Sisterhood

We are dedicated to supporting synagogue life through tzedakah (contributions) and kehillah (community).

Who We Are

The Sisterhood of Temple Israel is open to all Jewish women, whether or not they belong to the congregation. Our sisterhood is a member of Women’s League for Conservative Judaism.

Meeting of the Temple Israel of Ridgewood New Jersey Sisterhood - members of the Women’s League for Conservative Judaism

Our Programs

We provide multiple opportunities for Jewish learning; ritual skill building; community connection; and personal friendship and support. We hold meetings, social events, and learning opportunities that bring together our unique membership, composed of women ranging in age from the 30s to 80s and beyond. Regular yearly programming includes:

  • Monthly Book Group: Meetings are held on Sunday evenings, and most take place via Zoom. The upcoming schedule appears in the weekly announcements. Email Elaine Silverstein at elasil@optonline.net to receive the Zoom link.
  • Themed holiday programming: this includes Sisters in the Sukkah, the Yom Kippur Kugelthon and Break Fast, Hanukkah Party, and a Chocolate Seder.
  • Sisterhood Shabbat: held each January, Sisterhood Shabbat is our annual celebration of ourselves and our commitment to Judaism. This entirely women-led Shabbat morning service is followed by a celebratory kiddush.
  • Occasional social events: these are open to the entire congregation, such as the Progressive Dinner and Saturday night socials.
  • Gift Shop: We keep Gift Shop stocks hostess gifts, baby gifts, Judaica for all occasions, tallitot, kippot, a wide selection of Hanukkah candles – you name it. The shop is open on selected Sundays and by appointment. Contact Stephanie Gottesman at stephaniegottesman@gmail.com to make a purchase.
  • Kippah sales: if you are planning a wedding, bnei mitzvah, or other simcha, order your custom kippot through Sisterhood. You will save money at the same time that your purchase makes a small contribution to Sisterhood. Contact Lisa London at lisalondonnj@gmail.com.

Our Contributions to the Community

Sisterhood contributes to the Temple Israel community through service projects and membership in Circle of Honor and to the larger community through acts of charity, such as our annual donation of holiday gifts to the Center for Hope and Safety.

Membership

Please join us to experience this sense of sisterhood for yourself, and become a part of a group of interesting, welcoming, dynamic women.

Membership is free to first-year members of Temple Israel; thereafter, members pay $36 per year and nonmembers, $54. Dues help pay for Sisterhood’s programming and donations and also help support Women’s League.

Sisterhood Events

Contact Us

To join, contact us as sisterhood@synagogue.org.