Northeast District Blog Posts

Our Hidden Stories

Trish Joseph
Trina Novak
Shoshana Dweck, VP of Social Justice, Temple Shaaray Tefila, Bedford Corners, NY
Nearly all of us have been harassed, assaulted, or both at some time in our lives. We typically don’t discuss this and may not even admit it to ourselves. These are our hidden stories. Telling these stories was difficult, but we felt “lighter” afterward. It was no longer a burden on our souls. By sharing these stories and working on the WRJ says STOP Initiative, we feel we can change the culture in these sacred spaces.

I Represent WRJ at the United Nations

Sandy Abramson
For six years, I’ve been lucky to be one of the representatives from WRJ to the United Nations (UN). One could attend a UN session two or three times a day if one had the time and inclination! There are so many meetings and much to learn. Our practice has been to choose the sessions most relevant to WRJ and divide them among us.  

Four Tips for In-Person District Conventions

Just as the Israelites struggled with their post-slavery life after leaving Egypt, so do we find ourselves facing uncertainty as we navigate our post-pandemic freedom. Which parts of our Zoom world do we want to keep? Which parts do we want to cast away? What skills have we honed and which habits should we cast aside? Here are four things to consider as we gather together in person at the upcoming conventions in March, and at upcoming Sisterhood events.

Parashat Vayechi

Rabbi Linda Henry Goodman
It is often said that we learn by example. We watch our elders – parents and grandparents, extended family members, teachers, public figures, and other exemplars in our lives–and try to emulate them. Sometimes though, when these exemplars engage in negative behavior, hopefully we will be astute enough to learn from them by negative example. We and those who come after us need not doom ourselves to repeating the mistakes and bad behavior of generations past. All of us have the power to improve–to do better. This is a core value and belief of Jewish life.