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Hang out with this multi-award-winning Sisterhood
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Greetings!
Women of Rodef Sholom provides you the opportunity for community. Come feel connected and meet some wonderful women. We want to get to know you!
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THIS WEEKEND!
Sat, Feb 1st 7 pm
A night for fun!
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$25 NOW (save $5) $30 at the door
Same price as last year!
Our big Fund Raiser supports the WRS Tikkun Olam Fund
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The now famous WRS Jewelry & Accessories Sale is
Sun. Feb. 9th
11 am - 2 pm
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DONATIONS:
We cannot accept donations after Jan 31st, so do it now!
Volunteers needed day of the Sale:
- 1.5 hour shifts to help set up
- 2 hour shifts during
- 1 hour after for clean up
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2/4 & 2/18 1-3 pm Rodef Sholom Social Hall
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Monthly open Mahj play is usually the first & third Tuesday of every month.
Remember to bring card and sets. All skills welcome!
Let's have fun!
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2/19 7:15-8:15 JCC Library
(3rd Wed. of the month)
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Schedule:
February 19th
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The Girl from Berlin by Ronald Balson
March 18th - The Muralist by B. A. Shapiro
April 15th - The Lemon Tree by Sandy Tolan
To RSVP
CLICK HERE
or Call Alice Miller with questions: 415-381-6792
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Curriculum: 10 Commandments
February 20, 27 and March 5
7-8:30 pm in the JCC Library
Claire Mikowski, Jewish Education extraordinaire, will be teaching this class. An opportunity to make connections while learning.
Cost of Curriculum is $36 plus shipping
(If cost is a concern, arrangements can be made)
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Main Food Bank Service Opportunity
February dates all are full!
More dates in March coming soon
Contact Susan Goldwasser
sigcrg@aol.com who will know the March dates soon.
We will have fun and do a tremendous mitzvah together!
Since 1987 The San Francisco Marin Food Bank has been helping to address food insecurity which affects 1 in 5 people in our community. There are 260 food pantries including at college campuses. There are home deliveries to seniors and disabled adults and snacks to high need schools. 60% of the food delivered is fresh produce
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Put on your hairnet and have a good time! Wear closed toe shoes and an extra layer as it can be cool in the warehouse.
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WRS doing some serious Tikkun Olam work
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Angela Giacomini, Lauren Sugerman, BettyAnn Kram, Randy (SF Food Bank Volunteer Organizer), Judy Frumkin and Susan Goldwasser (WRS Captain)
"We processed 4000 pounds of food to help feed 12,000 people!"
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Save the Date next Month (March)
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WRS WOMEN'S SEDER
Sun, March 29 at 4 pm
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The highlight of the year!
Come enjoy the special Haggadah, singing, dancing and festive meal
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Bring your daughters, granddaughters, mother, grandmothers, sisters, aunts, cousins and friends!
We always fill up, so register and prepay early.
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Because this is a catered event, we cannot accept reservations after 3/22
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WRS ANNUAL RETREAT
May 15-17
Westerbeke Ranch
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New this year:
Early bird Registration DISCOUNT!
Available through Feb. 29th
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A picture says a thousand words ...
Go get some yummy cookies at the Gift Shop.
Buy 1, get 1
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Regular hours:
MON - THURS: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
FRI: 11:30 am - 2:00 pm
SUNDAY (most) 10:00 - 12:30
Closed all Saturdays
Or by appointment, call Ingrid: 415-640-7868
As we are solely run by volunteers, call to make sure we're open: 415 444 8098
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WANT TO GET INVOLVED BUT DON'T KNOW HOW?
The Women of Rodef Sholom’s Programming and Membership Committees are seeking new volunteers. Volunteering time, energy and passion to these committees is rewarding work! It is also a great way to meet new people, contribute to interesting projects, and give back to our wonderful organization.
Programming Team meeting:
Meeting agenda will primarily focus on WRS Seder.
Join in the fun of planning programming for this special annual event.
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BE OF SERVICE: GIVE A SISTER A RIDE
Some Sisterhood members no longer drive and would still like to come to events. Can you offer a ride to a Sister in need?
If so,
CLICK HERE and Jen Levine will connect you. Thank you for being of service!
