jersey City, NJ.
Art in Jersey City? Who Knew!
Buses depart at 9:30 am from One East 65 Street. 
Women's Auxiliary and Men's Club members $55, others $65. REGISTER HERE by January 12
Questions: (212) 744-1400 x235 or womaux@emanuelnyc.org