I must confess that I often lose focus during sermons on Yom Kippur morning, perhaps due to lack of caffeine or food. But the sermon this year, 5780, resonated with me and grabbed my attention. The rabbi encouraged us to seek out not only those who are like-minded, but to engage with and listen to those who are like-hearted. By making connections with those who are like-hearted, we can build community and begin to repair divisions in our society.

What did the rabbi mean by like-hearted? My interpretation is that, in spite of our differences, we are like-hearted when we recognize the humanity in each person and acknowledge that each of us is created in God’s image. As we embrace a like-hearted mindset, we begin to open our minds to listen to those who might think differently, might pray differently and, I daresay, might vote differently. Then we can make the connections that build community to repair our world.

Listening is the key to adopting a like-hearted outlook. Consider bringing WRJ’s Listening Campaign to your sisterhood. There were about 60 of us who recently participated in the Northeast District Kallah, "The Art of Listening: WRJ and You." You can also read about WRJ’s Listening Campaign on WRJ’s “Voices” website, and you can watch WRJ’s webinar Active Listening & Listening Campaigns on Yammer. (If you need Yammer access, contact Heather Lorgeree at leadership@wrj.org.)

A listening campaign supports outreach to the women in your congregation. You learn their interests and concerns, and how to respond to their needs. A listening campaign breaks down walls within a temple, so that collaboration flourishes and competition is reduced. A listening campaign helps your efforts to partner with organizations by finding commonality to effect positive change. As we listen to each other, we strengthen the bonds that connect us. A community of like-hearted women is stronger together.

WRJ, stronger together!

Marsha B. Moller
Temple Beth Shalom, Needham, MA

Kallah at LaKota Oaks was, by all accounts, a huge success! There were many “firsts” during the weekend.

Perhaps the most challenging was Shabbat by flashlight. We woke up Saturday morning with no power – a test for everyone attempting to shower and brush their teeth in the dark. On the bright side, it was wonderful seeing everyone spontaneously cheer and clap when the lights returned.

Another first was the most successful YES Fund campaign of any Northeast District Kallah. The YES Fund event brought in multiple new and increased Lifelines and many generous donations.
Highlights of the weekend included:

But the best take-aways, as we headed for home, were the new ideas and renewed enthusiasm for achieving our ultimate WRJ goals of sisterhood, spirituality and social good!

November is National Caregivers Month. WRJ is partnering with Sharsheret to offer a webinar on how best to support a friend, family member, or community member facing illness. Please register in advance for this webinar which will take place on November 19, at 7:30 p.m. It will be recorded for those who are unable to attend. REGISTER HERE.

WRJ invites you to the WRJ Women's Empowerment Awards Dinner honoring Jewish Women's Archive and 16 outstanding women. The dinner will take place on December 14 during the 2019 URJ Biennial in Chicago. GET THE DETAILS.

Looking for a fun leadership trip to Israel? There will be spirituality, art galleries, delicious food, and wine on WRJ's Women's Journey to Israel, February 20-28, 2020. LEARN MORE.