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Renew your Membership for 2019-2020
(if you haven't already done so)
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You can do it on-line. It's easy!
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Message from our President
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Dear Fabulous Women of Rodef Sholom and Friends:
I cannot believe that 2019 is over and a new decade has begun! I am so enjoying meeting with you all and working with the terrific Board of the Women of Rodef Sholom (WRS) and the greater Congregation Rodef Sholom community.
I had the privilege of attending the Women of Reform Judaism’s Pacific District (WRJ PD) Board meeting, along with the WRS’ WRJ Liaison Barbara Merino, over MLK Jr. weekend. It was great to connect with other women from the Western states to share information about programming, membership, and so many other key topics for sisterhoods. The national WRJ is hosting the Fried Leadership Conference in late April/early May
in Phoenix, right in our Pacific District, AND the WRJ PD is hosting a District Convention in October in Orange County. With so much preparation needed to host over 150 women at the Convention, the WRJ PD is looking for volunteers from District women’s groups. Let me or any Women of Rodef Sholom Board member know if you are interested in working with that wonderful group of passionate women or just learning more about the Women of Reform Judaism.
On a related note, I am particularly excited about the World Zionist Congress (WZC) election that started January 21 and runs through March 11. It’s one of the ways that we in the diaspora of the Reform Movement have a say in the direction of Israel and the civil rights issues critical to me personally, such as the rights of women to pray, marry, and divorce, LGBQT+ rights, fighting racism, and religious freedom for those outside of the Jewish Orthodoxy. Please, please, please vote in this key election if you haven’t already. I did.
Closer to home, the Women of Rodef Sholom also have a need for volunteers. There is room for every woman in our community to help, either by joining a group or leading the charge! Opportunities include writing cards of congratulations and condolences on your own time or at a fun house party and chopping veggies for the Women’s Seder coming up on March 29, among others. Please also consider a role on next year’s WRS Board. Contact me or any member of the WRS Board with your preferred role or ideas for new ones. Without you, we are one woman short!
We certainly aren’t all work and no play! There’s no better place to socialize at an adult night out than WRS’ Trivia Night, Saturday, February 1, which is also an important fundraiser for the WRS. Additionally, we have the world (!) famous WRS Accessories Sale on Sunday, February 9, at the JCC, one of my personal favorite events and also a key fundraiser. Please check out our Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World) Report Card for details on where our funds go, but know that they go back into our Congregational community, the Marin community and beyond.
Two meaningful spiritual WRS favorites are also coming up fast: the Women’s Seder, March 29, and the Women’s Retreat, May 15-17. I plan to attend both, and I hope to see you there for storytelling, traditions with-a-twist, friendship, and relaxation. Look in this newsletter for sign-up links to both!
One of my favorite refrains in this group is that we are stronger together. That has been so true for me personally within the WRS, as these women have supported me during my times of need, magnified my celebrations with their warmth, and worked so hard alongside me to uphold the values of Reform Judaism. I can’t wait to welcome you in person to your next Women of Rodef Sholom event!
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Jen Levine
President, Women of Rodef Sholom
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Dear Friends,
I just returned from our 2
nd annual 3-6 Grade Retreat, where I spent 2 nights with 35 of our Rodef Sholom kids celebrating Shabbat, singing, dancing, playing, learning, making art, spending time in nature, and so much more.
On Shabbat morning, we learned about our Torah portion, parashat Vaera, in which God speaks to Moses and tells him to go to Pharaoh. Moses replies to God, saying the following:
Moses appealed to God, saying, “See I am of impeded speech; how then should Pharaoh heed me!” God replied to Moses, “See, I place you in the role of God to Pharaoh, with your brother Aaron as your prophet. You shall repeat all that I command you, and your brother Aaron shall speak to Pharaoh to let the Israelites depart from his land.” (Exodus 6:30-7:2)
After we learned together, I asked the group to raise their hand if there was a something they struggled with in their lives or something for which they needed support from others. Everyone in the room raised their hand. We talked about some things we struggled with, we opened up, and then we made our own “Empowerment Tiles,” white tiles that we painted and then wrote words and phrases on that would empower us and encourage us when we were down or struggling.
