Why Women’s League?

WHY WL? – From the WL Membership Chair In July 2023, I was honoured to be installed as a Vice President of Women’s League for Conservative Judaism. When I accepted the position, I felt that it was the culmination of thirty years of involvement with WLCJ. I was excited to bring these years of experience to this new role. Having survived three profound health issues in the past three years, I was grateful that my prayers were answered and I was motivated, that going forward, I would make every moment meaningful and fulfilling. Over the years my participation in Women’s League has happened on many levels. On my Synagogue’s Sisterhood/Affiliate, Beth David Women – from Secretary through to President (more than once!), and, still active on the Executive. On the Branch/Region, Canadian Seaway Branch and subsequently International Northeast Region – from Chairing Conferences through to Z’havah Chair. On different positions on the International Board as a Z’havah Chair and as a Kol Ishah...

WHY WL? – From IntraContinental Region I joined my Sisterhood in Austin, Texas (over 30 years ago) because I wanted to find a group of women friends. Back then, we thought we could do anything – and we did! We had our children, worked, ran our homes, and took care of ourselves. One part of taking care of ourselves was joining other women like us who wanted to be with other Jewish women to help ourselves, our children, and our Synagogue. We used to meet on Sundays while the kids were in Sunday School. I eventually became Sisterhood President, and I ran the Judaica Shop for a few years. As I worked my way through my Sisterhood, my Region, and finally the International Board, I have met many wonderful women throughout the U.S., Canada, and Israel. When I moved from Austin to the Portland, Oregon, area, I joined Sisterhood there to try to make new friends. In Austin, I had a baby, and it was easy (ish) to find other women with children Hannah’s age, so friendships came easier. Moving...

WHY WL? – From Mid-Atlantic Region When I first joined Women’s League it was mainly for the purpose of entering the Bat Mitzvah class and to learn Hebrew. Through those studies, I met wonderful, spirited women who stirred my need to help! Then, again through my classes, I learned about Makom B’Yachad, which has become family to me. I know beyond a shadow of doubt that they care about me and will do whatever possible if I need anything – including prayers. Then I went to the convention in Chicago and became a Bat Mitzvah – WOW!!  Not only did I meet MORE amazing women, I saw for myself how strong and organized WL is and I was so proud to be a member!! I knew I was hooked. Now I’m Chair of the Mishpachah Committee for International, plus Social Action for MAR-velous MidAtlantic!! Both committees focus on inclusion and being a family – very Jewish values. I am so proud to be a Jewish woman and lucky to be a part of WL; this organization truly “Walks the Walk” of the...

WHY WL? – From Seaboard Region Women’s League was waiting for me when I found my way to Congregation Kol Shalom of Annapolis (Md.) conservative synagogue. The monthly meeting was announced, I showed up and was handed the secretary notebook. Led by the leaders at the time, I attended educational days and conferences within driving distance.  The wonder to me is “what was Women’s League like before COVID?” because that is when it came alive for me. The 2020 Conference was virtual; I could attend, but did not know what to expect. While scrolling the 2020 conference program, a “Daily Psalms” study opportunity caught my attention. To this day, I have been a regular on what was later named Makom B’Yachad.   Women’s League has afforded me learning opportunities that gave me a much-needed lift into living in the world of Judaism. Of course, we did complete the study of the Book of Psalms and have continued to seriously study the wisdom of our sages on the assigned days...

WHY WL? – From Garden State Region My name is Lynette Seader, Immediate Past President of the Garden State Region and twice Sisterhood President at two congregations. I have also worked in programming, education, and membership positions. I believe in Sisterhood, entering my 30th year of involvement. I have felt the rewards in making friends and being part of fun and successful events. I work now to get others to overcome their hesitation to join Sisterhood and invest their time to join Sisterhood or simply just pay dues. Sisterhood is an ideal venue to make new friends, connect with Judaism and provide programming, fundraising to benefit your synagogue at large. Sisterhood suits my lifestyle as I am a “doer” with the energy required to get things done and innovate to a changing population. Sisterhood was instilled in me in midlife as a social venue to learn more about being a Jewish woman. After my Presidency, I got involved in Adult Education which opened interest for learning...

