Anita Schick

WHY WL? – From Florida Region

This is a story about sisters. My late sister Rhoda and I were always very close and shared a special bond. She passed away at the end of 2019 right before COVID. To say I was lost, is an understatement. I had much too much time on my hands. A few weeks later the answer came to me on Shabbat morning at Sisterhood Shabbat. I knew from previous experience, having twice been President of the Sisterhood of Greenburgh Hebrew Center in N.Y., that I would find what I needed within Sisterhood. Whatever possessed me… I went up to President Ruth Jatkoff, who was sitting on the bima, and asked her if I could help her.  She asked me if I would be Co-President and I said yes. Of course she needed to consult a few people. That was the beginning of my healing process.

Over the next three years I relied on many members to continue our work. Our Sisterhood was named a “Jewel in the Crown” by Women’s League at the Convention in August 2023. The award covers programs in Education, Community Service, and Women’s League activities. We had to provide documentation covering three years, two of them under lockdown. There is no way I could have done any of that by myself.

While I appreciated the Sisterhood thanking me for being President, I wanted them to remember what they did for me. They kept me busy, they gave me the love and support that I needed as I dealt with my grief, and they gave me new friendships and strengthened ones I already had. They made me feel useful and gave me a sense of purpose. The truth is that we are all sisters navigating this life together.

Anita Schick
Region Vice President Membership/Sisterhood Support, Temple Torat Emet Sisterhood, Boynton Beach, FL