Linda Boxer

WHY WL? – From International Northeast Region

That’s a list of places I have lived since I got married. In each place, my husband and I knew no one. In each city, one of our first phone calls would be to the local Conservative
synagogue to find out about kosher food, shul membership, and, eventually, how to find babysitters. In the beginning, I was shy, very shy, sitting in the back of the room, watching and listening. With each new environment, I gained some more confidence. By Allentown, I was getting immersed and working on committees. When we were very new to Niagara Falls, I was asked if I could help on the sisterhood catering committee. I said I guessed I could, call if you need help. ‘See you at 9:30 on Thursday,’ was the reply. In the days before food processors, I helped chop celery and onions for tuna and egg salad. I learned how to make such things for 200 people for a bar or bat mitzvah. I was adopted by the women of the congregation. I was welcomed, so much so, that when my children were ready to celebrate their simchas, I had as much help as I needed to make the kiddish. Sadly, our beloved shul in Niagara Falls closed as the community diminished. We joined a larger shul in the Buffalo area. Again, I was welcomed, and when that shul merged with a neighboring shul, I found myself agreeing to sell Torah Fund cards. Then I was asked to keep the books for Torah Fund donations. Then I was asked to co-chair the campaign. And then came the big ask: to be International Northeast Region’s Torah Fund Vice President. Truthfully, I didn’t know what I was getting into. What I found was that I made life-long friends from across the countries, I learned new skills. I grew.

When we retired my husband and I looked at downsizing near our children who live in much bigger cities. We soon discovered that we could have twice the space for about a third the cost if we simply moved to Williamsville, NY, much nearer to Temple Beth Tzedek, our shul. We have built community and connections. For two years as INR’s Torah Fund Vice President, I also served as Temple Beth Tzedek’s president. It’s amazing how many hours are in a day, and days in a week, when volunteering. I thought that in retirement, I’d have time to read, to knit, to relax. Instead, I accepted the position of president of INR. It keeps me busy. I’ve made more friends. I continue to learn and grow. Start your journey. You’ll never know whom you will meet, who will befriend you, what you will learn. That’s Why Women’s League.

Linda Boxer
Region President, INR – Women’s Network of Temple Beth Tzedek, Williamsville, NY