“Just keep swimming.” “Smile.” “You can do it.” “Be yourself; everyone else is taken.” Words that inspired me and made me feel encouraged in the moment, and words that I hope our kids take home with them and remember then when they feel anxious, scared, even hopeless.
We all find ourselves in that space at some point, some more than others. As we begin to move from the darkest time of the year to the season where more literal light will enter our days, I hope that you take the words and inspiration of our Rodef Sholom kiddos as you go on your way, and continue to bring light to those who surround you as well.
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L’shalom,
Rabbi Lara Regev
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Congregation Rodef Sholom
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Join the Congregation's Kaddish minyan to gather weekly in support of one another as we mourn our losses - Wednesdays at 9am in the sanctuary.
Contact Eilite at
eilite@rodefsholom.org
for more information. Thank you for being a mensch (a person of integrity and honor) in our community
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WORLD ZIONIST CONGRESS
Your vote matters!
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You Are Invited to Participate in an Historical Jewish Vote
As you must be aware, Jewish Israeli religious life is controlled by the Ultra-Orthodox who comprise no more than 20 percent of Israelis. This control affects 100 percent of Jews throughout the world and hits women the hardest. Decisions regarding divorce, marriage, who is a Jew are only a few issues that feel “of another era.”
There is a way forward for our Reform Jewish values to affect change, increase a Reform presence in Israel and bring light to our world.
If you don’t like the treatment of women at the Western Wall;
If you don’t want your grandchildren treated unjustly;
If you know Zionism is not a dirty word but an expression of the desire for a totally democratic Israel with freedom of religion; you can help change the dynamics. VOTE REFORM in the World Zionist Congress 2020 Election.
After you vote, please let us know so we can keep track of our voting numbers Please email:
ronnavoor@yahoo.com who feels so
strongly about this historic election which comes about only every 5 years, she was compelled to share one story with you. If anyone feels so moved, please send her your story that can help others understand what can happen when the liberal Jewish voice is silenced.
What Once Was Could Be Again
Wobbling, stumbling, helping each other over hundreds of plywood boards sprawled over the rubble of what a few days earlier had been Jordanian families’ homes, we made our way to the Wailing Wall. It was June, 1967, an afternoon near the end of the Six Day War.
Stuffing small scraps of papers with prayers for family, living and dead, into the crevices of what is now known as the Western Wall, I leaned into the stone mindful that I represented all my ancestors who would have traded their abject poverty in Eastern Europe or left the comfort of their San Diego lives to have done the same.
At the Wailing Wall, against the sounds of occasional gun fire some blocks away, we mingled freely, strangers hugging strangers, religious and secular rubbing elbows. Not once were we shooed into women’s space. Today at The Wall, 26 percent of ground serves as women-only space; women are denied access to the other 74 percent of the wall. To add to the segregation, a physical wall divides the grounds so we cannot be seen.
In the beginning, the liberation was beautiful, democratic, chaotic.
Today, only the chaos remains and women are relegated to less than second class citizens.
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In the bin this month: In the temple lobby
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FEBRUARY:
New or gently used towels and twin sheets to be distributed to shelters in Marin by Homeward Bound
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WRS Minhag (custom)
"Heal Her Now" SCARFS
An Or Ami Award-winning project from WRJ
(Women of Reform Judaism)
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El na, refah na lah (Please God, heal her now)
From Numbers 12:13 -
Then Moses cried to the LORD, "Heal her now, O God."
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The Women of Rodef Sholom has a new minhag (custom) which was introduced and created at the WRS Retreat this year. Beautiful hand-made silk scarfs were produced, wrapped in Mishaberach prayers while holding the Torah, and adorned with healing prayers and love.
When a woman in our Congregation has a very serious illness, she will be presented with a "Heal Her Now" Scarf as a gift from the Women of Rodef Sholom. Rabbi Stacy has the box of scarfs.
Sharing this kind of loving kindness, refu’ah sh’leymah (complete healing), and Torah, is what Sisterhood is all about.
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We solemnly pray that you never need one of these scarfs. However, if you do, please contact Rabbi Stacy or
wrs@rodefsholom.org
and you will be wrapped in healing love.
El na, refah na lah (Please God, heal her now)!
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