Joining a New Temple and Sisterhood

I didn’t feel comfortable at my previous temple. There were too many things happening that I didn’t think were appropriate. I chose to join a new temple much closer to our home. So, last May, my husband and I joined one of the bigger Reform temples in the area.

I knew many of the women involved with sisterhood, because we had worked on the last Central District convention together. We became more than colleagues; we became friends. I started attending services and programs in other temples and sisterhoods and was drawn to the temple we joined.

The women at my new temple are warm and accepting. They welcomed me with open arms. They inquired to my interests, so I could become involved in activities that interested me. The sisterhood sponsored a Prospective Member Event at the Cantor’s home. It was so wonderful to be invited to the Cantor’s home with twenty other women. They had a lovely tea and the women there got to know each other better. 80% of the women there joined the sisterhood.

The sisterhood at my new temple has a beautiful gift shop and I was asked to help set-up and clean the gift shop for the new year. I am so glad I put some time into working there, because I was able to work with some of the women and they began to appreciate that I was willing to help with sisterhood. We became colleagues and friends. I learned about the ins and outs of working in the gift shop. I was able to see the beautiful items they offer for sale.

As the year continued, the sisterhood’s activities on Tuesdays drew me to attend some events, even though my time was limited during the week. This sisterhood offers programs and luncheons at least twice a month. What a great way to offer all kinds of programming.

Now, I feel like an important part of this sisterhood, because I am on the board for the upcoming year.  I have met women whom I admire, because they work on advocacy projects, plan and set-up programs, have a Shabbat with the brotherhood, provide opportunities to celebrate our holidays and spend time together – being sisters.

The highlight of this year for me was having Lynn Magid Lazar, WRJ’s president. visit our sisterhood for our annual World Union Luncheon. Having her meet with my new friends was very heartwarming. She made WRJ come alive for our women.

 The author of this post has chosen to remain anonymous.