Why “Almost” Individual Membership?

Doreen Bornfreund, WLCJ International VP & Membership Chair 2023–2026

As part of the Women’s League for Conservative Judaism Membership Campaign, a large amount of time is apportioned to reaching out to new, present, and previous Individual Members. At the Zoom programs aimed directly towards these audiences, we have participants on every level. They share their backgrounds with the group, including why they became an Individual Member of WLCJ. You may be surprised how diverse the reasons are! 

Within the past two years, I have contemplated the possibility that I might become an Individual Member on two occasions. Twice my synagogue has been in negotiation of a possible amalgamation with another synagogue in our city.  If the synagogues did merge, I would not remain as a member of either merger for many reasons. Thus, I would be without a Sisterhood Affiliate. I was relieved that the merger was squashed and I am still very active in my Sisterhood Affiliate and synagogue.

That situation made me think about the need to become an Individual Member had the merger happened; it made me wonder why and how our Individual Members came to be.

Choosing from those who have attended the “Let’s Talk” series for Individual Members in my term of office, I will be asking them to share their stories of “Why WL Individual Membership.” I invite any Individual Member to submit their story. My hope is that this will be a living reminder of how special being part of WLCJ is for all members, and maybe even encourage someone learning about WLCJ to join.

Please submit your stories (maximum 300 words) to dbornfreund@wlcj.org. Look out for future stories on our website and in WL Week!