A New Year With W.O.W.

Charlotte Jewish News September 2021

The High Holidays, also referred to as the Days of Awe, are upon us. What do these days signify to you? For many, they serve as a time during which we reflect on the past year, ask for forgiveness from those around us we may have inadvertently hurt, and pray for good things in the new year. It may be a time we visit with friends and family at synagogue and wish that they are inscribed and sealed for a good year. We hear the call of the shofar, reminding us to ask for forgiveness. Finally, many follow traditions relating to food: eating round challah with raisins, dipping apple in honey, and eating sweet foods. For me, it’s my favorite time of the Jewish calendar — gathering with family and friends, eating sweet foods, and being able to reflect and plan for ways to make the coming year better always make me happy.

One of the things we do at W.O.W. this time of year is plan for ways to make the coming year better. We have a variety of events planned for 5782 that are sure to bring education and fun together for participants. We recently had our 14th annual challah sale in addition to our twoway challah bake led by baker Fran Dordick at which women joined in person or through live streaming. We recognize that some women are happier baking in person while others are more comfortable joining in the fun from the comfort of their own kitchens. Either way, we bake, chat, and have challah to show for our efforts!

Our first event of the new year is our kick off, and this year’s will be a touchdown and a home run! Join Ann Smolin and W.O.W. on September 12 at 7 p.m. to “Embrace the Beauty of the New Year” for meditation and creation. We will learn the art of meditation and create fused glass art that will be used to make a usable item like a letter opener, key chain, or wine cork.

On September 26 at 7 p.m., join us at Sara’s Sukkah for our Art under the Stars event. We will provide grab-and-go foods and create artwork to take home. Have you noticed that September is filled with “creation”? The month starts with Rosh Hashanah, the creation of the world, the new year, so let’s celebrate by doing some creating ourselves!

For more information about W.O.W. or to sign up for events, please see our website at www. CharlotteWomenOfWisdom.com and follow W.O.W. Inspiring, Empowering, and Connecting Jewish Women on Facebook. We are a nondenominational group for Jewish women to engage, learn, and connect. No synagogue affiliation is necessary, just an interest to learn more about our beautiful heritage!