SISTERHOOD SCENE

As I write this document, my feelings are mixed. For the last three years, I have been Sisterhood President starting before COVID and lasting through it until this month. It’s been quite a journey in so many ways.

First, I began my tenure with a workshop offered by the National Women's League where I began to create my vision of what I wanted our sisterhood to be. I received much knowledge from the many talented women running the workshop as well as from the other presidents from all over the United States who attended with me.

Second, I was blessed with wonderful role models of recent past presidents to guide me along the way - Rise Stern, Barbara Horowitz and Joan Atlas. They were always patient with my questions and ideas and willing to help me bring my ideas to fruition.

Third, I was tested as we transitioned from in-person meetings to Zoom participation and the challenge of making our meetings relevant and open to as many people as possible. We took you around the world to many Jewish communities (India, France, Israel); we visited with our clergy in their kitchens; and we brought you up to date with current affairs pertaining to Israel.

Fourth, I came to know and love the many women who would work with me over the next three years as caring, hardworking volunteers ready to jump right in and help me to make our chapter as successful as possible. We increased our membership, we worked together to raise over $30,000 for the synagogue, and we spent over $10,000 for tzedakah activities during this period.

And finally, I was led and challenged by our clergy and staff to solve problems and to infuse our programming with Jewish knowledge and interest. They were there to guide me along the way.

It has been a delight to have served the synagogue and its women in such a position and I particularly want to thank my husband, Jack, and our kids who were always there with support, ideas and love.

May we all go from strength to strength as we move forward into the summer and the new year. Keep up your interest and generosity with sisterhood and together we can make a difference in our Beth El community and the community at large.

With gratitude and love, Sandy Savitz Gruenberg