Women of Rodef Shalom
Members of the Women of Rodef Shalom enjoy getting together for a variety of activities and projects that enrich and support our members, as well as our congregation and the broader community.
For information on membership, please contact Carol Leaman at rscsisterhood@rodefshalom.org.
What We Do:
During this last year, the Women of Rodef Shalom employed some of the Covid-restricted time to carefully review and update our by-laws. This led to the recognition that with a stronger structure in place, now would be the right time to reimagine our future, even in a still uncertain environment.
And for that we need your input and support, both participatory and financial.
So here is a short list of a few of our many programs and activities:
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The Caring Community reaches out to our members, for example with deliveries of homemade soup, a challah, and dessert, truly “Soup From the Heart.” Also, each week we provide the flowers which grace the temple’s pulpit, and after Shabbat deliver them to members. Gift bags hold holiday goodies, such as mishloach manot, which cheer members residing in senior living facilities.
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Topical Programs in various formats (i.e. Zoom, in-person, hybrid) are being planned this year. Topics under consideration include expert discussions on mental health, antisemitism, recent Supreme Court decisions, women’s issues, social justice, and more. You tell us what interests you!
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Social Connections are made and maintained in our popular weekly programs, like bridge, mahjong, and sewing - smaller gatherings that offer an easy way for newer members to get to know others in an informal setting. Plus, we look forward to festive larger events, with food, of course.
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Congregational Support extends beyond financial contributions to programs such as the Family Center, religious school, and camp scholarships. Annually we also offer a seder and, jointly with the Brotherhood and religious school, a special Shabbat service. Throughout the year Sisterhood supports holiday celebrations and onegs, and presents gifts to our b’nai mitzvah students. We manage the Gift Corner, which sells gorgeous Judaica and unique items. Profits from this and other sources just enabled us to make a generous contribution to the stained glass window repair.
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The Women of Reform Judaism Atlantic District Convention will be hosted by us in Pittsburgh next spring, because WRS member Jan Shaw will be installed as District President of this 100+ year-old organization. As a member of WRS, you automatically gain membership to WRJ, which strives to enrich contemporary life with Jewish traditions and values. We join with WRJ in practicing Tikkun Olam, in the belief that our collective action can create a more just and compassionate world.
Tzedakah:
The Community Outreach and Social Action (COSA) Committee and Women of Rodef Shalom (WRS) are looking for volunteers to help make hats and scarves for The Free Store. The Free Store is a project that was started by Gisele Fetterman, a past recipient of Rodef Shalom Congregation’s Pursuer of Peace Award. WRS has a lot of yarn and material available for anyone who would like to help. Please contact Nancy Rosenthal at bobnancyrosenthal1@verizon.net with any questions or to get involved.
Who We Are:
Women of Rodef Shalom Board 2022-2023
Terry Starrett
President
Open
Executive Vice President
Teri Cowan
Vice President
Sandie Brand
Vice President
Carol Leaman
Vice President
Marilyn Asimow
Vice President
Gail Lefkowitz
Treasurer
Nancy Rosenthal
Financial Secretary
Judy Kampert
Assistant Treasurer
Marjorie Goldfarb
Recording Secretary
Sheila Werner
Assistant Recording Secretary
Phyllis Feinert
Corresponding Secretary
Emmeline Silk
Assistant Corresponding Secretary
Rochelle Sufrin
Director
Joan Forscher
Director
Janet Ocel
Director
Barbra Bowman-Labbie
Director
Marion Damick
Parliamentarian
