Message From the President - Marsha Malberg

We are women who are filled with dedication, devotion, determination and hope.
We are women who know that we can make a difference by our actions.
We are Jewish women, Sisterhood women.
We are the women of Reform Judaism. The future in great part lies in our hands.

• ( Covenant of the Soul )

WRJ SISTERHOOD LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
New Orleans, LA
January 23 – 25, 2009

“Cooperation, Collaboration, Leadership”

Over 160 Sisterhood leaders – 16 from our Atlantic District – gathered in New Orleans to worship, build our Sisterhood Toolbox, increase our WRJ knowledge, share our Sisterhood successes and challenges, hear personal stories about Hurricane Katrina, and learn what is happening in New Orleans today.

I was privileged to attend this inspiring Conference as your representative.

The enchantment began for me when I arrived in New Orleans on Friday afternoon and saw blue skies and a beautiful Magnolia Tree. Friday highlights included meeting the other District Presidents, Kaballat Shabbat – where we all listened with tears and smiles as 3 women shared their experiences during Hurricane Katrina, and after-dinner entertainment by Cantor Joel Colman and Dr. Marcus St. Julien.

Saturday worship included 2 guest speakers – Dr. Benjamin Sachs, Dean of Tulane University School of Medicine, and Jonathan Cohen, Director of URJ Henry S. Jacobs Camp. Dr. Sachs described health care in New Orleans, before Katrina and now. He shared his vision of establishing community health care centers. Jonathan Cohen told us how Camp Jacobs became a distribution center for donations received for Katrina victims.

Saturday afternoon Workshops led by our WRJ Vice-Presidents enriched our knowledge and leadership skills.

On our Saturday evening Riverboat Cruise, Annice Benamy– our new Program Chair – taught the Band the music for the Hora. We all danced and sang as we sailed on the Mississippi River.

Sunday began with an overview of the WRJ Website, followed by WRJ Department highlights. Our Friendship Circle concluded an inspiring Conference. Special thanks to Deb Faye – District 1 st VP – who served as Conference Co-Chair. Everyone loved Deb’s “Virtual Havdalah Service”, held on the buses as we traveled to the Riverboat for our Cruise.

Sisterhood leaders and rising leaders – plan to attend WRJ’s next Sisterhood Leadership Conference in 2 years – a “not to miss” opportunity!

I look forward to our Atlantic District Interim Meeting this coming September 12 – 13 in Camp Hill, PA. I hope to see you all there.