Sandra Eliaser

WHY WL? – From North by Northwest Region

Each of us has G-d within ourselves. The shekinah dwells in our lives to be a light unto the Nations; to adorn and surround ourselves with a beauty that will inspire us to see the whole world as a mirror to G-d’s holiness; for our homes to have peace and to have loving and healthy relationships and connections where love is protected.

I have been blessed to be able to have Shabbat with my grandchildren. Each week they light the Shabbat candles with me, with the same prayers I learned from my mother. L’dor v’dor!

Rabbi Sara Paasche-Orlow wrote, in the Women’s Torah Commentary, that G-d is in our synagogues and in our homes, with the Ner Tamid in the synagogue and lighting of the Shabbat candles in our homes, making our homes a blessing.

As I write this, it is the Shabbat right before Purim. It is also my beloved mother’s yahrzeit. I miss her every single day. She passed away on Valentine’s Day, six years ago. She was a woman of valor, strength and grace.

I remember that I joined Sisterhood when my daughter became a Bat Mitzvah. I wanted to participate and join, as Sisterhood always gave the children a kiddush cup on the occasion of their Bar or Bat Mitzvah. I felt it was my way of saying Thank You. I became involved by visiting assisted living facilities and sharing Shabbat with the residents or bringing them gifts at Chanukkah or plants at Passover. I joined the Sisterhood board and served several terms as Sisterhood President. Eventually I joined the Branch board and had various positions and was Branch President for a term, as well. I was asked to be a mentor/consultant and was an International Vice President in Cory Schneider’s administration. I now serve on the WLCJ International Board as a Region President.

It has been an honor and a pleasure being a part of Women’s League for Conservative Judaism. The joys of learning, studying, creating, and praying together have made my life more meaningful. The opportunity of meeting and building friendships has been very important to me.

Am Yisrael Chai! We need to remember that we are all responsible for each other, and to remember to have hope, and to remember how important democracy is to us.

Sandra Eliaser
Region President, North by Northwest – B’nai Shalom, Walnut Creek, CA