WHY WL? – From North by Northwest Region Having grown up on the East Coast, living in Jewish neighborhoods where public schools are closed on Jewish holidays, where one’s neighbors, classmates, teachers and friends are Jewish, and all Jewish amenities are close by, Howard and I married, lived in Vestal, N.Y. for 3 years, had a baby, and moved to Northern California. We quickly learned that to experience having a Jewish community in California one needs to join a synagogue because there are no Jewish neighborhoods in Northern California. Therefore in 1974, our young family of four joined Congregation Beth David in Saratoga, CA. I began teaching Kita Alef in the religious school, which I loved, and continued to do for 30 years, and immediately became an active member of the Beth David Sisterhood. Between teaching in the school, attending Shabbat services regularly, and assuming a position on the Sisterhood board, it was easy to quickly acquire friends and find the Jewish community my...

WHY WL? – From Southern Region I joined Sisterhood at my synagogue because members asked me to assist them with a project. I was asked and became involved! When I joined my husband in Birmingham, AL, Temple Beth-El’s Sisterhood invited me to a Newcomer’s brunch. There I met women who welcomed me to the community. During our “get to know you” conversations my interest in baking came up. Quickly, I was asked to join my new friends in the shul’s kitchens to bake Oneg treats for Friday services. As we baked together and I participated in more activities, I gained new friends, added to my Jewish learning, and became an engaged synagogue and Sisterhood member resulting in leadership roles today. I will always appreciate Hannah z’l, Rita and the other women who welcomed me, mentored me, and guided me to my appreciation of WLCJ. What I know from my experience is that asking for assistance with a specific task is an effective way to involve a newcomer who may someday become an Affiliate leader....

WHY WL? – From Mid-Atlantic Region Today in our changing society the word “family” is hard to define. For me, a true family is a group of people working together for a common goal, with love. And certainly, that is what I found in WL—a family working for common goals: the well-being of our loved ones and ourselves, the survival of our congregations, and the betterment of our world. Tzedakah, deeds of lovingkindness, and justice are what we members of the WL family have worked for in the past, work for now, and will work for in the future. L’Dor v’dor. Lois Silverman Past Presidents Council, WLCJ – Temple Sinai, Dresher, PA  

WHY WL? – From Central Great Lakes Region My first connection to Women’s League was a CGLR Region convention. I stood in the hotel lobby, a newbie and not knowing many people, I spotted Edna Shrank and Laurie B. Davis. They grabbed me and put me in a minivan with Karen Kaufman and Debbi Green. That was the beginning of a beautiful friendship, with these women and WLCJ. Although I was active on the Region Board for a short time and attended a few international conventions, I didn’t have a strong connection. I was in awe of past international presidents, including Cory Schneider, Margie Miller, and Carol Simon, but those were women who I didn’t think I’d ever really know. Fast forward to 2020 and Covid. Debbi Goldich asked me to co-chair Tefillah with Toby Holtzman. Toby and I had spoken once about this assignment and then the world closed down. While I was sad at what had happened, I was relieved that I wasn’t going to have to plan several tefillah services,...

WHY WL? – From International Northeast Region This past weekend at my synagogue our women celebrated Beth David Women Shabbat — women leading and participating in every part of the Shabbat prayer service, from our woman synagogue President, who led us in Pesukei, to our female ShinShinim, leading us in Adon Olom. Our Affiliate President stood on the bimah to welcome everyone. As an International Vice President representing Women’s League, I read a message from Julia Loeb, our International Women’s League President. Yasher Koach to all who participated. It was wonderful to see all these women on the bimah and around the aron hakodesh. At Beth David Women, we still have one more important event to celebrate: the installation of the 2025-2027 Executive and Board of Directors is on June 17. Twelve members of the board and two past presidents will be installed. The thing is, they are mostly the same women as in the last term,...