Women of Temple Israel News

 back to top

                      TOGETHER WE ARE STRONGER

You are cordially invited to join the Women of Temple Israel.  “Why”, you may ask, “should I join the Sisterhood?  What can I do for WTI or they do for me?”  Our theme for the 2008-09 year says it all…TOGETHER WE ARE STRONGER. 

The purpose of the Women of Temple Israel as stated in our bylaws is “to foster and further the highest ideals of Judaism as expressed through the synagogue; to promote closer friendship and support among its members; to promote Jewish learning and personal development among its members; and, in cooperation with the Congregation, be a mentor for religious, social, and educational activities.”  WTI holds many events and activities to achieve these goals, such as

to name just some of our activities.  Our members share friendship, information, skills, and support.  As a part of the Women of Reform Judaism, we also support world-wide projects such as scholarships for training rabbis and cantors, funding for Jewish camps, preparing large-print and Braille prayer books, and advocating to governmental bodies on issues of women’s health and status. 

You may think that you don’t have time to participate.  Please know that you do not have to attend every meeting or activity.  You do not have to help out with every event.  But identifying with Reform Jewish women and the issues that concern us is important for all of us. Sharing your skills when you can, taking the opportunity to learn something new, just being with a group of your peers can be very enriching and energizing. Your membership is your message that you support what we stand for. 

We hope that you will fill out the membership form on page 7 and be a part of the WOMEN OF TEMPLE ISRAEL.  Our dues of $36.00 (2x CHAI) for the year contribute to the Women of Reform Judaism’s many mitzvot as well as helping cover some of the expenses of WTI’s local programming and projects. 

For membership form, click here!

B’shalom, 

Alison Harris

President, Women of Temple Israel

back to top

WTI Annual Donor Event

The Women of Temple Israel will be holding our annual Donor event on Saturday, May 3.  Watch for your invitation to spend an evening in exciting Buenos Aires.  We'll dine on a delicious Argentinian-style meal, have the opportunity to bid on many interesting, fun, and useful items, watch a tango demonstration, and for those brave enough, get out on the dance floor and try it yourselves!  The money raised by this event goes to support various Temple Israel activities, including the Foundation, the General Fund, ritual and holiday events, and to support WTI activities such as our monthly programs, cooking for the Midway Shelter,  and next year’s Donor.  Plan to attend!  A fabulous time will be had by all! 

back to top

Become A Member!

COMING SOON: Your opportunity to become a member of Sisterhood!  Watch your mail for your invitation to join this dynamic part of Temple Israel .  Sisterhood offers the women of Temple Israel the  chance to work, play, learn, and explore what it means to be a Jewish woman in a warm, welcoming, enthusiastic setting.  When you get your invitation to join, do not hesitate to fill out the registration form and return it as soon as possible!

Your 2007—2008 Sisterhood Board is:

President—Genevieve Pastor-Cohen

Vice President,  Membership—Rita Cohen

Vice President, Programs— Miriam Schiffman

Treasurer—Alison Harris

Parliamentarian—Mary Gold

Reps. to the Temple Board—Genevieve Pastor-Cohen & Alison Harris

back to top

UPCOMING EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

March 9, 2008:        Rosh Chodesh program with Treasured Memory doll-making workshop

April 6, 2008:          Pesach and Hamsa workshop

May 3, 2008:           DONOR!!

May  16, 2008:        WTI Shabbat and Installation of  Officers.

back to top

CHANGE THE WORLD THROUGH THE WRJ YES FUND

The Women of Reform Judaism sponsors the YES Fund (Youth, Education, and Special Projects.)  The YES Fund “… represents the ongoing commitment of Women of Reform Judaism to strengthen the institution of Reform (Progressive) Judaism and support its future leadership.”   Women of Reform Judaism is committed to meeting the ongoing needs of the Reform/Progressive community. With your help, WRJ can say YES to those who ask for help today.

Greeting Cards

The Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ) publish greeting cards, calendars, and certificates that individuals or groups can purchase to support the YES Fund.  The Women of Temple Israel has selected a few of the greeting cards to make available to you for purchase at our monthly General Meetings.  Look for them at our December meeting.  All of the cards are blank inside for your personal messages.

Y        “Celestial Leaves” designed by Fran Gallun.  The predominant colors are deep purple and shades of gold.

Y        “Miriam” designed by Flora Rosefsky, and it represents Miriam leading the women of the Exodus in song.

Y        “Mazel Tov” designed by Nancy Katz.  The abstract flower and pomegranate art is a perfect backdrop for the “Mazel Tov” in Hebrew and English.

Y        “Tree of Life” designed by Karla Gudeon depicting a beautiful tree teeming with pomegranates, flowers, birds, and bees.

      Uniongrams, that are tastefully decorated large postcards with envelopes.

back to top

ORDER  YOUR  INVITATIONS  FROM  SISTERHOOD  

Order your invitations or announcements for your upcoming bar/bat mitzvahs, weddings, or other simchas from Sisterhood!  Contact Alison Harris at 521-3375.

back to top

The Sisterhood Board Needs You!

Sisterhood is presently seeking nominees for our board offices.  Without leaders, Sisterhood cannot continue to provide  social, educational, and spiritual programming to our community.  We will also be unable to raise funds to help the Temple in it’s activities.  

The following women have agreed to lead Sisterhood in the 2007—2008 year:

  President: Genevieve Pastor-Cohen

  Vice Pres.,  Membership: Rita Cohen

  Vice Pres., Programs: Miriam Schiffman

  Treasurer: Alison Harris

  Rep. to Temple Board: Genevieve Pastor-Cohen

The position of Secretary will be shared by the other officers if no other person wishes the job. The VP—Ways & Means and Parliamentarian positions are also open.  All the current Board members are hoping that there will be women who want to be mentored in the duties of the Sisterhood Board so that they can serve as leaders in the future. Being a Sisterhood leader is a vital way for you to help your synagogue, as well as to meet new and interesting people. If you are interested, or know someone who should be interested, please contact Rita Cohen  at 523-5180.