Sandy Berenbaum

WHY WL? – From Mid-Atlantic Region

Growing up in Brooklyn, New York, belonging to a synagogue was always a part of my childhood. After we married, I moved to Philadelphia where my husband is from. When we joined our synagogue in the mid 1970s, I decided to join the Sisterhood. I wanted to meet Jewish women and be part of synagogue life. When I attended my first Sisterhood meeting, I was assigned a “buddy.” (As an aside, I found out just a few years ago on 23andme that my then buddy and I are cousins). After I arrived, the Sisterhood president greeted and welcomed me to Sisterhood. As we began to talk, she said there was an opening on the board and asked me if I would like to be the public relations chair. She said I would have to type and send in articles to the local Jewish paper to advertise events. I told her I didn’t have a typewriter; she said no problem, we have one for you. That was the beginning of my journey in Sisterhood and a lifelong best friend relationship. From then on, I became involved with Sisterhood as membership vice president, donor vice president and eventually Sisterhood president. 

Not knowing, I was told that my Sisterhood was a member of Women’s League. I will never forget the first branch meeting I attended. It was a mock wedding held in one of the local synagogues. I was so impressed with the leadership and with the programs the branch presented. I started to attend all of the branch meetings and got to know so many wonderful women. I was asked to take the corresponding secretary position on the branch board of directors. As administrations changed, I held positions as education vice president, membership vice president and eventually became the branch president. I was mentored by wonderful women of blessed memory, Jean Liedman, Doris Rosenberg, Dolores Magen, Evie Berger, and Phyllis Haas.

Attending the biennial conventions was something I looked forward to. Nothing can compare to the Concord Hotel in Kiamesha Lake, New York. There were so many interesting sessions I could attend; with speakers from the United Nations, ambassadors, scholars, the list goes on. I was also asked to be a member at large on the branch board. I started attending Women’s League board meetings in New York. Attending board meetings gave me an opportunity to meet so many interesting and wonderful women and learn so much. Janet Tobin asked me to be the Books, Library and Periodicals chair. From then on, I held many other positions, I became a consultant, and an International Vice President. On the off year (no convention) I attended the Women’s League World Affairs Conference in Washington D.C. At one of the conferences, Gloria Cohen, who was also a wonderful mentor, asked me if I would like to be the “Class Mother” (now known as Region services chair) to the Class of 2006. I was the mother of twenty-five branch presidents, it was one of my favorite positions. I had twenty-five wonderful “daughters” who went on to other positions of leadership.

Why Women’s League? There are a myriad of reasons. Women’s League connects you to a community of empowered, inspired women who are dedicated to Jewish values, learning and service. Women’s League provides platforms for friendship, mentorship, personal growth, leadership, and educational materials. I am proud to be in the first Women’s League bat mitzvah class. We actively address issues of social justice, religious freedom, and women’s rights. As a member of Women’s League there are so many opportunities for you to take advantage of.

Sandy Berenbaum
Membership Retention Co-Chair, WLCJ – Tifereth Israel of Lower Bucks County, Bensalem, PA