We are an organization of women who work together to support our congregation and our community. We are friends who gather for study, social activities and above all, for the personal growth of the individual so that each may find an opportunity to fulfill her potential as a person and as a Jewish woman.
On a national level, the Sisterhood of Congregation Beth Emeth is part of the Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ). We support many national and worldwide programs of the Reform Movement through our Youth, Education and Special Projects fund (YES Fund). We share programs and ideas with women around the country.
Our ultimate goal is to meet the needs of women of all ages and lifestyles who are part of our congregation. Whether you are a new member of the congregation, a mother of a religious schoolchild, single or newly married woman or retired, there is a place for you at Sisterhood. Our Rosh Chodesh observances are both educational and fun, as we explore ways to celebrate this holiday designated for women. In service to the community, Sisterhood members can be found cooking and serving food for the Emanuel Dining Hall. On a quieter note, we will continue to provide holiday greetings to our college/military youth, light the Shabbat candles, decorate for Sukkot, and support religious school activities, while providing an annual Shabbat luncheon and Passover baskets for some of the Seniors in our community.
We invite you to join Sisterhood and become part of a great organization that will enrich your life and make a difference at Congregation Beth Emeth. Please contact the temple with any questions about joining Sisterhood or about upcoming events.
Munch And Mingle with Sisterhood on Sunday September 14th, the first day of Religous School. Learn what Sisterhood has planned for the upcoming year. Refreshments and conversation will be provided! Join us at the Temple anytime between 9:00 and 10:30 am.
On May 18th, the Beth Emeth Sisterhood held its Installation Dinner and Service. The new Co-Presidents are Michelle Englemann, in her second year, and Gail Dallas, in her first year. Susan Aaronson, a Past-President of WRJ Mid-Atlantic District, spoke and let the Board Installation. Congratulations to the 2007-2008 Sisterhood Board!
"INDEPENDENT, JEWISH, AND FRANKLY FEMINIST"
The slogan above captures the essence of Lilith Magazine. Groups of Jewish women around the country (and around the world) are using the insightful articles from this magazine as the basis for ongoing, mind-expanding discussion groups. The Sisterhood of Beth Emeth is organizing one or more "Lilith Salons" as these groups are known. Are you interested in lively conversation and an opportunity to get to know women from our congregation? If so, contact HarrietAnn Litwin. Let her know of your interest and when you would prefer to meet (day-time, evenings, weekend, etc.). For more information about Lilith Magazine, go to www.lilith.org. You will find background on the magazine as well as a number of articles from past issues, one of which will be picked as the theme for the initial Lilith Salon.
Sisterhood’s 100th Anniversary celebratory cookbooks have arrived! The first copies of “From Generation to Generation” are available for purchase for only $12. As in all we do, proceeds from our cookbook sales will benefit Congregation Beth Emeth as well as future Sisterhood projects. Cookbooks will be available in the synagogue’s gift shop or contact Jan Goodman.
Breakthrough for Women's Rights & Poverty Reduction
Update and Alert: Women Worldwide Organize to Seek Breakthrough for Women's Rights & Poverty Reduction
In August of 2007, WRJ joined the Women, Faith & Development Alliance to work with internationally focused organizations to seek a breakthrough for women's rights and poverty reduction globally. Go to www.wfd-alliance.org for information about the alliance and its essential work. On April 13 - 14, 2008, the alliance held a major conference Breakthrough: Women, Faith, and Development Summit to End Global Poverty, at which former WRJ presidents, Judith M. Hertz and Beth Emeth'sown Connie Kreshtool represented the WRJ. Connie's report may be found as a document below.
As part of the Breakthrough Summit, each participating organization was asked to prepare a commitment statement regarding poverty reduction efforts. WRJ's responsibilities as members of the alliance are outlined in the commitment document below. The Women, Faith and Development website includes a brief synthesis of this statement at http://www.wfd-alliance.org/assets/docs/commitments.pdf.Since the summit WRJ has been participating in alliance conference calls and related advocacy. WRJ calls on us to take action as urged in their To The Point alerts to help us fulfill our commitment.
On May 18th, the Beth Emeth Sisterhood held its Installation Dinner and Service. The new Co-Presidents are Michelle Englemann, in her second year, and Gail Dallas, in her first year. Susan Aaronson, a Past-President of WRJ Mid-Atlantic District, spoke and let the Board Installation. Congratulations to the 2007-2008 Sisterhood Board!
