Sisterhood
Sisterhood is a word that has meant many different things throughout the ages and throughout the history of the Conservative movement and in the evolution of Temple Israel itself. While Sisterhoods have disappeared from many Conservative synagogues, ours continues to be a robust and much venerated organization within our congregation. One reason for its strength is the versatility and commitment of Sisterhood members. We range in age from our 30s to our 80s and represent a wide range of professions and backgrounds. Open to members and non-members alike, Sisterhood has often been a gateway for women in the community to reconnect with or rediscover Jewish life, eventually leading their families to formalize their ties through membership in our congregation.
Sisterhood application
Affiliated with the movement’s Women’s League for Conservative Judaism, Temple Israel Sisterhood provides multiple opportunities for Jewish learning; ritual skill building; community connection; and personal friendship and support. Regular yearly programming has included:
- Book Group – All meetings are held via Zoom. Next meeting – February 20 – Lauren Belfer, And After the Fire: A Novel. All meetings are held via Zoom. Contact Carol Schuler to receive the Zoom link.
- Themed holiday programming, like: Sisters in the Sukkah; Yom Kippur Kugglethon and Break Fast; Vashti’s Feast for Purim; Hanukkah Party; and Women’s-led Seder
- Tzedakah projects and collections that benefit other local organizations like Center for Hope and Safety
- Belly-dancing class (for example)
- Mah Jong
- Wine Tastings
- Unique Craft Events
- Summer Pool Party
- Progressive Dinner
- Nutrition and Fitness Presentations by Certified Experts
- Sisterhood Shabbat
Please join us to experience this sense of sisterhood for yourself, and become a part of a group of interesting, welcoming, dynamic women.
New Temple Israel members are entitled to a year of free membership in Sisterhood. After the first year, members pay $36 a year and non-members, $54 a year dues.
Other Sisterhood Activities Throughout the Year:
Gift Shop – Hostess gifts, baby gifts, Judaica for all occasions, locally crafted and imported from Israel; tallitot, kippot — you name it! The Sisterhood Gift Shop is open on selected Sundays every month and by appointment. Volunteers needed! Contact Stephanie Gottesman to volunteer or to make a purchase: (201) 444-4778 or sjg1234567@aol.com.
Torah Fund – This an international fundraising campaign ensures our legacy to future generations of Conservative Jews by Women’s League. Each year, an artist designs a beautifully crafted Torah Fund pin to give to those who donate $180 or more. Torah Fund cards offer an appropriate way to mark all special occasions and cost $5 each; 100% of all donations benefit Women’s League Torah Fund. To donate or order cards, contact Susie Goldstein: (201) 444-4704 or susieg70@aol.com.
Torah Fund Pins & Cards Support Torah Fund by donating $180 for a beautiful 2021 pin or as little as $5 for a greeting card. Every woman has the opportunity to participate in preserving, promoting and perpetuating Conservative/Masorti Judaism through the Torah Fund Campaign of Women’s League in support of the Jewish Theological Seminary (New York, NY), Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies (Los Angeles, CA), Schechter Institute of Jewish Studies (Jerusalem), Seminario Rabinico Latinoamericano (Buenos Aires, Argentina), and Zacharias Frankel College (Potsdam, Germany). This year’s theme is B’Yachad (“together”).
Temple Israel & JCC offers two worship alternatives within one community: egalitarian Conservative and Reconstructionist. Service schedules and more information are available at www.synagogue.org.
