Megillah, Summer 2005

Sisterhood News

• WLCJ Conference/Retreat
• Sisterhood Appreciation Day

WLCJ Conference/Retreat

On May 15 - 16, 2005, Seaboard Branch of Women's League for Conservative Judaism held its 60th Annual Conference. The Sisterhood members who attended were treated to a stimulating two days of workshops and services led by women for women. It was an uplifting experience, which every member should attend at least once. You'll want to go again!

The first workshop we attended was called "Israel Up to the Minute". Colonel Boaz Cohen from the Israeli Embassy was our guest speaker. He explained very clearly the current problems in Israel as well as their advances. There were many questions by women who follow Israeli politics very closely. Some were especially interested because they have children and grandchildren living there.

The "Creative Jewish Writing" workshop gave us all hints on how to get started writing - an article, a journal, a letter to a friend - and eventually getting it published, if desired. Guest speaker Miriam Berg was an enthusiastic leader. She instructed everyone to write on any subject for half an hour. I was disappointed that we did not hear anyone read their article that might have led to interesting discussion. But then, the workshops were never long enough.

Rabbi Michelle Fisher led the "Torah Study" session. We started with a verse from Exodus 38.8: "He made a laver of copper, and its stand of copper, from the mirrors of the women who performed tasks at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting". From this one sentence, we had enough material for a lively 45-minute examination of the various reasons given by the rabbis why the mirrors were used.

The "Seders and So Much More" encouraged many members to tell us about their very innovative model and regular Seders that occurred at their synagogues and/or at home. Some wonderful ideas were presented. Sharon Kaye, daughter of former Nevey Shalom members Joy and Art Podolsky, was a presenter at this workshop.

One of the most well-attended workshops was "Clutter in Your Lives: Clean It Up!" From the crows that showed up, it looks like most of us have this problem. We ran out of seats in this room and women were sitting on the floor. Guest speaker Ellen Newman gave us some good hints on how to tackle the clutter that seems to overtake our homes.

I must also mention that the Conference Center at the Maritime Institute has very comfortable bedrooms, the meals were very good, and the snacks at every session were endless. This Seaboard Branch Women's League Conference was an enjoyable, enlightening weekend well worth attending.

At this time, I would like to wish you all a wonderful Summer and look forward to seeing you all in the Fall.

~Pauline Levin
Sisterhood Co-President

Sisterhood Appreciation Day

On Sunday, June 5, Sisterhood hosted our yearly Appreciation event to acknowledge all of the work our members do for Nevey Shalom. This year, our dinner reflected the fact that it was also Yom Yerushalayim (Jerusalem Unification Day). The beautiful centerpieces of Israeli carnations (beautifully done by Sheila Goldstein) set the tone for the evening. The buffet tables were covered withplatters of Israeli falafel and all the trimmings. Our own Cantor Shula Resnick provided an evening of lively Israel songs and, to top it off, called up those who wanted to dance and taught them all an Israeli dance. Thanks to the efforts of Ellen Weiss and all of those who helped in the kitchen, all who attended had a very good time.

~Pauline Levin
Sisterhood Co-President